As the time approached for Yudhishthira’s grand Rajasuya sacrifice, all the elders and teachers of the royal houses were honored and invited, their hearts uplifted with joy. Led by the Brahmins, they set out for the sacred event, eager to witness its splendor. Among them came Dhritarashtra, Bhishma, the wise Vidura, and all the sons of Dhritarashtra led by Duryodhana, accompanied by King Subala of Gandhara and the mighty Shakuni. Acala, Vrishaka, and Karna—renowned chariot-warriors—arrived, as did the powerful Shalya and Bahlika. Somadatta of the Kuru lineage, Bhuri, Bhurishravas, Shala, Ashvatthama, Kripa, Drona, and Jayadratha, king of the Sindhus, joined the gathering. Yajnasena came with his son, as did Salva, lord of the earth, and the king of Pragjyotisha, the great Bhagadatta. The assembly grew as Mlecchas from distant lands, kings who dwelled along the seacoast, mountain rulers, and King Brihadbala entered. Paundraka, Vasudeva, the king of Vanga, and the king of Kalinga joined, along with the Akarshas, Kuntalas, Galavas, and the Andhrakas. The Dravidas, Sinhalas, and the king of Kashmir came, as did radiant Kuntibhoja and the sovereign Gauravahana. Other valiant Bahlikas and their kin, Virata with his two sons, and the mighty Mavella all arrived. Kings and princes from many lands, Shishupala of great might with his son, and countless others came, proud in battle, to witness the Pandava’s sacrifice. Among them were Rama, Aniruddha, Kanka, and Sahasaarana; Gada, Pradyumna, Samba, the valiant Charudesna, Ulmuka, Nishatha, and the heroic Angavaha. All the Vrishnis, famed chariot-warriors, and many kings from the central regions assembled as well. Responding to King Yudhishthira’s command, splendid dwellings were assigned to each guest. These residences overflowed with delicious foods and were beautified by pools and trees, reflecting Yudhishthira’s reverence for his guests. The kings, honored with due ceremony, entered their lodgings, which shone like the peaks of Kailasa and brimmed with delightful treasures. Surrounded on all sides by tall, well-built white walls draped with golden nets, and decorated with jeweled floors, the dwellings boasted comfortable stairways, grand seats, and furnishings topped with soft cushions, fragrant with the finest aloes. Their color resembled swans and the moon, pleasing to behold even from afar, spacious and adorned with doors of even height, and constructed from many metals, like the peaks of the Himalayas. After resting in these magnificent abodes, the kings beheld Yudhishthira, the earth-lord, renowned for his generosity. In the midst of learned men, King Yudhishthira presided. The assembly, filled with princes and great sages, shone brightly, like the celestial summit among immortals. Yudhishthira approached his grandfather Bhishma and his revered teacher Drona. After offering his respects, he spoke: to Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Ashvatthama, Duryodhana, and Vivimshati, he said, “May you all kindly assist me in this sacrifice. Whatever wealth I possess, let it be distributed by you as you see fit, according to your counsel.” Having spoken thus, the eldest Pandava, now bound by his vow, assigned each person their duties. Yuyutsu was appointed to arrange the seating, remove leftovers, and oversee the meals. Duhshasana managed the food and delicacies, while Ashvatthama distributed offerings to the Brahmins. Sanjaya was tasked with honoring the kings, and Bhishma and Drona, wise and discerning, were to distinguish accomplished guests from the unaccomplished. Kripa oversaw the supervision of gold, jewels, gifts, and rewards. Other tiger-like men were assigned various tasks. Bahlika, Dhritarashtra, Somadatta, and Jayadratha, brought by Nakula, enjoyed themselves like masters of the house. Vidura, the knower of all duties, served as treasurer; Duryodhana received all the honors. Kunti and the virtuous Gandhari performed the worship of the women, and all the daughters-in-law quickly carried out their instructions. Krishna remained close for the accomplishment of tasks, together with Arjuna. Krishna himself washed the feet of the Brahmins, attended by all the worlds, desiring to obtain the highest fruit. No one demanded excessive honors, for all were eager to see the assembly and King Yudhishthira. With many jewels, the kings honored Yudhishthira, though the Kauravas could not attain equal status through gifts alone. Competing with one another, the kings gave wealth for the sacrifice, along with mansions topped with towers and filled with their forces. Celestial palaces for the kings, Brahmin residences, and divine dwellings resembling flying palaces were constructed. Adorned with splendid and varied riches, attended by kings endowed with great prosperity, the assembly of noble Kunti’s son shone exceedingly. Yudhishthira, rivaling the prosperity of the god Varuna, performed the Shadagnin sacrifice, complete with generous gifts. He satisfied all the people with every desired object, abundant and plentiful; there was much food and many delicacies, and the gathering overflowed with guests who had eaten their fill, adorned with offerings of jewels.