The Short Extract About Arjuna and Subhadra for Kids

The Mahabharata took place thousand years ago and we still read and recite it as it contains immortal values and messages. There are many popular excerpts in Mahabharat that are converted into stores. Arjuna and Subhadra are also among them. Before jumping onto the other important parts of the story let us know who is Arjuna? Arjuna is a Pandava who loved Subhadra, the sister of Krishna, and wanted to marry her. Therefore Krishna advises Arjuna to abduct her. Subhadra is one of the important characters in the famous Mahabharata. In this Hindu epic she is displayed as the half-sister of Krishna and wife of Arjuna.

Summary of Arjuna and Subhadra tale in English

During the Mahabharat before the war officially started, Kauravas tricked Pandavas to play a Chaucer (Indian board game) match with them. Although the Pandavas rejected a lot, Kauravas still tricked them. In playing Chaucer each one had to bet something, therefore the Pandavas betted their large space and wife Draupadi and lost. On losing the place they were thrown out of Indraprastha and had nowhere to go.

Arjun was very humble and an excellent archer. He used to take care of his brothers and sister-in-law. Arjun was a very good friend of Krishna, so one day he went to Dwarka for a period of time. At Dwarka, he was made to stay at Subhadra's house, who was Krishna's sister. After a while, Arjun starts liking Subhadra. Though he was already married and father of draupadi children Arjuna directly went to Krishna and asked for her sister's hand. Krishna replied " Poor Arjun, a brave, courageous warrior never asks for a woman's hand. He either wins the lady during swayamvar or takes her away forcefully." Arjun was confused but soon understood Krishna's hint. The very next day Arjuna went to the temple where Subhadra prayed every day. He kidnapped her and took her away forcefully. Even Subhadra liked Arjuna back so she didn't hesitate much. Although Subhadra's guards tried a lot to fight back, all of them failed against Arjuna. All the guards immediately went to Balram, Krishna's elder brother, and told them about the abduction. Balram turned red in anger and immediately ordered his army to march toward Indraprastha. As soon as Krishna came to know about Balram's order he went to him and stopped his army. Krishna said " Dear Balram there is no need to go and bring Subhadra back, I myself advised Arjuna to abduct her. Both of them like each other a lot. Also, it is a case of pride that our sister is going to marry the prince of Indraprastha.

Arjuna Abducting Subhadra Near the Temple

Balram gave it a thought and was convinced by Krishna. He then invited Arjuna and Subhadra to their kingdom and officially got them married.

Moral of the Arjun and Subhadra Story

The moral of this Mahabharata verse is that one should see and keep in mind the happiness of others and do actions according to it. Also, one should not take actions in anger without knowing the entire story. In this story Balram tried to stop Arjuna and Subhadra's wedding without knowing that it was krishna’s advice.

Tips for the Parents

Parents must dictate more and more mythological legends and stories to their kids as they are full of moral and interesting characters. Mythological stories often promote culture, tradition, language, and beliefs In young kids.