When King Parīkṣit sat before the sage Śuka, he asked, “O venerable Brahman, tell me about the sister of Rāma and Kṛṣṇa. How did Arjuna come to marry her, and how did she become my grandmother?” Śuka replied, “As Arjuna journeyed across the land on pilgrimage, he came to Prabhāsa. There, he heard news about his maternal cousin. Some people said that Balarāma intended to give his sister Subhadrā in marriage to Duryodhana, but others disagreed. Desiring her for himself, Arjuna disguised his intent—he adopted the dress and vows of a renunciate, taking up the triple staff, and journeyed to Dvārakā. There, Arjuna dwelt for several months, always honored by the townspeople and by Balarāma himself, who did not recognize his cousin in the ascetic’s guise. One day, Balarāma invited Arjuna to his home as a guest, offering him food with faith. Arjuna accepted and ate what was brought to him as alms. Within that house, Arjuna beheld a maiden of great beauty, one who captivated the hearts of even the greatest heroes. His own heart, stirred by affection and the sight of her blossoming eyes, became fixed upon her. Subhadrā, for her part, saw him and chose him in her heart. Drawn to him as is natural for women, she gazed with bashful, sidelong glances, smiling as she fixed her heart and eyes upon him. Arjuna could think of nothing but her; desire for her left him restless and confused, his mind overpowered by passion. Then, during a grand festival, as Subhadrā rode out from the fortress in her chariot, Arjuna, with the approval of her parents and Kṛṣṇa the mighty charioteer, carried her away. Standing tall on his chariot and taking up his bow, he scattered the warriors who tried to stop him—his own kinsmen—like a lion dispersing a herd of deer. When Balarāma heard what had happened, he was agitated like the ocean at the full moon. But Kṛṣṇa, along with their friends, approached him, and by holding his feet, calmed his anger. Joyful at the marriage, Balarāma sent abundant gifts—elephants, chariots, horses, men, and women, all of great wealth. Among Kṛṣṇa’s devotees was a distinguished Brahman named Śrutadeva, known for his single-minded devotion to Kṛṣṇa. He was fulfilled in all aims of life, peaceful, wise, and free from indulgence. Living among the Videhas in Mithilā, Śrutadeva was a householder who accepted only what came to him by chance, performing his duties without effort or expectation. Each day, he received only what was given for the sake of pilgrimage, content with that alone, and performed the appropriate rites as needed. The ruler of that land was Bahulāśva, a Maithila king renowned for his humility. Both the king and Śrutadeva were dear to Acyuta, the Lord. Pleased with them both, the Lord mounted a chariot brought by Dāruka and, together with a great company of sages, journeyed to the land of the Videhas. Nārada, Vāmadeva, Atri, Kṛṣṇa, Balarāma, Asita, Aruṇi, Śuka himself, Bṛhaspati, Kaṇva, Maitreya, Cyavana, and others accompanied him. Wherever Kṛṣṇa went, people from every land—Ānarta, Dhanva, Kuru, Jāṅgala, Kaṅka, Matsya, Pāñcāla, Kunti, Madhu, Kekaya, Kośala, Arṇa, and many more—came forth with offerings, as if greeting the sun rising with its planets. Men and women gazed upon his lotus-like face, radiant with a generous smile and gentle eyes, their own eyes drinking in his beauty. For those whose darkness of vision was dispelled by his glance, the Guru of the three worlds granted safety and the sight of his divine form. Hearing the praises sung by gods and men—praises that spread everywhere, bright as the sky and destroying misfortune—Kṛṣṇa slowly entered Videha. When word spread that Acyuta had arrived, the citizens and people of the land, filled with joy, approached him bearing gifts. Seeing the illustrious one, their faces blossoming with delight, they bowed with joined palms, as did the sages whom they had only heard of before. The king of Mithilā and Śrutadeva, thinking that the Guru of the world had come for their own blessing, both fell at his feet. With joined palms, both Bahulāśva and Śrutadeva invited Kṛṣṇa, the Dāśārha, along with the brāhmaṇas, to accept their hospitality—each at his own home, at the same time. Understanding their hearts and wishing to please them both, the Lord entered the home of each, unnoticed by the other. King Janaka, of great mind, welcomed all who had come from afar—even those not of good conduct—seating them comfortably on the finest seats and listening to them with attention. Overflowing with devotion, his heart brimming with joy and tears in his eyes, he bowed to their feet, washed them, and took that water, which purifies the world. With his family, Janaka bore the water on his head and worshipped the Lords with fragrances, garlands, garments, incense, lamps, offerings, and gifts of cows and bulls. Pleasing them with sweet words, he spoke as they sat, not yet fully satisfied, gently touching the feet of Viṣṇu, who sat with his feet drawn up, filled with joy. King Bahulāśva said, “You are truly the Self, the witness, the seer of all beings, O Lord. Now, for us who remember your lotus feet, you have come into our sight. To fulfill your own promise, you have appeared before us, for you have said that your exclusive devotees are dearer to you than even Lakṣmī or Brahmā. Who would ever abandon your lotus feet, O giver of the Self to the renounced, peaceful sages who possess nothing? You, who descended in the Yadu dynasty among men, spread your fame for the peace of all, removing the suffering of the three worlds. Obeisance to you, O Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa, of unfailing wisdom, Nārāyaṇa, the sage who performed tranquil austerities. O Lord, please dwell in our home for a few days with these brāhmaṇas and sanctify the lineage of Nimi with the dust of your feet.” Thus invited by the king, the Lord, creator of the worlds, remained there, bringing auspiciousness to the men and women of Mithilā. Śrutadeva, overjoyed, welcomed Acyuta to his home just as Janaka had, bowing to the sages and dancing with delight, shaking his garment. He seated them on mats of grass and ox hides that he had brought, and together with his wife, joyfully washed their feet and greeted them with heartfelt hospitality.