In the city of Indraprastha, the streets were alive with the sounds of elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers, all gathered in anticipation. The women of the city, watching from the windows and rooftops of their homes, beheld Krishna passing by, accompanied by his wives. Overcome with joy, they scattered flowers in his path and, though separated by walls and distance, embraced him in their minds, offering him a gracious welcome with radiant, smiling glances. As Krishna’s wives walked alongside him, the city’s women whispered among themselves, marveling at their beauty and fortune. “Like stars shining beside the moon,” they said, “what could these noble ladies possibly lack? For with his gentle eyes, his noble smile, and playful glances, Krishna, the crown among men, creates a festival of delight wherever he goes.” The citizens, eager to express their devotion, approached Krishna bearing auspicious offerings. The foremost among them, purified of all sin, performed worship for Krishna according to the proper rites. Mukunda, joyfully received by the noble women of the inner chambers, saw their eyes bloom with affection and reverence as he entered the royal palace. There, Pritha—Kunti, Krishna’s paternal aunt—rose from her couch upon seeing her nephew, the Lord of the three worlds. Her heart overflowed with love as she, joined by her daughters-in-law, embraced Krishna with deep affection. King Yudhishthira, bringing Govinda, the Lord of the gods, into his home with all honor, was so overwhelmed with joy that he could scarcely remember what duties remained in the rituals of worship. Krishna, in turn, offered respectful salutations to his paternal and maternal aunts and to his teachers. He was also greeted warmly by King Yudhishthira and his sister. At the prompting of her mother-in-law, Draupadī and all the wives of Krishna honored Rukmini, Satyā, Bhadrā, and Jāmbavatī. They extended this respect to Kālindī, Mitravindā, Śaibyā, Nāgnajitī, and the other virtuous wives who had arrived, offering them fine garments, garlands, ornaments, and more. King Yudhishthira ensured that Janardana—Krishna—along with his army, attendants, and wives, were comfortably accommodated, renewing his hospitality again and again. Krishna, having satisfied Agni by burning the Khāṇḍava forest with Arjuna’s help and having freed Maya, who then built a wondrous assembly hall for the king, remained in Indraprastha for several months. Wishing to please Yudhishthira, Krishna spent his days joyfully, often riding in a chariot with Arjuna, surrounded by mighty warriors. Thus concluded the chapter recounting Krishna’s journey to Indraprastha. Later, Śuka continued the tale: Once, in the midst of a grand assembly filled with sages, brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and his own brothers, Yudhishthira sat. Surrounded by teachers, elders of his lineage, relatives, and kinsmen, he addressed Krishna with heartfelt words. “O Govinda,” Yudhishthira said, “with your glory, I wish to perform the great royal sacrifice, the Rājasūya. O Lord, please arrange this for us. Those who walk in your footsteps, who meditate on you, sing your praises, and dispel inauspiciousness, attain liberation from worldly existence. If they desire blessings, let them seek them from you, for none but you can grant them. O Lord of lords, let the service to your lotus feet show its effect here in this world. Among those who worship you and those who do not, reveal the true standing of the Kurus and Sṛñjayas, so that all may witness your favor. For you, who are the soul of all and perceive no difference between self and others, your favor arises according to the service rendered, never otherwise—like a wish-fulfilling tree.” The Blessed Lord Krishna replied, “O king, destroyer of enemies, your resolve is proper. Through it, your auspicious fame will shine throughout the worlds. This great sacrifice is desired by sages, ancestors, gods, friends—even by us—and by all beings. First, conquer all kings and bring the world under your control. Gather all the necessary materials and perform the great sacrifice. Your brothers, born from portions of the guardians of the worlds, will aid you. I am conquered by the self-controlled—never by those without mastery over themselves. No one in this world surpasses me in power, fame, wealth, or opulence—not even the gods, much less earthly kings.” Hearing these words, Yudhishthira’s face bloomed with delight. 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 Bhīma, with the Matsyas, Kekayas, and Madras, to the east. These mighty heroes, having overcome the kings in all directions, returned with abundant wealth for Yudhishthira’s sacrifice. Yet, word reached them that Jarāsandha, the powerful king of Magadha, remained unconquered. As Yudhishthira pondered what to do, Krishna spoke of the means to overcome him, as Uddhava had previously advised. Thus, Bhīmasena, Arjuna, and Krishna—disguised as Brahmins—set out for Girivraja, the city of Jarāsandha, son of Bṛhadratha. Arriving at the proper time for guests, they entered his house and, following custom, announced themselves. “O king,” they said, “guests have arrived—seekers from afar. Grant us, O fortunate one, what we desire. What is unbearable for the patient? What is improper for the unrighteous? What is not to be given by the generous? Who is superior to those who see all equally? He who, with his impermanent body, does not earn lasting fame among the virtuous, though able, is truly pitiable. Many, like Hariścandra, Rantideva, Śibi, Bali, the hunter, and the pigeon, have attained the eternal by means of the impermanent.” Jarāsandha, recognizing them by their voices, appearance, and the bowstring scars on their hands, perceived the truth of their identities. He pondered, “These are kshatriya relatives, yet they come as Brahmins. I will give even my own self, which is most difficult to relinquish, as alms to them. The fame of Bali, pure and celebrated in all directions, remained even after he was deprived of his wealth by Vishnu in the guise of a Brahmin. Desiring Indra’s wealth, Vishnu, appearing as a Brahmin, took the earth from Bali, who, though aware, still gave it. What is the purpose of a kshatriya’s body, if not to serve Brahmins? When the body falls in such service, great fame is attained.” Thus resolved, Jarāsandha spoke nobly to Krishna, Arjuna, and Bhīmasena: “O Brahmins, choose your desire. I will give even my own head to you.” And so, the stage was set for the next great act in the unfolding history of the Bharata race.