The Pandavas Rule Prosperously and Happily from Indraprastha
Having established their capital on the orders of the elders, the Pandavas rule from Indraprastha. Under Yudhishthira’s righteous reign, the kingdom flourishes, and the brothers live in happiness, security, and mutual affection.
On the orders of King Dhritarashtra and of Bhishma, son of Shantanu, the Pandavas made their home in Indraprastha. From there, they brought many kings under their rule. All their people lived happily in the refuge of Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, as comfortably as souls dwell in a healthy, well-formed body.
Yudhishthira, that bull among the Bharatas, served the three great aims of life — dharma (righteousness), artha (prosperity), and kama (pleasure) — equally, looking upon them as close relatives, extensions of his own self. It was as if the three aims had become personified on earth, and with them, the king stood as a fourth. The Vedas found in him a great student, sacrifices a great performer, and all the castes a pure protector. Prosperity was established, intelligence was revered, and dharma found a foothold everywhere, extending across the earth.
Surrounded by his four brothers, the king shone with a radiance like a great sacrifice assisted by the four Vedas. He was attended by priests like Dhoumya and other Brahmanas, each equal to Brihaspati, who paid homage to him as the chief immortals might worship Prajapati.
In the eyes and hearts of his subjects, who bore him great affection, Dharmaraja was as beloved as the unblemished full moon. Their love was not merely due to his kingship, but because of his deeds. The intelligent son of Pritha was always sweet in speech, never uttering words that were improper, untrue, malicious, or unpleasant. The immensely energetic king found his pleasure in devoting himself to the welfare of all the worlds, treating everyone as his own self.
Through their great energy, all the Pandavas lived happily in Indraprastha, free from distress, having pacified every rival king.