The sages, gathered in the sacred assembly, expressed their deep yearning to hear the story of a remarkable soul. “We wish to know about his birth,” they said, “his noble deeds, the manner of his death, and where his spirit journeyed after leaving this world. If you deem it appropriate, please recount these events to us, for we are eager listeners, blessed to receive the wisdom that Śuka once imparted.” Sūta, the revered storyteller, replied: “King Yudhishthira, having devoted himself to the service of Krishna’s lotus feet, ruled his kingdom with the gentle care of a loving father, free from all personal desire. He possessed great wealth, performed many sacrifices, ruled vast realms, was blessed with queens and brothers, and his fame soared to the very heavens, embracing dominion over Jambudvīpa. But what value do even the most coveted desires hold for one whose mind is fixed on Mukunda? Just as food delights a hungry king, so too did these blessings bring him joy, though he remained unattached. O learned ones, listen: While still in his mother’s womb, the heroic child beheld a wondrous Person as he was threatened by the searing power of a weapon. The child saw a spotless form, no larger than a thumb, shining brilliantly, crowned with a golden diadem, dark-hued and beautiful to behold, clad in yellow garments—the infallible Lord Himself. This radiant being, with four long arms adorned by blazing golden earrings and blood-red eyes, held a mace and moved around the child in all directions, whirling the weapon like a blazing comet. With His own mace, He dispelled the weapon’s fiery energy, just as the Lord of cows disperses the morning mist, while the child watched in awe, wondering, ‘Who is this?’ When the danger was removed, the immeasurable Lord—the all-pervading protector of righteousness—vanished before the child’s very eyes at the completion of ten months. Thereafter, when all auspicious signs appeared and the planets were favorable, the heir of the Pāṇḍu dynasty was born once more, endowed with the strength of Pāṇḍu himself. King Yudhishthira, his heart overflowing with joy, summoned the Brahmins Dhaumya, Kripa, and others to cast the child’s horoscope and to conduct all the auspicious birth rites. Knowing the sacred duties, the king gave generous gifts of gold, cows, land, villages, elephants, horses, and excellent food to the Brahmins at that holy birthplace. Pleased with the king’s humility and generosity, the Brahmins spoke: ‘O foremost of the Puru dynasty, this child is the one destined to continue your illustrious line. By the irresistible will of fate, at the end of the white-haired age, Viṣṇu Himself has sent this child as a blessing for you. Therefore, he will be renowned throughout the world as Viṣṇurāta—protected by Viṣṇu. Without doubt, he will be a great devotee and a great soul.’ King Yudhishthira then 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 his 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, and 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 as difficult to cross as the ocean. Valiant as a lion among beasts, steadfast as the Himālaya, patient as the earth, and tolerant like his parents. He will be impartial like his grandsire, gracious as Śiva, and a refuge for all beings, as the Lord is for Lakṣmī. Devoted to Krishna, he will possess all noble qualities and greatness; he will be as generous as Rantideva and as righteous as Yayati. In steadfastness he will be like Bali; in devotion to Krishna, like Prahlāda; he will perform horse sacrifices and serve his elders. He will become 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. When he learns of his impending death from Takṣaka, sent by the sage’s son, he will renounce all attachments and attain the abode of Hari. Desiring to know the true nature of the self, he will hear from the sage, Vyāsa’s son, and, leaving his body on the banks of the Ganga, he will go directly, free from fear.’ Having thus instructed the king, all the honored Brahmins returned to their homes. This prince became renowned as Parikshit, for he would examine all men in this world, reflecting on the vision he had witnessed before his birth. The child grew swiftly, like the waxing moon, nourished each day by his father’s care, just as a fire is fed with fuel. Desiring to perform a horse sacrifice to atone for offenses against his relatives, King Yudhishthira, having obtained wealth, considered means other than taxes and fines to gather resources. Perceiving his intention, his brothers, inspired by Achyuta, brought abundant wealth from the northern regions. With these riches, Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, performed three horse sacrifices, worshipping Hari with great reverence and awe. At the king’s invitation, the Lord Himself came, and after the king was consecrated by the Brahmins, Krishna remained for some months out of affection for His friends. Then, with the king’s permission, Krishna departed for Dvārakā, accompanied by Arjuna and the Yadus. This childhood deed of Hari—the deliverance of His devotee—was witnessed by the boys of Vraja in their youth, and they spoke of it in wonder. But this is not surprising for the Supreme Creator, who assumes human form for His pastimes; even Agha, whose sins were washed away by the Lord’s touch, attained equality with the self—a state exceedingly rare for the wicked. One who but once placed the image of the Lord in his mind attained the supreme path of devotion; what then of one who, free from illusion, constantly experiences the bliss of the eternal self? Thus, O twice-born, having heard these wondrous deeds of Krishna, Yudhishthira, his mind absorbed in the sacred narrative, again questioned Śuka. “O Brahmin,” he asked, “how could the boys of Vraja sing of Hari’s childhood deeds in their youth, when those events took place in an earlier time?