Sishupala Challenges the First Honor to Krishna at Yudhishtra's Rajasuya Yagna : Episode 79

Recap of Previous Episode :

The news of the queens’ death reaches Hastinapura. Sahadeva seeks Krishna’s help against Jarasandha. Shakuni attempts to secure Subhadra’s marriage to Duryodhana, but Krishna quietly prepares a different fate. Narada sets the rule that sends Arjuna into exile, leading to his marriage with Subhadra and her eventual acceptance by Draupadi.

Arjuna and Subhadra Begin Their Life

Arjuna’s marriage to Subhadra becomes the talk of Aryavarta. Joy spreads across Indraprastha, but in Hastinapura, Duryodhana’s jealousy flares once again. Dhritarashtra and Gandhari worry about their son, already restless from the Pandavas’ rising fortunes.

The Swayamvara at Kalinga

Around this time, the King of Kalinga announces the swayamvara of his daughter Bhanumathi. Great kings gather — Jarasandha, Shishupala, and many others. When the competition turns fierce, Karna steps forward for Duryodhana. He defeats the assembled kings and brings Bhanumathi to Hastinapura. Duryodhana marries her with pride and gratitude toward his friend.

Karna later marries Subhangi, the princess of Chandramalai.

A New Generation Arrives

As seasons pass, Indraprastha grows lively with the laughter of children. Draupadi gives birth to one son each for the five Pandavas. Arjuna and Subhadra welcome Abhimanyu.

Duryodhana and Bhanumathi become parents to Lakshmana and Lakshmi.

The next stage of destiny quietly prepares itself.

Yudhishtra’s Desire for Rajasuya

Yudhishtra expresses his wish to perform the Rajasuya Yagna. He seeks Krishna’s guidance.

Krishna explains that Rajasuya demands acknowledgement of Yudhishtra’s supremacy from all kings. One man will never agree —Jarasandha of Magadha, who dreams of world conquest. He has already imprisoned eighty-six kings for a Naramedha sacrifice.

Krishna says plainly: “For the Rajasuya to be possible, Jarasandha must fall.”

Yudhishtra agrees. He sends Bhima as the warrior chosen to challenge him.

Journey to Magadha

Disguised as Brahmins, Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna travel to Magadha and seek an audience with Jarasandha. The king, bound by the duty of hospitality, grants them a boon. Krishna reveals their true intent.

Jarasandha laughs and chooses Bhima as his opponent.

The Duel That Shakes Magadha

Bhima and Jarasandha wrestle. Day after day, they remain evenly matched — two mountains locked in combat.

Finally, Bhima tears Jarasandha apart and throws the two halves away. But to Arjuna’s astonishment, the pieces join back together. Jarasandha rises again, roaring with renewed strength.

Perplexed, Arjuna turns to Krishna, who narrates the strange tale of Jarasandha’s birth:

Long ago, King Brihadratha of Magadha, childless, receives a fruit from Sage Chandakaushika to be given to the queen who seeks blessing. Loving both his wives equally, he divides the fruit between them. Each queen gives birth to half a child — two lifeless pieces. The horrified king instructs the attendants to discard them. A demoness named Jara finds them, joins the halves, and life stirs. Thus the child becomes Jarasandha—“joined by Jara.”

Arjuna now understands why Jarasandha cannot die by normal means.

Krishna plucks a blade of grass, breaks it into two pieces, and throws them in opposite directions. Bhima grasps the unspoken message.

With renewed force, he tears Jarasandha asunder once more—this time throwing the halves far apart. They do not rejoin.

Jarasandha falls. Magadha breaks free.

Shishupala’s Vow

News reaches Shishupala that his godfather is dead. Enraged, he takes a vow: “I shall kill Krishna—or die by his hands.”

The wheel of destiny turns a little faster.

Rajasuya Preparations Begin

With Jarasandha gone, every king acknowledges Yudhishtra’s supremacy. Dhritarashtra agrees too, though Dushasana objects loudly. Bhima and Vidura reason that the Pandavas’ triumph is Kuru triumph as well.

Shakuni counters: Yudhishtra becoming Chakravarthi means they must obey him.

Bhishma replies firmly: “If you wished for the honor, you should have challenged Jarasandha yourself, defeated him, and made Duryodhana perform Rajasuya.” He warns Dhritarashtra again—unchecked arrogance will destroy his sons.

The king commands all to attend the Yagna. Dushasana storms out, but Duryodhana bows and accepts. Later, he tells Shakuni confidently: “At the Yagna, Yudhishtra will bow before me.”

The Yagna Assembly

The great gathering begins. Yudhishtra welcomes Vyasa, Bhishma, Drona, and Dhritarashtra with humility. He admits his inexperience and requests Bhishma to guide the proceedings.

Bhishma explains that one person must first be offered the highest honor. Yudhishtra insists Bhishma is the most deserving. Bhishma declines: “I have renounced worldly life. Vyasa and Drona stand beyond politics. Krishna alone stands supreme—wisdom, courage, and divinity in one.”

Yudhishtra accepts this and steps toward Krishna.

Shishupala’s Outburst

Shishupala rises and commands the assembly to halt. He insults Bhishma with cruel words, pours scorn upon Krishna, and mocks the gathering.

Balarama and the Pandavas protest, but Krishna remains serene. He reminds them of the promise he once made to Shishupala’s mother — his own aunt.

At Shishupala’s birth, the baby had an extra head and extra arms. A prophecy declared they would vanish in the hands of the child’s future slayer. When Krishna held him, the extra limbs disappeared. Alarmed, the mother begged Krishna to spare her son. Krishna promised to tolerate a hundred insults.

Now, as Shishupala hurls abuse after abuse, Krishna silently counts — one flower at a time falling from his garland.

Shishupala continues, unaware that his final moment approaches.