The Divine Princess of Vidarbha
In the royal palace of King Bhīṣmaka in Kuṇḍinapura, the capital of Vidarbha, was born a radiant and noble princess—Rukmiṇī, the very incarnation of Śrī Lakṣmī, destined to become the chief queen of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
From her youth, she heard of Kṛṣṇa’s glories, His beauty, strength, wisdom, and divine compassion. Her heart became completely absorbed in Him. Though she had never seen Him, she accepted Him as her eternal Lord and husband.
The Arranged Marriage with Śiśupāla
However, her brother Rukmī, puffed up with political ambition and enmity toward the Yādavas, arranged for Rukmiṇī to be married to Śiśupāla, the arrogant king of Cedi, who was envious of Kṛṣṇa.
Rukmiṇī, determined not to be bound to anyone but Kṛṣṇa, sent a secret brāhmaṇa messenger to Dvārakā with a letter for Śrī Kṛṣṇa. In it, she wrote:
“O lotus-eyed Lord, I have chosen You in my heart as my eternal husband. Please come before my marriage and carry me away. If You do not, I will give up my life.”
Kṛṣṇa Accepts the Call
Upon reading her message, Kṛṣṇa smiled and immediately set out in His chariot. He arrived in Kuṇḍinapura just as Rukmiṇī was leaving the temple of Ambikā (Durgā) after worship.
In one swift and graceful movement, Kṛṣṇa placed Rukmiṇī on His chariot and sped away before the eyes of thousands of stunned spectators.
Śiśupāla, Jarāsandha, and Rukmī—all allies and kings assembled for the wedding—immediately gave chase, burning with humiliation and fury.
The Duel with Rukmī
Among them, Rukmī, furious at the dishonor, caught up with Kṛṣṇa. A fierce battle ensued. Rukmī, though skilled in warfare, was quickly defeated. Kṛṣṇa, however, spared his life for Rukmiṇī’s sake, and merely shaved his head as a mark of humiliation.
Rukmī, disgraced, never returned home.
The Divine Wedding in Dvārakā
Kṛṣṇa brought Rukmiṇī to Dvārakā, where a grand marriage ceremony was held. The deities, sages, Yādavas, and all the citizens rejoiced.
Rukmiṇī became Kṛṣṇa’s chief queen, and their union became the ideal of divine love and spiritual devotion.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- The Lord always answers the sincere prayers of His devotees, especially when they surrender with pure love.
- Kṛṣṇa’s protection is not only physical but emotional and spiritual—He guards the dignity and heart of His devotees.
- A devotee’s faith and determination, like Rukmiṇī’s, can change destiny.
- Marriage, when founded on devotion to Kṛṣṇa, becomes a sacred union of divine purpose.
- Kṛṣṇa is Bhakta-vatsala—the eternal well-wisher and protector of those who take shelter in Him.
Origin of the Story: Harivamsa Purana 3 – Chapter 130: The Marriage of Kṛṣṇa and Rukmiṇī and the Humbling of Rukmī and Śiśupāla
