Balarama, ever the remover of discord, sought to prevent any conflict between the Vrishnis and the Kurus. After pacifying the armed leaders of the Vrishnis, he resolved to keep peace between the two great houses. Radiant as the moon among stars, Balarama journeyed to Hastinapura in a splendid chariot, accompanied by Brahmins and elders of his lineage. Upon reaching Gajahvaya, he chose to remain in the outer gardens, sending Uddhava ahead to inquire after Dhritarashtra. Uddhava, following proper custom, respectfully greeted Dhritarashtra, son of Ambika, along with Bhishma, Drona, Bahlik, and Duryodhana, and announced the arrival of Balarama. The news of their beloved friend’s presence filled the Kuru elders with delight. Eager to honor him, they approached with auspicious offerings, welcoming Balarama with the traditional gifts of a cow and water for worship. Those who understood his greatness bowed their heads in reverence. After exchanging greetings and learning that their relatives were well, Balarama spoke openly to the assembled Kurus: “You should hear and carry out the commands of Ugrasena, lord of the earth, with undisturbed minds and without delay. Though you are many, you bound the righteous one by unrighteous means after defeating him. For the sake of family unity, I have tolerated this.” The Kurus, provoked, listened to Balarama’s words—powerful, heroic, and filled with strength, befitting his might. But pride swelled within them. They said, “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, once our juniors, now share our beds, seats, and meals, 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 us—like nectar to serpents. These Yadavas, who have prospered by our favor, now command us shamelessly. Even Indra, with the Kurus—Bhishma, Drona, Arjuna, and others—could not seize what was not given, like a lion snatching prey in the forest.” Thus, intoxicated by their birth, kinship, and wealth, the Kurus spoke harshly to Balarama and, in their arrogance, withdrew into the city. Witnessing their wickedness and hearing their offensive words, Krishna—Acyuta—became angry, his countenance fierce and difficult to behold. Laughing repeatedly, he said, “Surely, these wicked ones, puffed up with pride, do not desire peace. For them, restraint is punishment, as a stick is for animals. I came here longing for peace, having calmed the enraged Yadus and Krishna. Yet these dull-minded, quarrelsome, wicked ones have disregarded me and spoken disrespectfully, proud as they are.” 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 and brought the Parijata tree from the realm of the immortals, is surely not unworthy of the royal seat. At his feet, the goddess Sri herself serves; is he not worthy of royal honors? The dust of his lotus feet is borne by the crowns of all the guardians of the worlds. Brahma, Shiva, and I are but portions of his portion, and Sri herself serves him eternally—where is the royal seat for him? The Vrishnis enjoy the land given by the Kurus, while we are likened to shoes and the Kurus the crown upon the head. Who could endure or reason with 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, his fury as if to burn the three worlds. With the tip of his plough, he tore open the city of Hastinapura and, in his wrath, began to drag it toward the Ganga. The city, spinning like a boat caught in a whirlpool, filled the Kauravas with terror as they saw their home being pulled away. Desperate to save themselves, the Kauravas, with their families, approached Balarama for refuge, placing Lakshmana and Samba at the front. Bowing 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. You alone, O endless one, bear the earth with your thousand heads, supporting it playfully on your crown. When the universe is withdrawn, you alone remain, unique and unsurpassed. O Lord, your anger is for universal instruction, not out of hatred; you, upholding sattva, protect all existence. Salutations to you, soul of all beings, bearer of all powers, imperishable one; O creator of the universe, we bow to you and take refuge in you.” Moved by their distress and humility, Balarama was pleased. He granted them fearlessness, saying, “Do not be afraid.” Duryodhana then offered tribute: sixty-year-old elephants, twelve thousand horses, six thousand golden chariots shining like the sun, and a thousand maidservants. Accepting these honors, Balarama—the foremost of the Satvatas—departed with his son and daughter-in-law, honored by his friends. Returning to his own city, Halayudha, his heart affectionate toward his relatives, entered the Yadu assembly and recounted all that had transpired among the Kurus.