Shloka 5
Duryodhana’s Envy at Yudhiṣṭhira’s Rājasūya and the Avabhṛtha Festival
भीमो महानसाध्यक्षो धनाध्यक्ष: सुयोधन: । सहदेवस्तु पूजायां नकुलो द्रव्यसाधने ॥ ४ ॥ गुरुशुश्रूषणे जिष्णु: कृष्ण: पादावनेजने । परिवेषणे द्रुपदजा कर्णो दाने महामना: ॥ ५ ॥ युयुधानो विकर्णश्च हार्दिक्यो विदुरादय: । बाह्लीकपुत्रा भूर्याद्या ये च सन्तर्दनादय: ॥ ६ ॥ निरूपिता महायज्ञे नानाकर्मसु ते तदा । प्रवर्तन्ते स्म राजेन्द्र राज्ञ: प्रियचिकीर्षव: ॥ ७ ॥
bhīmo mahānasādhyakṣo dhanādhyakṣaḥ suyodhanaḥ sahadevas tu pūjāyāṁ nakulo dravya-sādhane
Bhīma supervised the kitchen; Suyodhana (Duryodhana) managed the treasury; Sahadeva honored the arriving guests; and Nakula procured the needed items. Arjuna served the venerable elders; Śrī Kṛṣṇa washed everyone’s feet; Draupadī distributed the food; and the magnanimous Karṇa gave out the gifts. Yuyudhāna, Vikarṇa, Hārdikya, Vidura, Bhūriśravā and other sons of Bāhlīka, Santardana, and many others were likewise assigned various duties in that great sacrifice. O best of kings, they did so eager to please Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira.
FAQs
This verse shows Krishna personally taking the humble role of washing the guests’ feet, teaching that true greatness expresses itself through loving service (seva) and honoring devotees.
Bhima managed the kitchen, Duryodhana the treasury, Sahadeva the worship, Nakula the supplies, Arjuna served elders, Draupadi served food, Karna gave charity, and many others were assigned specific tasks to support Yudhishthira’s sacrifice.
It teaches cooperative service—each person taking responsibility according to ability—and highlights humility: even the greatest (like Krishna) chooses to serve, making devotion practical through everyday duties.