O Brahman, let me recount to you the wondrous purpose of the king, your devotee and your own cousin, as he prepares to perform a deed that will astonish all humankind. The noble son of Pāṇḍu, yearning for the exalted status of Brahmā, wishes to worship you, O Lord, by performing the grand Rājasūya sacrifice. May you, the supreme object of devotion, be pleased by this act. At that supreme sacrifice, O divine one, you will be visible to the gods and to illustrious kings, all of whom will eagerly gather for the occasion. Simply by hearing about you, singing your praises, or meditating upon you, O Lord of Brahman, even those who dwell nearby are purified—how much greater, then, the purification for those who are blessed to see you or touch you directly! The fame of your feet is renowned throughout the heavens, upon the earth, and in the netherworld. The sacred river that flows from your feet—known as Mandākinī in the heavens, Bhogavatī in the lower realms, and Gaṅgā here on earth—sanctifies the entire universe. May that holy water, flowing from your lotus feet, bring blessings to all the worlds. Śuka continued: At that time, as those on his own side were eager for victory, Keśava—the Lord—smiled gently and spoke sweetly to his devoted servant, Uddhava. “You are our supreme eye, our true friend who understands the heart of every counsel. Speak now what should be done; we trust you and shall act as you advise.” Thus addressed by his master, Uddhava, though all-knowing, humbly bowed his head and accepted the command, ready to offer his counsel. Here ends the seventieth chapter, entitled “Inquiry into Divine Knowledge,” in the second half of the Tenth Book of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata Mahāpurāṇa, the scripture for the paramahaṃsas. Śuka resumed: Hearing the words of the divine sage, Uddhava, wise among the wise, reflected upon the will of the assembly and of Kṛṣṇa, and then spoke: “O Lord, as the sage has spoken, you should act as the chief advisor for the sacrifice, protect your cousin, and grant shelter to all who seek refuge in you. The Rājasūya sacrifice should indeed be performed by you, O mighty one, as the conqueror of the directions. In my view, the defeat of Jarāsandha will serve both the purpose of the sacrifice and the liberation of the imprisoned kings. For us as well, great benefit will come from this, O Govinda, and your fame will shine even brighter by freeing those kings held captive. Yet know that Jarāsandha is a formidable foe, his strength equal to ten thousand elephants. Among the strong, only Bhīma can match him. He cannot be overcome by any army, no matter how vast, but only in single combat. Jarāsandha is devoted to the Brāhmaṇas and never refuses their requests. Therefore, let Vṛkodara—Bhīma—disguise himself as a Brāhmaṇa and approach Jarāsandha. In your presence, he will surely slay him in single combat; there can be no doubt. O Lord, you are the cause of both creation and destruction in the universe; 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, and by the Gopīs, the wives of the elephant-lord, the daughters of Janaka, your parents who found shelter in you, the sages, and by us. O Kṛṣṇa, the killing of Jarāsandha will fulfill many aims, and the sacrifice you desire will be accomplished as a result.” Śuka said: Thus, O King, all those present—the divine sage, the elders of the Yadu clan, and Kṛṣṇa himself—honored Uddhava’s words, for they were auspicious in every way for Acyuta. Then the Lord, son of Devakī, gave the order to depart. Taking leave of his elders and instructing his trusted servants Dāruka, Jaitra, and others, the mighty Lord made ready for the journey. He sent forth his own women, sons, and attendants, took leave of Saṅkarṣaṇa and the Yadu king, and, ascending his chariot adorned with the Garuḍa emblem, prepared to set out. Surrounded by his formidable army—commanders of chariots, elephants, infantry, and cavalry—he set forth, the air resounding with the thunder of mṛdaṅgas, kettle-drums, conches, and trumpets. The virtuous wives, adorned in fine garments, ornaments, fragrant unguents, and garlands, followed Acyuta, their lord, riding in golden palanquins and chariots, well-guarded by men with 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 possessions, streamed out in every direction. The army, with its 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, honored by the lord of the Yadus, bowed to him, fixing his mind upon the Lord, and departed through the sky. Hearing the sage’s resolve, Mukunda, his senses satisfied by the sight of the Lord, offered the proper gifts. The Blessed Lord, delighting the royal messenger with his words, assured him: “Do not fear, O messenger; blessings to you. I shall destroy the Magadhan.” Thus reassured, the messenger departed and delivered the message to the kings, who also beheld the appearance of Śauri, whom they longed to see freed. Hari crossed the lands of Ānarta, Sauvīra, Maru, and Vinaśana, traversing mountains and rivers, and passed through cities, villages, and cattle stations. Then 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 seldom seen by men—came forth joyfully with his teachers and surrounded by friends. Accompanied by the sound of singing and instruments, and the loud chanting of Brahmins, 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 Lakṣmī—the body of Mukunda—the king, freed from misfortune, was filled with supreme joy. His eyes welled with tears, his body thrilled, and he forgot all worldly distractions. Bhīma, overjoyed, embraced his cousin, his senses overwhelmed with love and smiling. The twins and the crowned one, too, with hearts full, embraced Acyuta, their tears flowing. Embraced by Arjuna and greeted by the twins, Kṛṣṇa bowed to the Brahmins and elders, honoring them as was their due. He honored the proud Kurus, Sṛñjayas, and Kaikeyas, as well as the charioteers, bards, Gandharvas, singers, and counselors. With drums, conches, kettle-drums, lutes, flutes, and cow-horns, the Brahmins praised Lotus-eyed Kṛṣṇa, danced, and sang. Thus, surrounded by friends, the jewel among the famed, praised by all, the Blessed Lord entered the adorned city, bringing joy and auspiciousness wherever he went.