As the assembly sat in the presence of the Lord, they reflected on His wondrous power. It was said that simply by hearing about Him, singing His glories, or meditating upon Him, even those who dwell nearby are purified—how much more so those who are blessed to see or touch Him directly! The fame of His holy feet resounds throughout heaven, earth, and the netherworld. The sacred water that flows from those feet is known as Mandākinī in heaven, Bhogavatī below, and Gaṅgā on earth; it sanctifies the entire universe. May this divine stream, flowing from the Lord’s feet, bless all the worlds. At this moment, Śuka narrated that as those allied with the Lord were eager for conquest, Keśava—smiling gently and speaking sweetly—turned to His devoted servant Uddhava. The Blessed Lord addressed him with affection, saying, “You are truly our supreme eye, a friend who understands the essence and purpose of counsel. Please speak what should be done here; we trust your wisdom and will act accordingly.” Though all-knowing, Uddhava humbly bowed his head and accepted his master’s command, preparing to respond. Thus concludes 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 the words of the divine sage, Uddhava—wise among the wise—understood both the opinion of the assembly and Kṛṣṇa’s intent. He spoke as follows: “O Lord, as the sage advised, you should act as counselor for the sacrifice, protect your paternal cousin, and offer shelter to those who seek refuge. The Rājasūya sacrifice ought to be performed by you, O mighty one, as the conqueror of all directions; thus, the defeat of Jarāsandha fulfills both purposes, in my view. For us, too, great benefit will arise, O Govinda, and your fame will grow by liberating the imprisoned kings. “Jarāsandha is formidable, equal in strength to ten thousand elephants. Among the strong, only Bhīma can match him. He must be defeated in single combat, not by an army, for he is devoted to the Brāhmaṇas and never refuses their requests. Let Vṛkodara—Bhīma—disguised as a Brāhmaṇa, go and beg from him; surely, he will slay him in single combat, in your presence—there is no doubt. “The Supreme Lord is the cause of both 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 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, brought by the 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 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, 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, 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 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 Krishna, the Pandava’s heart was overwhelmed 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 their hearts full, embraced Achyuta, their tears flowing. Embraced by Arjuna and greeted by the twins, Krishna bowed to the Brahmins and elders, according to their due honor. 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 Krishna, danced, and sang. Thus 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. He saw the royal city adorned with houses, their entrances shining with bright lamps and offerings, beautiful flags fluttering, golden pots on the roofs, and large silver pinnacles. Hearing that the vessel for quenching the eyes of men had arrived, the young women—hair loosened in eagerness, garments unfastened—immediately abandoned their household tasks and their husbands in bed, and went forth to see the king along the royal road.