Arjuna Abducts Subhadra

Arjuna was very pleased to meet his friend Krishna and told him about the various experiences he had during his exile. Krishna listened attentively and then said, "You have travelled so much and learned so many things. Now you are in need of rest and enjoyment." Krishna took Arjuna to Mount Revataka and summoned musicians, dancers, and cooks for Arjuna's pleasure. 

When the Vrishnis' grand festival was at hand, all of them returned to Dwarka along with Arjuna. The Vrishnis celebrate all their festivals with great enthusiasm. Arjuna also took part in the celebrations. Suddenly, his gaze fell upon a young woman who was walking with her servants. He was enamoured of her.

Krishna noticed Arjuna staring at the woman. "That's my half-sister, Bhadra," he whispered in Arjuna's ear. "She also goes by 'Subhadra' and is the beloved daughter of my father. If you so wish, I can convey your heart's desire to her."

"What should I do in order to marry her?"

"Kshatriya women usually choose their husbands through a swayamvara. But there is another way you can attain Subhadra. Sometimes, brave Kshatriya men elope with young women and marry them. This has always been done and is regarded as an acceptable practice. You could do the same, but first inform Yudhishthira about this."

Arjuna sent a messenger to Indraprastha. Upon receiving Arjuna's message, Yudhishthira gave his consent. Meanwhile, Krishna laid this plan before his father, Vasudeva. Vasudeva did not object. 

So Krishna gave Arjuna a chariot equipped with weapons and advised him to abduct Subhadra when she went to the temple on Mount Revataka. Arjuna drove to the temple. As Subhadra was exiting it, he leapt from the chariot, caught her, and placed her inside before driving away.