The Rajasuya and Shishupal

The divine sage Narada told Yudhishthira that his father Pandu had wished him to perform the Rajasuya, the great sacrifice that would make him emperor. Yudhishthira asked Krishna for advice. Krishna said, 'Jarasandha, king of Magadha, is the biggest obstacle. He holds hundreds of kings captive. As long as he lives, this sacrifice cannot happen.'

Krishna, Bhima and Arjuna went to Magadha dressed as brahmins and challenged Jarasandha to a wrestling match. Jarasandha chose Bhima. For fourteen days they wrestled without rest. At last, at a sign from Krishna, Bhima tore Jarasandha in two. All the captive kings were freed and promised to support Yudhishthira. Then the four brothers set out in the four directions and gathered tribute from the kings.

The Rajasuya was held in great splendour. The question arose: who should be honoured first? Bhishma said, 'In this assembly, Krishna is the most worthy.' Sahadeva offered Krishna the first honour. Seeing this, Shishupal, king of Chedi, flew into a rage. He was Krishna's cousin but hated him bitterly. Before the whole assembly he poured insults on Krishna, Bhishma and the Pandavas.

Krishna stayed calm. Long ago he had promised Shishupal's mother that he would forgive a hundred of her son's offences. Shishupal kept insulting and Krishna kept counting. The moment the hundredth was crossed, Krishna warned everyone and released the Sudarshana chakra. Shishupal's head was severed, and all saw a light rise from his body and merge into Krishna.

The sacrifice was completed, but Duryodhana got lost in the Maya Sabha. In one place he took a dry floor for water and lifted his garments; in another he took water for floor and fell into a pool. Bhima and the servants burst out laughing. The Pandavas' splendour and that laughter both stuck in Duryodhana's heart like thorns. He returned to Hastinapur burning with envy.