Once, the mighty Arjuna, ever victorious in battle, mounted his resplendent chariot, its banner bearing the emblem of Hanuman. He took up his famed Gāṇḍīva bow and his inexhaustible quivers, preparing for adventure. Fully armed and accompanied by his dear friend Kṛṣṇa, the two heroes entered a vast and wild forest, teeming with fierce beasts, seeking to enjoy the sport of hunting. There, Arjuna loosed his arrows upon tigers, boars, buffaloes, antelopes, sarabhas, wild oxen, rhinoceroses, deer, hares, and porcupines, displaying his unmatched skill. As the festival approached, the attendants gathered up the sanctified animals and brought them to the king. Meanwhile, Arjuna, parched with thirst and weary from the hunt, made his way to the sacred river Yamunā. There, after performing the proper rites of purification and drinking the crystal-clear water, Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna, the two mighty warriors, beheld a maiden of enchanting beauty wandering along the riverbank. Approaching this radiant and auspicious young woman, Arjuna, at Kṛṣṇa’s behest, addressed her with gentle words: “Who are you, O slender-waisted one? Whose daughter are you, and from where do you come? What is your purpose here? I think you seek a husband. Tell me everything, O beautiful one.” With grace, the maiden replied, “I am Kālindī, daughter of the sun god Sūrya. I dwell in the waters of the Yamunā, in a palace my father built for me. I am engaged in severe austerities, seeking as my husband only Viṣṇu, the bestower of all boons. I choose no other; may the blessed Mukunda, refuge of the shelterless, be pleased with me. Until I behold the infallible one, I remain here.” Hearing her words, Arjuna relayed them to Kṛṣṇa. Understanding the maiden’s devotion, Kṛṣṇa placed her upon his chariot and brought her to King Yudhiṣṭhira. Later, following Yudhiṣṭhira’s instructions, Kṛṣṇa had a wondrous city built for the sons of Pritha, constructed by the divine architect Viśvakarma in marvelous fashion. Dwelling there to please his own people, the Blessed Lord became Arjuna’s charioteer, aiding him in granting the Khandava forest to Agni. Pleased, Agni rewarded Arjuna with a divine bow, a chariot drawn by white horses, two inexhaustible quivers, impenetrable armor, and celestial weapons. Maya, who had been rescued from the fire, as a token of gratitude, built a magnificent assembly hall for the Pāṇḍavas—a hall so wondrous that Duryodhana, upon entering, was bewildered and mistook water for land. Having accomplished these deeds and with the approval of his friends, Kṛṣṇa returned to Dvārakā, accompanied by Sātyaki and others. At the proper and auspicious time, he married Kālindī, filling his people with supreme joy and bringing about the highest good. In another tale of marriage, Vinda and Anuvinda, princes of Avanti and followers of Duryodhana, prevented their sister Mitravindā—who was devoted to Kṛṣṇa—from choosing her own husband at her svayamvara. Undeterred, Kṛṣṇa seized Mitravindā before the assembled kings, for she was the daughter of his father’s sister and the chief queen. There was also Nagnajit, the righteous king of Kośala, whose daughter Satyā—also called Nagnajitī—was famed for her virtue. The king had declared that only one who could subdue seven fierce, sharp-horned, untamable bulls would win her hand. Many princes had tried and been defeated or injured by these proud bulls. Hearing of this challenge, Kṛṣṇa, the master of the Sātvatas, journeyed to Kośala with a great army. The king of Kośala, pleased by Kṛṣṇa’s arrival, honored him with all marks of respect and reverence. Seeing her desired suitor arrive, the princess Satyā prayed in her heart, “If my vow is true, may this Lord of Lakṣmī become my husband and fulfill all my wishes.” Yet she wondered, “He whose feet are revered by Lakṣmī, Brahmā, Śiva, and all the guardians of the worlds, who built a bridge for his own purposes—how could such a Lord be satisfied with me?” But when worshipped, Nārāyaṇa, Lord of the universe, replied, “What need have I, who am full in my own bliss, for any small thing?” Delighted, the Blessed Lord accepted the seat offered to him and, with a voice deep as thunder, smiled and addressed the king: “O King, though it is not proper for a kṣatriya to beg, desiring your friendship, I ask for your daughter’s hand. Not for a bride-price, for we do not give that.” The king replied, “O Lord, who is greater or more desirable as a suitor for my daughter, when the unfailing goddess of fortune dwells upon your person, the very abode of all virtues? Yet, O best of the Sātvatas, I have made a prior agreement: whoever subdues these seven fierce and unmanageable bulls shall win my daughter’s hand. Many princes have been defeated by them. If you, O delight of the Yadus, can subdue them, she is yours.” Hearing this, Kṛṣṇa fastened his garment, multiplied himself into seven forms, and playfully subdued the bulls. He broke their pride and strength, binding them with ropes and dragging them as easily as a child drags wooden toys. Amazed and overjoyed, the king gave his daughter to Kṛṣṇa, who accepted her as his equal bride. The royal ladies, now blessed with Kṛṣṇa as their beloved son-in-law, rejoiced, and a great festival ensued. Conch shells, kettledrums, and trumpets resounded; songs and instruments filled the air; brāhmaṇas bestowed blessings; and men and women, adorned in splendid garments, garlands, and ornaments, celebrated. As dowry, the Lord gave ten thousand cows, three thousand young women adorned with necklaces and fine clothes, nine thousand elephants, chariots a hundred times more than elephants, horses a hundred times more than chariots, and men a hundred times more than horses. Placing the couple on a chariot and surrounded by a great army, the king of Kośala, his heart full of affection, sent them forth in joy and honor.