Dhoumya

After a happy stay in Khandavaprastha, Krishna decides to return to Dvaraka to see his father. He takes formal and affectionate leave from each of the Pandavas, Kunti, and Draupadi, performing all the proper rituals before his departure. The Pandavas escort him out, their hearts unsatisfied, watching until his chariot disappears from sight.

Yudhishthira, restless after hearing tales of legendary kings and their sacrifices, becomes consumed by the desire to perform the rajasuya. He consults his advisers and brothers, who unanimously declare him worthy of the imperial rite. He accepts their encouragement in his heart, but his prudence leads him to seek one final, impartial counsel.

Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna return to Indraprastha and report their victory to Yudhishthira. After honoring the freed kings and giving them leave, Krishna takes his departure from the Pandava family, his mission accomplished.

With the blessing secured, the work begins. Yudhishthira orders the collection of every ritual article and ingredient. As soon as he speaks, it is done. Then the great sage appoints the officiating priests, each a master of sacred knowledge, and artisans build shelters fit for gods.

Krishna arrives in Indraprastha with an army and a fortune, lighting up the city. Yudhishthira meets him with honor and makes a formal, public request: for Krishna's permission and his presence as the central figure of the impending sacrifice.

As the Pandavas prepare to walk into the forest, Vidura intervenes. He offers sanctuary to their aged mother, Kunti, then delivers a fierce, poetic exhortation: reminding the brothers of their unique strengths, their divine teachers, and the elemental virtues they must embody to survive and return victorious.

Dhritarashtra, blind and anxious, asks Vidura to describe how the Pandavas are leaving for the forest. Vidura details each brother's and Draupadi's symbolic gesture, translating their silent actions into a forecast of future war and vengeance.