As Krishna prepared to depart from the royal palace, the women of the inner chambers gazed upon him with bashful, loving glances. Their hearts were captivated by his radiant smile, and it was only with difficulty that they released him, so enchanting was his presence. Accompanied by the Vrishni clan, Krishna entered the grand assembly hall known as Sudharma—a sanctified place where those who sat within were untouched by the six waves of suffering. There, he ascended the highest throne, his own brilliance illuminating all directions. Surrounded by the heroic Yadus, he shone like the full moon amidst a sky of glittering stars. In this auspicious hall, the master of ceremonies and dance teachers approached Krishna, offering their joy and laughter. Dancers performed various tandava dances, their movements accompanied by the resonant sounds of mridanga, vina, muraja drums, flutes, and cymbals. The air was filled with song and praise, as Sutas, Magadhas, and bards recited eulogies in Krishna’s honor. Seated nearby, learned Brahmins recounted tales of ancient kings renowned for their virtue and fame. It was then that a man of remarkable appearance arrived at the assembly. Announced by the doorkeepers, he was respectfully ushered in before Krishna. With folded palms, the messenger bowed deeply to Krishna, Supreme Lord of all, and addressed the assembled kings, describing the distress caused by Jarasandha, the powerful ruler of Magadha. He explained how Jarasandha had imprisoned those kings who would not yield to his conquests—twenty thousand noble rulers, held captive in the fortress of Girivraja. The captive kings, speaking through their envoy, pleaded: “O Krishna, immeasurable soul, destroyer of the fears of those who seek your refuge, we come to you for shelter. We are fearful, divided in mind, and tormented by the world. The earth is steeped in unrighteousness, yet we see that this suffering, which arises from you, is meant for your worship. Whoever among us, strong as he may be, suddenly loses his hope for life—let us salute him. “O Lord, you have descended for the protection of the righteous and the subjugation of the wicked. Who can defy your will, O master? Who truly reaps the fruits of their own actions? We do not know. The happiness of kings is like a fleeting dream, dependent on others and always shadowed by fear. We bear the burden of a life as good as death, forsaking the inner happiness available through you, and thus suffer—how pitiable we are, deluded by your māyā. “Therefore, O Lord, whose feet remove the sorrows of those who seek shelter, please release us from the bonds of Jarasandha’s deeds. You alone, with the strength of ten thousand elephants, have restrained this king—like a lion among beasts—who has confined us in his palace. Though proud and intent on conquest, he was defeated by you twenty-two times when you broke his noble disc in battle. 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 his plea, the divine sage Narada suddenly appeared, radiant, with tawny matted locks, shining like the sun. Seeing Narada, Krishna, Lord of all the worlds, rose from his throne with his assembly and followers, and joyfully bowed his head in reverence. Krishna honored the sage with proper rites and a seat, addressing him with gentle, pleasing words, and showing him faith and respect. Krishna inquired, “Is all well among the three worlds? Are they free from fear? Surely, the virtue of the Lord increases as you travel among the worlds. Nothing is unknown to you, O sage among creators. Therefore, tell us—what do the Pandavas intend?” Narada replied, “O Lord, I have witnessed your māyā many times—so difficult to overcome. As you move among beings with your own powers, your glory is hidden, like fire concealed in wood; thus, nothing astonishes me. Who can truly understand your actions, as you create and withdraw this world by your māyā? What appears to exist is but a reflection of understanding. I bow to you, whose nature is beyond all distinctions. “You alone grant liberation to souls wandering in samsara, who do not know the suffering of embodiment. By your playful descents, you kindle your own fame. I take refuge in you, dispeller of darkness. “Yet, O Krishna, I shall relate what is intended by your devotee—the son of your paternal aunt—as he undertakes a deed that will astonish the world. Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, desires to attain the status of Brahma and will worship you with the Rajasuya sacrifice. May you be pleased with this. “At that supreme sacrifice, O Lord, you will be seen by the gods and illustrious kings who will eagerly assemble. By hearing, singing, or meditating upon you, even those nearby are purified—how much more so those who see or touch you? The fame of your feet is renowned in heaven, on earth, and in the netherworld. The water that flows from your feet—called Mandakini in heaven, Bhogavati below, and Ganga here—sanctifies the universe. May that sacred water bless all the worlds.” As Narada finished, Śuka continued: Krishna’s own followers, eager for conquest, looked to him. Smiling sweetly, Krishna turned to his dear servant Uddhava and said, “You are our supreme eye, a true friend who knows the essence and purpose of counsel. Speak, then, what should be done—we have faith in you and shall act accordingly.” Though all-knowing, Uddhava humbly accepted the command, bowed his head, and replied. And so ends the seventieth chapter, “Inquiry into Divine Knowledge,” of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata Mahāpurāṇa. Śuka resumed: Hearing Narada’s words, Uddhava, wise among the wise, understanding both the mood of the assembly and Krishna’s intention, spoke as follows: “O Lord, as the sage has said, you should act as advisor for the sacrifice, protect your paternal cousin, and offer shelter to those who seek refuge. The Rajasuya sacrifice should be performed by you, O mighty one, as conqueror of the quarters. Thus, the defeat of Jarasandha will serve both purposes, in my view. “For us, too, a great benefit will arise, O Govinda, and your fame will increase by freeing the imprisoned kings. Jarasandha is truly formidable, equal in strength to ten thousand elephants, and among the mighty, only Bhima can match him. “He must be defeated in single combat, not by an army of a hundred divisions. He is devoted to the Brahmanas and never refuses a request from them. Let Vrikodara—Bhima—disguised as a Brahmana, go and beg from him. He will surely slay him in single combat, in your presence—of this, there can be no doubt.