Story of Rukmini and Krishna
Lord Krishna is known to have eight wedded wives (queens), who are known as the “Ashtabharya.” Ashta’ means eight, and ‘Bharya’ means wife. Thus, according to Hindu Scriptures, these ashtabharya describe the eight main queens and dearest wives of our beloved Lord Krishna, whose names are Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Mitravrinda, Nagnajiti, Satya, Bhadra and Lakshana.
However According to the Vishnu Purana, Lord Krishna married 16100 princesses who were captives of the demon Narakasura
I am writing this series to talk about Ashtabharya, so, let’s read the story of the first ashtabharya Rukmini and Krishna.
The First Ashtabharya Rukmini and Krishna
Rukmini was a beautiful princess and daughter of the King of Vidharbha named Bhishmaka.
She was kind, smart, and had a heart of gold.
Rukmini heard about the heroic deeds of Lord Krishna, the prince of Dwarka, from a sage who used to visit her regularly, his detailed narration about krishna’s deed made her fell in passionate love with him, having a deep desire to marry him.
But there was a problem! Rukmini had five elder brothers; among them, Rukmi was the eldest. He wanted Rukmini to be married to Shishupala, the King of chedi.
Rukmi wanted to maintain a close allaince with King Jarasandha as he was his friend and seeing her sister marrying his enemy Krishna will make Jarasandha furious. While, Shishupala, was a close associate of Jarasandha thus Rukmini marrying him will make the latter happy.
Rukmini was against the decision of his brother, as she already considered Krishna as his sole partner.
and she was forced to accept the proposal, but she did not want marriage to proceed. She was in distress, but she didn’t give up. She sent a secret letter to Krishna via a Brahmana.
Rukmini’s Secret Letter
The letter narrates: My dearest Lord Krishna, I have heard so much about your kindness and bravery. Rukmin, my eldest brother, has fixed my marriage with Shishupala, and I do not want to marry him. Please help me! I request that you meet me at the Goddess Ambika temple and marry me. I want to be your companion in life.
Lord Krishna’s Reactions to Rukmini’s Letter
Krishna decided to visit Kingdom Vidarbha with his friend Arjuna to help Rukmini, as per her request. He asked Arjuna to bring Rukmini to the Ambika temple. Arjuna portrays himself as a girl named Brihannala to enter the princess palace. However, he was caught abducting her, and he got himself into a fight with Rukmi.
Arjuna, the third pandava, succeeds in bringing the princess and Rukmi to the border of her kingdom, where Krishna was waiting with his brother Balaram. Krishna wanted to kill him for controlling Rukmini’s life, but the princess was a pure soul; she did not want to kill her brother, so she asked Krishna to spare his life.
However, Krishna shaved Rukmin’s head with his Sudarshan Chakra as a punishment so that he could understand what he was doing was wrong. Thereafter, Lord Krishna married the princess in the presence of his friend Arjuna and his elder brother Balarama. On reaching the Kingdom of Dwarka, Rukmini was welcomed with great enthusiasm and love from everyone
Significance of the relationship of Rukmini and Krishna
The relationship between Rukmini and Krishna holds profound significance in Indian culture, Hindu Scriptures, and our spiritual philosophy, particularly within the framework of the Bhagavata Purana, the Mahabharata, and other texts. Their relationship symbolizes divine love, unwavering devotion, and spiritual union. Rukmini’s deep faith and determination to marry Krishna highlight the power of true bhakti (devotion). Their bond represents the unity of prakriti (nature) and purusha (consciousness), emphasizing cosmic balance. As Krishna’s principal queen, Rukmini is a model of loyalty and grace, inspiring faith and the pursuit of spiritual connection in Indian culture and symbology.
