Nanda, along with the cowherds and the women of Vraja, found their minds utterly captivated by the lotus feet of Govinda. So deep was their absorption that, even as they departed for Mathurā, they could not turn their thoughts away from Him. When these dear relatives had taken their leave, the Vṛṣṇis—whose chosen Lord was Kṛṣṇa—saw that the rains were soon to come, and so they returned once more to their splendid city of Dvārakā. Upon their return, they shared with the people there all the wonders of the great festival of the Yadu gods, which had taken place during their pilgrimage. They recounted the joyous reunions with friends and all the remarkable events that had unfolded. Thus concludes the eighty-fourth chapter, known as "The Description of Pilgrimage," from the tenth book, second half, of the illustrious Bhāgavata Mahāpurāṇa, the revered scripture for those seeking the highest renunciation. Later, King Parīkṣit, full of curiosity, addressed the sage Śuka: “O Brahman, I wish to hear about the sister of Rāma and Kṛṣṇa. How did Arjuna come to marry her, and how did she become my grandmother?” Śuka replied: “While journeying on pilgrimage, the noble Arjuna traveled the earth and arrived at Prabhāsa. There, he heard news of his maternal cousin. Some spoke of Rāma’s intention to give her in marriage to Duryodhana, while others disagreed. Desiring her for himself, Arjuna adopted the life of a renunciate, carrying three staffs, and made his way to Dvārakā. In Dvārakā, Arjuna remained for several months, honored time and again by the townsfolk and by Rāma himself, who did not recognize his guest’s true identity. One day, Rāma invited Arjuna to his home as a guest and, with deep faith, offered him food. Arjuna accepted and ate what was given as alms. There, Arjuna beheld a maiden of great beauty, the very one who stirred the hearts of heroes. His own heart became filled with affection as he gazed upon her blossoming eyes. She, too, upon seeing Arjuna, was drawn to him, her heart choosing him as is natural for women. With bashful, sidelong glances and a gentle smile, she fixed her gaze and heart upon him. Arjuna, consumed by longing for her, found no peace, his mind unsettled by the force of his passion. Then, during a grand festival, as she rode forth in a chariot from the fortress, Arjuna, with the approval of her parents and Kṛṣṇa, the mighty charioteer, carried her away. Standing tall on his chariot and grasping his bow, Arjuna scattered the brave warriors who tried to bar his path, driving away his own people as a lion scatters a herd of deer. When Rāma heard of this, his agitation swelled like the ocean at the full moon. But Kṛṣṇa, along with friends, calmed Rāma by holding his feet. Joyful at the wedding, Balarāma sent abundant gifts: elephants, chariots, horses, men, and women, all of great wealth. Śuka continued: Among Kṛṣṇa’s devotees was a distinguished Brahman named Śrutadeva, renowned for his exclusive devotion to Kṛṣṇa. Fulfilled in all his aims, he was peaceful, wise, and free from indulgence. He lived among the Videhas in Mithilā, a householder who accepted only what came to him by chance and performed his duties without effort. Each day, he took only what arrived for the sake of pilgrimage, finding contentment in this alone and performing the proper 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. Pleased with both, the Lord mounted a chariot brought by Dāruka and, accompanied by many sages, journeyed to the land of the Videhas. Among these sages were Nārada, Vāmadeva, Atri, Kṛṣṇa, Rāma, Asita, Aruṇi, Śuka himself, Bṛhaspati, Kaṇva, Maitreya, Cyavana, and others. Wherever the Lord traveled, citizens and people of the land came forward, bearing offerings, as if welcoming the sun rising with its planets. The people of Ānarta, Dhanva, Kuru, Jāṅgala, Kaṅka, Matsya, Pāñcāla, Kunti, Madhu, Kekaya, Kośala, Arṇa, and many others gazed upon his lotus-like face, radiant with a generous smile and gentle eyes—men and women alike, O King. For those whose darkness of vision was dispelled by his glance, the Guru of the three worlds granted safety and the blessing of his form. Hearing the praises sung by gods and men, which spread in all directions, shining like the sky and dispelling misfortune, he slowly entered Videha. When the people of Videha heard that Acyuta had arrived, they joyfully approached him, carrying offerings in their hands. Seeing the illustrious Lord, their faces blossomed with delight, and they bowed with joined palms, as did the sages they had previously only heard about. 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 Kṛṣṇa, the Dāśārha, along with the brāhmaṇas, to accept their hospitality at the same time. The Lord, understanding their intent and wishing to please both, entered each of their homes, unnoticed by the other. King Janaka, of great mind, welcomed all those who had come from afar—even those not of good conduct—into his house, seated them on the finest seats, and listened to them. With devotion overflowing, his heart full of joy and his eyes brimming with tears, he bowed to their feet, washed them, and took that water, which purifies the world. Together with his family, he bore this water on his head and worshipped the Lords with fragrances, garlands, garments, incense, lamps, offerings, and gifts of cows and bulls. He pleased them with sweet words as they sat, not yet fully satisfied, and gently touched the feet of Viṣṇu, who sat with his feet drawn up, his own heart full of joy. King Bahulāśva then spoke: “You are indeed the Self, the witness, the seer of all beings, O Lord. And now, for us who remember your lotus feet, you have come into our sight. To fulfill your own words, you have become visible to us; for you once declared that your devotees, who are exclusively devoted, are dear to you, O Infinite One—even more than Lakṣmī or Brahmā. Who would abandon your lotus feet, O giver of the Self to those renounced, peaceful sages who possess nothing? You, who descended in the Yadu dynasty among wandering men, spread your fame for their peace, removing the suffering of the three worlds. Obeisance to you, Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa, of unfailing wisdom, Nārāyaṇa, the sage who performed tranquil austerities. O Lord, please remain in our home for a few days with these brahmins; sanctify the lineage of Nimi with the dust of your feet.