Narada recounts Harishchandra's deeds and advises Yudhishthira
Narada explains why only the rajarshi Harishchandra earned a place in Indra’s sabha: he conquered the entire earth alone and performed a lavish royal sacrifice, giving to priests beyond all measure. He then delivers Pandu’s urgent message and a stark warning.
Yudhishthira had asked why, of all royal sages, only Harishchandra was in Indra’s sabha. Narada replied.
Harishchandra was a powerful sovereign. All kings on earth were under his rule. Riding alone on his gold-embellished, invincible chariot, he conquered the seven dvipas (continents) with the power of his weapons. Having conquered the entire earth — mountains, forests, and groves — he performed a great royal sacrifice.
At his command, all kings brought riches. Harishchandra happily distributed to the priests, then and there, five times what they had asked for. When the rituals were complete, he gratified the brahmanas who had assembled from every direction with many types of riches, food, delicacies, and piles of gems.
Satiated and honoured, the brahmanas declared he was more energetic and famous than all kings. For this reason, Narada said, Harishchandra shone more brightly than thousands of other kings. Having completed his great sacrifice, the immensely powerful Harishchandra was instated in his kingdom and looked radiant.
Narada delivered the lesson: any king who performs the great rajasuya sacrifice blissfully spends his time with Indra afterward. Those killed in battle without fleeing also attain that abode, as do those who give up their bodies after terrible austerities.
Then Narada delivered the message Yudhishthira had asked for. His father, Pandu, witnessing Harishchandra’s fortune from the world of the ancestors, was amazed. Pandu’s words were clear: “You can conquer the earth. Your brothers follow you. Perform the great rajasuya sacrifice.” Narada urged Yudhishthira to act upon that wish and attain Indra’s world with his ancestors.
But Narada did not leave it there. He offered a warning. This great sacrifice was constrained by many obstacles. Brahma rakshasas — destroyers of sacrifices — looked for holes in the ritual. A war might follow it, leading to the destruction of the earth. For a small reason, a terrible destruction could ensue.
“Reflect on this and do what is good for you,” Narada advised. “Always be watchful in protecting the four varnas (social orders). Grow prosperous. Rejoice. Gratify the brahmanas with gifts.”
Having described in detail all that was asked, Narada then requested permission to leave for the city of the Dasharhas.