Krishna, ever gracious and attentive, began by distributing garlands, betel, and fragrant ointments, first offering these tokens of honor to the Brahmins. Afterward, he extended the same courtesies to his friends, attendants, and wives, only then partaking of them himself, embodying perfect etiquette and respect. At that moment, Suta, the charioteer, appeared with a splendid chariot, harnessed to noble horses with names like Sugriva and others. After bowing in reverence, Suta stood ready before Krishna. Krishna took Suta’s hand and, ascending the chariot, was joined by Satyaki and Uddhava. Together, they shone with the brilliance of the rising sun cresting the eastern mountains. As Krishna prepared to depart, the women of the palace gazed at him with shy, loving glances, their hearts captivated. Reluctant to let him go, they finally released him, and he left them smiling, his presence lingering in their hearts. Surrounded by the Vrishnis, Krishna entered the grand assembly hall called Sudharma, a place where all who sat were untouched by the six waves of suffering—hunger, thirst, grief, illusion, old age, and death. Seated upon the highest throne, Krishna radiated his own divine light, illuminating all directions. With the heroic Yadus around him, he appeared like the full moon amidst a sky of stars. Within that hall, the master of ceremonies and dance teachers approached Krishna, filling the space with laughter and joy. Dancers performed their distinct tandava dances, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of mridanga drums, vina, muraja, flutes, and cymbals. Sutas, Magadhas, and bards offered heartfelt praises, while some Brahmins—well-versed in the knowledge of Brahman—narrated the stories of virtuous kings from ages past. Amidst this atmosphere, a man of striking and unprecedented appearance arrived at the gates. The doorkeepers announced his presence to Krishna, and he was ushered into the assembly. Bowing before Krishna with joined palms, the messenger addressed the gathered kings, describing the suffering caused by Jarasandha, who had imprisoned those rulers who would not submit to his conquests. He revealed that two groups of ten thousand kings were being held captive in Girivraja. The captive kings, speaking through the messenger, implored Krishna: “O Krishna, immeasurable soul and destroyer of fear for those who seek refuge, we come to you, distressed by the world and divided in mind.” They lamented the unrighteousness pervading the world, recognizing that even their suffering was an opportunity to worship Krishna. They acknowledged Krishna’s divine purpose: his descent to protect the righteous and subdue the wicked, confessing their helplessness and dependence upon his will. The kings compared their fleeting happiness to a dream, always burdened by fear and dependent on others. They mourned their abandonment of inner happiness found in Krishna, recognizing their pitiable state, deluded by his māyā. They pleaded, “O Lord, whose feet remove sorrow, free us from the bondage of the Magadhan’s deeds. With the strength of ten thousand elephants, you alone have the power to restrain Jarasandha, who has confined us like a lion among beasts.” They recalled how Jarasandha, proud and relentless in conquest, had been repeatedly defeated by Krishna, who broke his noble disc in battle twenty-two times. Now, Jarasandha tormented Krishna’s own people, and the kings begged him to act. The messenger concluded, “Thus, held captive and longing to see you, they have taken refuge at your feet. Please grant relief to these afflicted ones.” As the messenger finished, the divine sage Narada suddenly appeared, radiant and bearing tawny matted locks, shining like the sun. Krishna, Lord of all lords, immediately rose with his assembly and followers, bowing his head joyfully in respect. Krishna honored Narada with due ceremony, offering him a seat and addressing him with pleasing words, full of faith and reverence: “Is all well among the three worlds, free from fear? Surely, the world’s virtue increases as you travel among the realms. Nothing is hidden from you, O sage. Please tell us, what do the Pandavas intend?” Narada replied, “O Lord, I have witnessed your māyā countless times—so difficult to overcome. As you move among beings with your own powers, your glory remains hidden, like fire concealed in wood. Nothing in this world astonishes me, for who can truly know your actions as you create and dissolve the universe by your own māyā? What appears is but a reflection in our understanding. I bow to you, whose nature is beyond all distinctions.” He continued, “You grant liberation to the soul wandering in saṃsāra, though you yourself know not the suffering of the body. Through your playful descents, you spread your fame. I take refuge in you, who dispel darkness. Now, O Brahman, let me share what your devotee, the son of your paternal aunt, intends—a deed that will astonish the world. The son of Pandu, desiring the status of Brahma, wishes to worship you with the Rajasuya sacrifice. May you be pleased with this. At that supreme sacrifice, the gods and illustrious kings will gather, eager to behold you. Simply by hearing, singing, or meditating upon you, even those nearby are purified—how much more those who see or touch you? The fame of your feet is renowned in all realms, and the water that flows from your feet—Mandakini in heaven, Bhogavati below, and Ganga on earth—sanctifies the universe. May that sacred water bless all the worlds.” As those in the assembly grew eager for conquest, Krishna, smiling and with gentle words, turned to Uddhava. “You are our supreme eye, a true friend who knows the essence and purpose of counsel. Speak, then, what should be done. We trust you and will act accordingly.” Though all-knowing, Uddhava humbly accepted Krishna’s command, bowing his head before replying. Śuka concluded the seventieth chapter here, marking the end of the inquiry into divine knowledge. Continuing, Śuka said: Hearing the sage’s words, Uddhava—the wisest among the wise—having understood the minds of both the assembly and Krishna, spoke: “O Lord, as Narada has said, you should act as advisor for the sacrifice, protect your cousin, and shelter those who seek refuge. The Rajasuya sacrifice should be performed by you, O mighty one, as conqueror of the quarters. Thus, defeating Jarasandha will serve both purposes. For us, too, great benefit will arise, O Govinda, and your fame will increase by freeing the imprisoned kings.” Thus, the assembly awaited Krishna’s decision, the course of dharma and destiny resting in his hands.