Who were Arjuna's 4 Wives? Know the Complete Mahabharata Story from Draupadi to Ulupi
Who were Arjuna's 4 wives? Why do people talk less about them?
When Arjuna is mentioned in the Mahabharata, the names of Draupadi and Subhadra come to mind first. But did you know that in the tradition of the Mahabharata, these were not the only two women in Arjuna's life?
In the stories of Arjuna's marriages, Draupadi, Ulupi, Chitrangada, and Subhadra hold a special place. The stories related to these four unfolded in different circumstances, and each relationship influenced Arjuna's life and the subsequent events of the Mahabharata.
So why is there less discussion about Arjuna's four wives compared to Draupadi and Subhadra? The reason is that the main narrative of the Mahabharata does not detail all these marriages with equal prominence. Some relationships are tied to specific regions, lineages, and important characters, while Draupadi and Subhadra have a more extensive role in the main storyline of the Mahabharata.
Let's explore the complete story of Arjuna's four wives and the interesting anecdotes associated with them.
1. Draupadi — Arjuna's Most Famous Wife
The most famous name as Arjuna's wife is Draupadi. However, according to the Mahabharata, Draupadi was the wife of all five Pandavas.
Draupadi was born from a yajna performed by King Drupada. She was extremely radiant and learned. Many kings and warriors attended her swayamvara (marriage ceremony).
Arjuna, disguised as a Brahmin, completed the difficult archery competition at the swayamvara and won Draupadi.
How did Draupadi become the wife of all five Pandavas?
When Arjuna brought Draupadi to his mother Kunti, he said that he had brought some alms. Kunti, without looking, said that whatever he had brought, all five brothers should share it.
Following this, circumstances arose such that Draupadi became the wife of all five Pandavas. This arrangement is described in the Mahabharata with religious and familial contexts.
Draupadi's relationship with Arjuna was particularly significant, but she was not solely Arjuna's wife.
2. Ulupi — The Naga Princess Who Gave Arjuna New Life
Arjuna's second important wife was Ulupi. She is described as the daughter of the Naga king Kauravya.
During their exile, Arjuna was bathing in the river Ganga at a certain spot. At that time, Ulupi took him with her to the Naga Loka (world of serpents).
Ulupi was impressed by Arjuna and expressed her desire to marry him. Arjuna considered his circumstances and his vow related to Draupadi, but Ulupi explained that their relationship would not violate that vow.
Finally, Arjuna and Ulupi were married.
Who was Ulupi and Arjuna's son?
Arjuna had a son named Iravan from Ulupi. Iravan later fought on the side of the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war and attained martyrdom.
In some traditions of South India, the story of Iravan holds special religious significance.
3. Chitrangada — The Princess of Manipur
Arjuna's third wife was Chitrangada. She was the daughter of King Chitravahana of Manipur.
During his exile, Arjuna reached Manipur. There he saw Chitrangada and wished to marry her.
King Chitravahana granted permission for the marriage with a special condition. He stated that his lineage had the right to only one heir, and the son born to Chitrangada would have to be the heir to Manipur.
Arjuna accepted this condition and married Chitrangada.
Who was Chitrangada and Arjuna's son?
Arjuna had a son named Babruvahana from Chitrangada. He later became the king of Manipur.
The story of Babruvahana becomes particularly important in the events following the Mahabharata.
4. Subhadra — Sister of Lord Krishna
Arjuna's fourth famous wife was Subhadra. She was the sister of Lord Krishna and Balarama.
During his exile, Arjuna reached Dwarka and saw Subhadra there. Arjuna and Subhadra were attracted to each other.
Arjuna wanted to marry Subhadra. Krishna supported him. After this, Arjuna took Subhadra with him.
This event is described in the Mahabharata as a 'harana vivaha' (abduction marriage), but it is important to understand here that it is not presented as a forced abduction in the modern sense. In the Mahabharata narrative, Subhadra's consent and her wishes also hold significant importance.
Who was Arjuna and Subhadra's son?
The name of Arjuna and Subhadra's son was Abhimanyu. He became one of the bravest young warriors of the Mahabharata.
Abhimanyu entered the Chakravyuh (discus formation) in the Kurukshetra war and attained martyrdom. His son Parikshit later became the successor of the Kuru dynasty.
Arjuna's Four Wives at a Glance
| Wife | Lineage / Identity | Son with Arjuna | Major Relationship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draupadi | Princess of Panchala | Shrutakarma | Wife of all five Pandavas |
| Ulupi | Naga Princess | Iravan | Connection with Naga lineage |
| Chitrangada | Princess of Manipur | Babruvahana | Connection with the royal dynasty of Manipur |
| Subhadra | Yadava royal family | Abhimanyu | Sister of Krishna |
Why do people know less about Arjuna's four wives?
The biggest reason for this is that popular Mahabharata tales often focus more on the relationships of Arjuna with Draupadi and Arjuna with Subhadra.
The events related to Ulupi and Chitrangada appear in relatively limited contexts. However, the roles of Arjuna's sons from these two are significant in the later narrative.
Furthermore, the stories of the Mahabharata have been presented differently in various languages and regional traditions. Therefore, some characters are very famous in one region, while they are less discussed in another.
Was Draupadi Arjuna's only wife?
No. This is a common misconception. According to the Mahabharata narrative, Draupadi was the wife of all five Pandavas. Marital relationships of Arjuna with Ulupi, Chitrangada, and Subhadra are also described.
Therefore, to understand Arjuna's married life, it is not enough to look only at the story of Draupadi.
What happened to Arjuna's four sons?
Shrutakarma
The son of Arjuna from Draupadi is named Shrutakarma. He was one of the sons of the five Pandavas. Along with the Upapandavas, he was also killed by Ashwatthama in a night attack.
Iravan
Ulupi's son Iravan fought on the side of the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war and attained martyrdom.
Babruvahana
Chitrangada's son Babruvahana became the king of Manipur. In a later story, he fought with Arjuna during the Ashwamedha Yajna. In this battle, Arjuna was wounded and died at the hands of Babruvahana, but Ulupi revived Arjuna with a Naga jewel or a divine remedy—this episode is described in different forms in various traditions.
Abhimanyu
Subhadra's son Abhimanyu displayed extraordinary bravery in the Kurukshetra war. After his death, his son Parikshit carried forward the Kuru dynasty.
What is the significance of Arjuna's marriages in the Mahabharata?
Arjuna's various marriages were not just personal relationships. Through them, the Pandavas' connections extended to different communities and royal dynasties.
- Draupadi: Connection with Panchala.
- Ulupi: Connection with the Naga lineage.
- Chitrangada: Connection with the royal dynasty of Manipur.
- Subhadra: Connection with the Yadava dynasty and Dwarka.
From this perspective, Arjuna's marriages also influenced the broader political and familial structure of the Mahabharata.
4 Interesting Facts Related to Arjuna's Wives
-
Draupadi was not just Arjuna's wife:
She was the wife of all five Pandavas and one of the most central female characters of the Mahabharata.
-
Ulupi was from the Naga lineage:
She was connected to the Naga Loka and later played an important role in Arjuna's life.
-
Chitrangada's son became the king of Manipur:
Babruvahana took over the kingdom of Manipur according to his maternal grandfather's wish.
-
Subhadra's son Abhimanyu's son saved the dynasty:
After Abhimanyu's death, his son Parikshit carried forward the Kuru dynasty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many wives did Arjuna have?
The main tradition of the Mahabharata describes four major marriages of Arjuna—Draupadi, Ulupi, Chitrangada, and Subhadra.
2. Who was Arjuna's most famous wife?
Draupadi was Arjuna's most famous wife, although she was the wife of all five Pandavas. Subhadra was also a very important wife of Arjuna.
3. Who was Arjuna's Naga wife?
Arjuna's Naga wife was named Ulupi. She is described as the daughter of the Naga king Kauravya.
4. Who was Arjuna and Chitrangada's son?
The name of Arjuna and Chitrangada's son was Babruvahana. He later became the king of Manipur.
5. Who was Arjuna and Subhadra's son?
The name of Arjuna and Subhadra's son was Abhimanyu, who became famous for his bravery in the Kurukshetra war.
6. Who was Arjuna and Ulupi's son?
The name of Arjuna and Ulupi's son was Iravan. He fought on the side of the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war.
7. Was Draupadi only Arjuna's wife?
No. According to the Mahabharata, Draupadi was the wife of all five Pandavas. Three other major marriages are also described in Arjuna's life.
Conclusion
Arjuna's married life is a less-discussed but extremely interesting layer of the Mahabharata. The relationships of Arjuna with Draupadi, Ulupi, Chitrangada, and Subhadra—all four—were formed under different circumstances, and each relationship influenced the subsequent narrative in some way.
Draupadi bound the five Pandavas together, Ulupi established a connection with the Naga lineage, Chitrangada linked Arjuna to the royal dynasty of Manipur, and through Subhadra, Arjuna's connection was with the Yadava dynasty. The sons born from these marriages, such as Iravan, Babruvahana, Abhimanyu, and Shrutakarma, each have their own significant stories.
Therefore, Arjuna's story can be understood not just as the tale of a great archer, but also as a vast Mahabharata character who connected numerous dynasties, cultures, and families.
Read Also
- How did Arjuna and Subhadra get married? Complete Story
- Who was Ulupi? The Wonderful Story of Arjuna and the Naga Princess
- The Complete Story of Chitrangada and Arjuna
- How did Abhimanyu learn to enter the Chakravyuh?
- 7 Lessons from the Mahabharata that are still applicable in our lives today
Today's Panchang 3 November 2026
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