Shloka 8
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Rājasūya Resolve and the Slaying of Jarāsandha
ऋषीणां पितृदेवानां सुहृदामपि न: प्रभो । सर्वेषामपि भूतानामीप्सित: क्रतुराडयम् ॥ ८ ॥
ṛṣīṇāṁ pitṛ-devānāṁ suhṛdām api naḥ prabho sarveṣām api bhūtānām īpsitaḥ kratu-rāḍ ayam
హే ప్రభో! ఋషులు, పితృదేవతలు, దేవతలు, మా సుహృదులు, అలాగే సమస్త జీవులకూ ఈ యజ్ఞరాజమైన మహాక్రతువు అత్యంత ఇష్టమైనది.
FAQs
This verse presents the Rājasūya as a highly desired “king of sacrifices,” pleasing and benefiting sages, forefathers, demigods, friends, and—by extension—all beings, indicating its broad dharmic and spiritual significance when performed properly.
In the context of planning the Rājasūya, Yudhiṣṭhira appeals to Kṛṣṇa by emphasizing that the sacrifice is universally auspicious and desired, strengthening the case for Kṛṣṇa’s support and guidance in fulfilling this dharmic responsibility.
The verse highlights living in gratitude and responsibility—through prayer, remembrance of ancestors, charity, service to saintly persons, and offering one’s work to God—so one’s actions become beneficial beyond oneself.