With hands joined in reverence, the royal messenger bowed deeply to Krishna, the Supreme Lord, and addressed the gathered kings, recounting the suffering they endured due to Jarasandha’s tyranny. He explained how those kings who had refused to submit to Jarasandha’s conquests had been seized by force and were now held captive in Girivraja, numbering in two great groups of ten thousand each. The imprisoned kings, their spirits oppressed, turned their hearts to Krishna and cried out: “Krishna, Krishna! O immeasurable soul, you who destroy the fears of all who seek refuge—distressed by worldly fears and our own divided minds, we come to you for shelter. The world is lost in unrighteousness and heedless of virtue, yet even this desperate act—our plea—arises from you, for your worship. Whoever, strong as he may be, severs the sleepless soul’s hope for life—salutations to him. “O Lord, you have descended for the protection of the righteous and the subjugation of 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 fleeting dream, dependent on the whims of others, always shadowed by fear. Bound to the yoke of a life as good as death, we have neglected the true happiness that lies within the self and is easily attained by your grace. Deluded by your māyā, we suffer and are to be pitied. “Therefore, O Lord, whose feet dissolve all sorrow for those who seek you, please deliver us from the bonds of the Magadhan’s cruelty. You alone, whose strength surpasses ten thousand elephants, have restrained that king—fierce as a lion among beasts—who has confined us in his palace. His pride is unyielding, his delight in conquest unending, yet you, O Lord of infinite power, have defeated him time and again, shattering his noble disc in battle no less than twenty-two times. Now he torments your people—O unconquered one, act as you deem best.” When the messenger finished speaking, he added, “Thus, these kings, held captive by the Magadhan and longing to see you, have taken refuge at your feet. Please grant well-being to these afflicted souls.” At that very moment, as the royal envoy concluded his words, the divine sage Narada appeared suddenly, radiant and resplendent, his tawny matted locks shining like the sun itself. Upon seeing Narada, Bhagavan Krishna, Lord of all lords, immediately rose from his seat along with his entourage, joyfully bowing his head in deep respect. Krishna honored Narada fittingly, offering him a seat and addressing him with words full of warmth and faith, eager to satisfy the sage. Krishna inquired, “Is all well throughout the three worlds? Are they free from fear? Surely, the Lord’s virtue increases as you travel among the worlds. Nothing is hidden from you, O sage among creators. Therefore, we ask: What are the intentions of the Pandavas?” Narada replied, “O Lord, I have witnessed your māyā countless times—so difficult to overcome, O master, creator of the universe, wielder of illusion. As you move among beings by your own power, your glory remains hidden, like fire concealed within wood. Thus, nothing you do astonishes me. Who is truly fit to comprehend your actions here, as you create and dissolve the 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 alone grant liberation to the wandering soul, who is unaware of the suffering caused by the body. Through your playful descents, you spread your own fame. I take refuge in you, who dispel all darkness. “Yet, O Brahman, I shall tell you what your devotee, the son of your paternal aunt, intends—an act that will astonish the world. The son of Pandu, longing for the status of Brahma, wishes to worship you with the Rajasuya sacrifice, O Lord. May you be pleased by this. At that supreme sacrifice, O God, you will be seen by the gods and renowned kings, who will gather there, eager for your presence. “Even those who merely hear, sing, or meditate upon you, O Lord of Brahman, are purified—how much more so those who see or touch you? The pure fame of your feet is celebrated in heaven, on earth, and in the netherworld. The sacred water that flows from your feet is called Mandakini in the heavens, Bhogavati below, and Ganga here on earth; it sanctifies the entire universe. May that holy water bless all the worlds.” Śuka continued: As Narada spoke thus, those present, eager for conquest, awaited Krishna’s response. Smiling gently, Krishna—known as Kesava—turned to his devoted servant Uddhava and addressed him with sweet words: “You are indeed our supreme eye, a true friend who understands the essence and purpose of counsel. Therefore, tell us what should be done; we trust you and will act accordingly.” Though all-knowing, Uddhava humbly bowed his head, accepting his master’s command, and replied. Śuka concluded the seventieth chapter here, marking the inquiry into divine knowledge. Now, hearing Narada’s words, Uddhava, wise among the wise, understood both the mood of the assembly and Krishna’s will. He spoke: “O Lord, as the sage has said, you should advise on the sacrifice, protect your paternal cousin, and shelter 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 when you free the imprisoned kings. Jarasandha is a formidable foe, equal in strength to ten thousand elephants; among the strong, only Bhima can match him. He must be overcome in single combat, not by an army of a hundred divisions. He is devoted to the Brahmanas and never refuses them a request. Let Vrikodara (Bhima), disguised as a Brahmana, go and ask him for a boon; he will surely slay him in single combat before your very eyes—there is no doubt. “You, Supreme Lord, are the cause of both creation and destruction; Hiraṇyagarbha and Śarva are but forms of your eternal power. Your pure deeds are sung in the homes of the gods: the slaying of the enemies of kings, the liberation of your own self, by the Gopis, the wives of the elephant-lord, the daughters of Janaka, your parents who sought refuge in you, the sages, and by us as well. O Krishna, the killing of Jarasandha will fulfill many purposes, and the sacrifice you desire will be accomplished as a result.” Śuka said: All present—Acyuta himself, the divine sage, the elders of the Yadus, and Krishna—honored Uddhava’s auspicious words. Then, the Lord, son of Devaki, gave the order to depart. He took leave of his elders and instructed his trusted servants Dāruka, Jaitra, and others, readying himself for the journey. He sent forth his own women, sons, and attendants, bade farewell to Sankarshana and the Yadu king, and, as the destroyer of enemies, ascended his chariot adorned with the emblem of Garuda, brought forth by his charioteer. Surrounded by his formidable army—commanders of chariots, elephants, infantry, and cavalry—Krishna set out, the quarters resounding with the triumphant blare of mrdangas, kettle-drums, conches, and trumpets, heralding the Lord’s glorious departure.