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The Pandavas spent many months very happily and peacefully in their capital. Then, one day, all of a sudden Narada the sage of the gods arrived at Yudhisthira court. He was received with all respect and honour. While discussing various things, Narada suggested that the Pandavas should ensure that there should not be any rift among them, on account of Draupadi, who was their common wife. Following Narada’s (who was a past master in creating rifts himself) suggestion it was decided that Draupadi should spend one year with each of her husband. While she was with one, no other Pandavas should visit the Palace where she might be. In case of any breach of their rule, one-year pilgrimage was prescribed by way of penance.
Once a Brahmin came running to Arjuna saying that the thieves had stolen his cows. Arjuna wanted to rush with him to catch the thieves but he realised that his bow and arrows were kept in Yudhisthira palace and he was there in the company of Draupadi. He hesitated for a while then seeing brahmin plight he rushed in to Yudhisthira’s palace took his bow and arrows rushed to catch the thieves. After he caught the thieves and punished them, after restoring the cows of the brahmin, Arjuna came back to Yudhisthira and told him about his transgression of the rule. Yudhisthira brushed aside his emergencies such things did not matter. But Arjuna was firm and he set out for a years “Tirth yatra” his pilgrimage.
In the course of his pilgrimage, a beautiful woman while taking bath in Yamuna caught him. She said her name was Ulupi and she was daughter of the king of Nagas. She was enamoured by Arjuna and wanted to marry him. After spending sometime with her Arjuna started towards south. Near the banks of Godavari he married the daughter of King Chitrasena whose name was Chitrangada. Then he turned homewards.
While learning archery with Drona, Arjuna had befriended a cousin of Krishna, Gada. Gada had told Arjuna about her cousin Subhadra who was an extraordinarily beautiful girl. Arjuna did not want to be recognised by anyone. He in the disguise of a Sadhu with a trident and holy ashes smeared on his body went to Dwarka as he knew that Subhadra was there. After a prolonged courtship finally, Arjuna could charm Subhadra and she fell in love with Arjuna. As it was lawful for the Kshatriyas to elope with the women they loved, Arjuna also eloped with Subhadra to Indraprastha. Elder brother of Krishna, Balarama was very upset to know this. Krishna pacified him and convinced him that Arjuna, a hero and a cousin was very suitable husband. After some time wedding of Arjuna with Subhadra was celebrated on a grand scale in Indraprastha in the presence of all.
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