Arjuna returns

Arjuna stayed with Krishna till his twelve years of exile was over. He then returned back to Indraprastha along with Subhadra. He was greeted warmly by all. He took blessings of Yudhistira, Bhima and Kunti and hugged the sons of Madri. He went to Draupadi who refused to talk to him. He asked her what was the matter, and she asked him to go with Subhadra, as he had no need of her anymore. Arjuna said she was his first wed and would always remain special.
This pleased Draupadi and she and Arjuna started talking.

Some days later Krishna and Balarama came to visit the Pandavas. Balarama, having forgotten his anger blessed all. He left and Krishna stayed back for a few days. Soon Subhadra was heavy with child. She gave birth to a son who was heroic and seemed to fear no one. Wonderful in looks, the boy was named Abhimanyu. Draupadi also had five sons from her five husbands.
Prativindhya was born of Yudhistira and Draupadi, Sutasoma was born of Bhima and Draupadi, Shrutakarma was born of Arjuna and Draupadi, Shatanika was born of Nakula and Draupadi and Shrutasena was born of Sahadeva and Draupadi.

Thus ends the Adi Parva of Mahabharata. 

Mandapala

Janmajeya wanted to know who were the six who escaped. He was aware of Aswasena and Maya. Who were the other four?

The sage said he would tell the story of sage Mandapala.
When he died, he went to heaven as he had led a pious life. He was not happy. Something was troubling him. One day he went to the Gods and asked them if they could tell him why he was unhappy. The Gods said that was because he had no children when he was on earth. A son would show his soul the path to heaven.
Mandapala decided to take birth on earth, have a son and the come back. He was thinking of the fastest way to do this. He realized that if he was born as a bird, he would be able to achieve his task quickly. He took birth as a bird in the Khandava forest. He mated with a female bird and soon had four sons. After that, he left the mother bird to take care of the children, and he went off to another part of the forest. Meditating, he realized one day that his sons were in danger. They were small and their wings had not yet formed. Khadava forest, where they were, was burning. He realized that Krishna and Arjuna had pledged not to let anyone escape from the forest. Only option was if Agni decided not to burn someone, that person would be saved. Mandapala started meditating on Agni. Agni appeared and agreed not to touch the birds.
The mother bird told her sons to close to her so she could protect them. The sons told their mother that if she lived she would have more children. They told her to fly away. The mother bird then flew off from there.
The sons saw Agni coming close, helped with the wind, which was blowing. They started praying to Agni. Agni said he had promised their father that they would be untouched.
The birds were thus saved.

After the burning, the Gods appeared before Krishna and Arjuna and asked them to ask for a boon, for the great task that they had done. Arjuna asked for weapons, which Indra said he woudl get once he pleased Shiva. Krishna asked for undying friendship with Arjuna.

Arjuna fights the Gods

Indra climbed up on his mount, Airavata, armed with this weapon, the Vajra. He asked the Gods in the heaven to follow him for battle. Indra then asked the rains to fall on the burning forest. Torrential rain along with hail started. Arjuna seeing this released a weapon which drove the clouds away from there. Indra angry released his Vajra. The weapon went, bowed down to Krishna and Arjuna and returned back. This infuriated Indra. Indra hurled a mountain at Arjuna, which he broke into pieces with his arrow. Indra then started raining various weapons at Arjuna, which he cut off easily. While Arjuna continued the war, Krishna made sure the fire was not extinguished. Huge birds from the sky flew down to attack, but Arjuna cut them off. Giant snakes started coming, and Arjuna released an arrow which produced countless ants which attacked the snakes. He then released an arrow which produced peacocks, which came and ate up the snakes.
When the other Gods attacked, their weapons were also cut off by Arjuna. Takshaka, the snake who lived there, was saved as he was away. His son Ashwasen was at home with his mother. His mother wanting to save her son, told him to enter her body. She would try to escape, and in case she failed, Ashwasen could find an excuse and run away.
She jumped into the air with her son inside her. Arjuna, with an arrow cut her body into three parts. Ashwasen somehow escaped thanks to Indra.
Realizing this, Arjuna attacked Indra again.
A voice from the heavens then told Indra to stop the war. This was Nara and Narayana and there was no way he would win the war. Indra laid down his weapons.
In this forest there was a demon called Maya. He was trying to escape from the fire. He saw no way. He would either die in the fire, or get killed by a weapon. He went to Krishna and asked to be saved.
Arjuna and Krishna agreed and Maya was saved.

The forest was burnt to the ground and finally six beings were the ones who got saved from the fire. Agni was also free of his sickness. 

Khandava burns

One day Arjuna and Krishna were sitting on the banks of Yamuna. A gentle breeze was blowing. A grand feast had been organized and all were enjoying themselves. A think brahmana approached Arjuna and Krishna and said he was hungry and wanted food.

Arjuna said there was ample food there and the brahmana could take what he wanted.

The brahmana then said he was Agni and he was sick. He wanted to eat something that would help him get rid of his sickness. The only way he could be well was if he consumed the Khadava forest along with all its inhabitants.

At this point, Janmajeya wanted to know about the Khandava forest and how Agni became sick.

The sage said , in the Satya Yuga, there was a king called Shwetaki. He was an expert in performing fire sacrifices and would spend all his time in that. For years, his sacrifice continued. The brahmanas performing the sacrifice became frustrated and started leaving.
The king begged them to stay and asked them if they were angry with him and if that was why they were leaving. The brahmanas said they were leaving as they were not able to bear the heat of the fire anymore. Their eyes were burning from the smoke and all hair on their body was getting singed. They asked the king to please Shiva as only he had the capability to perform this sacrifice.

The king started meditating on Shiva performing austere penances. Pleased Shiva appeared before him. The king told Shiva about the fire sacrifice that was not complete. Shiva said, for that a brahman was needed. He told the king to invite Durvasa, who was an incarnation of Shiva. Durvasa would be able to complete the sacrifice.

The king went back to his palace, There, for twelve years, he arranged for all that would be needed for the sacrifice. He then meditated on Shiva once more, and when Shiva appeared, the king told Shiva that he was ready. Shiva then asked Durvasa to help the king.

For twelve years, the sacrifice continued. Durvasa made offerings of butter in the fire. Twelve years of butter made Agni sick.

Agni went to Brahma and spoke about his problem.

Brahma said the problem was due to over consumption of butter. To solve the problem, Agni needed to consume the Khadava forest along with all its inhabitants.

Agni went and started burning the forest. The inhabitants of the forest started running around. A bunch of elephants collected water in their trunks and extinguished the fire.

Agni went back to Brahma. Brahma asked Agni to be patient. Nara and Narayana would be born on the earth. With their help, the Khandava forest would burn. Once Dwapara Yuga started, Agni went back to Brahma. Brahma told Agni to approach Arjuna and Krishna.


Agni told all this to Krishna and Arjuna. They agreed to help him. Agni said the forest was under the protection of Indra. Arjuna said he was to afraid of countless Indras. What he wanted was weapons that would help in the fight.

Agni then asked Varuna to appear. Agni asked Varuna to provide the chariot called Chadradutta which was armed with quivers full of arrows which would never become empty and the bow called Gandiva.  The chariot was a grand chariot with a flag of Hanumana. Krishna was given the mace called Kaumudaki and a chakra called Sudarshana. Krishna climbed on his chariot, the flag of which had Garuda sitting on it. Arjuna got on the chariot given by Varuna.

Agni started burning the forest. Flames shot up. Arjuna and Krishna entered the forest to prevent the escape of the inhabitants. When elephants and other animals tried to prevent the fire, they were thwarted by Arjuna and Krishna. Happy, Agni kept burning the forest.

Some of the Gods residing there, fled to Indra and told him that the forest of Khadava that was under his protection, was burning.

Duryodhana humiliated and Arjuna married Subhadra

Duryodhana heard of Arjuna carrying away Subhadra. He started calling out to the Kuru elders to say something. He asked Karna to capture Arjuna. Bhima intervened and said he would kill anyone who laid a finger on Arjuna.

In the meanwhile Satyaki went to Arjuna. He asked Arjuna to throw away his anger and return to Dwaraka. Krishna and Balarama had agreed to the marriage.

Duryodhana, humiliated, returned by his friends and army to Hastinapur.

Arjuna then untied Daruka and asked for his forgiveness. Daruka said that was absolutely fine and he understood why the action had been taken.

Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and Vidura had stayed back. They along with Krishna, got Arjuna ready as a groom. As per the vedic rites, Arjuna was married to Subhadra.

Balarama hears of the defeat of the Yadava army

Balarama decided to enter the battle when a messenger came to him. The messenger said Subhadra was controlling the chariot and Arjuna was fighting. No one was able to withstand the might of his arrows. The messenger also told Balarama that the chariot belonged to Krishna and Daruka, was in the chariot, tied up.

Balarama then realized that this was all Krishna's doing. Krishna then came there, and in anger, Balarama did not look at Krishna.

Krishna asked what was the matter. Krishna said Arjuna had borrowed the chariot and how was he to know that Arjuna would kidnap Subhadra. Also the chariot is being driven by Subhadra, so why blame me or Daruka.

The messenger asked what he was to do next.

Krishna said he was aware of Arjuna's skill and no one would be able to win over him. It was correct within the kshatriyas to forcibly carry over women and marry them. Is Subhadra was against this, she would not have helped Arjuna, by driving the chariot. If something happened to Arjuna, Subhadra would kill herself. Let a nice sweet person go, talk to Arjuna. That person will bring Arjuna over and Subhadra would married to him as per the rites.

Balarama said Do what you want to do.  Satyaki, go and get Arjuna over. 

The Yadavas chase Arjuna

The might Yadava warriors like Satyaki, Sambha, Saran and Gada started chasing Arjuna. They called out to Arjuna and asked him to stop. Arjuna told Daruka to stop the chariot and turn it towards the Yadavas. Daruka said he would not be able to turn the chariot and being a Yadava see Arjuna fight the Yadavas,

Arjuna said this was not the conduct of a brave warrior. If there was a call for battle, then the battle needed to happen. He would not show his back and run. He told Daruka if he would not turn the chariot, Arjuna would take control of the chariot and fight, and perform the two tasks simultaneously.

When Daruka did not listen, he tied Daruka in the chariot to the flag pole. He then took the reins and tied them to his right hand. Subhadra said, Arjuna did not have to take trouble. She was adept at handling the chariot and would take over the role of the charioteer. Letting Arjuna concentrate on the fight, Subhadra took the reins and turned the chariot around.

A fight ensued. Many warriors lost their lives. Arjuna was untouched.

This news was relayed back to Balarama.

Arjuna kidnaps Subhadra

Balarama asked the ladies to greet Duryodhana and anoint him with turmeric, as a groom should be. They took Duryodhana to the river side to anoint him.
In the meanwhile, on Krishna's command, Satyabhama, Subhadra and many other women started for their way to the banks of river Saraswati.
Krishna told Arjuna that Duryodhana had come and wanted to get married that very night. There was not time in hand, and Arjuna needed to act fast. Krishna called Daruka, his charioteer, and asked him to get the chariot ready. He asked him to take Arjuna and do exactly as Arjuna said.
Arjuna, got dressed with his weapons, as if he was going hunting, and climbed on the chariot. He saw Subhadra on the river banks. He quickly pulled Subhadra into his chariot, and asked Daruka to lead the way to Indraprastha.

The women around started shouting for help. Subhadra had been kidnapped. Men came rushing and decided to chase Arjuna. Hearing the news of Subhadra's kidnapping people joined in to catch Arjuna. Pradyumna and Balarama started chasing Arjuna. Balarama was furious. How could Arjuna steal his sister away. He decided to kill Arjuna and the rest of the Pandavas also. He thought Krishna must have been duped by Arjuna. 

Duryodhana leaves for Dwaraka as a groom

Duryodhana, ready to get married, sent a message to Indraprastha, inviting the Pandavas for his wedding. When Yudhistira got the message, he was confused. He called Sahadeva and asked him if he knew what the message meant, as he had received a different message from Arjuna.

Sahadeva told Yudhistitra that he had heard from trusted sources that Satyabhama had already got Subhadra married to Arjuna, with the consent of Krishna, without Balarama's knowledge.

Yudhistira said it would become very humiliating for Duryodhana if they went, and it was best that they declined the wedding invite. Also it would not be nice if no one went, so asked Bhima to take an army and leave for Dwaraka. Bhima started preparing himself. Collecting a large army, he started for Dwaraka.

Duryodhana started preparing himself for the wedding. Bhima asked him not go and get humiliated as Subhadra was already married to someone. Dushasana, hearing this, thought this sounded correct. Bhishma and Drona started discussing how to handle this.

Duryodhana said he would go ahead. He sent a message that he would be reaching Dwaraka in three days and Subhadra was to be gotten ready for him.

Arjuna asked to run away with Subhadra

Getting back to the stroy of Arjuna, the sage said :

Devaki, Revati and others were hurt to hear Balarama's view point.


Satyabhama went and told Krishna about the conversation between Devali, Rohini and Balarama. Krishna asked her not to worry. He asked for someone to bring Arjuna to him. Satyabhama said she would go and fetch Arjuna herself. She saw Arjuna and Subhadra there. She told Arjuna about the conversation with Balarama. She asked him to accompany her,

Krishna greeted Arjuna and made him sit. He then said that while the Yadavas wanted Subhadra to marry Arjuna, Balarama was not agreeing and wanted Duryodhana to be her husband.
Arjuna said he would run away with Subhadra and if it came to a fight, with Krishna's blessing, he would win that.

Krishna said a war was not needed and asked him to quietly run away with Subhadra. He said - Let people think you are going on a hunt. Take my chariot. I will send Subhadra to a certain spot. Take her with you and run away. I will then go and calm down Balarama.

Arjuna agreed and went back to his room. There he wrote a message to Yudhistira and sent that. The message stated that he would be eloping with Subhadra with Krishna's consent. He wanted to know what to do next.

A prompt message came back - Do as Krishna advises.

A week went by. In this time, Hastinapur started celebrating. Duryodhana was going be a brother in law of Krishna and that would be great thing in the family. Duryodhana would get an option to get in the good books of Krishna. A messenger then came with the message that Balarama wanted Duryodhana to marry Subhadra, but the others wanted her to marry Arjuna.
Bhishma asked Duryodhana not to go else he would be humiliated.

Balarama rescues Sambha

Narada went to Dwaraka to inform Krishna about Sambha's capture. He told Krishna what had happened and how Yudhistira had intervened and stopped Sambha from getting killed. Krishna was enraged and decided to go and put an end to this. Balarama then asked Krishna to control himself. He said he would go and get Sambha and Lakshana to Dwaraka.

Balarama went to Hastinapura and sent a message to Duryodhana to release Sambha and send him and Lakshana to Dwaraka.

Duryodhana said this was not acceptable and he was not going to accept Sambha as his son in law.

This enraged Balarama. He jumped down from his chariot, with his plow in his hand. This scared everyone and all the elders asked Duryodhana to agree. Duryodhana then came to Balarama with Sambha and Lakshana.

Balarama returned to Dwaraka with Sambha and Lakshana. 

Swayamvar of Lakshana

The sage said :

Duryodhana and Bahumati had one daughter called Lakshana. When she was marriageable age, Duryodhana thought of organizing a swayamvar for her. He invited all kings from all lands to come and attend the wedding. Sambha, son of Krishna, heard about the swayamvar from Narada and he decided to attend it too. Taking a chariot he drove alone, thinking of a way to win Lakshana.

In the hall, Lakshana came out in front of the kings and all praised her beauty. Sambha, son of Jambavati and Krishna, was in love. He rushed, grabbed her , pulled her in his chariot and before any one could realize what had happened, he started on his way to Dwaraka.

Durodhana's army started chasing. Sambha, who was as good a warrior as his father, took a bow in one hand and started shooting arrows at the army.

Karna decided to do something. When his arrows were not helping him, he released an arrow which bound Sambha. Sambha, bound, fell on the ground.

Duryodhana asked Karna if he knew who this was. Karna said this was a thief, whose father was also a thief. Duryodhana said - Krishna grew up in Gokula on buuetr stolen from the Gopis. When he was not getting a bride, he stole a bride.
Duryodhana ordered Sambha to be killed.

Yudhistira, who was there, said this was a wrong allegation.
Duryodhana said Krishna had abducted Rukmini, princess of Vidharbha. His son had abducted a princess. His grandson had abducted the daughter of Bana. The three generations were thieves.

Yudhistira said Do not said bad about Krishna.

Duryodhana said Someone carries my daughter away, and I should not be cursing him?

Yudhistira then said get the thief in front of me. Let me see, if I can recognize him.  And if the person was related to Krishna, then beware of the consequences. Not a single person will be alive here.

Duryodhana said if you are so afraid, then go back to Indraprastha.

Dushasana was about cut Sambha's head, when getting a sign from Yudhistira, Bhima rushed at Dushasana and knocked him down, before he could do anything. Bhima then released Sambha.

Yudhistira blessed Sambha, which infuriated Duryodhana. He called out the Kuru elders - Bhishma and Drona to see what was happening.
Yudhistira said this was a son of Krishna and was a great warrior himself. He would make a great husband for Lakshana. Also who else would take Lakshana now, once she had been abducted by Sambha.

Duryodhana said If that is the case, I will not give my daughter to anyone and will keep her in my house. I will also kill Sambha.
Bhima said he would protect Sambha.
Duryodhana ordered people to attack and Bhima easily overpowered all of them with his mace.
Bhishma and Drona then said it was best to keep Sambha tied up in their rooms, till a decision was taken on how to deal with him. To Duryodhana, Bhsihma said - If you kill Sambha, Krishna will come with his army and it will not be good. We will all be dead.

Duryodhana agreed. The ankles of Sambha were chained and he was kept in Drona's house.

Balarama does not want Subhadra to marry Arjuna

In the morning, when all the Yadava elders were sitting together, Krishna spoke about Subhadra. He said she was of the age when should be married. He suggested Arjuna as the husband for her. Satyaki and Vasudeva agreed to that. Balarama then said he had thought of someone else for his sister. He said Duryodhana would make a good husband for her.

All were quiet when they heard this. Thinking this as an approval, Balarama sent messengers to Hastinapura, to fetch Duryodhana.

In the evening Satyabhama wanted to know when the wedding of Arjuna and Subhadra would happen. Krishna said that looked bleak, as Balarama had sent for Duryodhana to come and wed Subhadra. Krishna then said he would have to think of something again.

Satyabhama decided to talk to Devaki, her mother-in-law. She told her what had happened and wanted to know what to do next. Devaki sent for Rohini, Balarama's mother. She told her what had happened. Along with Rohini, Devaki then went to Balarama. She said it was her wish that her daughter marry Arjuna.

Balarama said the world knew that the Pandavas were not sons of Pandu but of some Gods. Duryodhana was purely born in the Kuru dynasty and deserved Subhadra.
Rohini said Subhadra's decision also made an importance, and Subhadra wanted Arjuna as her husband.

Balarama said He did not agree if someone other than his wife and mother had said this, the person would have been dead. He said Krishna was a fool. If anyone said something nice to him, he was moved by that. Also, he said, Duryodhana was his disciple, and from that aspect he wanted his sister to marry Duryodhana. Also, Krishna's son was married to Duryodhana's daughter, so why would Krishna have a problem with Duryodhana, when they were directly related.


Hearing this, Janmajeya wanted to know, who was this daughter of Duryodhana, and how did she marry a son of Krishna?

Arjuna marries Subhadra in Gandharva style

Janmajeya wanted to know then about Arjuna's marriage to Subhadra.
The sage said :

When Arjuna spoke to Satyabhama, Satyabhama said - You need to give medicines to my sister in law. You are roaming around as an ascetic, making people fall in love with you, give a medicine to cure that.
Arjuna said - Excuse me today. I am tired and I need some rest tonight. I have roamed around in pilgrim spots, but you are maligning my character.

Satyabhama knew what to do. She took Subhadra out with her and called Mayavati, wife of Pradyumna, son of Krishna. Mayavati, who was none other than Rati, was an expert in magic and in arousing passion. She said she would do what was needed.

She decorated Subhadra and asked to re enter Arjuna's room.

When Arjuna saw her, he got up. He said who are you. If you were a man, I would have killed you. Why are you here? Like Surpanakha, I will cut off your ears and eyes.

When he came closer, he saw Subhadra, decked up like a bride. He embraced her.

Satyabhama from outside, asked what was happening. Subhadra said Arjuna had caught her hand and was not letting her go.

Satyabhama then said Arjuna, you are an ascetic. How can you catch the hand of the sister of Krishna and Balarama.

Arjuna said Forgive me. I was not aware of the skills of women.

Satyabhama then asked Arjuna to wed Subhadra in the Gandharva style.

Once that was over, Satyabhama went to Krishna and told him everything. She asked him to make arrangements for the wedding.
Krishna said that would not be possible imeediately, as Balarama did not want Arjuna as the husband of Subhadra.

Satyabhama then asked Krishna, what was the way out? Krishna said he would think of something. 

Weighing of Krishna

Satyabhama said she had been tricked into giving away Krishna by Narada. She asked Narada to return Krishna back to her. Narada said she had given Krishna to him, in front of all, so how could she ask back for Krishna. Narada said if she did not stop asking for Krishna back, he would get angry. Satyabhama said she was not afraid and if his anger burnt her, she would not be sad as living without Krishna was unthinkable for her. She asked Narada that how did the others, Sachi, Parvati and Swaha get their husbands back.
Narada said Agni was blazing hot with many tongues of flame, so he was not taken. Shiva was not taken as he covered himself in ashes, rode a bull, wore bones and snakes and was surrounded by ghosts. Indra was not taken as he was unable to move without his elephant or horse as his vehicle. Krishna is different. His looks have no match in the three worlds. Wherever I g, I will have Krishna with me and I will be blessed.

Satyabhama fainted hearing this. Krishna said to Narada stop this play. Narada said Satyabhama was selfish and she did not think what would be consequences of the fast that she would be undertaking.
Narada revived Satyabhama and said he would give back Krishna if she could give to him, Krishna's weight in gold.

A huge weighing scale was organized. Krishna sat on one side and all the jewels and gold were added to the other side. People from Dwaraka started getting all the wealth they had and started adding that.
Adding all that weight could not move the scale a bit and Krishna was still on the ground, on his side of the scale.

Uddhava, a follwer of Krishna, then said all the wealth in the world would not be able to move Krishna, in whose body the entire universe resided. He asked the people to remove the wealth from the scales. He asked them to get a tulsi leave. On that he wrote the name of Krishna and kept it on the scale. The scale with Krishna now lifted.

Narada took the Tulsi leaf and went.

This is the greatness of the name of Krishna.

Satyabhama gives away Krishna

In Dwaraka, the Parijata tree was kept at the door of Satyabhama. The tree was decorated very nicely. One day when Krishna and Satyabhama were sitting below the tree, Narada came there. Narada said to Satyabhama - There is no one equal to you. You are the greatest. You have managed to get the Parijata tree on earth. Fast and pray for getting Krishna as your husband for all lives to come. The daughter of Poulama, Sachi had done such a fast and got Indra as her husband. Daughter of the Himalayas, Parvati, also had done such a fast and she got Shiva as her husband.
Satyabhama asked Narada about the procedure. Narada asked to first take the permission of Krishna as she would have tie Krishna to a tree and give him away to that tree.
Satyabhama said she would take Krishna's permission. She started organizing whatever material was needed for the fast. She gathered cows, gold and all that was needed. When she went to Krishna and asked for his permission, he readily agreed.
Satyabhama tied Krishna to the Parijata tree and she sat down before the tree with grass strands in her hand.
Rukmini and the other wives of Krishna came to see the celebration.
Satyabhama then gave away Krishna.

Narada then said he had given Krishna as offering and he would be taking him away. He told Krishna to change into clothes of an ascetic.
Krishna was untied from the tree and he went off with Narada, as an ascetic. All people of Dwaraka were aghast. All started crying.
Rukmini and the other wives started following Narada and Krishna. Narada asked them to stay back. Rukmini said she would go with Krishna. Narada said Satyabhama had given away Krishna alone.
Rukmini said Satyabhama did not consult with anyone before giving away Krishna, so she was not concerned with that. 

Garuda fetches Indra for Krishna

Krishna kept the Parijata tree on Garuda, and along with Satyabhama and others climbed on top of Garuda. As they were about to leave, Sachi laughed.
Satyabhama asked Krishna if he knew why Sachi had laughed, even though they had to partake of the Parijata tree.
Krishna said Sachi's laughter was not to be taken into account. All beings in this universe are a part of me. When Sachi laughs at you, it is Krishna laughing at Krishna.
Satyabhama said You had said you will break the pride of Indra. Why did you not keep your promise.
Krishna said I could not against the word of Shiva. For me the love of the devotee is the most fulfilling of all things. If a devotee calls out to me, I forget everything. I forgave Indra for that.
Satyabhama said that means I am not dear to you.
Krishna said If this is how you feel, I will bring Indra to you.

Krishna then called Shiva and said : I have taken many avatars, many forms. When Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu were ruling the heavens, I killed them and restored the heaven for Indra. When Bali captured the three worlds, I am Vamana, pushed Bali to the nether world using my feet and helped Indra.  When Ravana and Kumbhakarna attacked and captured Indra, as Rama I helped restore Indra's throne. I am no brother of Indra's. Tell Indra this and ask him to come and bow down before Satyabhama. If he does not listen, then I will give the heaven to someone else.

Shiva told Indra, and Indra could not control his anger. Knowing Indra was refusing to listen, Krishna asked Garuda to fetch Bali from the nether world. He would become the king of the heaven.

Garuda had a  soft corner for Indra. He said It made no sense to get a new king in the heaven in this cycle of the universe. Also, what would I tell Bali, if I went to fetch him. What I can do is, fetch Indra for you.

So saying Garuda left. He went to Indra and said Why are you oblivious of the fact that Krishna is Narayana and he is the one who is upholding this universe. Come with me to Krishna and bow down before Satyabhama.

Indra then became scared.

Garuda asked Indra to come with him quietly. Indra came and bowed down before Krishna and Satyabhama.

Shiva intervenes

Narada seeing the fight not stopping went to Kashyapa, father of the Gods. He said Are you aware that your son, Indra, is fighting Krishna. Indra is loosing the battle and Krishna is yet to use the Sudarshana. If Krishna releases the Sudarshana, Indra would be dead.

Kashyapa started thinking what to do next. He thought of Shiva. He requested Shiva to join the battle. Shiva agreed.

Going there Shiva said to Krishna, You have defeated Indra. You, Narayana, had made Indra the king of heaven. Why do you want to dethrone him?

Krishna said the fight was because of the Parijata tree. As a bounty from the Cosmic Ocean, everyone had rights to that, so why should Indra alone have it.

Shiva went to Indra and asked him to give the tree to Krishna. Indra said the Parijata tree was something that made the identity of the heaven. If the Parijata went away, heaven would be incomplete.

Shiva said Krishna is none other than Narayana, who is your brother. As a brother, you should respect his wish.

Shiva then asked Krishna to respect Indra. Krishna bowed down to Indra, who hugged him. Giving the Parijata tree to Krishna, Indra said this tree will remain with you, till you are on the earth. The moment you leave, the tree will return back.

Indra and Krishna fight

Seeing Satyabhama, Sachi said Why have you come to take something which is mine?
Satyabhama said I know about you. You are proud, but were you able to stop Naraka from getting the earrings of Aditi? Indra was not able to do anything. Krishna had to kill Naraka and then return the earrings. The tree does not belong to you alone. The tree came from the cosmic ocean and everyone has a right to the tree. Why should you alone deck yourself with the flowers of the tree? I have come to take away the tree, so everyone on earth can enjoy it.

Indra and Krishna started fighting, showering various weapons on each other. Satyaki took the tree and placed it on Garuda. Garuda and Airavata, Indra's elephant, also were fighting each other. Defeated by Garuda, Airavata fell on the ground, unconscious.

Indra said Airavata fell as he was badly hurt by Garuda. The fight would now continue on land. Getting off Garuda, Krishna and Indra resumed their war. Indra finally hurled the Vajra (thunder bolt) at Krishna. Krishna said to Garuda , he could use the Sudarshana and shatter the Vajra, but that would be showing disrespect to the Vajra.

Garuda then threw a feather at the Vajra. The weapon cut off the feather and went back to Indra. Indra also knew that once used, the Vajra would not be available for use for sometime. 

Krishna reaches heaven

Narada then said, Narakasura, the evil son of Prithivi (Earth) had stolen the earrings of Aditi, mother of Gods, along with many other valuables from heaven. Narada asked Krishna to first go and kill Narakasura.
Krishna, along with Satyabhama, went first where Naraka lived, and in a fight, Naraka was killed.
Sixteen thousand maidens had been held prisoner by Narakasura. Krishna freed them and then married all of them.
Then he returned the earrings of Aditi, and resumed his journey towards Indra's captital, Amaravati. In the garden, he saw the Parijata tree. Krishna asked Satyaki to fetch the tree. When Satyaki went there, he was confronted by the guards guarding the tree. Satyaki told them to tell Indra that they had come to get the tree.
The guards went to Indra and told him that a few people had come on top of Garuda and wanted to take away the parijata tree.
Angry, Indra with his thunderbolt in his hand, went to fight Krishna. Indra's wife. Sachi, said she would come along to see the fight.

Climbing on top of the elephant, his mount, accompanied by a friend, Jayadeva and his son Jayanta and his wife, Indra set forth for the place where Krishna was.

Krishna pacifies Satyabhama

Satyabhama was lying on the floor, crying away. Hearing that Krishna was coming, Satyabhama started crying out louder in anger. She looked at Krishna and said a well wisher of Rukimini had come and started cursing Rukmini. Krishna said Why you do use such words against Rukmini?
Satyabhama then said Krishna had given the the Parijata flower to Rukmini and not to her. She was feeling insulted and would give up her life.
Krishna said Do not cry over one flower. I will get you the Parijata tree itself.
This pleased Satyabhama and she got up.
Krishna spent the night with Satyabhama.
In the morning, Narada came back. He said the Gods had refused to give the Parijata flowers away. He said the Gods had also insulted Krishna calling him a cowherd.

This angered Krishna and he decided to deal with the situation himself. He said Indra had become too proud and he needed to be taught a lesson. He said he would go to Indra and get the Parijata tree from there.

Krishna then sent for Garuda. He asked Garuda to take him to Indra to get the Parijata tree to Dwaraka. he got his mace and Sudarshana chakra and climbed on top of Garuda.
Satyabhama said she wanted to go with Krishna. Krishna agreed and also asked to of his followers, Satyaki and Kama to come along.

When Balarama heard this, he said he would come along also. Krishna asked Balarama to stay back and guard Dwaraka. 

Krishna asks Narada to get Parijata flowers

The sage said Janmajeya, listen to the story of how Krishna got Parijata.

Once Narada roaming around reached the Raivataka mountain. He sang songs glorifying Krishna. A flower of the Parijata tree was tied to Narada's Veena and he gave that to Krishna.
It was a wonderful, rare flower whose fragrance traveled distances and attracted others.
Krishna gave that flower to Rukmini, his wife. Rukmini was very happy to have that.
Narada left the mountain. On his way he thought of mentioning about the Parijata to Satyabhama, another wife of Krishna and daughter of Satrajit. He went to Dwaraka and met Satyabhama.
Narada said when he had gone to Indra, he had been presented with the Parijata flowers, which was rare for the humans. I gave a flower to Krishna, as he was the one capable of having it. Krishna gave that flower to Rukmini.
He said he had thought Satyabhama was the favorite of Krishna, but now he realized that it was Rukmini who was closer to him.

Satyabhama started tearing off her jewels. She fell on the floor and started crying.
Narada seeing this then went off to the Raivataka to tell Krishna. Krishna was having his meal, which was being served by Rukmini. Narada went there.

Krishna asked Narada about his visit. He said he had gone to Dwaraka and had told her that Krishna had given the Parijata flower to Rukmini. Hearing this, Satyabhama was lying on the floor, crying her heart out.

Krishna asked Rukmini to give the flower to Satyabhama. Rukmini said this was not the correct thing to do. Having gifted her something, she was being asked to give that back.
Krishna then asked Narada where he had got the Parijata flower.

Narada said the tree grew in the heaven and was guarded closely bu Indra's guards. Narada asked Krishna to ask for the flowers; hearing Krishna asking for the flowers, he would give it to him.

Krishna asked Narada to go as his messenger to Indra. He asked to Narada to ask for flowers from the Parijata tree, which had appeared when the cosmic ocean had been churned. 

Arjuna meets Subhadra

In the evening, Satyabhama went to Krishna and told him about the conversation that she had had with Subhadra. Krishna said he was in agreement with Subhadra's wish and Arjuna would make a good husband for her.

Satyabhama went where Subhadra was. She asked Subhadra to follow her.They entered the room where Arjuna was sleeping on a grand cot. Satyabhama called out to Arjuna. Arjuna woke up and wanted to know who she was. She said she was Satyabhama, Krishna's wife. Arjuna said it was the middle of the night, when the world was sleeping. So what was she doing at that hour?

Satyabhama said she had come with a proposal from her sister in law, who had lost her heart to him. She then showed Arjuna, Subhadra, who was standing in a corner.

Arjuna said while he was willing to take Subhadra, he would need the permission of Balarama , Krishna and the other elders.

Satyabhama said Draupadi would not take to marriage of Arjuna very well.

Arjuna said - You do not know Draupadi. Krishna has many wives, how has he managed to have equilibrium among the wives. Krishna likes you a lot and gives a lot to you. Krishna got the Parijata tree and gave that to Rukmini, and that became known all over.

==================

Janmajeya then wanted to know more about Krishna and his getting the Parijata and the equation between Satyabhama and Rukmini..

Satyabhama and Subhadra talk

When Krishna learnt that Arjuna was nearby, he went to Prabhasa to meet him. The two hugged each other. They went to a mountain named Raivataka where a grand festival was being celebrated by the people of Dwaraka. Arjuna told Krishna about the rule at home and why he was in exile. Krishna asked Arjuna to stay with him till his exile period was over. Arjuna told blessings of Vasudeva, Krishna's father, who was Kunti's brother.

Arjuna then saw an extremely beautiful woman and asked Krishna who she was. Krishna said she was his sister, Subhadra. Krishna said she was unmarried, to which Arjuna started blushing. Subhadra was also in awe, when she saw Arjuna. She fell on the ground. When Satyabhama asked her what she was doing on the ground, Subhadra gave an excuse of a thorn having stuck in her foot. Satyabhama saw there was no thorn and asked what was the matter. Subhadra said the thorn had strcuk her in the heart. The thorn was the sight of Arjuna.

Satyabhama said this was not proper. Subhadra was a cousin of Arjuna and this relationship would be looked down upon. She asked her to get up and go home before someone else heard this conversation.

Subhadra said a woman's life was tough when she could get the one she loved. Satyabhama said a woman was the most wonderful creation, as she bore and created the inhabitants of the universe. The name of Lakshmi was taken before Narayana and the name of Sita was taken before Rama.

Subhadra said all was true but the identify of the woman was because of her man. She, Subhadra, did not have the man she wanted.

Satyabhama said she would arrange for a great husband for Subhadra.

Subhadra said she was interested in having Arjuna only. She said she would kill herself if she did not get him.

Satyabhama realizing that the feelings of Subhadra was serious, decided to take her to Arjuna. 

Travels fo Arjuna

One day, a brahmana's cow got stolen by a thief. The brahmana met Arjuna and asked him to help. Arjuna decided to help. He went to get his weapons when he realized that Yudhistira was in the room where the weapons were kept, with Draupadi. He went out but the brahmana asked him to help.
Arjuna decided that the exile of twelve years was nothing compared to the grief of a brahmana. He went inside, got the weapons, captured the thieves and restored the cows to the brahmana.
He then said to Yudhistira, as he had broken the rule, he would be leaving for twelve years of exile.
Yudhistira said helping a needy was not a crime. Also, as Arjuna was younger, he was excused.
Arjuna said it was the love and affection that was talking, which was not correct. The rule was not to be broken.
Arjuna took leave of his mother and the other brothers and left, along with some brahamas.
Travelling, he reached the holy pilgrimage of Haridwar.
On the banks of Ganga, Arjuna lit a fire and wanted to offer his prayers. He realized he needed to have a bath first. He decided to take a dip in the river. The moment he stepped into the water, he was pulled in by the Naga princess. Arjuna was dragged into the nether world. He a fire there, and he offered his prayers in that fire. He then started exploring the place he had come in. He asked the princess who she was and whose palace was he in and why had he been brought there?
The princess said this was the palace of the Naga king Kauravya, son of the Naga Airavata. She was the daughter of Kauravya and her name was Ulupi. Seeing Arjuna she had lost her heart and thus had brought him over.
Arjuan said he was not family man at the moment as he was in exile.
Ulupi said she knew why he was in exile. As a prince, there was no sin in being with another woman. Also this was with consensus of both parties so there was no harm in the union. All that Ulupi wanted was a child. Once that was done, Arjuna was free to leave. Arjuna spent the night with Ulupi and the next day he went back to the spot, from he had been dragged in.
The accompanying brahmanas wanted to know where Arjuna had disappeared. Arjuna told them all that and happened.
Arjuna continued travelling. He first went south wards, and then traveled towards the east crossing the lands of Anga and Banga. He would stop and stay for sometime in the pilgrim spots on the way. Thus travelling he reached the land of Manipur.

Chitrabhanu was king of Manipur. He had a daughter called Chitrangada. Chitrangada was very beautiful. Arjuna saw her and lost his heart. he went to Chitrabhanu and asked for his daughter's hand. The king asked him who he was, and Arjuna told him he was a Pandava, in exile.
Chitrabhanu said he would be delighted to give his daughter to Arjuna but he had a condition. In his dynasty, Shiva had given a boon that every king would have only child, who would rule the kingdom. As Chitrangada was his only daughter, the king wanted Chitrangada to stay with him, even after her marriage with Arjuna. Arjuna agreed and stayed for a year with Chitrangada.

After a year, Arjuna resumed his travels. He traveled southwards where he reached the ocean. Nearby he saw a pilgrim spot which was deserted. He wanted to know this was so. The people around told Arjuna they feared the crocodile infested waters. Hearing this, Arjuna decided to see it for himself, and stepped into the waters. A crocodile came and snapped at his foot. Arjuna pulled his foot along with the crocodile onto the land. The moment the crocodile touched the land, it turned into a woman. Arjuna asked her who she was and why she was in the guise of a crocodile. She said she was an apsara named Varga. As Varga, she once spotted a brahmana meditating. She, in fun, went and started dancing in front of the brahmana and tried to break his penance. Disturbed, the brahmana had cursed her to become a crocodile.
Varga and her friends then went to Narada and asked how they would be relieved from the curse. Narada said when Arjuna would come in that place, his touch would relieve her. Varga said in other pilgrim places she had four other friends who had been cursed similarly and asked Arjuna to help. Arjuna went with her and released the others also from the curse.

Arjuna then went back to Manipur where Chitrangada had given birth named Babruvahana. Placing his son on the throne of Manipur, Arjuna left and went towards Prabhasa.

Tilottama

Janmajeya asked -
How did the Pandavas live peacefully with one wife and not have any problems?
The sage -
After the Pandavas had settled in Indraprastha, one day the celestial sage, Narada visited them. Draupadi and the Pandavas welcomed him and worshipped him.
Narada said even though there is unity among the brothers, it is possible that some discord could happen, because of a woman. Let me tell you about two asura brothers who fought because of a woman and died because of that..

Yudhistira asked for the story. Narada said :

Sunda and Upsunda were two asura brothers. They were very strong. They had immense faith on each other and were united in thought and deed. They decided to win over the three worlds and began meditating to achieve that goal. They went to the Vindhya mountains and started intense penance. Brahma appeared before them and asked them what they wanted.
They asked to be immortal which Brahma refused. The brothers then said let them die when there was discord among them. Brahma agreed.
The asuras went back home and started on a journey to win over the worlds. The gods started fleeing from the heaven and the two brothers took over the throne of Indra.
The gods went to Brahma and asked him to provide a solution. Brahma sent for Vishwakarma and asked him to create a woman, whose beauty was incomparable. Vishwakarma collected every quality from the universe, that was beautiful, and from that he created an immensely beautiful woman. He took the woman to Brahma. All Gods kept gaping at the beauty of the woman. Brahma said this woman was beautiful in every possible way, and she was named Tilottama.
Tilottama bowed down to Brahma and asked what she was supposed to do. Brahma asked her to go to Sunda and Upasunda and create discord among them.
When Tilottama left, all Gods started looking at her. To see her more, Shiva grew heads to see in all directions. Shiva having four additional heads became known as one as one having five heads.
Tilottama went where the two brothers were. The elder brother held the right hand of Tilottama while the other brother grasped her left hand. Sunda said she is mine, and like a sister-in-law to you. Upasunda said she was his.
They started arguing among themselves. The argument soon turned into a quarrel which turned into a fight. They eventually killed each other.
The Gods then placed Tilottama among the sun rays such that she was not visible to anyone.

Ending his tale Narada said while the Pandavas were united, a woman become the cause of discord. The Pandavas then made a rule. For a year, Draupadi would be with one brother, and none of the other brothers would enter their rooms. If a brother did enter, he would be exiled for twelve years.

Vidura goes to fetch the Pandavas

Without delaying for a minute, Vidura started getting multiple gifts arranged. He reached Panchala. He sought audience with Kunti and gave her many gifts. Draupadi was blessed and gifted many precious gifts. He then went to the Pandavas and greeted all of them. The Pandavas took the blessings of Vidura. Pandavas then took Vidura to the place where Drupada was.

Vidura was greeted by Drupada and a great feast was organized. After the meal, Vidura started talking to Drupada. He said he had been sent as a representative from Hastinapur. Not having seen the Pandavas for years, the Kuru elders wanted the Pandavas to return home. They all wanted to see Draupadi.

Drupada agreed to what Vidura had said and he spoke to the Pandavas.

The Pandavas with their mother and Draupadi then left for Hastinapur.

They were welcomed in Hastinapura. There, Dhritarashtra said they should set their own city in Khandavaprastha. The Pandavas started the construction work in Khandavaprastha, seeing an auspicious day. When the city was setup, the Pandavas moved there with Draupadi. The city built was wonderful and Krishna advised them to name the city as Indraprastha.

Dhritarashtra agrees to bring back the Pandavas

Dhritarashtra called Bhishma and Drona. He sat with them and his ministers. He said he had come to know that Pandavas and Kunti were alive. He had no idea where and why they had been hiding. They have married the daughter of Drupada but did not inform me about that. He then wanted to know what was to be done in this case.

Bhishma said For you Pandavas should the same as your own sons. There was a time when you used to proud of the achievements of the Pandavas. Not sure what happened suddenly and you sent the Pandavas to Varnavrata. You should be glad that the Pandavas along with their mother are alive. Do as you used to do earlier. Send for the Pandavas immediately. For me Gandhari and Kunti are the same, and so are the sons of Pandu and your sons. If Pandu was alive today, this kind of a situation would not have arisen. What I suggest is, divide the kingdom into two and give one portion to the Pandavas.

Drona said he was in agreement with what Bhishma had said. He said  Send someone to Panchala to fetch the Pandavas. Also get ready to welcome the newly weds and greet Draupadi with jewels and gifts. To Kunti, ask her to forget the past. Send gifts for Drupada. Send someone who is loyal and truthful and someone whom the Pandavas can trust.

Karna said he did not agree of this and said the ideas of Bhishma and Drona were not to listened to.

Drona said he knew all about Karna and how he performed in the swayamvara in Panchala. Drona reminded Karna about how he had run and leave the field, when confronted by Arjuna.

Vidura then told Karna, Bhishma and Drona had wisdom and their words should be listened to. Krishna and Balrama were cousins of the Pandavas. Drupada was now their father-in-law and the Pandavas were now to be feared. He too asked Dhritarashtra to bring the Pandavas over.

Dhritarashtra agreed and Vidura to go and bring the Pandavas back.

Wedding of Draupadi

Invitations went all over for Draupadi's wedding.
The Pandavas were made to sit on five seats. Turmeric was rubbed on their bodies. Water was collected from five pilgrimage spots and the Pandavas were then bathed with that water. They were decked in wonderful clothes.
Draupadi came in, decked in the most wonderful attire and jewels. She sat on a pedestal and was lifted up by four bearers. They took her around the five Pandavas seven times.
Draupadi's five fingers had strings tied, the other end of each string was tied to the wrist of the Pandavas.
Draupadi, whose face had been hidden so far, showed her face gradually to the Pandavas.
Conch shells were blowing and the sounds of ululation filled the atmosphere.
The ceremonies over, the invited guests started leaving.
Krishna and Balarama also left for Dwaraka. On the way, they stopped and met Vidura. Vidura wanted to know how the Pandavas were. Krishna told of the news of the wedding of Pandavas with Draupadi.

Vidura went to Dhritarashtra and told him Draupadi was the daughter-in-law of Hastinapur. Dhritarashtra was very happy and asked Vidura to inform people to welcome Duryodhana and his bride. Vidura then said, it was not his son but the Pandavas who had wed Draupadi.

It was as if Dhritarashtra had been struck with with a spear. He was also glad to know that the Pandavas were alive. He asked Vidura to tell more. Vidura said he had heard from Krishna about Arjuna hitting the target and the wedding of Draupadi with the five brothers.. 

Sages talk about Draupadi's past births

The all knowing sages decided to visit Drupada and attend the wedding of Draupadi with the Pandavas.
The guards at the gate informed Drupada that great sages like Durvasa and Jamini had come with their disciples. Drupada went to welcome them. He welcomed them, gave them seats to sit and then washed their feet. He asked them how come they had graced him with their presence.

They said they had come to tell Drupada that his daughter was destined to marry and have husbands. Dhristadyumna said he had not heard of anything like this before. He had heard of men having five wives, bit not of any woman ever having more than one husband.

Yudhistira said As their mother had said, they would marry agree to the marriage only if Drupada agreed to marry his daughter to all five of them. He said the word of the mother was equal to that of the Vedas.

Kunti hearing the discussion came there. She bowed down to all the sages and wondered what was to be done.

Vyasa, who was also there, said he would tell them why Draupadi was to have five husbands.

In the Treta Yuga, Draupadi was the daughter of a brahman. She was a devotee of Shiva and worshipped him to get a suitable husband. She would pray with great devotion and would ask Shiva to bless her with a great husband. Whenever she asked for a husband, she would say it five times.
Shiva appeared before her and said she would be blessed with five husbands.

The maiden was stunned and said why was the great God playing tricks on her? Shiva said that she had asked for a husband five times, which is why she was getting five husbands. Shiva said you will have five husbands and will also be counted as a pious woman.

The maiden killed herself in the waters of Ganga. She was reborn as the daughter of the king of Kashi. Not having married, her friends used to ridicule her. She went and meditated. Dharma, Vayu, Indra and Ashwini Kumars appeared before her and asked her the reason for her meditation.

She said she wanted a husband. The Gods asked her to choose among them. For the maiden, they all looked the same and she could not decide. She kept quiet. The Gods gave her a boon of having five husbands. They told her to give up her body, saying in the next birth, she would get five husbands.

Vyasa said this was the maiden now born as Draupadi. Of the Gods, who had blessed her, they are all born as the Pandavas. So she is destined to marry the five Pandavas.

Agastya, who was there, said he would tell what he was aware of.

Once, Yama was busy doing a sacrifice. As a result, no human on earth died. The Gods were terrified. They went to Brahma and asked him to do something. Brahma went to the Naimisha forest where Yama was performing the sacrifice. He told Yama that he needs to do justice to people faced on the work they are performing, and not sit and perform sacrifices. Yama said when other Gods performed sacrifices that was fine, but when he performed the same, that was bad. Brahma was wondering what to say when from his body, a being emerged. He had a quill for writing in his right hand and a palm leaf in his left hand. His name was Chitragupta. Brahma handed Chitragupta to Yama saying, his work will be keep track of all the deeds of people on the earth.
Happy Yama went and completed his sacrifice. When Brahma and the other Gods were  returning back, they saw a river with golden lotuses blooming in it. The lotuses were flowing with the current of the water. They wondered where the lotuses had come from, their scent was wonderful. Indra asked to Pawan to find out. Pawan left but did not return for long. Indra then asked Yama to go. He went and he too did not return. He then asked the Ashwini Kumar to go. They went and did not return either. Indra then decided to go himself.

He saw a maiden sitting and crying. Her tears were falling in the water and forming the lotuses. Indra asked her who she was and why she was crying.

She said she was a daughter of Daksha. She told Indra that before him, four other Gods had come to her and wanted to marry her. Indra also expressed his desire to have her.
She took Indra high up in the mountain, where where a handsome man was meditating. This was Shiva. The maiden told Shiva that these Gods wanted to marry her. Shiva asked Indra to lift a mountain. When Indra did that, he saw Pawan, Yama and Ashwini Kumar trapped below the mountain. Shiva said he would take Indra and the other Gods to Vishnu. Vishnu would decide what to do.

Vishnu said the four Gods would be born on the earth. Indra would also be born on earth. The maiden would also be born there and she would have all five of them as her husbands then.

Agastya said, this maiden is none other than Draupadi who is destined to have five husbands.

Listening to all this, Drupada agreed to have his daughter wed the five Pandavas.