JAPA TIME — Rājasūya-yajña of Yudhiṣṭhira — Lord Krishna is honored as the supreme guest

Pramāṇa (Śāstra reference)

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 74 and the Mahābhārata, Sabhā-parva describe how King Yudhiṣṭhira performs the Rājasūya sacrifice. In the royal assembly the sages, elders, kings and heroes consider who should receive the first worship. Sahadeva declares that Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the most worthy recipient of agra-pūjā. King Yudhiṣṭhira then worships Krishna with love, reverence and full approval from the devotees.

Saṅkṣepa (short meaning)

This lila reveals the true perfection of Vedic sacrifice: Krishna is the supreme object of worship. King Yudhiṣṭhira’s Rājasūya-yajña displays royal splendor, Vedic precision and noble responsibility, yet its real glory is that the Lord is placed in the center. In a hall filled with sages, kings and heroes, Sahadeva recognizes Krishna’s supreme position and Yudhiṣṭhira honors Him with devotion. The lila teaches that dharma, yajña, learning and royal power become complete only when offered to Bhagavan.

Śāstra-pramāṇa (key points from the text)

Yudhiṣṭhira performs the Rājasūya

King Yudhiṣṭhira performs the Rājasūya-yajña with the blessings of sages, elders and the assembled rulers.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 74; Mahābhārata, Sabhā-parva)

The first worship is discussed

The assembly considers who is truly worthy to receive the first honor of the sacrifice.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 74; Mahābhārata, Sabhā-parva)

Sahadeva glorifies Krishna

Sahadeva declares that Lord Krishna is the supreme and most worthy recipient of agra-pūjā.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 74; Mahābhārata, Sabhā-parva)

The Pāṇḍavas worship the Lord

Yudhiṣṭhira and the Pāṇḍavas worship Krishna with love, reverence and humility.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 74; Mahābhārata, Sabhā-parva)

The devotees rejoice

Great souls approve the decision with joy, recognizing Krishna as the center of all sacrifice.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 74; Mahābhārata, Sabhā-parva)

Envy becomes exposed

Those who cannot tolerate Krishna’s honor become disturbed, revealing the difference between devotion and envy.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 74; Mahābhārata, Sabhā-parva)

Tattva (essential teaching) — with śāstra

Krishna is the goal of yajña

All sacrifice is meant for the satisfaction of Vishnu, the Supreme Lord, who appears among His devotees as Krishna.

Power must serve dharma

Royal authority becomes spiritually beautiful when it is offered in service to Bhagavan and His devotees.

Intimacy does not lessen supremacy

Krishna may sit among relatives and friends, yet He remains the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Devotion recognizes rightful honor

A pure devotee rejoices when Krishna is honored; envy cannot tolerate the Lord’s supreme position.

Sevā today (practice for this day)

1. Put Krishna in the center

Chant one attentive round praying, “O Krishna, please become the center of all my duties and offerings.”

2. Offer responsibility as service

Offer one responsibility today as service rather than as a claim for personal honor.

3. Rejoice in Krishna’s glory

Reflect on whether you seek recognition for yourself or rejoice when the Lord is honored.

The perfection of sacrifice is to place Krishna in the center.

— Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 74; Mahābhārata, Sabhā-parva

How to use this darśanam page

View the image, read the narration and śāstra-pramāṇa, contemplate the tattva, and complete the practice through seva. Follow the sequence: darśana → śravaṇa → manana → seva.