Honored by Krishna, the lord of the Yadus, the great sage offered his respects, fixing Krishna within his heart, and then departed, ascending through the sky. Mukunda, understanding the sage’s intention, whose senses were fulfilled by the Lord’s presence, brought forth the appropriate offerings. Then, delighting the royal messenger with his gentle words, Krishna assured him, “Do not fear, O messenger; blessings to you. I will destroy the Magadhan.” Comforted, the messenger returned and faithfully conveyed Krishna’s promise to the assembled kings. They, too, beheld the glorious appearance of Śauri, the very one they longed to see liberated. Hari, the Supreme Lord, then journeyed across the lands of Ānarta, Sauvīra, Maru, and Vinaśana, traversing mountains and rivers, passing through cities, villages, and cattle stations. He crossed the sacred Drishadvati and Sarasvati rivers, entered the realms of the Panchalas and Matsyas, and finally arrived at Shakraprastha. News of Krishna’s arrival spread swiftly. The king, beloved by all and rarely seen by ordinary men, came forth with joy, accompanied by his teachers and surrounded by friends. The air was filled with the sound of singing, the music of instruments, and the loud chanting of Brahmins. With reverence, the king approached Hrishikesha, as vital breath approaches life itself. Upon seeing Krishna, the Pandava’s heart overflowed with affection. He embraced his dearest friend again and again, having been separated from him for so long. Holding Krishna, the spotless abode of Lakshmi, in his arms, the king was freed from all misfortune. He attained supreme joy—his eyes brimming with tears, his body thrilled, and all worldly concerns forgotten. Bhima, filled with delight, embraced his maternal cousin, his senses overcome with love and a radiant smile upon his face. The twins, along with the crowned Yudhishthira, also embraced Achyuta, their hearts full and tears streaming down their cheeks. Krishna, embraced by Arjuna and greeted warmly by the twins, paid his respects to the Brahmins and elders, honoring them as was proper. He then offered honor to the proud Kurus, Sṛñjayas, Kaikeyas, and to the charioteers, bards, Gandharvas, singers, and counselors. The Brahmins praised Lotus-eyed Krishna with the sound of drums, conches, kettle-drums, lutes, flutes, and cow-horns, dancing and singing in his honor. Surrounded by friends, praised by all as the jewel among the famed, the Blessed Lord entered the splendid city. The pathways had been sprinkled with fragrant water from elephants, adorned 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 glow with festivity. Krishna beheld the royal city, its homes adorned with shining lamps at their entrances, offerings, beautiful fluttering flags, golden pots on the rooftops, and great silver pinnacles. Hearing that the one who quenches the eyes of all had arrived, the young women, their hair loosened in eagerness and garments unfastened, abandoned their tasks and even their sleeping husbands, hurrying to the royal road to catch a glimpse of the king. In that crowded place, filled with elephants, horses, chariots, and soldiers, the women, seeing Krishna with his wives from their homes, scattered flowers and embraced him in their hearts, welcoming him with gracious, smiling glances. Observing Mukunda’s wives on the road, they whispered among themselves, “Like stars beside the moon, what could they lack? For with his eyes, his noble smile, and playful glances, Krishna, the crown of men, creates a festival of delight.” Citizens came bearing auspicious offerings, and the foremost among them, purified of sin, worshiped Krishna in the proper manner. 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 mother of the Pandavas, saw her nephew—the Lord of the three worlds—and rose from her couch, her heart overflowing with love. With her daughters-in-law, she embraced Krishna warmly. King Yudhishthira, bringing Govinda, the Lord of gods, into his home with great honor, was so overwhelmed with joy that he could not discern what duties remained in Krishna’s worship. Krishna offered salutations to his paternal and maternal aunts, and to his teachers; he, in turn, was greeted by Draupadi, O King, and by his sister. At the prompting of her mother-in-law, Draupadi 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, bestowing garments, garlands, ornaments, and more. King Yudhishthira ensured that Janardana, together with his army, attendants, and wives, was comfortably accommodated, renewing his hospitality again and again. Krishna, together with Arjuna, had once satisfied Agni with the burning of the Khāṇḍava forest and freed Maya, who then built a wondrous assembly hall for the king. Now, Krishna stayed for several months, wishing to please Yudhishthira, roaming about in a chariot with Arjuna, 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, the scripture of the supreme swan. Śuka continued: Once, in the midst of the royal assembly, surrounded by sages, brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and his brothers, Yudhishthira sat. With teachers, elders, relatives, and kinsmen all listening, he spoke these words: “O Govinda, by the royal sacrifice—the Rājasūya—I wish to worship your glories. O Lord, please arrange this for us. Those who constantly walk in your footsteps, meditate on you, sing your praises, and destroy inauspiciousness, O lotus-naveled one, attain liberation from worldly existence. If they desire blessings, let them seek them from you alone, for none else can grant them. O Lord of lords, by serving your lotus feet, let the world witness its effect here and now. Among those who worship you and those who do not, among all, O mighty one, reveal the true standing of the Kurus and Sṛñjayas. For you, the soul of all, see no difference between self and others, experiencing your own bliss. Like the wish-fulfilling tree, your favor arises according to the service rendered, never otherwise.” The Blessed Lord replied, “O king, destroyer of enemies, your resolve is proper. Through this, your auspicious fame will be celebrated throughout the worlds. This great sacrifice is desired by sages, ancestors, gods, friends—even by us—and by all beings. Having conquered all kings and brought the world under your control, gather all the necessary materials and perform the great sacrifice. O king, your brothers are born from portions of the guardians of the worlds. I am conquered by you, who are self-controlled; I am unconquerable by those who lack self-mastery.