Arjuna and the Gandharva Angaraparna at the Ganga

A Gandharva king bars the Pandavas from the Ganga at night; Arjuna burns his chariot, spares him at Yudhishthira's word, and receives the seeing-science, horses and the advice to take a priest.

The story, beat by beat

1. The Pandavas and Kunti reach the Ganga at night, Arjuna leading with a torch.
2. The Gandharva Angaraparna, bathing with his wives, orders them away: night belongs to his kind.
3. Arjuna answers that no one can be barred from the Ganga.
4. The Gandharva shoots; Arjuna wards the arrows with shield and torch.
5. Arjuna burns the chariot with the fire weapon and drags the Gandharva by the hair.
6. His wife Kumbhinasi begs Yudhishthira, who orders him released.
7. The Gandharva gives up his name and offers the science Chakshushi and a hundred horses for each brother.
8. Arjuna gives the fire weapon in exchange for the horses and asks for friendship.
9. The Gandharva explains they were attacked for travelling without wives, household or priest.
10. He recommends Dhaumya at Utkochaka, whom the Pandavas make their priest.

night river mercy friendship priest