As the assembly gathered, a question was posed to Lord Kṛṣṇa, the foremost among creators: “O Lord, nothing in all the worlds is hidden from you. Tell us, what do the Pāṇḍavas intend?” The divine sage Nārada, ever wise and perceptive, responded with reverence. He acknowledged the Lord’s wondrous māyā, which he had witnessed many times—so difficult to surpass, yet wielded effortlessly by the Master of the universe. Nārada remarked that Kṛṣṇa’s glory, though immense, often remains concealed, like fire hidden within wood, as the Lord moves among beings with His own powers. Thus, nothing could surprise him. Nārada continued, reflecting upon the inscrutability of the Lord’s actions. Who, he wondered, could truly comprehend Kṛṣṇa’s deeds—He who creates and dissolves the world through His māyā, and whose apparent manifestations are but reflections within the minds of men? With humility, Nārada bowed to the Lord, whose essence transcends all distinctions. He praised the One who grants liberation to the wandering soul, untouched by bodily suffering, and whose playful descents into the world ignite His own fame. Nārada declared his refuge in Kṛṣṇa, the dispeller of darkness. Yet, turning to Brahmā, Nārada promised to reveal the intentions of the king—the Lord’s devotee and cousin—who was about to perform a deed that would astonish all mankind. The son of Pāṇḍu, desiring a status akin to Brahmā, planned to worship Kṛṣṇa with the grand Rājasūya sacrifice. Nārada prayed that the Lord would be pleased by this offering. At that supreme ceremony, he foretold, the gods and illustrious kings would assemble, eager to witness the Lord. Merely hearing, singing, or meditating upon Kṛṣṇa purifies those nearby; how much more so for those who see or touch Him? Nārada extolled the fame of the Lord’s feet, renowned in heaven, earth, and the netherworld, and spoke of the sacred waters that flow from them—Mandākinī in heaven, Bhogavatī below, and Gaṅgā on earth—sanctifying all realms. He prayed that these waters would bless the worlds. At this point, Śuka narrated that as the assembly, eager for conquest, listened, Keśava—Kṛṣṇa—smiled gently and addressed His trusted servant, Uddhava. “You are our supreme eye, a true friend who knows the heart and purpose of counsel. Speak now what should be done; we trust you and will act accordingly.” Though all-knowing, Uddhava humbly bowed his head and accepted the command, replying with respect. Thus concluded the seventieth chapter, ‘Inquiry into Divine Knowledge,’ in the Śrīmad Bhāgavata Mahāpurāṇa. Śuka continued, recounting how Uddhava, wise among the wise, after understanding the opinions of the assembly and Kṛṣṇa Himself, spoke thoughtfully. “O Lord,” he said, “as the sage has advised, you should act as advisor for the sacrifice, protect your cousin, and offer shelter to those who seek refuge. The Rājasūya sacrifice ought to be performed, and the defeat of Jarāsandha will serve both purposes.” Uddhava explained that freeing the imprisoned kings would bring great benefit and increase Kṛṣṇa’s fame. Jarāsandha, he noted, was formidable—equal in strength to ten thousand elephants, and among the strong, only Bhīma could match him. Jarāsandha could not be defeated by armies, but only in single combat. He was devoted to Brāhmaṇas and never refused their requests. Therefore, Uddhava advised that Vṛkodara—Bhīma—should go disguised as a Brāhmaṇa and request a duel; in Kṛṣṇa’s presence, Bhīma would surely slay him. Uddhava praised the Lord as the cause of both creation and destruction, with Hiraṇyagarbha and Śarva as manifestations of His timeless power. He spoke of Kṛṣṇa’s pure deeds, celebrated by gods, kings, sages, and devotees—the slaying of enemies, liberation of souls, and protection of those who sought refuge. The killing of Jarāsandha, Uddhava concluded, would fulfill many purposes, including the successful completion of the sacrifice. All present—divine sage, elders of the Yadus, and Kṛṣṇa Himself—honored Uddhava’s wise counsel. Then, the Lord, son of Devakī, gave orders to depart. He took leave of His elders, instructed His servants Dāruka, Jaitra, and others, and prepared for the journey. Kṛṣṇa sent forth His women, sons, and attendants, bade farewell to Saṅkarṣaṇa and the Yadu king, and ascended His chariot bearing the Garuḍa emblem, brought by His charioteer. Surrounded by His own army—commanders of chariots, elephants, infantry, and cavalry—Kṛṣṇa 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 in golden palanquins and chariots, guarded by men with swords and shields. Men, camels, cows, buffaloes, donkeys, horses, chariots, elephants, attendants, and noble women—all adorned and carrying their belongings—set out in every direction. The army, with banners, cloth canopies, parasols, fans, splendid weapons, ornaments, crowns, and armor, shone like the sun, its tumultuous roar likened to the ocean stirred by mighty whales and waves. The sage, honored by the lord of the Yadus, bowed to Him, fixing Kṛṣṇa in his heart, and departed through the sky. Hearing the resolve of the Lord, Mukunda, whose senses were satisfied by the sight of the Lord, brought forth proper offerings. Kṛṣṇa, delighting the royal messenger with His words, assured him: “Do not fear, O messenger; blessings to you. I will destroy the Magadhan.” The messenger departed and conveyed the message to the kings, who also witnessed the appearance of Śauri, longing for their freedom. Hari crossed the regions of Ānarta, Sauvīra, Maru, and Vinaśana, traversed mountains and rivers, and arrived 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 Kṛṣṇa’s arrival, the king—beloved of all and rarely seen by men—joyfully came out with his teachers and surrounded by friends. Accompanied by singing, instruments, and loud chanting of Brāhmaṇas, he approached Hrishikesha with reverence, as vital breath approaches the life-breath. Seeing Kṛṣṇa, the Pāṇḍava’s heart overflowed with affection. He embraced his dearest friend, whom he had not seen for a long time, again and again. Embracing with both arms the spotless abode of Lakshmi—Kṛṣṇa’s body—the king, freed from misfortune, attained supreme joy. His eyes filled with tears, his body thrilled, and he forgot all worldly distractions. Bhīma, overjoyed, embraced his maternal cousin, his senses overwhelmed with love and smiling. The twins and the crowned one, too, with hearts full, embraced Achyuta, tears flowing as they welcomed their beloved Lord.