How could even mighty Indra, with the Kurus—Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Arjuna, and the rest—seize what was not freely given, like a lion snatching prey in the forest? Śrī Bādarāyaṇa explained: The Kurus, their pride swollen by birth, kinship, and wealth, became arrogant, O best of the Bharatas. After hurling harsh words at Rāma, these uncivil men withdrew into the city. Witnessing the wickedness of the Kurus and hearing their offensive words, Acyuta—angered and terrible to behold—laughed as he spoke repeatedly. “Surely,” he declared, “these wicked ones, puffed up with pride of many kinds, do not desire peace. For them, restraint is a punishment, just as a stick is for animals. I have come here seeking peace, having gently calmed the enraged Yādus and Kṛṣṇa. “But these dull-minded, quarrelsome, wicked men have repeatedly disregarded me and spoken disrespectfully, so proud are they. Is not Ugrasena the mighty lord, ruler of the Bhojas, Vṛṣṇis, and Andhakas, whom even Indra and the other guardians of the worlds obey? He who enters Sudharmā, who brought and enjoys the Pārijāta tree from the realm of the immortals—surely he is not unworthy of the royal seat. “At whose feet Śrī herself serves directly, the sovereign of all—can he not claim royal honors and paraphernalia? The dust of whose lotus feet is borne by the crowns of all the guardians of the worlds, worshipped as the holiest of holy places—Brahmā, Śiva, and I are but portions of his portion, and Śrī herself serves him for a long time—where is the royal seat for such a one? The Vṛṣṇis 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 proud and drunken?” Enraged, Balarāma 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 Hastināpura and, furious, dragged it toward the Ganga, intent on striking. As the city, pulled into the Ganga, spun like a boat in a whirlpool, the Kauravas, seeing their city being dragged away, were seized with panic. Desiring to live, the Kauravas, with their families, approached Balarāma for refuge, placing Lakṣmaṇa and Sāmba at the front, and bowed with joined palms to the Lord. “O Rāma, foundation of all,” they pleaded, “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. 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.” Śuka said: Thus, by those who had taken refuge—distressed and trembling—Balarāma was pleased and, fully satisfied, granted them fearlessness, saying, “Do not be afraid.” To appease him, Duryodhana gave as tribute sixty-year-old elephants and twelve thousand horses. He also offered six thousand golden chariots shining like the sun, and a thousand maidservants without necklaces, being fond of daughters. Having accepted all this, the Lord, foremost among the Sātvatas, departed with his son and daughter-in-law, honored by his friends. Then Halāyudha entered his own city, his heart affectionate toward his relatives. In the assembly of the Yadus, he recounted all his deeds among the Kurus. Even today, that city, bearing the mark of Rāma’s might, stands elevated to the south of the Ganga, visible to all. Thus ends the sixty-eighth chapter, entitled “The Victory of Sankarṣaṇa in the Form of Dragging Hastināpura,” of the Uttara section of the Tenth Book of the glorious Bhāgavata Purāṇa. * Now begins a new tale: The household conduct of the Lord, as performed by the sage Nārada. Śuka continued: Hearing that Naraka had been slain and that many women had been wed by Kṛṣṇa alone, Nārada became eager to see this marvel for himself. How astonishing it was that, with a single body, he had simultaneously married eight thousand and two hundred women, each in their own home! Eager to behold Dvārakā, the divine sage arrived there, where gardens and parks were in full bloom, resounding with the voices of flocks of birds and the chanting of brahmins. The lakes were adorned with fully blossomed blue lotuses, water lilies, day-blooming lotuses, and kumudas, filled with tall reeds and echoing with the calls of swans and cranes. The city shone with nine hundred thousand palaces made of crystal and silver, resembling great emeralds, furnished with golden and jeweled decorations. Its avenues, streets, squares, and marketplaces were distinct; beautiful halls and assembly chambers stood alongside celestial temples. The roads, courtyards, alleys, and thresholds were sprinkled with water, and flags and banners shielded the city from the sun. Within, the splendid inner chambers were honored by all the householders; there, Hari’s own skill was fully displayed, as if crafted by Tvaṣṭṛ himself. Nārada entered one among the sixteen thousand beautifully adorned mansions, a grand residence belonging to one of Śauri’s wives. The palace was supported by coral pillars, with the finest lapis lazuli floors, walls made of sapphire, and the ground shining with unmatched brilliance. Canopies crafted by Tvaṣṭṛ hung with strings of pearls, and seats and couches were adorned with the finest gems and ivory. The palace was decorated with maidservants wearing splendid garments but no necklaces, and men dressed in fine robes, with sashes, turbans, and jeweled earrings. The darkness was dispelled by the radiance of jeweled lamps. In the varied balconies, peacocks danced, incense and sacred offerings were arranged, and those of deep intellect, seeing the exit, sang loudly.