Standing triumphantly atop Garuḍa, the demon Naraka addressed Kṛṣṇa with unwavering resolve. “I have no need for any boon, for I am Naraka,” he declared. “Yet, for the benefit of all worlds, I will ask for the highest blessing.” Turning to Kṛṣṇa, Lord of all beings, he requested, “O Madhusūdana, on the day of my death, may those men who perform the auspicious bath never fall into hell. Let this be so, O remover of fear.” Mahādeva answered, “So be it,” and Govinda, the Supreme Lord, granted Naraka his wish. As Naraka gazed upon Hari’s radiant feet—brighter than autumn lotuses, adorned with anklets of thunderbolt-gem and cat’s-eye, worshipped by Brahmā, Rudra, and all the gods and sages—he surrendered his life. In that moment, the son of the earth attained a form resembling Hari himself. The hosts of gods, overwhelmed with joy, showered down a rain of flowers while great sages sang hymns of praise. Kṛṣṇa, lotus-eyed and resplendent, then entered Naraka’s city. By his might, he reclaimed the jewels of the gods, the earrings of the divine mother, and the celestial horse Uccaiḥśravas. He took Airāvata, the foremost elephant, and the blazing mountain of gems, returning all these treasures to Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt. Naraka, in his conquests, had seized sixteen thousand maidens from across the realms and confined them within his palace. When these maidens saw Kṛṣṇa—radiant as a hundred Cupids, and mighty in valor—they all chose him as their husband, recognizing him as the all-pervading Lord of the universe. In that instant, Govinda, the supreme person, assumed manifold forms and, according to custom, took each maiden by the hand. The daughters of Naraka, seeking refuge in Govinda, the ocean of compassion who had ended Naraka’s reign, were established in his kingdom, their wishes honored. Kṛṣṇa placed all these noble women in Indra’s celestial chariot and, with the help of divine messengers, brought them safely to Dvārakā. Then, mounting Garuḍa with Satyabhāmā by his side, Keśava swiftly journeyed to the world of the gods to visit the divine mother. Arriving in the city of the king of gods, Janārdana descended from Garuḍa with his wife Satyabhāmā. There, he bowed before his mother Aditi, revered among the dwellers of heaven. Aditi, with motherly affection, embraced her son. Seating her in the place of honor, Kṛṣṇa worshipped her with devotion, joined by the Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, and Indra himself. There, too, he paid homage to the supreme lord, while Satyabhāmā entered the house of Shachi, Indra’s queen. Honored by the goddess, Satyabhāmā sat comfortably as attendants brought splendid Parijata flowers at Indra’s command and presented them lovingly to Shachi. Shachi, graceful in form, adorned her dark hair with the flowers, but did not offer any to Satyabhāmā. In her pride, Shachi thought, “This woman is merely human and unworthy; these auspicious flowers are fit for the gods.” Stung by this slight, Satyabhāmā left the palace, her heart burning with anger, and approached Kṛṣṇa. Her eyes like lotuses, she said, “O foremost of the Yadus, Shachi is proud of the Parijata. She did not give it to me, Govinda, but bound it upon her own head.” Hearing Satyabhāmā’s words, Vasudeva, mighty in strength, uprooted the Parijata tree and placed it upon Garuḍa. Mounting swiftly with Satyabhāmā, Kṛṣṇa returned to the splendid city of Dvārakā. Indra, king of the gods, was filled with wrath. He gathered the Rudras, Vasus, Adityas, Sādhyas, and the hosts of Maruts. Mounting Airāvata, Indra led the gods into battle against Keśava, and the divine hosts surrounded Janārdana. They rained down weapons upon him like clouds upon a great mountain, but Kṛṣṇa cut down their weapons with his discus. Garuḍa, enraged and powerful, scattered the gods like the wind scatters blades of grass. Indra, furious, hurled his blazing thunderbolt at Kṛṣṇa, intending to slay him. Yet Kṛṣṇa caught the thunderbolt effortlessly in one hand. Frightened, Indra descended from Airāvata and, standing before Janārdana with folded palms and trembling voice, offered hymns of praise. “O Kṛṣṇa,” Indra said, “this Parijata is fit for the gods. You once gave it to me and to the gods. How, then, can it remain among humans?” The Blessed Lord replied, “Satyabhāmā, my wife, was slighted by Shachi in your house, O Lord of the gods. Shachi, daughter of Puloma, did not give the Parijata flowers to Satyabhāmā, but wore them herself. For this reason, O Indra, I have taken the Parijata, for I have promised to give it to her.” “O Vasava, I will place the Parijata in your house; therefore, today the Parijata should not be given, O Lord of the gods. For the welfare of the gods, I will send it to the earth; until then, Indra, let the Parijata remain in my abode.