Shloka 16
Rājasūya: Agrapūjā for Kṛṣṇa and the Slaying (and Liberation) of Śiśupāla
अयाजयन् महाराजं याजका देववर्चस: । राजसूयेन विधिवत् प्रचेतसमिवामरा: ॥ १६ ॥
ayājayan mahā-rājaṁ yājakā deva-varcasaḥ rājasūyena vidhi-vat pracetasam ivāmarāḥ
The priests, radiant with power like the gods, duly performed the Rājasūya sacrifice for King Yudhiṣṭhira according to Vedic injunctions, just as the demigods once performed it for Varuṇa (Pracetas).
FAQs
This verse states that the Rājasūya was performed for the great king (Yudhiṣṭhira) strictly according to Vedic rules, under the guidance of qualified priests who were described as radiant like the gods.
In the narrative, the Rājasūya establishes Yudhiṣṭhira’s imperial sovereignty and becomes the setting for major events of the chapter; the priests conduct it properly, paralleling ancient precedent (Pracetā) to show legitimacy and continuity of dharma.
The verse highlights disciplined, principled action under qualified guidance—encouraging sincerity, correctness, and respect for sacred process rather than shortcuts, especially in spiritual practice and ethical leadership.