Kings depart after the completed Rajasuya sacrifice
The Rajasuya sacrifice, protected by Krishna, is complete. The kshatriya kings who attended now seek Yudhishthira's leave to return home. Yudhishthira honors them and orders his brothers and allies to conduct each king and his retinue safely to the borders of his kingdom.
The great sacrifice was over. The rajasuya of the king of the Kurus had brought prosperity and joy, marked by an abundance of riches, grain, and food. It had been auspicious in its beginnings, with obstructions to peace removed. And until it was completed, it had been protected by Keshava. The mighty-armed Janardana, wielder of the sharnga bow, chakra, and club, had stood guard.
Now, after Dharmaraja Yudhishthira had performed the final bath, all the kshatriya (warrior) kings came to him.
"O Ajamidha! O one who is knowledgeable in dharma!" they said. "Your prosperity has been extended. You have obtained sovereignty. Your fame has been extended. O Indra among kings! With this deed, you have accomplished a great act for dharma." They offered their praise, then made their request. "O tiger among men! We crave your leave. We have been shown homage in every way we desire. We now wish to return to our own kingdoms. Please grant us leave."
Yudhishthira heard their words. He worshipped each king as he deserved, acknowledging their status and their courtesy in attending. Then he turned to his brothers. "All these kings have assembled here out of their own pleasure. These scorchers of enemies are now leaving for their own kingdoms and are seeking my permission. O fortunate ones! Conduct these kings to the ends of our kingdom."
The Pandavas, always followers of dharma, obeyed. They followed each principal king, as each one deserved, providing the honor guard of a safe departure.
The powerful Dhrishtadyumna conducted King Virata. The maharatha (great chariot-warrior) Dhananjaya (Arjuna) conducted the great-souled Yajnasena (Drupada). The immensely strong Bhimasena conducted Bhishma and Dhritarashtra. The great warrior Sahadeva conducted the brave Drona and his son Ashvatthama. Nakula conducted Subala and his son Shakuni, and the sons of Draupadi and Subhadra conducted the kings of the mountains. Other bulls among the kshatriyas conducted other kshatriyas.
And worshipped properly, all the brahmanas departed as well. The sabha, once teeming with the power of the earth, began to empty.