ALLOCATION OF DEPARTMENTS

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA > SABHA PARVA > RAAJASOOYA PARVA > CHAPTER 34 - ALLOCATION OF DEPARTMENTS

“Vaishampaayana said, ‘Then, O king (Janamejaya), Yudhishthira, having approached and worshipped his grandfather (Pitaamaha in Sanskrit) and his Guru, addressed Bhishma and Drona, Kripa, the son of Drona, Duryodhana and Vivimshati, and said, ‘You all help me in the matter of this yagna. This large treasure that is here is yours. You consult with one another and guide me as you desire.’

“The eldest of the Paandavaas, who had been installed at the yagna, having said this to all, appointed every one of them to suitable offices. He appointed Duhshaasana to superintend the department of food and other enjoyable articles. Ashwatthaama was asked to attend on the Brahmanas. Sanjaya was appointed to offer return-worship to the kings. Bhishma and Drona, both filled with great intelligence, were appointed to see what was done and what was left undone. The king (Yudhishthira) appointed Kripa to look after the diamonds, gold, pearls and gems, as also after the distribution of gifts. So other tigers among men were appointed to similar offices. Baalhika, Dhritarashtra, Somadatta and Jayadratha, brought there by Nakula, went about, enjoying themselves as lords of the yagna. Vidura otherwise called Kshatta, knowledgeable with every rule of Dharma, became the disburser. Duryodhana became the receiver of the tributes that were brought by the kings. (Sri) Krishna who was Himself the centre of all worlds and round whom moved every creature, desirous of acquiring excellent fruits, was engaged at His own will in washing the feet of the Brahmanas.

“Desirous of seeing that sabha, as also Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira), none came there with tribute less than a thousand (in number, weight or measure). Everyone honoured the Dharmaraja Yudhishthira with large presents of jewels. Each of the kings made a present of his wealth, flattering himself with the proud belief that the gems he gave would enable the Kuru king Yudhisthira to complete his yagna. O monarch (Janamejaya), the yagna compound of the illustrious son of Kunti looked extremely beautiful – with the multitude of palaces built so as to last forever and crowded with guards and warriors. These were so high that their tops touched the chariots (Vimaana in Sanskrit) of Devas that came to see that yagna; as also with the chariots themselves of Devas, and with the dwelling of the Brahmanas and the mansions made there for the kings resembling the chariots of Devas, adorned with gems and filled with every kind of wealth, and lastly with crowds of the kings that came there all filled with beauty and wealth. Yudhisthira, as though vying with (Lord) Varuna himself in wealth, commenced the yagna (of Raajasooya) distinguished by six fires and large gifts. The King (Yudhishthira) satisfied everybody with presents of great value and indeed with every kind of object that one could desire. With abundance of rice and of every kind of food, as also with a mass of jewels brought as tribute, that vast assembly consisted of persons every one of whom was fed to the full. Devas also were satisfied at the yagna by the Ida – clarified butter, Homa and offerings poured by Maharishis versed in mantras and pronunciation. Like Devas, the Brahmanas also were satisfied with the Dakshina (gifts). All the other varnas of men also were satisfied at that yagnaa and filled with joy.’”