Chapter 53 - Rukmiṇī’s Marriage: Rukmiṇī carried away by Kṛṣṇa

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Śrī Śuka said:

1. Hearing the message of Rukmiṇī, the princess of Vidarbha, Kṛṣṇa, the delight of Yadus, clasped the hand of the Brāhmaṇa and laughing heartily, he spoke to him.

The Lord said:

[Bhāgavata Candrikā’s Text adds:]

1(A). Just as the most beautiful Rukmiṇī has ever fixed her heart on Me.

2. So also I too have set My heart on her. Hence I do not get any sleep at night. I know that it is due to Rukmin’s hatred against me that my marriage with her is obstructed by him.

3. As one would capture a flame after churning the fuel, I will vanquish those wretched kings in a battle and take away (as prize) that faultlessly beautiful princess who is so devoted to me.

Śrī Śuka narrated:

4. Having ascertained (from the Brāhmaṇa) the constellation under which RukmiṇīṆ marriage was to take place (viz. day after tomorrow at night. Kṛṣṇa, the slayer of the demon Madhu ordered his charioteer Dāruka to get his chariot ready forthwith.

5. Dāruka instantly brought up the chariot drawn by (the famous horses) Śaibya, Sugrīva, Meghapuṣpa and Balāhaka and stood before him with folded palms.

6. Taking up the Brāhmaṇa with him, Kṛṣṇa, mounted the chariot and with those swift horses (yoked to the chariot) he travelled from Ānarta^[1] to Vidarbha within one night.

7. Due to his weakness of being over-affectionate to his son, the king of Kuṇḍina caused all the auspicious rites connected with marriage-ceremony, with a view to give his daughter to Śiśupāla.

8-9. The city had all its streets, roads and quadrangles profusely sprinkled with water. It was decorated with banners of various kinds and buntings and arches. It was crowded by men and women who were wearing garlands of flowers, fragrant ointments and dressed themselves with immaculate clothes. They perfumed their mansions with the fumes of aloe wood (Aguru) smoke.

10. Having worshipped the manes, gods and Brāhmaṇas with due formalities and giving them a heavy feast he caused the auspicious verses recited according to formalities (to bless the bride).

11. The bride of beautiful teeth who had taken a bath and had gone through the formal auspicious preliminaries (such as wearing an auspicious thread woven with a piece of gold) was clothed in a pair of brand-new silken pieces and was beautified with excellent ornaments.

12. For the protection of the bride (from evil influences), the most prominent Brāhmaṇas pronounced mantras from the Sāmaveda, the Ṛg-Veda and the Yajur-Veda. The family-priest of the king who was expert in the Atharva-Veda offered oblations to fire for the appeasement of evil stars (and the prosperity of the house).

13. The king who was prominent among those who were well versed in Śāstric prescriptions gave as gift to Brāhmaṇas gold, silver, clothes and sesamum seeds mixed with raw sugar and cows as well.

14. In the same way king Damaghoṣa, the ruler of Cedis, caused all the religious formalities conducive to the good of his son, by Brāhmaṇas who were expert in mantras.

15. Accompanied with regiments of elephants exuding ichor, chariots decorated with garlands of gold and with armies of cavalry and infantry, he came to the city of Kuṇḍina.

16. The king of Vidarbhas went out to receive him and worshipped him with all the formalities with a gladsome heart. He lodged him in a separated mansion which was reserved for that purpose.

17. There came thousands of kings who were the allies of Śiśupāla such as Śālva, Jarāsandha, Dantavaktra, Vidūratha, Pauṇḍraka and others.

18-19 All those enemies of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma determined to see to it that the bride was secured for Śiśupāla. They decided among themselves, “In case Kṛṣṇa accompanied by Balarāma and other Yadus comes and tries to carry away the bride, we shall jointly put up a fight with him.” Having made up their minds thus, all the kings came with all their forces and vehicles there.

20-21. Hearing the report of military preparations of the hostile kings, the glorious Balarāma who came to know of Kṛṣṇa’s having gone alone to carry away the bride, apprehended a fight, and taking with him a very big army consisting of elephants, horsemen, chariots and foot-soldiers quickly rushed to Kuṇḍina, as he was overcome with brotherly affection.

22. The beautiful daughter of king Bhīṣmaka who was yearning for the arrival of Lord Hari and not seeing (any chances) of the return of the deputed Brāhmaṇa, began to think as follows:

23. “Alas! Only one night has remained for the celebration of the marriage. I am afraid I am unfortunate with little merit (to my credit). The Lotus-eyed Lord has not come as yet, nor do I know its reason. The Brāhmaṇa who was my emissary with that message, has also not returned as yet.

24. Is it that the noble-souled Lord who made preparations for coming here has seen something censurable in me and hence does not come for the acceptance of my hand?

25. To me who am unfortunate, neither god Brahmā nor god Śiva is favourable and the fair goddess Pārvatī the spouse of god Śiva, that chaste daughter of Himālayas too seems to be averse to me.”

26. While the girl whose mind was thus fixed on Lord Kṛṣṇa (as if carried away by him) was pondering thus, her eyes were bedimmed with tears. But as she knew what was proper for that particular time (viz. not shedding tears), she closed her eyes.

27. In this way, of the bride who was eagerly waiting for the coming of Lord Kṛṣṇa, the left thigh, arm, and eye began to throb indicating thereby auspicious and happy news.

28. That very excellent Brāhmaṇa who was directed by Kṛṣṇa (after his arrival in the park near Kuṇḍina) saw the glorious princess in the harem.

29. Seeing his cheerful countenance and gait with confident steps (indicating a success of his mission) the virtuous girl who was expert in guessing the indications, asked him with a broad smile.

30. He informed her that Kṛṣṇa, the delight of Yadus had arrived and assured her of his definite promise of taking her away (supra verse 3) and that he was brought in his chariot by Kṛṣṇa Himself.

31. Knowing definitely that he (Kṛṣṇa) had arrived (at Kuṇḍinapura), the princess of Vidarbha was over-joyed at heart. (In her exultation) she could not decide what gift or boon be conferred on the Brāhmaṇa for his highly valuable service. And she simply bowed down to him^[2] (and later paid him sumptuously).

.earning that both Balarāma and Kṛṣṇa had arrived out of curiosity to witness the celebration of his daughter’s marriage, king Bhīṣmaka went forth to receive them with a flourish of trumpets, taking with him proper articles of worship and presents.

33. (Being highly intelligent, he guessed that Kṛṣṇa had arrived for marrying his daughter for which he was quite willing). So he worshipped Kṛṣṇa with due formalities suitable after the arrival of the bridegroom and he brought Madhuparka (a preparation of honey and curds—a customary offer to a bridegroom after arrival on the eve of the marriage ceremony), excellent (lit. well-washed) garments and other desirable presents (of various kinds) and worshipped them as enjoined in scriptures.

34. The high-minded monarch arranged for a spacious, luxurious accommodation for them.

[Padaratnāvalī’s Text:]

34(A). It was quite spacious and suitable for them but in a garden on the outskirts of Kuṇḍinapura, as the city was overcrowded with kings like Jarāsandha and others.^[3]

35. He also arranged for the hospitable reception of Kṛṣṇa’s followers and army, in a proper manner.

36. In this way, he received all other kings who arrived there, each according to his prowess, age, military power and affluence, catering to them all that they desired.

37. Hearing that Kṛṣṇa had arrived, the citizens of Kuṇḍinapura came to see him and (as it were) drank (to their heart’s content the honey of beauty) of his lotus-face with both their eyes as if they were the joined palms for drinking).

38. (They spoke amongst themselves): ‘Only Rukmiṇī and no other girl deserves to be his consort, and he alone of faultlessly beautiful personality is the suitable consort for Rukmiṇī, the daughter of Bhīṣma.

39. May the Lord, the creator of the three worlds, be pleased with whatever little merit we possess and as his grace (showered on us) may the imperishable Lord Kṛṣṇa accept the hand of the princess of Vidarbha.”

40. While the citizens who were attached to Rukmiṇī by bonds of affection, were speaking thus with one another, the bride, guarded by soldiers, started from theharem to the shrine of Ambikā (goddess Pārvatī).

41. Deeply contemplating on the lotus-feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa, she went on foot to see and worship the foliage-like tender feet of goddess Bhavānī.

[Padaratnāvalī’s. Text adds:]

40(A). Kṛṣṇa, the delight of Yādavas went there in the company of some selected followers.

42. The bride observed silence; she was accompanied by her mothers and was surrounded by her friends (maids of honour). She was protected by the valiant royal guards clad in coats of mail and alert with their weapons uplifted.

[Padaratnāvalī’s Text:]

41(A). And she was surrounded by aged chamberlains (eunuchs) with canes indicating their office, Mṛdaṅgas, conchs, drums, trumpets and kettle-drums were sounded (during the procession.)

42. She was accompanied by thousands of prominent courtesans carrying with them a variety of offerings and articles of worship and by Brāhmaṇa women (whose husbands were alive) tastefully adorned with garlands of flowers, perfumes (or sandal paste) excellent garments and ornaments.

43. Songsters singing songs and musicians playing on their instruments as well as bards and panegyrists like Sūta, Māgadha and Bandins surrounded the bride glorifying her in songs.

44. Arriving at the shrine of the goddess^[4], she washed her lotus-like hands and feet. Purifying herself with sipping the water thrice as ācamana, she entered with a serene mind in the inner apartment—into the presence of the goddess Pārvatī.

45. Aged Brāhmaṇa ladies who were well-versed in the (pre-marital) rituals, guided the bride in the worship and paying respects to the goddess Pārvatī, the Consort of Śiva, along with god Śiva as well.

46. (Rukmiṇī prayed:) I constantly pay my respects to you Oh auspicious^[5] Mother goddess, along with your children (Gaṇeśa and Kārttikeya). May Lord Kṛṣṇa become my consort. May this prayer of mine be granted.

47. She worshipped the goddess Pārvatī in several ways by sprinkling her with water, applying sandal-paste and unbroken rice-grains, varieties of incense, with (a rich variety of) clothes, garlands of flowers, ornaments, various kinds of articles of worship and offerings (variety of edibles) and with rows of lights (waving them round her).

48. With similar articles she worshipped Brāhmaṇa women Suvāsinīs—(whose husbands are alive) in the same way, offering them salt, apūpa (fried cakes), betel leaves, maṅgalasūtra. (the sacred thread to be worn round the neck by Suvāsinīs), fruits (of various kinds) and (pieces of) sugarcane.

49. The Brāhmaṇa ladies gave her some part (of what she offered as worship to the goddess Ambikā) and gave their blessings (in addition) along with them. Rukmiṇī bowed down to them and and to the queen-mother and accepted the things offered to her (as prasāda).

50. Completing (the observance of) the vow of silence she came out of the temple of Ambikā*, clasping the hand of her servant (nurse) with her own hand resplendent with rings of precious stones.

[Padaratnāvalī’s Text adds] {after *}

50.1 Nearby was the shrine of Indra and (his consort) Śacī who were the family deities of the royal house of Vidarbha.

50.2 Rukmiṇī entered (the inner part of the shrine) in the presence of Śacī, the beloved of the lord of gods. She bowed to the feet of Śacī whose lotus-feet were not worshipped by her for a pretty long time. Then she issued out of that temple with many umbrellas being held over her and fanned by waving of a number of chowries.

51-53. The glorious warriors who assembled there found themselves tormented with the passion of love and became perplexed at seeing her, who like the deluding potency (Māyā) of the Lord, was enchanting to the warriors, with her beautiful slender waist, and countenance beautified with the earrings; she was sixteen years of age^[6], wore a girdle of precious stones around her waist: had protruding breasts (showing attainment of womanhood); her eyes were unsteady, appearing as if afraid of her over-hanging locks of hair. Beaming with bright smile, her white jasmine-bud like teeth appeared reddish as they were tinged with the splendour of her red lips-reḍ like the Bimba fruit. Her gait was like that of a royal swan and her feet were radiant with the splendour of jingling anklets.

54. Hypnotized on seeing Rukmiṇī who under the pretex of the religious pilgrimage (to the shrine of the goddess), had come to offer her beauty to Lord Hari, the kings whose hearts were captivated by her sublime smile and bashful looks, dropped down their weapons (without being aware of it), and fell senseless on the ground even though they were mounted on elephants, chariots and horses.

55. At that time, she was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Lord and hence was slowly moving (her feet resembling) a pair of lotus-buds. Removing aside her hair flowing over her eyes with her fingers, she cast bashful side-glances to have an over-view of the kings that assembled there. And Lo! she noticed him there.

56. Even while the enemies were looking on, Kṛṣṇa snatched away the princess who was desirous of ascending his chariot; he seated her in his chariot with the ensign of Garuḍa (emblem of Garuda on the flag) setting at nought the whole lot of Kṣattriyas assembled there. Kṛṣṇa, the Consort of Lakṣmī, then slowly (and fearlessly) departed from the place (to Dvārakā) with his forces headed by Balarāma, like a lion seizing his own share of prey from the midst of a pack of jackals.

57.^[7] Other proud kings under the leadership of Jarāsandha did not tolerate this discomfiture and loss of reputation (by Kṛṣṇa’s carrying away Rukmiṇī in the teeth of their opposition). They exclaimed: “Fie upon us who, although armed with bows, have been deprived of our reputation and glory by cowherds just as the lions are deprived of their kingly position by the deer.”

Footnotes and references:

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[1]:

Gujarat and a part of Malwa with Kuśasthalī or Dvārakā as the capital—GDAMI p. 7.

[2]:

Bhāvāratha Dīpikā: Or: Rukmiṇī was an incarnation of Lakṣmī, the goddess of wealth. All people who pay respects to her are bestowed with all kinds of wealth. She decided, “When I, Lakṣmī, pay respects to this Brāhmaṇa, he will automatically become more affluent than all others.”

[3]:

Probably to avoid an outbreak of conflict if the two inimical camps are accommodated in the town.

[4]:

Bhāgavata Candrikā’s v.l.—she entered the shrine of the goddess.

[5]:

Śivā—implies respects to Lord Śiva with whom she (the goddess) shares the name and person.

[6]:

Śyāmā—who had not attained puberty—Bhāvāratha Dīpikā, Bhāgavata Candrikā

[7]:

This is the 1st verse of the next chapter in Padaratnāvalī