Having captured Samba in battle—binding him and rendering him chariotless with great difficulty—the victorious Kurus triumphantly entered their city, bringing with them both the prince and their own daughter. When the Vrishnis heard this news from Narada, O King, anger flared among them. Urged on by Ugrasena, they prepared themselves to march forth and confront the Kurus. However, Rama, the remover of discord, calmed the armed leaders of the Vrishnis, not wishing for conflict between the two great families. Determined to resolve matters peacefully, Rama set out for Hastinapura in a radiant chariot, surrounded by Brahmins and the elders of his lineage, shining among them like the moon amid stars. Upon reaching Gajahvaya, Rama chose to remain in the outer gardens and sent Uddhava to the city to inquire after King Dhritarashtra. Uddhava entered and respectfully greeted Ambika’s son Dhritarashtra, as well as Bhishma, Drona, Bahlik, and Duryodhana, following all the proper customs. He then announced the arrival of Rama. Hearing that their dear friend had come, the Kurus were overjoyed; they honored him, and all approached with auspicious offerings. They received Rama with due ceremony, presenting him with the cow and water for worship, and those who knew his greatness bowed their heads to Balarama. After asking about the welfare of their relatives and hearing that all was well, Rama addressed them directly and without hesitation. He said, “Ugrasena, the lord of the earth, whatever command he gives, you should hear with an undisturbed mind and carry out without delay. Though you are many, you bound the righteous one by unrighteous means after defeating him. I tolerate this for the sake of unity among relatives.” The Kurus, provoked, listened to Balarama’s strong and forthright words, which were filled with vigor and heroism, equal to his own power. They replied with pride: “How astonishing! By the irresistible movement of time, one who wishes to ascend now wears shoes while his head is crowned. These Vrishnis, with whom we have shared beds, seats, and meals, have been made our equals, and 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, though bestowed by us, are like nectar to serpents. Those Yadavas, who have prospered by our favor, now 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?” O best of the Bharatas, their pride—swollen by birth, kinship, and wealth—made the Kurus arrogant. After speaking such harsh words to Rama, those uncivil men withdrew into their city. Witnessing the wickedness of the Kurus and hearing their offensive words, Acyuta—angered and fearsome—laughed and spoke repeatedly: “Surely these wicked ones, puffed up with pride of all kinds, do not desire peace. For them, restraint is a punishment, just as a stick is for animals. I came here desiring peace, having gently calmed the enraged Yadus and Krishna. Yet these dull-minded, quarrelsome, wicked ones have repeatedly disregarded me and spoken disrespectfully, proud as they are. “Is not Ugrasena the mighty lord, ruler of the Bhojas, Vrishnis, and Andhakas, whom even Indra and the other guardians of the worlds obey? He, by whom Sudharma is entered and the Parijata tree is brought from the realm of the immortals to be 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 holiest of holy 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 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 the 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, began to drag it into the Ganga, intent on striking. As the city was drawn toward the river, spinning like a boat in a whirlpool, the Kauravas saw their city being dragged and were seized with terror. Desiring to save themselves, they approached Balarama for refuge, bringing Lakshmana and Samba to the front, and bowed with joined palms before the Lord. 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. 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, supporting it playfully on your crown; and at the end, when the universe is withdrawn, 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. Salutations to you, the soul of all beings, bearer of all powers, imperishable one; O creator of the universe, we bow to you and take refuge in you.” Thus, seeing those who had taken refuge in him, distressed and trembling, Balarama was pleased. Fully satisfied, he granted them fearlessness, saying, “Do not be afraid.” Duryodhana then gave as tribute sixty-year-old elephants and twelve thousand horses, along with six thousand golden chariots shining like the sun, and a thousand maidservants without necklaces, being fond of daughters. Thus, peace was restored, and the Kurus and Vrishnis were reconciled by the grace and might of Balarama.