01.212
Pancharatra: Arjuna abduct Subhadra bringing Vishni and Andhakas to their knees.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then, O Janamejaya, Dhananjaya, having been informed and permitted, learned that the maiden had gone to Raivataka.
Having received Vāsudeva's permission and spoken about what was to be done, and understanding Kṛṣṇa's opinion, the foremost of the Bharatas departed.
He rode in a chariot with golden parts, properly arranged, accompanied by the army and Sugrīva, and decorated with a garland of tinkling bells.
Jīmūtaravana, equipped with every weapon and shining with the brilliance of blazing fire, became the destroyer of the enemies' joy.
O Bhārata, he, armed and armored, with sword and finger-guard fastened, went out simultaneously under the pretext of hunting.
Subhadrā, after worshipping the lord of mountains along with Raivata, as well as all the deities and Brāhmaṇas, had words of well-being spoken.
After circumambulating the mountain, he proceeded towards Dvaraka. Then, rushing up to her, Kaunteya (Arjuna) forcibly made her ascend the chariot.
Then that tiger among men, having taken her with the pure smile, departed towards his own city by the chariot that moved in the sky.
But when the soldiers and people saw Subhadrā being carried away, they all shouted and ran towards the city of Dvārakā.
Having all arrived together at the Sudharmā assembly hall, they reported to the guardian of the hall everything about the valor of Pārtha (Arjuna).
Hearing them, the hall-keeper then struck the great-sounding assembly drum, adorned with Jambūnada gold.
At that time, agitated by that sound, the Bhojas, Vṛṣṇis, and Andhakas set aside their food and drink and then entered the assembly.
Then, those with limbs of Jāmbūnada gold, adorned with splendid coverings, decorated with jewels and coral, shone with the brilliance of blazing fire.
The heroic warriors of the Vṛṣṇi and Andhaka clans took possession of the thrones by the hundreds, just as fires occupy the sacrificial seats.
As they sat together like gods in an assembly, the hall-keeper and his attendants reported Arjuna's actions.
Hearing that, the Vṛṣṇi heroes, their eyes reddened with intoxication, unable to tolerate Arjuna's words, rose up in pride.
"Join the chariots quickly, bring the spears," and also bring the bows and the very precious, large armours.
Some charioteers loudly shouted, some yoked the chariots, and some themselves led the horses adorned with gold.
As the chariots were being brought, and with armours and banners, amidst the tumultuous outcry of the heroic men, there was then a great commotion.
Then the one adorned with a forest garland, intoxicated and proud, resembling the peak of Kailāsa and clad in blue, spoke these words.
Why are you silent, O unwise ones, when Janārdana is present? Not understanding his nature, you are angrily making vain outcries.
Let this great-minded one first declare his own intention. Whatever he wishes to be done, do that without delay or negligence.
Then, having heard those words in an acceptable form from Halāyudha, they all became silent; then everyone said, 'Well done, well done,' and thus spoke.
After listening to the impartial words of wise Baladeva, everyone once again sat down together in the middle of the assembly.
Then Kāmapāla addressed Vāsudeva, the subduer of enemies: "O Janārdana, why are you sitting with your face downcast, gazing thus?"
O Acyuta, Pārtha was honored by all of us for your sake; but that evil-minded disgrace of the family does not deserve such honor.
Who, having eaten food right there, would ever deserve to break the vessel? Does a man, thinking himself born in a noble family, ever do such a thing?
Who, desiring and honoring an already established relationship, would truly be a seeker who acts rashly?
He, having disregarded and not respected us and Keśava, has forcibly taken Subhadrā today; thus, he has brought death upon himself.
How can I possibly endure, O Govinda, that his foot was placed on the middle of my head, just as a serpent would endure the touch of a foot?
Today, I alone shall rid the earth of the Kauravas. Truly, I cannot tolerate this transgression of Arjuna.
Then, as he roared like thunder and drums, all the Bhojas, Vṛṣṇis, and Andhakas followed him.
