Preparations for Rajasooya

Yudhishthira had ruled admirably his half of the Kuru land. He had followed the science of governance to the letter. As a result every one lived happily. There was not even a mention of crime of any sort all through the kingdom. Reward came down from heaven for the just rule in the form of timely rains in the right quantity. Farmers worked hard on the land and produced food in abundance. The merchants carried their trade honestly and thus there was prosperity all through the kingdom. People gave their dues to the king happily and the wealth brought home through the victories of the Pandavas added to the otherwise overflowing treasury.

Krishna arrives

Yudhishthira thought that the time was right for performing the Rajasooya. His ministers were totally in agreement. Krishna arrived one day with Balarama carrying loads of gifts for the ceremony, as though reading the mind of the Pandava. Yudhishthira wanted the final word from Krishna to go ahead. Krishna was in full support for the venture. Dhaumya was the chief priest of the Pandavas and was in complete charge of the rituals. He decided who were all the priests to conduct the ceremony. Yudhishthira entrusted the task of inviting them to Sahadev. The sons of Pandavas were given the charge of arranging all the materials as demanded by the royal priest.
All the leading authorities on rituals of the time soon arrived on invitation. Vedavyasa was one among them. The special platform (Yajna sala) was built as specified by them. Sahadeva was then asked to invite the rulers of the nearby and far off lands. Messengers were dispatched to each kingdom for the purpose. Houses were built in anticipation to accommodate them.
Other brahmins came on their own accord hearing of the great sacrifice. They were housed suitably, given excellent food and properly entertained.

Arrival of the Kauravas

Nakula was sent to Hastinapuri to invite the Kauravas. Bheeshma, Drona, Vidura, Sakuni and Dhritarashtra with all his sons were all specially invited. They soon arrived carrying suitable gifts. Yudhishthira prostrated before his elders and took their permission to start the ceremony. He then assigned suitable responsibilities to the Kauravas.

When the sacrificial house (Sala) was ready Yudhishthira entered into it in the company of all the priests and invited kings. He was made to take the necessary vow before beginning the rituals.

Vyasa ends the chapter called “Rajasooya Parvam” in this manner.