Subhadra- Hindu FigureMortal"Princess of Dvaraka"
Also known as: सुभद्रा and Subhadrā
Description
Half-sister of Krishna and full sister of Balarama, spirited away from Dvaraka on Arjuna's chariot while one brother raged and the other smiled. Her son Abhimanyu learned to breach the Chakravyuha in her womb, but she fell asleep before Arjuna told how to escape it, and the boy died inside the formation.
Mythology & Lore
The Elopement
Subhadra was the youngest child of Vasudeva and Rohini, half-sister of Krishna and full sister of Balarama. She grew up in Dvaraka. Balarama wanted her married to Duryodhana. Krishna had other plans.
During a visit to Dvaraka, Arjuna fell in love with Subhadra. Krishna advised him to elope rather than seek a formal proposal Balarama would reject. Disguised as a mendicant, Arjuna spent time near the city and won her heart. Then he swept her onto his chariot and drove for the open road. The Yadava warriors gave chase. Arjuna held them at bay while Subhadra took the reins. Krishna rode after them, calmed Balarama, and persuaded him to accept the match.
The Womb and the War
Subhadra bore Arjuna a son, Abhimanyu. According to tradition, while still in Subhadra's womb, Abhimanyu overheard Arjuna explaining to his mother how to breach the Chakravyuha, the deadly circular battle formation. Subhadra fell asleep before Arjuna described how to escape it.
At Kurukshetra, Abhimanyu broke through the Chakravyuha alone. He fought inside the formation until the Kaurava generals surrounded him and killed him. He was sixteen years old.
The Three Siblings of Puri
In the Jagannath temple at Puri, Subhadra stands between Krishna and Balarama as one of three sibling deities. Each year during the Rath Yatra, their images ride towering chariots through the streets, drawing millions of pilgrims.