Uddhava, wise among the Yadus, addressed Krishna, saying, “O mighty one, you should perform the Rājasūya sacrifice as the conqueror of all directions. In my view, defeating Jarāsandha will accomplish both this and another great purpose. By freeing the kings whom Jarāsandha has imprisoned, your fame will spread far and wide, and we too will benefit.” He continued, “That king is formidable—his strength equals ten thousand elephants, and among all the strong, only Bhīma can match him. Jarāsandha cannot be overcome by armies, not even those with a hundred divisions. He must be defeated in single combat, for he is devoted to the Brāhmaṇas and never refuses a request from them. Let Vṛkodara, Bhīma, disguised as a Brāhmaṇa, approach him and request a duel. He will surely slay him in single combat, and that will happen in your presence—of this, there is no doubt.” Uddhava praised Krishna, “You, O Supreme Lord, are the cause of both creation and destruction; Hiraṇyagarbha and Śarva are but forms of your eternal power. Your pure deeds are sung everywhere: 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 Krishna, the killing of Jarāsandha will fulfill many purposes, and the sacrifice you desire will be accomplished through this act.” Having spoken thus, Uddhava’s words were honored by all present—the divine sage, the elders of the Yadus, and Krishna himself, for they were auspicious in every way for Acyuta. Krishna, the son of Devakī, then gave orders to depart. He took leave of his elders, instructed his servants Dāruka, Jaitra, and others, and made ready for the journey. He sent forth his women, sons, and attendants, took leave of Saṅkarṣaṇa and the Yadu king, the destroyer of enemies, and ascended his chariot bearing the emblem of Garuḍa, which had been brought by his charioteer. Surrounded by his army—commanders of chariots, elephants, infantry, and cavalry—Krishna set out. The quarters resounded with the blare of mṛdaṅgas, kettle-drums, conches, and trumpets. His virtuous wives, adorned with fine garments, ornaments, unguents, and garlands, followed their lord in golden palanquins and chariots, guarded by men bearing swords and shields, together with their sons. 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 like the ocean stirred by mighty whales and waves. The sage, honored by the lord of the Yadus, bowed to him, fixing Krishna in his heart, and departed through the sky. Hearing Krishna’s resolve, Mukunda, whose senses were satisfied by the sight of the Lord, brought 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.” Thus addressed, the messenger departed and conveyed Krishna’s message to the kings, who also witnessed the appearance of Śauri, whom they wished to be freed. Hari crossed the regions 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 and Matsyas, and finally arrived at Shakraprastha. Hearing of Krishna’s arrival, the king—beloved of all and difficult to behold by men—joyfully came out, surrounded by his teachers and friends. Accompanied by singing and musical instruments, and the loud chanting of Brahmins, he approached Hrishikesha with reverence, as vital breath approaches life-breath. 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 was freed from misfortune and attained supreme joy. His eyes filled with tears, his body thrilled, and he forgot 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. Krishna 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, and went forth to see the king along the royal road. In that place, crowded with elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers, the women, having seen Krishna with his wives from their homes, scattered flowers and, embracing him in their minds, offered a gracious welcome with smiling glances. The women, seeing the wives of Mukunda on the road, spoke among themselves: “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.” The citizens approached, bearing auspicious offerings, and the foremost among them, purified of sin, performed worship for Krishna in proper order. 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 with a heart full of love and, together with her daughters-in-law, embraced him. Bringing Govinda, the Lord of gods, into his home with honor, the king, overwhelmed with joy, 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. Prompted by her mother-in-law, Krishna and all the wives of Krishna honored Rukmini, Satyā, Bhadrā, and Jāmbavatī. Thus, Krishna’s arrival brought joy, reverence, and auspiciousness to all, and preparations for the great purpose ahead were set in motion.