There were many rumors circulating about the fate of Subhadrā, the great maiden of Dvārakā. Some believed that Rāma would give her in marriage to Duryodhana, while others disagreed. Arjuna, desiring her for himself, adopted the guise of a renunciate, carrying three staffs, and journeyed to Dvārakā. Upon arrival, Arjuna pursued his own purpose, staying for several months. The townspeople and Rāma honored him repeatedly, but Rāma did not recognize Arjuna beneath his ascetic disguise. One day, Rāma brought Arjuna home as a guest, offering him food with sincere faith, and Arjuna accepted it as alms. It was there that Arjuna saw Subhadrā, a maiden of extraordinary beauty who captivated the hearts of heroes. His heart was stirred by affection and the charm of her blossoming eyes, and he became deeply enamored. Subhadrā, too, upon seeing Arjuna, felt her heart drawn to him in the natural way of women. Smiling, with bashful sidelong glances, she fixed both her heart and gaze upon him. Arjuna’s mind was consumed by thoughts of Subhadrā. Overpowered by passion and desire, he found no peace. Then, during a grand festival, Subhadrā rode out in a chariot, leaving the fortress. With the approval of her parents and Kṛṣṇa, the mighty charioteer, Arjuna carried her away. Standing atop the chariot, Arjuna took up his bow and scattered the brave warriors who tried to block his path, dispersing his own people as a lion scatters deer. When Rāma heard of this, he was agitated, like a great ocean under the full moon. Yet 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 then spoke: Among Kṛṣṇa’s devotees was an eminent Brahman named Śrutadeva. Known for his exclusive devotion to Kṛṣṇa, Śrutadeva was fulfilled in all aims, peaceful, wise, and free from indulgence. He lived among the Videhas in Mithilā, as a householder, accepting only what came by chance and performing his duties without effort. Each day, he accepted only what arrived for the sake of pilgrimage, satisfied with that alone, and performed the appropriate rites as needed. The ruler of that land was Bahulāśva, a Maithila, renowned for his humility. Both Bahulāśva and Śrutadeva were dear to Acyuta—Kṛṣṇa. Pleased with them both, the Lord mounted a chariot brought by Dāruka and, together with the sages, traveled to 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 others. Wherever the Lord went, citizens and people of the land approached him with offerings, as if greeting the sun rising with its planets. People from Ānarta, Dhanva, Kuru, Jāṅgala, Kaṅka, Matsya, Pāñcāla, Kunti, Madhu, Kekaya, Kośala, Arṇa, and other regions gazed upon his lotus-like face, radiant with a generous smile and gentle eyes, with their own eyes—men and women alike. To those whose darkness of vision was dispelled by his glance, the Guru of the three worlds granted safety and the sight of his form. Hearing the praises sung by gods and men, which spread in all directions, white as the sky and destroying misfortune, he slowly entered Videha. When the people heard that Acyuta had arrived, they joyfully approached him, carrying offerings in their hands. 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. Thinking that the Guru of the world had come for their blessing, the king of Mithilā and Śrutadeva both fell at his feet. With joined palms, both invited Dāśārha—Kṛṣṇa—along with the brāhmaṇas, to accept their hospitality at the same time. The Lord, perceiving their intent and wishing to please them both, entered the homes of each, unnoticed by the other. Janaka, of great mind, brought all those who had come from afar—even those not of good conduct—into his house, seated them comfortably on the finest seats, and listened to them. With devotion grown strong, his heart overflowing 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, he bore the water on his head and worshipped the Lords with fragrances, garlands, garments, incense, lamps, offerings, and cows and bulls. Pleasing them with sweet words, he spoke as they sat, not yet fully satisfied, gently touching the feet of Viṣṇu, who was seated with his feet drawn up, with joy. King Bahulāśva said, “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 said that your devotees, who are exclusively devoted, are dear to you, O Infinite One, more than even Lakṣmī or Brahmā. Who indeed would 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 wandering in this world, spread your fame for their peace, 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 together with these brāhmaṇas; sanctify the lineage of Nimi with the dust of your feet.” Thus invited by the king, the Lord, creator of the worlds, stayed there, bringing auspiciousness to the men and women of Mithilā. Śrutadeva, overjoyed, welcomed Acyuta to his house as Janaka had, bowed to the sages, and danced, shaking his garment. He seated them on mats of grass and ox hides he had brought, and, together with his wife, joyfully washed their feet and greeted them with hospitality. With that water, he, his family, and his household bathed themselves, elated as all his desires had been fulfilled. He worshipped them with offerings of fruits, fragrant roots, pure water, clay, cow products, tulasi, sacred grass, and lotuses, performing the proper rites that increase goodness and destroy darkness. Śrutadeva wondered, “How did I, fallen into the blind well of household life, come to have this meeting—with Krishna himself, the dust of whose feet is the abode of all holy places, and with these brahmins who are his very home?