The Kauravas’ rule, it was said, was only a matter of time, while the sovereignty of Balarāma’s own line was eternal. Yet, even now, there were those bold enough to disregard the command of Ugrasena. Indra himself, lord of the gods, always submits to the will of Dharma, and Ugrasena’s authority stands equal to Indra’s. Shame, then, on those who find satisfaction seated on thrones soiled by the remnants of many men! The women here, pure as garlands of Pārijāta flowers, deserve better. A true king does not merely support servants—Ugrasena, lord of all rulers, must remain their master. Balarāma, filled with resolve, declared that he would rid the earth of the Kauravas and then proceed to their city. He named the mighty: Karṇa, Duryodhana, Droṇa, Bhīṣma, and Aśvatthāman; the wicked Duḥśāsana and others; Bhūriśravā, Somadatta, Śala, Bhīma, Arjuna, and Yudhiṣṭhira—none would stand in battle against him. Having vanquished the Kauravas and their hosts—horses, chariots, and elephants alike—he would retrieve the heroic Śāmba and his wife, and then depart for the city. Or, if need be, with all the Kurus under his control, and urged on by the king of the gods, he would relieve the earth of its burden. Having spoken these words, Balarāma’s eyes flamed red with anger. Lowering his plough towards the ramparts and moat, the wielder of the mace began to drag them. Instantly, the city of Hastināpura trembled and shook. The Kauravas, seeing their city disturbed and quaking, cried out in terror, “Rāma! Rāma! Mighty-armed one! Forgive us! Restrain your anger, be gracious, O wielder of the mace! Here is Śāmba with his wife, released for you, O Balarāma! Forgive those who offended you, whose power was unknown to us.” Quickly, the Kauravas brought forth Śāmba and his wife and, leaving the city, presented them to Balarāma. Bowing to Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Kṛpa, and the others, Balarāma, foremost among the strong, spoke words of reconciliation: “This is forgiven by me.” Even today, it is said, the city bears marks of that great shaking—a well-known tale that reveals the strength and valor of Rāma. After honoring Śāmba and Balarāma, the Kauravas sent them off with Śāmba’s wife and wealth. “O Maitreya,” the sage continued, “hear also of other deeds performed by mighty Balarāma, and of events brought about by others.” Naraka, lord of the Asuras and enemy of the gods, had a powerful monkey friend named Dravida. United in enmity, they attacked the gods with force, but Kṛṣṇa slew the proud Naraka. Enraged, Dravida resolved, “I will act against all the gods—destroying their sacrifices and bringing ruin to the world of mortals.” Deluded by ignorance, Dravida destroyed sacred rites, violated righteousness, and brought destruction to living beings. He burned forests, regions, towns, and villages, sometimes crushing entire settlements with mountains hurled from his hands. Uprooting rocks and trees, he cast them into the ocean, agitating the waves from the midst of the sea. The ocean, disturbed by his violence, rose in a flood, sweeping away villages and cities along the shores. Assuming vast and terrible forms at will, Dravida plundered and scattered all in his path, throwing the world into chaos. The recitation of sacred texts and ritual utterances ceased, and great distress spread everywhere. Once, in the garden of Raivata, Balarāma, known as Halāyudha, drank wine with the illustrious Revatī and other noble women. Surrounded by radiant women singing, the chief of the Yadus enjoyed himself, like Kubera on Mount Mandara. At that moment, the monkey Dravida approached, seized Balarāma’s plough, and brandished it and the mace before him. Facing the women, Dravida laughed, striking their wine-filled cups from their hands. Anger flared in Balarāma, who rose to punish the monkey. But Dravida, ignoring him, made a clattering sound. Enraged, Balarāma seized his mace, while Dravida grasped a massive rock. Dravida hurled the rock, but Balarāma shattered it into a thousand pieces with his mace. As the pieces fell to earth, Dravida leapt forward and struck Balarāma’s chest with his palm. Incensed, Balarāma struck Dravida on the head with his fist. Blood poured forth as Dravida fell, his life exhausted. As his body crashed down, the mountain peak was shattered into a hundred pieces, as if struck by a thunderbolt. The gods, witnessing this, showered flowers upon Rāma and praised him, saying, “Well done! You have accomplished a great deed. This wicked monkey, ally of the demons, troubled the world—by fortune, he has met his end.” Rejoicing, the gods and the Guhyakas returned to heaven. Thus, countless are the deeds of wise Baladeva, supporter of the earth—beyond measure are his exploits, O brāhmaṇa.