Mukunda, the Lord Krishna, set out on a journey, crossing first the Drishadvati and Sarasvati rivers. He traveled through the lands of the Panchalas and Matsyas, finally arriving at the illustrious city of Shakraprastha. Word of his arrival spread swiftly, and the king—Yudhishthira, beloved by all and rarely seen by ordinary men—came out to greet him, surrounded by his teachers and friends, his heart overflowing with joy. The air was alive with the sounds of singing, music, and the powerful chanting of Brahmins. Amidst this festive atmosphere, the king approached Hrishikesha, Krishna, with reverence, as vital breath approaches the life-breath. Upon seeing Krishna, the Pandava’s heart was overwhelmed with affection, and he embraced his dearest friend again and again, for they had been separated for a long time. Yudhishthira, embracing Mukunda—the spotless abode of Lakshmi—with both arms, felt his misfortunes vanish. Supreme joy flooded his being; his eyes filled with tears, his body thrilled, and all worldly distractions faded from his mind. Bhima, too, was overjoyed. He embraced Krishna, his maternal cousin, his senses overwhelmed with love and a broad smile on his face. The twins, Nakula and Sahadeva, and the crowned Arjuna, with hearts full, also embraced Achyuta, their tears flowing in happiness. After being embraced by Arjuna and greeted by the twins, Krishna bowed respectfully to the Brahmins and elders, honoring them according to their due. He extended his respect to the proud Kurus, Sṛñjayas, Kaikeyas, as well as charioteers, bards, Gandharvas, singers, and counselors. The city resounded with the joyous sounds of drums, conches, kettle-drums, lutes, flutes, and cow-horns, as the Brahmins praised lotus-eyed Krishna, dancing and singing in his honor. Surrounded by friends and praised by all, Krishna, the jewel among the famed, entered the beautifully adorned city. The streets were 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 delightful scents, making the city shine with splendor. Krishna saw the royal city adorned with houses whose entrances gleamed with bright lamps and offerings. Flags fluttered, golden pots sat atop roofs, and large silver pinnacles crowned the buildings. Hearing that Krishna—the vessel for quenching the eyes of men—had arrived, the young women, their hair loosened in eagerness and their garments unfastened, abandoned their household tasks and even their husbands in bed, rushing out along the royal road to see the king. In that place, crowded with elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers, the women, having glimpsed 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 exclaimed, “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, Krishna’s paternal aunt and mother of the Pandavas, seeing her brother’s son—the Lord of the three worlds—rose from her couch, her heart full of love, and together with her daughters-in-law, embraced him. 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 aunt, maternal aunt, and teachers; and he himself was greeted by Krishna (his namesake) and by his sister. Prompted by her mother-in-law, Krishna and all his wives 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 other gifts. King Yudhishthira accommodated Janardana, along with his army, attendants, and wives, renewing his hospitality again and again. Krishna, having satisfied Agni by burning the Khāṇḍava forest together with Phālguna (Arjuna), and having freed Maya, who built a divine assembly hall for the king, stayed for several months. Wishing to please Yudhishthira, Krishna roamed 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, the scripture of the supreme swan. Śuka continued: Once, in the midst of the assembly, Yudhishthira sat surrounded by sages, Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and his brothers. With teachers, elders of the lineage, relatives, and kinsmen listening, 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, 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, for none other can grant them. O Lord of lords, by service to your lotus feet, let this world witness its effect here. Among those who worship you and those who do not, O mighty one, reveal the true standing of the Kurus and Sṛñjayas. For you, the soul of all, perceive equally; there is no notion of difference between self and others for you, experiencing your own bliss. Like a wish-fulfilling tree, your favor arises according to service rendered, never otherwise.” The Blessed Lord replied, “O king, destroyer of enemies, your resolve is proper; by it, your auspicious fame will be experienced 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. 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. No one in this world surpasses me in power, fame, wealth, or opulence—not even the gods, much less earthly kings.” Śuka said: Hearing the words of the Lord, Yudhishthira’s face bloomed with delight. Empowered by Viṣṇu’s energy, he sent his brothers to conquer the directions: Sahadeva with the Sṛñjayas to the south, Nakula to the west, Arjuna to the north, and Bhīma to the east, along with the Matsyas, Kekayas, and Madras. These heroes, having conquered the kings in all directions by their strength, brought abundant wealth to Ajātaśatru (Yudhishthira), who would perform the sacrifice.