Arjuna's Exile - Subhadra

Going Southwards, Arjuna came across five rivers but he was surprised to see people refusing into these rivers. He learnt five fierce crocodiles were living in thr ivers, who attacked and killed all who dared enter the waters.

Arjuna entered the waters. As soon he did so, a large crocodile came and seized him by his leg. Arjuna dragged it forcibly to the shore.It then transformed itself into a beautiful maiden. Surprised, Arjuna asked her who she was.

She said her name was Varga. She was p;laying along with her companions when in a playful mood she decided to disturb a meditating sage.  The sage getting angry, cursed the apsaras to become crocodiles. The sage also told them they would be freed once they met Arjuna. With their curse lifted, the apsaras left for heaven.

Arjuna then, continuing his journey, went again to Manipur. In the time Arjun was away, a son, Vabrhruvahana had been born to Chitrangada, who was the crown prince of Manipur. Greeting him Arjuna left.

In his journey, Arjuna then went to where Krishna stayed, and greeted him. He told Krishna about all that had happened with him so far. There, Arjuan saw Subhadra, Krishna's sister and fell in love with her. He confided in Krishna. Krishna said before taking any step they needed to find out what Subhadra thought. Krishna also told Arjuna, that as per Kshatriya laws, it was allowed to forcibly abduct a bride and take her away.

Informed that Subhadra had gone to a temple, Arjuna got a chariot ready. With the time of his exile, Arjuna planned to abduct Subhadra, and take her away with him.

Meanwhile Subhadra had finished her prayers. When she was coming back towards her home, she was suddenly abducted forcibly.

Krishna managed to make his family understand that what Arjuna had done was not wrong. Arjuna was asked to come back to Dwaraka and get formally married to Subhadra.

After the marriage Arjuna went to Khandavaprastha with his new bride. All greeted Arjuna except Draupadi. Knowing why Draupadi was sad, Arjuna told Subhadra to wear the robes of a maid and approach Draupadi. She went to Draupadi and she she was her maid. Ashamed at her behaviour, Draupadi embraced Subhadra.

After sometime Subhadra gave birth to a son who was named Abhimanyu.

Arjuna's exile - Ulupi and Chitrangada

Arjun set off on his exile, roaming the forests. He would meet the sages in the forests and learn from them. Roaming thus, one day he approached the banks of the river Ganga, at Gangotri.Finding it to be peaceful, he decided to spend the days of his exile there.

One day Arjuna was taking a bath in the waters of the river when he felt he was being dragged into the water. He had stepped into the water to have a bath and then prepare a fire, and perform his worship to the Gods. He was perplexed when he saw he could not come out. Ulupi, the daughter of the king of Nagas, was pulling him. Having seen Arjuna before, she had lost her heart to him, and wanted him for herself.

Arjuna found himself dragged into the kingdom of Nagas. There Arjuna saw a sacrificial fire. He sat before the fire and performed his worship. He then started exploring his surroundings when he saw Ulupi.


Ulupi said she was the daughter of the Naga king Kauravya. She said she was unmarried and wanted to marry Arjuna. Arjuna said he was in the forest, in exile and would be leading the life of a monk.

Ulupi said she knew all about Arjuna. She also knew he was married to Draupadi. She said if marriage would not be possible, if he could spend a night with her, he would remain blameless and Ulupi would be satisfied. If still, Arjuna refused, Ulupi said she would kill herself.

Arjuna spent a night with her and the next day, she left Arjuna from where she had brought him. She also gave Arjuna a boon saying he would be invincible in water and all water creatures would be at his command.

Arjuna, back on land, began roaming in the mountains of the Himalayas.

Travelling eastward, Arjuna reached the kingdom of Manipur, where a king named Chitravahana ruled.

Chitravahana, the king of Manipur had a beautiful daughter, Chitrangada. In his travels, Arjuna saw her wanted her. He approached the king and asked for his permission to marry his daughter. The king, knowing who Arjuna was, told him about Prabhanjana.

King Prabhanjana  was childless. To get a child, he prayed to Shiva. He was given a boon that his dynasty would have only one child each. In consequence, Chitravahana had only Chitrangada.
The king agreed for Arjuna to marry his daughter only if after marriage Chitrangada would remain with her father, and her child would rule Manipur. Arjuna agreed.

Arjuna's exile

The Pandavas established the rule, and were content. Once some robbers stole the cattle of a poor brahmin. The Brahmin came to the Pandavas for help. Arjuna happened to hear the pleas of the brahmin. He decided to help him.
Now it so happened that the room where Arjuna had kept his weapons was also the room where Yudhistira was with Draupadi.
Saddened by the pleas of the brahmin, Arjuna decided he would rather take the exile rather than see the brahmin saddened by the loss of his wealth.
He took permission of Yudhistira, went into the room, took the weapons and helped the brahmin.

Returning back, Arjuna bowed before all and decided to move out into his exile. Taking permission of all, Arjuna left Khandavaprastha for his twelve years exile.