He who is Narayana, ever-glorious, assumed countless forms, playfully granting the wishes of his devotees. By the power of his divine illusion, he delighted in enchanting the entire world. Yet, when Govinda withdrew from their midst, the people became distressed and fearful, pained by separation from him. Krishna, longing for Govinda, set out in search and journeyed to the mighty mountain Himavat. From there, he returned to the city of Dvaravati and sought out the sage Upamanyu. At that time, thousands converged upon the radiant city of Dvaraka, bringing with them an atmosphere of fear. But Krishna, in a great battle, slew the adversaries and protected the splendid city. Meanwhile, one who had seen Krishna atop the summit of Kailasa hastened to Dvaravati. There, the people inquired, “O Lord Narayana, where does the blessed Hari now reside?” The messenger replied, “Today, the great yogi delights; having seen him, I have come here.” O sages, that divine being who moves through the sky then traveled to the supreme mountain of Kailasa. There, before the Lord of gods, Hari—Govinda—was seated upon a magnificent throne, surrounded by the hosts of Mahadeva, perfected beings, and great yogis. The messenger reported to Hari all that had transpired in the city of Dvaraka. Krishna, having received Hari’s permission, prepared to return to his city. Honored with sweet, nectar-like words, Madhusudana took his leave. Bearing his conch, discus, and mace, he was followed by the great yogis as he swiftly made his way to the divine city of Dvaravati. By his very presence, even nights without the moon shone with radiance. The people adorned the auspicious and divine city of Dvaravati, decorating it with parched grain and other offerings. Thousands of conches were blown, and the resounding beat of drums filled the air. Young women, radiant in their beauty, sang sweet songs, and showers of flowers rained down upon the son of Vasudeva. The great yogi, seated upon a splendid throne, shone resplendently, encircled by goddesses, his chief sons, and thousands of women. Govinda gleamed with his consort Mālā beside him, just as the divine pairs do. The ancient and revered sages, the twice-born such as Markandeya, were present among the assembly. Hari himself rose, bowed his head, and offered his own seat in reverence. After granting the desired boons to those assembled, Hari dismissed them with blessings. He then bathed, donned pure white garments, and stood before the Sun with hands joined in prayer. The Lord of the gods offered libations to the deities, the hosts of sages, and to his ancestors. He worshipped Bhutesha, the ash-adorned Lord who abides in the liṅga. Having fed the best of sages and duly honored the brahmanas, Hari, surrounded by his sons and companions, engaged in the telling of auspicious Purāṇic tales. Markandeya, smiling gently, spoke sweet words to Krishna: “Tell me, you who are worshipped by deeds and are the object of meditation for yogis. The Lord was born in the Vṛṣṇi clan for the purpose of relieving the earth’s burden.” As all his sons listened, Krishna spoke, his face bright with a gentle smile, “Still, I worship the eternal Lord, the god of gods.