Though terrifying beings approached Krishna with the intent to kill, none could overcome him; instead, they perished like moths drawn to a blazing flame. The words of the knowers of Brahman, such as the sage Garga, were never false—what he had declared came to pass just as foretold. Thus, Nanda and the other cowherds, joyful in recounting the wondrous deeds of Krishna and Rama, spent their days in happiness, untouched by worldly suffering. Their boyhood in Vraja was filled with games—hiding, building dams, and leaping about like monkeys—delighting in innocent play. Meanwhile, in the sacred assembly at Naimisharanya, Shaunaka addressed Sūta, recalling how Uttara’s unborn child was struck down by the power of Ashvatthama’s Brahmashirsha weapon, yet was restored to life by the Lord’s grace. Eager to know more, Shaunaka and the sages requested Sūta to narrate the story of this child’s birth, his deeds as a great soul, and his departure from this world, as imparted by Shuka. Sūta began: King Yudhishthira, unattached to worldly desires through his devotion at Krishna’s feet, delighted his subjects like a loving father. He possessed wealth, performed sacrifices, ruled realms, had queens and noble brothers, dominion over Jambudvipa, and fame that reached the heavens. Yet, O twice-born, what value are desires coveted even by the gods to one whose mind is fixed on Mukunda? As other delights please a hungry king, so did these bring joy to Yudhishthira. While still in his mother’s womb, the heroic child witnessed a wondrous Person as he was being burned by the weapon’s power. He saw an immaculate form, no larger than a thumb, shining brilliantly, crowned with a golden diadem, dark in complexion, clad in yellow garments—the infallible Lord. This resplendent figure, with four long arms, blazing golden earrings, blood-red eyes, and holding a mace, moved all around the child, whirling the mace like a blazing meteor. With his own mace, he dispelled the weapon’s fiery energy, just as the lord of cows disperses mist, and the child watched in awe, wondering, “Who is this?” Once the danger was removed, the immeasurable Lord, protector of righteousness, the all-pervading One, disappeared before the child’s eyes at the end of ten months. Thereafter, when all auspicious qualities had arisen and the planets were favorable, the bearer of the Pāṇḍu line was born again, endowed with the strength of Pāṇḍu himself. Filled with joy, the king had the child’s birth chart cast by the Brahmins—Dhaumya, Kṛpa, and others—and performed auspicious rites. Knowing the sacred duties, he gave gold, cows, land, villages, elephants, horses, and excellent food to the Brahmins at the holy site of birth. The satisfied Brahmins then spoke to the humble king: “O foremost of the Puru dynasty, in this line of yours, 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 asked, “Will this child follow the virtuous path of the royal sages of our line, the illustrious and noble ones, praised by the good and the wise?” The Brahmins replied, “O son of Pṛthā, he will be a true protector of the people, like Ikṣvāku among men, devoted to the Brahmins and truthful like Rāma, son of Daśaratha. He will be a generous giver and a refuge, like Śibi of the Auśīnara line; he will spread the fame of 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 like a lion among beasts, steadfast like the Himālaya, patient like the earth, and tolerant like his parents. Equal to his grandsire in impartiality, like Śiva in graciousness, a refuge for all beings, as the Lord is for Lakṣmī. Devoted to Krishna, he possesses all noble qualities and greatness; generous as Rantideva and righteous as Yayati. In steadfastness he is like Bali; in devotion to Krishna, like Prahlada; he will perform horse sacrifices and serve the elders. He will be the progenitor of royal sages and the chastiser of those who stray from the path; for the sake of dharma, he will restrain Kali on earth. Hearing of his impending death from Takshaka, sent by the 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 Ganga, O King, he will go directly, free from fear.” Having thus instructed the king, the honored Brahmins returned to their homes. The child became renowned in the world as Parikshit, for he would examine men in this world, reflecting on what he had seen before. That prince grew quickly, like the waxing moon, nourished daily by his father as with pieces of wood. Desiring to perform a horse sacrifice to atone for the offense against his relatives, King Yudhishthira, having obtained wealth, pondered other means than taxes and fines. Perceiving his intention, his brothers, prompted by Achyuta, brought abundant wealth from the northern direction. With these resources, Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, performed three horse sacrifices, worshipping Hari with great fear and reverence. Invited by the king, the Lord, after the king was consecrated by the Brahmins, stayed for some months out of affection for his friends. Then, permitted by the king, Krishna, together with his relatives, departed for Dvaraka, accompanied by Arjuna and the Yadus.