Krishna and Maya

Maya, the divine architect, is formally presented to King Yudhishthira. After recounting ancient tales and performing the proper rites, he selects an auspicious day, honors thousands of brahmanas, and measures out a vast, divine plot of land. The site for the wondrous Maya Sabha is prepared.

Saved from certain death by Arjuna, the divine architect Maya insists on repaying the debt. Arjuna declines any personal favor but, not wishing to obstruct Maya's resolution, suggests he do something for Krishna instead. Krishna, after a moment's thought, gives the architect a monumental task.

Pressed by his father, Duryodhana confesses that his misery comes from seeing Yudhishthira's supreme prosperity. He recounts, in raw detail, the humiliations he suffered at the Pandava palace: mistaking crystal for water, falling into a pond, and hitting his head on a door, all while their laughter echoed around him.