Indraprastha’s assembly hall was really beautiful. When Yudhishthira’s court assembled, one day sage Narada brought a message from the late King Pandu, asking Yudhishthira to perform the Rajasuya Yajna. This great sacrifice was performed when a king became supreme in a land where other smaller kingdoms accepted him as the overlord. The news of the yajna travelled far and wide. Krishna, hearing of it, also came to discuss it. Yudhishthira consulted the wise and the learned and finally sought Krishna’s advice. Krishna told him about King Jarasandha of Magadha who was a formidable opponent and hated Krishna too for having killed his son-in-law, Kamsa, who had been Krishna’s uncle. He would definitely challenge Yudhishthira who was known to be dear to Krishna. Only after defeating and killing Jarasandha could Yudhishthira hold the Rajasuya Yajna.
Preparing for a Yajna
