Once, in the presence of Subhadrā, Gada recounted the origin and greatness of the illustrious Pandava, filling the air with tales of Arjuna’s valor and lineage. The wise Kesava, Krishna himself, having heard a thunderous sound, compared Arjuna to others and narrated his story in detail, painting vivid images of his heroism. Meanwhile, the Vrishnis, proud and spirited, began to speak with anger and pride about Arjuna, making comparisons of manliness among their bowmen. Amidst their mutual quarrels and disputes, the Vrishnis would declare, “Arjuna is not equal to me; whence are you?” Yet, when they blessed their sons, they wished for them to become equal in valor to Arjuna, especially as wielders of the bow. It was thus that Subhadrā, captivated by Arjuna’s truthfulness, beauty, and cleverness, desired the best of the Bharatas for his manliness. Having heard from Gada about the gatherings of Charanas and guests, Subhadrā’s heart grew fond of the chief of the Bharatas, even though she had not seen him. Whenever anyone mentioned or described the Kurujāngala, Bhadrā would eagerly ask about Bibhatsu—Arjuna. Through frequent hearing and constant questioning, Arjuna seemed almost present before Bhadrā, his image forming in her mind. When Subhadrā finally saw his arms, strong and serpent-like, marked by the bowstring, she knew with certainty: “This is Partha.” Just as she had heard of the bull among the Bharatas, so when she saw him in that very form, her delight was boundless. One day, as she sat near him, Subhadrā asked Arjuna 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?” Greatly pleased, Arjuna spoke to the blessed lady, telling her many delightful and charming stories in various ways. Hearing of his many adventures in the world, the maiden’s feelings for him grew ever deeper. Then, during a festival, filled with joy, Subhadrā approached Arjuna in a secluded, private place and spoke: “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 this, Vasudeva’s sister stood there, breathing heavily and scratching the ground. Then, the best of all wielders of weapons, filled with supreme joy, Dhananjaya declared, “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 intimacy; overwhelmed by modesty, she did not perform any special worship. Krishna, knowing what had transpired in the maiden’s quarters through his divine vision, instructed Rukmini regarding food and other matters for Arjuna. From that moment, Dhananjaya, thinking constantly of Subhadrā, remained in the garden, greatly afflicted by desire. Subhadrā too was not at ease regarding Partha; she became thin, her face pale, absorbed in anxiety and sorrow. Noble-minded Bhadrā was full of sighs, finding no pleasure in bed or seat. She neither slept by night nor by day, appearing as if mad. As Bhadrā was absorbed in sorrow, the queen spoke to her: “Do not grieve, O descendant of Vrishni; take courage, O beautiful one.” Then, with Krishna’s approval, Rukmini went privately and spoke to her mother-in-law Devaki regarding Subhadrā. Arjuna, still in the guise of an ascetic, well composed, entered the maiden’s quarters and was joyfully honored by Bhadrā. Knowing this, Subhadrā was overcome by modesty; lying day and night, she did not partake in food or other activities. Thus addressed by the queen, Bhadrā, absorbed in sorrow, was approached and spoke gentle words: “Do not grieve, O descendant of Vrishni; take courage, O beautiful one.