After Draupadi became the wife of the five Pandavas, the great sage Narada, ever wise and farsighted, approached them. He cautioned them, “If you truly desire my welfare and wish to avoid any discord among yourselves because of Draupadi, then act accordingly.” He urged them to reach an understanding that would preserve their unity and happiness. Heeding Narada’s words, the noble Pandavas, each with a generous heart, agreed together in his presence. They resolved that Draupadi, also called Krishna, would stay, pure and honored, for one year at a time in each brother’s house. Furthermore, they set a strict rule: if any brother, while with Draupadi, saw another enter, the one who intruded would have to live in the forest, as a celibate, for twelve months. Once this agreement was made, the great sage Narada, pleased with their righteousness and mutual respect, departed to his own abode. Thus, by Narada’s guidance, the Pandavas had established this pact beforehand, and in those days, none among them ever broke it, O descendant of Bharata. The Pandavas rejoiced together, their hearts light and united. All this, O king, has been recounted to you in detail. When that period had passed, O Janamejaya, the Pandavas continued to dwell in their city, upholding their promise and subduing other kings by the might of their arms. Among those five lion-like brothers, each radiant with immeasurable energy, Draupadi was ever obedient and devoted to all the sons of Pritha. She was supremely delighted among her five heroic husbands, as Sarasvati delights among the serpents. While the great-souled Pandavas lived righteously, all the Kurus prospered, free from faults, and blessed with happiness. Then, after a long time, O lord of men, an incident occurred. Some thieves stole the cows belonging to a certain Brahmin. As his wealth was being carried away, the Brahmin, overcome with anger and distress, came to the city of Khāṇḍava-prastha and cried out to the Pandavas for help. He lamented, “Our herd of cows is being seized by wicked, cruel men of unrighteous conduct, and the Pandavas have been driven from our land by force. The offerings of a peaceful Brahmin are ruined by thieves, just as a lowly jackal pillages the empty cave of a tiger. A king who takes tribute but fails to protect his people is called a complete evildoer by all. When a Brahmin’s property is stolen and righteousness is lost, and I am left crying out, let someone take up arms!” Hearing the Brahmin’s desperate words, the Pandava Arjuna, son of Kunti, listened intently. The mighty-armed hero reassured the Brahmin, saying, “Do not fear.” However, the weapons of the Pandavas were kept in the house where Yudhishthira and Draupadi were together, and Arjuna could neither enter nor leave without breaking the brothers’ agreement. Urged again and again by the Brahmin’s pleas, Arjuna grew sorrowful and thoughtful amid the Brahmin’s cries. Seeing the Brahmin’s wealth being carried away, Arjuna resolved that it was his duty to wipe away the Brahmin’s tears. He reflected, “A great injustice would occur if today I do not offer protection to one who weeps at my door. If we fail to protect, disbelief will spread among all, and unrighteousness will prevail in the world. Yet, if I go in without the king’s permission, falsehood will attach to both myself and King Ajātaśatru (Yudhishthira). If I enter without leave, I must dwell in the forest, as per our agreement. Still, even if it means the destruction of my body, righteousness is always supreme.” Having resolved thus, Arjuna entered the house, covering his face with a garment, and sought Yudhishthira’s permission. Bowing to his elder brother, he quickly left the house, took up his bow with delight, and addressed the Brahmin: “Let us go swiftly, while the thieves still possess your wealth. They have not gone far; let us go together now, and today I will recover your wealth from these robbers.” Armed with bow and armor, Arjuna mounted his chariot, its banner fluttering, and pursued the thieves. He scattered them with his arrows and recovered the Brahmin’s stolen wealth. Bringing the Brahmin back, Arjuna restored his property and earned great renown. Returning to the city, the heroic Savyasachi greeted all his elders and was warmly welcomed by everyone. He then addressed Yudhishthira: “Command me, lord, regarding my vow. The appointed time for seeing you has now passed for me.” He added, “I shall go to the forest, for that is the agreement we made.” Hearing this, Yudhishthira, distressed and preparing himself, said to Arjuna, “How is this so?” The sorrowful king spoke gently to his brother: “If I am your authority, O blameless one, then listen to my words. Whatever you did by entering on my behalf, I fully permit it; there is no fault in my heart. For the younger entering after the elder is not a violation of the rule regarding the teacher; only if the younger enters before the elder is it a breach of order.” Thus, with mutual respect and steadfast adherence to dharma, the Pandavas upheld their vows, supporting one another in righteousness and harmony.