With a heart full of devotion, the noble soul prayed, “May I forever have friendship, companionship, and service to him, birth after birth. By associating with that great one, the very abode of all virtues, my attachment remains unshakable.” Reflecting further, he remembered that the Lord, though he grants wondrous prosperity and kingdoms to the devoted, does not bestow such boons on those lacking discernment, for he knows himself to be both the downfall and pride of the wealthy. Having resolved his mind in this way, this devotee of Janardana, though surrounded by the pleasures of the world, enjoyed them without clinging attachment. He knew that for Hari, the Lord of sacrifice and god of gods, the brāhmaṇas are the very source; nothing stands higher than them. Thus, the brāhmaṇa, friend of the Lord, witnessed the unconquered one being apparently defeated by his own servants. Yet, with his mind absorbed in meditation on the Lord, he soon attained that supreme abode walked by the virtuous. Whoever hears this tale of the Lord, the protector of brāhmaṇas, and gains devotion to him, is freed from the bondage of karma. Thus concludes the eighty-first chapter, “The Story of Prithu’s Anger,” in the tenth book, second half, of the great Purāṇa, Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the scripture of the supreme paramahaṁsas. Shri Shuka continued: Once, while Balarāma and Krishna dwelled in Dvārakā, a great solar eclipse occurred, as happens at the end of an age. O King, people from all directions, knowing of their presence, journeyed to the sacred field of Samantapañcaka, seeking auspiciousness. Balarāma, the foremost among wielders of weapons, had once made the earth devoid of kṣatriyas, creating great lakes filled with the blood of kings. There, though untouched by karma, Bhagavān Balarāma performed a great sacrifice, gathering the people just as others do to remove sin. At this grand pilgrimage, the people of Bhārata, the Vṛṣṇis, and notable ones like Akrūra, Vasudeva, and Ahuka arrived. Descendants of Bhārata such as Gada, Pradyumna, Sāmba, Sucandra, Śuka, and Sāraṇa all came, wishing to expiate their own sins. Aniruddha remained for protection, and Kṛtavarmā, their leader, too; they shone, riding chariots adorned with divine symbols and swift horses. The roads sparkled with elephants roaring like clouds, men accompanied by Vidyādharas and celestial beings, all radiant with golden garlands. Wearing divine garlands, garments, and armor, and accompanied by their wives, they appeared like those who move in the sky. After bathing, these highly fortunate ones fasted, their minds composed. They gave cows, garments, garlands, and golden ornaments to the brāhmaṇas, then bathed again in Balarāma’s lakes, following the prescribed rites. Offering their own food to the foremost twice-born, they prayed, “May we have devotion to Krishna.” Receiving permission, the Vṛṣṇis, devoted to Krishna, then partook themselves. Having eaten, they sat as they pleased beneath gentle, shady trees. There, they saw the kings who had arrived, as well as their friends and relatives. They saw the Matsyas, Śīnas, Kauśalyas, Vidarbhas, Kurus, Sṛñjayas, Kāmbojas, Kaikeyas, Madras, Kuntis, Anartas, Keralas, and hundreds of others—both allies and rivals—as well as Nanda and other friends, cowherds, and gopīs who had long yearned for Krishna. Overwhelmed with the joy of reunion, their hearts and faces bloomed like lotuses. They embraced tightly, tears streaming from their eyes, their skin thrilling, voices choked with emotion, and happiness filled them. The women, seeing one another with deep affection, smiled with pure glances and embraced; their arms entwined, their eyes filled with tears of love. After bowing to the elders and being greeted by the younger ones, they exchanged welcomes, inquired after each other’s well-being, and engaged in mutual discussions about Krishna. Pṛthā, seeing her brothers, sisters, their sons, her parents, the wives of her brothers, and Mukunda himself, abandoned her sorrow through their loving conversation. Kuntī spoke: “Noble brothers, I feel my blessings remain unfulfilled, for, O best of men, in times of distress you do not remember my plight. Friends, relatives, sons, brothers, and even parents do not remember their own kin when fate turns against them.” Śrī Vasudeva replied, “O mother, do not hold resentment toward these men, for all are but toys in the hands of destiny. The world is under the Lord’s control, who causes and compels all actions. All of us, tormented by Kaṁsa, scattered in every direction, but now, O sister, by fate alone, we have once again found our proper place.” Śrī Śuka continued: Honored by Vasudeva, Ugrasena, and the Yadus, the assembled kings were filled with supreme joy and contentment upon beholding Acyuta. Present were Bhīṣma, Droṇa, the son of Ambikā, Gandhārī with her sons, the Pāṇḍavas with their wives, Kuntī, Sañjaya, Vidura, and Kṛpa; Kuntībhoja, Virāṭa, Bhīṣmaka, the great Nagnajit, Purujit, Drupada, Śalya, Dhṛṣṭaketu, the king of Kāśi, Damaghoṣa, Viśālākṣa, the king of Mithilā, the Madra and Kekaya kings, Yudhāmanyu, Suśarmā, the sons of Bāhlika, and many others. All the kings who were devoted to Yudhiṣṭhira marveled at the glorious form of Śauri, the abode of Śrī, together with his wives. Duly honored by Balarāma and Krishna, they joyfully praised the Vṛṣṇis, Krishna’s own kinsmen. They exclaimed, “O king of the Bhojas, you are truly blessed among men, for you behold Krishna again and again, whom even yogis find difficult to see. The Vedas praise his fame; his pure glory sanctifies. His foot-washing water, words, and teachings purify all. Even this earth, though deprived of fortune by time, is showered with blessings by the touch of his lotus feet. By seeing him, touching him, following in his footsteps, conversing, sharing beds, seats, meals, kinship, and family ties—even for those living in houses on the path to hell—Vishnu himself, the giver of heaven and liberation, has become your companion.” Śrī Śuka continued: Nanda, hearing that the Yadus had arrived led by Krishna, came there, surrounded by the cowherds, eager to see them and bringing gifts suitable for the occasion. Seeing him, the Vṛṣṇis were overjoyed, as if their very lives had returned to their bodies. Longing for reunion after so long, they embraced him tightly.