When all auspicious qualities had manifested and the planets aligned favorably, the heir of the Pāṇḍu dynasty was born anew, endowed with the strength and vigor of Pāṇḍu himself. King Yudhiṣṭhira, his heart overflowing with joy, summoned the wise Brahmins—Dhaumya, Kṛpa, and others—to cast the newborn’s horoscope and perform sacred rites to mark the auspicious occasion. Knowing the duties of a righteous king, Yudhiṣṭhira gave lavish gifts to the Brahmins at the holy site of the child’s birth: gold, cows, land, villages, elephants, horses, and the finest food. Pleased by his generosity, the Brahmins addressed the humble king, saying, “O foremost of the Puru dynasty, in your noble line, this child is the one.” They continued, “By the irresistible force of destiny, when the white hair of age reaches its end, this child has been sent for your blessing by Viṣṇu, the all-powerful Lord. Therefore, he will be celebrated throughout the world as Viṣṇurāta—protected by Viṣṇu. There is no doubt: he will become a great devotee, a great soul.” Yudhiṣṭhira, eager to know more, asked, “Will this child follow the virtuous path of our royal sages, the illustrious and noble ones, praised by the wise and the good?” 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 generous and a refuge to all, like Śibi of the Auśīnara line; he will spread the fame of his kin, like Duṣyanta’s son among 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 like the Himālaya, patient as the earth, and tolerant as his parents. Impartial as his grandsire, gracious like Śiva, a refuge for all beings, as the Lord is for Lakṣmī. Devoted to Krishna, he possesses all noble qualities and greatness; as generous as Rantideva, as righteous as Yayati. In steadfastness, he is 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 the chastiser of those who stray from the path; for the sake of dharma, he will restrain Kali on earth.” The Brahmins foretold further, “When he hears 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 listen to the sage, Vyasa’s son, and, leaving his body on the banks of the Ganga, he will go directly, free from fear.” Having thus instructed the king, the honored Brahmins returned to their homes. The child came to be known throughout the world as Parikshit, for he would examine men in this world, reflecting on what he had seen before. The young prince grew swiftly, like the waxing moon, nourished daily by his father as one feeds a fire with wood. Desiring to perform a horse sacrifice to atone for offenses against his relatives, the king, having obtained wealth, considered means other than taxes and fines. Perceiving his intent, his brothers, prompted by Achyuta, brought abundant wealth from the north. With these resources, Yudhiṣṭhira, son of Dharma, performed three horse sacrifices, worshipping Hari with great reverence and fear. Invited by the king, the Lord Krishna, after the king’s consecration by the Brahmins, stayed for several months out of affection for his friends. Then, with the king’s permission, Krishna, accompanied by Arjuna and the Yadus, departed for Dvaraka. The childhood deed of Hari—the deliverance of his devotee—was witnessed by the boys in Vraja during their youth, and they spoke of it with wonder. This is not surprising for the Supreme Creator, who assumes human form for his pastimes. Even Agha, whose sins were washed away by Hari’s touch, attained equality with the self—a state extremely rare for the wicked. He who but once placed the image of the Lord within his mind attained the supreme path of devotion. What then of one who, free from illusion, constantly experiences the bliss of the eternal self? Sūta continued: “Thus, O twice-born ones, Yudhiṣṭhira, having heard the wondrous deeds of Krishna, again questioned Suka, his mind absorbed in that sacred narrative. The king asked, ‘O Brahman, how could the deeds done by Hari in childhood be sung by the boys in their youth, when they happened in a different time? O great yogi, O revered teacher, please explain this supreme wonder; surely, this is nothing but the work of Hari’s māyā—there is no other explanation. We are most fortunate in the world, O teacher, though we are kṣatriyas only in name, for we constantly drink from you the nectar of Krishna’s sacred stories.’” Sūta said: “Thus questioned, the son of Badarāyaṇa, whose senses were absorbed in the infinite heart, was reminded. Regaining outward vision with effort, he slowly replied to that foremost devotee of the Bhāgavata. ‘O best of the twice-born, as you have asked me, I have recounted in full the playful incarnations and deeds of the Lord. Whether fallen, stumbling, distressed, cut, or helpless, whoever loudly utters “obeisance to Hari” is freed from all sin. When the infinite Lord is glorified, whose power is realized through hearing, He enters the heart of people and completely cleanses their suffering, just as the sun and a strong wind dispel darkness and clouds. Empty words and false stories, which do not speak of the transcendent Lord, are not to be told; only that is truth, only that is auspicious, only that is holy, which brings forth the Lord’s virtues. Only that is delightful, charming, ever fresh, and ever new; only that is the constant great festival of the mind; only that dries up the ocean of sorrow for people—when the glories of the Lord of excellent fame are sung. Whatever speech, however ornate, does not proclaim the fame of Hari, which sanctifies the world, is like a crow’s bathing place, not frequented by swans; where Acyuta is present, there indeed are pure devotees. That creation of speech, even if imperfect in meter, which contains the names and glories of the infinite Lord, washes away the sins of people; the virtuous listen to, sing, and recite it.