As advised by sage Narada, the Pandavas decided that each of them would spend a month with Draupadi. None of the other brothers would intrude during that period. If any of them did so, he would willingly go into exile for twelve years. Thus all the Pandavas observing this rule began to live peacefully.
One day, a Brahmin came seeking Arjuna’s help to get back his stolen cows. Arjuna offered to help. At that time, Yudhishthira was with Draupadi. Arjuna’s bow and arrows had been left behind in Draupadi’s room.
Arjuna was caught in a fix indeed—either he went in and got them, or the angry Brahmin would curse the king and his brothers. Arjuna decided to break his promise to his brother rather than cause the Brahmin to curse him. He went in and got his bow and arrows, explaining to Yudhishthira and Draupadi that he would go into exile now.
The other brothers and Draupadi tried to dissuade him from going into the exile but all their efforts proved an exercise in futility.
Arjuna travelled to many places during his period of exile. During his travels, he met Uloopi. Uloopi was a Naga princess, the daughter of Kauravya of Airavata dynasty. She took him to her father’s kingdom under the waters of the Ganga. Arjuna married Uloopi. A son, Iravan, was born to them. One day, Arjuna sought the permission of Uloopi regarding his departure from there. Uloopi granted him the permission and blessed that all the water creatures would be his protectors and friends henceforth.
Thereafter Arjuna wandered into the kingdom of Manipura. He fell in love with the king’s daughter, Chitrangada, who also loved him. The king agreed to give her in marriage to Arjuna on the condition that their son would grow up to be the ruler of Manipura. Arjuna agreed and the marriage took place. Babruvahana was the son of Arjuna and Chitrangada. After living in Manipur for several days Arjuna with the permission of King Chitravahan departed from there.
From Manipur Arjuna reached Dwarika. There, he heard about the beautiful Subhadra, sister of Balarama, who was planning to marry off his sister to Duryodhana of Hastinapur. But Krishna didn’t agree with Balarama. Arjuna went disguised as Tridandi Vaishnava to Dwarika. Balarama could not recognise him and took him to the palace for meals. There, he fell in love with Subhadra who too wanted to marry him. Suddenly, Krishna reached there, who recognised him even in disguise.
With Krishna’s consent, Arjuna stayed near Subhadra’s garden. Arjuna’s exile was about to come to an end. One day when Krishna went into Arjuna’s chamber, the latter told Krishna about his proposal of marriage with Subhadra. Krishna indicated that the Kshatriya never beg. Then Krishna in consultation with Arjuna drafted a plan. As per the plan, Arjuna abducted Subhadra. Learning this Balarama was infuriated but Krishna pacified him. Arjuna carried away Subhadra to Indraprastha. In due course, they were blessed with a son named Abhimanayu. When Abhimanayu grew up, Arjuna taught him the art of warfare.
