INDRAPRASTHAA WELCOMES SRI KRISHNA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA > SABHA PARVA > RAAJASOOYA PARVA > CHAPTER 32(A) - INDRAPRASTHAA WELCOMES SRI KRISHNA

“Vaishampaayana said, ‘In consequence of the protection afforded by Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira), and of the truth (Satya in Sanskrit) which he ever cherished in his behaviour, and also of the check under which he kept all enemies, the subjects of that virtuous monarch were all engaged in their respective occupations. Due to the equitable taxation and the rule of Dharma of the monarch, clouds in his kingdom poured as much rain as the people desired, and the cities and the town became highly prosperous. Indeed, as a consequence of the monarch’s (Yudhishthira’s) acts, every affair of the kingdom, especially cow protection, agriculture and trade prospered highly. O king (Janamejaya), during those days even robbers and cheats never spoke lies among themselves, nor they that were the favourites of the monarch (Yudhishthira). There were no droughts, floods, diseases, fires and premature deaths in those days of Yudhishthira devoted to Dharma. It was only for doing agreeable services, or for worshipping, or for offering tributes that would not impoverish (the other kings), that other kings used to approach Yudhisthira (and not for hostility or battle.) The large treasure room of the king (Yudhishthira) became so much filled with reserve of wealth, obtained as per Dharma, that it could not be emptied even in a hundred years. The son of Kunti (Yudhishthira), determining the state of his treasury and the extent of his possessions, fixed his heart upon the celebration of the (Raajasooya) yagna. His friends and officers, each separately and all together, approaching him said, ‘The time has come, O noble one, for your yagna. Let arrangements, therefore, be made without loss of time.’

“While they were thus talking, Hari (Sri Krishna), that Rishi, the ancient one, that soul of the Vedas, that invincible one as described by those that have knowledge, that foremost of all lasting existences in the universe, that origin of all things, as also that in which all things come to be dissolved, that lord of the past, the future, and the present; Keshava – the slayer of Keshi, the protector of all Vrishnis, the dispeller of all fear in times of distress, the striker of all enemies, having appointed Vaasudeva to the command of the (Yadava) army, and bringing with Him for the Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) a large mass of treasure; entered that excellent city of cities. Khandavaprasthaa itself surrounded by a mighty army and filling the atmosphere with the rattle of his chariot-wheels. Maadhavaa (Sri Krishna), that tiger among men enhancing that limitless mass of wealth the Paandavaas had by that inexhaustible ocean of gems He had brought, enhanced the sorrows of the enemies of the Paandavaas. The capital of the Bharata (Yudhishthira) was gladdened by (Sri) Krishna’s presence just as a dark region is rendered joyful by the Sun or a region of still air by a gentle breeze. Approaching Him joyfully and receiving Him with due respect, Yudhishthira enquired of His welfare. After (Sri) Krishna had been seated at ease, that bull among men, the Paandavaa (Yudhishthira), with Dhaumya (Chief Purohita of Paandavaas), Dwaipaayanaa (Maharishi Vyasa) and the other Ritwiks, with Bhima and Arjuna and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), addressed (Sri) Krishna thus -

‘O (Sri) Krishna it is for You that the whole earth is under my rule. O You of the Vrishni race, it is through Your grace that vast wealth had been got by me. O son of Devaki, O Maadhavaa, I desire to devote that wealth according to the ordinance (Vidhi in Sanskrit), to superior Dwijas and Havyavaahana (Agni). O You of the Daashaarha race, it is Your duty, O You of mighty arms, to grant me permission to celebrate a yagna along with You and my younger brothers. Therefore, O Govinda, O You of long arms, install Yourself at that yagna; for, O You of the Daashaarha race, if You performed the yagna, I shall be cleansed of sin. Or, O noble one, grant permission for myself being installed at the yagna along with these my younger brothers, for permitted by You, O (Sri) Krishna. I shall be able to enjoy the result of an excellent yagna.’

“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘To Yudhisthira after he had said this, (Sri) Krishna, praising his (Yudhishthira’s) virtues (Guna in Sanskrit), said ‘O tiger among kings, you deserve imperial dignity (Samraada in Sanskrit). Let, therefore, the great yagna be performed by you. If you perform that yagna and obtain its fruit, we all shall regard ourselves as crowned with success. I am always engaged in seeking good. Then, you perform the yagna you desire. Also, employ me in some office for that purpose, for I should obey all your commands.’

“Yudhisthira replied ‘O (Sri) Krishna, my resolve (Sankalpa in Sanskrit) is already crowned with fruit, and success also is surely mine, when You, O Hrishikesha (Sri Krishna), have arrived here agreeably to my wish!’”