Arjuna Goes into Exile

"There is no need for you to go into exile," he said. "You had a valid reason for entering the room. Helping a poor Brahmin is your foremost duty. Moreover, this rule applies to the older brother, not the younger one."

But Yudhishthira's words had no effect on Arjuna, who seemed hell-bent on undergoing the punishment.

Finally, Arjuna left Indraprastha and wandered from place to place. He didn't stay in any particular place for long. 

One day, while bathing in the Ganga River, he felt someone trying to pull him into the deep water. Before he could react, he was dragged into a beautiful underwater palace. A little later, a beautiful woman appeared before him. 

"Who are you, and where am I?" Arjuna asked her.

"I am Ulupi, the daughter of Nagaraja, the king of snakes. I wish to marry you. If you turn me down, I will take my own life."

Arjuna told her about his vow of celibacy and his consequent inability to marry.