Freed at last from their long captivity, the rescued kings gathered around Krishna, their hearts overflowing with devotion and relief. Though separated from him for so long, it was as if they could smell his presence with their noses and embrace him with their arms. Freed from the stains of their suffering, they bowed their heads in reverence at Hari’s lotus feet. The mere sight of Krishna filled their souls with delight, and all the exhaustion and misery of their bondage melted away. With palms joined in gratitude, the kings praised Hṛṣīkeśa, the Lord of the senses, their voices trembling with emotion. They said, “Salutations to you, O Lord of the gods, imperishable one, remover of the suffering of those who seek your refuge! We have come to your shelter, O Krishna—protect us, who are weary of this dreadful cycle of birth and death.” “O Madhusūdana, we do not blame you for the loss of our kingdoms at the hands of the Magadhan king. O Lord, for us, your favor is the true cause of all that happens. A king, intoxicated by sovereignty and wealth, does not find true welfare; deluded by your māyā, he mistakes fleeting riches for something permanent. Just as children imagine water in a mirage, so too do the undiscerning mistake illusion for reality.” “In the past, blinded by prosperity, we competed with one another, driven by the desire to conquer, mercilessly destroying our own subjects, heedless of death itself. But those riches, O Krishna, have been swept away by your profound and irresistible power. By time, by your form, and by your compassion, our pride has been shattered, and now we remember your feet.” “Therefore, we no longer desire kingdoms, which are but mirages, nor bodies that are ever subject to decay and pain. O Lord, we long only to worship you, for the fruit of such acts—both in this life and beyond—is pleasing to the heart. Instruct us, we pray, in the means by which, even as we wander this world, our remembrance of your lotus feet may never cease.” “Again and again we bow to you, Krishna, son of Vasudeva, to Hari, the Supreme Self, to Govinda, destroyer of the distress of those who take refuge in him.” Śuka then continued: Thus praised by the freed kings, the compassionate Lord, shelter of all beings, addressed them with gentle and loving words. The Blessed Lord said, “From this day forth, O kings, firm devotion to me, the Self, the Lord of all, will arise within you, just as you have sincerely desired. By good fortune, you have resolved rightly and spoken truthfully. Behold how pride in wealth and power drives men to madness.” He reminded them, “Haihaya, Nahuṣa, Vena, Rāvaṇa, Naraka, and others—lords of gods, demons, and men—were all cast down from their lofty positions by pride in prosperity. Knowing this, that all things arising from the body and so forth are perishable, worship me through sacrifices and protect your subjects with righteousness.” “Maintain the threads of your people, experiencing happiness and sorrow, birth and death as they come, serve what comes your way, and move about with your minds fixed on me. Detached from body and possessions, delighting in the Self, firm in your vows, and fixing your minds wholly on me, you shall attain Brahman at the end.” Śuka continued: Having thus instructed the kings, Krishna, Lord of the world, arranged for their comfort and honor. He assigned attendants for the ceremonial bathing of their wives, and had Sahadeva perform the royal worship with fine garments, ornaments, garlands, and fragrant ointments. After bathing and adorning them, he fed them with excellent food, provided many enjoyments, and offered betel and other delights fitting for kings. Honored by Mukunda, the kings, adorned with shining earrings and freed from all distress, shone like planets emerging radiant after the rainy season. Krishna then had their chariots, decorated with jewels and gold and yoked with fine horses, made ready, and with kind and gracious words, he sent them back to their own kingdoms. Thus rescued from hardship by the supremely noble Krishna, the kings departed, their minds fixed on him and his wondrous deeds, meditating on the Lord of the universe. The people marveled at the actions of the Supreme Person, and, following the Lord’s guidance, diligently performed their own duties. After Jarasandha was slain by Bhimasena, Krishna—honored by Sahadeva and accompanied by the two sons of Pritha—departed from Magadha. When they reached Khandavaprastha, the victorious heroes sounded their conchshells, bringing delight to their friends and striking fear into their enemies. Hearing the triumphant sound, the people of Indraprastha rejoiced, for they knew the mighty king of Magadha had been subdued and their own king’s desire fulfilled. Bhima, Arjuna, and Janardana then went before King Yudhishthira, offered their respects, and recounted all that they had accomplished. Hearing their words, King Yudhishthira, recognizing Krishna’s boundless compassion, was overcome with joy and love. Tears streamed from his eyes, and for a moment, he could not speak a word. Thus concludes the seventy-third chapter, entitled “The Coming of Krishna and Others,” in the second half of the Tenth Canto of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the great Purāṇa, the scripture for the paramahaṃsas. Śuka continued: Thus, King Yudhishthira, delighted by news of Jarasandha’s defeat at the hands of mighty Krishna and his wondrous deeds, was filled with joy and addressed Krishna. Yudhishthira said, “Those who are teachers of the three worlds, the great lords of all beings, even after attaining what is most difficult, accept instruction with humility. You, O lotus-eyed one, rule over those who consider themselves masters among the distressed; O great one, this is indeed a profound mystery.” “For the one Supreme, the Absolute, the Paramātman, who is without a second, neither does his glory increase nor diminish through actions, just as the sun remains unaffected by what happens on earth. O unconquered one, O Mādhava, among your devotees there is no division of ‘mine’ and ‘yours’; such distinctions are like the differences among animals.” Śuka continued: Having spoken thus, at the proper time for the sacrifice, Yudhishthira, with Krishna’s approval, chose the priests who were most qualified—brāhmaṇas learned in the Veda. Among them were Vyāsa, Bharadvāja, Sumantu, Gotama, Asita, Vasiṣṭha, Cyavana, Kaṇva, Maitreya, Kavaṣa, and Trita; also Viśvāmitra, Vāmadeva, Sumati, Jaimini, Kratu, Paila, Parāśara, Garga, and Vaiśampāyana; and Atharvā, Kaśyapa, Dhaumya, Rāma of the Bhārgavas, Āsuri, Vītihotra, Madhucchandā, Vīrasena, and Akṛtavraṇa. Thus, the stage was set for the great sacrifice, with all the revered sages assembled and Krishna’s grace shining upon the royal house.