Desiring the highest honor, the son of Pāṇḍu resolved to worship the Lord through the grand Rājasūya sacrifice, seeking the status of Brahmā. He prayed that the Lord be pleased with this offering. At that supreme sacrifice, the Lord would be witnessed by the gods and illustrious kings, all gathering there out of eagerness. The very act of hearing, singing, or meditating upon the Lord purifies even those who dwell nearby; how much more so those who are blessed to see or touch Him? The fame of the Lord’s feet is celebrated in heaven, on earth, and in the netherworld. The sacred water flowing from His feet—called Mandākinī in heaven, Bhogavatī below, and Gaṅgā on earth—sanctifies the entire universe. May that holy water bless all the worlds. Śuka narrated that, as those on his side grew eager for conquest, Keśava, smiling and speaking sweetly, addressed His devoted servant Uddhava. The Blessed Lord said, “You are our supreme eye, a true friend who understands the essence and intent of counsel. Please speak what should be done; we trust you and will act accordingly.” Though all-knowing, Uddhava humbly accepted the Lord’s command with bowed head and replied. Thus ends the seventieth chapter, “Inquiry into Divine Knowledge,” in the second half of the Tenth Book of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata Mahāpurāṇa, the scripture for the paramahaṃsas. Śuka continued: Hearing these words of the divine sage, Uddhava, wise among the wise, after understanding the opinion of the assembly and of Kṛṣṇa, spoke as follows. Uddhava said, “O Lord, as the sage has advised, you should serve as counselor 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, defeating Jarāsandha fulfills both aims, in my view. For us, too, a great benefit will arise, O Govinda, and your fame will increase by freeing the imprisoned kings. “Jarāsandha is formidable, equal in strength to ten thousand elephants, and among the strong, only Bhīma matches him. He must be defeated in single combat, not by an army, for he is devoted to Brāhmaṇas and never refuses their requests. Let Vṛkodara, disguised as a Brāhmaṇa, approach him; he will surely kill him in single combat in your presence—there is no doubt. “The Supreme Lord is the cause of creation and destruction; Hiraṇyagarbha and Śarva are forms of your timeless power. Your pure deeds are sung in the homes of the gods: the slaying of enemies of kings, the liberation of your 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, preparing for the journey. He sent forth his own women, sons, and attendants, bade farewell to Saṅkarṣaṇa and the Yadu king, the destroyer of enemies, and ascended his chariot bearing the Garuḍa emblem, brought by his charioteer. Surrounded by his 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 in fine garments, ornaments, unguents, and garlands, followed Acyuta, their lord, riding 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 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. The sage, 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, traversed mountains and rivers, arriving at 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 difficult to behold by men—joyfully came out with his teachers and friends. Accompanied by singing, instruments, and loud chanting of Brahmins, he approached Hrishikesha, as vital breath approaches the life-breath, with reverence. Seeing Krishna, the Pandava’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, the body of Mukunda, the king, freed from misfortune, attained supreme joy, his eyes filled with tears, his body thrilled, forgetting all worldly distractions. Bhima, overjoyed, embraced his maternal cousin, his senses overwhelmed with love and smiling; the twins and the crowned one too, with hearts full, embraced Achyuta, their tears flowing. Embraced by Arjuna, greeted by the twins, Krishna bowed to the Brahmins and elders, according to their due honor. He honored the proud Kurus, Sṛñjayas, Kaikeyas, charioteers, bards, Gandharvas, singers, and counselors. With drums, conches, kettle-drums, lutes, flutes, and cow-horns, the Brahmins praised Lotus-eyed Krishna, danced, and sang. Surrounded by friends, the jewel among the famed, praised by all, the Blessed Lord entered the adorned city. The path was sprinkled with fragrant water from elephants, decorated with colorful banners, golden gateways, and full pots. Radiant men and women, adorned with new garments, ornaments, and garlands, filled the air with scents, making the city resplendent.