The splendid time of the Rajsuya Yagya had arrived in the majestic city of Indraprastha. The illustrious event had drawn a multitude of esteemed guests, who had congregated to partake in this grand spectacle.

The atmosphere was saturated with a heady blend of fragrances, while the air reverberated with the enchanting sounds of ritualistic chants. The entire city of Indraprastha eagerly anticipated the moment they had been waiting for-the commencement of the sacred ceremony. The sacred rituals were set to unfold within the opulent Mayasabha, the royal assembly hall of Indraprastha.

"Behold, the pride of the Yadavas, the illustrious sons of Vasudev, Shri Balarama and Krishna, have arrived," proclaimed the imposing dwarpal, stationed at the entrance of Indraprastha.

"The distinguished Gandhar Raj Shakuni and Yuvraj Duryodhan, accompanied by their brothers. Angaraj Karna and Mewar-raj Shon, brother of Karna. Panchalraj Drupada is also making his way towards the Rajya Sabha," announced the dwarpal, his voice resonating with authority.

"Mahaguru Drona and Kulguru Kripa are proceeding towards the Rajya Sabha," informed the soldiers stationed nearby.

With hands joined in reverence and hearts brimming with devotion, Bheem and Arjun greeted the eminent personalities. "Our respects!" they exclaimed, their voices filled with utmost veneration.

"Our blessings upon you," responded the gurus, their countenances radiating warmth and serenity.

"Samrat Yudhishthir, the righteous emperor, Pitamaha Bhishma, Maharishi Ved Vyaas, Rajmata Kunti, and Queen Devika, along with other queens, are on their way," conveyed the diligent soldier.

The auspicious ceremony commenced, as sages and local inhabitants extolled the virtues of Yudhishthira, praising his noble qualities and righteous rule.

"Whom should I offer my honor to first?" inquired Yudhishthira, humbly seeking guidance.

"Bestow your honor upon the one who is truly worthy," responded Bhishma, his voice resonating with wisdom and authority.

"Do you refer to Maharishi Ved Vyasa or yourself?" Yudhishthira inquired further, seeking clarification.

"Neither I, nor Maharishi Vyasa. You, O Yudhishthira, embody the essence of Truth. Shri Krishna, the supreme being, is the only one deserving of our veneration," Bhishma elucidated, a gentle smile adorning his countenance.

"Please take your seat, Keshav," Yudhishistra invited Shri Krishna with utmost respect.

Nakula stepped forward, preparing to wash the feet of Shri Krishna, but was promptly interrupted by a thundering voice that filled the hall.

"Nakula! Whom do you intend to honor? Silence! Do not presume that the kings have gathered here out of fear for you. We permitted you to ascend the throne because we believed in your understanding of ethics, but by honoring this milkman, you have insulted us," Shishupal bellowed with unrestrained force.

"If you utter another word, I shall slay you," thundered Bhima, his fury aimed at Shishupal.

"Bhims! Shishupal is our guest," Yudhishthira intervened, reminding his brother to exercise restraint.

"Bade bhaiya is correct. Bhima bhayia, Arjuna, as hosts, it is essential that you do not overstep your boundaries. Shishupal, feel free to express yourself. Today is your day," Shri Krishna interjected, directing his gaze towards Shishupal.

"Indeed, I shall speak my mind fearlessly. I do not even accept you as the son of Kakshree Vasudev. You hold no right to accept this honor that rightly belongs to Maharishi Vyasa or Maharaj Dhritarashtra. You are nothing but a servant of King Kansa, and your acceptance of this honor is an affront to us kings. As for Pitamaha Bhishma, he has become senile, his vows of celibacy are a mere facade. Had he not taken this oath, he would have remained an impotent bachelor," Shishupal vented his anger in a torrent of words.

"I swear upon Lord Shiva, were it not for the sanctity of this occasion, I would sever your tongue," Bhishma retorted, his anger barely contained.

"He is not insulting you, Pitamaha. He insults me. Let him speak," Shri Krishna interposed, his countenance serene and composed.

"I require no permission to speak. This impotent fool suggested, the cursed Pandavas agreed, and this pretender accepted an honor that no servant could ever muster the audacity to embrace. Is he greater than Maharaj Drupad? Is he superior to Sages Drona or Kripa? Is he a mightier warrior than Duryodhan or Karna? He is neither a king, sage, nor teacher. Why then do you honor this ordinary milkman from Nandgaon?" Shishupal roared in indignation.

Krishna pondered within himself, "Are you listening, dear aunt? What course of action should I pursue now?"

"Silence, or I shall sever your tongue," Balarama exclaimed, his agitation palpable.

"Allow him to speak. Have you forgotten my promise to our aunt? I shall forgive him for a hundred offenses," Krishna declared.

"You may choose to forgive him, but I cannot! He has insulted Pitamaha Bhishma and our aunt Kunti. He disrespects you, and yet you smile," Balrama retorted, his grip tightening on his mace.

"I am not smiling. I am counting. Is there anything else you wish to say? You may commit three more transgressions," Shri Krishna calmly replied.

"Do not attempt to frighten me. You speak of three insults; I shall hurl three hundred insults at you, and you shall remain impotent. Count! That was ninety-eight. You are a wretched thief. That makes ninety-nine. You killed King Kansa, who once nurtured you. You are ungrateful. That's a hundred. What say you now?" Shishupal spat out his words in a fit of rage.

"That will suffice, Shishupal," Shri Krishna pronounced.

"You are an imposter, unworthy of this august assembly," Shishupal retorted defiantly, but before he could utter another word, Shri Krishna's Sudarshan chakra swiftly severed his head.

With the passing of time, Shishupal faded from their minds as they redirected their focus towards the ceremonial proceedings. As the auspicious rituals drew to a close, the gathered members raised their voices in unison, proclaiming, "Victory to Emperor Yudhishthir."

Amidst the euphoria, Yudhishthira stepped forward, in the presence of revered sages, the esteemed Grandfather Bhishma, and King Dhritarashtra. Sages Drona and Kripa, Uncle Vidur, and Brother Balram, as well as the younger brothers and kings, warriors, the Earth, the sky, and Krishna himself, Yudhishthira made a solemn declaration.

"In the presence of Sage Vyas and all the revered sages, Grandfather Bhishma, and King Dhritarashtra, Sages Drona and Kripa, Uncle Vidur, and Brother Balram, my younger brothers, fellow kings, valiant warriors, and all the witnesses here, I give you my solemn word. I shall protect and uphold our cherished traditions and values. Therefore, do not acclaim me alone, but rather, hail our motherland! Hail Hastinapur and King Dhritarashtra! On this momentous occasion, I also wish to make an announcement. I do not harbor aspirations of world domination. I find contentment in living within my own borders. Hence, no king need fear the might of Indraprastha. Our city does not seek to seize your lands but rather, yearns for your love and friendship. Furthermore, let it be known that Shishupal's demise does not signify the annexation of Chedi into Indraprastha. Chedi has always been and shall remain an independent nation. Shishupal's son, Dhrishtaketu, shall ascend the throne. He shall be crowned here today and depart Indraprastha as the rightful King of Chedi," Yudhishthira eloquently conveyed, his words laced with grace and dignity.

Following the completion of the ceremony, the Kuru clan assembled in the common area, a sense of camaraderie and unity pervading the atmosphere.

"Uncle, please take a seat," Yudhishistra requested Vidur, acknowledging his wise counsel and presence.

"This standing posture of mine serves as my seat," Vidur responded, his wisdom and humility evident in his words.

"Let Vidur be, lest he corner us with his astute ethical points. Neither Arjuna nor I possess an answer that could withstand his scrutiny," Bhishma remarked, recognizing Vidur's unparalleled expertise.

"Greetings, revered Sage," the members collectively greeted Maharishi Vyas as he entered the gathering.

"Blessings upon you all," Maharishi Vyas bestowed his benediction upon the assembly.

"I only wished to witness all of you together. Who knows when and under what circumstances such a gathering may occur again," Maharishi Vyas remarked with a hint of melancholy.

"Why speak in such a manner?" Dhritarashtra inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Do not ask me that, for it saddens me to say it, just as it saddens you to hear it. However, I shall say this: the Sun has its rightful place, just as a lamp has its own. They cannot exchange positions, for that would surely lead to their defeat. Okay, I shall take my leave now," Maharishi Vyas concluded and departed from the meeting.

Karna appeared perplexed, but he excused himself and departed the room along with his family due to the intense headache he was experiencing.

"I did not fully comprehend Sage Vyas's words," Dhritarashtra confessed, his mind burdened with unease.

"It is simple, father. Who is unaware of the distinction?" Duryodhana interjected, seeking to impress his father with his understanding.

"Suppose I am unaware. Would you enlighten me then?" Shri Krishna challenged, his tone laced with intrigue.

"What is there to explain? Each has its own distinct nature," Duryodhana responded nonchalantly.

"Both hold no meaning for me. If someone were to ask me to define light, a disciple of the learned Bhishma would be incapable of providing an answer. I find myself engulfed in darkness, yet I cannot comprehend its essence. Thus, we should ponder over the words of Sage Vyas," Dhritarashtra expressed, his anxiety palpable.

"Why must we ponder? What is there to worry about?" Duryodhana replied in a dismissive manner.

"To ponder is the duty of a king, Yuvraj Duryodhana," Vidur interjected, emphasizing the importance of reflection and contemplation.

"I simply wish for all of you to bless Yudhishthir, that he may become a just and revered king, whose name shall be remembered with honor in history," Kunti implored, her voice filled with maternal affection.

"As you wish, mother," Yudhishthira responded dutifully.

"Do not look to me. This is not a court gathering, but rather a gathering of family. Approach Grandsire first!" Vidur advised.

"Bless me, Grandsire," Yudhishthira respectfully sought Bhishma's blessings.

"May you live a long and prosperous life," Bhishma imparted his benediction.

"Bless me, that I may forever hold Hastinapur in reverence," Yudhishthira requested.

"What would you ask of your elder father? Approach him and bow before him," Bhishma advised.

"Bless me, Father," Yudhishthira reverently sought Dhritarashtra's blessings.

"May you live a long and fulfilling life. You need not seek a blessing for respect, for you are naturally imbued with it. The establishment of Indraprastha does not diminish your claim over Hastinapur," Dhritarashtra assured him.

"That claim too is yours. Tell him, Father, that Indraprastha is mine," Duryodhana interjected with a mischievous smile, teasing Yudhishthira.

"Why do you wish for Father to make that proclamation, that Indraprastha is yours? Instead, bless me with knowledge," Yudhishthira requested.

"Request Vidur to bestow that blessing upon you. Yes, my son, even I seek Vidur's guidance in that realm," Dhritarashtra admitted.

"As you wish, Father. Bless me, Uncle," Yudhishthira turned to Vidur.

"May you be a just and righteous king. You embody the essence of Truth. What more can I say? While one keeps an eye on the enemy, one must also keep a vigilant watch over their ministers and bodyguards. Maintain control over your affairs and ensure that your subjects are never left hungry," Vidur imparted his wisdom.

"These are mere fragments of wisdom, Uncle. Share more insights with me," Yudhishthira requested, eager for further guidance.

"Forgiveness is the path to peace. All conflicts find resolution in forgiveness. Remember this, an unjust king has the power to corrupt an inherited kingdom through his unjust deeds. A king who seeks refuge in falsehood shall witness his kingdom shrinking day by day. A king who covets another's wealth, bravery, honor, happiness, and good name can never find true success in life," Vidur concluded, his words resonating with profound truth and sagacity.