Escape to Indraprastha

Arjuna knew that he should anticipate stiff challenge from the Yadavas. He was ready for it. But, Who would drive the chariot ?

Subhadra used to hear from her childhood days about various heroic wars that Arjuna waged and won and she somehow had wished if she could one day drive his chariot ! It was only a dream, but, that had given her the inspiration to learn the skill. Krishna could always read her thoughtsand gave her encouragement.

When the two were left to defend themselves Subhadra offered Arjuna that she would drive the chariot so that her husband could face any challenges.

Some of the Yadavas who remained behind in Dwaraka learnt about the sudden departure of the monk with Subhadra and suspected foul play. They collected an army and came after Arjuna challenging him for a fight. Soon, they encircled the chariot. Subhadra felt sorry for them as they were her own people and were no match for her hero. Arjuna smiled and said that she could watch his skill with arrows and see that he would turn them all back without even hurting anyone. It was just how that happened. Arjuna’s arrows reached the targets with just enough force to disarm the enemies. Some even had their armous pierced. But, no one was hurt.

The defeated Yadavas returned to Dwaraka and raised a big alarm in the city. A message was sent to the island to Krishna and Balarama about the disappearance of the monk with their sister.

All the Yadavas came back to Dwaraka in a hurry and in anger. They knew by then that it was Arjuna who came in the disguise of a monk and stole Subhadra. They all wanted to take revenge.
Balabhadra spoke to Krishna. He had consulted Krishna first on entertaining the monk. Now, his friend , Arjuna, had tricked them and shamed the whole race by stealing their princess. Saying so, Balarama roared with rage and encouraged the rest of Yadavas to give a hot chase on Arjuna.
But, Krishna pacified him and all others with his calm words. He did not encourageat at first, leaving the monk in Subhadra’s care. It was Balarama’s idea, against his own warning. Now, what was to happen had happened. But, was any harm done ? The Yadavas would not have got a better groom than Arjuna , on earth or even in heaven. And , who could fight and defeat the invincible Arjuna ? It would simply bring further shame, if they went and were defeated.

Many ignored the wise counsel of Krishna and went after Arjuna. But, they all came back in no time totally defeated.

The chariot carrying Arjuna and Subhadra reached Indraprastha in due course without meeting further resistance from the Yadavas.

(Refer to kunjunny.blogspot.com for the “The serpent sacrifice of Janamejaya” and “the birth of Bharata”)