King Yudhishthira, overjoyed at the birth of his child, summoned the learned Brahmins—Dhaumya, Kripa, and others—to cast the infant’s horoscope and perform auspicious rites. With deep reverence for sacred duty, the king generously bestowed gifts upon the Brahmins: gold, cows, fertile land, villages, elephants, horses, and fine food, all offered at the holy site of the child’s birth. Satisfied by the king’s hospitality, the Brahmins addressed him humbly, saying, “O foremost of the Puru dynasty, this child is truly the one destined for greatness in your lineage. By the irresistible will of fate, when the era marked by white hair draws to its close, Viṣṇu, the all-powerful Lord, has sent this boy for your blessing.” They continued, “Therefore, he will be known throughout the world as Viṣṇurāta—protected by Viṣṇu. There is no doubt: he will become a great devotee and a noble soul.” Yudhishthira, ever mindful of virtue, asked, “Will this child follow the righteous path of our royal sages, 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, just as Ikṣvāku was among men. He will be 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 will spread the fame of his kin, like Duṣyanta’s son among those who perform sacrifices. 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 Himālaya, patient as the earth, and tolerant as his parents.” “He will be impartial like his grandsire, gracious like Śiva, and a refuge for all beings, as the Lord is for Lakṣmī. Devoted to Krishna, he will possess all noble qualities and greatness, as generous as Rantideva and as righteous as Yayati. In steadfastness, he will be like Bali; in devotion to Krishna, like Prahlada. He will perform horse sacrifices and honor 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 upon the earth.” “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 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 thus instructed the king, the honored Brahmins returned to their homes. The child became renowned as Parikshit, for he would examine men in this world, reflecting on what he had seen before. The 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 the offense against his relatives, the king, having obtained wealth, pondered means other 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 himself, after Yudhishthira had been consecrated by the Brahmins, stayed for some months out of affection for his friends. Then, with the king’s permission, Krishna, together with his relatives, departed for Dvaraka, accompanied by Arjuna and the Yadus. The childhood deeds of Hari, the deliverance of his devotee, were witnessed by the boys in Vraja during their youth, and they spoke of it in wonder. 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 rare blessing 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, Yudhishthira, having heard the wondrous deeds of Krishna, again asked Suka, his mind absorbed in that sacred narrative. The king said, ‘O Brahman, how could the boys sing of Hari’s childhood deeds in their youth, when these happened in a different time? O great yogi, O revered teacher, please tell me this supreme wonder; surely, this is nothing but the work of Hari’s māyā—there is no other explanation. We are the most fortunate in the world, O teacher, though we are but kṣatriyas 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 his 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 here, 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.” “Even action free from desire, O Acyuta, and pure knowledge, without devotion to You, does not shine; how much less, then, do even the best works, if not offered to the Lord, bring lasting good?