Rukmini (orRukmani) is the principalwife and queen of theHinduGodKrishna, the king ofDwaraka. Krishna heroically kidnapped her and eloped with her to prevent an unwantedmarriage at her request and saved her from an evilShishupal (described in theBhagavata Purana). Rukmini is the first and most prominent queen of Krishna. Rukmini is also considered an avatar of Lakshmi.
Rukmini wrote what is claimed to be theworld's first love letter toKrishna, revealing her affection for him. - Anjali H. Desai
According to HARIVAMSA PARVA (2-59-37) part of mahabharat, When Krishna saw Goddess Rukmini before marriage with his yogic power. At that time Rukmini was 16 years old. She was of white complexion. Her eyes were long and beautiful. This meant that she was more than 16 years of age at the time of marriage.[1]
Rukmini was the daughter of Bhīshmaka, the Vidarbha king. Having heard unstinting praises of Krishna, then ruling over Dvaraka, from several visiting sages and others, Rukmini had decided that she would marry Krishna only. As her elder brother was not favourably disposed towards Krishna, she was betrothed to Shushupala, the Chedi king and the date of the marriage was also close at hand. Rukmini got perturbed and sent a message to Krishna through a dependable Brahmana, requesting him to come and take her away by force. Rukmini's Message (abridged version): "O Lord of unparalleledbeauty in all the threeworlds! From the time I first heard of Your excellence, I had fallen for You and Your glories, entering through my ears, have been cooling down my body which was yearning for You. The only benefit in havingeyes is to be able to see Your form. I am yours and please do not allowShishupala or to hers to claim me. May all the vows observed and theworship done to the Lord, the Guru and others resulting in granting thisdesire of mine. Before I am married to Shishupala tomorrow, please comeincognito along with Your army chiefs and carry me away by force. You are the one the dust of whose holy feet is desired by even LordShiva for destroying hisTamoguna. Now that I have known about you, if I do not get your Grace in this birth, I shall die pining for You with my body starved by rigorous discipline birth after birth till You relent and accept me.
Rukmini wrote what is claimed to be theworld's first love letter toKrishna, revealing her affection for him.
Anjali H. Desai in:India Guide Gujarat, India Guide Publications, 2006, p. 58.
Complete text of the letter. O the infallible and the mosthandsome One! Having heard Your qualities, which enter through the path ofears and absolve away the pains oflife and having heard about Your handsome appearance, which is the only asset of theeyes of living beings with eyes, myheart is accepting You as aconsort leaving behind shyness.||1|| OMukunda, the lion (best) among men! Given a chance, which composed girl from a good lineage will not wish for You as a consort; You, Who is thehappiness of the minds of people, Who is the happiness of theworld and Who is incomparable from any viewpoint — be it lineage, nature, beauty, knowledge, energy, wealth or abode.||2|| Therefore, O Lord! I have indeed accepted You as a consort and I have submitted myself to You. O lotus-eyed Krishna! Please arrive here [and accept me]; so that the prince of Chedi (Shishupala) does not takes away the property of brave You — just like ajackal should not take away the prey of a [[w:LIon|lion.||3|| If I have revered the all pervading Paramatman by social welfare (digging wells), oblations, obeying rules,penance and servingdemi-gods,saints, andpreceptor, then O Gadagraja (Krishna)! You accept me after holding my hand — instead of anyone else like the son of Damaghosa (Sisupala).||4|| O Lord, Who is unconquered! Arrive secretly inVidarbha one day before mymarriage. Then after defeating all the army-commanders from the regions of Cedi and Magadha (Sisupala and Jarasandha), marry me with the ways ofdemons by showing Yourvalor and conqueringpower.||5|| If You are wondering that how will you conquer me without killing the women and relatives inside my palace, then I am telling You a way out. As per an oldtradition, there is a grand fair before the marriage, during which the bride goes out to the temple ofGirija forprayers.||6|| O lotus-eyed Krishna! If I don’t achieve the dust of Your feet, which is sought after by incomparable Ones likeUmapati (Shiva), then I will destroy mylife. If the service of Your feet is not achieved in this life, then I will take hundreds of birth and do penance; I am sure I will achieve Your lotus feet some day.||7||
Seven stanzas of the Letter written by Rukmini to Krishna, as in the original text, translated to English fromBamain:Bhagavat PuranaMessage of Rukmini, India Guide Gujarat], stutimandal.com
As told in theKrishnaStory; theeight brides [of Krishna] appear in the story in this sequence: 1) Rukmini; 2)Satyabhama and 3)Jambavati—their marriages are entwined due to a wondrous jewel derived fromSurya theSun,Kalindi,Mitravinda, 6) Satya orNagnajiti, 7)Bhadra, and 8)Lakshmana (Krishna's wife)|Lakshmana]]. This ranking consists of three sets of wives corresponding to the constituents of Krishna’s sovereign rule fromDwarka. The first set of wives signifies Krishna's majestic status: Rukmini signifies his majestySri, Satyabhama represents hisrealm (bhumi), and intertwined with her is Jambavati,who signifies hisvictory.
And sixteen thousand portions of thosegoddesses became, O king, in thisworld of men, the wives ofVasudeva. And a portion ofSri herself became incarnate onearth, for the gratification ofNarayana, in the line ofBhishmaka. And she was by name the chaste Rukmini.
Sacred Hindu lore abounds with tales ofSatyabhama showing off herwealth to spite Krishna's other wife, Rukmini, who was extremely poor; she had eloped withKrishna with no gifts from herfather's house.
Narada once came toKrishna's palace foralms. Krishna's queens offered him anything he wished. "I want Krishna," he said. Horrified by this request, Krishna'seight wives asked Narada to ask for anything else but Krishna. "Give me something else worth Krishna in weight. So the queens made Krishna sit on one pan of a balance and wondered what they could put on the other pan that was as heavy as Krishna. Some queens brought fruits, others brought books — but nothing seemed to balance Krishna's weight.Satyabhama ordered her servants to bring all her jewelry. Even that could not balance Krishna's weight. Finally, Rukmini placed on the pan a sprig of thew:Ocimum tenuiflorumtulsi plant, saying, "Thissymbolizes mylove for Krishna." Instantly, thebalance tilted in Rukmini s favor. Her love was worth much more than Satyabhama'sgold.
Devdutt Pattanaik in: "The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine", p. 26-27.
The 2,500-year-old Rukmini temple stands alone on a barren land two kilometres outside the town ofDwarka.... -The Hindu.
Bhu andShri are consideredearthly andheavenly manifestations of Laxmi, goddess ofwealth andfortune. WhenVishnu descended upon the earth in the form of Krishna, they joined him as Rukmini and Satyabhama and theirquarrels continued.
Devdutt Pattanaik in: "The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine", p. 36.
The 2,500-year-old Rukmini temple stands alone on a barren land two kilometers outside the town ofDwarka. The reason for this distance is said to be acurse by the infamousDurvasa rishi. The story syas: While pulling Durvasa’s chariot, Rukmini got so thirsty that she drankwater without offering it to her guest, Durvasa. This angered him and he cursed Rukmini to be separated from her beloved husband.
Every one of her forms is specifically female – most distinctly asRadha,Sita and Rukmini who are consorts of various forms ofVishnu. She isprithvi the divine feminine embodied as motherearth... the gods proclaim: You exist as little girls in theirchildhood, As young women in theiryouth, And as elderly women in theirold age.
That steadfast Kama, begotten ofVasudeva [Krishna] inRukmini, that one who was known as the destroyer ofSambara, was the handsomePradyumna who looked like Kama.
Rukmini fell inlove with Shri Krishna. Her parents agreed to her choice. But her brother Rukmi was an enemy of Sri Krisna. Rukmi desired to give his sister to Sisupala. The date of the marriage was fixed and the heart was burning within Rukmini. She sent aBrahmin asmessenger to Krishna.
Sri Devi (Laksmi) by her portions, took birth in theearth as Rukmini in the family ofBhismaka.
WhenVishnu took birth as Shri Krishna, she was Rukmini.
It was in thekingdom of Vidarbha thatLakshmi Devi took birth as Rukmini during the incarnation of Shri Krishna. To Bhismaka, the King of Vidarbha, five sons beginning withRukmi, were born. The sixth was a daughter who was named Rukmini. She grew up into abeautiful damsel.
Rukmini fell inlove with Shri Krishna. Her parents agreed to her choice. But her brother Rukmi was an enemy of Sri Krisna. Rukmi desired to give his sister to Shishupala. The date of the marriage was fixed and the heart was burning withinRukmini. She sent aBrahmin asmessenger to Krishna.
...While preparations were being made to give Rukmini to Sisupala, Sri Krisna took her in hischariot and quickly left the place. All the other kings who ran after Shri Krishna to fight had to confront with the mighty army of Balabhadra, who defeated the kings and returned to Dvaraka.
The time of marriage drew near. The kings of Ahga, Kalinga, Malava, Kekaya, Vanga, Magadha, Kosala, Salva, Cola, Pandya, Kerala and so on took their seats in the nuptial hall. Sri Krisna andBalabhadra came with theirarmy. The army under the leadership of Balabhadra remained behind and Shri Krishna went alone to the nuptial hall. While preparations were being made to give Rukmini to Shishupala, Shri Krishna took her in hischariot and quickly left the place. All the other kings who ran after Sri Krisna to fight had to confront with the mighty army of Balabhadra, who defeated the kings and returned to Dwaraka.
Ten sons were born to Sri Krisna by Rukmini. They werePradyumna, Charudesna, Sudesna, Charudeha, Sucharu, Charugupta, Bhadracharu, Charuchandra, Charubhadra and Charu.
After thedeath of Shri Krishna, Arjuna visitedDvaraka. Seeing the dilapidated city without rulers and the women without husbands, he cried aloud. Rukmini Devi ran to him and consoled him and seated him on a golden chair.
After the death of Shri Krishna, Rukmini prayed to god Vishnu to take her as she was incrimination of Goddess Lakshmi.
Vishwakarma built a palace for Shri Krishna at the instance ofIndra. The highest dome of it is covered withgold. So this dome dazzled as the peak of Mahameru. It was this dome that was set apart for his beloved wife Rukmini by Sri Krishna.
Just as Rukmini'smind is fixed on Me, My mind is fixed on her. I can't evensleep atnight. I know thatRukmi, out of envy, has forbidden ourmarriage. She has dedicated herself exclusively to me and herbeauty is flawless. I will bring her here after thrashing those worthless kings inbattle, just as one brings a blazing flame out of firewood.
KingBhishmaka, the master ofKundina, having succumbed to the sway ofaffection for his son, was about to give his daughter to Sisupala. The King saw to all the required preparations. Maharaja Bhishmaka worshiped the forefathers, demigods and brahmanas, feeding them all properly. Then He had the traditionalmantras chanted for the well-being of the bride. The bride [Rukmini] cleaned her teeth and bathed, after which she put on theauspicious wedding necklace. Then she was dressed in brand-new upper and lower garments and adorned with most excellent jeweled ornaments.
Raja Damaghosha, lord ofChedi, had also engaged brahmanas expert in chanting mantras to perform allrituals necessary to assure his son'sprosperity.
Bhishmaka, the lord of Vidarbha, came out of the city and met King Damaghosha, offering him tokens of respect. Bhishmaka then settled Damaghosha in a residence especially constructed for the occasion.
Shishupala's supporters -- Salva,Jarasandha,Dantavakra and Viduratha - all came, along withPaundraka and thousands of other kings.
IfKrishna comes here withBalarama and the otherYadus to steal thebride, we shall band together and fight Him.
Shishupala's supporters went to the wedding with their entire armies and a full complement of military conveyances.
WhenLord Balarama heard about these preparations of the inimical kings and how Lord Krishna had set off alone to steal the bride, he feared that a fight would ensue. Immersed in affection for His brother, He hurried toKundina with a mightyarmy consisting of infantry and of soldiers riding onelephants,horses andchariots.
Alas, mywedding is to take place when the night ends! How unlucky I am! Lotus-eyed Krishna does not come. I don't know why. And even the brahmana messenger has not yet returned. Perhaps the faultless Lord, even while preparing to come here, saw something contemptible in me and therefore has not come to take my hand. I am extremely unfortunate, for thecreator is not favorably disposed toward me, nor is the greatLord Siva. Or perhaps Siva's wife,w:DevIDevi, who is known asGauri,Rudrani,Girija andSati, has turned against me.
Rukmini, whosemind had been stolen by Krishna, out of anxiety, awaiting the arrival of Krishna, closed her tear-filled eyes, remembering that there was still time.
As the bride thus awaited the arrival ofGovinda, she felt atwitch in her leftthigh,arm andeye. This was asign that something desirable would happen.
...brahmana, following Krishna's order, came to see thedivinePrincess Rukmini within the inner chambers of the palace. Noting the brahmana's joyful face and serene movements, saintly Rukmini, who could expertly interpret such symptoms, inquired from him with a pure smile. The brahmana announced to her the arrival ofLord Yadunandana and relayed the Lord's promise to marry her.
The King [Bhishmaka], upon hearing that Krishna and Balarama had come and were eager to witness his daughter's wedding, went forth with abundant offerings to greet Them asmusic resounded.
Rukmini, and no one else, deserves to become His wife, and He also, possessing such flawless beauty, is the only suitablehusband for Princess Bhaishmi.
The people of the city.
Lifting theprincess onto His chariot, whose flag bore theemblem ofGaruda,Lord Madhava drove back the circle of kings. WithBalarama in the lead, He slowly exited, like a lion removing his prey from the midst of jackals.
Rukmini appeared as enchanting as the Lord'sillusory potency, who enchants even the sober and grave. Thus the kings gazed upon her virginbeauty her shapely waist, and her lovely face adorned with earrings. Her hips were graced with a jewel-studded belt, her breasts were just budding, and her eyes seemed apprehensive of her encroaching locks of hair. She smiled sweetly, her jasmine-bud teeth reflecting the glow of her bimba-red lips. As she walked with the motions of a royalswan, theeffulgence of her tinkling ankle bells beautified her feet.
On the pretext of theprocession, Rukmini displayed herbeauty for Krishna alone. Slowly she advanced the two moving lotus-whorls of her feet, awaiting the arrival of the Supreme Lord. With the fingernails of her left hand she pushed some strands of hair away from her face and shyly looked from the corners of her eyes at the kings standing before her. At that moment she saw Krishna. Then, while His enemies looked on, the Lord seized the princess, who was eager to mount His chariot.
Lifting theprincess onto His chariot, whose flag bore theemblem ofGaruda,Lord Madhava drove back the circle of kings. WithBalarama in the lead, He slowly exited, like a lion removing his prey from the midst of jackals.
Rukmini was a greatbeauty, and the daughter of the king of Vidarba. She was also very clever. When she was of a marriageable age, her father kingBheeshmaka, summoned his ministers and asked them to suggest suitable alliances. They recommendedVasudeva’s sonKrishna as suitablegroom.As per the message, Krishna arrived there in his chariot. Rukmini’s mother handed her over to Krishna. Krishna and Rukmini left in his chariot. The news spread. Rukmi was furious....Krishna won the battle and they were defeated disgracefully. He arrived atDwarka with Rukmini. He married her amidst the joy ofearth dwellers as well ascelestials.
Rukmini was a greatbeauty, and the daughter of the king of Vidarbha. She was also very clever. When she was of a marriageable age, her father kingBheeshmaka, summoned his ministers and asked them to suggest suitable alliances. They recommendedVasudeva’s sonKrishna as suitablegroom.
In: p. 32-33.
The king was convinced, when he heard of Krishna's achievements andvalour. ButRukmi who was her brother refused.
In: p. 33.
I cannot give my sister in marriage to one who plays on the flute. He has no spate status. I had like her to marry Shishupala, the king of Cheddi
The Councillors did not want to go againstRukmi. The father could also not refuse. As they could not argue against Rukmi, they all kept quiet. Rukmi sent a message toSihshupala immediately. He also took care of the marriage arrangements. But, Rukmini was very sad as she had dreamt of Krishna as her husband. She started crying at herfate. Herfriends tried to console her. Her mother asked her topray toKrishna and surrender to his will. Then they heard a celestial voice: "Dear girl, don't worry! Send a good messenger toDwaraka, Krishna will come and take you away in a chariot." Rukmini was pleased. She sent for a special messenger.
In: P. 33.
When the next day dawned, Shishupala arrived in his chariot with his friends.Jarasandha and Saluva accompanied him.Rukmi received them with open hands and was very thrilled.
In: P. 33.
The wedding arrangements continued. Rukmini was getting upset as the time for wedding approached. Hermother consoled her. She was decorated like a bride. She went with her friends toDurga's temple. Her mother went along with them.
In: P. 33.
As per the message, Krishna arrived there in his chariot. Rukmini’s mother handed her over to Krishna. Krishna and Rukmini left in his chariot. The news spread. Rukmi was furious. Jarasandha, Saluva, Sisupala and Dhandhavakra started fighting with Krishna. They wanted to kill him and take Rukmini back. Krishna won the battle and they were defeated disgracefully. He arrived atDwarka with Rukmini. He married her amidst the joy ofearth dwellers as well ascelestials.
In: P. 34.
Krishna was seated with his wife Rukmini.Saint Narada visited him. Krishna greeted him with great warmth.
In: P. 41.
I've brought the Parijatha flower, from the celestialworld, and I'd like to give it to you.
Saint Narada to Krishna
Krishna took it from him and handed over to Rukmini. She adorned her hair with it. Narada took leave of them and went directly toSatyabhama.
Bama you seem to be thinking of Krishna always, but he seems to be more fond of Rukmini.
I'd like to confirm this statement. I gave theParijathaflower toKrishna and he gave it to no one but Rukmini. Do you understand that he loves Rukmini more? When she heard this,Bama got angry with Krishna. She wasjealous of Rukmini.
After manynights of patient waiting, an exhausted Rukmini had in a comparatively happy moment asked her husband, “Lord, am I married to the king ofDwarka. Are you the same person to whom I wrote aloveletter and surrendered mylife to? Will you forever worry about others and never think about your wife? Have you ever pondered to think what I desire or what are my expectations of you...?
In: p. 19.
As she climbed the staircase,Draupadi recalled her first visit to the palace after Krishna married Rukmini. She remembered the elaborate welcome ceremony Rukmini had organized in her honour...Draupadi experienced a difference in fragrance to the customary ritual after she was welcomed by Rukmini inDwarika...She was showered withflowers andpearls before she could step inside the gate.
Rukmini said folding her hands in anamaskar. There was a mischievoussmile on her face that day.
In: p. 149
Rukmini was younger toDraupadi and much younger toKrishna. When she failed in her attempts to dissuade brotherRukmin from arranging heralliance with King Shishupal, she wrote a letter to Krishna carried over by a Brahmin called Suden. That letter from Rukmini entailed merely seven shlokas.
_LACMA_M.85.283.8.jpg)
_-_The_Marriage_of_Krishna_and_Rukmini_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg)
