The Deliverance of Śiśupāla at the Rājasūya Sacrifice
All the Kings on every corner of the world accepted Maharaja Yudhishthira as the emperor of the entire world. Therefore he alone was qualified to perform the Rajasuya Sacrifice. Every royal house from all parts of the world was invited to witness the great sacrifice. Maharaja Yudhishthira had created comfortable living palace for all them, their ministers and families.
The Brahmanas and priests built the sacrificial arena with a golden plow. All the utensils were made from solid gold. MaharajYudhisthira was initiated as the performer of the sacrifice. By chanting sacred mantras, the priests invited Lord Brahma, Lord Siva and the King of Heaven, Indra to also partake in the sacrifice.
Before the sacrifice was to begin there had to be a ceremony called the Agra-puja. In this puja someone has to be elected to be worshipped first. Many people suggested different people until Sahadev recommended Lord Krsna. After a brief philosophical presentation as to why Krsna should be worshiped first, Sahadev fell silent. Then everyone broke the silence by applauding and confirming Sahadev chose. MaharajYudhistri been glad at the choice of the assembly, especially the Brahmanas and priests, placed Lord Krsna on a golden throne and worshipped Him according the injunctions of the Vedic scriptures. After the worship was completed everyone stood up and acknowledged Lord Sri Krsna by showering with flowers.
There were a few that did not agree to Krsna been the recipient of first worship. Sisupala was in the assembly of these demoniac men and his heart was burning with envy when Krsna was been worshiped. Sisupala was envious of Krsna from birth. He began blaspheming Krsna even before he could talk in proper sentences. Krsna had given Sisupala’s mother the benedictions that he will not kill her son until he reaches the 100th blaspheme. So throughout his life, Sisupala blasphemed Krsna and Krsna did not punish him.
Unfortunately at the Rajasuya sacrifice, Sisupala had reached the 100th offense. The Supreme Lord tolerated all of Sisupala’s insults. There were a few that sided with Sisupala and appalled his speech. Some could not tolerate the insult, so they blocked their ears and left the sacrifice. The mighty warriors that did not agree with Sisupala all picked up their weapons, ready to decapitate Sisupala’s head from his body.
Lord Krsna could see that fight was going to take place and not wanting to contaminate the Rajasuya sacrifice with the blood of Sisupala, released His Sudharsana Chakra. Sri Chakra cut off the head of Sisupala without dropping a single blood on the sacrificial arena.
At that time, the spirit soul from within the body of Sisupala came out. To the astonishment of the assembled kings, That spirit soul merged into the body of Sri Krsna.
After the Killing of Sisupala, Maharaja Yudhishthira completed the Rajasuya Sacrifices. But Maharaja Yudhishthira was a little perplexed by why Krsna would award Sisupala liberation.