The learned brahmins, gathered before King Yudhishthira, spoke with reverence about the newborn prince, Parikshit. “O son of Pritha,” they said, “this child will be a true protector of the people, just as Ikshvaku was among men. He will be devoted to the brahmins and always speak the truth, like Rama, the son of Dasharatha. He will be generous and a refuge for all, like Shibi of the Ushinara line, and will spread the glory of his family, just as Dushyanta’s son did among those who perform sacrifices.” They continued, “He will be foremost among archers, equal to both Arjunas—unassailable like fire, and as difficult to overcome as the ocean itself. In valor, he will be like a lion among beasts; in steadfastness, like the Himalayas; patient as the earth, and as tolerant as his own parents. He will be impartial like his grandsire, gracious as Shiva, and a refuge for all beings, as the Lord is for Lakshmi.” The sages praised Parikshit’s devotion to Krishna and his possession of all noble qualities. “He will be as generous as Rantideva, as righteous as Yayati, as firm as Bali, and as devoted to Krishna as Prahlada. He will perform horse sacrifices and serve his elders faithfully. He will become the progenitor of royal sages, a chastiser of the wicked, and, upholding dharma, will restrain the influence of Kali on earth.” They foretold his final days: “Learning of his impending death from Takshaka, sent by a sage’s son, he will renounce all attachment and attain the abode of Hari. Desiring to know the true nature of the self, he will hear from the sage, Vyasa’s son, and, leaving his body on the banks of the Ganga, O King, he will go directly, free from fear.” Having thus instructed the king, the honored brahmins departed for their homes. The child became known as Parikshit, for he would examine men in this world, reflecting on what he had seen before. The prince grew swiftly, like the waxing moon, nourished daily by his father, just as the sacred fire is fed with wood. Yudhishthira, seeking to atone for the offense against his relatives, wished to perform a horse sacrifice. Having obtained wealth, he pondered ways to gather resources without burdening his people with taxes and fines. Perceiving his intention, his brothers, inspired by Achyuta, brought abundant wealth from the north. With these resources, Yudhishthira, son of Dharma, performed three great horse sacrifices, worshipping Hari with great awe and reverence. At the king’s invitation, the Lord himself came and, after the brahmins had consecrated the king, stayed for some months out of affection for his friends. Then, with the king’s permission, Krishna departed for Dvaraka with his relatives, accompanied by Arjuna and the Yadus. The childhood deeds of Hari—his deliverance of his devotee—were remembered and spoken of in wonder by the boys in Vraja as they grew. This is not surprising, for the Supreme Creator assumes human form for his divine pastimes; even Agha, whose sins were washed away by the Lord’s touch, attained a rare equality with the self, something seldom achieved by the wicked. Even one who but once places the image of the Lord in his mind attains the supreme path of devotion—how much more so for one who, free from illusion, constantly experiences the bliss of the eternal self! Suta continued: “Thus, O twice-born, Yudhishthira, having heard the wondrous deeds of Krishna, again questioned Suka, his mind absorbed in that sacred narrative. ‘O Brahman,’ he asked, ‘how could the boys sing in their youth of deeds Hari performed in childhood, which occurred at a different time? O great yogi, O revered teacher, please explain this supreme wonder. Surely, this is nothing but the work of Hari’s maya—there is no other explanation. We are most fortunate in the world, O teacher, though we are but kshatriyas in name, for we constantly drink from you the nectar of Krishna’s sacred stories.’ Suta said: “Thus questioned, the son of Badarayana, his senses absorbed in the infinite heart, was reminded. Regaining his outward vision with effort, he slowly replied to that foremost devotee of the Bhagavata: ‘O best of the twice-born, as you have asked, I have recounted in full the playful incarnations and deeds of the Lord. Whether fallen, stumbling, distressed, wounded, or helpless, whoever loudly utters “obeisance to Hari” is freed from all sin. When the infinite Lord is glorified, whose power is realized through hearing, He enters the hearts of people and completely cleanses their suffering, just as the sun and a strong wind dispel darkness and clouds. Empty words and false stories that do not speak of the transcendent Lord are not to be told; only that is truth, only that is auspicious, only that is holy, which brings forth the Lord’s virtues. Only that is delightful, charming, ever fresh and new; only that is the constant great festival of the mind; only that dries up the ocean of sorrow for people—when the glories of the Lord of excellent fame are sung. Any speech, however ornate, which does not proclaim the fame of Hari that sanctifies the world, is like a crow’s bathing place, not frequented by swans; where Achyuta is present, there indeed are pure devotees. Even imperfect speech that contains the names and glories of the infinite Lord washes away the sins of people; the virtuous listen to, sing, and recite it. Even action free from desire, O Achyuta, and pure knowledge, if not devoted to You, does not shine; how much less, then, do even the best works, if not offered to the Lord, bring lasting good? All effort for fame and prosperity—through duty, austerity, or study—is supreme only when it brings unfailing remembrance of Sridhara’s lotus feet, through hearing and praising Hari’s virtues with reverence. Remembrance of Krishna’s lotus feet destroys all inauspiciousness and bestows well-being; it purifies the mind, brings supreme devotion to the indwelling Lord, and grants knowledge endowed with realization and detachment. You, foremost among the twice-born, are truly blessed, for you constantly worship Narayana, the Lord of gods, the ruler, the soul of all beings, having fixed Him steadily in your hearts. And I too have been reminded of the truth of the Self, which I heard long ago from the lips of the supreme sage, when King Parikshit was observing his fast, in the presence of the great sages and seers. O brahmins, thus I have told you the glorious deeds of the Lord of mighty acts, whose greatness destroys all misfortune. Whoever, with unwavering mind and faith, recites or attentively listens to this daily, even for a moment, purifies himself.