Subhadra - Affair With Arjuna and Abduction

Affair With Arjuna and Abduction

Arjuna has heard of Subhadra and he wishes to take her as his wife. At that time he is in the guise of a wandering ascetic performing pilgrimage since his breach of Vyasa’s marital laws. He seeks the help of Krishna in this. Krishna agrees to help him. He establishes the ‘sage’ Arjuna’s residence near Subhadra’s palace. Subhadra serves him and after sometime Arjuna discloses his identity to her. She immediately falls for him since she has heard a lot about him and knowing that her love is requited pleads with Krishna to sanction their love. Krishna agrees and instructs Arjuna to carry Subhadra away and marry her as it will be difficult to persuade Balarama to change his mind. When Subhadra is returning from the temple Arjuna kidnaps her and drives her away. But Krishna’s advice to them was that Subhadra should drive the chariot to make it look like Subhadra kidnapped Arjuna! So Subhadra takes the reins of the chariot into her hands and drives away. When Balarama is alerted by the Vrishni guards he is full of wrath for Arjuna. Krishna pacifies him and tells him that Subhadra and Arjuna really loved each other and it was Subhadra who had been driving the chariot. Balarama’s anger cools and he agrees to celebrate the couple’s marriage at Indraprastha.