In the heat of battle, the Kurus overwhelmed their opponent, making him chariotless. Four warriors struck down his four horses, one slew his charioteer, and another cut his bow, leaving him helpless. With great difficulty, they bound him and, victorious, the Kurus triumphantly entered their city, bringing along both the prince and their own daughter. When the Vrishnis heard of this from the sage Narada, they were inflamed with anger. Spurred on by Ugrasena, they prepared themselves to confront the Kurus. However, Balarama, ever the remover of discord, calmed the armed leaders of the Vrishnis. He did not wish for conflict between the two great families. Balarama then set out for Hastinapura in a resplendent chariot, radiant like the moon among stars, accompanied by Brahmins and the elders of his lineage. Arriving at Gajahvaya, he stayed in the outer gardens and sent Uddhava ahead to inquire after King Dhritarashtra. Uddhava entered and, according to custom, respectfully greeted Dhritarashtra, Bhishma, Drona, Bahlik, and Duryodhana. He announced Balarama’s arrival. Hearing that their dear friend had come, the Kuru elders were overjoyed. They honored Balarama and approached him with auspicious offerings. Meeting him with proper ceremony, they presented him with a cow and water for worship, and those who knew his true greatness bowed their heads before him. After exchanging inquiries about the welfare of their families and hearing that all were well, Balarama spoke to them without hesitation: “Ugrasena, lord of the earth, whatever command he gives, you should hear with an undisturbed mind and carry it out without delay. Though you are many, you bound the righteous one by unrighteous means after defeating him. For the sake of unity among relatives, I tolerate this.” The Kurus, provoked, listened to Balarama’s powerful words, filled with vigor and heroism, reflecting his own immense strength. But pride swelled within them. “How astonishing!” they exclaimed. “By the unstoppable movement of time, one who wishes to ascend wears shoes while his head is adorned with a crown. These Vrishnis, who once shared our beds, seats, and meals as mere youths, have now been made our equals. We have even given them royal seats. They enjoy the fan, fly-whisk, conch, white umbrella, crown, throne, and bed, all because of our neglect. Enough of the Yadavas being marked by royal honors, which, bestowed by us, are like nectar to serpents. Those Yadavas, who have prospered by our favor, today command us, shamelessly. How could even Indra, with Bhishma, Drona, Arjuna, and the Kurus, seize what was not given, like a lion snatching prey in the forest?” Sage Bādarāyaṇa narrates that, inflated by their birth, kinship, and wealth, the Kurus became arrogant. Speaking harsh words to Balarama, they, uncivil in their pride, withdrew into the city. Witnessing the Kurus’ wickedness and hearing their offensive words, Krishna—Acyuta—grew angry. His face difficult to behold, he laughed and spoke sharply: “Surely these wicked ones, puffed up with pride, do not desire peace. For them, restraint is punishment, just as a stick is for animals. I came here seeking peace, having calmed the enraged Yadus and Krishna himself. Yet these quarrelsome fools have repeatedly disregarded me and spoken disrespectfully, blinded by their arrogance.” He continued, “Is not Ugrasena the mighty lord, ruler of the Bhojas, Vrishnis, and Andhakas, whom even Indra and the guardians of the worlds obey? He who entered Sudharma, who brought the Parijata tree from the realm of the immortals, surely deserves the royal seat. At whose feet Sri herself serves, the sovereign of all, is he not worthy of royal honors? The dust of whose lotus feet is borne by the crowns of all guardians of the worlds, worshipped in the holiest places—Brahma, Shiva, and I are but portions of his portion, and Sri herself serves him eternally—where is the royal seat for him?” Mocking the Kurus’ arrogance, Krishna added, “The Vrishnis enjoy the land given by the Kurus, while we are like shoes and the Kurus the crown on the head. Who could endure the words of those intoxicated by wealth, speaking incoherently and harshly, like the drunken and the proud?” 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 its tip, he tore open the city of Hastinapura and, furious, dragged it toward the Ganga, intent on destruction. The city, pulled into the river, spun like a boat caught in a whirlpool. The Kauravas, witnessing their city being dragged away, were seized with terror. Desiring to save their lives, the Kauravas, with their families, approached Balarama for refuge, placing Lakshmana and Samba at the forefront, and bowed to him with joined palms. They pleaded, “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. The wise say the worlds are your playthings, and you play with them as you wish. O endless one, you bear the earth with your thousand heads, supporting it playfully on your crown; and when the universe is withdrawn, you alone remain, unique and unsurpassed. O Lord, your anger is for universal instruction, not out of hatred or envy; you, who uphold sattva, are always intent on the protection of existence. Salutations to you, soul of all beings, bearer of all powers, imperishable one! O creator of the universe, we bow to you and seek your refuge.” Śuka narrates that, thus entreated by those who sought his protection, trembling and distressed, Balarama was pleased. Fully satisfied, he granted them fearlessness, saying, “Do not be afraid.” In gratitude, Duryodhana offered as tribute sixty-year-old elephants and twelve thousand horses.