Was Subhadra Aware of Arjuna’s Marriage to Draupadi Before Marrying Him?

Introduction

The question of whether Subhadra was aware of Arjuna's previous marriage to Draupadi before she herself married him is a topic that has intrigued many scholars and readers of the Indian epic Mahabharata. This article aims to explore the historical context and provide insights into the possible scenarios that might have led Subhadra to marry Arjuna, despite his existing marital status.

Historical Context

The Mahabharata chronicles the events leading up to the great war, and the marriages of the Pandavas and Krishna's family play a crucial role in the story. Arjuna's marriage to Draupadi, the daughter of Drupada, is one of the pivotal events that shaped the fortunes of the Pandavas.

The Marriage of Arjuna and Draupadi

Arjuna participated in the sayamvar ceremony for Draupadi and won her hand in marriage. This event took place at the wedding of Draupadi, a grand and well-attended ceremony. All major kings and princes from Aryavarta, including Krishna and Balarama, attended this ceremony, indicating the widespread recognition of Arjuna's marriage to Draupadi.

Subhadra’s Awareness of Arjuna’s Marriage

The marriage between Subhadra and Arjuna took place much later, around 12 years after Draupadi’s marriage. Given the close ties between the Yadava and Pandava families, and given the significant social and familial connections, it is highly unlikely that Subhadra was unaware of Arjuna's marriage to Draupadi.

Subhadra’s Marriage to Arjuna

Despite the 12-year gap, Subhadra still married Arjuna. According to the Southern Recension of the Mahabharata: Subhadra fell in love with Arjuna based on the stories she heard about his valour and bravery. The people of Dvaraka praised Arjuna, and his fame was widespread, even to the point where people would say, 'Even Arjuna is not equal to me; who are you then?'

Conclusion

In conclusion, based on the information available in the Mahabharata, it is evident that Subhadra was well aware of Arjuna's marriage to Draupadi. The vast gulf of time did not prevent her from marrying Arjuna, possibly due to the strong influence of Arjuna's fame and the mythos surrounding the Pandava family. This story reflects the complex dynamics of love, loyalty, and family ties in ancient Indian society.

References

"Mahabharata." Southern Recension, Ch. 241, Adi Parva, Bori Critical Edition.

"Mahabharata." Adi Parva, KMG, CCXX.