Hearing the sage Upayaja’s advice, King Drupada resolved to seek out Yaja, as it was said that Yaja would perform the sacrifice for him. With a troubled mind, weighed down by his enmity with Drona and feeling a sense of distaste, Drupada made his way to Yaja’s hermitage. There, he honored the venerable sage with all due respect and spoke earnestly: “O Yaja, perform this sacrifice for me, and I will reward you with eight hundred cows.” The king, tormented by his rivalry with Drona, felt dejected and sought refuge in the wisdom and power of a Brahmin, for he knew that a Kshatriya alone could not overcome another Kshatriya. He pleaded, “Therefore, protect me from the fear of Drona. Through your sacred action, O Brahman, let me obtain a son who will be the cause of Drona’s death. Let a woman of noble beauty become the wife of Arjuna, for he is foremost among those who know Brahman, excelling in both Brahmanical and Kshatriya virtues.” Drupada continued, “Let Drona not defeat me due to the rivalry of friends, for there is no Kshatriya on earth who equals him in leadership. The torrents of arrows and deadly weapons unleashed by Drona, the wise chief preceptor of the Bharatas and son of Bharadvaja, are unmatched. He wields a six-jewel bow and an incomparable sword; though clad as a Brahmin, he possesses the might of a Kshatriya beyond doubt. Bharadvaja’s son, of great intellect and strength, is as formidable as Kartavirya and Khatvanga in battle, and stands like Jamadagni’s son, established for the destruction of Kshatriyas.” Reflecting on Drona’s combined Brahmanical and Kshatriya powers, Drupada admitted, “When these forces are united, none can withstand him. No arrows, spears, or missiles can repel his prowess; his Brahmanic energy, like sacred oblations, is unassailable. His terrifying mastery of weapons is irresistible, conquering all foes with Brahmanic power leading the way. When Brahman and Kshatriya unite, Brahmanic energy prevails. Thus, weakened by Kshatriya force, I now seek Brahmanic strength.” With hope, Drupada implored, “I have come to you, who surpass Drona and are the foremost knower of Brahman, so that I may obtain a son, unconquerable in battle, who will bring about Drona’s end. Let such a valiant son be born to me today, O Yaja. Perform this act for me, and I shall offer you countless cows.” Yaja replied, “So be it,” and began preparations for the sacrifice. For the sake of the ritual, he called upon his brother Upayaja, though Upayaja was reluctant. Yaja then reassured the king, “Do not fear, O Drupada. By my action, you shall have a son.” Having thus spoken and made his promise, the sage commenced the sacred rite. Yaja, best among men, performed the ritual with perfect adherence to tradition, beginning the sacrifice meant to bring about Drona’s destruction. For the sake of his teacher, Upayaja assisted, joining Yaja in the ritual. The Vaitāna rite was performed to obtain a son of great might, energy, and strength. It was said that whatever kind of son was desired through such a sacrifice, that very son would be born. With the intention of begetting a slayer of Bharadvaja’s son, King Drupada performed the rite, seeking the fulfillment of his wish. The foremost among Brahmins offered the oblation according to the prescribed rule. Drupada’s queen, Kausavi, also longed for a son. At the appointed time, after performing the Sautramani rite, she approached. At the conclusion of the sacrifice, the priest called for the queen: “Come, Queen Prishati, for a pair awaits you—one boy and one girl, to increase the royal line.” But Prishati hesitated, saying, “My face is not anointed, though I bear auspicious fragrances. I am not your wife for the purpose of childbirth. Remain here, O priest, my dear.” Yaja replied, “The oblation consecrated by me and sanctified by Upayaja’s mantra—how could it fail to fulfill our desire? Prishati, go or stay as you wish.” As soon as Yaja spoke and the oblation was offered into the prepared fire, a wondrous event occurred. From the flames arose a boy, radiant as a god, terrifying in his form, crowned and armored, a hero with sword and arrows, bearing a bow and roaring mightily. He mounted a splendid chariot and departed, and at that very moment, a celestial voice, unseen, spoke from the sky: “This one is both disciple and death for Bharadvaja; a royal son, remover of fear, bringer of fame to the Panchalas. He is born to remove the king’s sorrow, truly for the slaying of Drona.” The Panchalas, overjoyed, cheered and exclaimed, “Well done! Well done!” Then, as the priest offered the second oblation, sanctified by mantra, a maiden too arose from the center of the altar, after Prishati had declined and the rite was performed. Once more, the fortunate Panchali maiden emerged from the heart of the altar—a beautiful girl, born within the sacrificial enclosure. She was dark-complexioned, with eyes like lotus petals, her hair curled and blue-black, taking on a human form radiant as the goddess of fortune herself. Her nails were coppery and prominent, her brows beautiful, her breasts full and charming, and her fragrance, like that of a blue lotus, spread far and wide. Possessed of supreme beauty, unmatched on earth, this splendidly complexioned maiden was desired by gods, Danavas, and Yakshas alike.