The Most Worthy Guest

Bhishma then addressed the newly anointed king. "O King of Bharatavarsha, you must now offer arghya (a ceremonial offering of water) to all the guests. Begin with the most worthy guest."

Yudhishthira looked at all the kings who had assembled there, unable to make a decision. Sahadeva, the king of Magadha, proposed that Krishna be honoured as the most worthy guest. Bhishma and Dronacharya gave their consent. Numerous kings present also supported this proposal. Yudhishthira, carrying himself with humility and dignity, approached Krishna.

Suddenly, a roar of laughter echoed throughout the hall and caught everyone's attention. It was Shishupala, the king of Chedi, who was the son of Krishna's paternal aunt. He was very jealous of Krishna's popularity and couldn't bear seeing him receive the highest honour.

"Son of Pandu!" bellowed Shishupala. "You may not be acquainted with the rules and traditions, but Bhishma surely is. I cannot fathom why you have decided to offer arghya to a cowherd. All the elders of the Kuru dynasty are present here. Vyasa, Drupada, and even Bhishma himself are far more worthy. Then why are you offering arghya to Krishna? What eligibility do you see in him? He is completely devoid of virtue. He had Jarasandha killed through deceit. O Yudhishthira, we did not arrive here with gifts out of fear of you; we did so out of respect for your nobility."

Shishupala stood up and began to leave the assembly. Just then, Arjuna ran towards him and requested him not to leave. "O King of Chedi, Bhishma himself has regarded Krishna as worthy of receiving arghya. Who are we to question Bhishma's discretion? The other kings and elders have also given their agreement."

Yudhishthira also tried to persuade Shishupala to stay.