As tensions rose after Arjuna carried away Subhadra, wise Vasudeva counseled the king with calm resolve. “Restrain him with joy,” he advised, “for this is my highest counsel. If Partha should defeat you by force and return to his own city, your fame would vanish at once—but not so by conciliation. The son of my father’s sister does not deserve enmity from me.” Hearing these words from Vasudeva, the king accepted his advice and acted accordingly. Meanwhile, the Yadavas, having made their preparations, sounded the great war drum, its thunderous beat echoing through the city. Arjuna, hearing that mighty sound, hastened to Subhadra and spoke urgently: “All the Vrishnis are coming, with their friends and relatives. Their eyes are bloodshot with anger; they wish to fight for your sake—reckless, impure, deluded, men degraded by drunkenness. Those addicted to drinking and vomiting, I will strike down with excellent arrows; or, if they are mad with intoxication, I will send them to the abode of Yama.” Having spoken thus to his beloved, the mighty Partha turned back, intent on facing whatever came. But Subhadra, seeing him turn away, was seized by fear. She fell at his feet, crying, “Do not speak so!” Overcome by distress, she placed the blame on the Vrishnis, her heart heavy. “The citizens, intent on slander, speak ill, O lord, increasing my sorrow; therefore I do not wish for destruction. Freed from the fear of reproach, it is by your grace alone.” Moved by the words of his dear and virtuous wife, Partha, steadfast in truth and valor, resolved to depart. He spoke kindly to her, embraced her, and then raised her up, saying, “Go, go!” Subhadra, swift and determined, seized the reins and urged their fast horses onward. Behind them, the Vrishni heroes, fully armed and intent, set out with their swiftest horses, determined to bring Partha back. As they entered the royal road and witnessed Arjuna’s valor, they stood upon the palace columns, on platforms, and by the banners, watching in awe. The sight of Arjuna’s arrows filled the Yadavas with great wonder, and they recognized the truth of Kesava’s words. Having crossed Raivataka and heard the words of Vipritha, the Vrishnis, learning what Arjuna had accomplished, decided to turn back. Hearing that Partha had gone far ahead, the great chariot-warriors retraced their path, passing the royal gardens and the vast city of Girivraja. They journeyed through the slopes of Ujjayini, forests and groves, and in the sacred regions of Anarta, they beheld tanks, lotus-ponds, and lakes. Reaching the holy ford of Dhenumat and the lake where horses are watered, they gazed upon the mountain Prekshavarta and the lofty peak Ambuda. Pressing onward, they crossed the river Karavati, passed through the lands of Salveya, and traversed Nishadha. Observing the city of Devaprithu, Arjuna remained vigilant on all sides. Moving past it, the mighty-armed hero saw the forest of Deva, where great sages honored him upon his arrival. He beheld forests, rivers, mountains, and clear streams as he journeyed on. With Subhadra as his charioteer, Partha pressed through these places until, at last, reaching the land of the Kurus, he became free from sorrow. There, the mighty-armed one, accompanied by his uterine sister, rested like a lion in its lair, in a distant grove surrounded on all sides by water. Joyful with Bhadrā, Jishnu beheld the city of Vrajin. In the suburb of Kroshanatra, there was a fine cattle-station belonging to Partha. It was there that Bhībhatsu settled with the Yadava maiden. Honoring Subhadra duly, Partha spoke: “Go to the city of Vrajin in the guise of a cowherd woman. Let your words be playful, Krishna, and may my advice please you. If you see harshness, say that you have come there with me. If, seeing you in another guise, she speaks kindly to you, whatever she first says, let there be no turning back from that. Therefore, setting aside pride and arrogance, go yourself.” Subhadra replied, “So shall I do, O Partha, just as you say.” Hearing her words, the son of Pandu was greatly pleased. He quickly summoned the cowherds and instructed them: “All the women who are in the groves are cowherd women. Let those who have gathered with the noble lady who is departing come to Indraprastha, the great city, to see Krishna, the illustrious one.” Hearing this, the cowherds brought the women of the settlement, and surrounded on all sides by these women, Subhadra set out. Dressed in red silk and hastening, she was sent forth by Partha, made to appear as a cowherdess. Excelling in beauty even in this humble guise, the renowned lady moved among the cowherd women and journeyed to the city of Vrajin. Swiftly she reached Khāṇḍavaprastha and entered, arriving at the finest residence. The noble wife of the hero entered with grace. Wide-eyed Bhadrā respectfully greeted Pṛthā, her aunt, and Kuntī, whose every limb was lovely, embraced her on the head. Filled with the highest affection, Kuntī blessed her with incomparable blessings. Then, approaching swiftly, her face radiant as the full moon, Bhadrā greeted Draupadī and said, “I am your servant.” At that, Krishna rose and warmly embraced Mādhava’s sister, welcoming her with love and honor.