Krishna, the ornament of mankind, adorned himself with his own radiant garments and jewels. He arrayed his divine form with fragrant garlands and ointments, shining in beauty. With reverence, he performed the auspicious rites—he gazed upon the sacrificial fire and the mirror, and bestowed generous gifts upon cows, bulls, Brahmins, and deities. He fulfilled the desires of all, from the citizens to the women of the palace, delighting them and receiving their heartfelt blessings. With care, Krishna distributed garlands, betel, and fragrant ointments—first to the Brahmins, then to his friends, attendants, and wives. Only afterwards did he partake of these himself. At that time, Suta, his charioteer, brought forth a wondrous chariot yoked with noble horses—Sugriva and others—and, offering his obeisance, stood ready before Krishna. Taking Suta’s hand, Krishna ascended the chariot, accompanied by Satyaki and Uddhava. As they mounted, Krishna shone resplendent, like the sun rising over the eastern mountains. The women of the palace gazed at him with bashful, loving glances. Though their hearts clung to him, he gently smiled, captivating them, and with some difficulty took his leave. Surrounded by the Vrishnis, Krishna entered the grand assembly hall called Sudharma—a place where none seated are troubled by the six waves of suffering. Seated upon the highest throne, Krishna radiated his own effulgence, illuminating all directions. The heroic Yadus surrounded him, and he appeared like the moon amidst stars in the night sky. There, the master of ceremonies and dance teachers approached Krishna, bringing laughter and joy. Dancers performed distinct tandava dances, their movements accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of mridanga, vina, muraja, flute, and cymbals. Songs and praises filled the hall as the Sutas, Magadhas, and bards offered their eulogies. Brahmins, learned in the Vedas and seated in peace, recounted the stories of former kings of virtuous fame. At that moment, a man of unprecedented appearance arrived. Announced by the doorkeepers, he was ushered into Krishna’s presence. Bowing with joined palms, he reported the distress of kings imprisoned by Jarasandha. He explained that those kings who had not submitted to Jarasandha’s conquest had been forcibly detained. Twenty groups of ten thousand were held captive in Girivraja. The kings, speaking through the messenger, cried out: “Krishna, Krishna, immeasurable soul, destroyer of the fears of those who seek refuge! We come to you, fearful and divided in mind, seeking shelter from the terrors of worldly existence. “The world is absorbed in unrighteousness, heedless of virtue. Yet, even these actions, arising from you, are for your worship. Whoever here, strong as he may be, suddenly severs the hope of life for the sleepless one—salutations to him. “O Lord, you have descended into this world to protect the righteous and subdue the wicked. Who can transgress your will, O master? Who truly reaps the fruits of their own actions? We do not know. “The happiness of kings is like a dream, dependent on others. Always burdened by fear, we bear a yoke as heavy as death. Forsaking the happiness found in the self—easily gained through you—we suffer, deluded by your māyā in this world. “Therefore, may you, whose feet dispel the sorrow of those who seek refuge, release us from the fetters of the Magadhan’s deeds. You alone, possessing the strength of ten thousand elephants, have restrained the king who, like a lion among beasts, confined us in his palace. “He, proud and delighting in conquest, was defeated by you, O Lord of infinite power, twenty-two times when you broke his noble disc in battle. Yet now he afflicts your people. O unconquered one, act as you see fit!” The messenger concluded, “Thus, held captive by the Magadhan and longing to see you, these kings have taken refuge at your feet. Please grant well-being to these afflicted souls.” As the royal messenger finished, the divine sage Narada suddenly appeared, radiant and bearing tawny matted locks, like the sun itself. Seeing Narada, Krishna—the Lord of all lords—rose with his assembly and followers, joyfully bowing his head in respect. Krishna honored the sage, offering him a seat and addressing him with pleasing words, full of faith and reverence. “Is all well today among the three worlds? Are they free from fear?” Krishna asked. “Surely, the virtue of the Lord increases as you travel among the worlds. Nothing is unknown to you, O Lord among creators. Therefore, tell us—what do the Pāṇḍavas 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 by your own powers, your glory remains hidden, like fire concealed in wood. Thus, nothing astonishes me. “Who indeed can know your actions, as you create and withdraw this world by your own māyā? What seems to exist is but a reflection of understanding. I bow to you, whose nature is beyond all distinctions. “You grant liberation to the soul wandering in saṃsāra, untouched by bodily suffering. By your playful descents, you kindle your own fame. I take refuge in you, who dispels darkness. “Yet, O Brahman, I shall relate what is intended by your devotee, the son of your paternal aunt, as he undertakes a deed that will amaze the world of men. The son of Pāṇḍu, desiring the status of Brahmā, will worship you with the Rājasūya sacrifice, O Lord. May you be pleased with this. “At that supreme sacrifice, you will be seen by the gods and illustrious kings who will assemble there, eager for your presence. 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 your feet is renowned in heaven, on earth, and in the netherworlds. The water flowing from your feet—called Mandākinī in heaven, Bhogavatī below, and Gaṅgā here—sanctifies the universe. May that water bless all the worlds.” As those on Krishna’s side grew eager for conquest, Keśava, smiling and with sweet words, addressed Uddhava: “You are indeed our supreme eye, a true friend who knows the essence and purpose of counsel. Therefore, speak what should be done; we have faith and shall act accordingly.” Though all-knowing, Uddhava humbly bowed his head and replied to his master’s command. Thus ends the seventieth chapter, “Inquiry into Divine Knowledge,” of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata Mahāpurāṇa. Śuka continued: Hearing the words of the divine sage, Uddhava—wise among the wise—understood the will of the assembly and of Krishna. He spoke: “O Lord, as the sage has said, you should act as advisor for the sacrifice, protect your paternal cousin, and shelter those who seek refuge.