Çré Päëòava Nirjalä Ekädaçé Issue no: 260 7th June 2025

Pastimes at Indraprastha
Duryodhana Humiliated Pastimes at Indraprastha
Srila Shukadeva Gosvami Sri Krishna Dharma dasa

King Yudhishthira's Desire Transcendental Yajna

His Divine Grace Srila Narahari Chakravarti Thakura
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Svami Prabhupada
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Duryodhana Humiliated sons of Bahlika; and Santardana, similarly vol-

unteered for various duties during the elaborate
Srila Shukadeva Gosvami
sacrifice. They did so because of their eagerness
to please Maharaja Yudhishthira, O best of kings.
[Maharaja Parikshit said:] O brähmaëa, ac- After the priests, the prominent delegates, the
cording to what I have heard from you, all the greatly learned saints and the King’s most intimate
assembled kings, sages and demigods were de- well-wishers had all been properly honored with
lighted to see the wonderful festivities of King pleasing words, auspicious offerings and various
Ajatashatru’s Rajasuya sacrifice, with the sole gifts as remuneration, and after the King of Cedi
exception of Duryodhana. Please tell me why this had entered the lotus feet of the Lord of the Sat-
was so, my lord. vatas, the avabhåtha bath was performed in the
[Sri Badarayani said:] At the Rajasuya sacrifice divine river Yamuna. During the avabhåtha cele-
of your saintly grandfather, his family members, bration, the music of many kinds of instruments
bound by their love for him, engaged themselves resounded, including mridangas, conchshells,
in humble services on his behalf. panavas, dhundhuris, kettledrums and gomukha
Bhima supervised the kitchen, Duryodhana horns. Female dancers danced with great joy, and
looked after the treasury, while Sahadeva respect- choruses sang, while the loud vibrations of vinas,
fully greeted the arriving guests. Nakula procured flutes and hand cymbals reached all the way to
needed items, Arjuna attended the respectable the heavenly regions.
elders, and Krishna washed everyone’s feet, while All the kings, wearing gold necklaces, then set
Draupadi served food, and generous Karna gave off for the Yamuna. They had flags and banners
out the gifts. Many others, such as Yuyudhana; of various colors and were accompanied by infan-
ViKarna, Hardikya; Vidura; Bhurishrava and other trymen and well-adorned soldiers riding lordly

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 nityaà bhägavata-sevayä Issue no 260, Page—3
elephants, chariots and horses. The massed armies with ornaments and clothing. In various ways
of the Yadus, Srinjayas, Kambojas, Kurus, Kekayas King Yudhishthira, who had totally dedicated his
and Koshalas made the earth tremble as they fol- life to Lord Narayana, continuously honored his
lowed Yudhishthira Maharaja, the performer of the relatives, his immediate family, the other kings,
sacrifice, in procession. The assembly officials, the his friends and well-wishers, and all others present
priests and other excellent brahmanas resound- as well. All the men there shone like demigods.
ingly vibrated Vedic mantras, while the demigods, They were adorned with jeweled earrings, flow-
divine sages, Pitas and Gandharvas sang praises er garlands, turbans, waistcoats, silk dhotis and
and rained down flowers. Men and women, all valuable pearl necklaces. The lovely faces of the
adorned with sandalwood paste, flower garlands, women were beautified by their matched earrings
jewelry and fine clothing, sported by smearing and and locks of hair, and they all wore golden belts.
sprinkling one another with various liquids. The Then the highly cultured priests, the great Vedic
men smeared the courtesans with plentiful oil, authorities who had served as sacrificial witnesses,
yogurt, perfumed water, turmeric and kuïkuma the specially invited kings, the brahmanas, kshatri-
powder, and the courtesans playfully smeared the yas, vaishyas, shudras, demigods, sages, forefathers
men with the same substances and mystic spirits, and the chief planetary rulers
Surrounded by guards, King Yudhishthira’s and their followersall of them, having been wor-
queens came out on their chariots to see the fun, shiped by King Yudhishthira, took his permission
just as the demigods’ wives appeared in the sky in and departed, O King, each for his own abode. As
celestial airplanes. As maternal cousins and inti- they all glorified the wonderful Rajasuya-yajna
mate friends sprinkled the queens with liquids, the performed by that great saintly King and servant
ladies’ faces bloomed with shy smiles, enhancing of Lord Hari, they were not satiated, just as an
the queens’ splendid beauty. As the queens squirt- ordinary man is never satiated when drinking
ed water from syringes at their brothers-in-law nectar. At that time Raja Yudhishthira stopped a
and other male companions, their own garments number of his friends, immediate family members
became drenched, revealing their arms, breasts, and other relatives from departing, among them
thighs and waists. In their excitement, the flowers Lord Krishna. Out of love Yudhishthira could
fell from their loosened braids. By these charming not let them go, for he felt the pain of imminent
pastimes they agitated those with contaminated separation. My dear Parikshit, the Supreme Lord
consciousness. remained there for some time to please the King,
The emperor, mounted upon his chariot drawn after first sending Samba and the other Yadu heroes
by excellent horses wearing golden collars, ap- back to Dvaraka. Thus King Yudhishthira, the
peared splendid in the company of his wives, just son of Dharma, was at last relieved of his burning
like the brilliant Rajasuya sacrifice surrounded by ambition, having by the grace of Lord Krishna
its various rituals. The priests led the King through successfully crossed the vast and formidable ocean
the execution of the final rituals of patné-samyäja of his desires.
and avabhåtha. Then they had him and Queen One day Duryodhana, while observing the riches
Draupadi sip water for purification and bathe in the of King Yudhishthira’s palace, felt greatly disturbed
Ganges. The kettledrums of the gods resounded, by the magnificence of both the Rajasuya sacrifice
along with those of human beings. Demigods, and its performer, the King, whose life and soul
sages, forefathers and humans all poured down was Lord Acyuta. In that palace all the collected
showers of flowers. All the citizens belonging to opulences of the kings of men, demons and gods
the various orders of varëa and äçrama then bathed were brilliantly manifest, having been brought
in that place, where even the most grievous sinner there by the cosmic inventor, Maya Danava. With
can immediately be freed from all sinful reactions. those riches Draupadi served her husbands, and
Next the King put on new silken garments Duryodhana, the prince of the Kurus, lamented
and adorned himself with fine jewelry. He then because he was very much attracted to her. Lord
honored the priests, assembly officials, learned Madhupati’s thousands of queens were also staying
brahmanas and other guests by presenting them in the palace. Their feet moved slowly, weighed

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Top left 4
down by their hips, and the bells on their feet head, and the blessings received by those who sur-
tinkled charmingly. Their waists were very slen- render to Him. To do this, King Yudhishthira per-
der, the kuïkuma from their breasts reddened formed the Rajasuya sacrifice, a very difficult task.
their pearl necklaces, and their swaying earrings Srila Prabhupada writes in this connection: "In
and flowing locks of hair enhanced the exquisite the material world, everyone has a particular
beauty of their faces. type of desire to be fulfilled, but one is never able
It so happened that Emperor Yudhishthira, the to fulfill his desires to his full satisfaction. But
son of Dharma, was sitting just like Indra on a King Yudhishthira, because of his unflinching
golden throne in the assembly hall built by Maya devotion to Krishna, could fulfill all his desires
Danava. Present with him were his attendants successfully by the performance of the Rajasuya
and family members, and also Lord Krishna, his sacrifice. From the description of the Rajasuya
special eye. Displaying the opulences of Brahma yajna, it appears that such a function is a great
himself, King Yudhishthira was being praised by ocean of opulent desires. It is not possible for
the court poets. Proud Duryodhana, holding a an ordinary man to cross over such an ocean;
sword in his hand and wearing a crown and neck- nevertheless, by the grace of Lord Krishna, King
lace, angrily went into the palace in the company Yudhishthira was able to cross over it very easily,
of his brothers, O King, insulting the doorkeepers and thus he became freed from all anxieties."
as he entered. Bewildered by the illusions created — Çrémad-Bhägavatam (Bhägavata Puräëa) » Canto 10:
The Summum Bonum » Chapter 75 » Verses 30 » Purport By the Dis-
through Maya Danava’s magic, Duryodhana mis-
ciples of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Svami Prabhupada
took the solid floor for water and lifted the end of
his garment. And elsewhere he fell into the water,
mistaking it for the solid floor. My dear Parikshit, Pastimes at Indraprastha
Bhima laughed to see this, and so did the women, Sri Krishna Dharma dasa
kings and others. King Yudhishthira tried to stop
them, but Lord Krishna showed His approval. The rishis, however, were pleased by Krishna’s
Humiliated and burning with anger, Duryodha- act and praised him for it. Gradually the assembly
became peaceful again. Yudhishthira ordered his
na turned his face down, left without uttering a brothers to perform Shishupala’s funeral ceremo-
word and went back to Hastinapura. The saintly ny without delay. He then installed Shishupala’s
persons present loudly cried out, “Alas, alas!” son as king of Chedi and the last ceremonies were
and King Yudhishthira was somewhat saddened. performed to complete the Rajasuya. Along with
But the Supreme Lord, whose mere glance had Draupadi, Yudhishthira took the final ritualistic
bewildered Duryodhana, remained silent, for His bath in the sacred Yamuna and the sacrifice was
intention was to remove the burden of the earth. I over.
have now replied to your question, O King, con- After some days the kings departed for their
cerning why Duryodhana was dissatisfied on the own kingdoms. The Pandavas accompanied
occasion of the great Rajasuya sacrifice. them to the outskirts of Indraprastha, then bid
— Çrémad-Bhägavatam (Bhägavata Puräëa) » Canto 10: The Summum them farewell. Yudhishthira begged Krishna to
Bonum » Chapter 75 » Verses 1-40 » Translation By the Disciples of His Divine stay longer, however, and He consented, although
Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Svami Prabhupada. He sent His party back to Dvaraka, while He and
His queens remained behind. During His stay
King Yudhishthira's Desire in Indraprastha, Krishna was personally served
His Divine Grace by Draupadi and He developed much affection
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Svami Prabhupada for the Pandava queen. One day when she had
served Him some fruits, He began paring them
The previous chapters of Çrémad-Bhägavatam with a knife. Suddenly the knife slipped and He
clearly explain that King Yudhishthira intensely nicked His finger. Blood flowed from the cut and
desired to demonstrate to the world the suprem- seeing this, Draupadi immediately tore a piece
acy of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of God-

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 nityaà bhägavata-sevayä Issue no 260, Page—5
from her fine sari and handed it to Him to bandage The Kaurava prince hauled himself out of the
His finger. Taking the cloth Krishna smiled and lake, helped by Shakuni. He did not even look at
said, “O gentle lady, I will surely repay this gift of the Pandavas or Krishna and His queens. Their
your sari.” Draupadi looked down modestly and laughter was unbearable. Yudhishthira saw Duryo-
thanked Krishna, who wrapped His finger with the dhana’s embarrassment and told his brothers not
strip of silk. He then stood up and left the room. to laugh. Krishna smiled but said nothing as Yud-
Duryodhana had also decided to stay on for a hishthira arranged for dry clothes to be brought
while in Indraprastha with Shakuni. The prince and offered to the angry prince. Duryodhana
burned from envy of the Pandavas’ success. They quickly put them on and continued his tour,
had far exceeded him in their power and influ- trying hard to conceal his feelings. Everything
ence. Duryodhana could not stand the fact that was intolerable to him––the magnificence of the
Yudhishthira was now the emperor of the world, palace, the incomparable beauty of the queens who
a position he felt should belong to him. He gazed moved about within it, and particularly Draupadi.
with astonishment at the unlimited wealth piled Duryodhana was still burning from his failure to
in Yudhishthira’s treasury. The Kaurava had never win the Panchala princess. She was a jewel among
seen such opulence. women. She too had laughed when he had fallen
Duryodhana was especially intrigued by the into the lake. This was agony. Suddenly he again
Mayasabha, and he wanted to take a closer look. found himself a victim of the deceptive designs
Thus he and Shakuni examined the hall. The of the palace; he walked into an apparently open
Kaurava saw celestial designs which he had never door, then avoided another because he thought it
seen before anywhere else. He was amazed by the was closed when it was actually open. The palace
workmanship and splendor of the palace. It was attendants were struggling to restrain their laugh-
as if he had gone to the heavenly planets. Bright ter. Humiliated and angry, the prince stormed out.
gems sparkled on all sides of the spacious hall, Yudhishthira felt sorry to see Duryodhana’s pain.
and Duryodhana could feel a cool breeze which He tried to console him in various ways, but
carried a mixture of celestial fragrances. Ivory and Duryodhana just laughed. He bade the Pandavas
gold seats stood by the side of lotus-filled lakes. The farewell and left for Hastinapura followed by
walls were inlaid with exquisite carvings depicting his large retinue, his mind bent upon revenge.
the gods and their consorts. Duryodhana slowly Then Krishna also decided to return home.
made his way through the hall, his many golden As He was departing He spoke affectionately to
ornaments jangling together as he walked. As he Yudhishthira. “O King, cherish all your subjects
saw Maya’s intricate and wonderful workmanship with ceaseless vigilance and patience. As the cloud
he became even more jealous. He snapped angrily
at the palace servants walking in front of him. With !! Sri Sri Nitai Gaurchandra Jayati !!
his golden-helmeted head held high, he walked
casually, trying not to show any signs of being Nityaà Bhägavata-sevayä E-magazine
impressed. is a part of
Gradually he came to the large crystal pond at
the center of the palace. The water was perfectly In Service of Srimad Bhagavatam™
clear and still. At first glance it appeared to be a
continuation of the marble floor leading up to it, Quotations from the books, letters, and lectures of
and Duryodhana made that mistake. Fully clothed His Divine Grace
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Svami Prabhupada
and with his eyes wide open he fell straight into the
water. The Pandavas were standing on a golden bal- ©Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International.
cony above the pond. Seeing Duryodhana falling
in with his arms and legs akimbo, Bhima laughed ©All the paintings are copyrights of their respective
aloud. Many of Krishna’s queens were also present artists.
and they too laughed.

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 Issue no 260, Page — 6 nityaà bhägavata-sevayä
is to all creatures, or the large tree to the birds, so “O Uncle, I am filled with jealousy to see the
shouldyoubecometherefugetoyourdependents.” world under the Pandavas’ sway. Having wit-
After Krishna’s departure the Pandavas ap- nessed their astounding sacrifice and seeing
proached Vyasadeva, who had not yet left. them shining like gods in heaven, my heart
Yudhishthira asked him if the sacrifice had been burns day and night. Indeed I am drying
successful. The åñi replied, “O Kuru child, this up like a shallow pool in the summer sun.”
sacrifice will yield great results for thirteen years. Duryodhana gazed out of his chariot at the rolling
You shall be the undisputed emperor of this wide countryside with its well-tilled fields and blos-
earth, but at the end of that period you will be soming orchards. Groups of villagers stood and
the cause of a war which will rid the world of watched as the royal procession moved along
kñatriyas.” the road. The prince continued, “When Krishna
Yudhishthira was alarmed. Seeing his expres- killed Shishupala no kings dared to speak. They
sion, Vyasadeva said, “Do not be aggrieved. No were all awed by the Pandavas’ might, or else
one can overcome the influence of time. Every- how could they have tolerated such an injustice?”
thing is arranged by the Supreme for the ultimate Duryodhana wrung his hands. “I cannot tolerate
good of all. This war will be Duryodhana’s fault, it. I shall therefore enter fire, drown myself or
not yours. I shall now go to the mountains, swallow poison. What man who possesses any
but you will see me again in times of need.” prowess at all can bear to see his enemies prosper?
The åñi then stood up and left, surrounded by How can I ever equal their power and opulence?
all the other sages. When they were gone Yud- Who can help me achieve such influence? Fate
hishthira spoke to his brothers. “The sage’s words is supreme and men’s exertions useless. All my
cannot prove false, but I do not wish to be the efforts to destroy the Pandavas have failed. Instead,
cause of suffering in the world. From this day on they flourish like lotuses in a lake. Therefore I
I shall not speak a harsh word to anyone. I shall should die! Know that I am in the grip of grief, O
always practice virtue and shall see no difference Uncle, and please inform my father.”
between my own sons and those of others, and Shakuni moved closer to his nephew. “O
I shall follow my elders’ commands without Duryodhana, do not envy the Pandavas. They are
the least hesitation. In this way I shall avoid receiving what is rightfully theirs, due to their own
disagreements, for they are the cause of war.” deeds. They have their half of the kingdom, and
Yudhishthira continued to think about Vyasa- with Krishna’s help and Drupada’s alliance they
deva’s words. It seemed that the Lord’s plan was have grown rich. What is there to be sorry about?”
unfolding. Although the Pandavas had asserted The Gandhara ruler smiled as he spoke. His eyes
their rulership over the world, it was still a fact narrowed slightly and he fingered his jeweled
that many impious kings were exploiting the rings. “Your cousins have conquered the world
earth’s resources. Yudhishthira saw at the sacri- and now possess limitless wealth. Why do you
fice that many had supported Shishupala against grieve? This wealth can now become yours. You
Krishna, although they were afraid to oppose said there are none to help you, but I do not
Him openly. Who knew what evil schemes agree. You have one hundred brothers, the greatly
Duryodhana and his brothers would dream up? powerful Drona, Karna and the invincible char-
All of this was no doubt Krishna’s arrangement to iot-warrior, Krpa. And my brothers, along with
rid the world of ungodly elements. Yudhishthira the mighty Somadatta, stand ready at your com-
remained immersed in thought of Krishna and mand. Take the earth and rule it without a rival.”
His mysterious plans. Duryodhana’s eyes widened. He sat up straight on
As he made his way back to Hastinapura, the leather upholstered seat. Perhaps his uncle was
Duryodhana sat brooding and miserable in right. The Kauravas’ strength was hard to rival.
his chariot. Shakuni asked, “What ails you, O Drona, Bhishma, Krpa, Karna––who could face
King? Why are your sighing again and again?” these men when they stood together in battle?
The prince looked distractedly at Shakuni.

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 nityaà bhägavata-sevayä Issue no 260, Page—7
Duryodhana spoke eagerly, “O King, if like mountains. The Pandava provided thirty ser-
you think it wise, then I shall conquer the vant maids for each of 88,000 snataka Brahmins.
Pandavas. This whole world shall be mine, He arranged to feed one hundred thousand Brah-
along with the magnificent Mayasabha.” mins at a time during the sacrifice and when they
Shakuni slowly shook his head. He played were fed conches were blown. O Father, I heard
with the set of dice he carried with him ev- those conches sounding all through the sacrifice.”
erywhere. “Do not be rash, O King. There are Duryodhana told the king how he had even
many ways to overcome an enemy apart from seen the gods at the Rajasuya. Samudra, the
battle. We cannot conquer in battle the Pan- ocean deity, had personally offered Yudhishthi-
davas, especially when they are united with ra celestial ambrosia drawn from the depths of
Krishna. Not even Indra with all the celestials the sea. This beverage is superior even to the
could overpower them. I was thinking of soma-rasa that Indra enjoys. It was impossible
another way by which they can be defeated.” for Duryodhana to describe to his blind father all
Shakuni suggested that they challenge Yud- that he had seen. As he remembered it, however,
hishthira to a game of dice. He knew Yud- Duryodhana’s heart burned with the fire of envy.
hishthira was fond of playing, and also that he Dhrtarashtra remained silent.
was not expert. At dice Shakuni had no equal Then Shakuni spoke: “O King, I know a
anywhere in the world. “Without a doubt Yud- means by which your son may win all this
hishthira will accept your challenge,” Shakuni wealth for himself. I propose that you invite
continued, his arm resting on Duryodhana’s Yudhishthira to a game of dice. No one can de-
shoulder. “He cannot resist the game, and with feat me at dice. I will win easily. In this way we
a little encouragement, he will surely gamble shall acquire all that Yudhishthira possesses.”
away all his possessions. Thus I will win for you “Father, please grant us your permission to carry this
his entire kingdom and wealth.” out.Letusconquerourenemiesandenjoythisearth.”
As they entered Hastinapura, Duryodhana — Mahäbhärata » Retold by Krishna Dharma dasa
suggested that they go at once to Dhrtarashtra
and get his permission for the plan. Arriving Transcendental Yajna
before the blind king, Shakuni said, “O great Srila Narahari Chakravarti Thakura
monarch, here is your son Duryodhana. He
is pale and emaciated with grief. You should Vedic sacrifices usually earn their performers
ask him the cause and try to find a remedy.” material benefits, up to the attainment of heaven.
Dhrtarashtra was surprised. “Why are you But because Yudhishthira conducted the Rajasuya
sad, my son? You have at your disposal ev- and Ashvamedha sacrifices in pure Krishna con-
erything enjoyable, no less than the gods. Vast sciousness, and offered all the fruits to satisfy Sri
wealth, the best of clothes, the finest food, Krishna, the benefits Yudhishthira derived were
beautiful women––all these await your plea- transcendental. His engagement in sacrificial rituals
sure. How then have you become depressed?” only increased his exclusive devotion for Krishna.
Duryodhana at once admitted that he was By performing the Rajasuya and Ashvamedha sac-
consumed by jealousy of the Pandavas. Even rifices, Yudhishthira earned the privilege to enter
though he had wealth, their wealth––his ene- Vaikuntha. Included automatically in this privilege
my’s wealth––was superior. was the right to visit the heavenly planet of Indra
The Kaurava then described to his father and every other material planet. The joy of life in
what he had seen in Indraprastha. “During Vaikuntha automatically includes all the joys found
the sacrifice, Yudhishthira was given so much in Svargaloka and elsewhere. And in addition to
tribute that it became necessary to turn some these benefits for the next life, Yudhishthira pros-
of it away. He had been offered millions of pered in this life as well.
elephants, horses, cows and camels. Heaps of — Çré Båhad Bhägavatämåta (1.4.114) » Srila Sanatana Gosvami » Volume
gems and golden ornaments were stacked up One » Translated by Gopiparanadhana dasa

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