Nārada, the divine sage, spoke to the Lord with deep reverence and humility. “O Master of the universe,” he said, “I have witnessed Your wondrous māyā many times—Your power is difficult to overcome. As You move among beings, wielding Your own energies, Your true glory remains hidden, just as fire is concealed within wood. Therefore, nothing You do astonishes me. “Who can truly comprehend Your actions here? By Your māyā, You create and withdraw this entire world. What appears to exist is only a reflection within consciousness. I bow to You, whose nature is beyond all distinctions and dualities. “You are the one who grants liberation to souls wandering in the endless cycle of birth and death, though You Yourself are untouched by bodily suffering. Through Your playful descents, You spread Your own fame throughout the worlds. I seek refuge in You, who dispels all darkness. “Yet, O Brahman, I will tell you what is intended by the king—your devotee and the son of your paternal aunt—as he prepares to perform a deed that will astonish the world of men. The son of Pāṇḍu, desiring the status of Brahmā, wishes to worship You with the Rājasūya sacrifice, O Lord. May You be pleased with this offering. “At that supreme sacrifice, O God, You will be seen by the gods and many illustrious kings, who will gather there out of eagerness and devotion. By hearing, singing, or meditating upon You, even those who merely dwell nearby are purified—how much more so those who actually see or touch You? “The fame of Your lotus feet is renowned in heaven, on earth, and in the netherworlds. The sacred water that flows from Your feet is known as Mandākinī in heaven, Bhogavatī below, and Gaṅgā here on earth—it sanctifies the entire universe. May that holy water, flowing from Your feet, bless all the worlds.” When Nārada had finished, Śuka continued the account. As those on the Lord’s side grew eager for conquest, Keśava—Krishna—smiled and addressed His devoted servant Uddhava with sweet words: “Uddhava, you are our supreme eye, a true friend who knows the essence and purpose of counsel. Therefore, speak now what should be done; we trust you and shall act accordingly.” Though all-knowing, Uddhava humbly bowed his head and accepted the Lord’s command. Hearing the words of the divine sage, and understanding the opinions of both the assembly and Krishna, Uddhava spoke with wisdom: “O Lord, as the sage has advised, You should assist as counselor for the sacrifice, protect Your paternal cousin, and shelter all who seek refuge. The Rājasūya sacrifice should be performed by You, O mighty one, as conqueror of the quarters. In my view, the defeat of Jarāsandha serves both these purposes. “For us, too, a great benefit will arise, O Govinda, and Your fame will increase by freeing the captive kings. Jarāsandha is truly formidable, equal in strength to ten thousand elephants. Among the strong, only Bhīma can match him. He cannot be overcome by an army, but only in single combat. He is devoted to the Brāhmaṇas and never refuses a request from them. “Let Vṛkodara—Bhīma—disguise himself as a Brāhmaṇa and go to him; he will surely grant the request and face Bhīma in single combat. There is no doubt that Bhīma will slay him in Your presence. The Supreme Lord is the cause of 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 Krishna, the killing of Jarāsandha will fulfill many purposes, and the sacrifice You wish to see accomplished will follow as a result.” Hearing Uddhava’s wise counsel, all present—Nārada, the elders of the Yadus, and Krishna Himself—honored his words, recognizing their auspiciousness in every way. Then the Lord, son of Devakī, ordered preparations for departure. Taking leave of His elders and instructing His trusted servants Dāruka, Jaitra, and others, Krishna prepared for the journey. He sent forth His own women, sons, and attendants, took leave of Saṅkarṣaṇa and the Yadu king, and ascended His chariot, which bore the emblem of Garuḍa and was brought by His charioteer. Surrounded by His great army—commanders of chariots, elephants, infantry, and cavalry—the Lord set out, the quarters resounding with the thunder of mṛdaṅgas, kettle-drums, conches, and trumpets. The virtuous wives, adorned with fine garments, ornaments, fragrant unguents, and garlands, followed Acyuta 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 tumult 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 his resolve, Mukunda, pleased by the sage’s devotion, offered him the proper gifts. Krishna, delighting the royal messenger with His words, said, “Do not fear, O messenger; blessings to you. I will destroy the Magadhan.” Thus reassured, the messenger departed and conveyed the message to the captive kings, who rejoiced at the promise of their deliverance. Hari then crossed the lands of Ānarta, Sauvīra, Maru, and Vinaśana, traversed mountains and rivers, and arrived at various cities, villages, and cattle stations. He crossed the Drishadvati and Sarasvati rivers, reached the Panchalas, then the Matsyas, and finally arrived at Shakraprastha. Hearing of Krishna’s arrival, King Yudhiṣṭhira—beloved of all and rarely seen by men—came out joyfully with his teachers and surrounded by friends. Accompanied by singing, musical instruments, and the loud chanting of Brahmins, the king approached Hrishikesha with deep reverence, as vital breath approaches the life-breath. Seeing Krishna, the Pāṇḍava was overwhelmed with affection. He embraced his dearest friend again and again, his heart full, for they had not met in a long time. Embracing with both arms the spotless abode of Lakshmi—Krishna’s divine body—the king, freed from all misfortune, attained supreme joy. Tears filled his eyes, his body thrilled with ecstasy, and he forgot all worldly concerns. Bhīma, overjoyed, embraced his maternal cousin, his senses overwhelmed with love and a beaming smile. The twins and the crowned one, too, with hearts full, embraced Achyuta, their tears flowing freely. After embracing Arjuna and being greeted by the twins, Krishna respectfully bowed to the Brahmins and elders, honoring each according to their due. Thus, the Lord arrived among His dear devotees, and the hearts of the Pāṇḍavas overflowed with love and joy at His presence.