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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 12: Chapter 12: Verses 36-48
Extermination of the armies led by Jarasandha (Kamsa's father-in-law and ally) many (seventeen) times; and how the Lord caused the destruction of the king of Yavanas (through Mucukunda) and founded (the city of) Kusasthali (Dwaraka). How Sri Hari brought a Parijata (a celestial tree) as well as (the council-chamber named) Sudharma from paradise (the realm of the gods) and carried, off Rukmini (the princess of Vidarbha) after crushing the enemies in battle. How, when Lord Siva (the god of destruction and the protector of Banasura) began to yawn in battle (when assailed by the Lord with a Jrmbhanastra during the invasion of Sonitapura, the capital of Banasura, by the Lord consequent on the capture of His grandson, Aniruddha, at the hands of the demon), the Lord lopped off the arms of Banasura (thus left unprotected) and, having made short workof the demon Naraka (the ruler of Pragjyotisapura in Assam), took away (and married) the (sixteen thousand and odd) maidens (detained in his palace by the demon). A description of the (redoubtable) might and destruction of King Sisupala, Paundraka and Saiva, of the evil-minded Dantavaktra, as well as of Dwivida (a monkey) and the demons Sambara (who stole away the Lord's eldest son, Pradyumna, as soon as born, from the very lying-in-chamber) Pitha Mura, Pancajana and others and how the Lord set (the city of) Varanasi on fire and (further) relieved the earth's burden, making the sons of Pandu His instruments. (Here ends the theme of Book Ten.)(In Book Eleven we are told) how the destruction of His own race was brought about (by the Lord) under the pretext of the Brahmanas' curse, and the wonderful dialogue between Uddhava and Sri Krsna (Son of Vasudeva), in which has been taught as a matter of fact the entire (range of) Self-Knowledge as also the final conclusion about the duties of the various Varnas and Asramas given and later on is told the story of the Lord's concealing His mortal semblance by dint of His own Yogic power. The characteristics of the (four) Yugas and the conduct (of people) conforming to them, and the perversity of men in the Kali age, as well as the fourfold Pralaya (Dissolution) and the threefold creation (viz., Sattvika,, Rajasika and Tamasika). How the wise and saintly King Pariksit (the favoured of Lord Visnu) cast off his body; classification of the Vedas into (so many) Sakhas (branches or schools); the holy narrative of the sage Markandeya; the disposition of the limbs and weapons etc., of Lord Visnu (the Supreme Person) and the entourage of the Sun-god, the Soul of the universe (during the twelve months of a year). In this way has been stated (by me) in this discourse, 0 jewel among the Brahmanas ! whatever I was asked by you and something more (too). (And what is more valuable) the exploits of the (various) Avataras, which are nothing but Their pastimes, have (also) been narrated in all their bearing. Uttering at the top of his voice the formula -'Hail to Sri Hari !' (even) involuntarily (without any conscious effort on his part) when fallen (in a well etc.), stumbled (while ascending a staircase), afflicted or after sneezing a man is absolved from all sin. Entering the mind of men (even) while His name or praise is being loudly chanted or when His glory is heard of (by them), the infinite Lord, the wise declare, puts an end to all their misfortune in the same way as the sun dispels darkness and a tempestuous gale disperses the clouds. They are indeed false and ignoble utterances and contain stories of the unrighteous, of which Lord Visnu (who is above sense-perception) does not form a theme. That utterance alone (on the other hand) is true, that alone huzza ! is blessed, that alone is sacred and is the fountainhead of divine excellences, (nay,) that alone is pleasant, that alone gives newer and newer delight, that alone is a perennial source of great rejoicing to the mind, and (finally) that is the only means of drying up the ocean of grief of men, through which the glory of Lord Visnu (of sacred renown) is constantly sung,.
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