As the great sage Nārada arrived, Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa—the Lord of all lords—rose from His seat, surrounded by His assembly and followers. Filled with joy, Kṛṣṇa bowed His head in deep respect to the sage. He honored Nārada properly, offering him a worthy seat and addressing him with pleasing words, full of faith and reverence, thereby satisfying the sage’s heart. Kṛṣṇa inquired, “Is all well today among the three worlds? Are they free from fear? Surely, the virtue of the Lord increases as He travels among the worlds.” Recognizing Nārada’s vast knowledge, Kṛṣṇa continued, “Nothing is unknown to you, O Lord among creators. Therefore, we ask: what do the Pāṇḍavas intend?” Nārada replied, “O Lord, I have witnessed Your māyā many times—so difficult to overcome. You are the Master and Creator of the universe, wielding māyā. As You move among beings with Your own powers, Your glory remains hidden, like fire concealed within wood. Thus, nothing astonishes me. Who indeed is fit to know Your actions here, 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 souls wandering in saṃsāra, and You do not know the suffering brought by the body. Through Your playful descents, You kindle Your own fame. I take refuge in You, who dispels darkness.” Nārada then spoke, “Yet, O Brahman, let me share what is intended by the king—your devotee, the son of your paternal aunt—as he enacts a deed that will amaze the world of men. The son of Pāṇḍu desires the status of Brahmā and will worship You with the Rājasūya sacrifice. 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 gather there with 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 Your feet is renowned in heaven, on earth, and in the netherworld. The sacred water flowing from Your feet—called Mandākinī in heaven, Bhogavatī below, and Gaṅgā here—sanctifies the universe. May that water bless all the worlds.” Śuka then narrates: As those on Kṛṣṇa’s side grew eager for conquest, Keśava, smiling and speaking sweetly, addressed His servant Uddhava, “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, bowed his 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—understood the opinion of the assembly and of Kṛṣṇa, and 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. 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, O Govinda, and your fame will increase by freeing the kings who are imprisoned. “That king, Jarāsandha, is truly hard to overcome, equal in strength to ten thousand elephants. 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 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.” 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. He took leave of His elders and instructed His servants Dāruka, Jaitra, and others. The mighty one prepared for the journey, sending forth His women, sons, and attendants. He 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. 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 was like the ocean stirred by mighty whales and waves. The sage Nārada, honored by the lord of the Yadus, bowed to Him, fixing Him in his heart, and departed through the sky. Hearing Nārada’s resolve, Mukunda, whose senses were satisfied by the sight of the Lord, brought 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 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. Mukunda crossed the Drishadvati and Sarasvati rivers, reached the Panchalas, then the Matsyas, and finally arrived at Shakraprastha. Hearing of His arrival, the king—beloved of all and difficult to behold by men—joyfully came out with his teachers, surrounded by friends. Accompanied by the sound of singing and instruments, and the loud chanting of Brahmins, he approached Hrishikesha, as vital breath approaches the life-breath, with reverence.