Invitations are Sent and the Rajasuya is Inaugurated
Invitations fly to every corner of society and every kingdom. At the appointed time, Yudhishthira is instated in the Rajasuya and proceeds to the sacrificial ground at the heart of a vast, joyous multitude. The sacrifice begins in a roar of generosity, and then a final, crucial invitation is sent north.
With everything prepared, Yudhishthira, supreme among the Kuru lineage, gave the final order. He instructed his adviser Sahadeva: "Quickly send swift messengers with invitations."
Sahadeva sent them immediately. "Invite to the kingdom all the brahmanas and all the landowners, all the vaishyas and all the respected shudras. Bring them all here." On the Pandava's instructions, invitations also went out to every lord of the earth.
When the time was right, the brahmanas instated Kunti's son Yudhishthira in the rajasuya sacrifice. Dharmaraja, always devoted to dharma, then went to the sacrificial ground. He was surrounded by thousands — brahmanas, his brothers, his relatives, his well-wishers, his advisers, and kshatriyas who had arrived from many countries. Accompanied by his ministers, the best of kings seemed like dharma personified.
Brahmanas arrived from every direction, learned in all the branches of knowledge, the Vedas and the Vedangas. On Yudhishthira's instructions, thousands of artisans had built separate dwelling places for them and their companions, stocked with food and garments. Shown every favor, the brahmanas lived there, recounting tales, watching actors and dancers. A great and unending sound rose from the site as those great-souled men cheerfully ate and spoke. The air was filled with the sounds of "Give, give!" and "Eat, eat!"
Dharmaraja gave away hundreds and thousands of cattle, beds, gold, and women. Thus the sacrifice of the great-souled Pandava began — the unmatched warrior on earth, as Shakra is among the gods.
Then King Yudhishthira sent his brother Nakula to Hastinapura. His mission was to bring back Bhishma, Drona, Dhritarashtra, Vidura, Kripa, and all the Kuru brothers who were attached to Yudhishthira. The circle of the world, for this supreme rite, would not be complete without them.