PLATE ONE

The great Rajasiya sacrifice performed by Maharaja Yudhisthira was
attended by all the exalted demigods, the most expert brahmanas and
sages, and kings from different parts of the world. When all the respect-
able members of that assembly began worshiping Lord Krsna as the most
exalted personality, King Sigupala became very angry. From the very
beginning of his childhood, when he could not even speak properly,
Sisupala, the most sinful son of Damaghosa, began blaspheming the
Lord. Thus, not being able to tolerate such honor to Krsna and glorifica-
tion of His qualities, he stood up suddenly and began speaking very
strongly against Lord Krsna. All the kings present in the assembly be-
came very angry and immediately took up their swords and shields to kill
Sigupala, but when Lord Krsna saw that they were going to fight in the
arena of the auspicious Rajasiya sacrifice, He personally pacified all of
them. Out of His causeless mercy, He Himself decided to kill Sisupiila.
While Sisupala abused the kings who were about to attack him, Lord
Krsna took up His disc, which was as sharp as the blade of a razor, and
immediately separated Sisupala’s head from his body. In the presence of
all the exalted persons in the assembly, Sisupdla’s spirit soul merged into
the transcendental body of the Supreme Lord, Krsna. (pp. 21-26)
