When Uddhava, wise and deeply devoted, received his master’s command, he bowed his head in humility, accepting the instruction with reverence, though he himself was all-knowing. Thus concluded the chapter known as “Inquiry into Divine Knowledge,” the seventieth of the Tenth Book of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata Mahāpurāṇa, the sacred scripture cherished by the paramahaṃsas. Śuka continued the tale: Uddhava, having listened attentively to the words of the divine sage and grasped the sentiments of both the assembly and Kṛṣṇa, rose to speak. He addressed the Lord, saying, “O Lord, as the sage has advised, you should act as counselor for the great sacrifice, protect your paternal cousin, and offer refuge to those who seek it. The Rājasūya sacrifice ought to be performed by you, O mighty conqueror, for the defeat of Jarāsandha will accomplish both ends. This act will bring us great benefit, O Govinda, and your fame will grow as you liberate the kings held captive. “Jarāsandha is formidable—his strength equals ten thousand elephants, and 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 a request from them. Let Vṛkodara, disguised as a Brāhmaṇa, go to him and beg for battle; surely, in your presence, he will slay Jarāsandha in single combat. The Supreme Lord is the source of creation and destruction, with Hiraṇyagarbha and Śarva as manifestations of your eternal power. Your pure deeds are sung everywhere: by gods, kings, gopīs, the wives of the elephant-lord, the daughters of Janaka, your parents who found refuge in you, sages, and by us. O Kṛṣṇa, the killing of Jarāsandha will fulfill many purposes, and the sacrifice you desire will be accomplished through this act.” All present—divine sage, elders of the Yadus, and Kṛṣṇa himself—honored Uddhava’s words, recognizing their auspiciousness. Then, the Lord, son of Devakī, issued orders to depart. He took leave of his elders and instructed his servants—Dāruka, Jaitra, and others—preparing for the journey. Sending forth his women, sons, and attendants, he bid farewell to Saṅkarṣaṇa and the Yadu king, and ascended his chariot, which bore the Garuḍa emblem, brought by his charioteer. Surrounded by his formidable army—commanders of chariots, elephants, infantry, and cavalry—Kṛṣṇa set out. The quarters resounded with the blare 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, protected by men bearing swords and shields. Men, camels, cows, buffaloes, donkeys, horses, chariots, elephants, attendants, and noble women, all bedecked in bangles, armlets, blankets, and garments, carrying their belongings, moved in every direction. The army, with great banners, cloth canopies, parasols, and fans, bearing splendid weapons, ornaments, crowns, and armor, shone like the sun, its tumultuous roar echoing like the ocean stirred by mighty whales and waves. The sage, honored by the lord of the Yadus, bowed to him, fixed him in his heart, and departed through the sky. Hearing the sage’s resolve, Mukunda, satisfied by the sight of the Lord, brought the proper offerings. The Blessed Lord, delighting the royal messenger with his words, said, “Do not fear, O messenger; blessings to you. I will destroy the Magadhan.” The messenger departed, conveying the message to the kings, who too witnessed the appearance of Śauri, whom they wished to be freed. Hari journeyed across Ānarta, Sauvīra, Maru, and Vinaśana, traversed mountains and rivers, and arrived at 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 Kṛṣṇa’s arrival, the king—beloved by all and rarely seen—joyfully came out with his teachers and surrounded by friends. Accompanied by singing, instruments, and the loud chanting of Brahmins, he approached Hrishikesha with reverence, as vital breath approaches life itself. Seeing Kṛṣṇa, the Pandava’s heart overflowed with affection; he embraced his dearest friend, whom he had not seen for so long, 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. Bhīma, overjoyed, embraced his maternal cousin, his senses overwhelmed with love and smiling. The twins and the crowned one, too, their hearts full, embraced Achyuta, tears flowing. Embraced by Arjuna and greeted by the twins, Kṛṣṇa 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 Kṛṣṇa, dancing and singing. 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 in 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, their hair loosened in eagerness, their garments unfastened, immediately abandoned their household tasks and their husbands in bed, rushing forth to see the king along the royal road. In that place, crowded with elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers, the women, having seen Kṛṣṇa with his wives from their homes, scattered flowers and, embracing him in their minds, offered a gracious welcome with smiling glances. Seeing the wives of Mukunda on the road, the women remarked, “Like stars beside the moon, what is lacking for them? With his eyes, the crown of men, his noble smile, and playful glances, he creates a festival of delight.” Citizens approached, bearing auspicious offerings, and the foremost among them, purified of sin, performed worship for Kṛṣṇa in proper order. Mukunda, joyfully welcomed by the women of the inner chambers, their eyes blooming with affection and reverence, entered the royal palace, thus completing his glorious arrival.