As Krishna approached the royal city of Indraprastha, he beheld a wondrous sight: the city sparkled with houses whose entrances glimmered with radiant lamps and auspicious offerings. Beautiful flags fluttered in the breeze, golden pots adorned the rooftops, and great silver pinnacles crowned the buildings, creating an atmosphere of festivity and joy. News of Krishna’s arrival, he who was a feast for the eyes of all, spread swiftly through the city. The young women, overcome with eagerness, let their hair fall loose and their garments slip in their haste. Abandoning their household duties and even their husbands still in bed, they hurried out, drawn to the royal road to behold the king and his divine guest. The streets were alive with the bustle of elephants, horses, chariots, and soldiers. From their homes, the women glimpsed Krishna accompanied by his wives. Their hearts overflowing, they scattered flowers in his path and, embracing him with their thoughts, welcomed him with smiles and loving glances. As they gazed upon Mukunda’s wives, the women of the city spoke among themselves: “Like stars surrounding the moon, what could these women lack? For with his enchanting eyes, noble smile, and playful glances, Krishna, the crown among men, creates a festival of delight.” Amidst this joyous gathering, the citizens themselves approached, bringing offerings of good fortune. The most virtuous among them, purified of sin, performed worship for Krishna, following the proper rituals. Krishna, joyfully greeted by the women of the inner chambers—whose eyes shone with affection and reverence—entered the royal palace. There, Pritha, his paternal aunt and mother of the Pandavas, saw Krishna, her nephew and Lord of the three worlds. Rising from her couch, her heart brimming with love, she embraced him together with her daughters-in-law. King Yudhishthira, overwhelmed with joy, brought Govinda, the Lord of gods, into his home with great honor. So moved was he by Krishna’s presence that he could scarcely remember what duties remained in welcoming and worship. Krishna, ever humble, offered salutations to his paternal aunt, maternal aunt, and teachers. In turn, he himself was greeted by Draupadi, O king, and by his sister Subhadra. At the prompting of Kunti, her mother-in-law, Draupadi and all the wives of Krishna honored Rukmini, Satyā, Bhadrā, and Jāmbavatī. They also paid respects to Kālindī, Mitravindā, Śaibyā, Nāgnajitī, and the other virtuous queens who had arrived, offering them garments, garlands, ornaments, and other gifts. King Yudhishthira ensured that Janardana—Krishna—along with his army, attendants, and wives, were all comfortably accommodated, renewing his hospitality again and again. Having once satisfied Agni, the fire god, by offering the Khāṇḍava forest and freeing Maya the architect—who then built a divine assembly hall for the king—Krishna now remained in Indraprastha for several months. Wishing to please Yudhishthira, he spent his days roaming in a chariot with Arjuna, surrounded by mighty warriors. Thus concludes the seventy-first chapter, “Krishna’s Journey to Indraprastha,” of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. Some time later, Śuka continued: Once, in the midst of the great assembly, Yudhishthira sat surrounded by sages, brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and his brothers. With teachers, elders, relatives, and kinsmen all attentive, he addressed Krishna: “O Govinda, through the royal Rājasūya sacrifice, I wish to worship your glories. O Lord, please arrange this for us. Those who follow your footsteps, meditate upon you, sing your praises, and destroy all inauspiciousness, O lotus-naveled one, attain liberation from worldly existence. If blessings are desired, let them seek them from you, for none but you can grant them. “O Lord of lords, by service at your lotus feet, let the world witness its effect here. Among those who worship you, those who do not, and both alike, O mighty one, reveal the true standing of the Kurus and Sṛñjayas. “For you, the soul of all, there is no distinction between self and others; you dwell in 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 righteous. By this, your auspicious fame will spread throughout the worlds. This great sacrifice is desired by sages, ancestors, gods, friends—even by us—and all beings. First, conquer all the kings and bring the world under your control. Gather all the necessary materials and perform the great sacrifice. “Know that your brothers are born from the very guardians of the worlds. I am conquered by you, who are self-controlled; I remain unconquerable by those lacking self-mastery. None in this world surpasses me in power, fame, wealth, or opulence—not even the gods, much less earthly kings.” Hearing Krishna’s words, Yudhishthira’s face blossomed with joy. Empowered by Vishnu’s energy, he sent his brothers to conquer the four directions: Sahadeva with the Sṛñjayas to the south, Nakula to the west, Arjuna to the north, and Bhima to the east, accompanied by the Matsyas, Kekayas, and Madras. These mighty heroes subdued the kings in all directions and returned with abundant wealth for Ajātaśatru—Yudhishthira—to perform the sacrifice. Yet, when Yudhishthira heard that Jarāsandha remained undefeated, he pondered the matter. Then Hari—Krishna—spoke of the means to overcome Jarāsandha, just as Uddhava had previously described. Thus, Bhīmasena, Arjuna, and Krishna, bearing marks of Brahmins, journeyed to Girivraja, the city of Jarāsandha, son of Bṛhadratha. Arriving at the proper time for guests, they entered his house, disguised as Brahmins, and conducted themselves according to custom. “O king,” they declared, “know that guests have arrived—seekers from afar. Grant us, O fortunate one, what we desire.” They asked, “What is unbearable for the patient? What is improper for the unrighteous? What will the generous not give? Who is greater than those who see all equally? He who, though able, does not earn lasting fame among the virtuous with his impermanent body is truly pitiable. Many—Hariścandra, Rantideva, Śibi, Bali, the hunter, the pigeon—have attained the eternal through the impermanent.” Śuka narrated: By their voices, appearance, and even the scars on their hands from bowstrings, Jarāsandha recognized them as royal guests he had seen before, and he pondered: “These kinsmen of the royal order are disguised as Brahmins. I will give even my own self, though it is hard to relinquish, as alms to them. The fame of Bali, pure and widespread, endured even after Vishnu, disguised as a Brahmin, deprived him of his wealth. Desiring Indra’s realm, Vishnu received the earth from the king of the Daityas, who, though aware and self-restrained, still gave it.” Thus, the story continues, revealing the noble hearts and great deeds of those devoted to dharma and the Supreme Lord.