Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna Travel to Magadha
Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna depart for Jarasandha's kingdom, disguised as brahmanas who have completed their studies. Their journey east, across the great rivers of the land, is a silent march of contained fury, so potent that observers feel the outcome is already decided.
They left in the attire of brahmanas who had completed their studies — simple robes masking the forms of the world's most formidable warriors. Their well-wishers bade them farewell with affectionate words, but the calm of their departure was deceptive.
Their bodies were compared to the sun, the moon, and fire. Beneath the scholarly disguise, they were inflamed with anger at the oppression of their relatives — the kings Jarasandha held captive — and their bodies were terrible to behold. The sight of the two Krishnas, invincible in battle, united in purpose with Bhima at their forefront, was so compelling it created its own reality. "On seeing the two Krishnas... it was thought that Jarasandha was already dead."
They were the lords of all deeds, the driving force behind dharma (righteousness), artha (prosperity), and kama (desire). Their journey was a purposeful traversal of the land.
Leaving the land of the Kurus, they moved east. They traversed the middle of Kurujangala and reached the beautiful lake Padmasara. They passed through Kalakuta. Then came the rivers, each a milestone drawing them closer to their goal. They crossed the Gandaki, the Shona, and the Sadanira — all rivers said to arise from the same mountain.
They crossed the beautiful Sarayu and saw the eastern kingdom of Koshala. Passing through it, they went to Mithila, fording the rivers Mala and Charmanvati. The landscape shifted under their feet. They crossed the Ganga and the Shona again, their path unwavering as they headed east.
Finally, they arrived at the indestructible region of Magadha, a land covered with kurava trees. Their destination was in sight. They ascended Mount Goratha. From its height, they looked down and saw the city of Magadha — resplendent with cattle, overflowing with water, full of beautiful groves. The journey was over. The confrontation lay ahead.