Krishna's explicit counsel that Jarasandha must be killed to perform the Rajasuya is the direct strategic cause that sends Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna to Magadha with the specific intent to kill him.
Sabha Parva
Can Krishna and the Pandavas eliminate the tyrannical Jarasandha to enable the Rajasuya?
Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna travel to Magadha to confront King Jarasandha, who has imprisoned numerous kings. Jarasandha chooses to duel Bhima, leading to a thirteen-day battle. Bhima, following Krishna's counsel, kills Jarasandha by tearing him apart, freeing the kings and securing their allegiance for Yudhishthira's sacrifice.
7 stories · 1 pivotal · Chapters 246–247
Begin readingCausal position
How this arc sits in the story chain
Born from
This Arc
The Slaying of Jarasandha
Leads into
The kings who were freed by Krishna and pledged support for Yudhishthira's Rajasuya are the same assembled kings who later become angry and pale-faced upon seeing Yudhishthira's instatement and the homage given to Krishna, feeling their forced subjugation.
The kings freed from Jarasandha's prison pledge their support for Yudhishthira's Rajasuya, providing the political foundation and confidence that enables the Pandavas to plan and launch the digvijaya campaigns to secure further tribute.
Stories
Showing 1 spine stories · 7 total
Spine stories carry the arc's main thread. Essential adds key turning points. Supporting covers depth and backstory.