Dhritarashtra, the blind king, gathered Yudhishthira and his brothers and addressed them with earnestness and affection. “O son of Kunti,” he said, “hear my words along with your brothers. It was your father, Pandu, who raised this kingdom and protected the world. By my command, my mighty brother Pandu always performed the most difficult deeds, O lord of men. Therefore, you too, Yudhishthira, should follow my command without delay. All my sons, alas, are wicked and filled with pride. “My sons are ever intent on their own interests, proud and evil-minded, and will not obey my words. Let there be no further conflict. Enter Khandavaprastha; while you dwell there, no one will be able to trouble you. Protected by Arjuna, as the gods are by Indra, and having obtained half the kingdom, go to Khandavaprastha. If Keshava—Krishna—considers it proper, let it be done without doubt.” Hearing this, all present accepted the king’s words and paid him homage. The Pandavas then consulted with Vasudeva Krishna and took their seats in readiness for what was to come. Dhritarashtra called for his steward: “Quickly bring the materials for the consecration. Today I shall anoint Yudhishthira, the joy of the Kurus, as king. Let the Brahmanas, the best of merchants, the leaders of the guilds, the people, and especially our relatives be summoned from all sides. Proclaim the auspicious day, and let a thousand cows be given. Let the village chiefs also give generously to the Brahmins. Bring the crown for the head, ornaments for the hands, pearl necklaces, a garland, gold coins, and armlets. Prepare a girdle for the waist, a sacred thread, and a binding for the belly. Gather one thousand and eight elephants, presided over by Brahmanas. Let the priests bring water from the Ganges to bathe Yudhishthira for the consecration, adorning him with all the ornaments. “Seat him upon the ceremonial chariot, fan him with divine fans, and shade him with a white parasol adorned with gold and gems. Let the Brahmanas acclaim him with cries of ‘Victory!’ and let kings praise him likewise. Behold Yudhishthira, the eldest son of Kunti, the foremost of the Ajamidhas. Let others, pleased in their hearts, praise him joyfully, for he has granted the kingdom to me and rendered me great service. This act will surely be repaid—there is no doubt.” Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and Vidura all exclaimed, “Well done, well done! This is fitting, O greatly fortunate one, and brings glory to the Kauravas. O king of kings, have this done at once, as you have said.” Thus encouraged, Krishna of the Vrishni clan hastened to carry out all that was ordered. As instructed by Dhritarashtra, Keshava made all the arrangements. At that moment, Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa arrived, honored by all the Kurus and their friends. Together with Brahmanas learned in the Vedas, who had anointed Yudhishthira’s head, Vyasa performed the rites according to rule, with Krishna’s approval. Kripa, Drona, Bhishma, Dhaumya, Vyasa, Krishna, Bahlika, and Somadatta, all led by those versed in the four Vedas, performed the consecration on the auspicious, well-prepared throne. “Having conquered the whole earth and brought the kings under your sway,” they said, “you should perform the Rajasuya and other sacrifices, with great gifts. After bathing in the concluding ablution, rejoice with your kinsmen.” Thus addressed, all honored Yudhishthira with blessings. Anointed on the head and adorned with all ornaments, Yudhishthira was acclaimed with cries of ‘Victory!’ The king gave away inexhaustible wealth. Honored by all who had performed the anointing, the joy of the Kurus mounted the ceremonial chariot, shining beneath the white parasol. The king, beloved by the people, shone like Mahendra among the gods. After circumambulating the city of Nagasahvaya, he entered his house, honored by the townspeople. The Kauravas approached the newly anointed son of Kunti. Meanwhile, the sons of Gandhari, grieving together with their relatives, learned of the sorrow that filled their hearts. Dhritarashtra spoke to them, saying, “In the presence of Vasudeva and all the Kurus, you have attained the consecration, which is difficult to obtain for those who have not mastered themselves. Go now, O king; your duties are accomplished. Your lifespan, like that of Pururavas, Nahusha, and Yayati, is fulfilled. “In Khandava, the best of kings once resided; that was the capital of all the mighty-armed descendants of Puru. Though it was destroyed by bands of sages out of greed for the son of Budha, you must now cause the city and kingdom of Khandavaprastha to flourish. Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, all marked by their own duties, and other beings devoted to you, all honor this auspicious city. The city and kingdom are prosperous, filled with wealth and grain. Therefore, O son of Kunti, go there with your brothers, O sinless one.” Having accepted these words and bowed to Dhritarashtra, the Pandavas, together with chariots, elephants, horses, and foot soldiers, set out. They departed with excellent chariots adorned with musical instruments, and seeing them, all the citizens also set out with devotion. As the Pandavas departed together, the citizens of Nagapura, watching them, said among themselves that they should not go with the Pandavas.