As Krishna and Balarama entered the city of Mathura, a remarkable series of events unfolded. The son of Devaki, Krishna, encountered the royal washerman, who arrogantly refused their request for fine garments. Angered by the man's insolence, Krishna struck him with his hand, severing his head from his body. The washerman's attendants, terrified by this display of power, dropped their bundles of clothes and fled in all directions. Krishna, known as Acyuta, gathered up the abandoned garments. He and his elder brother, Sankarshana—Balarama—selected attire that pleased them and dressed themselves in these splendid clothes. Generously, they distributed the remaining garments among their cowherd companions, leaving some on the ground for others. Soon after, a delighted tailor approached them, offering to prepare beautiful attire of various colors and designs suitable for the two brothers. Krishna and Balarama shone brilliantly in their diverse new attire, adorned like youthful elephants at a festival—one fair, one dark. Pleased with the tailor's service, Krishna bestowed upon him blessings: a likeness to Himself, supreme fortune, strength, sovereignty, keen memory, and mastery over the senses. Continuing their journey, the brothers visited the house of Sudama, the garland-maker. Upon seeing Krishna and Balarama, Sudama rose and bowed deeply, touching his head to the ground. He welcomed them with great reverence, bringing seats, water for their feet, and offerings. Sudama honored them and their companions with fragrant garlands, betel, and ointments. With humility and joy, Sudama addressed the Lord, saying, “O Lord, my birth has become meaningful and my lineage purified; my ancestors and the gods are pleased by your arrival. You two are indeed the supreme cause of the universe, descended in partial form for the welfare and prosperity of all. Your vision is never partial; you are equal to all beings, even to those who worship or are worshipped by you. Please command your servant—what shall I do for you? To be instructed by you is the highest favor a person can receive.” Thinking thus, Sudama, with a joyful heart, offered garlands made from the finest, fragrant flowers. Pleased by his devotion, Krishna and Balarama, adorned with these garlands, granted boons to Sudama, who had bowed and surrendered himself. Sudama chose unwavering devotion to the all-pervading Self, friendship with His devotees, and supreme compassion for all beings. The Lord granted him these boons, along with wealth to increase his lineage, strength, long life, fame, and splendor. With blessings bestowed, Krishna and Balarama departed together. Thus concludes the forty-first chapter, “Entry into the City,” in the first half of the tenth book of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. Śuka continued the narration: Next, Krishna showed favor to Kubja, broke the great bow, and prepared the wrestling arena. As Mādhava proceeded along the royal road, he saw a young maiden carrying a vessel of fragrant ointment. This was Kubja, also known as Trivakra, a maidservant with a lovely face. Krishna, smiling and full of delight, 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.” Kubja replied respectfully, “I am a maidservant, O handsome one, approved by King Kamsa, 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, Kubja applied the rich ointment to both Krishna and Balarama. Adorned with the ointment, which shone with a color different from their own, the two brothers appeared even more attractive, their forms enhanced. Krishna, pleased, resolved to straighten the hunchbacked Kubja, demonstrating the blessing of beholding Him. Placing His feet on hers and lifting her chin with His upward-turned fingers, Acyuta drew her up and straightened her body. Instantly, by the touch of Mukunda, Kubja’s form became straight and beautiful, with broad hips and full breasts—a transformation into an exquisite woman. Endowed with beauty, virtues, and generosity, Kubja, her heart awakened with desire, drew Krishna’s upper garment and smiled, speaking to him: “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.” Krishna, as Balarama and their followers watched, smiled and replied, “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, Krishna continued along the merchant’s road. With Balarama, he was honored by people bringing gifts—betel, garlands, perfumes, and more. The women of Mathura, agitated by seeing and remembering Krishna, lost awareness of themselves; their clothes, hair, and bangles slipped, as if they were painted figures brought to life. Acyuta then inquired about the location of the great bow. Entering the hall, he saw the wondrous bow, resplendent like Indra’s own, guarded by many men and worshipped for its splendor. Though restrained by the guards, Krishna forcefully took up the bow. With his left hand, he playfully lifted it and strung it in a moment before all eyes. Drawing it back, the mighty Krishna broke it in the middle, as an elephant snaps a sugarcane stalk. The sound of the bow breaking filled the sky, earth, and all directions; hearing it, Kamsa was seized with fear. The angry guards and their followers rushed to seize and kill Krishna, shouting, “Catch him! Kill him!” Seeing their hostile intentions, Balarama and Krishna became angry. Taking up fragments of the broken bow, they struck and killed the assailants. Having slain the force sent by Kamsa, Krishna and Balarama joyfully left the hall and wandered about, observing the city’s splendor. The residents of Mathura, witnessing their wondrous valor, brilliance, confidence, and form, regarded them as foremost among the gods. As the two wandered freely, the sun set. Krishna and Balarama, accompanied by the cowherds, returned from the city to their wagon. The gopis, distressed by separation from Mukunda, offered sincere blessings in Mathura. Gazing upon the beauty of Krishna, the best among men, even Lakshmi abandoned all others and desired only him.