When the time had come to depart, Lord Krishna, the mighty son of Devakī, gave his orders. He took respectful leave of his elders and issued instructions to his devoted servants—Dāruka, Jaitra, and others—making all preparations for the journey ahead. He sent forth his own wives, sons, and attendants, and, after bidding farewell to Saṅkarṣaṇa and the Yadu king, the Lord who destroys his enemies ascended his chariot, adorned with the emblem of Garuḍa, which stood ready, brought forth by his charioteer. Surrounded by his formidable army—commanders of chariots, elephants, infantry, and cavalry—the Lord set out. The air resounded with the triumphant blare of mṛdaṅgas, kettle-drums, conches, and trumpets, echoing through the quarters. Krishna’s virtuous wives, adorned in splendid garments, ornaments, fragrant unguents, and garlands, followed their beloved Acyuta, riding in golden palanquins and chariots, well-guarded by men bearing swords and shields, their sons by their side. The entire retinue—men, camels, cows, buffaloes, donkeys, horses, chariots, elephants, attendants, and noble women—set out, all beautifully adorned with bangles, armlets, blankets, and fine garments, carrying their belongings in every direction. The army shone like the sun itself, with great banners, cloth canopies, parasols, and fans, all bearing splendid weapons, ornaments, crowns, and armor. Its tumultuous roar was like the ocean stirred by mighty whales and waves. As the Lord honored the sage who had come to see him, the sage bowed to Krishna, fixing him in his heart, and departed through the sky. Hearing of the sage’s resolve, Mukunda, his senses satisfied by the Lord’s presence, brought forth the proper offerings. Krishna, ever compassionate, delighted the royal messenger with his words, saying, “Do not fear, O messenger; blessings to you. I will destroy the Magadhan.” Thus reassured, the messenger departed and conveyed Krishna’s message to the gathered kings, who too witnessed the appearance of Śauri, the deliverer they longed for. Hari then journeyed, crossing the lands of 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 Krishna’s arrival spread quickly. The king—beloved of all and rarely seen by ordinary men—came forth joyfully, accompanied by his teachers and surrounded by friends. With the sounds of singing and musical instruments, and the loud chanting of Brahmins, he approached Hrishikesha with deep reverence, as vital breath approaches the very life-breath. Upon seeing Krishna, the Pandava’s heart overflowed with affection. He embraced his dearest friend, whom he had not seen for so long, again and again. Embracing Mukunda—the spotless abode of Lakshmi—with both arms, the king was freed from all misfortune, attaining supreme joy; his eyes filled with tears, his body thrilled, and all worldly distractions forgotten. Bhima, overjoyed, embraced his maternal cousin with love and a broad smile. The twins and the crowned one too, their hearts full, embraced Achyuta, tears streaming down their faces. Krishna, embraced by Arjuna and greeted by the twins, bowed respectfully to the Brahmins and elders, honoring them as was due. He extended honor to the proud Kurus, Sṛñjayas, Kaikeyas, as well as charioteers, bards, Gandharvas, singers, and counselors. Accompanied by drums, conches, kettle-drums, lutes, flutes, and cow-horns, the Brahmins praised the lotus-eyed Krishna, dancing and singing in joy. Thus surrounded by friends, praised by all, the Blessed Lord entered the beautifully 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 bright lamps and offerings at their entrances, beautiful flags fluttering, golden pots on rooftops, and large silver pinnacles gleaming. Hearing that Krishna—the vessel for quenching the eyes of men—had arrived, the young women, their hair loosened in eagerness and garments unfastened, immediately abandoned their household tasks and even their husbands in bed, hurrying out to see the king along the royal road. Amidst crowds of elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers, the women, having glimpsed Krishna with his wives from their homes, scattered flowers, embraced him in their minds, and welcomed him with smiling glances. As they beheld 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.” The citizens came forward, 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, Krishna’s paternal aunt and the mother of the Pandavas, seeing her dear nephew—the Lord of the three worlds—rose from her couch, her heart filled with love, and, together with her daughters-in-law, embraced him warmly. King Yudhishthira brought Govinda, the Lord of gods, into his home with great honor, so overwhelmed with joy that he could scarcely remember what duties remained to fulfill in Krishna’s worship. Krishna offered salutations to his paternal and maternal aunts and to his teachers; in turn, he was greeted by Krishna (Draupadī), O king, and by his sister. At the prompting of her mother-in-law, Draupadī and all the wives of Krishna honored Rukmini, Satyā, Bhadrā, and Jāmbavatī. They also honored Kālindī, Mitravindā, Śaibyā, Nāgnajitī, and the other virtuous wives who had arrived, offering them garments, garlands, ornaments, and more. King Yudhishthira made sure that Janardana, along with his army, attendants, and wives, was comfortably accommodated, renewing his hospitality again and again. Having satisfied Agni with the burning of the Khāṇḍava forest, together with Phālguna (Arjuna), and having freed Maya, by whom a divine assembly hall was built for the king, Krishna remained for several months, wishing to please the king, roaming about in a chariot with Phālguna, surrounded by warriors. Thus concludes the seventy-first chapter, “Krishna’s Journey to Indraprastha,” in the tenth canto, second half, of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the great Purāṇa, scripture of the supreme swan. Once, as Śuka continued, King Yudhishthira sat in the midst of the great assembly, surrounded by sages, brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and his brothers. With teachers, elders of the lineage, relatives, and kinsmen listening attentively, he spoke these words: “O Govinda, by the royal sacrifice, the Rājasūya, I wish to worship you and your glories. O Lord, please arrange this for us. Those who constantly walk in your footsteps, meditate on you, pure souls who sing your praises and dispel all inauspiciousness, O lotus-naveled one, attain liberation from worldly existence. If they desire blessings, O Lord, let them seek them from you alone, for none other can grant them.