O King, it is seen that those who practice yoga without devotion, though they may control the mind through breath and other disciplines, find that their desires remain undiminished and the mind rises again. Therefore, let your mind be absorbed in Me as you roam the earth as you wish, with unwavering devotion always fixed upon Me. You have lived as a warrior, and in the course of your duty, you have killed creatures in hunting and other ways. Yet now, intent on this austerity and taking refuge in Me, you will be freed from sin. In your next birth, O King, you will be born as the best among the twice-born, a supreme friend to all beings, and you will attain Me alone. Thus, favored by Kṛṣṇa, the son of Ikṣvāku circumambulated Him, bowed deeply, and departed from the mouth of the cave. As he journeyed, he noticed the smallness of humans, animals, herbs, and trees, and realized that the age of Kali had begun. With this understanding, he turned his steps northward. Endowed with austerity and faith, resolute and free from attachment and doubt, he fixed his mind on Kṛṣṇa and entered the sacred region of Gandhamādana. Eventually, he reached Badarī-āśrama, the holy abode of Nara and Nārāyaṇa, and there, enduring all dualities with a peaceful heart, he worshipped Hari through severe austerities. Meanwhile, the Lord returned to the city surrounded by Yavanas, vanquished their barbarian forces, and brought their wealth back to Dvārakā. As this wealth was being transported, accompanied by cows and men, Jarāsandha, the king with twenty-three armies, arrived, prompted by Acyuta. Seeing this vast enemy force advancing swiftly and with great power, the two Mādhavas, acting according to human ways, quickly fled, O King. Though they abandoned much wealth and appeared afraid like cowards, in truth they were fearless as they traveled many yojanas on foot, their lotus-like feet treading the earth. The mighty king of Magadha saw them fleeing and laughed, thinking them defeated. He pursued them with his chariot divisions, unaware of their true power. After covering a great distance and becoming exhausted, the two brothers climbed the high mountain called Pravarṣaṇa, where rain falls perpetually. Unable to find their tracks, the king believed they were hiding and set fire to the mountain on all sides. Yet, leaping swiftly from the burning slopes, the two descended from the ten-yojana-high peak to the ground below, unseen by their enemies. The best of the Yadus returned safely to their city, protected by the ocean, O King. Believing that Balarāma and Keśava had perished in the flames, Jarāsandha withdrew his vast army and returned to Magadha. In the meantime, the illustrious king of Ānarta, Raivata, prompted by Brahmā, gave his daughter Raivatī in marriage to Baladeva, as had been previously declared. Govinda, the Lord Himself, married Vaidarbhī, the daughter of Bhīṣmaka and mother of Śrī, at her own svayaṃvara, O best of the Kurus. Overpowering the kings—Śālva and the allies of Cedi—by force and before the eyes of all, He took her as Garuḍa took the nectar. Hearing this, the king said, “It is heard that the Lord married Rukmiṇī, the beautiful-faced daughter of Bhīṣmaka, by the rākṣasa rite. O Lord, I wish to hear how Krishna, of immeasurable brilliance, after conquering Jarasandha, Shalva, and others, brought the maiden as his bride. For who could ever be satiated by the sweet, ever-fresh stories of Krishna, which purify the world and delight even those who know them well?” Śrī Bādarāyaṇa replied: There was a great king named Bhīṣmaka, lord of Vidarbha, who had five sons and one daughter of exceptional beauty. The eldest son was Rukmi, followed by Rukmaratha, Rukmabāhu, Rukmakeśa, and Rukmamālī; their virtuous sister was Rukmiṇī. Hearing from those who visited her house about Mukunda’s beauty, valor, virtues, and glory, Rukmiṇī considered Him a worthy husband. Krishna, recognizing her intelligence, noble character, beauty, and virtues, resolved to accept her as His wife. Though her relatives wished to give the princess to Krishna, her brother Rukmi, who hated Krishna, prevented it and chose Shishupala instead. Upon learning this, the dark-eyed princess of Vidarbha was deeply distressed. After careful thought, she quickly sent a trusted Brahmin to Krishna. The Brahmin reached Dvārakā, and, upon being admitted by the doorkeepers, saw the Supreme Person seated upon a golden throne. Seeing the Brahmin, the Lord of devotees rose from His own seat, seated him, and honored him as the gods would honor themselves. When the Brahmin had eaten and rested, Krishna, the refuge of the righteous, approached, touched his feet with His hand, and gently inquired, “O best of Brahmins, is your dharma, esteemed by elders, proceeding without difficulty? Is your mind always content? For when a Brahmin, content with whatever comes, remains steadfast in his duty, he becomes the fulfiller of all desires. Even the lord of the gods, if discontent, wanders among worlds, but one who is content, though possessing nothing, sleeps free from affliction. I bow my head but once to those Brahmins who are content, virtuous, the best friends to all beings, humble, and peaceful. O Brahman, is all well with you? For the king whose subjects live happily is dear to me. Since you have come here, crossing many hardships, tell me everything, especially if there is anything confidential—what should I do for you?” Thus, respectfully questioned by the Supreme Lord, who had assumed a form for His pastimes, the Brahmin narrated everything to Him.