Vasudeva persuades the Vrishnis to appease Arjuna
The Vrishni clan is furious that Arjuna abducted Subhadra, seeing it as a dishonor. Krishna argues that the act was righteous, increased their lineage's honor, and that the only wise course is to appease the invincible warrior.
When all the Vrishnis began to speak angry words about Arjuna’s abduction of Subhadra, Vasudeva — Krishna — uttered words that were full of dharma (righteousness) and artha (practical wisdom).
“Gudakesha — Arjuna — has not brought dishonour to our lineage through his actions,” he said. “There is no doubt that he has increased it. Partha knows that the Satvatas never lust after riches. The Pandava also knows that the results of a svayamvara (a bride’s self-choice ceremony) are uncertain. Who can contemplate the giving away of a daughter, as if she were an animal? Which man on earth would like to sell his daughter?”
Krishna laid out his reasoning. “I think Kunti’s son saw these blemishes in the other methods. Therefore, in accordance with dharma, the Pandava abducted the lady. This alliance is appropriate. Subhadra is illustrious, Partha is equally so. Hence he abducted her by force. Who will not want Arjuna? He is born in the lineage of Bharata and the great-souled Shantanu. He is the son of Kuntibhoja’s daughter.”
Then he stated the practical, unanswerable truth of Arjuna’s power. “In all the worlds, with their Indras and Rudras, I do not see anyone who can vanquish Partha with valour, with that chariot to which my horses have now been yoked. As a warrior, Partha is swift in the use of weapons. Who is his equal?”
His conclusion was clear. “Go to Dhananjaya with a happy mind. Pacify him with extremely gentle words and make him come back. That is my view. If Partha goes to his city after forcibly vanquishing us, our fame will be destroyed. But there is no defeat in appeasement.”
On hearing Vasudeva’s words, the Vrishnis acted accordingly.