After the momentous arrival of Krishna and others, which marked the end of a significant chapter in the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the great Purāṇa revered by the paramahaṃsas, King Yudhishthira found himself deeply pleased. He had heard of Krishna’s mighty deeds, especially the slaying of Jarasandha, and marveled at the wondrous acts performed by the lotus-eyed Lord. With gratitude and reverence, Yudhishthira addressed Krishna, reflecting on the nature of greatness and humility. He spoke of the teachers of the three worlds—those supreme lords of all beings—who, despite attaining what is rare and difficult, still accept instruction with humility. Yudhishthira noted the profound mystery that Krishna, who truly rules over those who consider themselves masters among the distressed, is himself the Supreme, the Absolute, the Paramātman. He is without a second, and his glory neither increases nor diminishes through actions, just as the sun remains unaffected by what happens below. Yudhishthira continued, addressing Krishna as the unconquered Mādhava, and observed that among Krishna’s devotees, there is no division of 'mine' and 'yours'; such distinctions are as trivial as those found among animals. Having spoken thus, and with Krishna’s approval, Yudhishthira prepared for the great sacrifice. At the proper time, he chose priests who were learned in the Veda, inviting the most qualified brāhmaṇas. Among those invited were Vyāsa, Bharadvāja, Sumantu, Gotama, Asita, Vasiṣṭha, Cyavana, Kaṇva, Maitreya, Kavaṣa, and Trita; also Viśvāmitra, Vāmadeva, Sumati, Jaimini, Kratu, Paila, Parāśara, Garga, and Vaiśampāyana; Atharvā, Kaśyapa, Dhaumya, Rāma of the Bhārgavas, Āsuri, Vītihotra, Madhucchandā, Vīrasena, and Akṛtavraṇa. Other distinguished guests included Droṇa, Bhīṣma, Kṛpa, and many more. Dhṛtarāṣṭra arrived with his sons, and Vidura, the wise one, was also present. People from all four orders—brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas, and śūdras—came, eager to witness the sacrifice, along with kings and the subjects of their realms. The brāhmaṇas, using golden ploughs, prepared the sacrificial ground according to tradition and initiated Yudhishthira for the rite. All the sacrificial implements were made of gold, as in ancient times for Varuṇa. The guardians of the worlds, beginning with Indra and accompanied by Brahmā and Śiva, attended the ceremony. Siddhas, gandharvas, vidyādharas, great serpents, sages, yakṣas, rākṣasas, birds, kinnaras, and cāraṇas arrived with their retinues. Kings came with their royal consorts to the rājasūya sacrifice of the son of Pāṇḍu. All were amazed, considering such grandeur fitting for one devoted to Krishna. Priests of divine radiance performed the rājasūya for the great king, properly and with reverence, just as the gods had once performed for Pracetasa. On the day of the sacrifice, Yudhishthira, lord of the earth, honored the priests and masters of the assembly with full attention, as was proper for those greatly fortunate. The assembly deliberated on who was most worthy of receiving the highest honor, but could not reach a unanimous decision. Then Sahadeva spoke up. He declared that Acyuta, the Lord and master of the Sātvatas, deserved the highest honor, for in him reside all the gods, places, times, wealth, and more. Krishna is the self of the entire universe, the foundation of all sacrifices. The fire offerings, mantras, Sāṅkhya, and Yoga—all are directed toward him. He alone, without a second, is this universe of non-duality; by his own self, the unborn one creates, sustains, and destroys the worlds. Krishna, observing all, brings about the various actions here; whatever is sought—supreme good, dharma, and the rest—arises from him. Therefore, Sahadeva urged, let the highest honor be given to the great Krishna; by this, the honoring of all beings and the self is accomplished. To Krishna, who is the soul of all beings, who sees nothing else, who is peaceful and complete, should honor be given by one desiring the infinite fruit of giving. Having spoken thus, Sahadeva, knowing Krishna’s greatness, fell silent. All the best of men praised him, saying, 'Excellent, excellent!' Hearing the words of the brāhmaṇa and understanding the hearts of the assembly, King Yudhishthira, delighted and overwhelmed with affection, honored Hṛṣīkeśa. He washed the purifying water from Krishna’s feet and, with his wives, brothers, ministers, and family, bore it joyfully upon his head. They honored Krishna with garments of yellow silk and precious ornaments. Yudhishthira, his eyes full of tears, could not bear to look upon him, so moved was he by devotion. Seeing Krishna thus honored, all the people, with joined palms, bowed to him, exclaiming, 'Victory! Salutations!' and showers of flowers fell upon him. Yet, in the midst of this celebration, the son of Damaghoṣa—Śiśupāla—angered by the praise of Krishna’s qualities, rose from his seat. Stretching out his arms and unafraid, he spoke harsh words to the assembly, making them known to the Lord. He invoked the Vedic tradition of Satyavatī, declaring, 'The Lord is time, insurmountable.' Yet even the wisdom of elders, he said, is sometimes confounded by the words of a child. He urged the assembly not to be swayed by childish speech, claiming that Krishna, a cowherd and a disgrace to his lineage, did not deserve the honor of worship. He questioned how one devoid of caste, order, and family, excluded from all duties, acting as he pleases and lacking in virtues, could be worthy of such honor. He reminded the assembly that Krishna’s lineage had been cursed by Yayāti and cast out by the virtuous, ever addicted to vain drinking. Śiśupāla continued, saying that these outlaws, lacking Brahmanical splendor and having taken refuge in the sea, troubled the people like bandits. Thus, he spoke many inauspicious words, his fortune lost; but Krishna, like a lion hearing the howl of a jackal, said nothing in reply. Hearing the unbearable blasphemy of the Lord, the members of the assembly covered their ears, left the hall, and angrily cursed the king of Cedi.