As the story unfolds, we find Akrura, the noble Yadava, immersed in deep reverence for Vishnu. He acknowledges the Lord as the creator of the universe, whose form is like the radiant rays of the sun and whose qualities pervade all existence. Akrura bows to that supreme, imperishable form—declared to be pure existence itself—the soul of knowledge, encompassing both the real and the unreal. With heartfelt devotion, he offers salutations to Vāsudeva, Sankarṣaṇa, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha, honoring the four principal manifestations of the divine. In the waters of the Yamuna, Akrura praises Vishnu, worshipping the Lord of all with delightful flowers and incense. He withdraws his mind from all distractions, fixing it solely on the Lord, and remains for a long time absorbed in the blissful state of Brahman. When his meditation ceases, feeling he has fulfilled his purpose, the wise Akrura emerges from the river and returns to the chariot. There, he sees Rama and Krishna standing as before. His eyes wide with wonder, he is noticed by Krishna, who gently asks, "Surely, Akrura, you have seen something marvelous in the waters of the Yamuna, for your eyes are wide with astonishment." Akrura replies, "O Achyuta, whatever wonder I saw in the water, I see that very form standing here before me as well. By your supreme power, Krishna, I have been united with you, whose wondrous form is the very essence of the universe." Then, with a sense of urgency, Akrura says, "What is the use of this? Shall we go to Mathura, O Madhusudana? I fear Kamsa—alas for the fate of those who live off others!" With these words, he urges the swift horses onward, and as evening approaches, they reach the city of Mathura. Upon seeing Mathura, Akrura turns to Krishna and Rama and says, "With great strength, I have brought you here alone by chariot. It is proper for you to go to Vasudeva's house, not mine, for on your account that elder has been cast out by Kamsa." Having spoken thus, Akrura enters Mathura, while Rama and Krishna proceed along the royal road. The two heroic brothers, strong as young elephants, walk with playful ease, their radiant faces drawing joyful gazes from the men and women of the city. As they wander, they encounter a washerman and a dyer and ask them for beautiful garments. The washerman, who serves Kamsa, is filled with pride and astonishment, and he loudly speaks many harsh words to Rama and Kesava. Krishna, with a single blow of his palm, strikes the wicked man's head to the ground. After slaying him, Krishna and Rama, now clad in yellow and blue garments, joyfully go to the house of the garland-maker. The garland-maker, his eyes wide with amazement, wonders who these two charming figures are and where they have come from. Seeing them in their beautiful garments, he thinks that they must be gods descended to earth. Requested by the two, whose faces bloom like lotuses, for flowers, the garland-maker humbly touches the earth with his head, supporting himself with his hands. He says, "The gracious lords have come to my house; I am blessed—I shall prosper." With delight, he freely gives them flowers—beautiful ones and others as well—offering them with joy. Again and again, bowing to the best of men, he presents fragrant, spotless flowers. Pleased by his devotion, Krishna grants him boons: "May fortune, O blessed one, never leave you as long as you remain devoted to me. There will be no loss of strength for you, gentle one, nor any loss of wealth; and for as many days as you live, your lineage will not perish. After enjoying great pleasures, at the end, by my grace, you will attain remembrance of me and reach the divine world. Let your mind be set on righteousness, O blessed one! At all times, your descendants will have long life. No affliction or fault will befall those born in your lineage, O greatly fortunate one, for as long as the sun endures." Having spoken thus, Krishna, accompanied by Balarama, departs, honored by the garland-maker. Continuing along the royal road, Krishna sees Kubja approaching, carrying vessels of ointment, radiant in the bloom of youth. Krishna speaks sweetly to her, "For whom is this ointment being carried by you? Tell me truly, lotus-eyed one." Kubja, full of affection for Hari and compelled by the power of seeing him, replies gently, "Dear one, do you not know? I am appointed by Kamsa, renowned as Trivakra, for the work of preparing ointments. No other ointment is desired by Kamsa for his pleasure; I am indeed the chief recipient of his favor and wealth." Krishna says, "This ointment is fragrant and worthy, O beautiful-faced one. Let ointment suitable for our bodies be given to us." Hearing this, Kubja respectfully says, "Take it," and gives ointment suitable for both their bodies. Now, those two foremost of men, their bodies smeared with the dust of devotion, shine forth with bows in hand—one white, one black—like two clouds in the sky. Thereafter, Krishna, skilled in the art of healing, gently grasps Kubja's chin, lifting it with the tips of his fingers, bestowing his grace upon her. Thus, the divine brothers continue their journey, blessing all those who encounter them, as the story of their arrival in Mathura unfolds.