Krishna Arrives and Grants Permission for the Sacrifice
Krishna arrives in Indraprastha with an army and a fortune, lighting up the city. Yudhishthira meets him with honor and makes a formal, public request: for Krishna's permission and his presence as the central figure of the impending sacrifice.
Yudhishthira's well-wishers had begun to gather, telling him the time had come for the sacrifice. As they spoke, Hari arrived.
He was Krishna Vasudeva — the ancient sage, the soul of the Vedas, visible only to those who knew him, the origin and dissolution of all things. He came as a king, placing his father Anakadundubhi in charge of his forces and bringing a great fortune of riches for Yudhishthira. Madhava, tiger among men, entered the supreme city of the Bharatas at the head of a large army, his wealth adding to the already inexhaustible ocean of treasure there. The city rejoiced at his coming as a sunless place rejoices at the sun.
Yudhishthira met him with delight, offering homage according to the rites. When they had asked after each other's welfare and Krishna was seated happily, Yudhishthira spoke. He spoke in the presence of the chief priests Dhoumya and Dvaipayana, and before his brothers Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva.
"Krishna," he said, "it is because of you that the entire earth is under my rule. It is through your favor that I have obtained these great riches. Now, I wish to devote all of this to the welfare of the brahmanas and the sacrificial fire, as is prescribed." He made his request formal and public. "With my younger brothers, I ask your permission for you to be instated in the sacrifice. When you have been installed, I will become free from sin. Otherwise, grant me and my brothers permission to undertake it. For with your permission, I will be able to perform that supreme sacrifice."
Krishna praised Yudhishthira's many qualities, then replied. "You are a universal emperor. You can perform the great sacrifice. Perform the one you wish. I am always established in your welfare. Appoint me to whatever office you want. I will act in accordance with all your words."
Yudhishthira said, "Krishna, Hrishikesha, when you are willingly present here, it is certain my resolution will be achieved and my success is assured." With Krishna's permission secured, the Pandava and his brothers began their preparations.