While the Pāṇḍavas were living happily, after establishing themselves well in Khāndavaprastha, some robbers entered the city. They stole the cows of a Brāhmaṇa. The Brāhmaṇa was angry and upset. He wailed that it was the duty of the Pāṇḍavas to protect the city (as they take one sixth of the peoples' produce). When Arjuna heard this he assured the Brāhmaṇa that he will retrieve the cattle from the robbers. Towards this, he wanted to retrieve his weapons from the room where his elder brother and Draupadī were sitting.

Arjuna comprehended the situation fully and analysed it well. He thought if the Brāhmaṇa was not protected now, Yudhiṣṭhira will incur pāpa. As Dharma is superior to one's own interest in their body or even lives - he took a decision to enter the chambers.

Our Dharma śāstrams proclaim that the status of the elder brother is almost that of a father - 'Jyeshtha bhrātā pitu samaḥ'. The elder brother's wife is almost like a mother. The elder brother entering the younger brother's chambers in a similar situation is considered a violation of Dharma. This is due to reasons of upholding discipline.

When Arjuna tried to refuse Ulūpi's request, she assured him that it won't be a violation of Dharma if he accepts her request. It would only save a woman who asks for love. Commentators say that the promise to Nārada was specific with reference to Draupadī. Also, Arjuna was not a sannyāsi, he was a Gṛhastha and a kṣatriya.

When Arjuna asked King Chitravāha to give his daughter Chitrāngada to him, he was happy, knowing that Arjuna was Kunti's son. He then narrated the story of an ancient king of his clan Prabhanjana, who did severe penance to Lord Shiva. Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva blessed him with a boon that everyone of his clan will get a child. King Chitravāha got a girl and so he performed a ritual called Putrikā. As a result, her son will be the his successor. He sought Arjuna's approval to give their (Arjuna's and Chitrāngada's) son as Kanyāśulkam to which Arjuna agreed.

Those water bodies were inhabited by five crocodiles, who were all Apsara women, cursed by a Brāhmaṇa. Attracted by his splendour when he was deep in meditation, they had tried to distract him and he of one-pointed mental disposition cursed them in anger to be born as Crocs and live for 100 years until an exalted person will drag them out of the waters. Then their curse will end. This was confirmed by sage Nārada also.

Bhagavan told Arjuna that if a svayamvara was organised, it could turn out risky, as one did not know what was in Subhadrā's mind. In the case of Kṣatriyas forceful abduction of a girl they liked is admired. Thus they planned and executed the abduction successfully.

It was Bhagavān Kṛshṇa who endorsed Arjuna's act as appropriate and his abduction of Subhadrā was in keeping with kṣatriya dharma. He knew well that he cannot give wealth and get Subhadrā as we don't covet wealth. He wouldn't have liked like to take her in marriage (through Kanyā Dānam) without exhibiting his valour. Thus he had not insulted but rather enhanced the reputation of the family. No one other than the Trinetra Lord Shiva can conquer him.

The son born to Arjuna and Subhadrā was one with long hands and broad chest. He was called Abhimanyu and this meant one who is fearless and wrathful against his enemies.

The UpaPāṇḍavas were given names based on sound reasons: Prathivindhya (as he was immoveable in battle as the Vindhyas), Sutasoma (after Bhīma's 1,000 Soma yagnas), Śrutakarman (after Arjuna's feats, penance etc. during the exile), Śatānīka (after a celebrated Rishi in Kuru clan) and Śrutasena, (after he was born in Lord Muruga's star - Krithika)

The Brāhmaṇa revealed himself to be Agni Deva, with a voracious appetite. He wanted to consume the entire Khāndava forest which was protected by Indra. He then narrated the story of King Śvetaki who did yagnas for many many years, making Agni lose his effulgence by pouring copious amounts of ghee.