Hearing Akrūra’s anxious heart, the Blessed Lord Kṛṣṇa assured him, “I will come to your house, accompanied by the noble ones. After I have slain the wicked Yadu king, I will bring joy to my friends.” Thus comforted, though still troubled in mind, Akrūra entered the city of Mathurā. He reported the completion of his task to Kaṁsa and then returned to his own home. That afternoon, Lord Kṛṣṇa, together with His elder brother Saṅkarṣaṇa (Balarāma) and surrounded by their cowherd friends, entered the city of Mathurā. The cowherds were filled with excitement, eager to see the famed city. As Kṛṣṇa walked through Mathurā, He beheld its grandeur: towering crystal gates, splendid doorways crowned with golden arches, walls plated with shining copper, deep moats difficult to cross, and enchanting gardens and groves that adorned the city’s beauty. All around were palaces with golden spires and balconies, assembly halls and mansions arranged in splendid rows, and balustrades and altars inlaid with precious stones—beryl, diamonds, flawless sapphires, coral, pearls, and emeralds. The air was filled with the sounds of pigeons and peacocks fluttering about the latticed windows, doorways, and polished floors. The city streets, bustling markets, and busy crossroads were freshly sprinkled with water and strewn with garlands, sandalwood powder, and grains of rice. Doorways and homes were beautifully decorated with auspicious full pots anointed with yogurt and sandal paste, rows of fragrant flowers and lamps adorned with tender leaves, clusters of plantain trees, and colorful festoons and cloth banners swaying in the breeze. As the two sons of Vasudeva walked the royal road, surrounded by their companions, the women of Mathurā, their hearts pounding with curiosity and joy, rushed forth to catch a glimpse of them. They hurriedly climbed to the rooftops of their mansions, their excitement overflowing. In their eagerness, some women put on their clothes and ornaments incorrectly, some forgot to finish dressing, some wore only one earring or one anklet, and others adorned just one eye with collyrium. Some left their meals unfinished, others abandoned festival rites, coming without bathing; some, awakened from sleep by the commotion, left even their unweaned children and hurried out, so great was their longing to see the Lord. Kṛṣṇa, with His lotus eyes, playful glances, and gentle smiles, captivated the hearts of those women. Like a proud, intoxicated elephant, He brought joy to their eyes and delight to their souls. Seeing Him again and again, just as they had heard described, their hearts overflowed with pride and bliss at His smiling glances. With their eyes, they embraced the very embodiment of happiness, their bodies bristling with joy, forgetting all their sorrows. Their faces blooming with happiness, the women climbed to the tops of their mansions and showered flowers of good wishes upon Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma. Throughout the city, delighted brāhmaṇas worshipped the two brothers with curds, unbroken rice, water vessels, garlands, fragrant substances, and many other offerings. The townspeople marveled, saying to one another: “What great austerities must the cowherd women have performed, that they are able to see these two, the great festival of the human world!” As Kṛṣṇa and His companions walked on, He saw a royal washerman approaching, a dyer carrying fine garments. Kṛṣṇa addressed him, “O good man, give us some suitable, clean clothes, for we are worthy. By giving, you will attain the highest good—of this there is no doubt.” But the king’s servant, arrogant and full of pride, replied with contempt and anger, “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, and do not ask for such things if you wish to live. The royal households are proud—they bind, kill, and plunder.” Thus boasting, he angered the son of Devakī. With a swift motion, Kṛṣṇa struck the washerman, severing his head from his body. The washerman’s attendants, terrified, abandoned their bundles of garments and fled in all directions. Acyuta (Kṛṣṇa) took the clothes, and, choosing garments pleasing to themselves, Kṛṣṇa and Saṅkarṣaṇa dressed in them. The remaining clothes they distributed among their cowherd friends, leaving some on the ground. Then a delighted tailor approached and prepared attire for the two brothers, using garments of various colors and designs suited to them. Kṛṣṇa and Rāma shone resplendent in their new attire, adorned like two young elephants—one fair, one dark—at a festival. Pleased with the tailor’s service, Kṛṣṇa granted him a form like His own, supreme fortune in the world, strength, sovereignty, memory, and mastery of the senses. Afterwards, they went to the house of Sudāmā, the garland-maker. Seeing them, Sudāmā rose at once and bowed his head to the ground. He brought seats for the brothers, offered water for their feet, and honored them and their companions with garlands, betel, ointments, and other offerings. Sudāmā said, “O Lord, my birth has become meaningful and my lineage purified; my ancestors and the 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.” Thus thinking, Sudāmā joyfully offered garlands made from the finest, fragrant flowers. Pleased, Kṛṣṇa and Rāma, adorned with those garlands and surrounded by their companions, granted Sudāmā boons. He chose unwavering devotion to that all-pervading Self, friendship with His devotees, and supreme compassion for all beings. The Lord, granting him this boon as well as wealth to increase his lineage, strength, long life, fame, and splendor, 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, scripture of the supreme renunciates. Next, Śuka said, Kṛṣṇa showed favor to Kubjā, broke the great bow, and prepared the wrestling arena. As Mādhava proceeded along the royal road, He saw a young woman with a lovely face, carrying a vessel of fragrant ointment—Kubjā, also called Trivakra. Smiling and full of delight, Kṛṣṇa 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, for by this, your good fortune will soon arise.” With sweet humility, Sairandhri replied, “I am a maidservant, O handsome one, approved by Kaṁsa, 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?” Captivated by the brothers’ beauty, charm, sweet smiles, speech, and glances, Kubjā joyfully applied the rich ointment to both Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma.