Jarāsandha, the mighty king of Magadha, whose pride was unyielding and whose delight lay in conquering the world, had been defeated by Kṛṣṇa twenty-two times in battle, his noble disc shattered each time by the Lord’s infinite power. Yet now, Jarāsandha oppressed Kṛṣṇa’s people, and the royal messenger, addressing the unconquered Lord, pleaded for action: “Those held captive by the Magadhan, longing to see you, have taken refuge at your feet. Please grant well-being to these afflicted ones.” As the messenger spoke, the divine sage Nārada suddenly appeared, radiant and bearing tawny matted locks, like the sun itself. Upon seeing Nārada, Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa, Lord of all the lords of the worlds, rose with His assembly and followers and joyfully bowed His head in reverence. He honored Nārada properly, offering him a seat and addressing him with pleasing words, satisfying the sage with faith and respect. Kṛṣṇa then inquired, “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 Pāṇḍavas intend?” Nārada replied, “O Lord, I have witnessed 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 saṃsāra, 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.” Nārada continued, “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 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, 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 Mandākinī in heaven, Bhogavatī below, and Gaṅgā here, sanctifies the universe—may that water, flowing from Your feet, bless all the worlds.” As those present grew eager for conquest, Keśava—Kṛṣṇa—smiled and addressed His servant Uddhava with sweet words: “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.” 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 Śrīmad Bhāgavata Mahāpurāṇa. Śuka continued: Hearing the words of the divine sage, Uddhava, wise among the wise, after understanding the opinion of the assembly and of Kṛṣṇa, spoke as follows: “O Lord, as the sage has said, you should act as an advisor for the sacrifice, protect your paternal cousin, and shelter those who seek refuge. The Rājasūya sacrifice should be performed by you, O mighty one, as conqueror of the quarters; thus, the defeat of Jarāsandha serves both purposes, in my view. For us, too, a great benefit will arise from this, O Govinda, and your fame will increase by freeing the kings who are imprisoned.” Uddhava explained further, “That king is truly hard to overcome, equal in strength to ten thousand elephants, and among the strong, none can match him except Bhīma. He must be defeated in single combat, not by an army of a hundred divisions; he is devoted to the Brāhmaṇas and never refuses a request from them. Let Vṛkodara—Bhīma—disguised as a Brāhmaṇa, go and beg from him; he will surely kill him in single combat in your presence—there is no doubt. The Supreme Lord is the cause for both the creation and destruction of the universe; Hiraṇyagarbha and Śarva are forms of your timeless 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 Gopīs, the wives of the elephant-lord, the daughters of Janaka, your parents who found refuge in you, the sages, and by us. O Kṛṣṇa, the killing of Jarāsandha will serve many purposes; and the sacrifice you desire will be accomplished as a result of this act.” Śuka said: Thus, O King, all honored Uddhava’s words, which were auspicious in every way for Acyuta—the divine sage, the elders of the Yadus, and Kṛṣṇa himself. Then the Lord, son of Devakī, gave orders to depart; having taken leave of his elders and instructing his servants Dāruka, Jaitra, and others, the mighty one prepared for the journey. He sent forth his own women, sons, and attendants, took leave of Saṅkarṣaṇa and the Yadu king, the destroyer of enemies, and ascended his chariot bearing the Garuḍa emblem, which was brought by the charioteer. Surrounded by his own army—commanders of chariots, elephants, infantry, and cavalry—he set out, the quarters resounding with the blare of mṛdaṅgas, kettle-drums, conches, and trumpets. With their sons, the virtuous wives, adorned with fine garments, ornaments, unguents, and garlands, followed Acyuta, their lord, riding in golden palanquins and chariots, well-guarded by men bearing swords and shields. Men, camels, cows, buffaloes, donkeys, horses, and chariots, along with elephants, attendants, and noble women, all adorned with bangles, armlets, blankets, and garments, carrying their belongings, set out in every direction. The army, with great banners, cloth canopies, parasols, and fans, bearing splendid weapons, ornaments, crowns, and armor, shone with the brilliance of the sun, its tumultuous roar like the ocean stirred by mighty whales and waves. Then Nārada, honored by the lord of the Yadus, bowed to him, fixing him in his heart, and departed through the sky. Hearing his resolve, Mukunda, whose senses were satisfied by the sight of the Lord, brought the proper offerings. The Blessed Lord, delighting the royal messenger with his words, spoke: “Do not fear, O messenger; blessings to you. I will destroy the Magadhan.” Thus addressed, the messenger departed and properly conveyed the message to the kings; they too witnessed the appearance of Śauri, whom they wished to be freed. Hari crossed Ānarta, Sauvīra, Maru, and Vinaśana, then traversed mountains and rivers, arriving at cities, villages, and cattle stations.