Mahābhārata The History of the Great India

<< 105 The festival at Raivataka Mountain >>

Encouraged by Lord Krsna, Arjuna takes a bride in the chivalrous way of a warrior. The sage Vaisampayana is telling the history of the Pandavas to their great-grandson, King Janamejaya. As the narration continues, the Pandava Arjuna, during a one-year exile, is visiting Lord Krsna in the great city of Dvaraka.

After Some Days had passed, O king, the Vrsni, Bhoja, and Andhaka dynasties staged a huge festival on Raivataka Mountain. The heroes of these dynasties gave charity to thousands of brahmanas. With elegant cottages and colorful jewels spread all around the mountain, the whole region looked gorgeous, O king. On all sides the trees were beautifully lit up with lamps. Dancers danced, singers sang their songs, and skilled musicians sounded their instruments.

The powerful Vrsni boys, nicely dressed and ornamented, dashed about in golden chariots. By the hundreds and thousands the men of the city came on foot with their wives and followers in varieties of simple and elaborate vehicles.

Almighty Lord Balarama, intoxicated from drinking Varuni honey and followed by the Gandharvas, came strolling about with His wife Revati. Similarly, the mighty Ugrasena, king of the Vrsnis, being praised in song by the Gandharvas, walked about with a thousand female companions. Two of Lord Krsna's sons, Pradyumna and Samba, who could fight with frenzied might, were also affected by drinking heavenly beverages. Sporting divine garlands, they enjoyed themselves like immortal gods.

Gada, Bhanu, Prthu, Viprthu, Akrura, Sarana, Nisatha, Satyaka, Satyaki, Hardikya, Viduratha, Carudesna, Bhangakara, Krtavarma, and all those not mentioned were individually praised in song by the Gandharvas. Surrounded by ladies, the Vrsnis made the festival at Raivataka Mountain a striking affair.

In the midst of the thrill, splendor, and excitement, Lord Krsna, son of Vasudeva, and Arjuna, son of Kunti, walked around together. As the two transcendental friends strolled about the festival ground, they saw Vasudeva's lovely daughter, Subhadra, Sri Krsna's younger sister, in the midst of her friends. She was gorgeously decorated and radiant with pure goodness. As soon as Arjuna saw her, Cupid rose up in his heart.

Krsna noted at once that Arjuna's mind was fixed on His sister. As if to tease Arjuna, the lotus-eyed Krsna said, "O Bharata, what is this? The mind of a saintly forest-dweller is agitated by romantic desire! Arjuna, she is my sister, and the sister of my brother Sarana, born of the same mother. If you are seriously thinking about her, I myself shall speak to our father."

Arjuna said, "Whom would she not bewilder with her perfect beauty, the daughter of Vasudeva and sister of Sri Krsna? If your sister, the Vrsni princess, could become my queen, then I surely must have done all that is good and noble. But what means should I use to win her? Please tell me, Janardana [Krsna], and I shall do it precisely, if it can be done."

Lord Krsna said, "Among warriors, marriages are normally decided by the bride's own choice at a svayamvara ceremony. But it is doubtful that your sentiments would influence Subhadra to choose you. Those who know the sacred law have stated, 'Among warriors who have proven to be heroes, forcibly taking a princess for marriage is approved.' Therefore you should take My noble sister by force."

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