By the irresistible force of destiny, when the time of white-haired elders draws to its close, a child was sent into this world by Viṣṇu, the all-powerful Lord, for the blessing of the royal line. Because of this divine protection, the child would become renowned throughout the earth as Viṣṇurāta—one protected by Viṣṇu Himself. There could be no doubt: he would be a great devotee and a soul of exceptional virtue. King Yudhiṣṭhira, filled with hope and curiosity, asked the assembled brahmins, “Will this child walk the noble path of our royal ancestors—those illustrious and upright kings, praised by the righteous and the wise?” The brahmins replied, “O son of Pṛthā, know that this child will be a true guardian of his people, like Ikṣvāku among men. He will honor the brahmins and speak only the truth, just as Rāma, son of Daśaratha, once did. He will be generous and a refuge to all, like Śibi of the Auśīnara line, and his sacrifices will spread the fame of his family, as Duṣyanta’s son did among the sacrificers.” They continued, “He will be the foremost among archers, equal to both Arjunas, unassailable like fire, and as difficult to overcome as the ocean. His valor will be like a lion among beasts, his steadfastness like the Himālaya, his patience like the earth, and his tolerance like that of his own parents. He will be impartial, as was his grandsire, gracious like Śiva, and a refuge for all beings, just as the Lord is for Lakṣmī. Devoted to Krishna, he will possess all noble qualities and greatness—generous as Rantideva, righteous as Yayati. In steadfastness, he will resemble Bali; in devotion to Krishna, he will be like Prahlada. He will perform horse sacrifices and serve his elders with reverence. He will become the progenitor of royal sages and will chastise those who stray from righteousness; for the sake of dharma, he will restrain the influence of Kali upon the earth.” The brahmins foretold further, “When he learns from the mouth of Takṣaka, sent by the sage’s son, that his death is near, he will renounce all attachments and attain the eternal abode of Hari. Desiring to know the true nature of the self, he will hear the teachings of Vyāsa’s son, and, leaving his body upon the banks of the Ganga, O King, he will go directly and fearlessly to the Supreme. Thus, having instructed the king, the honored brahmins returned to their homes.” In this way, the child became known as Parikṣit, for he would examine all he saw in this world, reflecting on the wonders he had witnessed even before his birth. Nourished daily by the love of his father, he grew quickly, like the waxing moon, thriving under the care of his royal family. Wishing to atone for the offense committed against his relatives, King Yudhiṣṭhira resolved to perform a horse sacrifice. He pondered how to gather the necessary wealth without burdening his people with taxes or fines. Perceiving his intent, his brothers, inspired by Achyuta, brought abundant treasures from the northern direction. With these resources, Yudhiṣṭhira, son of Dharma, performed three great horse sacrifices, worshipping Hari with deep reverence and awe. Invited by the king, the Lord Himself came, and after the king was consecrated by the brahmins, Krishna remained for some months, out of affection for His friends. At last, with the king’s permission, Krishna departed for Dvārakā, accompanied by Arjuna and the Yadus. The wondrous childhood deeds of Hari, especially His deliverance of His devotee, were spoken of with amazement by the boys of Vraja, even in their youth. This was no surprise, for the Supreme Creator 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, especially for the wicked. Indeed, one who but once places the image of the Lord within his mind attains the supreme path of devotion; what then of those who, free from illusion, constantly experience the bliss of the eternal self? Sūta continued, “Thus, O twice-born, Yudhiṣṭhira, having heard of Krishna’s wondrous deeds, again questioned Suka, his mind absorbed in these sacred stories. The king asked, ‘O Brahman, how could the boys of Vraja sing of Hari’s childhood deeds in their youth, when those events took place 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 most fortunate in the world, O teacher, though we are kṣatriyas in name, for we constantly drink from you the nectar of Krishna’s sacred stories.’” Śrī 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, wounded, 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 hearts of people and completely cleanses their suffering, just as the sun and a strong wind dispel darkness and clouds.’” He continued, “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.” “Even if imperfect in meter, that creation of speech 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? All effort for fame and prosperity—whether through duties of caste and stage of life, austerity, or study—is supreme only when it brings unfailing remembrance of Śrīdhara’s lotus feet, through hearing and praising the virtues of Hari with reverence. Remembrance of Krishna’s lotus feet destroys all inauspiciousness and bestows well-being; it purifies the mind, brings supreme devotion to the indwelling Lord, and grants knowledge endowed with realization and detachment.” “Truly, you foremost twice-born are greatly blessed, for you constantly worship Nārāyaṇa, the Lord, the God of gods, the ruler, who is the soul of all beings, having fixed Him steadily in your hearts.