Afflicted by the might and cruelty of Kamsa, the people of Mathura came before Krishna and humbly pleaded, “Father, all the wrongs we have committed—let them be forgiven. Under Kamsa’s power, we were rendered helpless.” Having spoken thus, Krishna bowed respectfully to his elders, honored each of the venerable Yadus in their proper order, and received the heartfelt reverence of the citizens. Meanwhile, Kamsa’s wives gathered around their slain husband, weeping bitterly, and his mothers, overcome with grief and sorrow, lamented his death. Though Hari himself shed no tears, his heart was filled with compassion. He consoled them in many ways, speaking gentle words to ease their suffering, for they were deeply afflicted by the loss of their kin. Then, Krishna, the slayer of Madhu, freed Ugrasena from his bonds and restored him to his rightful throne, though his own son had perished. Anointed king once more by Krishna among the Yadus, Ugrasena performed the funeral rites for Kamsa and for all those who had fallen in the conflict. When the rites, proper to the Krita age, were completed, Hari seated himself upon the lion throne and spoke: “Command me, O Lord, whatever task is to be done. I am ready, without hesitation.” He continued, “Because of Yayati’s curse, this dynasty, though worthy of sovereignty, is now deprived of it. While I remain as a servant, let the gods issue their command—what need is there for delay?” Having said this, Krishna remembered Vayu, who appeared at once. The blessed Kesava addressed him, “Go to Indra and say, ‘Enough of pride, O Vasava! Let Sudharma, your assembly hall, be given to Ugrasena. Krishna commands: This peerless jewel, the assembly hall Sudharma, is fit for kings; let the Yadus sit within it.’” Obeying Krishna’s instruction, Vayu went to Indra, lord of Shachi, and delivered the message. Purandara, king of the gods, yielded and gave the divine assembly hall Sudharma to Vayu. Under Govinda’s protection, the foremost of the Yadus entered the splendid hall, resplendent with all jewels, and took their place within it. The two illustrious Yadus, Krishna and Balarama, upholders of all knowledge and wisdom, revealed the sacred tradition of teacher and disciple to all people. Desiring to master the science of weapons, Balarama and Janardana journeyed to the city of Avanti in Kashi, seeking out the renowned teacher Sandipani. Humbly, they became his disciples and, devoted to their guru, displayed the highest conduct before all. In just sixty-four days and nights, the two brothers mastered the entire secret science of archery and all its compendium—a feat that filled all with wonder. Sandipani, reflecting on their deeds, recognized their superhuman nature and thought of them as the moon and sun come down to earth. Having completed their studies and received the full collection of weapons, Krishna and Balarama approached their teacher and said, “Choose whatever you wish as your teacher’s fee.” Perceiving their divine power, the wise Sandipani asked for the return of his son, who had perished at Prabhasa in the salt ocean. With their weapons in hand, Krishna and Balarama went to the great ocean, offering precious gifts, and said, “Sandipani’s son was not slain by us.” The ocean revealed, “A demon named Panchajana, in the form of a conch, seized the boy in these waters. O slayer of demons, he is there.” Hearing this, Krishna entered the ocean, slew the wicked Panchajana, and took from his bones an excellent conch. The sound of this conch, Pāñcajanya, would diminish the strength of demons, increase the brilliance of the gods, and destroy unrighteousness. Filling the conch, Hari, together with mighty Baladeva, journeyed to the city of Yama. There, they overcame Yama, son of Vivasvat, and restored Sandipani’s son, alive and well in his former body, to his grateful father. With their mission fulfilled, Rama and Janardana, rejoicing with all men and women, returned again to Mathura, now ruled by Ugrasena. O Maitreya, know that Kamsa, the mighty son of Jarasandha, had married Asti and Prapti. For both, Hari became the slayer of their husband. Angered by Kamsa’s death, Jarasandha, the powerful king of Magadha, gathered a vast host of warriors and marched upon Mathura, intent on destroying the Yadavas. Upon reaching the city, Jarasandha besieged Mathura with twenty-three divisions of his army. Yet Rama and Janardana, with only a small retinue, went forth and fought valiantly, matching his mighty warriors in battle. Desiring the ancient weapons, Bala and Krishna resolved to obtain them. Instantly, inexhaustible quivers, Hari’s bow Shārnga, the mace Kaumodaki, and, for Balabhadra, the plough and Saunanda pestle—all weapons desired in their minds—descended from the sky. Armed with these divine weapons, Rama and Janardana defeated the king of Magadha and his army and entered the city victorious. Yet, though Jarasandha survived, Krishna did not consider him vanquished, for his wickedness endured. Again and again, Jarasandha returned with his forces, but each time he was defeated by Rama and Krishna and forced to withdraw. Thus, in eighteen battles, the arrogant king of Magadha fought the Yadavas, with Krishna at their head. In every encounter, though Jarasandha commanded greater strength, the Yadavas prevailed, and he retreated with only a few men remaining. O noble one, know that all these victories of the Yadavas over Jarasandha were due to the presence and greatness of Vishnu, the wielder of the discus.