Krishna, preparing for his journey, sent forth his wives, sons, and attendants ahead, and took leave of Saṅkarṣaṇa and the Yadu king, the mighty destroyer of enemies. He then ascended his chariot, bearing the emblem of Garuḍa, which his charioteer had brought for him. Surrounded by his formidable army—commanders of chariots, elephants, infantry, and cavalry—the Lord set out, the air reverberating with the sounds of mṛdaṅgas, kettle-drums, conches, and trumpets. His virtuous wives, accompanied by their sons, followed Acyuta, their beloved lord. They were adorned in splendid garments, ornaments, fragrant unguents, and garlands, riding in golden palanquins and chariots, well-guarded by men bearing swords and shields. The procession included men, camels, cows, buffaloes, donkeys, horses, and chariots, along with elephants, attendants, and noble women, all beautifully adorned with bangles, armlets, blankets, and fine garments, carrying their belongings as they departed in every direction. The army shone brilliantly, decorated with great banners, cloth canopies, parasols, fans, splendid weapons, ornaments, crowns, and armor. Its tumultuous roar was like the ocean stirred by mighty whales and waves. At that moment, a sage, honored by the lord of the Yadus, bowed to Krishna, 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, delighting the royal messenger with his words, assured him: “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 kings, who also witnessed the appearance of Śauri, whom they longed to be freed. Hari then traversed the lands of Ānarta, Sauvīra, Maru, and Vinaśana, crossing mountains and rivers, and 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 quickly. The king, beloved by all and rarely seen by men, came out joyfully 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 the life-breath. Upon seeing Krishna, the Pandava was overwhelmed 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 hearts full of affection, embraced Achyuta, their tears flowing. Krishna was embraced by Arjuna and greeted by the twins, and he bowed to the Brahmins and elders, honoring them according to their due respect. He also honored 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 in celebration. Surrounded by friends, praised by all, the Blessed Lord entered the adorned city. The path had been 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 whose entrances shone 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, young women, their hair loosened in eagerness and garments unfastened, abandoned their household tasks and even 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 Krishna 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 spoke amongst 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 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. The king, bringing Govinda, the Lord of gods, into his home with honor, was so overwhelmed with joy that he could not discern what duties remained in the worship. Krishna offered salutations to his paternal aunt, maternal aunt, and teachers, and was himself greeted by Krishna and by his sister. Prompted by her mother-in-law, Krishna and all the wives of Krishna honored Rukmini, Satyā, Bhadrā, and Jāmbavatī. They also honored Kālindī, Mitravindā, Śaibyā, Nāgnajitī, and the virtuous others who had arrived, with garments, garlands, ornaments, and the like. King Yudhishthira accommodated Janardana, along with his army, attendants, and wives, renewing his hospitality again and again. Having satisfied Agni with the Khāṇḍava forest, together with Phālguna, and having freed Maya, by whom a divine assembly hall was built for the king, Krishna stayed for several months, wishing to please the king, roaming about in a chariot with Phālguna, surrounded by warriors. Thus ends the seventy-first chapter, entitled “Krishna’s Journey to Indraprastha,” in the tenth canto, second half, of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the great Purāṇa, the scripture of the supreme swan. Śuka continued: Once, in the midst of the assembly, surrounded by sages, brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and his brothers, Yudhishthira sat. With teachers, elders of the lineage, relatives, and kinsmen listening, he spoke these words: Yudhishthira addressed Krishna: “O Govinda, by the royal sacrifice, the Rājasūya, I wish to worship with your glories. O Lord, please arrange this for us. Those who constantly walk in your footsteps, meditate on you, pure ones who sing your praises and destroy inauspiciousness, O lotus-naveled one, attain liberation from worldly existence; if they desire blessings, O Lord, let them seek them, for none other can grant them. O Lord of lords, by your lotus feet’s service, let this world witness its effect here. Among those who worship you, and those who do not, and both, O mighty one, reveal the true standing of the Kurus and Sṛñjayas.