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Sāmba’s Marriage to Lakṣmaṇā and the Humbling of the Kauravas

Sāmba Falls in Love

Among the many sons of Lord Kṛṣṇa, Sāmba was the most charming and valiant. One day, while visiting Hastināpura, the capital of the Kauravas, Sāmba caught sight of Lakṣmaṇā, the beautiful and graceful daughter of Duryodhana.

Their eyes met, and an unspoken bond was formed. Sāmba was captivated by her divine beauty, and Lakṣmaṇā too, felt drawn to him. However, knowing the enmity between the Kauravas and the Yādavas, a formal alliance was unlikely.

The Abduction

Following the noble tradition of warriors, Sāmba decided to take Lakṣmaṇā by force, as did many great kṣatriyas of the past. As she came out of her palace accompanied by her sakhīs, Sāmba swept her onto his chariot and rode away, declaring:

“You are destined to be mine, O Lakṣmaṇā, and I shall protect you with my life.”

This bold act enraged the Kauravas. Duryodhana, Karṇa, Bhīṣma, and others immediately mounted their chariots and pursued Sāmba, who fought valiantly but was outnumbered.

He was eventually captured and imprisoned in Hastināpura.

The News Reaches Dvārakā

When the Yādavas heard of Sāmba’s arrest, they burned with fury. Many wanted to declare war, but Lord Kṛṣṇa remained calm.

Instead, Balarāma, who had just returned from pilgrimage, decided to go to Hastināpura and resolve the matter through peace, if possible—by force, if necessary.

Balarāma Confronts the Kauravas

Arriving at the Kaurava assembly, Balarāma addressed the elders with grave authority:

“Sāmba has committed no sin. In the tradition of kṣatriyas, he took Lakṣmaṇā as his bride. She too has accepted him. Release them at once.”

But the Kauravas, proud of their power and lineage, laughed and refused.

“Sāmba is but a child. He stole our princess. Let him suffer the consequences!”

Balarāma’s eyes blazed with righteous anger. He declared:

“You think your strength is greater than dharma? Then witness the power of dharma now!”

The Earth Trembles Before the Plough

Lifting His mighty plough, Balarāma began to drag the entire city of Hastināpura toward the Ganges. The earth split, the rivers surged, and the city walls began to crumble.

Panic spread among the Kauravas. Realizing their arrogance, they fell at Balarāma’s feet, begging forgiveness.

“O son of Rohiṇī, please restrain your anger! We recognize your power. Let the marriage proceed.”

They released Sāmba and Lakṣmaṇā, and a grand wedding was held, sanctified by the blessings of both the Yādavas and Kauravas.

The Return to Dvārakā

Balarāma returned to Dvārakā with the newlyweds. The Yādavas rejoiced, and Lord Kṛṣṇa embraced His son with love.

Though no blood had been shed, the pride of the Kauravas was humbled, and dharma was upheld without war.

Lessons to Be Learned:

  • True warriors uphold righteous love and dharma, even when society opposes them.
  • Balarāma represents divine justice—powerful, calm, and fierce when provoked.
  • Even great dynasties like the Kauravas can fall to pride and rise through humility.
  • When diplomacy fails, the Lord’s weapons restore balance, not with cruelty, but with justice.
  • Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma are the protectors of their devotees, and nothing escapes their divine attention.

Origin of the Story: Harivaṁśa Purāṇa – Viṣṇu-parva, Chapters 113–116