Nanda, the beloved chief of the cowherds, was honored with great reverence by Kṛṣṇa, Rāma, Ugrasena, and the other Yadus. Cherishing his kin and the affection that bound them, Nanda remained content among his relatives, basking in their love. Vasudeva, now fulfilled and having crossed the vast ocean of his desires, found himself surrounded by friends and filled with joy. With a gentle touch, he took Nanda’s hand and spoke to him from the heart. “Brother,” Vasudeva said, “the bond of affection among people, which we call love, is so strong that even the greatest heroes and yogis find it hard to abandon. True friendship, especially that which is offered selflessly by noble souls—even to those who have not returned their kindness—should never be forsaken. In the past, we brothers failed to look out for each other’s welfare; and now, blinded by pride in our prosperity, we do not even see those standing before us. O bestower of honor, may the splendor of sovereignty never come to one who seeks true welfare, for it blinds a man to his own people and relatives.” Overcome with emotion, Vasudeva—also known as Ānakadundubhi—remembered the love and friendship that had been shown to him and wept, tears filling his eyes. Nanda, honored by the Yadus for the deep love he had always shown to Govinda (Kṛṣṇa) and Rāma, lingered there for three months, always thinking, “Today, tomorrow,” reluctant to leave the company of his dear ones. When the time came for departure, Nanda and his kin, along with the people of Vraja, were lavishly honored with the finest ornaments, silks, and priceless gifts. Vasudeva, Ugrasena, Kṛṣṇa, Uddhava, Balarāma, and others showered them with abundant gifts, and Nanda, accompanied by the Yadus, set out on his journey home. As Nanda, the cowherds, and the cowherd women departed, their minds remained absorbed in the lotus feet of Govinda, unable to withdraw their hearts from him. Thus, they made their way back to Mathurā. After their relatives had left, the Vṛṣṇis, for whom Kṛṣṇa was the supreme deity, saw that the rainy season was drawing near and decided to return once more to Dvārakā. Upon their return, they recounted to their people the great festival of the Yadu gods that had taken place during the pilgrimage, sharing tales of meetings with friends and all the wonderful events that had transpired. Thus concludes the eighty-fourth chapter, “The Description of Pilgrimage,” in the tenth book, second half, of the glorious Bhāgavata Mahāpurāṇa, the scripture for the supreme renunciates. Later, King Parīkṣit inquired, “O revered Brahman, please tell us about the sister of Rāma and Kṛṣṇa—how Arjuna married her and how she became my grandmother.” Śuka replied, “As Arjuna journeyed on pilgrimage across the earth, he arrived at Prabhāsa and there heard news of his maternal cousin. Some said that Rāma would give her in marriage to Duryodhana, while others disagreed. Desiring her for himself, Arjuna adopted the guise of a renunciate with three staffs and made his way to Dvārakā. There, seeking his own purpose, Arjuna stayed for several months, honored by the townspeople and by Rāma himself, who did not recognize him in his ascetic disguise. One day, Rāma brought Arjuna home as a guest, offering him food with faith, which Arjuna accepted as alms. In that household, Arjuna beheld a maiden of exceptional beauty, captivating to heroes. His heart, stirred by affection and longing, was set upon her. She too, upon seeing Arjuna, chose him in her heart, her gaze lingering on him with bashful, sidelong glances. Love blossomed between them, as is natural for youth. Unable to find peace, Arjuna’s mind was troubled by overpowering passion as he constantly thought of her. Then, during a grand festival, as she rode forth from the fortress in a chariot, Arjuna, with the approval of her parents and Kṛṣṇa, the mighty charioteer, carried her away. Standing on his chariot, bow in hand, Arjuna drove off the warriors who tried to block his path, scattering his own people as a lion scatters deer. When Rāma heard of this, he was agitated like the ocean at the full moon. But Kṛṣṇa, along with friends, calmed him by holding his feet. Joyful at the wedding, Balarāma sent abundant gifts—elephants, chariots, horses, men, and women, all of great wealth. Among Kṛṣṇa’s devotees was an eminent Brahman named Śrutadeva, renowned for his exclusive devotion to Kṛṣṇa. Fulfilled in all aims, peaceful, wise, and free from indulgence, Śrutadeva lived among the Videhas in Mithilā. As a householder, he accepted only what came by chance and performed his duties without attachment, satisfied with whatever came to him and performing the appropriate rites as needed. Similarly, the ruler of that land was Bahulāśva, a Maithila king known for his humility; both he and Śrutadeva were dear to Acyuta (Kṛṣṇa). Pleased with both, the Lord mounted a chariot brought by Dāruka and, together with a host of sages, set out for the land of the Videhas. Among those who accompanied him were Nārada, Vāmadeva, Atri, Kṛṣṇa, Rāma, Asita, Aruṇi, Śuka himself, Bṛhaspati, Kaṇva, Maitreya, Cyavana, and many others. Wherever the Lord traveled, the citizens and people of the land approached him with offerings, as if welcoming the sun rising with its planets. People from Ānarta, Dhanva, Kuru, Jāṅgala, Kaṅka, Matsya, Pāñcāla, Kunti, Madhu, Kekaya, Kośala, Arṇa, and many other places gazed upon his lotus-like face, radiant with a generous smile and gentle eyes, filling their hearts with joy. Men and women alike beheld him with wonder. To those whose darkness of vision was dispelled by his compassionate glance, the Guru of the three worlds granted safety and the sight of his divine form. Hearing the praises sung by gods and men, which spread in all directions—pure and auspicious—he slowly entered the land of Videha. When news of Acyuta’s arrival reached them, the citizens and people of the land, filled with joy, approached him with offerings in their hands. Seeing the illustrious Lord, their faces blossomed with delight, and they bowed with joined palms, as did the sages whom they had only heard of before. Believing that the Guru of the world had come for their own blessing, both the king of Mithilā and Śrutadeva fell at his feet. With joined palms, both invited Kṛṣṇa, the Dāśārha, along with the brāhmaṇas, to accept their hospitality at the same time. Perceiving their sincere intent and wishing to please them both, the Lord, by his divine power, entered the homes of each simultaneously, unnoticed by the other.