Karna and Duryodhana Plan a Rajasuya Sacrifice
After Bhishma leaves in shame, Duryodhana asks his advisers what to do next. Karna reassures him the earth is his. Duryodhana confesses his envy of the Pandavas' rajasuya sacrifice and wants one of his own — but a priest explains it cannot be performed while Yudhishthira and Dhritarashtra live, and recommends a Vaishnava sacrifice instead.
When Bhishma finished speaking and left, Karna, Duhshasana, and the other mighty archers followed Duryodhana. Bhishma, the grandfather of the Kurus, lowered his head in shame and went to his own house.
But Duryodhana did not retreat. He returned to the same spot and consulted with his advisers. "What is the best course of action for us? What is left to be done? How should we act now?"
Karna answered. "O Duryodhana, listen to what I have to say. The earth is yours now, without any rivals. With your enemies killed, protect it like Shakra."
Duryodhana was not satisfied with reassurance alone. He told Karna what was truly on his mind. "On witnessing the great and supreme rajasuya sacrifice of the Pandavas, I am filled with the desire of undertaking it and satisfy my wishes."
Karna encouraged him. "All the lords of the earth have now been brought under your subjugation. Summon the foremost among brahmanas and collect offerings. Let the officiating priests, learned in the Vedas, perform the rites in accordance with the sacred texts. Let your great sacrifice have plenty to eat and drink."
Duryodhana summoned a priest and gave his order: "Arrange for rajasuya, the best of sacrifices, with the best of dakshina (gifts to priests), and according to all the rites."
The priest replied carefully. "That best of sacrifices cannot be performed in your lineage as long as Yudhishthira is alive. Your father Dhritarashtra, with a long life, is also alive. Because of these reasons, you cannot perform this sacrifice."
But there was another option. The priest described a great sacrifice equal to the rajasuya — the Vaishnava sacrifice. No one except the ancient Vishnu had ever performed it. The king would have a plough constructed, plough the sacrificial ground, and organize the ceremony with plenty of food. It would be equal to the rajasuya, supreme among sacrifices.
Duryodhana turned to Karna, Soubala, and his brothers. "There is no doubt that the words of the brahmanas are attractive to me. If they are attractive to you, let me know that, without any delay."
They agreed. Duryodhana gave instructions to the appointed people. He ordered all the artisans to construct the plough. Everything he had instructed was carried out in due order. Aranyaka Parva, Chapter 538