Who would not long to dwell in a land blessed with every delight? What region could be more splendid, or what joy could surpass it? In that sacred place where the liberating Lord himself abides, the people of Utkala—renowned for their wisdom—are truly blessed beyond compare. Bathing in the waters of that king of holy tirthas, they behold the Supreme Person with their own eyes. Such mortals, it is said, reside in heaven itself, never passing to the realm of Yama. Those who make their home in the holy field of Shri Purushottama in Utkala are indeed wise, and their lives are fruitful. They are the ones who gaze upon the foremost among the gods: his serene, wide eyes, his beautiful brows, his lustrous hair and crown, and his charming ear ornaments. His gentle smile, radiant teeth, splendid earrings, refined nose, handsome cheeks, noble brow, and auspicious marks—all these adorn his lotus-like face, the face of Krishna, which brings joy to the three worlds. Now, in ages long past, during the Krita Yuga, there lived a king named Indradyumna, famed among the Brahmins and the world for his valor, which rivaled that of Indra himself. He was a man of truth, purity, and skill—versed in all the scriptures, handsome, fortunate, courageous, generous, a lover of enjoyment, and pleasing in his speech. He performed every sacrifice, was devoted to the Brahmins, steadfast in truth, and accomplished in archery, the Vedas, and all sacred knowledge. His deeds were many and great. Beloved by all—men and women alike—he shone like the full moon in the night sky; yet, to his enemies, he was as dazzling and unapproachable as the sun itself. He was a true Vaishnava, a master of his anger and senses, a student of both yoga and Sankhya, ever seeking liberation and devoted to righteousness. As he ruled the earth, this king, a repository of every virtue, developed a deep desire to worship Hari. He pondered, “How shall I worship the God of gods, Janardana? In which field, or holy place, on what riverbank, or in which ashram?” Absorbed in such thoughts, he surveyed the land in his mind, considering all the holy places, fields, and ancient sacred sites. Yet, renouncing each one, he resolved to journey to the most renowned and supreme field, the field of liberation—Purushottama. Arriving at this most excellent of fields, endowed with great power and resources, King Indradyumna performed the Ashvamedha sacrifice with full observance of the prescribed rites, giving lavish gifts to all. He built there a grand and famous temple, and in it, he installed the images of Sankarshana, Krishna, and Subhadra, displaying his might and devotion. The king properly established the five sacred bathing places, and there he engaged in bathing, charity, austerity, fire offerings, and worship of the gods. With unwavering devotion, he worshipped Purushottama daily according to the sacred rules. By the grace of the God of gods, he finally attained liberation. O twice-born, whoever beholds Markandeya, Krishna, and Rama, and bathes at the ocean named after Indradyumna, will surely attain liberation as well. But why, you may ask, did King Indradyumna, lord of the world, go to the supreme field of Purushottama, bestower of liberation? And how did he, upon reaching that sacred land, properly worship the Supreme Person with the horse sacrifice? How did he construct in that field—a field that grants every fruit and is exceedingly rare—a temple renowned throughout the three worlds? How did that tiger among kings establish Krishna, Rama, and Subhadra there, and protect the holy field? How did he, wise ruler that he was, install Krishna and the others, worshipped even by the gods, in that excellent temple? O best of gods, we beseech you: recount all these deeds in detail, without omission. Your words are like nectar to us, and our thirst for this story is great. We long to hear more, for our curiosity knows no bounds. “Excellent, excellent!” came the reply. “O best of the twice-born, you have asked about this ancient and auspicious matter, which removes all sin and grants both enjoyment and liberation. I shall tell you the deeds of that great king, exactly as they happened in the Krita age. Listen attentively, O foremost sages, with focused minds and controlled senses. There was once a city called Avanti, famed in the land of Malava, whose king stood as eminent as the very summit of the earth. The city was filled with joyous and prosperous people, protected by strong ramparts and gateways, sturdy locks and doors, and adorned with moats. Its streets bustled with merchants of every kind, offering fine wares, and the avenues were delightful, lined with shops and well-marked crossroads. Avanti was adorned with grand houses and lofty towers, its avenues beautified, and royal swans—white and splendid, with variegated necks—glided through its waters. Hundreds of thousands of mansions filled the city, which was joyful with sacrificial festivals and resounded with songs and musical instruments. Flags and banners of many colors fluttered above, and the streets teemed with elephants, horses, chariots, and throngs of foot soldiers. The city was filled with warriors of every kind, joined by people from many regions, and inhabited by Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and the twice-born. Prosperous and adorned with learned people, Avanti had no place for the dirty, the ignorant, or the poor. There were no sick or disabled, none addicted to gambling; only joyful, good-natured men and women were seen everywhere. Day and night, the people played and rejoiced in many ways. Well-dressed men with polished earrings walked the streets, and the city shone with happiness and abundance. Such was the city, and such was the king, Indradyumna—whose deeds and devotion would shape the sacred destiny of Purushottama and bless the world for all time.