Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 26
Duryodhana’s Envy at Yudhiṣṭhira’s Rājasūya and the Avabhṛtha Festival
अथर्त्विजो महाशीला: सदस्या ब्रह्मवादिन: । ब्रह्मक्षत्रियविट्शूद्रा राजानो ये समागता: ॥ २५ ॥ देवर्षिपितृभूतानि लोकपाला: सहानुगा: । पूजितास्तमनुज्ञाप्य स्वधामानि ययुर्नृप ॥ २६ ॥
athartvijo mahā-śīlāḥ sadasyā brahma-vādinaḥ brahma-kṣatriya-viṭ-śudrā- rājāno ye samāgatāḥ
Then the refined priests, the Vedic authorities who had served as sacrificial witnesses, the specially invited kings, and the brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas and śūdras—along with the demigods, sages, forefathers, subtle spirits, and the planetary rulers with their followers—having been worshiped by King Yudhiṣṭhira, took his leave, O King, and departed each to his own abode.
FAQs
This verse describes how, at the Rājasūya sacrifice, the gathered priests, learned assembly members, and people of all varṇas and kings were properly honored—showing yajña as a setting of respectful dharma and hospitality.
The Rājasūya was a major royal sacrifice requiring Vedic priests and an assembly of learned elders, and it drew rulers and representatives of society; the verse highlights the complete, orderly participation of the kingdom and its leaders.
Maintain respect for learning, integrity, and service—honor people appropriately in community or religious gatherings, and cultivate inclusive, dignified conduct rather than pride or social contempt.