|
Mahābhārata The History of the Great India
<< 108 Princess Subhadra's Dowry >>
 |  | Krsna and Balarama shower immense wealth on their new brother-in-law Arjuna. The sage Vaisampayana is telling the history of the Pandavas to their great-grandson, King Janamejaya. The Pandava Arjuna has just kidnapped Subhadra, the sister of Krsna and Balarama, intending to marry her in the warrior tradition. As the narration continues, Lord Krsna responds to points raised by Lord Balarama in criticizing Arjuna's act.
| | | When all the Vrsnis repeatedly spoke in the same spirit as Balarama, Lord Krsna then spoke with words that revealed the practical and moral reality of the situation.
| | | "Arjuna did not commit an offense to our family, for he holds us in the highest regard, without a doubt. And he realizes that you Satvatas are not greedy for his money. Furthermore, he did not want to create havoc at Subhadra's svayamvara.
| | | "Who will approve of giving away an innocent maiden as if she were a head of cattle? What man on earth would make a sale of his offspring? In my opinion Arjuna saw all these discrepancies, and therefore in accord with religious law he has taken the initiative and carried away the girl. The relationship appears to be a proper one. Subhadra is a most respected lady, and Arjuna is of the same nobility. Therefore he simply took the initiative and carried her away. Who could possibly seek revenge against Arjuna, who took birth as the son of King Kuntibhoja's daughter in the dynasty of the exalted Bharata and Santanu?
| | | "I do not see anyone in all the worlds with the courage and prowess to defeat Arjuna, and that includes Indra and Rudra, O worthy colleagues. What a chariot he has! And it is yoked with My own horses. Arjuna is a fighter, and his release of weapons is extremely rapid. Who could be equal to him in battle? My conclusion is that with supreme kindness we should run after Arjuna and in a mood of joyful celebration persuade him to return. For if Arjuna defeats all of you in a violent encounter and by his own strength returns to his city, your reputations will be ruined instantly. But there is no defeat in reconciliation."
| | | After hearing from Sri Krsna, the Vrsnis acted accordingly, and Arjuna came back and celebrated his wedding in Dvaraka city. Arjuna stayed there the last nights of the year, and then he passed the rest of his exile in Puskara. When the twelve-month exile was finished, he returned to Khandava Prastha.
| | | Greeting King Yudhisthira with great humility and offering reverence to the brahmanas, Arjuna at last went to greet Draupadi [his first wife]. But because of her love for him, Draupadi said to the Kuru prince, "You should go and stay with Subhadra. After all, even when a load is well tied, the knot first tied is the first one that comes loose."
| | | Draupadi thus lamented in many ways, and Arjuna pacified her again and again, pleading for her understanding and tolerance. Arjuna then hastened to send for Subhadra, having her change from her red silk garments to the dress of a cowherd girl. That glorious lady, a hero's wife, looked even more beautiful in that style, with her excellent figure and large copper eyes. Upon reaching the main palace, the well-admired girl honored her mother-in-law, Kunti. Then Subhadra, whose face was lustrous like the full moon, quickly approached Draupadi and honored her. Subhadra said, "I am Subhadra, your servant."
| | | Draupadi rose to greet Subhadra, Krsna's sister. Draupadi embraced her and said happily, "May your husband have no rival."
| | | Subhadra too was joyful and replied, "May it be so!"
| | | The mighty Pandavas were delighted, and Kunti too was extremely pleased, O Janamejaya.
|
|
| |
|---|
English
Español
Pусский
Português