The city was radiant with joyful anticipation. Its roads had been swept clean and sprinkled with water, then adorned with heaps of fresh flowers, while the cool, soothing scent of sandalwood drifted through the air. In various places, fragrant aloeswood was burned, filling the city with a delightful aroma. Everywhere, prosperous and happy people mingled, and the presence of thriving merchants added to the city’s beauty and bustle. Into this splendid setting entered the mighty-armed Krishna, accompanied by Balarama and joined by the Vrishnis, Andhakas, and Bhojas—supreme among men. As they made their way through the city, thousands of citizens and Brahmins came forward to honor them. Soon, they entered the royal palace, which shone with grandeur, resembling the very abode of Indra. Yudhishthira, following the proper customs, welcomed Balarama with reverence, embracing Krishna, smelling his head as a gesture of deep affection, and holding him close. Krishna, pleased and humble, honored Yudhishthira in return and warmly greeted Bhima, the tiger among men. Yudhishthira, son of Kunti, extended proper honors to the foremost among the Vrishnis and Andhakas, observing all the rituals and customs appropriate for their arrival. He worshipped some as elders, greeted others as friends, and received some with affectionate embraces, while others respectfully greeted him in turn. Kunti, the sons of Pritha, and Krishna were all filled with joy at this reunion. Their hearts delighted, for they beheld the lotus-eyed Krishna among them. Seeing both Sankarshana (Balarama) and Janardana (Krishna) approach with such happiness, Kunti considered her son Yudhishthira truly fortunate to have such noble kinsmen. Sankarshana and Akrura, generous beyond measure, brought magnificent gifts for Subhadra, the fortunate bride. They presented coral, countless necklaces, and ornaments, heaps of fine cloth, and tiger skins as their foremost offerings. Yudhishthira’s residence soon overflowed with radiant jewels, luxurious couches, and seats of every kind. Then began the most delightful wedding festival for youthful Subhadra, celebrated joyously for seven nights. For this grand occasion, Hrishikesha (Krishna), renowned for his generosity, bestowed excellent wedding gifts, as was fitting for close relatives. He gave a thousand chariots, gleaming with gold, hung with tinkling bells, each drawn by four horses and driven by skilled charioteers. He also gifted ten thousand cows from Mathura, famed for their auspiciousness and rich milk, and a thousand pure mares, radiant as moonbeams and adorned with gold. Twenty-five white mules, swift as the wind, with black manes and well-trained, were also given. At the bathing and drinking festival, Krishna bestowed a thousand young, fair-complexioned women, beautifully adorned and of excellent character. These women, adorned with golden necklaces, without blemish and skilled in service, were given as part of the bridal gifts. Janardana also presented a hundred thousand splendid Bahlika horses, renowned for their strength and beauty. From the Dasharha line, he gave ten loads of the finest gold, both wrought and unwrought, shining like fire. He gave elephants in rut, their temples streaming with ichor, massive as mountain peaks and unyielding in battle. A thousand such elephants, adorned with golden garlands, equipped with sharp bells, and mounted by daring riders, were prepared for the festivities. Balarama, the wielder of the plough, pleased and honoring the alliance, personally gave his marriage gift to Arjuna. The wealth that poured forth was like a flood—a dazzling array of treasures and gems, garments and blankets as white as foam, mighty elephants like great crocodiles, all adorned with banners fluttering like clusters of waterweeds. This immense wealth, undiminished, flowed into the ocean of the Pandavas’ fortunes, filling it to the brim and bringing sorrow to their enemies. Yudhishthira, the righteous king, accepted all these gifts and honored the great chariot-warriors of the Vrishnis and Andhakas. Together, the noble souls of the Kurus, Vrishnis, and Andhakas rejoiced, their happiness likened to the bliss of the gods in their celestial abode. Throughout the city, the sounds of celebration and the clapping of hands rang out as the Kurus and Vrishnis enjoyed themselves, each according to their pleasure and affection. Thus, those of supreme valor spent many days in enjoyment, honored by the Kurus, until at last they prepared to return to Dvaravati. Led by Balarama, the great chariot-warriors of the Vrishnis and Andhakas departed, taking with them the splendid gifts given by the best of the Kurus. Before leaving, Balarama embraced his sister Subhadra, honored her, and, after instructing Draupadi to remain, departed. He bowed at the feet of his paternal aunt Kunti, who, pleased, honored him in return. Thus, the hero of the Vrishnis, greatly honored by the Pandavas and the citizens, returned to Dvaravati with his kin. But Krishna, O descendant of Bharata, remained in Indraprastha with Arjuna for thirty-four days, delighting in the beautiful city. Together, they wandered along the banks of the Yamuna, hunting and taking pleasure in shooting deer and boars. In due course, Subhadra, the beloved sister of Krishna, gave birth to a son—Abhimanyu—who became renowned like Jayanta, the son of Paulomi. Abhimanyu was long-armed, broad-chested, bull-eyed, a destroyer of foes, and foremost among men, born to bring glory to his lineage.