Part 1, Chapter 13: Arjuna's Pilgrimage

Part 1Chapter 13

Arjuna's Pilgrimage

prospers under , but breaks the brothers' privacy rule when a Brahmin's cattle are stolen and his weapons are in the room where is alone with . Although says no exile is needed, insists on keeping the agreement and leaves for a year of pilgrimage. On the Ganga, the Naga princess draws him to her realm, marries him, and grants him invincibility in water. In , marries on the condition that their son will inherit her father's kingdom. He then frees five Apsaras from a crocodile curse. Finally he reaches , where helps him meet in disguise. With 's permission and 's consent, carries her away from the Raivataka festival; pacifies the angry Yadus, and and are married.

Krishna Dharma Edition

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This guide follows Krishna Dharma's retelling as the source of truth. This panel notes broad edition-level framing or compression that helps a reader orient themselves.

Krishna Dharma treats Arjuna's exile as self-imposed fidelity to truth rather than punishment. The pilgrimage expands the Pandavas' alliances through Ulupi, Citrangada, and Subhadra, while Krsna guides the Dwaraka episode without openly defying Balarama.

Key Events

1
A Brahmin asks for help when his cattle are stolen.
hears the cry but his weapons are in the room where is alone with .
2
enters the room and later chooses exile.
He retrieves his weapons, defeats the thieves, restores the cows, and insists on observing the brothers' rule despite 's pleas.
3
begins a year of pilgrimage.
He leaves with Brahmins and attendants, traveling north along the Ganga toward the .
4
draws into the Naga realm.
The Naga princess asks him to marry her, and accepts after she explains that his vow concerns .
5
grants invincibility in water.
After their union, she returns him to the Ganga and blesses him before vanishing.
6
marries in .
King agrees on the condition that their son remain in as heir.
7
frees five Apsaras from a crocodile curse.
Remembering 's boon, he pulls the crocodiles from five sacred lakes and releases and her companions.
8
reaches and speaks with about .
advises disguise because hopes to marry to .
9
learns the ascetic is .
privately reveals 's identity after admits she prefers him to .
10
carries away from the Raivataka festival.
With 's permission and 's support, takes onto 's chariot and races toward .
11
pacifies the angry Yadus.
first calls for war, but argues that has acted as a hero and that the marriage strengthens both houses.
12
and are married in .
The Yadus bring back with honor, arrange the ceremony, and send him home after his year away.