Subhadra
Subhadrā (Sanskrit: सुभद्रा) is an important character in the Mahābhārata. She is the half-sister of Krishna, wife of Arjuna, and mother of Abhimanyu.
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[edit] Birth
Subhadra is the daughter of Vasudeva and his second wife Rohini Devi. She is much younger to Krishna and Balarama since she was born after Vasudeva was released from Kamsa's prison.
[edit] Marriage Preparations
When Subhadra becomes of age, Balarama suggests her as a bride to Duryodhana, who is his favourite pupil. The entire family is against this due to Duryodhana’s reputations as a notorious prince. Subhadra too resents this but nothing can be said because Balarama had already sent the proposal to Duryodhana.[1]
[edit] Affair with Arjuna and Abduction
Arjuna has heard of Subhadra and he wishes to take her as his wife. At that time he is in the guise of a wandering ascetic performing pilgrimage since his breach of Vyasa’s marital laws. He seeks the help of Krishna in this. Krishna agrees to help him. He establishes the ‘sage’ Arjuna’s residence near Subhadra’s palace. Subhadra serves him and after sometime Arjuna discloses his identity to her. She immediately falls for him since she has heard a lot about him and knowing that her love is requited pleads with Krishna to sanction their love. Krishna agrees and instructs Arjuna to carry Subhadra away and marry her as it will be difficult to persuade Balarama to change his mind.[2] When Subhadra is returning from the temple Arjuna kidnaps her and drives her away. But Krishna’s advice to them was that Subhadra should drive the chariot to make it look like Subhadra kidnapped Arjuna! So Subhadra takes the reins of the chariot into her hands and drives away. When Balarama is alerted by the Vrishni guards he is full of wrath for Arjuna. Krishna pacifies him and tells him that Subhadra and Arjuna really loved each other and it was Subhadra who had been driving the chariot. Balarama’s anger cools and he agrees to celebrate the couple’s marriage at Indraprastha.[3]
[edit] Abhimanyu
Subhadra and Arjuna have an only son, Abhimanyu. He became a valiant warrior. He studied under the tutelage of Krishna and Pradyumna.[4] Later he married Uttara[5] and had a son named Parikshit. Abhimanyu died in the Kurukshetra war.[6] Parikshit becomes the sole surviving heir of the entire Kuru dynasty, Pandavas and Kauravas combined.[7] When he comes of age, the Pandavas appoint him as the king and retire to the Himalayas. Subhadra stays back to guide and mentor her grandson. [8]
[edit] Devotions
Subhadra is one of the three deities worshipped at the Jagannath temple at Puri, along with her brothers Krishna (as Jagannatha) and Balarama (or Balabhadra). One of the chariots in the annual Ratha Yatra is dedicated to her.[9]
[edit] See also
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Subhadra |
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/iml/iml19.htm
- ^ http://www.apamnapat.com/articles/Mahabharata015.html
- ^ http://www.apamnapat.com/articles/Mahabharata015.html
- ^ http://www.indiadivine.org/articles/328-abhimanyu-battle-kurukshetra.html
- ^ http://www.urday.in/emergence.htm
- ^ http://www.urday.in/mchakravyuh.htm
- ^ http://www.urday.in/mparikshit.htm
- ^ http://www.urday.in/mpandavaheaven.htm
- ^ http://www.jagannathpuri.com/jprathayatra.aspx
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