Akrūra, his heart weighed with concern, approached the Lord with reverence. He bowed deeply and offered prayers: “O God of gods, Lord of the universe, whose hearing and praise are holy, O foremost among the Yadus, praised by the best of hymns, O Nārāyaṇa, I bow to You.” In reply, the Blessed Lord assured him, “I will come to your house, accompanied by noble souls. After slaying the wicked Yadu king, I will bring joy to my friends.” Thus comforted, Akrūra entered Mathurā, reported his mission to Kaṃsa, and returned to his own home. That afternoon, Lord Kṛṣṇa, accompanied by Saṅkarṣaṇa and surrounded by eager cowherds, entered the city of Mathurā. As they walked, Kṛṣṇa beheld the city’s grandeur: lofty gates of crystal, grand doorways adorned with golden arches, walls plated in copper, deep moats, and lush gardens and groves enhancing its beauty. The city glistened with palaces crowned by golden spires and balconies, assembly halls and mansions lined with balustrades and altars inlaid with beryl, diamonds, sapphires, coral, pearls, and emeralds. Latticed windows, doorways, and floors echoed with the sounds of pigeons and peacocks, while the streets, markets, and crossroads were freshly sprinkled with water, strewn with garlands, sandalwood powder, and rice grains. Every doorway and home was beautifully decorated: full pots anointed with yogurt and sandal paste, rows of flowers and lamps with tender leaves, clusters of plantain trees, and festoons with cloth banners. As Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, the sons of Vasudeva, entered the city along the royal road with their friends, the women of Mathurā, eager to behold them, rushed out and climbed atop their mansions, their hearts filled with excitement. So great was their haste that some women put on their clothes and ornaments incorrectly, some forgot to finish dressing, some wore only one earring or anklet, and others adorned only one eye with collyrium. Some left their meals unfinished, others abandoned festival preparations and came without bathing; some, awakened by the commotion, left their children unweaned and hurried out—even mothers. Kṛṣṇa, with lotus eyes, playful glances, and gentle smiles, captivated these women, stealing their minds and filling their hearts with delight, like a proud, intoxicated elephant. Seeing him again and again, their minds drawn as they had heard tales of him, the women embraced him with their eyes, their skin bristling with joy, forgetting all sorrow. Their faces blooming with happiness, the women climbed to the tops of their mansions and showered flowers of good wishes upon Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma. The delighted brāhmaṇas, at various places, worshipped them with curds, unbroken rice, water vessels, garlands, fragrant substances, and other offerings. The townspeople marveled, saying, “What great austerity did the cowherd women perform, that they are able to see these two, the great festival of the human world?” As they proceeded, Kṛṣṇa, the elder brother of Gadā, saw a washerman approaching—a dyer—and asked him for some fine, clean clothes. He said, “O good man, give us suitable garments, for we are worthy; you will gain the highest good by giving—of this there is no doubt.” The washerman, a servant of the king, responded arrogantly and angrily, “Such clothes are only for those who dwell in the forest and mountains; why do you, so bold, desire the king’s property? Go quickly, children; do not ask for such things if you wish to live. The royal households, proud as they are, bind, kill, and plunder.” Hearing these harsh words, Kṛṣṇa’s anger flared, and with his hand he struck the washerman’s head from his body. All his attendants fled, abandoning their bundles of garments, and Acyuta took the clothes. Having dressed in garments pleasing to themselves, Kṛṣṇa and Saṅkarṣaṇa gave the remaining clothes to the cowherds, leaving some on the ground. Next, a tailor joyfully prepared attire for the two, with garments of various colors and suitable designs. Kṛṣṇa and Rāma shone forth in their diverse attire, adorned like young elephants—one fair, one dark—at a festival. Pleased, the Lord granted the tailor likeness to Himself, supreme fortune, strength, sovereignty, memory, and mastery of the senses. Then they went to the house of Sudāmā, the garland-maker. Seeing them, Sudāmā rose and bowed his head to the ground. He brought seats, water for their feet, offerings, and other honors, worshipping them and their companions with garlands, betel, and ointments. Sudāmā said, “O Lord, my birth has become meaningful and my lineage purified; my ancestors and gods are pleased with me by your arrival. You two are indeed the supreme cause of the universe, descended in partial form for the welfare and prosperity of the world. Your vision is never partial, O friends and souls of the world; you are equal to all beings, even to those who worship or are worshipped by you. Now command your servant—what shall I do for you? To be instructed by you is the highest favor a person can receive.” Thinking thus, Sudāmā, with a joyful heart, offered garlands made from excellent, fragrant flowers. Adorned with those garlands, Kṛṣṇa and Rāma, with their companions, granted boons to Sudāmā, who had bowed and surrendered. He chose unwavering devotion to the all-pervading Self, friendship with His devotees, and supreme compassion for all beings. Thus, granting him this boon and wealth to increase his lineage, along with strength, long life, fame, and splendor, the Lord departed with His elder brother. Thus concludes the forty-first chapter, “Entry into the City,” in the first half of the tenth book of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the great Purāṇa and scripture of the supreme renunciates. Śuka continued: Afterward, the Lord showed favor to Kubjā, broke the bow, and made the wrestling arena ready. As Mādhava proceeded along the royal road, he saw a young maiden, Kubjā, with a lovely face, carrying a vessel of fragrant ointment. Smiling and full of delight, he questioned her as she walked, “Who are you, beautiful one? What is this fragrant ointment? Whose maid are you? Please tell us clearly. Apply this excellent ointment to our limbs; by this, your good fortune will soon arise.” Sairandhri replied, “I am a maidservant, O handsome one, approved by Kaṃsa, and my name is Trivakra. My work is to prepare ointments, and what I make is especially dear to the Bhoja king. Besides you two, who else is worthy of it?