“Vaishampaayana said, ‘O best of monarchs (Janamejaya), within a few days after this, there
commenced on the Raivataka mountain (present-day Mount Girnar in the Junagadh district, Gujarat,
India), a grand festival of the
Vrishnis and the Andhakas. At the mountain-festival of the Bhojas, the Vrishnis
and the Andhakas, the heroes (Veera in Sanskrit) of those tribes began to give away much wealth to Brahmanas by
thousands. The region around that hill, O king (Janamejaya), was adorned with many a mansion decked
with gems and many an artificial tree of extremely bright colour. The musicians
struck up in concert and the dancers began to dance and the vocalists to sing.
“The youth of the Vrishni race, filled with great energy, decorated
with every ornament, and riding in their gold-decked chariots, looked extremely
handsome. The citizens, some on foot and some in excellent chariots, with their
wives and followers were there by hundreds and thousands. There was the Lord
Haladhara (Balarama), roaming at
will, hilarious with drink, accompanied by (his wife) Revati, and followed by many musicians and vocalists. There also came
Ugrasena (grandfather of Sri Krishna and Balarama), the powerful king of the Vrishni race, accompanied by his thousand
wives and followed by sweet singers like Gandharvas. Raukmineya and Saamba (sons
of Sri Krishna) also, ever furious in
battle, roamed there, excited with drink and adorned with flower arrangements
of great beauty and with costly garments, and enjoyed themselves like a pair of
Devas.
“Akrura, Saarana, Gada, Bhanu, Vidooratha, Nishata, Chaarudeshna,
Prithu, Viprithu, Satyaka, Saatyaki, Bhangakaara, Sahaachara, Haardikya, Kritavarma,
and many others whose names are not given, accompanied by their wives that
followed by bands of singers, adorned that mountain-festival. When that
delightful festival of immense grandeur commenced, Vaasudeva (Sri Krishna) and Paartha (Arjuna) went about, together, seeing everything
around. While wandering there, they saw the handsome daughter of Vasudeva (Vaasudeva’s
father), Bhadra by name, decorated with
every ornament, in the middle of her maids. As soon as Arjuna saw her he was
possessed by Kaamadeva. Then, O Bharata (Janamejaya), that tiger among men, (Sri)
Krishna, observing Paartha (Arjuna) viewing
her with absorbed attention, said with a smile, ‘How is this? Can the heart of
one that travels the forest be agitated by Kaamadeva? This is my sister, O Paartha
(Arjuna), and the blood sister of Saarana.
Blessed be you, her name is Bhadra and she is the favourite daughter of my
father (Vasudeva). Tell me if your
heart is fixed upon her, for I shall then speak to my father myself.’
“Arjuna answered, ‘She is Vasudeva’s daughter and Vaasudeva’s (Sri Krishna) sister; filled with so much beauty, whom
can she not fascinate? If this your sister, this lady of the Vrishni race,
becomes my wife, truly may I win prosperity in everything. Tell me, O Janaardana,
by what means I may obtain her. To get her I will achieve anything that is
achievable by man.’
“Vaasudeva (Sri Krishna)
answered, ‘O bull among men (Arjuna),
Swayamvara has been ordained for the marriage of Kshatriyas. But that is
doubtful (in its consequences), O Paartha
(Arjuna), as we do not know this
girl’s temper and character. In the case of Kshatriyas that are brave, a
forcible abduction for purposes of marriage is applauded, as the learned have
said. Therefore, O Arjuna, carry away this my beautiful sister by force, for
who knows what she may do at a Swayamvara.’ Then (Sri) Krishna and Arjuna, having thus settled as to what should be done sent
some speedy messengers to Yudhishthira at Indraprastha, informing him of
everything. The strong-armed Yudhishthira, as soon as he heard it, gave his acceptance
to it.’”
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