Verse 1

Verse 1

Having heard, with the utmost compassion, of the imprisonment of many kings bound together through their connection to Jarasandha, yet remaining far removed even from the counsel of the celestial sage, he met with Arjuna's own request, his mind fixed on how to properly elevate the intended sacrificial rite, through counsel offered by Uddhava. He went, for the destruction of the lord of Magadha, to that very palace of his own paternal cousin, a hall as fit and fortunate as Indira's own abode. By Uddhava's counsel, and through the instrument of that same devotee's devotion, accompanied by Arjuna and Bhima, he went there disguised as a brahmana. There, engaging Jarasandha for combat, sustaining and directing Bhima who had undertaken the fight, revealing the means to defeat him through his own hints, and instructing him again and again by subtle gestures, he spread abroad Bhima's own auspicious fame. He, the slayer of the lord of Magadha, the one who shattered the bondage of the captive kings, brought every effort to fruition and delighted Arjuna's own heart. He then arranged for Yudhishthira's Rajasuya sacrifice, himself further honored there by all who had gathered. And then, when the king of Chedi, out of anger, hurled abuse even upon one worthy of every forbearance, he, standing utterly firm on his own path, at last let flow the anger that had been growing long within him at the blasphemy against his devotee, and struck him down with his own discus. Having thus brought Arjuna's sacrifice to completion, he attained widespread fame and due honor. And so, even after all this, he came once more to us, the residents of his own cowherd community, enriching us out of pure love, and filling us with happiness.