The best of the Kurus, Lakshmana, a prince of the Yadus, found himself in the midst of a heated conflict with the Kurus. Though struck by their blows, he refused to tolerate the affront, his spirit unyielding like a lion confronted by lesser creatures. With remarkable prowess, he strung his splendid bow and, in a single, swift motion, wounded all six chariot-warriors, including Karna, with arrows—some struck simultaneously, others separately. Not stopping there, Lakshmana expertly shot four arrows to strike four horses, one to wound each charioteer, and another to hit the great bowmen atop their chariots. So impressive was his skill that the warriors honored him for his valor. However, the Kurus soon retaliated. Four of them struck his four horses, one slew his charioteer, and another cut his bow, rendering him chariotless. After a difficult struggle, they bound Lakshmana, making him their captive, and triumphantly entered their city with both the prince and their own daughter. When Narada brought news of these events to the Vrishnis, anger flared among them. Ugrasena, their leader, urged them to prepare for confrontation with the Kurus. Yet Balarama, the remover of discord, intervened. He pacified the armed Vrishni leaders, not wishing for conflict between the Kurus and Vrishnis. Instead, Balarama set out for Hastinapura, riding in a radiant chariot, surrounded by Brahmins and elders of his lineage, his presence shining like the moon among stars. Upon reaching Gajahvaya, Balarama stayed in the outer gardens and sent Uddhava to inquire of Dhritarashtra. Uddhava respectfully greeted Ambika’s son, Bhishma, Drona, Bahlik, and Duryodhana according to custom, then announced Balarama’s arrival. Hearing that their dear friend had come, the Kurus were exceedingly pleased. They honored him and approached with auspicious offerings. Meeting Balarama properly, they presented him with a cow and water for worship. Those who understood his greatness bowed their heads to him. After hearing that his relatives were well and inquiring after their welfare, Balarama spoke without hesitation: “Ugrasena, the lord of the earth, whatever command he gives, you should hear it with an 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 by Balarama’s words—filled with vigor, heroism, and strength—listened as he spoke with the authority of his own power. They responded with pride, saying, “How astonishing! By the unstoppable movement of time, one who wishes to ascend wears shoes while his head is adorned with a crown. These Vrishnis, 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 Yadavas being marked by royal honors, bestowed by the donor, like nectar to serpents; those Yadavas, who have prospered by our favor, today command us, shamelessly. How could even Indra, with the Kurus—Bhishma, Drona, Arjuna, and others—seize what was not given, like a lion snatching prey in the forest?” Their pride, inflated by birth, kinship, and wealth, made them arrogant. After speaking harsh words to Balarama, these uncivil men entered the city. Witnessing the wickedness of the Kurus and hearing their offensive words, Krishna (Acyuta) became angry, his countenance fierce and difficult to behold. He spoke repeatedly, laughing, “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. I have come here desiring peace, having gently calmed the enraged Yadus and Krishna. These dull-minded, quarrelsome, wicked ones, repeatedly disregarded me and spoke disrespectful words, proud as they are. Is not Ugrasena the mighty lord, ruler of the Bhojas, Vrishnis, and Andhakas, whom even Indra and other guardians of the worlds obey? He, by whom Sudharma is entered, the Parijata tree is brought from the realm of the immortals and enjoyed, is surely not unworthy of the royal seat. At whose feet Sri herself serves directly, the sovereign of all, is he not worthy of royal honors and paraphernalia? The dust of whose lotus feet is borne by the crowns of all guardians of the worlds, worshipped as the sacred of sacred places; Brahma, Shiva, and I are but portions of his portion, and Sri herself serves him for a long time—where is the royal seat for him? The Vrishnis enjoy the land given by the Kurus, while we ourselves are like shoes, and the Kurus are the crown upon the head. Who could endure or instruct those intoxicated by wealth, whose words are incoherent and harsh, like those of the proud and drunken?” Enraged, Balarama declared, “Today I will make the earth free of the Kauravas!” Seizing his plough, he rose up as if to burn the three worlds. With the tip of his plough, he tore open the city of Hastinapura and, furious, dragged it towards the Ganga, intent on striking. As the city, pulled into the river, spun like a boat caught in a whirlpool, the Kauravas watched in panic. Desiring to live, the Kauravas, with their families, approached Balarama for refuge. Placing Lakshmana and Samba at the front, they bowed with joined palms to the Lord, pleading, “O Rama, foundation of all, we do not know your power. Please forgive our offense, for we are foolish and misguided. You alone are the cause, without dependence, of creation, maintenance, and dissolution. O Lord, the wise say that the worlds are your playthings, and you play with them. You alone, O endless one, bear the earth with your thousand heads, playfully supporting it on your crown; and at the end, when the universe is withdrawn into yourself, you alone remain, unique and unsurpassed. O Lord, your anger is for the sake of universal instruction, not out of hatred or envy; you, upholding sattva, are ever intent on the protection of existence.” Thus, the Kurus acknowledged Balarama’s supreme power, sought forgiveness, and peace was restored.