Welcome to Subhadra

Arjuna asked Subhadra to halt the chariot just outside Indraprastha. How could he make his appearance after the long stay outside with new a wife, even though he had taken prior permission ? The initial reaction could be embarrassing for Subhadra. Draupadi, especially, might feel hurt and speak harsh words.

Arjuna thought of a plan. He found a group of milkmaids around and asked Subhadra to go ahead disguised as one . He requested the milkmaids to give company to Subhadra.
Subhadra did exactly so. She went and greeted Kunti first without revealing her identity. Then, she went to Draupadi and told her that she was there to serve her as her maid. Both Kunti and Draupadi were pleased and blessed her for a long married life as per the custom.

It was then that Arjuna made his entry. Everyone was overjoyed to see him after years of absence. Arjuna paid respects to his elders as per the order and received love from his younger brothers. Only then they realized that it was Subhadra, Arjuna’s new wife, who came ahead of him. She was, after all Kunti’s niece and Pandava’s cousin. Now, she has come as Arjuna’s wife. How nice !

The wedding gifts

Soon after Arjuna left Krishna managed to convince all the Yadava chiefs that they should be pleased to get the best of Pandavas as husband for Subhadra. He also insisted that they should keep their honour by taking appropriate wedding gifts to Subhadra in person. He had his way in the end.

Krishna, Balarama and other Yadava chiefs went with an army of four divisions (Chaturanga) right behind Arjuna with various valuable gifts consisting of elephants, horses and cattle and precious jewellery. When the initial excitement of meeting Arjuna was over the people of Indraprastha noticed the arrival of the Yadava army. It was not an invading army, but, one that came with loads of valuable gifts. The army was lead by their dear Krishna and Balarama. The initial mood of surprise soon changed to excitement . The gifts were accepted with grace and the visitors were entertained with good food and drinks. Precious gifts were given to them in return.

By then, Subhadra was already accepted as one of the family, being the new wife of Arjuna.

Pandava’s children

Subhadra gave birth to a child within a year. He was as handsome as Arjuna and grew equally skilled. He was named Abhimanyu. The boy became the pet of all the Pandavas and even of the people outside. He would turn out to be the hero of one of the most memorable and deciding battles of the Bharata war.

Panchali bore five sons, one from each of the Pandavas, with a gap of one year in between. They were named Prativindhya, Sutasoma, Srutakarma, Sataneeka and Srutasena respectively.
Arjuna, himself, taught archery to the six children. Abhimanyu excelled all the others and became equal to Arjuna in that art.

(Thus Vedavyasa ends "Harana aharana Parvam, the chapter of elopement and taking home")