The Princess of Vidarbha
In the kingdom of Vidarbha, King Bhīṣmaka ruled with wisdom and dignity. His daughter, the radiant Rukmiṇī, was known throughout Bhārata for her divine beauty, unmatched character, and deep devotion to Lord Kṛṣṇa.
From her early youth, Rukmiṇī had heard of Kṛṣṇa’s divine pastimes—how He lifted Govardhana Hill, killed Kaṁsa, humbled proud kings, and showered love upon the gopīs. She had never seen Him, yet her heart belonged to Him completely.
“He alone is my Lord, my eternal husband,” she vowed silently.
Rukmi’s Plot and the Arranged Marriage
But Rukmiṇī’s brother, Rukmī, was arrogant and proud. He despised Kṛṣṇa and wanted Rukmiṇī to marry Śiśupāla, the envious king of Cedi, who had long harbored hatred toward the Lord.
Against her will, Rukmiṇī’s marriage was arranged to take place soon.
Desperate, Rukmiṇī wrote a secret letter to Kṛṣṇa, pouring out her heart. She entrusted it to a reliable brāhmaṇa and said:
“If Kṛṣṇa does not come for me now, I shall give up my life.”
The Message to Kṛṣṇa
The brāhmaṇa traveled swiftly to Dvārakā and reached Kṛṣṇa’s palace. There, in privacy, he read the heartfelt letter:
“O Mukunda! I have chosen You as my husband in my heart. Come and take me before Śiśupāla’s hand touches mine. If You do not come, I shall end this life of mine. Take me the way a lion takes his mate, defeating all jackals.”
Kṛṣṇa smiled. His heart melted with affection.
He turned to the brāhmaṇa and said:
“Yes, I shall come. Let Śiśupāla and Rukmī try to stop Me if they can!”
He immediately ordered His chariot and sped toward Vidarbha, accompanied by a few warriors but with great resolve.
Rukmiṇī’s Visit to the Temple
On the morning of the wedding, Rukmiṇī went to worship Goddess Ambikā, as was the custom. With her sakhīs, she walked gracefully to the temple—her heart praying for only one thing:
“O Mother! Let Śrī Kṛṣṇa come before it is too late.”
As she emerged from the temple, her heart skipped a beat—Kṛṣṇa was there, standing by His chariot like a golden mountain of grace.
The Divine Abduction
Before the stunned crowd could react, Kṛṣṇa swept Rukmiṇī onto His chariot—like a lion seizing its mate—and drove away swiftly.
The kings, led by Śiśupāla, Jarāsandha, and Rukmī, roared in fury and pursued Kṛṣṇa. A terrible battle followed.
Rukmī, enraged by the humiliation, caught up with Kṛṣṇa and challenged Him. But the Lord, wielding His bow with divine power, defeated Rukmī effortlessly and was about to kill him.
But Rukmiṇī pleaded:
“Please spare him, my Lord. He is my brother.”
Out of love for Rukmiṇī, Kṛṣṇa cut off Rukmī’s hair and armor, dishonoring him but sparing his life.
The Wedding in Dvārakā
Kṛṣṇa returned to Dvārakā with Rukmiṇī, where a grand royal wedding was held. The city was decorated with flowers, music resounded in every street, and the gods themselves showered flowers from the sky.
Kṛṣṇa and Rukmiṇī were married amidst joyous celebration, as the Yādavas welcomed their new queen—the goddess of fortune herself.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- True devotion never goes unheard. Rukmiṇī had never seen Kṛṣṇa, yet her pure love invoked His presence.
- The Lord protects and responds to His devotees—even against mighty odds.
- Love for Kṛṣṇa is a sacred vow, not based on social customs but on the eternal relationship of the soul with the Lord.
- Even the proud and powerful like Rukmī and Śiśupāla cannot stop the will of the Lord.
- Rukmiṇī is the ideal of śuddha-bhakti, representing the soul’s deep longing to be united with God.
Origin of the Story: Harivaṁśa Purāṇa – Viṣṇu-parva, Chapters 96–98
