Uddhava, wise and devoted, spoke to Krishna with deep reverence: “O Lord,” he said, “as the sage has advised, you should become the advisor for the great sacrifice, protect your cousin, and offer shelter to all who seek refuge in you. The Rājasūya sacrifice, O mighty one, should be performed by you as the conqueror of the directions. In my view, the defeat of Jarāsandha will serve both purposes: it will clear the way for the sacrifice and remove a great threat. “This act will bring immense benefit to us as well, O Govinda, and your fame will grow when you free the captive kings. But 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 defeated by even a hundred divisions of an army—he must be overcome in single combat. Moreover, he is devoted to the Brāhmaṇas and never turns away one who asks him for a boon. “Let Vṛkodara—Bhīma—disguise himself as a Brāhmaṇa and go to beg from Jarāsandha. Surely, in your presence, he will slay him in single combat; of this there is no doubt. O Lord, you are the cause of creation and destruction in the universe; Hiraṇyagarbha and Śarva are but manifestations of your eternal power. The gods sing of your pure deeds in their homes: the slaying of the enemies of kings, your liberation by the Gopīs, the wives of the elephant-king, the daughters of Janaka, your parents who found refuge in you, the sages, and by us as well. “O Krishna, the killing of Jarāsandha will fulfill many aims at once, and the sacrifice you desire will come to fruition because of this act.” Hearing these words, Śuka said, all present—the divine sage, the elders of the Yadus, Krishna himself—honored Uddhava’s counsel, for it was auspicious in every way for Acyuta. Then Krishna, the son of Devakī, gave the order to depart. He took leave of his elders and gave instructions to his servants—Dāruka, Jaitra, and others—preparing for the journey with great might. He sent forth his women, sons, and attendants, and after bidding farewell to Saṅkarṣaṇa and the Yadu king, that destroyer of enemies ascended his chariot, which bore the emblem of Garuḍa and was brought by his charioteer. With his army of chariots, elephants, infantry, and cavalry surrounding him, Krishna set out. The quarters resounded with the triumphant blare of mṛdaṅgas, kettle-drums, conches, and trumpets. The virtuous wives, adorned in fine garments, ornaments, fragrant unguents, and garlands, followed their lord Acyuta, riding in golden palanquins and chariots, well-guarded by men bearing swords and shields. Men, camels, cows, buffaloes, donkeys, horses, chariots, elephants, attendants, and noble women, all adorned with bangles, armlets, blankets, and fine garments, carrying their belongings, set out in every direction. The army, resplendent with great banners, canopies, parasols, and fans, bearing splendid weapons, ornaments, crowns, and armor, shone like the sun itself, its tumultuous roar like the ocean stirred by mighty whales and waves. At that time, the honored sage, having received Krishna’s respect, bowed to him, fixing the Lord in his heart, and departed through the sky. Hearing the sage’s resolve, Mukunda, his senses satisfied by the Lord’s sight, made the appropriate offerings. Then the Blessed Lord, delighting the royal messenger with his words, said, “Do not fear, O messenger; blessings to you. I will destroy the Magadhan.” Thus reassured, the messenger departed and conveyed Krishna’s words to the captive kings, who also witnessed the appearance of Śauri, whom they longed to be freed. Hari crossed through Ānarta, Sauvīra, Maru, and Vinaśana, traversing mountains and rivers, passing through 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 quickly. The king, beloved by all and rarely seen by men, came out joyfully with his teachers, surrounded by friends. Accompanied by singing, instruments, and the loud chanting of Brahmins, he approached Hrishikesha with reverence, as vital breath approaches the life-breath. Upon seeing Krishna, the Pāṇḍava’s heart overflowed with affection. He embraced his dearest friend, whom he had not seen for so long, again and again. With both arms he embraced the spotless abode of Lakshmi—Mukunda’s body—and, freed from all misfortune, the king attained supreme joy, his eyes brimming with tears, his body thrilled, forgetting all worldly distractions. Bhīma, too, overjoyed, embraced his cousin with love and a smile, his senses overwhelmed. The twins and the crowned one, their hearts full, embraced Acyuta, tears flowing with affection. Krishna, after being embraced by Arjuna and greeted by the twins, bowed to the Brahmins and elders, honoring them as was their due. He showed respect to the proud Kurus, Sṛñjayas, and Kaikeyas, as well as the charioteers, bards, Gandharvas, singers, and counselors. The Brahmins praised Lotus-eyed Krishna with drums, conches, kettle-drums, lutes, flutes, and cow-horns, dancing and singing. Surrounded by friends and praised by all, the jewel among the famed entered the splendidly adorned city. The path was sprinkled with fragrant water from elephants, decorated with colorful banners, golden gateways, and full pots. Men and women, radiant in new garments, ornaments, and garlands, filled the air with sweet scents, making the city resplendent. Krishna beheld the royal city, its houses adorned with shining lamps and offerings at their entrances, beautiful flags fluttering, golden pots atop the roofs, and large silver pinnacles gleaming. Hearing that the one who quenches the eyes of men had arrived, the young women, their hair loosened in eagerness and garments unfastened, abandoned their household tasks and even their husbands in bed, rushing out to see the king along the royal road. In the crowded streets, filled with elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers, the women, seeing Krishna with his wives from their homes, scattered flowers and, embracing him in their minds, welcomed him with smiling glances. Seeing Mukunda’s wives on the road, the women said 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, Krishna creates a festival of delight.” The citizens approached, bearing auspicious offerings, and the foremost among them, purified of sin, performed worship for Krishna according to proper custom. Mukunda, joyfully welcomed by the women of the inner chambers, their eyes blooming with affection and reverence, entered the royal palace. Pritha, seeing Krishna, her brother’s son and Lord of the three worlds, rose from her couch, her heart overflowing with love, and together with her daughters-in-law, embraced him. The king, overwhelmed with joy as he welcomed Govinda, the Lord of gods, into his home, became so absorbed in bliss that he could not discern what duties remained in the worship. Krishna offered salutations to his paternal aunt, maternal aunt, and teachers; and he himself was greeted by Krishna, O king, and by his sister, thus completing his joyous arrival among his beloved kin.