As the tale was being recounted, O Janamejaya, the son of Kunti—Arjuna—rested upon a bed so comfortable it seemed as if he lay in heaven itself, and he was gently carried away into sleep. In time, he was awakened by the sweet melodies of singing and the harmonious sounds of the lute; hymns and auspicious praises filled the air, bringing him fully back to awareness. Having performed his daily duties, Arjuna was greeted by a descendant of the Vrishni line. He sought permission to remain, and his wish was graciously granted. Vasudeva then ordered a meal to be prepared. Afterward, Hari—Krishna—left Arjuna, who had assumed the guise of an ascetic, and swiftly departed for Dvaraka in a chariot adorned with gold. When Krishna entered Dvaraka, the city shone with new splendor. Eager to behold Govinda, the people of Dvaraka thronged the royal road in their thousands, even hundreds of thousands, unable to bear even a moment’s separation from him. The Vrishnis, filled with anticipation and curiosity, stood waiting, and among the women, countless eyes gazed upon his arrival. The Bhojas, Vrishnis, and Andhakas assembled in great numbers to honor him. Krishna was warmly welcomed by all—the sons of the Bhojas, Vrishnis, and Andhakas honored him, greeting and being greeted in return. The princes, moved by affection and hospitality, embraced Krishna repeatedly, especially those of his own age. Entering his magnificent home, Krishna was worshipped by all his queens, who had come from Prabhasa to receive him. After some days had passed, O best of kings, a grand festival was held for the Vrishnis and Andhakas on Mount Raivataka. There, the heroes gave gifts to Brahmins by the thousands; the Bhojas, Vrishnis, and Andhakas all gave generously, adorning the mountain with offerings and many kinds of jewels. The entire region sparkled, and wish-fulfilling trees seemed to grow everywhere. Musicians played their instruments, dancers performed, and singers filled the air with song. The sons of the Vrishnis, radiant and full of energy, moved about in vehicles decorated with gold. Townspeople, some on foot, others in splendid vehicles, came in their hundreds and thousands, accompanied by their wives and entourages. Lord Haladhara—Balarama—intoxicated and accompanied by Revati, wandered the festival grounds, followed by Gandharvas. Ugrasena, the illustrious king of the Vrishnis, also moved about, surrounded by thousands of women and praised by celestial musicians. Rukmini’s son and Samba, both intoxicated and proud warriors, adorned with divine garlands and garments, roamed like immortals. Akrura, Sarana, Gada, Babhru, Viduratha, Nishatha, Charudeshna, Prithu, Viprithu, Satyaka, Satyaki, the mighty Bhanga-kara, Hardikya, Uddhava, and many others were all present, each surrounded by women and Gandharvas, enhancing the festival’s splendor. Vasudeva himself came, filled with joy and accompanied by women. After giving gifts to the twice-born, he greeted the ascetics. Amidst this wondrous spectacle of art and marvel, Vasudeva and Arjuna wandered together. As they walked, they beheld Bhadrā—Vasudeva’s beautiful daughter—adorned and among her friends. At the sight of her, desire arose in Arjuna’s heart. Krishna, perceiving that Arjuna’s mind was fixed solely upon her, spoke to him, “O Bharata, why is the mind of one who dwells in the forest now stirred by desire?” He continued, “This is my sister, O Partha, the full sister of Sāraṇa. Her name is Subhadrā; she is my father’s beloved daughter. If you wish, I will speak to my father myself. She is the daughter of Vasudeva and the sister of Vāsudeva; endowed with beauty, whom would she not enchant?” Arjuna replied, “All good fortune would be mine if this maiden of the Vrishni line, your sister, were to become my queen. But what means might there be to obtain her? Tell me, O Janārdana, and I shall undertake whatever is possible for a man to do.” Krishna explained, “Among kshatriyas, marriage by self-choice is customary, but the outcome is uncertain, for events are unpredictable. Marriage by forceful abduction is also praised among kshatriyas; the learned in dharma call this the way of heroes. Therefore, Arjuna, seize my virtuous sister by force, while disguised as an ascetic, when the time is ripe. Who knows what may happen at her svayaṃvara?” Thus resolved, Arjuna and Krishna sent swift messengers to Indraprastha. All was reported to King Yudhishthira, who, upon hearing it, gave his consent along with his mother. When Bhimasena heard, he considered the matter already accomplished. The men discussed it, and Krishna, wise and discerning, listened to their words. With Arjuna’s approval and his intention firmly in his heart, Krishna, accompanied by the others, returned to Dvaraka. When the spies had been dispatched and Yudhishthira had given his consent, Vasudeva explained the plan, and it was approved. Thus, the stage was set for the union of Arjuna and Subhadrā, with the blessings of both families and the guidance of Krishna, amid the joyous celebrations of the Vrishnis and Andhakas on the sacred mountain of Raivataka.