02.012
Core-Pancharatra: Yudhisthira finally asks Krishna for his opinion on Rajasuya.
Vaiśampāyana said.
O Bhārata, having heard the sage's words, Yudhishthira sighed and, thinking about the attainment of the Rājasūya sacrifice, found no peace. (2-12-1)
Indeed, upon hearing of the greatness of the royal sages and observing how the sacrificers attained worlds through their meritorious deeds, (2-12-2)
Hariścandra, the illustrious royal sage and sacrificer, especially shone forth, desiring to perform the Rājasūya sacrifice. (2-12-3)
Then Yudhishthira, after honoring all the assembly members and being honored by them in return, devoted his mind solely to the sacrifice. (2-12-4)
O king, the chief of the Kurus, having repeatedly considered in his mind, resolved to perform the Rājasūya sacrifice. (2-12-5)
Again, endowed with wondrous strength and energy, and devoted solely to dharma, he set his mind to the thought: "What would be beneficial for all beings?" (2-12-6)
Yudhishthira, the foremost among all knowers of dharma, favored all his subjects equally and worked for the welfare of everyone. (2-12-7)
Thus, when that happened, then, just as in a father, those around him became comforting. He has no one who hates him; therefore, he is one whose enemies are unborn. (2-12-8)
He, the best among speakers, gathered the ministers and his brothers and repeatedly asked them about the Rājasūya sacrifice. (2-12-9)
Then, the ministers, being asked, together addressed these meaningful words to Yudhishthira, the greatly wise, who desired to perform a sacrifice. (2-12-10)
The king who is anointed by him attains the quality of Varuṇa; by that same person, even an emperor desires to possess all those qualities. (2-12-11)
O Kurunandana, your friends consider that the time for the Rājasūya sacrifice, worthy of an emperor like you, has come. (2-12-12)
The time of his sacrifice is under his own control through the wealth of the kṣatriya; by the chanting of the Sāman, the six fires in which are increased by those who have firm vows. (2-12-13)
Whoever, having taken the ladle for oblations, obtains all the sacrifices and the anointing at the end of the sacrifice, is called 'the conqueror of all'. (2-12-14)
You are capable, O mighty-armed one; we are all under your command. O great king, decide your mind about the Rājasūya sacrifice without hesitation. (2-12-15)
Thus, all the friends, both individually and together, spoke in this manner. The Pāṇḍava, having heard their righteous words, O lord of men, accepted with his mind what was bold, desirable, and excellent, O destroyer of enemies. (2-12-16)
O Bhārata, having listened to his friend's words and knowing his own ability, he repeatedly set his mind on the Rājasūya sacrifice. (2-12-17)
He, being wise, again consulted with his brothers, the officiating priests, the great souls, Dhaumya, Vaipāyana and others, and the ministers. (2-12-18)
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
How could I have that desire which belongs to the rājasūya, the worthy emperor, the well-doer, the faithful, and the one who speaks? (2-12-19)
Vaiśampāyana said.
O lotus-eyed one, thus addressed by the king, they spoke these words at the proper time to the righteous Yudhishthira: "You are indeed worthy, O knower of dharma, to perform the great Rājasūya sacrifice." (2-12-20)
After these words were spoken by the king, the priests, and the sages, the ministers and his brothers honored his statement. (2-12-21)
But that greatly wise king, self-possessed, Arjuna, again reflected by himself, desiring the welfare of the worlds. (2-12-22)
A wise person, having properly considered capability, place and time, expenditure and income, and having deliberated with intellect, does not fall into distress. (2-12-23)
The commencement of sacrifice is certainly not meant solely for self-destruction. Understanding this, one should diligently perform one's duty. (2-12-24)
He, having considered Kṛṣṇa, Janārdana, as the supreme above all worlds for the purpose of deciding the task, mentally approached Hari. (2-12-25)
The Pāṇḍava considered him, who is immeasurable, mighty-armed, born from desire yet unborn among men, as one whose actions are equal to the gods. (2-12-26)
There was nothing unknown to him, nor anything not produced by action. He thought that there was nothing Kṛṣṇa could not endure. (2-12-27)
But having made that firm resolve, Pārtha Yudhiṣṭhira sent a messenger directly to the teacher who had become like a guru. (2-12-28)
The messenger, traveling quickly by a swift chariot, reached the Yādavas and approached Kṛṣṇa, the Dwārakā-dweller, in Dvāravatī. (2-12-29)
At that time, Acyuta, longing to see Pārtha, went to Indraprastha together with Indrasena. (2-12-30)
Janārdana (Kṛṣṇa), swift and with a fast vehicle, crossed various regions and went to meet Pārtha (Arjuna) who was at Indraprastha. (2-12-31)
He was honored in the house by Dharmarāja like a brother, and then the affectionate son of his father saw his sister, along with Bhīma. (2-12-32)
He, pleased by his beloved friend, delighted in their company at that time, attended by Arjuna and the two Yamas, as if he were a teacher. (2-12-33)
When Acyuta had rested for a moment in the auspicious place, Dharmaraja approached and informed him of his purpose. (2-12-34)
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
I requested the Rājasūya sacrifice, not out of mere desire. O Kṛṣṇa, you know in every way by what means it is attained. (2-12-35)
He in whom everything arises, who is worshipped everywhere, and who, as the lord of all and king, attains the Rājasūya consecration. (2-12-36)
My friends, having assembled, say that the Rājasūya sacrifice should be performed by him. In this matter, O Kṛṣṇa, let your words be the most decisive for me. (2-12-37)
Some, out of friendship, do not see any fault; others, for the sake of gain, likewise speak only what is pleasant. (2-12-38)
Some people seek only what is dear and beneficial to themselves; thus, public opinions are generally observed to be based on self-interest. (2-12-39)
But you, having transcended these causes and having overcome desire and anger, are truly worthy to tell us in this world what is supremely proper, as it is. (2-12-40)
