The Blessed Lord addressed Uddhava with deep affection, saying, "You are truly our supreme eye, a friend who understands the essence and purpose of counsel. Therefore, speak here what must be done; we have faith in you and will act accordingly." Thus spoken to by his master, Uddhava—though himself all-knowing—bowed his head in humility, accepting the command, and prepared to reply. As the inquiry into divine knowledge concluded, Śuka continued the sacred narration. He described how Uddhava, wise among the wise, having carefully understood the minds of both the assembly and Kṛṣṇa, began to speak his counsel. Uddhava said, "O Lord, as the sage has advised, you should act as an advisor for the sacrifice, protect your paternal cousin, and give shelter to those who seek refuge with you. The Rājasūya sacrifice should be performed by you, O mighty one, as the conqueror of all directions. In my view, the defeat of Jarāsandha will fulfill both purposes. Great benefit will come to us as well, O Govinda, and your fame will spread by freeing the kings who languish in captivity. "That king, Jarāsandha, is truly difficult to overcome, 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 of a hundred divisions. He is devoted to the Brāhmaṇas and never turns away a request from them. Therefore, let Vṛkodara—Bhīma—go to him disguised as a Brāhmaṇa and beg for a duel; he will surely slay him in single combat in your presence—there is no doubt. "O Supreme Lord, you are the cause of both creation and destruction; Hiraṇyagarbha and Śarva are but forms of your timeless power. Your pure deeds are sung in the homes of the gods: the slaying of the enemies of kings, the deliverance 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 of this act." When Uddhava finished, all present—Kṛṣṇa himself, the divine sage, the elders of the Yadus—honored his words, recognizing their auspiciousness in every way. Then the Lord, son of Devakī, gave the order to depart. He took leave of his elders, instructed his servants Dāruka, Jaitra, and others, and 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, brought forth by his charioteer. Surrounded by his own army—commanders of chariots, elephants, infantry, and cavalry—the Lord set out. The quarters resounded with the blare of mṛdaṅgas, kettle-drums, conches, and trumpets. The virtuous wives, adorned with fine garments, ornaments, fragrant 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—adorned with bangles, armlets, blankets, and garments, carrying their belongings—set out in every direction. The army, resplendent with great banners, cloth canopies, parasols, and fans, bearing splendid weapons, ornaments, crowns, and armor, shone like the sun itself. Its tumultuous roar echoed 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 the sage’s resolve, Mukunda, whose senses were satisfied by the sight of the Lord, brought the proper offerings. The Blessed Lord spoke gently to the royal messenger, delighting him with his words: "Do not fear, O messenger; blessings upon you. I will destroy the Magadhan." Thus reassured, the messenger departed and delivered the message to the captive kings, who too beheld the appearance of Śauri, their hoped-for liberator. Hari then crossed the lands of Ānarta, Sauvīra, Maru, and Vinaśana, traversing 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. News of his arrival spread swiftly. The king—beloved by all, rarely seen by ordinary men—came out joyfully with his teachers, surrounded by friends. Accompanied by singing, music, 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 was freed from misfortune and attained supreme joy; his eyes filled with tears, his body thrilled, and all worldly distractions forgotten. Bhīma, overjoyed, embraced his maternal 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, dancing and singing his glories. 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 sweet scents, making the city resplendent. He beheld the royal city, its houses adorned, 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, their hair loosened in eagerness, their garments unfastened, immediately left their household tasks and their husbands in bed, and hurried to see the king along the royal road. In that place, crowded with elephants, horses, chariots, and soldiers, the women, having seen Kṛṣṇa with his wives from their homes, scattered flowers and, embracing him in their minds, offered a most gracious welcome with smiling glances. Seeing the wives of Mukunda on the road, the women spoke among themselves: "Like stars beside the moon, what is lacking for them? For with his eyes, the crown of men, his noble smile, and playful glances, he creates a festival of delight." There, the citizens approached, bearing auspicious offerings, and the foremost among them, purified of sin, performed worship for Kṛṣṇa in the proper manner.