Then the Yádavas ascended their rapid cars, and drove to Prabhása 9, along with Krishńa, Ráma, and the rest of their chiefs 10. They bathed there, and, excited by Vásudeva, the Kukkuras and Andhakas indulged in liquor. As they drank, the destructive flame of dissension was kindled amongst them by mutual collision, and fed with the fuel of abuse. Infuriated by the divine influence, they fell upon one another with missile weapons, and when those were expended, they had recourse to the rushes growing nigh. The rushes in their hands became like thunderbolts,

and they struck one another with them fatal blows. Pradyumna, Śámba, Kritavarman, Sátyaki, Aniruddha, Prithu, Viprithu, Cháruvarman, Cháruka, Akrúra, and many others, struck one another with the rushes, which had assumed the hardness of thunderbolts 11. Keśava interposed to prevent them, but they thought that he was taking part with each severally, and continued the conflict. Krishńa then enraged took up a handful of rushes to destroy them, and the rushes became a club of iron, and with this he slew many of the murderous Yádavas; whilst others, fighting fiercely, put an end to one another. The chariot of the holder of the discus, named Jaitra, was quickly carried off by the swift steeds, and swept away by the sea, in the sight of Dáruka the charioteer. The discus, the club, the bow, the quiver, the shell, and the sword of Keśava, having circumambulated their lord, flew along the path of the sun. In a short time there was not a single Yádava left alive, except the mighty Krishńa and Dáruka 12. Going towards Ráma, who

was sitting at the root of a tree, they beheld a large serpent coming out of his mouth. Having issued from his mouth, the mighty snake proceeded towards the ocean, hymned by saints and by other great serpents. Bringing an offering of respect, Ocean came to meet him; and then the majestic being, adored by attendant snakes, entered into the waters of the deep. Beholding the departure of the spirit of Balabhadra, Keśava said to Dáruka, "All this is to be related by you to Vasudeva and Ugrasena. Go and inform them of the departure of Balabhadra, and the destruction of the Yádavas; also that I shall engage in religious meditation, and quit this body. Apprise Áhuka and all the inhabitants of Dwáraká 13, that the sea will inundate the town: be ready therefore in expectation of the coming of Arjuna, and when he quits Dwáraka, no longer abide there, but go whithersoever that descendant of Kuru shall repair. Do you also go to the son of Kunti, and tell him, that it is my request that he will grant what protection he can to all my family. Then depart with Arjuna and all the people of Dwárávatí, and let Vajra be installed sovereign over the tribe of Yadu."