THE MAHABHARATA: A Modern Rendering, Vol 1 by Ramesh Menon

Author:Ramesh Menon [Menon, Ramesh]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780595845644
Publisher: iUniverse
Published: 2006-07-20T04:00:00+00:00

TEN THE RAJASUYA YAGNA

Yudhishtira called a council of his ministers and advisors and all the kshatriyas of Indraprastha, in the Mayaa sabha. Veda Vyasa was there. Unlike the last sabha he had called, when he was so full of doubt, today the Pandava exuded assurance.

“My cousin Krishna and my grandfather Vyasa agree it is time for us to perform the Rajasuya yagna. I have called you here to assign tasks and responsibilities to each of you.

Nakula my brother, you must go to Hastinapura, to Bheeshma and Drona, to Dhritarashtra, Kripa, Baahlika, Somadatta, Bhoorisravas and our cousins, Duryodhana and his brothers. Go to every one and invite him respectfully on my behalf. Do not forget Gandhari’s brother Shakuni and his sons. And don’t forget the noble Karna and Aswatthama.”

There was a murmur in the sabha. But the excitement of the occasion was such that no one objected to inviting even their enemies, men who had tried to murder the sons of Pandu. Krishna hid a smile. Only he and perhaps Vyasa, saw what lay in store, in the future. The Pandavas could only think of honor and glory; any thought of tragedy was far from their minds.

Yudhishtira went on, “Tell our elders and our kinsmen we await their arrival eagerly and they shall not be guests but sacrificers themselves.”

He turned to Sahadeva, “You, Sahadeva, must collect everything that Dhaumya and his brahmanas need for the yagna: the grain, the vessels and the gold. Send Arjuna’s sarathies, Indrasena and Pooru, with a force of chariots to gather rice from all the kingdoms.

Sahadeva, you shall also have charge of sending messengers to the kings of Bharatavarsha, inviting them to the yagna; and not just kings, but our own people and any others who care to come.

The other preparations for the yagna itself will be best left to Muni Vyasa and Krishna, who know about these things. If we agree that we may begin, let us not delay. If anyone has doubts or reservations, let them speak now.”

But everyone in Mayaa’s marvelous hall was just full of anticipation. The council to discuss the sacrifice was quickly concluded and the actual preparations got underway.

Nakula arrived in Hastinapura to an affectionate welcome from the elders of that city. Bheeshma, Drona, Kripa and even blind Dhritarashtra came out to usher him into the Kuru court, where he invited them, formally, to the Rajasuya yagna.

“I have come today not only in love, as a son of Hastinapura, but as my brother’s messenger,” said Nakula. “Yudhishtira means to perform a Rajasuya yagna in Indraprastha, with the Gods’ blessings and all of yours. He asked me to invite each one of you to the yagna, not only as guests of honor, but as members of our family and sacrificers yourselves. May I tell my brother that you will come? The yagna will not be complete without your presence.”

Dhritarashtra’s masklike smile never left his face. “Of course we shall come, now that your brother has sent you to invite us.”

Afterwards, Nakula

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