A great commotion swept through the city as people beheld an extraordinary sight: Arjuna was carrying away Subhadra in his magnificent chariot, whose thunderous rumble echoed like storm clouds rolling across the sky. The townsfolk, startled by the mighty sound, saw Arjuna standing tall upon the finest of chariots, Subhadra by his side, radiant and accomplished. Together, they shone with a brilliance akin to Mount Kailasa graced by the Ganga, Partha—the supreme charioteer—gleaming beside Subhadra. Just as Indra shines resplendently with his beloved Shachi, so did Arjuna with Subhadra, as he bore away the famed maiden. The city’s people gathered in crowds, raising a clamor, for Subhadra, the pride of the Daśārha clan, called out in the tongue of the Madras. She, with her own heart’s desire, willingly accompanied Partha. Yet, others, angered at the sight, shouted fiercely, “Seize them! Strike! Do not delay!” A tumult erupted as many armed themselves, unleashing a hail of weapons in every direction. The uproar grew, but Arjuna, undaunted, stood like a mighty elephant unshaken by the din of the crowd. He released a rain of arrows, yet harbored no anger toward any soul. His sharp, radiant shafts struck the city’s towers, mansions, and palaces, shaking the foremost city as Garuḍa might churn the ocean. Then, turning toward the Raivata gate, Arjuna—bull among the Bharatas—departed. Meanwhile, by the command of the noblest of men, Vipṛthuśravā steadfastly guarded Mount Raivata. In Krishna’s absence, he, like the wielder of the plough, became the protector and upholder of the city. Upon learning that the Pāṇḍava had left, Vipṛthuśravā quickly set out, spurring his troops onward as the city’s tumult reached his ears. Advancing along the path, he saw Arjuna, the best of men, emerging from Dvārakā’s gate like the sun rising from the ocean. The warriors of the Anarta army gazed in wonder at the archer, whose presence was like a rain-cloud lit by flashes of lightning. Subhadra, blessed with auspicious speech, beheld the assembled army—chariots, elephants, and horses in full array—and, delighted, spoke to Arjuna: “My cherished wish has always been to gather the reins for you, O best of men, as you fight in battle, guiding your chariot. I am strong, energetic, radiant, and mighty, O Partha, and have been trained to be your charioteer.” Hearing these words, the best of men, pleased and loving, replied, “Urge on the tireless horses, beloved. Let us enter Vipṛthu’s forces. Watch, O blessed one, as I contend with those who seek to oppose your kin; behold the power of my arms as I release my arrows.” With joy, Subhadra took up the reins and drove the chariot into the heart of the army. Vipṛthu’s delighted division, adorned with great banners and resounding with mighty instruments, followed after Partha. Chariots of many kinds, drawn by swift and noble steeds, encircled Dhananjaya, showering him with volleys of arrows. But Arjuna, conqueror of enemy cities and master of celestial weapons, countered their missiles with a divine weapon, filling the vast sky with his own arrows. With mighty arms, he cut down their arrows, crowns, armlets, bows, and shafts with his keen arrows. Intent on ending the conflict, he severed their yokes, axles, standards, and war machines, rendering the great chariot-warriors bowless, armorless, and chariotless. Satisfied, Arjuna revealed Subhadra to all, radiant and unafraid. Amazed by this wondrous display, Subhadra said to Arjuna, “My desire is fulfilled. Blessings to you—go as you wish, Partha.” Seeing his forces held at bay by the son of Pandu, Vipṛthu hurried forward, calling out, “Stand your ground!” Yet, at their general’s command, the Yadavas advanced no further, like mighty waves restrained by the shore, though driven by the wind. Then Arjuna swiftly descended from his excellent chariot, approached Vipṛthu—the tiger among men—and embraced him joyfully. Vipṛthu spoke warmly: “Now that I have come near you, I know well of your long stay with the bearer of the conch, discus, and mace. Nothing you have done for Subhadra’s sake is unknown to me. Janardana, pleased by your plea, aided you with his counsel.” “When you, Dhananjaya, dwelt here in ascetic garb, you were befriended by Balarama and Krishna, the younger brother of Mahendra. Madhusudana always wished me as his counselor—except in the matter of you and Subhadra, dear Dhananjaya. This very divine chariot, equipped with all weapons, and this retinue, were assigned to you by the elder of the mace. Then, the bringer of joy to the Vrishnis went to the inner island, and you, long restrained, have now departed with your beloved.” “Let all the brothers behold you, as the gods gaze upon the wielder of the thunderbolt, when the bull among the Dasharhas, armed with Sharnga, arrives. Good fortune and treasures will follow you; journey safely and be happy, Dhananjaya. May you, free from sorrow and with your grief dispelled, be united with your friends.” Thus, with blessings and honor, Arjuna and Subhadra departed, their hearts full and their path made auspicious.