Honored by Lord Mukunda, the assembled kings—adorned with shining earrings, their faces now radiant and free from the sorrows they had borne—gleamed like planets emerging brilliant after the rains have passed. Krishna had splendid chariots, decked with jewels and gold and yoked to noble horses, prepared for them. With gentle, gracious words, he bid each king return to his own land, sending them home in comfort and dignity. Thus rescued from adversity by the supremely noble Krishna, the kings departed, their hearts absorbed in contemplation of him and the wondrous deeds of the Lord of the universe. The people who witnessed these events marveled at the actions of the Supreme Person, and, following his guidance, they devoted themselves to their duties with renewed diligence. After Bhimasena had slain Jarasandha, Krishna, honored by Sahadeva and accompanied by the two sons of Pritha, took his leave. Together, these victorious heroes journeyed to Khandavaprastha. As they arrived, they sounded their conchshells, their triumphant notes bringing delight to their friends and striking fear into the hearts of their enemies. The people of Indraprastha, upon hearing these auspicious sounds, rejoiced. They believed firmly that the mighty king of Magadha had been subdued and that the cherished desire of their own king had been fulfilled. Bhima, Arjuna, and Janardana then approached King Yudhishthira, offered him their respects, and reported to him all that had been accomplished. Hearing their words, King Yudhishthira, deeply moved and recognizing Krishna’s boundless compassion, was overcome with joy. Tears welled in his eyes, and out of love, he found himself unable to speak. 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. Śrī Śuka continued: In this way, King Yudhishthira, having heard of Jarasandha’s destruction at the hands of mighty Krishna and of all his marvelous deeds, was filled with happiness and addressed Krishna. King Yudhishthira spoke: “Those who are the teachers of the three worlds, the great lords of all beings—even when they achieve what is rare and difficult to obtain—still accept instruction with utmost humility. You, O lotus-eyed one, rule over those who consider themselves masters among the afflicted; O great one, this is a profound mystery indeed. “For the one Supreme, the Absolute, the Paramātman, who is without a second, no glory is added or diminished by any action—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 those among animals.” Having spoken thus, at the proper time for the great sacrifice, Yudhishthira, with Krishna’s approval, chose as priests the brāhmaṇas learned in the Vedas. 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 further, Atharvā, Kaśyapa, Dhaumya, Rāma of the Bhārgava lineage, Āsuri, Vītihotra, Madhucchandā, Vīrasena, and Akṛtavraṇa. Many others were invited as well, such as Droṇa, Bhīṣma, Kṛpa, and the rest. Dhṛtarāṣṭra arrived with his sons, and Vidura, the wise counselor, also came. People of all four orders—brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas, and śūdras—eager to witness the sacrifice, gathered there, along with all the kings and the subjects of their realms. The brāhmaṇas, using golden ploughs, prepared the sacrificial ground according to sacred tradition and initiated the king for the rite. All the implements for the sacrifice were fashioned from gold, just as in ancient times for Varuṇa. The guardians of the worlds, beginning with Indra and joined by Brahmā and Śiva, were present. With their retinues also came the siddhas, gandharvas, vidyādharas, great serpents, sages, yakṣas, rākṣasas, birds, kinnaras, and cāraṇas. Kings from distant lands arrived with their royal consorts, summoned to the rājasūya sacrifice of the son of Pāṇḍu. All who gathered were amazed and considered it fitting that one so devoted to Krishna should undertake such a rite. Priests of divine brilliance performed the rājasūya for the great king, just as the gods had once done for Pracetasa. On the day of the sacrifice, Yudhishthira, lord of the earth, with full attention and devotion, honored the priests and the elders of the assembly, who were supremely fortunate, as was proper. When the assembly deliberated on who among them was most worthy of the highest honor, they could not reach a unanimous decision. Then Sahadeva rose and spoke: “Indeed, Acyuta, the Lord and master of the Sātvatas, deserves the highest honor. In him are all the gods, all places, all times, all wealth, and more. He is the very self of the universe, and the sacrifices are established in him; the offerings, the mantras, Sāṅkhya, and Yoga—all are directed toward him. “He alone, without a second, is this universe of non-duality; by his own power, O assembly, the unborn one creates, sustains, and destroys the worlds. He, observing, brings about all actions here; whatever is sought—supreme good, dharma, and all else—arises from him. Therefore, let the highest honor be given to the great Krishna; by this, the honoring of all beings and the self will be accomplished. To Krishna, who is the soul of all beings, who sees nothing else, who is peaceful and complete, should honor be given by one desiring the infinite fruit of giving.” Having spoken thus, Sahadeva, knowing Krishna’s greatness, fell silent. Hearing these words, all the best of men praised him, exclaiming, “Excellent! Excellent!” Understanding the hearts of the assembly, King Yudhishthira, filled with delight and affection, honored Hṛṣīkeśa. He washed the purifying water from Krishna’s feet and, together with his wives, brothers, ministers, and family, bore it on his head with joy. Having honored Krishna with fine yellow garments and precious ornaments, Yudhishthira, his eyes brimming with tears, found he could scarcely bear to look upon him. Seeing Krishna thus honored, all the people, with joined palms, bowed to him, crying, “Victory! Salutations!” as showers of flowers rained down upon him. But at that moment, the son of Damaghoṣa, angered by the praises showered upon Krishna, rose from his seat. Stretching out his arms, unafraid, he spoke harsh words to the assembly, making his thoughts known to the Lord.