As Dvivida fell in battle, the earth itself trembled in fear, along with all the trees, O tiger among the Kurus. It was as if a mighty mountain had been shaken by the wind, or a boat rocked upon the waters. In the heavens, the gods, siddhas, and great sages cried out in joy: “Victory!” “Homage!” “Well done! Well done!” Their voices resounded as a shower of flowers rained down from above. Having slain Dvivida, who had caused distress throughout the world, the Lord was praised by the people, and he entered his own city, bringing peace once more. Thus concludes the sixty-seventh chapter, “The Slaying of Dvivida,” in the tenth book, second half, of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata Mahāpurāṇa, the scripture revered by the paramahaṃsas. Now begins the tale of Sāmbha’s marriage and Balarāma’s extraordinary act at Hastināpura. The Kauravas, enraged by Sāmbha’s actions, declared, “This boy is ill-behaved! He has disregarded us and seized our unwilling daughter by force.” They resolved, “Let us bind this insolent one. What will the Vrishnis do? They, who enjoy the land given to them by us, accumulated through our favor. If the Vrishnis come here upon hearing their son has been restrained, their pride will be broken and they will become peaceful, like well-controlled breaths.” Thus, Karna, Shala, Bhuri, Yajnaketu, and Suyodhana, supported by the elders of the Kurus, attempted to bind Sāmbha. Seeing the Dhartarashtras pursuing him, Sāmbha, the great chariot-warrior, seized his splendid bow and stood alone like a lion. The angry Kurus, eager to capture him, shouted “Stop! Stop!” and, approaching with bows drawn, Karna and the others showered him with arrows. Yet Sāmbha, though struck by the Kurus, did not tolerate their assault, just as a lion ignores the attacks of small animals. Stringing his bow, Sāmbha wounded all six chariot-warriors, including Karna, with arrows, both simultaneously and individually. With four arrows, he struck their four horses, and with one each, he wounded their charioteers and the great bowmen themselves. For this display of valor, even his enemies honored him. But the Kurus retaliated fiercely: four arrows struck his own horses, one killed his charioteer, and another cut his bow, leaving him chariotless. With great difficulty, they bound Sāmbha and made him chariotless in battle. Victorious, the Kurus entered their city, bringing with them both the prince and their own daughter. When the Vrishnis heard this news from sage Narada, O King, they became angry. Urged by Ugrasena, they prepared to confront the Kurus. However, Balarāma, the remover of discord, pacified the armed leaders of the Vrishnis. He did not wish for conflict between the Kurus and Vrishnis. Balarāma then set out for Hastinapura in a radiant chariot, surrounded by Brahmins and elders of his lineage, shining like the moon among stars. Upon reaching Gajahvaya, Balarāma stayed in the outer gardens and sent Uddhava to inquire of Dhritarashtra. Uddhava, after respectfully greeting Ambika’s son, Bhishma, Drona, Bahlik, and Duryodhana according to custom, announced Balarāma’s arrival. Hearing that their dearest friend had come, the Kurus were exceedingly pleased; they honored him and approached with auspicious offerings. Meeting him properly, they presented him with the cow and water for worship; those who knew his greatness bowed their heads to Balarāma. After hearing that their relatives were well and inquiring about their welfare, Balarāma spoke directly to them: “Ugrasena, the lord of the earth, whatever command he gives, you should hear it with undisturbed mind and carry it out without delay. Though you are many, you bound the righteous one by unrighteous means, having defeated him. I tolerate this for the sake of unity among relatives.” The Kurus, provoked, heard Balarāma’s words, which were filled with vigor, heroism, and strength, equal to his own power. They exclaimed, “Ah, how astonishing! By the unstoppable movement of time, one who wishes to ascend wears shoes while his head is adorned with a crown. These Vṛṣṇis, joined by youth, sharing beds, seats, and meals, have been made equal to us, and we have given them royal seats. They enjoy the fan, fly-whisk, conch, white umbrella, crown, throne, and bed, all due to our neglect. Enough of the Yādavas being marked by royal honors, bestowed by the donor, like nectar to serpents! Those Yādavas, who have prospered by our favor, today command us, shamelessly. How could even Indra, with the Kurus—Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Arjuna, and others—seize what was not given, like a lion snatching prey in the forest?” Śrī Bādarāyaṇa relates: Their pride, inflated by birth, kinship, and wealth, made them arrogant, O best of the Bharatas. After speaking harsh words to Balarāma, those uncivil men entered the city. Seeing the wickedness of the Kurus and hearing their offensive words, Acyuta (Krishna), angered and difficult to look at, spoke repeatedly, laughing. He declared, “Surely, these wicked ones, puffed up with various kinds of pride, do not desire peace; for them, restraint is punishment, just as a stick is for animals. Ah, I have come here desiring peace, having gently calmed the enraged Yādus and Kṛṣṇa. These dull-minded, quarrelsome, wicked ones have repeatedly disregarded me and spoken disrespectful words, proud as they are. Is not Ugrasena the mighty lord, ruler of the Bhojas, Vṛṣṇis, and Andhakas, whom even Indra and other guardians of the worlds obey? He, by whom Sudharmā is entered, the Pārijāta tree is brought from the realm of the immortals and enjoyed, is surely not unworthy of the royal seat. At whose feet Śrī herself serves directly, the sovereign of all, is he not worthy of royal honors and paraphernalia?” Thus, the story unfolds—of pride, discord, and the wisdom and strength of the divine, who ever strive for unity and righteousness among all.