A mighty crisis descended upon Mathura. A foreign king, the Yavana, had arrived at the city’s gates, bringing with him an enormous force—three million barbarian soldiers—intent on besieging the city. In the world of men, none could rival him, for he had heard of the Vṛṣṇis, his equals, and sought to challenge them. Witnessing the threat, Krishna, accompanied by Sankarshana (Balarama), grew concerned. He thought, “Alas, a great calamity has come upon the Yadus from both sides.” The Yavana was already laying siege, and Krishna foresaw that the king of Magadha, Jarasandha, might arrive at any moment—today, tomorrow, or soon after. If Jarasandha joined the battle while the Yadus were already engaged, he might kill their kinsmen or, being powerful, carry them away to his own city. To protect their people, Krishna devised a plan. “Today, we shall build a fortress, difficult for men to approach. There, after settling our kinsmen, we will destroy the Yavana.” After careful deliberation, Krishna, the Blessed Lord, created a wondrous fortress—a city within the sea, twelve yojanas wide. This new city was a marvel, displaying the skill of Tvaṣṭṛ, the divine architect. Its streets, crossroads, and avenues were constructed according to proper architectural principles. The city was adorned with celestial trees and gardens, marvelous groves, towers of gold reaching to the sky, crystal mansions, and grand gateways. Silver and gold turrets glimmered, treasuries were decorated with golden jars, houses crowned with jewels, and great platforms made of emerald. There were homes for the guardians of the quarters and residences for beloved women. The city was filled with people of all four varṇas, shining with the homes of the Yadu gods. Indra sent Sudharmā, the celestial assembly hall, and the Pārijāta tree to the city, where even mortals dwelling there were freed from mortal limitations. Varuṇa gifted swift, mind-like horses, dark in color yet white in hue. The lord of treasures bestowed eight treasuries, and the guardians of the worlds gave all their opulences. Whatever lordship had been granted by the Blessed Lord for their own perfection, all of it was returned to Hari when He descended to earth. By the power of yoga, Krishna brought all the people into the new city. After consulting with Rama, the protector of the people, Krishna left the city gate, garlanded with lotuses and unarmed. As Krishna emerged, shining like the rising moon, most beautiful to behold, dark in complexion and clad in yellow silk, His presence was striking. He bore the Śrīvatsa mark on His chest, the radiant Kaustubha gem at His throat, was broad and tall, four-armed, with eyes like fresh red lotuses. Ever joyful and glorious, with rounded cheeks and a pure smile, His lotus-like face was adorned with brilliant makara-shaped earrings. He was Vāsudeva, marked by the Śrīvatsa, four-armed, lotus-eyed, adorned with a forest garland, supremely beautiful. The Yavana king recognized Krishna from the signs described by Nārada. “No one else could be so,” he thought. Seeing Krishna unarmed and walking on foot, the Yavana resolved, “I shall fight him unarmed.” Desiring to seize Krishna, the Yavana pursued Him as He fled—though Krishna is unattainable even to yogis. Step by step, Krishna led the Yavana, always showing Himself at a distance, into a mountain cave. The Yavana taunted Krishna as he followed, “Flight does not befit one born in the Yadu line, such as you.” But, despite his taunts, he could not catch Krishna. Krishna entered the mountain cave, and the Yavana followed. Inside, he saw another man lying down. The Yavana thought, “Surely this one has been brought far away and is lying here like a saint.” Foolishly, the Yavana struck the sleeping man with his foot. The man, having slept for a long time, slowly awoke and opened his eyes. Looking around, he saw the Yavana standing beside him. At that moment, by the angry gaze of the awakened man, the Yavana was instantly burned to ashes by the fire born of his own body. King Parikshit, listening to the tale, asked, “O brāhmaṇa, who was that man, of what lineage and power? Why was he sleeping in the cave? What was the brilliance of the destroyer of the Yavana?” Śuka replied, “He was born in the Ikṣvāku dynasty, the great son of Māndhātṛ, renowned as Mucukunda, devoted to the brāhmaṇas and steadfast in truth. The hosts of gods, including Indra, had requested him to protect them from the asuras who were terrified. Mucukunda performed that protection for a long time. After finding their protector Mucukunda in the cave, the gods said, ‘O king, please desist from these hardships of protecting us. You have abandoned the world of men and a kingdom free from enemies; all your desires have been forsaken while you protected us. Your sons, wives, relatives, ministers, counselors, and subjects of the same age are no longer alive. Time, the almighty and imperishable Lord, is stronger than the strong; playing, He brings all beings to their end, just as a herdsman does with cattle. Choose a boon, good fortune to you, except for liberation, for today that is not ours to give; there is only one Lord, and He is the imperishable Bhagavān Viṣṇu.’ Thus addressed, Mucukunda bowed to the gods, entered the cave, and lay down, overtaken by divine sleep. When the Yavana had been reduced to ashes, Krishna, the best of the Sātvatas, revealed Himself to the wise Mucukunda. Krishna appeared, dark as a rain cloud, clad in yellow silk, with the Śrīvatsa mark on His chest, shining with the Kaustubha gem, four radiant arms, adorned with the Vaijayantī garland, a beautiful, gracious face, and sparkling makara earrings. He was a sight to behold for all mankind, with eyes smiling affectionately, appearing ever youthful, majestic like a proud lion, and possessing noble prowess. Overwhelmed by Krishna’s brilliance, the wise king Mucukunda, suspecting and cautious, gently questioned Him, as if confronting an unconquerable power.