The Rajasuya Yajna Is Performed

Yudhishthira's friends and advisers urged him to begin the Rajasuya Yajna. Just then, Krishna arrived at Indraprastha. Everyone got involved in the preparations for the yajna. 

Nakula was sent to Hastinapura to invite the elders of the Kuru clan and their paternal cousins, the Kauravas, while Sahadeva was entrusted with summoning wise Brahmins and sages.

After Yudhishthira's uncles and cousins arrived, he gave them various responsibilities as well. Dushasana was placed in charge of the banquet hall. Ashwatthama was given the responsibility of welcoming the Brahmins. Vidura was made responsible for presenting the guests with gifts. Kripacharya was entrusted with overseeing all the religious rituals and ceremonies.

Duryodhana was tasked with welcoming the guests. Krishna took it upon himself to wash the feet of the Brahmins and sages. Karna was charged with distributing alms and offerings. Sage Dhaumya was given the seat of the chief priest at the yajna.

The auditorium was completely packed. All the formalities had been completed. Yudhishthira inaugurated the yajna by offering a libation of ghee into the sacred fire. The hall reverberated with the chanting of sacred mantras. The yajna came to an end with the ceremonial sprinkling of sacred water. The kings and princes who had arrived from various kingdoms were given expensive gifts and sent off.

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 qualified guest."