Sabha Parva



Chapter One



Maya Danava Erects the Imperial Court



Before Lord Krishna and Arjuna had gone a great distance, the demon Maya
Danava fell at their feet pleading, "You have spared my life, and for this I am
very grateful. My name is Maya Danava, the architect of the demons. Please
allow me to show appreciation for your merciful act."

Since the demon was looking at Arjuna, Arjuna replied, "I do not want anything
in return for saving your life. It is my principle never to accept charity for
performing a good deed. However, if you want to offer a gift, then ask Krishna
what you can do for Him."

Lord Krishna thought for a moment and said, "You are the architect of the
demons, capable of performing many wonderful feats. The Pandavas are very dear
to me, and, therefore, I want you to construct an imperial court for them that
will excel all on earth." Maya Danava readily agreed, and together they
departed for Indraprastha.

Upon reaching the royal palace, Arjuna related to Yudhisthira all events that
had transpired in relation to the burning of the Khandava forest. Maya Danava
was then introduced to Yudhisthira, who welcomed him with great honor. Maya
Danava greatly appreciated the humility of the King and considered him a saint
amongst the kshatriyas. They then began discussions about the construction of
an assembly hall that would have no equal in the universe. Maya Danava chose a
plot of land that was 90,000 feet square to begin his work.

Now that Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, had lived
Indraprastha for some time, He desired to return to His own capital, Dvaraka.
The Pandavas were very reuluctant to let Him go. "You are the Supreme
Personality of Godhead," Yudhisthira lovingly said; "that brightest moon that
guides our boat to safety. You have given us everything, and, therefore, how
can we agree to Your leaving us at this time? You are Hrishikesha, the master
of our mind and senses. Please stay and always direct our thoughts and
actions.

Lord Krishna declined the loving offer of Yudhisthira, but reassured His
devotee that He would return whenever Yudhisthira called for Him. Lord Krishna
then took leave of His Aunt Kunti, who affectionately smelled His head and
embraced Him. He satisfied His sister Subhadra with sweet words and bestowed
many blessings upon her. Then Lord Keshava ascended His chariot, and
Yudhisthira took up the reins. Arjuna and Bhima stood on either side and fanned
Him with chamara whisks. Nakula and Sahadeva stood behind, holding an umbrella
over the Lord of the universe.

When the chariot had gone about two miles, Lord Krishna requested the Pandavas
to return to their capital. He then affectionately bade farewell to the five
brothers and proceeded toward Dvaraka. The Pandavas could not take their
attention off the Supreme Person because of His exquisite beauty. Their eyes
followed Him a great distance until He could be seen no more. They were
unsatiated with the sight of Lord Krishna, and their minds accompanied Him to
the city of Dvaraka. The Pandavas returned to the city of Indraprastha, but
they always contemplated the transcendental qualities and pastimes of the
Supreme Personality of Godhead.

 Maya Danava was busy with preparations for constructing the great assembly
hall. He approached Arjuna and informed him, "Near Mount Kailasa there are many
jewels that I have secretly hidden. To the east of Mount Kailasa there is also
a lake called Bindu, wherein lies a mace that was thrown by a king of the
demons after killing his enemies. That mace is equal in power to a hundred
thousand maces. It is a fit weapon for Bhima, even as the Gandiva is for you.
Also, in the lake is a large conchshell named Devadatta which belongs to
Varuna. The blast of that conchshell can be heard in all directions. I will
bring that conch as a gift." Maya then took leave of Arjuna and wen˙ to Mount
Kailasa.

Maya Danava searched for his great quantity of jewels and found them. He also
entered Lake Bindu and found the powerful club and the conchshell Devadatta. He
took those back to Indraprastha and presented the club to Bhimasena and the
conchshell to Arjuna. The sound of this conchshell could break the heart of any
opponent.

Maya then began to construct the great royal assembly house. It took him a
full fourteen months, but it was, indeed, magnificent. The columns were golden
and radiated an effulgence like the sun itself. The walls were embedded with
thousands of multi-colored jewels, and the effulgence of the precious gems
illuminated the entire palace. Within the palace Maya Danava placed water ponds
that were lined with highly polished stone and filled with lotuses whose leaves
resembled dark colored emeralds and whose stalks were made of precious jewels.
There were also other flowers with golden leaves. The water was crystal clear
and filled with a variety of fishes and tortoises of a golden hue. The pond was
surrounded by a flight of crystal stairs, and it was difficult to understand
where was water and where was land. Flowers inside and outside the palace
bloomed in all seasons and were the finest variety.

When the palace was completed, Maya Danava informed Maharaja Yudhisthira, and
a great celebration was planned. Thousands of brahmanas came and invoked
auspiciousness by chanting the Vedic hymns. Maharaja Yudhisthira gave thousands
of cows in charity and fed the brahmanas sumptuously. He then entered this most
opulent royal assembly court accompanied by his brothers. Kings and sages from
every country came to see the wonderful Sabha (Royal court), and upon seeing
it, they were struck with wonder. The fame of the assembly hall built by Maya
spread far and wide, and even the demigods came to see it. Some of the princes
who visited at this time stayed in Indraprastha to learn the science of archery
from Arjuna. Chief amongst these princes was Satyaki, or Yuyudhana. He was a
cousin of Lord Krishna. This was a happy time for the Pandavas, but it was like
the lull before the storm. They were destined to enjoy their kingdom for only a
few months more.

During this time Subhadra gave birth to a son named Abhimanyu. He was born
with many auspicious marks. The astrologers foretold that he would be a great
warrior and add fame to the Pandava dynasty. Draupadi also gave birth to a
child by each of her husbands. From Yudhisthira, Prativindhya took birth, and
Bhima's son was Sutasoma. Arjuna's son was Shrutakirti. Nakula's son was
Sataneeka, and Sahadeva's son was Shrutasena. The sons matured with the good
qualities of their fathers, including mastering the science of weapons.

One day while the Pandavas were sitting in their imperial assembly court, the
great rishi Narada Muni came to see them. The Pandavas rose with excited hearts
and offered their respects to the great sage. They seated him properly and
washed his feet, offering him all kinds of presentations for his pleasure.
Narada Muni was then shown the royal assembly hall by Maharaja Yudhisthira, and
Narada appreciated the wonderful workmanship. When Narada was again seated,
Yudhisthira began to inquire from the exalted sage, "My dear lord, you have
traveled through the three worlds, and seen many elegant imperial assembly
halls like the one I have. Can you tell me about them?"

"Yes, I have seen all the great sabhas of the universe," Narada smilingly
said. "I will tell you about them. However, I have never seen an assembly hall
anywhere that was built of such rare precious stones and jewels. This sabha
defeats the beauty of the Sudharma imperial court in the heavenly planets."

Narada then described the different assembly houses, such as those of Indra
and Yamaraja. He told Maharaja Yudhisthira that in the imperial court of
Yamaraja there were many kings from the Kuru house, including Pandu and others.
Narada then went on to describe the royal courts of Varuna and Kuvera.

When the narration was finished, the hall was silent. Narada waited for
Yudhisthira to speak. "My lord," inquired Yudhisthira, "I have been listening
to all the descriptions of the differnet sabhas, and I have noticed one thing.
Most of the kings who were lords of this earth are all in the assembly house of
Yamaraja rather than Indra's. Even my father, the great Pandu, was not in
Indra's abode, as I was thinking all these years. I have heard from you that
Harischandra of the solar dynasty is sitting on the throne of Indra. What pious
activities did Harischandra perform that my father did not? My father was the
purest of men and never spoke a word of untruth. He was a saint amongst the
kingly order. Please tell me why my father is not in the court of Indra."

Narada, who had come just to discuss this point, replied, "Certainly, I shall
tell you. The great Harischandra was the son of Trishanku, the favorite of the
sage Visvamitra. Harischandra was a powerful monarch and had conquered all the
kingdoms of the earth. Because of his pious activities, he was able to perform
the Rajasuya sacrifice. For this reason he is able to share the same throne
with Indra. The king who performs the Rajasuya sacrifice receives immense
benefit in the heavenly realm. While I was in Yamaraja's abode, I met your
father. He told me, 'My sons have become powerful on earth. If Yudhisthira
performs the Rajasuya, I will be transferred to Indraloka, and also his fame
will be spread far and wide.' This is the desire of your father. With your four
brothers to help you and with Lord Krishna on your side, it will be possible
for you to perform the Rajasuya. However, you must first conquer all the
earthly kings. It is not an easy task, but I know you are capable of it.
Reflecting on this, do as you think fit. I will go to Dvaraka City and request
Lord Krishna to help you." Narada then left Indraprastha and ascended into the
heavens, constantly chanting the glories of Lord Krishna.



Thus Ends the Mahabharata Summation to the First Chapter of the Sabha Parva,
Entitled, Maya Danava Erects an Imperial Court.





Chapter Commentary



Lord Krishna is the origin of all incarnations. He is the original Personality
of Godhead, the master of all heavenly gods. As stated in Bhagavad-gita 4.8,
"In order to deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants as well as to
establish the principles of religion, I advent Myself millennium after
millennium." Before the appearance of Lord Krishna, Bhumi, the superintending
deity of this earth, requested relief from the unnecessary military forces
which burdened her. The demigods headed by Lord Brahma then went to the ocean
of milk to pray to Lord Vishnu. Kshirodakasayi Vishnu answered the prayers of
Brahma and appeared as the son of Devaki. Lord Krishna knows past, present and
future. He could foresee the battle of Kurukshetra and its outcome. He
remembered how in Vaikuntha His two doorkeepers Jaya and Vijaya had been cursed
by the four Kumaras to come to this material world. Jaya and Vijaya were to act
as enemies of the Lord and allow Him to exhibit His fighting tendency.

The first births of Jaya and Vijaya were as Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha.
They were killed by the Lord in His incarnations as Lord Nrisimhadeva and Lord
Varaha respectively. In the next birth they were Ravana and Kumbhakarna, and
they were killed by the Lord in His incarnation as Lord Ramachandra. Now they
had taken birth as Shishupala and Dantavakra and were destined to be killed by
Lord Krishna. Krishna decided that Shishupala should die in an imperial court
constructed by the demon Maya.

The Pandavas were always situated in a state of spiritual perfection. Due to
their intimate association with the Lord, they could not forget Him at any
time. They remembered His beautiful features, his loving glances and joking
words. They remembered His unparaleled prowess and all of His pastimes. This is
the process of transcending this material world. The kingdom of God is within
all of us, and it has to be awakened by the process of hearing, chanting and
remembering the Name, features and activities of the Supreme Godhead. What was
available to the Pandavas is available to all of us by hearing the glories of
the Lord from the Lord's bonafide representatives and scriptures. Hearing and
chanting will lead to absorption in the Lord which will take one beyond this
world of birth and death.







































































Sabha Parva



Chapter Two



King Yudhisthira Prepares for a Rajasuya Sacrifice



King Yudhisthira, having heard the advice of Narada, sighed heavily and
engaged his thoughts in the matter of the Rajasuya sacrifice. He assembled his
counsellors and ministers in the imperial court and worshiped them accordingly.
They also venerated him in return. They then began to discuss preparations for
the Rajasuya sacrifice. King Yudhisthira wanted to determine the ultimate good
for all his citizens and not simply for his own personal glorification. That
foremost of all virtuous men was always kind to his subjects and worked for the
welfare of all without making distinctions. Being devoid of arrogance and
anger, King Yudhisthira always said, "Give unto each his due." The citizens
responded to such righteousness with the sounds, "Blessed be Dharma
(Yudhisthira)! Blessed be Dharma!"

Receiving paternal assurance from Maharaja Yudhisthira, the citizens in his
kingdom never harbored ever the the slightest hostile feeling towards him. He
therefore came to be known as Ajatrashatru (one with no enemy at all). The king
cherished every citizen in his state as a personal family member.

Bhima, also, governed the citizens justly. Arjuna, the carrier of the Gandiva
bow, protected everyone from any external enemies. The wise Sahadeva
administered justice impartially, and Nakula behaved towards all with a
humility that was inherant in him. Owing to the natural good qualities of the
Pandavas, the kingdom became free from disputes and fear of any kind. The
citizens were attentive to their respective occupations and there was no such
thing as unemployment. In King Yudhisthira's kingdom every one joyfully
executed his occupational duties. The rain became so abundant that the fields
produced more than their usual amount. The kingdom of the Pandavas grew in
prosperity.

In consequence of the King's virtues, the money lenders, the cowherdsmen, the
farmers and the traders grew in prosperity. During the reign of King
Yudhisthira, whoever was devoted to truth, never experienced extortion,
recession, fear of disease, fire, or death by poisoning or incantations. It was
never heard at any time that thieves or royal favorites ever behaved inimically
toward the King or towards one another. In other words, there was no crime in
Maharaja Yudhisthira's domain.

Kings from other countries were always desiring to serve King Yudhisthira in
order to please and worship him. The merchants of different classes were always
happy to bring their taxes levied on their respective occupations. Whatever
countries King Yudhisthira conquered, the citizens, from brahmanas to shudras,
became more attached to him than to their own fathers and mothers.

After assembling his ministers and brothers, King Yudhisthira repeatedly
questioned them about the possibility of performing the Rajasuya sacrifice. The
ministers, as a body, then responded to the King, "O prince of the Kuru race,
all in this assembly have concluded that you are worthy of the attributes of an
emperor. Therefore, the time for you to perform the auspicious Rajasuya
sacrifice in now. The time for that sacrifice, in which ascetic rishis kindle
the six fires with mantras from the Sama Veda, has come for you in consequence
of your kingly possessions. At the conclusion of the Rajasuya sacrifice, when
the performer is installed as the world sovereign, he is rewarded the fruits of
all other sacrifices, including the agnihotra. You are quite able, O noble
King, to perform this sacrifice. Therefore, make your resolution to perform the
Rajasuya without any further discussion."

King Yudhisthira, that foremost emperor, having heard the decision of his
ministers agreed mentally. However, he again consulted with his brothers, the
brahmanas, with Dhaumya, Dwaipayana and others. He wanted to be sure that this
was not his own personal desire, but the desire of the Supreme. The King
possessed great wisdom and had subjugated his mind and senses. He took
everything into consideration including his own strength and means, the
circumstances of time and place and his income and expenditure. He knew that
the wise never grieve after giving full thoughtfulness to all points.

Thinking that the sacrifice should not commence only on his desire, the pious
King Yudhisthira thought Lord Krishna to be the proper person to make the final
decision. He knew Lord Krishna possessed infinite prowess and wisdom. He knew
also that the Lord was birthless although apparently taking birth. Reflecting
on the Godly qualities of Lord Krishna, Maharaja Yudhisthira concluded that
there was nothing unknown to Him. Maharaja Yudhisthira, therefore, humbly
requested Narada to go to Dvaraka to convey his desires to Lord Krishna.

Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, lived in the city of Dvaraka
along with his sixteen thousand one hundred and eight queens. He built a
separate palace for each and every one of them, and each queen thought that
Krishna was living with her alone. The Lord would perform certain morning
duties, and after He had completed them, He would leave His palaces and go to
the Sudharma imperial court. His charioteer Daruka would come with the Lord's
chariot, bow down before the Lord, and stand with folded hands, intimating that
the chariot was ready. Holding on to His charioteer's hands, Lord Krishna would
mount the chariot, together with Uddhava and Satyaki. While sitting on the
dazzling chariot, Lord Krsna appeared more beautiful than the sun rising on the
Eastern horizon. When the Lord was about to leave His palaces, all the queens
and palace ladies would look at Him with shy, loving glances. The Lord would
respond in a loving way, making separation very difficult. He attracted their
hearts so much so that they could not forget Him for a moment during their
daily activities. The Lord would say good-bye in all the sixteen thousand
palaces, and again He would become one and enter the Sudharma Imperial court in
procession with other members of the Yadu dynasty.

Then Lord Krishna, attended by all the Vrishnis, would enter the Imperial
Royal court named Sudharma. The Sudharma Imperial Court had been taken away
from the heavenly planets and reestablished in Dvaraka City. The uniqueness of
the Royal Court was that anyone who entered it would be freed from the six
kinds of material waves, namely hunger, thirst, lamentation, illusion, old age
and death. As long as one remained in that imperial court of Sudharma, he would
not be infected by these six material pangs.

After entering the imperial assembly house, Lord Krsna sat on the exalted
royal throne, emanating a radiant aura of transcendental effulgence. In the
midst of all the famed heroes of the Yadu dynasty, Lord Krishna resembled the
full moon, surrounded by the multitude of luminious stars. In the imperial
court professional jesters would enterain the Lord by displaying various comic
moods. The jesters would joke in such a way that the Lord and His associates
would laugh heartedly, refreshing the morning mood. One by one actors, female
dancers and musicians would begin their respective functions to please the Lord
and put Him in a happy mood. The dramatic actors would relive the lives of
great kings and incarnations of the Lord, and the dancing girls would
separately display their artistic movements. These performers would dance and
sing to the sounds of mridangas (drum), vinas (stringed instrument), flutes,
symbols and conchshells followed by the sound of the murajas, another type of
drum.

Along with the melodic sounds of the instuments, the professional poets
(sutas) chroniclers (magadhas) and panegyrists (vandinahs) would recite the
Lord's glories. In the imperial court highly pious brahmanas were heard
fluently and devotionally chanting the Vedic hymns, while other brahmanas
narrated histories of past kings of pious renown. In this way, the residents of
Dvaraka City would offer their respective services to the Supreme Personality
of Godhead just to please Him. The Lord, accompanied by the other members of
the Yadu dynasty, would be very much pleased to accept the loving devotion of
His eternal associates.

Once, while this festive mood was in progress, a man arrived at the door of
the imperial court, and with the permission of Lord Krishna, he was admitted
into the assembly by the doorkeeper. The man bowed down to the Lord and then
stood before Him with joined palms. With the permission of the Lord he then
began to describe how King Jarasandha conquered all other kingdoms and how many
kings did not accept subjugation before Jarasandha. As a result of their
refusal, all of them, numbering twenty thousand, were arrested and
incarcerated. This man was a messenger from these imprisoned kings, and he now
presented their pleas before Lord Krishna , "O Krishna, Krishna, O
inconceivable Soul, O destroyer of all fear for Your surrendered devotees,
despite our unsurrendered mentality, we have come to You for shelter out of
fear of material existence. People in this world are always diverted by sinful
activities and are thus bewildered about their real duty, which is to worship
You according to Your will. Devotional service to You is the only activity that
would truly bring them good fortune. Let us offer our obeisances unto You, the
all-powerful Lord, who appears as eternal time and frustrates one's stubborn
hope for a long life in this world. You are the predominating Lord of the
universe and have descended into this world with Your personal potency to
protect the saintly devotees and annhilate the wicked. We cannot understand, O
Lord, how anyone can transgress Your supreme will and still continue to enjoy
his fruitive work.

"O Lord, we are encaged in these material bodies, and are thus always full of
fear. We bear the burden of the illusory happiness of kings, which is just like
a dream. Thus we have rejected the inner happiness of the soul, which comes by
rendering unmotivated and selfless devotional service to You. Because of our
wretched attachments, we simply suffer in this life under the enchantment of
Your deluding energy. Therefore, since Your lotus feet relieve the material
affliction of those who surrender to You, please release us from the shackles
of our past sinful activities, which have now manifested in the form of the
Magadha King, Jarasandha. Wielding alone the prowess of ten thousand maddened
elephants, he has arrested us and locked us in his prison just as a lion
captures sheep.

"O wielder to the disc! Your strength is unlimited and beyond human
comparison, and thus seventeen times You crushed Jarasandha in battle. But
then, absorbed in Your own pastimes, he appeared to defeat You once. Now he is
so filled with pride that he thinks he can harass those who are Your devoted
followers. O unconquerable Lord, You have descended to protect the pious and to
annihilate those opposed to Your supreme will. Please fulfill Your mission by
killing this Jarasandha."

"This is the appeal of the kings imprisoned by Jarasandha," the envoy
continued. "They are aspiring for Your personal association, having surrendered
to Your lotus feet. Please shower your grace and causeless mercy upon these
afflicted souls."

After the representative of the imprisoned kings had thus spoken, Narada
rishi, the sage amongst the demigods, suddenly appeared in that assembly.
Bearing golden matted locks on his head and emanating a cooling effulgent aura,
the sage entered the imperial court like the radiant solar orb. Lord Krishna is
the worshipable deity for even planetary rulers like Brahma, Shiva, Indra,
Surya, Chandra, Varuna and others, yet as soon as He saw Narada Muni, He humbly
and joyfully stood up along with the other members of the Yadu dynasty to
receive the powerful sage. To set an example of how to receive a saintly
person, He then offered His respectful obeisances by bowing His head.

Knowing that Lord Krishna was setting an example for the kingly order, Narada
accepted the seat offered to him. Lord Krishna worshiped the sage with full
paraphernalia according to scriptural injunctions and gratified him with
reverence. He then spoke the following truthful and pleasing words, "It is
certain that today the entire universe, and certainly our small assembly, has
attained freedom from all fear, for such is the influence of a great
personality like yourself. There is nothing unknown to you within the cosmic
manifestation of the Supreme Lord. Certainly you have visited Indraprastha and
the Pandavas headed by King Yudhisthira. Therefore please tell Us how the
Pandavas are faring and what plans they intend to execute for the welfare of
the entire world."

"I have many times seen," Narada replied, "the insurmountable power of Your
illusory energy, O infallible one. With this power You bewilder even the
creator of this universe, Brahma. O Lord of infinite prowess, it does not
surprise me that You disguise Yourself as an ordinary human being by Your own
diverse energies while moving among the created beings, as fire covers its
luster with smoke. Who can understand properly Your purpose? Simply by Your
desire this material energy creates and also withdraws the cosmos, and the
interim manifestation appears to have substantial existence. Obeisances to you,
whose transcendental position is inconceivable. The conditioned soul bound by
the repetition of birth and death does not know how to free himself the
material tabernacle, which is the cause of his affliction. But You, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, descend to this world in various incarnations to teach
and illumine the soul's path back to the spiritual sky. Your glorious pastimes
triumphantly dominate this universe and are the only panacea for the
conditioned soul. Therefore, I surrender unto You.

"Nonetheless, O Supreme Truth, who plays the part of a human being, I shall
relate to You what Your devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira, the son of Your Aunt
Kunti, intends to do. Desiring unrivaled sovereignty, King Yudhisthira plans to
worship You with the greatest fire sacrifice, the Rajasuya. First of all may I
inform You that King Yudhisthira has all material opulences which are possible
to achieve in the highest planetary system, Brahmaloka. He has no material
opulence for which to aspire, and yet he wants to perform the Rajasuya
sacrifice only to get Your association and please You. Please bless his
endeavor with Your personal presence. O Lord, exalted heavenly Gods and
glorious kings, eager to see you, will all come to that best of sacrifices. O
Lord, even mllechas and yavanas are purified by hearing and chanting Your
glories and meditating upon You, the Absolute Truth. What then to speak of
those who see and touch You?

"My dear Lord, You are the symbol of everything auspicious. Your
transcendental name and fame is spread throughout the universe like an
umbrella, gving a chance to the conditioned souls to revive their original
nature as Your eternal servant. The transcendental water that washes Your lotus
feet is known in the higher planetary systems as the Mandakini River, in the
lower planetary systems as the Bhogavati and in this earthly planetary system
as the Ganges. This sacred water flows throughout the entire universe,
purifying wherever it goes."

Previous to Narada's arrival, the Yadus had been listening to the messenger
from the imprisoned kings, and they were contemplating how to conquer
Jarasandha. Therefore, they objected to the proposal of Narada out of a desire
to subjugate the Magadha King. Seeing the differences of opinion, Lord Keshava
turned to his servant Uddhava and smilingly requested him in the following
words, "My dear Uddhava, you are always my well-wishing confidential friend,
and because you possess the eye of wisdom, I wish to see everything through you
because I believe that your counsel is always right. Therefore please advise us
what should be done in this situation."

It was known to Uddhava that although Lord Krishna was acting like an ordinary
man, He knew everything - past, present and future. However, because the Lord
was trying to consult with him, Uddhava, in order to render service to the
Lord, began to speak.



Thus Ends the Mahabharata Summation to the Second Chapter of the Sabha Parva,
Entitled, King Yudhisthira Prepares for the Rajasuya Sacrifice.



Chapter Commentary



The greatness of King Yudhisthira is obvious from this chapter. Although
surrounded by intelligent ministers, wise brahmanas, sages, and his brothers,
still he did not want to make a decision without consulting Lord Krishna. He
wanted to execute all duties on behalf of the Lord's desire. A surrendered soul
wants to find out the will of the Lord and act accordingly. He never wants to
act for his own sense gratification. Maharaja Yudhisthira did not want an
unrivaled kingdom if it was opposed to the desire of the Lord. His only
ambition was to gain the Lord's association and also give that association to
others.

It is interesting to note that Maharaja Yudhisthira had no enemies in his
kingdom. Everyone loved him as father, because they knew he cared about their
ultimate welfare. It is stated that even in their minds the citizens never held
hostile intentions towards the King. This kind of leader was a rare jewel
indeed. If the present leaders of society could gain a taste for reading Srimad
Bhagavatam and Mahabharata, they might pick up the qualities of Maharaja
Yudhisthira. It is hard to accept everyone as one's own family member unless
one is an advanced devotee of the Lord. Because Maharaja Yudhisthira saw Lord
Krishna in the heart of every living being, he treated everyone equally,
irrespective of his caste.

There were no complaints in Maharaja Yudhisthira's kingdom, and, therefore,
there was little need for a judicial system. Any complaints were brought
directly to the king. Can you imagine not needing judges, lawyers and
prosecutors? How much money would the taxpayers save? This kind of government
exists when there a godly leader heading the government. Because current
governments cater to the sense gratification of the citizens, there is constant
bickering and quarrel. Each person is trained to look after his or her own
selfish needs. Everyone is competing with all other persons. However, in
Maharaja Yudhisthira's kingdom, everyone thought of the next person's welfare
instead of his own. Such a kingdom is like the kingdom of God.

It is also interesting to note that there was no crime in Maharaja
Yudhisthira's kingdom. Mother Earth supplied all necessities to man due to the
piety of the King. There were ample jewels, gold, cloth, food, water and
whatever else anyone desired. What was the need to steal? Mother Earth
restricts the necessities of life when people are Godless. Today we feel the
pinch of material life because we don't worshipm the Lord and follow His
desires. Famine, drought, flooding, earthquakes, rampant diseases and other
natural disasters are a direct result of not obeying the will of the Lord. A
lot can be learned from the rule of Maharaja Yudhisthira.

Lord Krishna does not always do everything personally. He may act through His
energies or through his devotees and representatives. Lord Krishna knew how to
solve the dispute about whether to kill Jarasandha or to attend the Rajasuya
sacrifice. However, he decided to give that decision through Uddhava. There
will be a similar case after the Kurukshetra battle, when not even Lord Krishna
could convince Yudhisthira that the battle was the desire of the Lord. It took
Bhishma's instructions to convince Maharaja Yudhisthira. The Lord acts in
mysterious ways and no one can understand His purpose. We only have to
surrender to His Divine will.





Sabha Parva



Chapter Three



Lord Krishna journeys to Indraprastha City



Having heard the statements of Devarshi Narada, and understanding the opinions
of both the assembly and Lord Krishna, the highly intelligent Uddhava began to
speak, "O Lord, as the rishi advised, You should help Your cousin Yudhisthira
fulfill his plan for performing the Rajasuya sacrifice, and You should also
protect the kings who are begging for Your shelter. Only one who has conquered
all opponents in every direction can perform the Rajasuya sacrifice, O almighty
one. Thus, in my opinion, conquering Jarasandha will serve both purposes. By
this decision the Rajasuya sacrifice will be performed, and You will save the
imprisoned kings. Thus, Govinda, You will be glorified.

"The invincible King Jarasandha" Uddhava continued, "is as strong as ten
thousand elephants. Indeed, other powerful warriors cannot defeat him. Only
Bhima is equal to him in strength. He will be defeated by an equal opponent in
duel, not when he is leading his hundred military divisions. Now, Jarasandha is
so devoted to brahminical culture that he never refuses requests from
brahmanas. Bhima should go to him disguised as a brahmana and beg charity. Thus
he will obtain single combat with Jarasandha, and in Your presence Bhima will
no doubt kill him. Even Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva act only as Your instruments
in cosmic creation and annihilation, which are ultimately done by You, the
Supreme Lord, in Your invisible aspect of time.

"In their homes, the wives of the imprisoned kings sing of Your noble
deeds-about how you will kill Jarasandha and deliver them. The gopis also sing
Your glories--how You killed the crocodile enemy of Gajendra, the elephant
king; Ravana, the enemy of Sita; and the enemies of Your own parents as well.
So also do the sages who have obtained Your shelter glorify You, as do we
ourselves. O Krishna, the killing of Jarasandha, which is certainly a reaction
of his past sins, will bring immense benefit. Indeed, it will make possible the
execution of the Rajasuya ceremony as You desire."

Devarshi Narada, the Yadu elders, the ministers and Lord Krishna all welcomed
Uddhava's proposal, which was entirely auspicious and full of wisdom.
Thereafter, Lord Shree Krishna, the chief of the Yadus, honored Narada Muni.
After bowing down to the Lord, Devarshi Narada's senses were fully satisfied.
Thus having heard the decision of the Lord and having been worshiped by Him,
Narada placed the Lord firmly within his heart and graceful departed into the
clear blue sky.

With pleasing words the Lord, who has eyes like lotus petals, addressed the
messenger sent by the kings, "My dear messenger, I wish all good fortune to
you, I shall arrange for the killing of King Magadha. Do not fear." Feeling
satisfied at heart, the messenger departed and relayed the Lord's message to
the imprisoned kings. Eager for freedom, they then waited anxiously for their
meeting with the Lord of all sentient beings.

The almighty personality of Godhead, the son of Devaki, begged His superiors
for permission to leave. Then He ordered His servants, headed by Daruka and
Jaitra, to prepare for departure. Arrangements were made for His 16,108 queens,
their children and baggage to be taken to Indraprastha. After taking leave of
Lord Baladeva and King Ugrasena, Lord Krishna mounted His chariot marked with
the insignia of Garuda and departed for Indraprastha. The vibrations of
mridangas, bheris, kettledrums, conchshells and gomukhas filled the sky in all
directions as the Lord set out on His journey. He was accompanied by the
commanders of His chariot, elephant, calvary and infantry divisions. He was
also surrounded on all sides by His personal body guards. Lord Achyuta's chaste
wives, along with their children, followed the Lord on golden palanquins
carried by stout armed men. The queens were adorned with fine clothing,
ornaments, fragrant oils and flower garlands, and they were surrounded on all
sides by soldiers carrying swords and shields.

On all sides of the procession were finely adorned women--attendants of the
royal household, as well as courtesans. They rode on palanquins and camels,
bulls and buffalo, donkeys, mules, bullock carts and elephants. Their
conveyances were fully loaded with tents, blankets, clothes and other items for
the trip. Lord Krishna's imperial procession was adorned with royal umbrellas,
chamara fans and huge flagpoles with waving banners. During the day the sun's
rays reflected brightly from the soldiers' finely polished weapons, jewelry,
helmets and armor. Thus Lord Krishna's army, exuberant with shouts and clatter,
appeared like an ocean stirring with agitated waves and timingila fish. The
royal procession could be seen from one horizon to the other, so great was the
number of men, women, animals and paraphernalia.

As He traveled through the provinces of Anarta, Sauvira, Marudesha and
Vinashana, Lord Hari crossed rivers and passed mountains, cities, villages, cow
pastures and stone quarries. The inhabitants of these regions perfected their
eyesight by gazing on the transcendental features of the Lord. They waved their
upper clothes and glorified the transcendental activities of the Lord. After
crossing the rivers Drishadvati and Sarasvati, He passed through Panchala and
Matsya and finally came to Indraprastha.

King Yudhisthira was delighted to hear that the Lord, whom ordinary citizens
rarely see, had now arrived. Accompanied by his priests and dear associates,
the King came out to meet Lord Krishna. As songs and musical instruments
resounded along with the loud vibration of Vedic hymns, the King went forth
with great reverence to meet Lord Hrishikesha, just as the senses go forth to
meet the consciousness of life. The heart of King Yudhisthira melted with
affection when he saw his dearmost friend, Lord Krishna, after such a long
separation, and he embraced the Lord again and again. The eternal form of Lord
Krishna is the everlasting residence of the goddess of fortune. As soon as King
Yudhisthira embraced Him the King became free of all the contamination of
material existence. He immediately felt transcendental bliss and merged in an
ocean of jubilation. There were tears in his eyes, and his body trembled due to
ecstasy. He completely forgot that he was living in this world. Then Bhima, his
eyes brimming with affectionate tears, laughed with joy as he embraced his
maternal cousin, Krishna. Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva also joyfully embraced
their dearmost friend, the infallible Lord and tears of love fell profusely
from their eyes.

After Arjuna had embraced Him once more and Nakula and Sahadeva had offered
Him their obeisances, Lord Krishna bowed down to the brahmanas and elders
present, thus properly honoring the respectable members of the Kuru, Srinjaya
and Kaikaya dynasties. Sutas, Magadhas, Gandharvas, Vandis, jesters and
brahmanas all glorified the lotus-eyed Lord--some reciting prayers, some
dancing and singing--as mridangas, conchshells, kettledrums, vinas, panavas and
gomukhas resounded. Thus surrounded by His well-wishing relatives and praised
on all sides, Lord Krishna, the crest jewel of the justly renowned, entered the
decorated city.

The roads of Indraprastha were sprayed with fragrant water sprinkled from the
trunks of intoxicated elephants, and colorful flags, golden gateways and full
waterpots enhanced the city's splendor. Men and young girls were beautifully
arrayed in fine, new garments, adorned with flower garlands and ornaments, and
anointed with aromatic sandalwood paste. Every home displayed glowing lamps and
respectful offerings, and from the holes of the latticed windows drifted
incense, further beautifying the city. Colorful banners waved in the breeze,
and the roofs were a series of finely carved golden domes situated on broad
silver bases. Thus Lord Krishna saw the royal city of the Kuru King, Maharaja
Yudhisthira.

When the young women of Indraprastha heard that Lord Krishna, the reservoir of
pleasure for every eye, had arrived, they hurriedly went onto the royal streets
to see Him. They abandoned their household duties and even left their husbands
in bed, and in their eagerness, the knots of their hair and garments came
loose. The royal streets being quite crowded with elephants, horses, chariots
and foot soldiers, the women climbed to the top of their houses, where they
caught sight of Lord Krishna and His queens. The city ladies scattered flowers
upon the Lord, embraced him in their minds and expressed their heartfelt
welcome with broadly smiling faces. Observing Lord Mukunda's wives passing on
the well paved and ornately designed streets like stars accompanying the moon,
the women exclaimed, "What pious activities and austerities have these ladies
executed that grant them the joy of Lord Keshava's generous smiles and playful
sidelong glances?"

Along the well decorated avenues of Indraprastha, citizens came forward
holding auspicious offerings for Lord Krishna, and sinless leaders of
occupational guilds came forward to worship the Lord. With wide-open eyes, the
members of the royal household rushed forward in a flurry to lovingly greet
Lord Mukunda, and thus the Lord entered the royal palace of King Yudhisthira.
When Queen Kunti saw her nephew Krishna, the master of the three worlds, her
heart filled with loving devotion. Rising from her couch with her
daughter-in-law, Draupadi, Kunti embraced the Lord and all feelings of anxiety
disappeared from her heart. King Yudhisthira respectfully brought Lord Govinda,
the Supreme God of gods, to his personal quarters. The King was so overcome
with joy that he could not remember all the rituals of worship.

Encouraged by Queen Kunti, Draupadi worshiped all of Lord Krishna's wives,
including Rukmini, Satyabhama, Bhadra, Jambavati, Kalindi, Mitravinda,
Nagnajiti, Lakshmana and the other queens of Lord Krishna who were present.
Draupadi honored all of them with such gifts as clothing, flower garlands and
jewelry. King Yudhisthira personally made arrangements for Krishna's comfort
and saw to it that all who came along with Him--namely His queens, soldiers,
ministers and secretaries--were comfortably situated. He arranged that they
would experience a new feature of reception every day while staying as guests
of the Pandavas.



Thus Ends the Mahabharata Summation to the Third Chapter of the Sabha Parva,
Entitled, Lord Krishna Journeys to Indraprastha City.



Chapter Commentary



Lord Krishna displayed such opulence that only He could manifest. Parashara
Muni has defined the Lord as full in six opulences: all wealth, all fame, all
knowledge, all renunciation, all power and all beauty. These days we have
trouble maintaining one wife, but here we see the Lord arranged a procession of
16,108 queens along with His children and servants. The Lord manifests such
opulence, and He doesn't have to labor to do it. By His divine potency and will
everything is arranged. In the ninth chapter of Bhagavad-gita Lord Krishna
tells Arjuna, "The whole cosmic order is under Me. By My will it is manifested
again and again, and by My will it is annihilated at the end." The Lord simply
desires and everything takes place.

The living beings in this world have to struggle hard to survive. They cannot
simply desire and get what they want. It is said in the Bible that the Lord
cursed Adam to work by the sweat of his brow for the sin of eating from the
tree of knowledge. This world is a prison house for those who have rebeled in
the kingdom of God. We have to work hard to gain little. In the Lord's Kingdom
there are desire trees from which a person can choose whatever he likes to
serve the Lord, chintamani prakara sadmansu kalpa vriksha. (B.S. 5.22) The word
kalpa vriksha means desire tree from which one can choose anything that he
likes. These trees do not exist in this world. However, when the Lord descends
to this world, they are present in places like Vrindavana, Mathura and Dvaraka.
The Lord manifests such opulences encouraging us to leave this world of woe and
come back to the kingdom of God, our eternal home.



Sabha Parva



Chapter Four



King Jarasandha Slain



In the great assembly of respectable persons, citizens, friends, relatives,
brahmanas, kshatriyas and vaishyas, King Yudhisthira, in the presence of all,
including his brothers, directly addressed Lord Krishna as follows, "O Krishna,
I desire to perform the Rajasuya sacrifice. That sacrifice, however, cannot be
performed without the sanction of higher authorities. You know, O Krishna,
everything about the means by which this sacrifice may be accomplished. That
person alone can perfect this sacrifice in whom everything is possible, who is
worshiped everywhere and who is the king of kings. My friends and counsellors
have said that I should perform that sacrifice. However, My Lord, I desire to
worship Your auspicious, opulent expansions by the Rajasuya sacrifice, the king
of Vedic ceremonies. Please make our endeavor a success, my Lord. Purified
persons who constantly serve, meditate upon and glorify Your shoes, which
destroy everything inauspicious, are sure to obtain freedom from material
existence, O lotus-naveled one. Even if they desire something in this world,
they obtain it, whereas others-those who do not take shelter of You-are never
satisfied, O Lord. Therefore, O Lord of lords, let the people of this world see
the power of devotional service rendered to Your lotus feet. Please show them,
O almighty one, the position of those Kurus and Shrinjayas who worship You, and
the position of those who do not. Within Your mind there can be no such
differentiation as "This one is mine, and that is another's," because You are
the Supreme Absolute Truth, the Soul of all beings, always equipoised and
enjoying transcendental happiness within Yourself. Just like the heavenly
desire tree, You bless all who properly worship You, granting their desired
fruits in proportion to the service they render You. There is nothing wrong in
this.

"My dear Govinda, as far as the execution of this sacrifice is concerned, Your
words of wisdom shall be my guide. Those who give me counsel, out of
friendship, do not know the difficulties that are to be encountered. Others,
from motives of self interest, say only what is agreeable. Men are seen to
counsel according to their motivations. However, You, O Krishna, are above
material motivation. You are Hrishikesha, the controller of desire and anger.
It behoves You to tell me what will most benefit the world."

"O great king," Lord Krishna replied, "your decision is perfect, and thus your
noble fame will spread to all the worlds, O tormentor of the foes. Indeed, for
the benefit of the great sages, the forefathers and the heavenly gods, for Our
well-wishing friends and, indeed, for all living beings, the performance of
this king of Vedic sacrifices is desirable. First conquer all kings, bring the
earth under your control and collect all the required paraphernalia; then
execute this great sacrifice. These brothers of yours, O king, have taken birth
as partial expansions of the various ruling heavenly gods. And you are so self
controlled that you have conquered even Me, who am unconquerable for those who
cannot control their senses. No one in this world, even a demigod--what to
speak of an earthly king--can defeat My devotee with his strength, beauty, fame
or riches.

"My dear King, you possess the proper qualifications essential to perform the
Rajasuya sacrifice. However, there is one impediment of which you must be
informed. The numerous royal lines all represent themselves as descendants of
Aila and Ikshvaku. These descendants are divided into a hundred separate
dynasties. In this line the descendants of Yayati and Bhoja and numerous. At
the present, O monarch, King Jarasandha, has subjugated many of these
kshatriyas and incarcerated them. Jarasandha is now enjoying sovereignty over
the middle portion of the earth. He has resolved to create disunion among the
different dynasties.

"O Monarch, only a King who is the king of all kings can properly be called an
emperor. Many Kings and princes have voluntarily taken his shelter. They
include Shishupala, the mighty Vaka, who waits upon Jarasandha as his disciple.
There is also Hansa, Dimvaka, Dantavakra, Karusha, Karava, and Meghavahana.
King Bhagadatta, who is the old friend of your father, has bowed his head
before Jarasandha. In his heart he has affection for you, but he regards you as
a father regards his son, and not as a subordinate king looks upon an emperor.
Paundraka, who represents himself as a divine personality and falsely bears My
symbols of the conch, disc, lotus and mace, has also espoused the side of
Jarasandha. Even King Bhishmaka, My father-in-law, has become a servitor of
Jarasandha. Eighteen clans of the Bhojas have fled to the west out of fear of
Jarasandha. So have the Surasenas, the Bhadrakas, the Vodhas, the Salwas, the
Patachcharas, the Susthalas, the Kukuttas, the Kulindas, along with the Kuntis
and many others have also fled their countries alarmed at the power of
Jarasandha. The King of Magadha has conquered many lands and has imprisoned
eighty-six kings. When the total of kings incarcerated reaches one hundred, he
will sacrifice these noblemen before his deity, Lord Shiva. O King, before the
Rajasuya sacrifice can be performed, Jarasandha must by slain and the
imprisoned Kings released. Only then can one be truly called an emperor, one
who rules over all other kings."

"O Janardana," Yudhisthira said, "we have also been frightened by the
wickedness of this monarch. O infallible one, the might of Your arms is our
refuge and strength. I am repeatedly depressed at the thought that Jarasandha
cannot be slain. But what shall I say, O Keshava? You are my highest authority
on everything. Please tell me, O Krishna, the history of this Jarasandha, his
birth and how he obtained so much power. How is it that although You have
conquered him eighteen times, he is still living?"

Lord Krishna replied, "Hear, O Monarch, the history behind this Jarasandha and
his great power. There was a mighty King of the Magadhas named Brihadratha. He
owned three Akshauhini divisions of troops and was very puffed up over his
strength. He had married the two daughters of the King of Kashi. Many years
passed, however, without obtaining a son.

"One day he went to the great sage named Chandra Kausika and served the rishi
with great care. The sage became pleased with him and asked him to take a
benediction. King Brihadratha then asked for a son who could continue his
dynasty. While they were talking, a mango dropped from the tree into the muni's
lap. The muni then said to the King, "Your desire shall be fulfilled." He then
chanted mantras and handed over that mango to the King telling him to give half
to each queen. The muni then went away. King Brihadratha cut the fruit in half
and gave each queen a portion. In due course of time the queens became
pregnant. The King was overjoyed and waited for the birth of the children.

"It so happened that both queens gave birth to fragmental children. A half of
a child took birth from each of them. The queens were disgusted and arranged
that the king throw the portions of the children in the forest. After this had
been accomplished, a witch named Jara happened to come to the spot where the
two halves were thrown. She loved human flesh and desired to take the newly
found meal home with her. To make it easier to carry the halves, she joined
them, and when she did, the two halves united and became one child. She was
unable to carry the child because of its great weight. The child began to roar
like a monsoon cloud, and she could not stop it. It so happened that the King
was in the area, and hearing the crying of the child, he came to that spot. The
Rakshasa woman then informed the monarch, 'O Brihadratha, here is your child
that has been cast into the forest. I have found the child in two parts and,
joining them, the child has become one. I have been living in your kingdom, and
I am pleased with your rule. Take this child back for he is destined to become
King.' The Rakshasa woman then gave the child to the King and disappeared from
sight. Because the child was brought to life by this she-witch, he was given
the name Jarasandha, which means one who was joined by the witch Jara."

Lord Krishna continued: "The child grew up to be as powerful as ten thousand
elephants. When King Brihadratha saw the power and influence of his son, he
crowned his son king and then entered the forest to perform austerities and
penances. Jarasandha offered his two daughters, Asti and Prapti, to King Kamsa
of Mathura. When I killed King Kamsa, I created an enmity with the powerful
Jarasandha. Overcome with anger, Jarasandha took up his mace and released it a
distance of ninety-nine yojanas (792 miles). It landed just outside the city of
Mathura. Understanding his intentions, we prepared the city of Mathura for
attack. We defeated him eighteen times, but still he persisted in fighting. On
his eighteenth attempt, I was already engaged in obtaining Rukmini for My wife.
I, therefore, ordered the city of Dvaraka built so that no other powerful kings
could attack the Yadu dynasty while I was away. The time has now come for his
death."

Upon hearing these nectarean words from the lotus mouth of the Supreme Lord,
King Yudhisthira became joyful, and his face blossomed like a lotus. Lord
Krishna then informed King Yudhisthira of the plan explained by Uddhava for
conquering King Jarasandha. Bhimasena, Arjuna and Lord Krishna then started
together for Girivraja, the capital city of Jarasandha. Attired in the dress of
brahmanas, they looked wonderful and radiant. When the people saw them walking
on the road, they regarded Jarasandha as already slain.

Upon reaching the region of Magadha, Lord Krishna exclaimed, "Behold, O
Partha, the great capital of Girivraja, standing in all its splendor. Just see
outside the city walls the vast ocean of cows and sheep. This majestic town has
a water source that is inexhaustible. Just see the fine mansions symmetrically
aligned. Indeed, it appears that this city is free from any kind of calamity.
Just behold the five large hills that surround the city. They are covered with
cooling shade trees, bearing flowers of every scent and color. It was here that
the great sage Gautama had his ashrama for some time. Due to his presence, this
place has become almost a heavenly abode. Even Manu has ordered that the land
of Magadha never be afflicted with drought. Owning such a city, Jarasandha
desires to become the emperor of the entire earth. We shall, however, humble
his pride by slaying him in single combat."

Before entering the city, Bhima and Arjuna decided to pulverize Chaityaka peak
near the city gate. This hill was one of the five that surrounded the city and
it was dear to the inhabitants and also to King Jarasandha. On this hill King
Brihadratha had once slain a cannibal named Rishava and made three drums from
the Rakshasa's skin. When those drums were beaten, the reverberating sound
echoed for one full month. With their mighty arms only, Bhima and Arjuna
leveled the hill to the point where the drums were beaten, indicating their
desire to place their feet on the head of their foe. With the power of their
arms they broke down the peak, which was worshipped by the citizens of
Girivraja.

Lord Krishna, Bhima and Arjuna then joyfully entered Girivraja in the guise of
brahmanas. As they walked down the main road, they beheld the extraordinary
arrangement of shops full of various edibles, hand crafted items and floral
wreaths. Some of the shops were supplied with intricately carved articles of
various qualities that any person might desire. The shop owners and other
citizens of Magadha, beholding those heroes looking like elephants, with broad
necks and chests, began to wonder about them. Lord Krishna, Bhima and Arjuna
then chose garlands from the shop of one fortunate flower merchant and
decorated their bodies with them. Their arms, which were broad like the trunks
of trees, were then smeared with sandalwood paste by one merchant who pious
activities had now fully fructified. Attired in robes of various colors and
decked in garlands and earrings, the heroes approached King Jarasandha's
palace. Those bulls among men passed through three gates that were heavily
guarded with soldiers and men. They cheerfully entered the palace of King
Jarasandha, and the King, seeing these extraordinary personalities approaching,
exclaimed, "You are welcome in my kingdom." He rose to offer them proper
sitting places. He washed their feet with honey and water, and offered them
gifts of cows and wealth.

Partha and Bhima remained silent during the reception. Therefore, Lord Krishna
informed King Jarasandha, "O monarch, these two brahmanas are in observance of
a vow. Therefore, they will not speak until midnight when their vow will be
completed. You may talk with them at that time." King Jarasandha then gave his
guests comfortable quarters and retired to his own chambers.

King Jarasandha was famous for honoring brahmanas. Even if a brahmana
requested an audience at midnight, he would grant it. Therefore, he rose at
midnight and approached the quarters of his guests. Despite the strange attire
of these brahmanas, he waited on them respectfully. He asked them to take their
seats and then inquired from them, "It is well known to me that brahmanas
observing vows of silence never attire themselves with garlands, and fragrant
paste. Who are you? You are dressed as brahmanas, but your arms bear the marks
of bowstrings. You lead me to believe that you are brahmanas, but you exude
kshatriya energy. Tell me truly who you are. You have broken the peak of
Chaityaka hill, and you have entered my city without fear of royal wrath. The
quality of a brahmana dwells in his speech and not in his physical prowess.
This destruction of Chaityaka hill is not suited to the order you profess. What
is your motive for coming to me?"

Lord Krishna, in the dress of a brahmana, replied to the King: "O King, know
us to be needy guests who have come to you from afar. We wish all good fortune
to you. Please grant us whatever we desire. What can the tolerant not bear?
What will the wicked not do? What will the generous not give in charity? And
who will those with equal vision see as an outsider? He, indeed, is to be
censured and pitied who, though able to do so, fails to achieve with his
temporary body the lasting fame glorified by great saints. Harischandra,
Rantideva, Unchavritti Mudgala, Bali, Shibi, the legendary hunter and pigeon,
and many others have attained the permanent by means of the impermanent." Lord
Krishna, in the garb of a brahmana, thus informed Jarasandha that fame is
imperishable, but the body is perishable. If one can attain imperishable name
and fame by sacrificing his perishable body, he becomes a very respectable
figure in the history of human civilization.

While Lord Krishna was speaking in the garb of a brahmana, Jarasandha became
convinced that the three of them were not actual brahmanas. The signs on their
bodies indicated that they were kshatriyas. Their shoulders were marked with an
impression due to carrying bows; they had beautiful bodily structure, and their
voices were grave and commanding. Thus he definitely concluded that they were
not brahmanas, but kshatriyas. He was also thinking that he had seen them
somewhere before. Although these three persons were kshatriyas, they had come
to his door begging alms like brahmanas. Therefore, he decided that he would
fulfill their desires, in spite of their being kshatriyas. He thought in this
way because their position had already been diminished by their appearing
before him as beggars.

"Under the circumstances," he thought, "I am prepared to give them anything.
Even if they ask for my body, I shall not hesitate to offer it to them." In
this regard, he began to think of Bali Maharaja. Lord Vishnu in the dress of a
brahmana appeared as a beggar before Bali, and in that way He snatched away all
of his opulence and kingdom. He did this for the benefit of Indra, who, having
been defeated by Bali Maharaja, was bereft of his kingdom. Although Bali
Maharaja was cheated, his reputation as a great devotee who was able to give
anything and everything in charity is still glorified throughout the three
worlds. Bali Maharaja could guess that the brahmana was Lord Vishnu Himself and
that He had come to him just to take away his opulent kingdom on behalf of
Indra. Bali's spiritual master and family priest, Sukracharya, repeatedly
warned him about this, and yet Bali did not hesitate to give in charity
whatever the brahmana wanted, and at last he gave up everything to that
brahmana.

"It is my strong determination," thought Jarasandha, "that if I can achieve
immortal reputation by sacrificing this perishable body, I must act for that
purpose; the life of a kshatriya who does not live for the benefit of the
brahmana is certainly condemned."

Actually King Jarasandha was very liberal in giving charity to the brahmanas,
and thus he informed Lord Krishna, Bhima and Arjuna, "My dear brahmanas, you
can ask from me whatever you like. If you so desire, you can take my head also.
I am prepared to give it."

After this, Lord Krishna addressed Jarasandha as follows: "My dear King,
please note that we are not actually brahmanas, nor have we come to ask for
foodstuffs or grains. We are all kshatriyas, and we have come to beg a duel
with you. We hope that you will agree to this proposal. You may note that here
is the second son of King Pandu, Bhimasena, and the third son of Pandu, Arjuna.
As for Myself, you may know that I am your old enemy Krishna, the cousin of the
Pandavas."

When Lord Krishna disclosed their disguise, King Jarasandha began to laugh
very loudly, and then in great anger and in a grave voice he exclaimed, "You
fools! If you want to fight with me, I immediately grant your request. But,
Krishna, I know that You are a coward. I will not fight with You because You
refused to face me in fighting and have left the battlefield. Out of fear of me
You left Your own city, Mathura, and now You have taken shelter within the sea;
therefore, I must refuse to fight with You. As far as Arjuna is concerned, I
know that he is younger than I and is not an equal fighter. I refuse to fight
with him because he is not in any way an equal competitor. But as far as
Bhimasena is concerned, I think he is a suitable competitor to fight with me."
After speaking in this way, King Jarasandha immediately handed a very heavy
club to Bhimasena, and he himself took another, and thus all of them went
outside the city walls to fight.

Bhimasena and King Jarasandha engaged themselves in fighting, and with their
respective clubs, which were as strong as thunderbolts, they began to strike
one another very severely, both of them being eager to fight. They were both
expert fighters with clubs, and their techniques of striking one another were
so beautiful that they appeared to be two dramatic artists dancing on a stage.
The citizens of Magadha, consisting of thousands of brahmanas, kshatriyas,
vaishyas, shudras, women and the aged, all came out of the city to witness the
combat. The crowd became so great that there was a solid mass of humanity with
no space between bodies.

When the clubs of Jarasandha and Bhimasena loudly collided, they sounded like
the impact of the big tusks of two fighting elephants, or like a thunderbolt in
a flashing electrical storm. When two elephants fight together in a sugarcane
field, each of them snatches a stick of sugarcane and, by catching it tightly
in its trunk, strikes the other. Each elephant heavily strikes his enemy's
shoulders, arms, collarbones, chest, thighs, waist, and legs, and in this way
the sticks of sugarcane are smashed. Similarly, all the clubs used by
Jarasandha and Bhimasena were broken, and so the enemies prepared to fight with
their strong-fisted hands. Both Jarasandha and Bhimasena were very angry, and
they began to smash each other with their fists. The striking of their fists
sounded like the striking of iron bars or like the sound of thunderbolts, and
they appeared to be like two elephants fighting. Unfortunately, however,
neither was able to defeat the other because both were very expert in fighting,
both were of equal strength, and their fighting techniques were equal also.
Neither Jarasandha nor Bhimasena became fatigued or defeated in the fighting,
although they struck each other continually. At the e