Rukmi’s Humiliation and the Rise of Pradyumna
After the marriage of Rukmiṇī and Kṛṣṇa, Rukmi—her brother—vowed never to return to his kingdom due to the shame of being defeated by Kṛṣṇa. Instead, he established a new city, Bhojakaṭa, near the Vindhya mountains and settled there.
Years passed, and Pradyumna, the mighty son of Kṛṣṇa and Rukmiṇī, grew in strength and fame. Rukmi, although bearing enmity toward Kṛṣṇa, desired to maintain alliances through marriage. He thus offered his beautiful daughter Rukmavatī in marriage to Pradyumna, thereby uniting the two families through blood, if not through hearts.
The Birth of Aniruddha – A Grand Festival in Dvārakā
From the union of Pradyumna and Rukmavatī was born Aniruddha, a powerful and effulgent soul, resembling the Lord Himself. The entire city of Dvārakā rejoiced at his birth.
The oceans danced, the skies showered flowers, and sages declared that this child would be a great hero in the lineage of the Yādavas. Kṛṣṇa, with deep affection, placed the child on His lap, blessing him with the strength of His own Sudarśana-disc.
Aniruddha’s Childhood and Divine Qualities
Aniruddha, even in childhood, displayed unmatched valor, divine intelligence, and deep devotion. He was trained by sages, warriors, and elders of the Yadu dynasty and quickly became beloved by all.
His eyes sparkled like blooming lotuses, and wherever he went, people felt inspired by peace and courage. He grew up listening to stories of Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes and aspired to serve Him in every possible way.
The Worship of Lord Śiva and a Divine Boon
Once, during the festival of Mahāśivarātri, Aniruddha joined his father Pradyumna and grandfather Kṛṣṇa in observing a nightlong vigil in worship of Lord Śiva.
The family offered bael leaves, water, mantras, and prayers at the sacred shrine in Dvārakā. Pleased by their devotion, Lord Śiva personally appeared before them, mounted on Nandī.
He looked at Aniruddha with a gaze filled with affection and spoke:
“O noble child, your line is dear to me, for Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme and My master. I shall grant you a boon—may you be unconquerable in battle, and may you one day rescue dharma from a tyrant king.”
Aniruddha bowed in humility and gratitude, promising to always honor Lord Śiva as a dear servant of Kṛṣṇa.
A Glimpse of Future Glory
Lord Śiva hinted that Aniruddha would face many challenges—captivity, temptation, and battle—but his faith and valor would uphold dharma and protect devotees.
With a smile, he blessed Kṛṣṇa, Rukmiṇī, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha before vanishing in a flash of light.
The sages declared:
“From Brahmā to Śiva, all devas are aligned under the Supreme Lord Nārāyaṇa. This harmony will shine through the actions of Aniruddha, the grandson of Kṛṣṇa.”
Lessons to Be Learned:
- The Lord’s lineage continues to bless the world through divine children, each carrying forward dharma.
- Unity among great souls—even between those who once bore enmity—can bring blessings to future generations.
- Lord Śiva, though powerful and revered, is the humble servant and devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
- Worship performed in devotion and humility draws divine favor and secures spiritual protection.
- Children raised in divine remembrance naturally grow into protectors of virtue.
Origin of the Story: Harivamsa Purana 4 – Chapter 2: The Birth of Aniruddha and Lord Śiva’s Boon
