Following the wise counsel of Krishna, Arjuna—the foremost among the Bharatas—made his way to a grove near Dvārakā, intent on fulfilling his purpose. After the grand festival on Mount Raivataka had concluded, the Vṛṣṇis, too, returned to their splendid city of Dvārakā. In a tranquil part of the forest, Arjuna sat upon a stone slab, his mind absorbed in thoughts of Subhadrā. The grove was a delight to the senses, shaded by a profusion of trees: śāla, tāla, aśvakarṇa, bakula, arjuna, campaka, aśoka, punnāga, ketaka, pāṭala, karṇikāra, aṅkola, atimuktaka, and many others encircled the stone, creating a peaceful haven. As Arjuna pondered again and again the sweet words of Subhadrā, he happened, by chance, to see the Vṛṣṇi heroes approaching. Among them were Baladeva, son of Hardika; Samba; Sāraṇa; Pradyumna; Gada; Cārudeṣṇa; Vidūratha; Bhānu; Harita; Vipṛthu; Pṛthu; and many others. Seeing them, Arjuna felt sorrow in his heart. The Vṛṣṇis, eager and humble upon seeing the ascetic, gathered around him and approached. Arjuna, his heart delighted, welcomed them warmly: "Please, all of you, be seated upon this pleasant stone slab." The Yādavas, pleased by his words, accepted his invitation and sat, expressing their welcome. With the Vṛṣṇi heroes seated all around him, Arjuna—still concealing his true identity—asked after their welfare. Baladeva, after assuring him that all was well, addressed Arjuna: "Grant me your favor, O Brahmin. From where have you come? You have seen holy places; tell us, O best of speakers, about the mountains, the sacred sites, the forests, and the shrines." Arjuna began to recount stories of the sacred places he had visited, describing the grandeur of mountains, the purity of rivers, and the beauty of forests. Hearing these virtuous tales of dharma, the Vṛṣṇi heroes were filled with joy and honored the ascetic at the end of his stories. Then, the Yādavas deliberated among themselves: "This honored guest, bearing the marks of an ascetic, is a distinguished Brahmin. Let him reside here, having sought shelter, without disturbance," they said to Baladeva, son of Rohiṇī. As they spoke, Krishna—the delight of the Yādavas—arrived. Rohiṇī's son, Baladeva, called out, "Come, Keśava, dear one. This learned Brahmin, bearing the ascetic's marks, is our honored guest. He has come to our city for a four-month stay. Tell me, Janārdana, where should he reside?" Krishna replied, "With you present, O greatly fortunate one, I am bound by dharma. But, O delight of the Yādavas, let him reside wherever you yourself find pleasing." Pleased by Krishna's words, Baladeva embraced him and, after careful consideration, spoke: "Let this wise one reside in the garden for the four months, taking meals in Subhadrā's house as he desires. Let him dwell in the vine-houses—that is my thought. With your permission, dear one, all the Yādavas agree." Baladeva added, "He is strong, impressive in appearance, eloquent, prosperous, and learned in many things. Yet, in the presence of the maiden's quarters, it is not proper—this is my opinion. He is a teacher, instructor, and leader, well-versed in the scriptures and foremost knower of righteousness. What you have said, I do not oppose—I will do as you say. There is no one else on earth who knows the auspicious and inauspicious as I do. This guest from afar is illustrious, the best among upholders of dharma, steadfast, endowed with humility, truthful in speech, and master of his senses. He indeed bears the marks of an ascetic—who can know his mind? You, O lotus-eyed one, take him to the auspicious maiden's quarters. Inform Subhadrā, prompted by my words, and honor him with delicacies, foods, drinks, and desired offerings." Having agreed, Krishna, together with the ascetic, made arrangements and was delighted. Krishna and Arjuna enjoyed themselves on the mountain as they wished, then entered the city, Krishna taking Arjuna by the hand, and together they entered a splendid house endowed with every comfort. Krishna informed Rukmini and Satyabhama of Partha's arrival. Hearing the words of Hrishikesha, both women spoke with great joy: "This great desire turns in our hearts: when shall we see Arjuna, the son of Pandu, arrived in the city?" As they joyfully spoke these dear words, Rukmini and Satyabhama, seeing the ascetic, became pleased. All rejoiced, and Arjuna too became joyful, for Hari had brought him, disguised in an unknown form. Arjuna was honored and worshipped with affection as a most excellent and dear guest; seeing the ascetic arrived, he was duly revered. Krishna spoke to his uterine sister Subhadrā: "O blessed one, this guest from afar is a sage of firm vows. May he always receive worship while residing in your maiden's quarters; recognized by the noble, this ascetic is to be honored by you. Out of affection, O daughter of the Vrishni, always provide the ascetic with delicacies and foods; whatever this sage may say, that indeed must be done without doubt.