Alas, how many perils this boy has endured! The elders of Vraja, especially Nanda, often wondered if some misdeed in their own past had brought such dangers upon him. Yet, despite the approach of fearsome beings intent on his destruction, they could do him no harm. Like moths drawn to a flame, those enemies perished before him, unable to withstand his presence. Indeed, the words of the wise, the knowers of Brahman, are never false. Just as the sage Garga had foretold, so everything came to pass regarding this wondrous child. Thus, Nanda and the other cowherds spent their days in joy, delighting in tales of Krishna and Rama, oblivious to the sufferings of the world. In the meadows of Vraja, their boyhood passed happily in play—hiding games, building dams along the streams, and leaping about like monkeys—immersed in the innocence and freedom of youth. Meanwhile, in another place, the sage Shaunaka spoke: “By the terrible power of Ashvatthama’s Brahmashirsha weapon, Uttara’s unborn child was struck down. Yet, by the Lord’s grace, that child was restored to life. We wish to hear about his birth, his noble deeds, and how his end came, as well as where he went after death. If you deem it proper, please tell us, for we are eager listeners, blessed by the teachings of Shuka.” In response, Sūta began: King Yudhishthira, like a loving father, delighted his subjects. Detached from personal desires through his devotion and service at Krishna’s feet, he ruled with compassion and wisdom. He possessed great wealth, performed many sacrifices, ruled vast realms with noble queens and loyal brothers, and his fame soared even to the heavens. O twice-born, what value have even those pleasures coveted by the gods for one whose mind is fixed upon Mukunda? Just as a hungry king finds joy in other things, so too did Yudhishthira, though surrounded by prosperity, find his true delight elsewhere. O descendant of Bhrigu, while still in his mother’s womb, the heroic child—Parikshit—saw a wondrous Person as he was being scorched by the weapon’s fiery power. He beheld a divine form, immaculate and no larger than a thumb, shining with a golden crown, dark in complexion, wondrous to behold, clad in yellow garments—the infallible Lord Himself. Resplendent, with four long arms adorned with blazing golden earrings, blood-red eyes, and holding a mace, that Lord moved all around the child, whirling the mace like a blazing meteor, protecting him in every direction. With His own mace, He dispelled the weapon’s fiery energy, just as the lord of cows disperses the mist. The unborn child watched in amazement, wondering, “Who is this?” Having removed the danger, the immeasurable Lord, the protector of righteousness and all-pervading One, disappeared from the child’s sight at the end of ten months. Thereafter, when all auspicious qualities had arisen and the planets were favorable, the heir of the Pāṇḍu line was born again, endowed with the strength of Pāṇḍu himself. The king, his heart brimming with joy, had the child’s birth chart cast by the Brahmins—Dhaumya, Kripa, and others—and performed the appropriate rites. Knowing the sacred duties, the king gave generously: gold, cows, land, villages, elephants, horses, and excellent food to the Brahmins at the holy site of birth. Pleased by his offerings, the Brahmins spoke to the humble king: “O foremost of the Puru dynasty, in your line, he is the one.” “By the irresistible will of fate, when the white hair ascends to its end, he has been sent for your blessing by Viṣṇu, the all-powerful Lord. Therefore, he will be renowned in the world as Viṣṇurāta—protected by Viṣṇu. There is no doubt; he will be a great devotee, a great soul.” Yudhishthira then inquired, “Will this child follow the virtuous path of our royal sages, those illustrious and noble ones praised by the wise and good?” The Brahmins replied, “O son of Pritha, he will be a true protector of the people, like Ikṣvāku among men, devoted to Brahmins and truthful, like Rama, son of Dasharatha. He will be generous and a refuge like Śibi of the Auśīnara line, and he will bring glory to his kin like Duṣyanta’s son among the sacrificers. He will be foremost among archers, equal to both Arjunas, unassailable like fire, and difficult to cross like the ocean. Valiant as a lion among beasts, steadfast as the Himalayas, patient as the earth, and tolerant like his parents. Equal to his grandsire in impartiality, like Shiva in graciousness, a refuge for all beings as the Lord is for Lakshmi. Devoted to Krishna, he will possess all noble qualities and greatness, as generous as Rantideva, as righteous as Yayati. In steadfastness, he will be like Bali; in devotion to Krishna, like Prahlada. He will perform horse sacrifices and serve his elders. He will be the progenitor of royal sages and a chastiser of those who stray from the path; for the sake of dharma, he will restrain Kali on earth.” They continued, “Hearing of his impending death from Takshaka, sent by a sage’s son, he will renounce all attachment and attain the abode of Hari. Desiring to know the true nature of the self, he will hear from the sage, Vyasa’s son, and, leaving his body on the banks of the Ganga, he will go directly, free from fear.” Having blessed and instructed the king, the learned Brahmins, honored by his generosity, returned to their homes. This child became renowned in the world as Parikshit, for, reflecting on what he had seen before his birth, he would examine men in this world. The prince grew swiftly, like the waxing moon, nourished every day by his father as a sacred fire is tended with fuel. Desiring to perform a horse sacrifice to atone for the offense against his relatives, King Yudhishthira, having obtained wealth, pondered how best to do so without burdening his people with taxes or fines. Perceiving his intent, his brothers, inspired by Achyuta, brought abundant wealth from the north. With these resources, Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, performed three great horse sacrifices, worshipping Hari with reverence and awe. At the king’s invitation, the Lord Himself, after having the king consecrated by the Brahmins, remained for some months in Hastinapura, out of affection for His dear friends.