Sisupâla went on in this way and Krishna did not say a word. The lion heeds not the jackal’s cry. The members of the Assembly closed their ears and went away, cursing Sisupâla in anger. They could not hear the calumny of Bhagavat. For he who hears the calumny of Bhagavat and of those that are devoted to him and does not leave the place goes downwards, deprived of all merits. The sons of Pându and their allies of Matsya, Kaikaya and Srinjaya, took up arms to kill Sisupâla. Sisupâla also took his shield and sword and reproved the kings on the side of Krishna. Krishna then rose up and asked his followers to desist. He cut off the head of Sisupâla with the Chakra. A flame like a glowing meteor rose from the body of Sisupâla and entered Sri Krishna. For three births, Sisupâla had constantly followed Vishnu in enmity. By this constant though hostile meditation, he attained the state of that he meditated upon. (The readers are reminded here of the story of Jaya and Vijaya, the gatekeepers of Vishnu in Vaikuntha). The Rajasûya sacrifice came to a close. Râjâ Yudhisthira performed the bathing ceremony, enjoined at the close of a sacrifice (_avabhritha_). THE SLIGHT OF DURYODHANA. *SKANDHA X. CHAP. 75.* The fame of Yudhisthira went abroad. All sang the glory of the Rajasûya sacrifice. Duryodhana became filled with jealousy. One day king Yudhisthira was seated on a golden throne in the assembly hall, prepared by Mâyâ, with Krishna and others around him. The proud Duryodhana, surrounded by his brothers, entered the place with crown on his head and sword in his hand, showering abuse on the gate-keepers and others. He took land to be water and drew up his clothes. He also took water to be land and wet himself. The Mâyâ (Magic), displayed by Mâyâ, in the preparation of the assembly ground, caused this delusion. Bhima laughed, and the females and other kings laughed too, though forbidden by Yudhisthira. Krishna however approved their laughter. Overpowered with shame, with his head cast down, Duryodhana silently left the place and went to Hastinâpura. Krishna kept quiet. He wished to relieve the Earth of the weight of the Daityas who were oppressing her. It was only His will that Duryodhana should thus be deluded (and the disastrous results would follow). SÂLVA. *SKANDHA X. CHAP. 76-77.*