The Princess of Vidarbha
In the kingdom of Vidarbha, ruled by King Bhīṣmaka, there lived a princess of exceptional beauty, intelligence, and devotion—Rukmiṇī. She had heard of Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s glories from sages and travelers and had already surrendered her heart to Him, even before seeing Him.
Though many kings sought her hand, she desired none but Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Lord.
However, her brother Rukmī, a proud ally of Śiśupāla and Jarāsandha, arranged for her to be married to Śiśupāla, the envious king of Chedi.
Rukmiṇī’s Letter to Kṛṣṇa
One day before her arranged wedding, Rukmiṇī sent a confidential letter through a trusted brāhmaṇa to Kṛṣṇa in Dvārakā, pleading:
“O Supreme Lord of my heart, come and take me! I am Yours. If You do not come, I shall give up my life. Please rescue me before I am defiled by Śiśupāla.”
Kṛṣṇa read the letter and smiled.
The Daring Abduction
Kṛṣṇa mounted His chariot and reached Vidarbha on time. As Rukmiṇī came to the temple of Goddess Ambikā, dressed in fine garments and ornaments, surrounded by guards and maidservants, Kṛṣṇa appeared suddenly.
In one swift motion, He lifted her onto His chariot, like a lion seizing its mate, and sped away, defying the assembled kings.
Śiśupāla, Jarāsandha, and Rukmī all gave furious chase.
Kṛṣṇa Defeats Rukmī
Rukmī caught up and challenged Kṛṣṇa in battle. Despite being valiant, he was defeated and humiliated.
Kṛṣṇa spared his life out of respect for Rukmiṇī, but shaved half his head—a sign of disgrace—and let him return defeated.
The other kings returned in shame.
The Divine Marriage in Dvārakā
Back in Dvārakā, a grand marriage ceremony was held.
The citizens rejoiced as Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Rukmiṇī were wed according to Vedic rites. Rukmiṇī now became the chief queen of Dvārakā, adored by all, and a foremost mahā-devī in Kṛṣṇa’s eternal līlās.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- The Lord always protects His devotees, even if He must confront the powerful to do so.
- Rukmiṇī’s pure devotion moved the Lord to action. She is an example of śuddha-bhakti—pure, one-pointed love.
- Kṛṣṇa’s grace overrides all material obstacles when one’s heart is fully surrendered.
- Even mighty kings are powerless before the will of Bhagavān and the strength of true devotion.
Origin of the Story: Harivamsa Purana – Viṣṇu-parva; Śrīmad Bhāgavatam – Canto 10, Chapters 52–54
