As Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma entered the city, their presence brought joy and excitement to all. The women, faces radiant with happiness, climbed to the rooftops of their mansions. From above, they showered the two divine boys with flowers, offering their heartfelt blessings as the brothers passed by below. Throughout the city, delighted brāhmaṇas gathered at various places. They worshipped Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma with offerings of curds, unbroken rice, water vessels, garlands, fragrant substances, and many other auspicious items. The townspeople marveled, saying to one another, “What great austerity must the cowherd women have performed, that they are able to behold these two, the very festival of the human world!” As they proceeded, Kṛṣṇa, the elder brother of Gadā, saw a washerman approaching—a dyer carrying bundles of clothes. Kṛṣṇa asked him for some fine, clean garments, saying, “O good man, give us suitable 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 filled with anger, replied contemptuously, “Such garments are meant only for those who dwell in forests 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 this boastful speech, the son of Devakī became angry. With a single blow of his hand, Kṛṣṇa struck the washerman, severing his head from his body. All the attendants, terrified, abandoned their bundles of garments and fled in every direction. Acyuta then took the clothes. Kṛṣṇa and Saṅkarṣaṇa dressed themselves in garments pleasing to their hearts, and generously distributed the remaining clothes to their cowherd companions, leaving some on the ground. Next, a delighted tailor approached and prepared attire for the two brothers, using garments of various colors and suitable designs. Kṛṣṇa and Rāma now shone forth in their diverse attire, adorned like young elephants—one fair and one dark—at a festival. Pleased with the tailor’s service, the Lord granted him likeness to Himself, supreme fortune in the world, strength, sovereignty, memory, and mastery of the senses. Continuing their journey, they came to the house of Sudāmā, the garland-maker. Seeing them, Sudāmā rose and bowed his head to the ground. He brought seats for Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, offered water for their feet, and honored them and their companions with garlands, betel, and fragrant ointments. Sudāmā spoke reverently: “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 these garlands and pleased, Kṛṣṇa and Rāma granted boons to Sudāmā, who had bowed and surrendered himself. Sudāmā chose unwavering devotion to that all-pervading Self, friendship with His devotees, and supreme compassion for all beings. The Lord then granted him wealth that would increase his lineage, along with strength, long life, fame, and splendor. Having bestowed these blessings, Kṛṣṇa departed with His elder brother. Thus concluded the forty-first chapter, entitled “Entry into the City,” in the first half of the tenth book of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the great Purāṇa, the scripture of the supreme renunciates. Śuka continued: Next, showing favor to Kubjā, breaking the bow, and preparing the wrestling arena. As Mādhava proceeded along the royal road, he saw a woman carrying a vessel of fragrant ointment—Kubjā, a young maiden with a lovely face. 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; 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?” Captivated by their beauty, charm, sweet smiles, speech, and glances, she lovingly applied the rich ointment to both brothers. Adorned with the ointment, which shone with a color different from their own, and having received a share from another, the two appeared even more attractive, their forms enhanced. Pleased, the Lord resolved to straighten the hunchbacked, lovely-faced Kubjā, showing by His action the fruit of seeing Him. Placing His feet on hers, and lifting her chin with the upward-turned fingers of His hand, Acyuta drew her up and straightened her body. Instantly, she was transformed; her body became straight and beautiful, with broad hips and full breasts, by the touch of Mukunda. Endowed now with beauty, virtues, and generosity, Kubjā, drawing Kṛṣṇa’s upper garment and smiling with awakened desire, spoke to Keśava: “Come, hero, let us go to my house; I cannot bear to let you go. My heart is stirred by you—please, best of men, be gracious to me.” Thus entreated, Kṛṣṇa smiled and replied to her, as Balarāma and the followers looked on: “I will come to your house, O lovely-browed one, who captivates the hearts of men. When our purpose is fulfilled, you will be the refuge for us wanderers.” Leaving her with sweet words, Kṛṣṇa went on the merchant’s road, and with Balarāma was honored by people bringing various gifts—betel, garlands, and perfumes. So agitated were the women upon seeing and remembering Him that they lost awareness of themselves; their clothes, hair, and bangles slipped, as if they were painted figures. Then, Acyuta asked the townspeople about the place of the bow, entered there, and saw the wondrous bow, dazzling like Indra’s own. Guarded by many men, worshipped, and possessing great splendor, Kṛṣṇa, though restrained by the guards, forcefully took up the bow.