After three years had passed, Babhrū and the Yādavas, led by Ugrasena, realized that Kṛṣṇa had not taken the Syamantaka jewel. Determined to resolve the matter, they journeyed to the city of Videha, persuaded Baladeva, and brought him back to Dvārakā. Meanwhile, Akrūra, ever absorbed in deep meditation on the Blessed Lord, ceaselessly performed sacrifices. He used the finest gold for these rituals, gold that was produced from the supreme Syamantaka jewel itself. Due to the sacred power of the jewel and the protection of his consecration, Akrūra remained unharmed even when Kṣatriyas and Vaiśyas, who were slayers of brāhmaṇas, approached the sacrificial grounds—for such offenders would otherwise have perished. For sixty-two years, the wondrous influence of the Syamantaka jewel prevailed: there was no calamity, famine, pestilence, or untimely death in that region. But then, a tragedy occurred. Śatrughna, the great-grandson of Sātvata, was slain by the Bhojas, who were allied with Akrūra’s faction. In the aftermath, Akrūra, together with the Bhojas, abandoned Dvārakā and departed. From the very day of their departure, disaster struck. Calamities arose—famine, wild beasts, drought, pestilence, and many other afflictions beset Dvārakā. In response, the Yādavas, along with Balabhadra and Ugrasena, gathered together and deliberated on the cause of these sudden misfortunes. The Blessed Lord, beloved of all, spoke to the assembly: “What is this? Why have so many calamities come at once? Let us consider this matter.” At that moment, an elder of the Yadu clan named Āndhaka spoke up. He recalled, “Wherever Akrūra’s father, Śvaphalka, was present, there was never famine, pestilence, drought, or any such suffering. Once, when there was a drought in the land of the king of Kāśī, Śvaphalka was brought there, and immediately the gods sent rain.” He continued with another tale: “Previously, the wife of the king of Kāśī bore a precious daughter in her womb. But even when the time for her birth arrived, the child did not come forth. Twelve years passed with the child still in the womb. The king, troubled, spoke to his unborn daughter, ‘Daughter, why do you not come forth? I long to see your face. Why do you trouble your mother so?’ Amazingly, the child replied from within the womb, ‘Father, if you give one cow each day to a brāhmaṇa, then within three more years I will surely be born.’ The king followed her instructions, gifting a cow daily to a brāhmaṇa. In due course, the child was born, and her father named her Gāndinī. “In gratitude for Śvaphalka’s help, the king gave Gāndinī to him as a gift and honored him as a guest. From their union, Akrūra was born, and thus their lineage continued. Considering this, how could there not now be calamities such as famine and pestilence, unless we resolve this matter?” Hearing these wise words, the elder Yadu Āndhaka suggested, “Let us bring Akrūra back. Enough of seeking excessive faults in one who is supremely virtuous.” Keśava (Kṛṣṇa), Ugrasena, Balabhadra, and the other Yādavas, who were tolerant even towards those who had erred, agreed. They granted safety to Akrūra and brought Śvaphalka’s son back to Dvārakā. As soon as Akrūra returned, the power of the Syamantaka jewel immediately pacified all disturbances—drought, pestilence, famine, wild beasts, and more. Kṛṣṇa then began to reflect, “It is a minor reason that Akrūra was born to Śvaphalka and Gāndinī. But the true power that wards off calamities such as drought, famine, and pestilence is very great. Surely, that great jewel, the Syamantaka, is with him. Such are the powers known concerning it. He continually performs sacrifice after sacrifice, without interruption, and never lacks resources. Without doubt, the best of jewels is present here.” Having reached this conclusion, and with another purpose in mind, Kṛṣṇa gathered all the Yādus at his own house. When all were seated, Kṛṣṇa first stated his purpose, then, after some casual and jesting conversation, he addressed Akrūra: “O generous one, we know well that the Syamantaka jewel, the essence of the world, was given to you by Śatadhanvan, and that it remains with you, benefiting the kingdom. Let it remain with you, and may we all enjoy its power. However, Balabhadra has become suspicious—so, to reassure us, please show it to us.” Having thus spoken, Bhagavān Vāsudeva fell silent, and Akrūra pondered deeply. He thought, “What should be done here? If they search for the jewel, seeking only to conceal it, they will find it. But open opposition is not proper.” With these thoughts, Akrūra addressed Nārāyaṇa, the Lord of the world: “O Lord, this Syamantaka jewel was entrusted to me by Śatadhanvan. Since he departed, I have endured this difficult time, always expecting that the Lord would ask for it one day. In truth, I have no attachment to its enjoyment, nor do I know any happiness from it. Even you, the kingdom’s benefactor, could not bear it, and so you did not press the matter.” He continued, “Therefore, let this Syamantaka jewel be taken up as desired, and let it be given to whomever it pleases most.” With these words, Akrūra, who had concealed the jewel in the fold of his garment, revealed a small casket of gold containing the precious gem. Then, stepping forward, he released the Syamantaka jewel before the assembly of the Yādus.