Aniruddha remained as a vigilant protector, and Kṛtavarmā, the mighty leader, too, stood by his side. Both shone resplendently, riding chariots adorned with divine emblems, their swift horses galloping with energy. The procession was magnificent: elephants roared like thunderclouds, and men of great brilliance moved alongside Vidyādharas and celestial beings, all adorned with radiant golden garlands, lighting up the road as they advanced. Clad in divine garlands, splendid garments, and shining armor, these heroes appeared with their wives like celestial beings who roam the skies. After bathing, the highly fortunate ones observed a fast, remaining composed and focused. Their hearts full of piety, they gave cows, garments, garlands, and golden ornaments to the brāhmaṇas. Then, in the sacred lakes of Rāma, the Vṛṣṇis bathed again, performing the prescribed rites with reverence. In a spirit of devotion, they offered their own food to the foremost twice-born, praying, “May we have unwavering devotion to Kṛṣṇa.” Only after receiving the brāhmaṇas’ permission did the Vṛṣṇis, ever devoted to Kṛṣṇa, partake of the meal themselves. Satisfied, they sat as they pleased beneath gentle, shady trees, and there, their hearts were gladdened to see the kings who had arrived—friends and relatives from far and wide. They beheld the Matsyas, Śīnas, Kauśalyas, Vidarbhas, Kurus, Sṛñjayas, Kāmbojas, Kaikeyas, Madras, Kuntis, Anartas, and Keralas—great lineages gathered together. And, O King, there were hundreds more: allies and rivals alike, Nanda and other dear friends, cowherds, and gopīs who had long yearned for this reunion. The joy of seeing one another after so long was overwhelming. Their hearts and faces bloomed like lotuses, and they embraced tightly, tears flowing down their cheeks, their skin tingling with emotion, voices choked with happiness. The women, too, greeted each other with deep affection. Smiling with pure glances, they embraced, pressing their kumkum-smeared breasts together and wrapping their arms around one another, their eyes brimming with tears of love. After paying respects to the elders and being greeted by the younger ones, they exchanged warm welcomes and inquired after each other’s well-being. Soon, all engaged in heartfelt discussions about Kṛṣṇa, their beloved Lord. Pṛthā—Kuntī—on seeing her brothers, sisters, their sons, her parents, the wives of her brothers, and Mukunda himself, felt her sorrow dissolve through their loving conversation. Kuntī spoke, her voice tinged with longing: “Noble brothers, I do not consider myself truly blessed, for, O best of men, in my times of distress, you did not remember my plight.” She reflected further, “Friends, relatives, sons, brothers, and even parents—when fate turns against someone, they do not remember their own kin.” Śrī Vasudeva replied gently, “O mother, do not bear resentment toward these men, for we are all but toys in the hands of destiny. The world is under the Lord’s control; it is He who causes and compels all actions. Tormented by Kaṃsa, we scattered in every direction, but now, O sister, by fate alone, we have once again come to our proper place.” Śrī Śuka then described how Vasudeva, Ugrasena, and the Yadus honored the assembled kings, who were filled with supreme joy and contentment upon beholding Acyuta—Kṛṣṇa himself. Among those 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 noble Nagnajit, Purujit, Drupada, Śalya, Dhṛṣṭaketu, and the king of Kāśi; Damaghoṣa, Viśālākṣa, the king of Mithilā, the Madra and Kekaya kings, Yudhāmanyu, Suśarmā, and the sons of Bāhlika, among many others. All the kings who were devoted to Yudhiṣṭhira gazed in astonishment at the glorious form of Śauri—Kṛṣṇa—the very abode of Śrī, accompanied by his radiant wives. Duly honored by Rāma and Kṛṣṇa, these kings joyfully praised the Vṛṣṇis, the followers of Kṛṣṇa, exclaiming, “Ah, O king of the Bhojas, truly you are blessed among men, for you behold Kṛṣṇa again and again—he who is difficult even for yogis to see. His fame is sung by the Vedas, his pure glory sanctifies, and 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 those dwelling in homes 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 Kṛṣṇa, came eagerly, surrounded by cowherds, bringing gifts suitable for the joyous occasion. Seeing Nanda, the Vṛṣṇis were overjoyed, as if their very lives had returned to their bodies. After so long apart, they embraced him tightly, overwhelmed with longing and affection. Vasudeva embraced Nanda with deep love, his heart flooded with memories of the hardships caused by Kaṃsa and of entrusting his son to Gokula’s care. Kṛṣṇa and Rāma, too, embraced their parents and offered them obeisance, but their voices were choked with tears of love, and they could not utter a word. Seating their parents on their own seats, Kṛṣṇa and Rāma embraced them with both arms. The blessed Yaśodā and her husband, thus holding their sons, let go of all the sorrows they had borne. Rohiṇī and Devakī then embraced the queen of Vraja, Yaśodā; recalling her unfailing friendship, their throats choked with emotion as they spoke: “Who could ever forget your unwavering friendship, O Queen of Vraja? Even after attaining and relinquishing Indra’s sovereignty, there is no recompense for it in this world. Your parents, having delighted, prospered, nourished, and protected you, have fulfilled their duty. Just as eyelashes protect the eyes, the virtuous have no fear, for heaven is not their ultimate goal.” Śuka then described how the gopīs, having at last seen their beloved Kṛṣṇa, cursed their own eyelashes for obstructing their vision. They embraced him with their eyes, absorbing him into their very hearts, attaining a state of devotion rarely achieved even by those always united with him. Kṛṣṇa, the Blessed Lord, approached them in solitude. Embracing them, he inquired about their well-being and, smiling, spoke gently: “Do you remember our friendship, and how we, intent on fulfilling our own purposes, departed for so long, our minds absorbed in destroying the enemy’s faction? Did you perhaps resent us, suspecting us of ingratitude? Surely, it is the Lord who unites and separates all beings. “Just as the wind gathers and scatters clouds, grass, cotton, and dust, so too does the Creator unite and disperse all beings. Devotion to me among beings leads to immortality. By good fortune, your affection for me has arisen, dispelling all obstacles. Truly, I am the beginning, the end, and the inner and outer essence of all beings, just as space, water, earth, air, and light are for the material elements.” Thus, in the radiance of reunion, devotion, and divine love, all those gathered found peace and fulfillment in the presence of Kṛṣṇa.