The legend of the building of Indraprastha begins in a time of transition for the five Pandava brothers. Having been granted the barren, desert-like tract of land known as Khandavaprastha by their uncle Dhritarashtra to avoid a direct conflict with their cousins, the Kauravas, the Pandavas faced the daunting task of turning a wasteland into a kingdom. This region was a dense, wild forest inhabited by Nagas and spirits, far from the civilization they had known in Hastinapur. However, with the guidance of Lord Krishna, the Pandavas set out to establish a new capital that would eventually rival the city of the gods.
While the city itself began to take shape, a pivotal moment occurred during the burning of the Khandava Forest. Agni, the god of fire, desired to consume the forest to cure himself of an ailment caused by excessive ritual offerings. Krishna and Arjuna assisted Agni by creating a canopy of arrows to prevent the rain sent by Indra from extinguishing the flames. In the midst of this inferno, Arjuna spotted a figure attempting to flee the blaze. This was Maya Danava, the master architect of the Asura race, a being possessed of immense knowledge regarding the arts, engineering, and the occult properties of materials. Recognizing Maya's distress, Arjuna spared his life and protected him from the fire and from Krishna’s chakra.
Maya Danava, overwhelmed by Arjuna's mercy, felt a profound debt of gratitude. As a Danava—one of the descendants of Kashyapa and Danu—he was an outsider to the Devas, yet his skills were unparalleled in all the three worlds. He approached Arjuna and said, 'You have saved me from the wrath of Agni and the disc of Krishna. I am an architect of great renown among the Asuras. Ask of me any gift, and I shall provide it.' Initially, Arjuna, true to his kshatriya dharma, refused any payment for a righteous deed. He told Maya that the act of saving a life was its own reward. However, Maya persisted, wishing to leave a physical testament to his gratitude. Krishna, seeing an opportunity to provide the Pandavas with a seat of power that reflected their divine lineage, intervened. He suggested that Maya build an assembly hall—a Sabha—for King Yudhishthira, one that would be unique in the world, incorporating wonders that no mortal or god had ever seen.
Maya Danava accepted this task with fervor. He traveled to the North, specifically to the Mainaka mountain near the lake Bindusaras. It was there, in a region filled with celestial riches, that Maya had previously stored vast quantities of precious stones, gold, and magical artifacts that had belonged to the king of the Danavas, Vrishaparva. He also retrieved a massive, heavy mace which he intended for Bhima, and a conch shell of immense power for Arjuna. Returning to the site of Indraprastha, Maya began the construction of the palace hall. He employed a host of Rakshasas to assist in the heavy labor, but the design and the 'magic' of the structure were entirely his own. The construction lasted fourteen months, during which the barren landscape of Delhi was transformed into a site of celestial grandeur.
The resulting palace, the Maya Sabha, was a triumph of illusion and geometry. It occupied an area of ten thousand cubits and was supported by pillars made of gold and encrusted with gems. The walls were not mere stone or wood; they were fashioned from slabs of crystal that were so clear they seemed like open air. Conversely, Maya used various types of stones and polished materials to create the appearance of windows where there were only walls. The lighting within the hall was independent of the sun, provided by the inner glow of the gems embedded in the ceilings. The atmosphere within remained perfectly temperate, regardless of the scorching heat of the northern Indian plains outside.
The most famous feature of the palace was its central courtyard. Maya Danava had constructed a pool that was a masterpiece of deception. The water was so still and the bottom so cleverly decorated with gems and artificial lotuses that it looked like a solid, polished floor. Nearby, he had constructed floors out of blue lapis lazuli and translucent crystal that shimmered with such a liquid light that any observer would be certain they were stepping into a deep pond. Fountains were hidden within the carvings of the pillars, and the gardens surrounding the hall were filled with trees that bore fruit and flowers in every season, their scents carried by gentle, artificial breezes.
When the palace was complete, Yudhishthira performed the Rajasuya Yajna, a great sacrifice to establish his sovereignty. Kings and princes from across the subcontinent were invited to witness the glory of Indraprastha. Among the guests was Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas. As he walked through the Maya Sabha, his mind was overwhelmed by the architecture. He found himself treading carefully on dry floors, lifting his skirts to avoid getting wet, only to realize he was walking on stone. Later, seeing what he thought was a solid crystalline floor, he stepped forward confidently, only to splash into a deep pool of real water. The laughter that followed—some traditions attribute it to Draupadi, others to the servants—ignited a deep-seated humilitation and rage within Duryodhana. He felt that the Pandavas were using the illusions of the Danava to mock his status and his lack of divine favor.