01.211
Pancharatra: Krishna notices Arjuna's desire for Bhadra and asks him to abduct her.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then, after a few days, O king, a grand festival of the Vṛṣṇis and Andhakas was held on the Raivataka mountain.
There, the heroes gave thousands of gifts to the Brāhmaṇas; at that time, the Bhojas, Vṛṣṇis, and Andhakas also offered to the great one of that mountain.
That region all around the mountain was splendidly adorned with palaces, gem-studded decorations, and was entirely filled with king-lamp trees.
There, the players played musical instruments together; the dancers danced, and the singers sang songs.
The adorned princes, the mighty sons of the Vṛṣṇis, were being carried everywhere in chariots with golden and decorated parts.
Citizens, both on foot and in various vehicles, accompanied by their wives and followers, came in hundreds and thousands.
Then, O Bhārata, the lord Balarāma, intoxicated and accompanied by Revati, wandered there followed by the Gandharvas.
Likewise, King Ugrasena of the Vṛṣṇis, renowned for his majesty, was praised by the Gandharvas and accompanied by a thousand women.
Raukmiṇeya and Sāmba, intoxicated and proud in battle, adorned with divine garlands and garments, sported together like the gods.
Akrura, Sarana, Gada, Bhanu, Viduratha, Nishatha, Charudesna, Prithu, and Viprithu were present.
Satyaka, Sātyaki, and their fellow breakers; Hārdikya, Kṛtavarmā, and others who have not been mentioned.
At that time, these people, each surrounded by women and Gandharvas, made the festival at Raivataka splendid.
Then, while that very auspicious tumult was ongoing, Vāsudeva and Pārtha together circumambulated.
There, as they walked, the two saw the auspicious and adorned daughter of Vasudeva, Bhadrā, among her companions at that time.
As soon as he saw her, the god of love arose in Arjuna. Kṛṣṇa noticed Pārtha (Arjuna) thus absorbed in concentration.
Then the lotus-eyed one, smiling as if in amusement, said, "O Bhārata, why is the mind of the forest-dweller disturbed by desire?"
O Pārtha, this is my sister, the own sister of Sāraṇa. If you have the intention, I will speak to the father myself.
Arjuna said.
She is the daughter of Vasudeva and the sister of Vāsudeva, truly endowed with beauty; who would not be captivated by her?
Truly, all good fortune would be mine if your sister, the daughter of Vṛṣṇi, were to become my queen.
But upon reaching (this situation), what means are there? Tell me that, O Janardana. I will undertake everything accordingly, if it is possible for a man.
Vāsudeva said.
O best of men, the svayaṃvara, the marriage of kṣatriyas, is also considered doubtful, O Pārtha, due to its nature and without any specific cause.
The abduction by force is also praised among Kṣatriyas; the knowers of dharma say that, for the purpose of marriage, this is for the brave.
Therefore, Arjuna, you should forcibly take my auspicious sister at the svayaṃvara; for who indeed knows what she intends.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then, O king, Arjuna and Kṛṣṇa, after deciding what should be done, immediately dispatched swift messengers.
All that was told to Dharmarāja, who had gone to Indraprastha; having heard it, the mighty-armed Pāṇḍava consented.
