King Drupada, though a monarch of great stature, could not escape the sting of dishonor inflicted upon him by Droṇa. Even for a moment, the insult lingered in his heart, tormenting his mind and causing him to grow thin with worry and grief. Consumed by resentment and unable to find peace, Drupada wandered from one Brahmin dwelling to another, searching for sages of exceptional accomplishment. His mind was restless, tormented by the memory of his enmity with Droṇa, and he longed for a son who might help him overcome his adversary. Night after night, sleep eluded him as he lamented his lack of a worthy heir. Disillusioned with his own sons, Drupada declared, “Fie upon relatives!” and, sighing deeply, resolved to take action against Droṇa. Yet, as he reflected on Droṇa’s formidable power, humility, learning, and deeds, and compared them to his own strength as a kṣatriya, he found no comfort. Determined to retaliate, the king wandered along the dark banks of the sacred Gaṅgā River. There, he came upon a holy Brahmin settlement, a place where every twice-born was initiated and disciplined. Within this tranquil hermitage, Drupada encountered two great ascetics: Yāja and Upayāja. Both were brahmarṣis, steadfast in study and self-restraint, belonging to the Kāśyapa lineage, and renowned as the Tārāṇeyas—true bulls among sages. Approaching them with reverence, Drupada tirelessly attended to their needs. Perceiving the younger sage’s strength, he drew near to Upayāja in private. Drupada sought Upayāja’s favor by offering every service, tending to his feet, speaking kindly, and granting all his wishes. After worshipping Upayāja as was proper, Drupada pleaded, “O Brahmin, by your act, grant me a son who will be the death of Droṇa. Let the most beautiful maiden become Arjuna’s wife. If you perform this, Upayāja, I will give you a hundred thousand cows. Or, if there is anything else that pleases you most, I will give you all that—there is no doubt in me.” Upayāja, however, simply replied, “No.” Undeterred, Drupada continued to serve him, hoping to win his favor. At the end of a year, Upayāja spoke to Drupada at the proper time, his words gentle and measured. “My eldest brother, once wandering in the dense forest, found a fruit fallen to the ground, its purity uncertain. Following him, I reflected that one should never take what is mixed and unclear. My brother, seeing the fruit, did not perceive its faults or any sinful consequences. If one cannot discern purity here, how will he do so elsewhere? While studying the scriptures and residing in the teacher’s house, he would eat food left by others whenever available. He repeatedly praised the virtues of various foods and lacked compassion. I see him, with the eye of reasoning, as one who seeks only fruit. Go to him, O king; he will perform the sacrifice for you, though you may feel aversion.” Hearing Upayāja’s words, Drupada approached Yāja in the hermitage. After honoring him, Drupada spoke, “I will give you eighty thousand cows; conduct the sacrifice for me, O illustrious one. You ought to gladden me, afflicted by enmity with Droṇa. Droṇa is the foremost among those who know Brahman, unsurpassed in the Brahma weapon. He defeated me in the contest of friends. There is no kṣatriya on earth superior to him—the chief preceptor of the Kauravas, the wise son of Bhāradvāja. Droṇa’s showers of arrows take away life and body; his six-gemmed bow is supremely great. Though clad as a Brahmin, he displays the speed of a kṣatriya; the mighty Bhāradvāja repels all. He stands, like Jāmadagnya, intent on the destruction of kṣatriyas; his terrible power of weapons is invincible by men on earth. Bearing Brahmin energy, like fire fed by offerings, he burns in battle, preceded by the duty of kṣatriyas. Where both Brahmin and kṣatriya powers are present, Brahmin energy prevails. Thus, though weak in kṣatriya strength, I have sought Brahmin energy. Having attained you, superior to Droṇa and foremost knower of Brahman, I may obtain a son who will be Droṇa’s slayer and unconquerable in battle. Perform this act for me, O Yāja; I will grant you ten million cows.” Yāja, hearing Drupada’s earnest plea, said, “So be it,” and prepared for the sacrifice. For the sake of his teacher, though unwilling, Upayāja urged Yāja to proceed. Yāja vowed to destroy Droṇa, and so he committed himself to the task. Upayāja, the great ascetic, then explained to Drupada the Vaitāna ritual, a rite known to bring forth sons. He assured the king, “The son you desire, of great strength, energy, and might, will be born to you just as you wish.” With the intent of obtaining a slayer for Bhāradvāja, Drupada performed all the rites accordingly, determined to accomplish his purpose. At the conclusion of the sacrifice, Yāja instructed the queen, “Come to me, O Queen Pṛṣati, the pair is now present.” The queen replied, “My face is smeared, O Brāhmaṇa, and I bear divine fragrances; but I am not yet prepared for conception. Wait, Yāja, my dear.” But Yāja insisted, “The oblation consecrated by me has been offered, and Upayāja has recited the mantras. How could the desired result not be achieved? So, either go, Brāhmaṇa, or stay.” Thus, through the combined efforts of the sages and the king’s unwavering resolve, the sacred ritual was performed, setting in motion the fulfillment of Drupada’s deepest wish.