118- Krishna's First Worship at the Rajasuya Yajna of Yudhishthir, and the Deliverance of Shishupal and Shalva

After slaying Jarasandh and liberating the imprisoned kings, Bhagwan Shree Krishna, Bhimsen, and Arjun returned to Indraprasth. There, they narrated the entire account to King Yudhishthir. Upon hearing this glorious news, Yudhishthir was filled with joy and offered heartfelt praise to Bhagwan Shree Krishna.

With the permission of Shree Krishna, and when the auspicious time for the yajna arrived, Dharmaraj Yudhishthir appointed learned Vedic brahmins, experts in sacrificial rituals, to serve as ritviks, acharyas, and in other important roles required for the yajna. He also invited Dronacharya, Bhishma Pitamah, Kripacharya, Dhritarashtra, Vidur, Duryodhan and his brothers, and many other distinguished elders.

Kings, ministers, brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas, shudras, and countless honoured guests from many lands arrived in Indraprasth to participate in the Rajasuya Yajna.

The officiating priests prepared the sacrificial arena in accordance with scriptural injunctions and formally initiated Maharaj Yudhishthir into the sacred rites. Every aspect of the yajna was conducted on a grand scale, and even the vessels used in the yajna were fashioned from gold. At Yudhishthir's invitation, Brahmaji, Shivaji, Indra, other celestial beings, siddhas, gandharvas, vidyadharas, nagas, sages, yakshas, kinnaras, charanas, numerous kings, and royal ladies also assembled there.

The yajna proceeded according to sacred tradition. On the day designated for the Soma offering, Yudhishthir first honoured the priests and senior members of the assembly. Thereafter, a discussion arose about who should receive the agra puja, the gathering's first and highest honour.

Many opinions were offered, but no unanimous decision could be reached. At that moment, Sahadev rose and spoke, "Bhagwan Shree Krishna alone is most worthy of receiving the agra puja. He is the foundation of all the devatas, the ultimate goal of every sacrifice, and the indwelling Lord of the entire universe. All yajnas, mantras, sacred fires, offerings, and every path of knowledge and action ultimately exist for His attainment.

"He is the one Supreme Reality, the cause of creation, maintenance, and dissolution. By His grace alone, living beings attain Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Therefore, by worshipping Bhagwan Shree Krishna, all devatas and all living beings are automatically worshipped. Hence, He alone is the most deserving recipient of the agra puja in this assembly."

Sahadev thoroughly understood the glory and divine greatness of Bhagwan Shree Krishna. As soon as he finished speaking, all the noble souls present in the sacrificial assembly unanimously supported his proposal and declared it entirely appropriate.

Upon receiving the approval of the brahmanas and the assembled elders, Dharmaraj Yudhishthir was deeply delighted. Overwhelmed with devotion and reverence, he, along with his wife, brothers, ministers, and relatives, washed the lotus feet of Bhagwan Shree Krishna and placed that sacred charanamrit upon their heads.

He then offered Him fine yellow garments and priceless ornaments. Tears of devotion filled his eyes, and in the intensity of his love, he could scarcely behold the Lord's beautiful form.

Witnessing Bhagwan Shree Krishna being honoured in this manner, everyone in the assembly folded their hands and loudly chanted, "Namo Namah!" and "Jay! Jay!" At that very moment, flowers showered from the heavens.

Seated in the assembly, Shishupal had been observing everything. Unable to tolerate the honour and praise being offered to Bhagwan Shree Krishna, he rose in anger and began speaking harsh words against Him before the entire gathering.

He said, "Members of this assembly! It appears that the influence of Time has bewildered even the greatest scholars present here. Otherwise, how could they have accepted the opinion of a mere youth?

"I know that all of you are capable of making sound judgments. Therefore, Sahadev's proposal should not be accepted. Many ascetics, learned sages, realised saints, and exalted personalities are present in this assembly, personalities honoured even by the devatas themselves. Setting them aside and granting the agra puja to Krishna is improper.

"Krishna does not strictly follow any particular varna or ashram. Nor does He conform to accepted social conventions. The Yadu dynasty itself is regarded as cursed. Having abandoned Mathura, the Yadavas dwell in a fortress amidst the ocean and live according to their own ways. How then can Krishna be considered worthy of the highest honour?"

Shukdevji tells Parikshit that Shishupal's intelligence had been completely destroyed. He continued speaking increasingly offensive words against Bhagwan Shree Krishna. Yet the Lord remained silent and offered no reply.

Many people present could not bear hearing such blasphemy against Bhagwan. Covering their ears, they rose from their seats while condemning Shishupal's words. The Pandavas, the Matsyas, the Kekayas, and many other kings became furious and stood up, ready to punish him.

Yet Shishupal was not the least bit afraid. He seized his sword and shield and openly challenged the kings who supported Bhagwan Shree Krishna.

Seeing the assembly on the verge of conflict, Bhagwan Shree Krishna rose from His seat. He calmed His supporters and then personally confronted Shishupal, who was charging toward Him in fury.

With His Sudarshan Chakra, sharp as a razor's edge, Bhagwan severed Shishupal's head. Immediately after Shishupal's death, confusion spread throughout the assembly, and his supporters fled in fear.

Then everyone witnessed a remarkable sight. A brilliant effulgence emerged from Shishupal's body and entered Bhagwan Shree Krishna.

For three lifetimes, Shishupal had constantly meditated upon Bhagwan through intense hostility. Because of that uninterrupted absorption, he ultimately attained the Lord.

Thereafter, Dharmaraj Yudhishthir generously rewarded the priests and honoured all the participants. The Rajasuya Yajna was then brought to a successful conclusion, in accordance with scriptural injunctions, by the grace of Bhagwan Shree Krishna.

Following the ceremonial concluding bath, Yudhishthir appeared radiant and resplendent. Devatas, humans, and all the assembled guests honoured him and returned to their respective abodes, glorifying both Bhagwan Shree Krishna and the magnificent Rajasuya Yajna.

Everyone departed in great happiness. Only Duryodhan could not tolerate the prosperity and glory of the Pandavas. That jealousy would eventually pave the way for the destruction of the Kuru dynasty.

King Parikshit asks, "O revered sage, all those who attended the Rajasuya Yajna, kings, sages, saints, devatas, and honoured guests, departed delighted. Why then was Duryodhan unhappy?"

Shukdevji replies, "Parikshit, out of affection and respect for Maharaj Yudhishthir, all his relatives and well-wishers willingly accepted various responsibilities during the sacrifice. Bhimsen supervised the kitchens, Duryodhan served as treasurer, Sahadev welcomed the guests, Nakul arranged supplies, and Arjun attended to the elders. Bhagwan Shree Krishna personally washed the feet of honoured guests, Draupadi served food, and Karna distributed charity with great generosity. Similarly, Satyaki, Vidur, Vikarna, and many others carried out different services."

When the Rajasuya Yajna concluded, Dharmaraj Yudhishthir proceeded to the Ganga for the ceremonial concluding bath. A magnificent celebration followed. Musical instruments resounded, singers and dancers rejoiced, celestial beings showered flowers, and kings, sages, brahmins, and citizens all participated enthusiastically. The entire city of Indraprasth overflowed with joy and splendour.

Everyone who attended the sacrifice was delighted by Yudhishthir's fame, generosity, prosperity, and the grace of Bhagwan Shree Krishna. They returned to their respective kingdoms, praising his greatness. Thus, by God's mercy, all of Yudhishthir's aspirations were fulfilled, and his glory, prestige, and influence reached their highest peak.

Witnessing the wealth and magnificence of the Pandavas, Duryodhana's heart became consumed with jealousy and resentment.

On one occasion, Yudhishthir was seated in the great assembly hall along with his brothers, relatives, and Bhagwan Shree Krishna. Duryodhan also entered the hall.

The assembly built by Maya Danav was filled with astonishing illusions. In some places, water appeared to be solid ground, while in others, solid ground looked exactly like water.

Mistaking a polished crystal floor for water, Duryodhan gathered up his garments. A little later, mistaking an actual pool for solid ground, he confidently stepped forward and fell straight into it.

Seeing him stumble in such a manner, Bhimsen, the royal ladies, and many others burst into laughter. Although Yudhishthir tried to stop them, the laughter could not be restrained.

Deeply embarrassed and burning with anger, Duryodhan quietly left the assembly and returned to Hastinapur. From that day onward, his envy and hostility toward the Pandavas intensified even further.

Shalva was a close friend of Shishupal. He had fought on Shishupal's side during Rukmini's marriage but had been defeated by the Yadavas.

Humiliated by that defeat, Shalva publicly vowed before many kings to destroy the Yadu dynasty. To fulfil this vow, he undertook severe austerities to please Bhagwan Shiva.

For an entire year, he performed rigorous penance. Pleased by his devotion, Shivaji appeared before him and offered him a boon. Shalva requested an aerial vimana (flying city) that could not be destroyed by devas, daityas, humans, or any other beings; one that could travel anywhere at will and become a source of terror for the Yadavas.

By Shiva's command, Maya Danav constructed an extraordinary iron flying fortress for him, known as Saubha. It was like an entire city moving through the sky, mysterious and difficult to perceive or capture.

As soon as he obtained this remarkable vimana, Shalva launched an attack on Dwarka to avenge his earlier humiliation. When the assault began, Pradyumn, Satyaki, Samba, Gad, Kritavarma, and many other Yadava heroes emerged to defend the city.

Because Saubha was empowered by powerful mystical illusions, the battle became extremely difficult. Yet the Yadavas fought fearlessly.

Pradyumn shattered Shalva's magical illusions and defeated many of his commanders. At one point, he was struck unconscious by Dyuman, one of Shalva's chief warriors. However, he soon returned to the battlefield and slew Dyuman in combat.

Meanwhile, Satyaki, Samba, Gad, and the other Yadava heroes continued devastating Shalva's forces. The fierce conflict continued for twenty-seven days, with both sides displaying extraordinary courage and military skill.

At that time, Bhagwan Shree Krishna was in Indraprasth for the Rajasuya Yajna. While there, He observed many ominous signs and understood that danger had befallen Dwarka.

Without delay, He returned and found Shalva attacking the Yadavas with the mysterious Saubha aircraft. Entrusting the defence of the city to Balaramji, Bhagwan personally entered the battlefield to confront Shalva.

Shalva employed countless magical illusions and launched fierce attacks upon Him, but Bhagwan steadily damaged both his weapons and his flying fortress with His arrows.

During the battle, Shalva attempted to bewilder Bhagwan through his mystic powers.

First, a messenger appeared before Him, weeping, and said, "Mother Devakiji has sent me. Shalva has captured your father, Vasudevji and carried him away."

A few moments later, Shalva appeared with a man who looked exactly like Vasudevji.

Mocking Bhagwan, he shouted, "Look! Here is your father. If you have the power, save him!"

Then, before everyone's eyes, Shalva appeared to sever the head of that illusory Vasudev with his sword and carry it away aboard his Saubha aircraft.

The scene was so convincing that it seemed as though Vasudevji had truly been slain.

For a brief moment, Bhagwan Shree Krishna displayed sorrow and concern, just as an ordinary human being might. Then He immediately reflected that such a thing would be impossible while Balaramji was present.

Looking more carefully, He saw that neither the messenger nor Vasudevji's body remained. Everything had vanished like a dream.

Bhagwan instantly recognised Shalva's deception.

Realising that He had been trying to mislead Him through illusion, Bhagwan launched a devastating assault. With a tremendous blow of His mace, He shattered the Saubha flying fortress, sending it crashing into the ocean.

Shalva then descended to continue fighting on foot, but Bhagwan swiftly severed one of his arms. Even then, Shalva continued battling fiercely.

Finally, Bhagwan Shree Krishna released the Sudarshan Chakra. The divine disc flashed through the sky and severed Shalva's head from his body.

With Shalva's death, his reign of illusion and terror came to an end. The devatas rejoiced, showered flowers from the heavens, and celestial drums resounded in celebration of Bhagwan's victory.

Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Shreemad Bhagavat Katha [Hindi]- 08.06.2026