Arjuna, accompanied by his companions, was instructed by Krishna to remain obedient to him, for ascetics who had formerly observed vows for alms had dwelt in the maiden’s quarters of the Dasharhas. There, the maidens residing in those quarters would, without negligence, offer food and delicacies to the ascetics at the proper times. Bhadrā, the illustrious sister of Vasudeva, responded to Krishna, “So be it; I will act as you say and please the foremost of the twice-born through my conduct and deeds.” Thus, for some time, Dhananjaya—Arjuna—stayed in that place, honored by Bhadrā with delicious foods and meals. As Arjuna continually beheld Bhadrā, endowed with every virtue, desire began to arise in his heart. He looked at her, radiant in beauty, and, concealing his feelings, sighed deeply and warmly, overcome by passion. In his thoughts, Arjuna considered that even Krishna Draupadi, though she was the daughter of Varuna and had been won directly from the earth, was not equal to Bhadrā in beauty. When the appointed time had passed, Arjuna believed that none of the celestial women in this world were equal to Bhadrā. During that period, Dhananjaya, restrained by the goad of desire, did not remember Subhadrā among his sisters. He delighted in seeing Bhadrā, absorbed in play and pleasure, surrounded by her circle of friends, as Agni rejoices in seeing Svāhā. The origin and greatness of Arjuna in the presence of Subhadrā had previously been recounted by Gada. Once, upon hearing a thunderous sound, the wise Kesava compared Arjuna and narrated his story in detail. The Vrishnis, proud and spirited, began to speak angrily about Arjuna, making comparisons of manliness among the bowmen. In mutual quarrels and disputes, they said, “Arjuna is not equal to me; whence are you?” Yet, taking their sons, the Vrishnis gave blessings, saying, “Become equal in valor to Arjuna, O child, as a wielder of the bow.” Therefore, Subhadrā desired the best of the Bharatas for his manliness, captivated by his truthfulness, beauty, and cleverness. Having heard from Gada about the gatherings of Charanas and guests, Subhadrā developed feelings for the Bharata chief whom she had not yet seen. Whenever anyone mentioned or described the Kurujāngala, Bhadrā would ask about Bibhatsu—Arjuna. Through frequent hearing and constant questioning, the Pandava became, as it were, present before Bhadrā. Upon seeing his arms, resembling serpents and marked by the bowstring, she became certain: “This is Partha.” Just as Subhadrā had heard of the appearance of the bull among the Bharatas, so when she saw him in that very form, she felt the highest delight. Once, sitting near him, Subhadrā asked about the joys of the Kurus: “How did you travel through the lands, and what were the various peoples like? How did you cross the lakes and rivers, and the forests? How did you reach the different regions as you wandered always?” Arjuna, greatly pleased by her curiosity, spoke to the blessed lady, recounting many delightful and charming stories in various ways. Hearing of his many adventures in the world, Subhadrā’s feelings for him grew ever deeper. Then, at a certain festival time, Subhadrā, filled with joy, approached Arjuna in a secluded and private place and spoke to him: “While wandering through the lands in the guise of an ascetic, did you see our aunt Pritha, who dwells at Khandavaprastha, O Blessed One? Are all her sons well and pleased with each other? Has Yudhishthira, the wise king, been seen? Is Bhima still devoted to righteousness? Has Arjuna, freed from his vow, ceased his abstinence due to some offense, and is he now engaged in the enjoyment of pleasures, delighting in his beloved? Where is Partha now wandering, living outside the dwellings? He is accustomed to comfort, undeserving of sorrow, that long-armed subduer of foes. Have you heard of or seen Partha, the blessed Arjuna?” Hearing her words, Arjuna replied with a gentle smile: “Noble Kunti is well, along with her sons and daughters-in-law; she delights in seeing her sons, who dwell at Khandavaprastha. With his mother’s and brothers’ permission, Dhananjaya, the Pandava, now dwells alone in Dvaraka, disguised as an ascetic. Why do you not recognize him, Madhavi, though you see him constantly?” Hearing these words, Subhadrā stood there, breathing heavily and scratching the ground. Then, the best of all wielders of weapons, filled with supreme joy, Dhananjaya said to her, “I am Arjuna! Just as your feelings have turned toward me from hearing, O beautiful one, so too my heart is always drawn to you by your virtues. On an auspicious day, in accordance with dharma, O blessed one, I have chosen you myself. I shall be your husband, O fair one, as Satyavan was to Savitri.” Having spoken thus, Partha entered the bower of creepers; Subhadrā, graceful and filled with modesty, was present. Lying upon the divine bed, Subhadrā fainted, for she was not accustomed to such; she did not perform any special worship, overwhelmed by modesty.