The atmosphere was tense, for those wicked ones, swollen with pride and arrogance, had no desire for peace. To them, any restraint felt like punishment—just as a stick is to animals. I had come among them, seeking harmony, gently calming the enraged Yādus and even Kṛṣṇa himself. Yet, these quarrelsome, dull-minded souls repeatedly disregarded my words, speaking with disrespect and haughtiness. Is not Ugrasena, the mighty lord and ruler of the Bhojas, Vṛṣṇis, and Andhakas, obeyed even by Indra and all the guardians of the worlds? He alone entered Sudharmā, brought the Pārijāta tree from the realm of immortals, and enjoyed its blessings—surely, he is worthy of the royal seat. At his feet, Śrī herself serves, the sovereign of all; is he not deserving of royal honors and the paraphernalia of kingship? The dust of his lotus feet is borne by the crowns of all guardians of the worlds, worshipped as the holiest of sacred places. Brahmā, Śiva, and I are but portions of his portion, and Śrī herself has long served him—where, then, is the royal seat befitting him? The Vṛṣṇis enjoy the land granted by the Kurus, while we ourselves are like shoes and the Kurus are the crown upon the head. Who can endure or instruct those intoxicated by wealth, whose words are incoherent and harsh, like those of the proud and drunken? In his fury, he declared, "Today I will rid the earth of the Kauravas!" Seizing his plough, he rose up as if to burn the three worlds. With the tip of his plough, Balarama tore open the city of Hastinapura and, in his wrath, dragged it towards the Ganga, intent on striking. As the city spun like a boat in a whirlpool, the Kauravas, witnessing it being dragged, were seized with panic and fear. Desiring to live, the Kauravas, along with their families, approached Balarama for refuge, placing Lakshmana and Samba at the front, and bowed with joined palms to the Lord. "O Rama, 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 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bear the earth with your thousand heads, playfully supporting it on your crown; and at the end, when the universe is withdrawn into yourself, you alone remain, unique and unsurpassed.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 universal instruction, not out of hatred or envy; you, upholding sattva, are ever intent on the protection of existence. Salutations to you, soul of all beings, bearer of all powers, imperishable one; creator of the universe, we bow to you and take refuge in you." Śuka said: Thus, those who had taken refuge, distressed and trembling, pleased Balarama. Fully satisfied, he granted them fearlessness, saying, "Do not be afraid." Duryodhana, in gratitude, offered tribute: sixty-year-old elephants, twelve thousand horses, six thousand golden chariots shining like the sun, and a thousand maidservants without necklaces, fond of daughters. Having accepted these gifts, 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 towards his relatives; in the assembly of the Yadus, he recounted all his deeds among the Kurus. Even today, that city, bearing the mark of Rama's might, stands elevated to the south of the Ganga, visible to all. Thus ends the sixty-eighth chapter, entitled "The Victory of Sankarshana in the Form of Dragging Hastinapura," of the Uttara section of the Tenth Book of the glorious Bhagavata Purana. Now, Śuka continued: Hearing that Naraka had been slain and that many women were wed by Krishna alone, the sage Narada was filled with wonder and desired to see this for himself. How astonishing it was that, with a single body, Krishna simultaneously married eight thousand and two hundred women, each in their own home. Eager to witness the marvels of Dvārakā, the divine sage Narada arrived there. The city was alive—gardens and parks 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. Dvārakā was graced 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. Narada 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, sapphire walls, 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. Maidservants wore splendid garments but no necklaces, and men were dressed in fine robes, with sashes, turbans, and jeweled earrings. The darkness was dispelled by the radiance of jeweled lamps; in varied balconies, peacocks danced, incense and sacred offerings were arranged, and those of deep intellect, seeing the exit, sang loudly. Among thousands of maidservants equal in qualities, beauty, youth, and attire, the sage saw the queen fanning the lord of the Sātvatas with a golden-handled camara. Beholding Narada, the Blessed Lord, greatest among upholders of dharma, immediately rose from his couch, bowed his crowned head to the sage's feet, and, with joined palms, welcomed him to his own seat. He washed the sage's feet, placed that water upon his own head, though he is the supreme teacher of the world and lord of the virtuous; for the purity of his feet, known as 'Brahmaṇyadeva,' is the ultimate holy place.