In earlier days, dear brothers, we failed to act for one another’s true welfare. Even now, blinded by the pride that comes with prosperity, we overlook those standing right before us. Therefore, O bestower of honor, may the dazzling brilliance of sovereignty never befall one who truly seeks the welfare of his people, for such splendor blinds a man—he ceases to see his own kin and relatives, his vision clouded by pride. As these words were spoken, Śrī Śuka narrated, Vasudeva—also called Ānakadundubhi—felt his heart soften with affection. Remembering the bonds of friendship and the love shared, tears welled in his eyes and flowed freely. Nanda, beloved for the love he bore to his dear friends Govinda (Kṛṣṇa) and Rāma, was honored by the Yadus. He lingered there for three months, always thinking, “Today, tomorrow”—unable to tear himself away. At last, when the time came, Nanda and his kin, along with the people of Vraja, were honored with the finest ornaments, silks, and priceless gifts. Vasudeva, Ugrasena, Kṛṣṇa, Uddhava, Balarāma, and others showered them with abundant gifts. With these tokens of love, Nanda and his companions prepared to depart, accompanied by the Yadus. As they made their way, the cowherds and their wives, their minds utterly absorbed in the lotus feet of Govinda, found it impossible to withdraw their hearts from him. Yet, they departed for Mathurā, hearts heavy with longing. After their relatives had gone, the Vṛṣṇis, for whom Kṛṣṇa was the very soul, noticed the rainy season approaching and returned once more to Dvārakā. There, they recounted to their people the grand festival of the Yadu gods that had taken place during the pilgrimage, describing the joyous meetings with friends and all the memorable 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, scripture for the highest renunciates. Some time later, King Parīkṣit inquired, “O revered Brahman, we wish to hear about the sister of Rāma and Kṛṣṇa—how Arjuna came to marry her, and how she became my grandmother.” Śuka replied: While journeying on pilgrimage, Arjuna, the mighty one, wandered across the earth and came to Prabhāsa. There, he heard news of his maternal cousin. Some people said that Rāma intended to give her in marriage to Duryodhana, while others disagreed. Desiring her for himself, Arjuna adopted the life of a renunciate, taking up the staff of a mendicant, and journeyed to Dvārakā. There, pursuing his own purpose, Arjuna stayed for several months, receiving great honor from the townsfolk and from Rāma himself—who did not recognize him in his ascetic guise. One day, Rāma brought him home as a guest, offered him food with faith, and Arjuna accepted and ate what was given as alms. It was there that Arjuna beheld a maiden of rare beauty, a woman who captivated the hearts of heroes. Moved by love, his heart blossomed and his eyes lingered on her. She, too, upon seeing Arjuna, chose him in her heart, as is the way of women. Smiling shyly, casting sidelong glances, she fixed her gaze and affection upon him. Arjuna, his mind consumed by desire for her, found no peace—his heart bewildered by overpowering passion. Then, during a great festival, as she rode in a chariot and left the fortress, Arjuna—with the approval of her parents and Kṛṣṇa, the mighty charioteer—seized the moment and carried her away. Standing tall on his chariot, bow in hand, Arjuna scattered the brave warriors who tried to block his path, driving away his own people as a lion scatters a herd of deer. When Rāma heard of this, he was agitated, his anger surging like the ocean at the full moon. But Kṛṣṇa, along with friends, held Rāma’s feet and calmed him. At last, Balarāma, pleased by the wedding, sent abundant gifts—elephants, chariots, horses, men, and women, all of great wealth. Śuka continued: Among Kṛṣṇa’s devotees was an eminent Brahman named Śrutadeva, renowned for his exclusive devotion to Kṛṣṇa. Fulfilled in all his aims, peaceful, wise, and free from indulgence, he lived in Mithilā among the Videhas, as a householder. He accepted only what came by chance, performing his duties without effort or expectation. Each day, Śrutadeva accepted only what arrived for the sake of pilgrimage, satisfied with that alone, and performed the proper rites as needed. In that same land, the ruler was Bahulāśva, a Maithila king famed for his humility; both he and Śrutadeva were dear to Acyuta (Kṛṣṇa). Pleased with them both, the Lord mounted a chariot brought by Dāruka and, accompanied by many sages, set out for the land of the Videhas. Nārada, Vāmadeva, Atri, Kṛṣṇa, Rāma, Asita, Aruṇi, Śuka himself, Bṛhaspati, Kaṇva, Maitreya, Cyavana, and others all joined the journey. Wherever they traveled, the citizens and people of those lands approached with offerings, as if greeting the sun rising with its planets. The people of Ānarta, Dhanva, Kuru, Jāṅgala, Kaṅka, Matsya, Pāñcāla, Kunti, Madhu, Kekaya, Kośala, Arṇa, and more gazed upon Kṛṣṇa’s lotus-like face, radiant with his gentle smile and kind eyes—men and women alike, eyes filled with wonder. To those whose vision was darkened, his compassionate glance brought light, and the Guru of the three worlds granted them safety and the blessing of his form. Hearing the praises sung by gods and men—praises that spread like the white, misfortune-destroying sky—he entered Videha slowly. When the people of Videha heard that Acyuta had arrived, they rejoiced and came forward, bearing offerings in their hands. Seeing the illustrious Lord, their faces blossoming with delight, 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 blessing, both the king of Mithilā and Śrutadeva fell at his feet. With joined palms, both invited the Dāśārha (Kṛṣṇa), along with the brāhmaṇas, to accept their hospitality at the same time. Perceiving their sincere intent and wishing to please them both, the Lord entered the homes of each, unseen by the other. Janaka, wise and large-hearted, welcomed all who had come—even those of questionable conduct—into his house, seated them on the finest seats, and listened to them with respect. His devotion overflowing, his heart brimming with joy and tears in his eyes, he bowed at their feet, washed them, and took that water, which purifies the world. With his family, he bore the sacred water on his head and worshipped the Lords with fragrances, garlands, fine garments, incense, lamps, offerings, cows, and bulls. Speaking sweet words, he delighted the guests as they sat, not yet fully satisfied, gently touching the feet of Viṣṇu, who sat with his legs drawn up, his own heart filled with joy.