For the sake of the Syamantaka jewel, O king of bears, Krishna entered your cave, determined to clear himself of the false accusations that had been leveled against him, using the jewel itself as proof. Hearing Krishna’s words, the mighty bear king Jāmbavān was overjoyed; to honor Krishna, he not only returned the precious jewel but also offered his own daughter, Jāmbavatī, in marriage to him. Meanwhile, outside the cave, the people who had accompanied Krishna waited anxiously. When Śauri did not emerge, they lingered in sorrow for twelve long days before returning, heavy-hearted, to their city. News of Krishna’s absence soon reached Devakī, his mother, and Rukmiṇī, his queen. Vasudeva, his father, along with friends and relatives, all were plunged into deep grief. The citizens of Dvārakā, overwhelmed by sorrow, directed their anger at Satrājit, blaming him for Krishna’s disappearance. Desperate for news, they sought the blessings of the goddess Candra-bhāgā, Durgā, offering her their heartfelt prayers. Moved by their devotion, the goddess instructed them with a blessing, and soon after, Hari—Krishna himself—appeared, his purpose accomplished and accompanied by his new wife, bringing immense joy to all. When the people saw Krishna, the Lord Hṛṣīkeśa, adorned with the radiant jewel and accompanied by Jāmbavatī, return as if from the jaws of death, their sorrow was transformed into great celebration and festivity. Krishna then summoned Satrājit into the royal assembly, and in the presence of the king, recounted how he had recovered the jewel, presenting it back to Satrājit. Greatly ashamed, Satrājit accepted the gem, his face downcast and his heart tormented by the weight of his own misdeeds. Wracked by remorse and inner conflict, he pondered deeply: “How can I cleanse myself of this sin? How might I please Acyuta, the infallible one? What can I do so that people will see me as virtuous, and not curse me as short-sighted, petty, foolish, and greedy for wealth?” After much reflection, Satrājit resolved, “I will give Krishna my daughter, who is herself a jewel among women, along with the Syamantaka gem. This is the only proper way to make amends and please him.” With this decision, Satrājit personally brought his virtuous daughter Satyabhāmā and the jewel, and offered them both to Krishna. The Lord accepted Satyabhāmā, whose character, beauty, and noble qualities were renowned, and duly married her. However, Krishna, ever gracious, said, “We do not accept the jewel, O King. Let it remain with you, a devotee of the gods, while we partake of its benefit.” Some time later, Śuka continued the tale: Once, the Supreme Person, Krishna, accompanied by attendants such as Yuyudhāna, traveled to Indraprastha to visit the Pāṇḍavas. When the heroic sons of Pāṇḍu saw Mukunda, the Lord of all, arrive, they rose together as if life itself had returned to them. Embracing Acyuta, the heroes were freed from all distress by the touch of his limbs, and gazed upon his affectionate, smiling face, rejoicing in his presence. Krishna offered obeisance at the feet of Yudhiṣṭhira and Bhīma, embraced Arjuna, and was honored by the twins, Nakula and Sahadeva. Draupadī, newly married and somewhat bashful, approached and respectfully greeted Krishna, who was seated on the chief seat. Satyaki, too, was honored and seated along with the others. Krishna then approached Kuntī, offering his salutations. She embraced him warmly, her eyes moist with deep affection. He inquired about her welfare, that of her daughters-in-law, her sister, and all her relatives. Kuntī, recalling their many hardships and the vision of the Self that comes after suffering, spoke to Krishna with a voice choked by love and eyes filled with tears: “Only when we gained a protector did our well-being arise. Remembering our kin, O Krishna, my brother was sent to you. For you, the friend and Self of all, there is no confusion of ‘us’ and ‘them’; yet, dwelling in the heart, you always dispel the sorrows of those who remember you.” Yudhiṣṭhira then said, “What good have we left undone? I do not know, O Lord, for you—who are rarely seen even by the masters of yoga—have been seen by us, who are of little wisdom.” At the king’s request, Krishna stayed in Indraprastha for several months, delighting the eyes and hearts of all its people. One day, Arjuna, the conqueror, mounted his chariot bearing the banner of Hanuman, taking up his Gāṇḍīva bow and inexhaustible quivers. Together with Krishna, both fully armed, he entered a great forest teeming with wild beasts, seeking to enjoy sport as a destroyer of enemy heroes. There, with his arrows, Arjuna struck tigers, boars, buffaloes, antelopes, sarabhas, wild oxen, rhinoceroses, deer, hares, and porcupines. The attendants gathered these sanctified animals and brought them to the king as a festival approached. Parched with thirst and weary, Arjuna went to the Yamunā river. There, after performing purification and drinking the clear water, Krishna and Arjuna saw a maiden of enchanting beauty wandering nearby. Approaching this radiant and auspicious maiden, Arjuna, at Krishna’s behest, questioned her gently: “Who are you, O slender-waisted one? Whose daughter are you, and from where do you come? What do you seek? I think you desire a husband. Tell me everything, O beautiful one.” The maiden replied, “I am Kālindī, daughter of the sun-god Sūrya, seeking a husband. I have undertaken severe austerities, desiring Viṣṇu, the bestower of boons, as my chosen lord. I choose no other husband but him, the abode of Śrī; may that blessed Mukunda, the refuge of the shelterless, be pleased with me. Until I behold the infallible one, I dwell in the waters of the Yamunā, in a palace built by my father.” Arjuna relayed her words to Krishna, who understood her devotion. Krishna placed Kālindī on his chariot and brought her to King Yudhiṣṭhira. In due course, Krishna, as instructed, had a wondrous city built for the sons of Pritha, constructed by the divine architect Vishvakarma in marvelous fashion. Residing there to please his own people, Krishna then became Arjuna’s charioteer to assist him in giving the Khandava forest to Agni, thus continuing his divine play on earth.