Upon hearing of Krishna’s arrival, King Yudhishthira—beloved by all and rarely seen by the common people—came forth from his palace, his heart brimming with joy. He was accompanied by his revered teachers, surrounded by his trusted friends and relatives. As he approached, the air resounded with the harmonious singing of bards, the music of instruments, and the powerful chanting of Brahmins, all heralding the Lord’s presence. Yudhishthira advanced toward Hrishikesha, Krishna, as vital breath seeks the life-breath itself, his approach full of reverence and devotion. Catching sight of Krishna, the Pandava king’s heart overflowed with affection. It had been long since he had seen his dearest friend, and now, unable to contain his joy, he embraced Krishna again and again. Wrapping both arms around the spotless form of Mukunda—the very abode of Lakshmi—Yudhishthira felt his misfortunes dissolve. Overwhelmed with supreme happiness, his eyes filled with tears, his body thrilled with delight, and all worldly concerns faded from his mind. Bhima, too, was filled with delight. He embraced his maternal cousin Krishna, his senses awash with love and a beaming smile upon his face. The twins, Nakula and Sahadeva, and the crowned Arjuna, their hearts full to the brim, also embraced Achyuta, tears of happiness streaming down their faces. After Arjuna’s warm embrace and the twins’ greetings, Krishna respectfully bowed to the Brahmins and elders, honoring each according to their due. He paid homage to the proud Kurus, the Sṛñjayas, and the Kaikeyas, as well as the charioteers, bards, Gandharvas, singers, and counselors. The city reverberated with the jubilant sounds of drums, conches, kettle-drums, lutes, flutes, and cow-horns, as the Brahmins praised Krishna, the Lotus-eyed Lord. People danced and sang in celebration. Thus, surrounded by friends and praised by all, the jewel among the famed, the Blessed Lord Krishna, entered the beautifully adorned city. The streets had been sprinkled with fragrant water from elephants, and were festooned with colorful banners, golden gateways, and auspicious full pots. Men and women, radiant in new garments, ornaments, and garlands, filled the air with delightful scents, making the city glow with splendor. Krishna beheld the royal city, its houses adorned with shining lamps and offerings at their entrances, beautiful flags fluttering, golden pots on the rooftops, and towering silver pinnacles. News of Krishna’s arrival spread swiftly. The young women, eager to behold the one who quenched the thirst of all eyes, let their hair down and rushed out, leaving their household tasks and even their sleeping husbands behind, hurrying to catch a glimpse of the king along the royal road. The streets, crowded with elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers, became the stage for their adoration. From their windows, the women saw Krishna with his wives. With hearts full, they scattered flowers and, embracing him in their minds, welcomed him with smiling glances. As they observed Mukunda’s wives traveling with him, the women of the city spoke among themselves: “Like stars beside the moon, what could these women lack? For with his eyes—the crown of men—his noble smile, and playful glances, Krishna creates a festival of delight.” Citizens approached Krishna, bearing auspicious offerings. The foremost among them, purified of sin, performed worship for Krishna in the proper manner. Joyfully welcomed by the women of the inner chambers, their eyes blooming with affection and reverence, Mukunda entered the royal palace. Queen Pritha, Krishna’s paternal aunt and mother of the Pandavas, rose from her couch upon seeing her nephew, the Lord of the three worlds. Her heart overflowing with love, she embraced him, joined by her daughters-in-law. Yudhishthira brought Govinda, the Lord of gods, into his home with great honor. So overwhelmed with joy was the king that he scarcely knew what duties of hospitality remained to be fulfilled. Krishna, ever respectful, offered salutations to his paternal aunt, maternal aunt, and teachers. In turn, he was greeted by Krishna (Draupadi) and 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, presenting them with garments, garlands, ornaments, and other gifts. King Yudhishthira saw to it that Janardana, along with his entire army, attendants, and wives, was comfortably accommodated, renewing his hospitality again and again. Krishna, together with Arjuna, had previously satisfied Agni by burning the Khāṇḍava forest and, having freed Maya, saw to it that a divine assembly hall was built for the king. Now, Krishna stayed for several months in Indraprastha, wishing to please Yudhishthira. He spent his days roaming in a chariot with Phālguna (Arjuna), surrounded by mighty 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. Some time later, Śuka said, Yudhishthira sat amidst a grand assembly, surrounded by sages, Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and his brothers. With teachers, elders, relatives, and kinsmen all listening attentively, he spoke these words. “O Govinda,” Yudhishthira said, “I wish to honor you through the royal sacrifice, the Rājasūya, and worship you with all glory. O Lord, please arrange this for us. Those who walk always in your footsteps, meditate upon 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 else can grant them. “O Lord of lords, let the effect of service to your lotus feet be witnessed here in this world. Among those who worship you and those who do not, let the true standing of the Kurus and Sṛñjayas be revealed, O mighty one. For you, who are the soul of all and see no difference between self and others, experience your own bliss. Like the wish-fulfilling tree, you bestow your favor according to service rendered, never otherwise.” The Blessed Lord replied, “O king, destroyer of enemies, your resolve is righteous. Through it, 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 sway, 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. None in this world surpasses me in power, fame, wealth, or opulence—not even the gods, much less earthly kings.” Hearing these words from the Lord, Yudhishthira’s face bloomed with delight. Empowered by Vishnu’s energy, he sent his brothers to conquer the four directions. Sahadeva, with the Sṛñjayas, was dispatched to the south; Nakula to the west; Arjuna to the north; and Bhima to the east, accompanied by the Matsyas, Kekayas, and Madras. These heroic brothers, having subdued the kings in every direction by their strength, brought abundant wealth to Ajātaśatru, Yudhishthira, for the performance of the sacrifice. Yet, when he heard that Jarāsandha remained unconquered, Yudhishthira pondered deeply. At that moment, Hari, Krishna, spoke of the means to resolve this challenge—the very strategy previously described by Uddhava.