After offering his respectful salutations to the cows, Brahmins, deities, elders, teachers, and indeed to all living beings, the Lord touched auspicious objects that had arisen from himself and invoked blessings. Adorning himself—the very ornament of mankind—with his own garments, jewels, celestial garlands, and fragrant ointments, he prepared for the day’s sacred duties. Observing the sacrificial fire and the mirror, he bestowed gifts upon cows, bulls, Brahmins, and deities. He fulfilled the wishes of all, pleasing the citizens and the women of the palace, and received their heartfelt blessings. Garlands, betel, and ointments were distributed first to the Brahmins, then to his friends, attendants, and wives, and only afterwards did he enjoy them himself. Meanwhile, Suta presented a wondrous chariot, yoked with horses bearing names such as Sugriva and others, and stood before him after offering obeisance. Taking the charioteer’s hand in his own, the Lord ascended the chariot, accompanied by Satyaki and Uddhava, shining with the brilliance of the sun rising over the eastern mountains. The women of the palace gazed upon him with bashful, loving glances. Though released with difficulty from their affectionate gaze, he departed, smiling and captivating their hearts. Surrounded by all the Vrishnis, he entered the assembly hall called Sudharma, where those seated are free from the six waves of suffering. Seated upon the highest throne, the Lord shone with his own radiance, illuminating all directions. Surrounded by heroic Yadus, he appeared like the moon among stars in the sky. There, the master of ceremonies and the dance teachers approached him with laughter and joy, and the dancers performed distinct tandava dances. The hall resounded with the music of mridanga, vina, muraja, flute, and cymbals, as they danced, sang, and praised the Lord. Sutas, Magadhas, and bards offered their eulogies. Some Brahmins, seated and well-versed in Brahman, narrated the stories of former kings renowned for their virtue. Then, O King, a man of unprecedented appearance arrived. Announced to Bhagavan by the doorkeepers, he was ushered in. He bowed before Krishna, the supreme Lord, with joined palms and reported to the assembly the distress caused by Jarasandha’s imprisonment. Those kings who did not submit to Jarasandha’s conquest had been forcibly detained by him; two ten-thousand groups were held captive in Girivraja. The imprisoned kings spoke: “Krishna, Krishna, immeasurable soul, destroyer of the fears of those who seek refuge, we come to you for shelter, fearful of worldly existence and divided in mind. “The world is absorbed in unrighteous deeds, heedless of virtue. Yet this action, arising from you, is for worshipping you. Whoever here, strong as he may be, suddenly cuts off the hope of life for the sleepless one—salutations to him. “You, O Lord, have descended into the world for the protection of the righteous and the subjugation of the wicked. Who can transgress your command, O master? Or who attains the fruit of their own actions? We do not know. “O Lord, the happiness of kings is like a dream, dependent on others; ever burdened by fear, we bear the yoke of a life as good as dead. Abandoning the happiness found in the self, which is attainable without anxiety through You, we suffer greatly—how pitiable we are, deluded by Your māyā in this world. “Therefore, may You, whose feet remove the sorrow of those who take refuge, release us who are bound by the fetters of the Magadhan's deeds. You alone, possessing the strength of ten thousand elephants, restrained the king who, like a lion among beasts, had confined us in his palace. “He, whose pride was firm and who delighted in conquering the world, was repeatedly defeated by You—O Lord of infinite power—when You broke his noble disc in battle twenty-two times. Now he afflicts Your people; O unconquered One, please act accordingly.” The messenger concluded: “Thus, held captive by the Magadhan and longing to see You, they have taken refuge at Your feet. Please grant well-being to these afflicted ones.” As the royal messenger spoke, the divine sage Narada suddenly appeared, radiant and bearing tawny matted locks, like the sun itself. Seeing him, Bhagavan Krishna, Lord of all the lords of the worlds, rose with his assembly and followers, and joyfully bowed his head in respect. Honoring Narada properly and offering him a seat, Krishna addressed the sage with pleasing words, satisfying him with faith and reverence: “Is all well today among the three worlds, free from fear? Surely, the virtue of the Lord increases as He travels among the worlds. Nothing is unknown to you in all the worlds, O Lord among creators. Therefore, we ask you: what do the Pandavas intend?” Narada replied: “O Lord, I have seen Your māyā many times—difficult to overcome—O Master, Creator of the universe and wielder of māyā. As You move among beings with Your own powers, Your glory is hidden like fire concealed in wood; thus, nothing astonishes me. “Who indeed is fit to know well Your actions here, as You create and withdraw this world by Your own māyā? What appears to exist is only a reflection of understanding. I bow to You, whose nature is beyond all distinctions. “He who grants liberation to the soul wandering in samsara, who does not know the suffering brought by the body—He, who by His playful descents kindles His own fame—I take refuge in Him, who dispels darkness. “Yet, O Brahman, I shall relate what is intended by the king, your devotee, the son of your paternal aunt, as he enacts a deed that amazes the world of men. “The son of Pandu, desiring the status of Brahma, will worship You with the Rajasuya sacrifice, O Lord. May You be pleased with this. “At that supreme sacrifice, O God, You will be seen by the gods and other illustrious kings, who will assemble there out of eagerness. “By hearing, singing, or meditating upon You, O Lord of Brahman, even those who dwell near are purified—how much more so those who see or touch You? “The pure fame of whose feet is renowned in heaven, on earth, and in the netherworld—whose water, called Mandakini in heaven, Bhogavati below, and Ganga here, sanctifies the universe—may that water, flowing from Your feet, bless all the worlds.” Then, as those on Krishna’s side were eager for conquest, Kesava, smiling and with sweet words, addressed His servant Uddhava: “You are indeed our supreme eye, a true friend who knows the essence and purpose of counsel. Therefore, speak here what should be done; we have faith and shall act accordingly.” Thus addressed by his master, though all-knowing, Uddhava humbly accepted the command with bowed head and replied. Thus ends the seventieth chapter, entitled ‘Inquiry into Divine Knowledge,’ in the second half of the Tenth Book of the Srimad Bhagavata Mahapurana, the scripture for the paramahamsas. Śuka continued: Hearing these words of the divine sage, Uddhava, wise among the wise, after understanding the opinion of the assembly and of Krishna, spoke as follows.