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The story revolves around Princess Rukmani's desire to marry Shri Krishna despite her brother's objections, leading to an adventurous and divine union in the kingdom of Vidarbha.
Characters in the story:
Lord Krishna: Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and revered deities in Hinduism. He is worshiped as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu and is known for his divine teachings in the Bhagavad Gita and for his role in the epic Mahabharata.
Rukmani: Rukmani is a virtuous and beautiful princess, an incarnation of Lakshmi, whose heart is set on marrying Shri Krishna despite her brother’s objections. Her devotion and unwavering love for Krishna lead to a divine and adventurous journey.
Rukmi: Rukmi is Princess Rukmani’s eldest brother, who favors her marriage with Shishupal, creating a conflict with her true desire to wed Shri Krishna.
Shishupal: Shishupal is a character in Hindu scriptures known for his enmity towards Lord Krishna and his arrogance. He was a cousin of Krishna and frequently clashed with him throughout their lives. He is also considered to be the third and last birth of Vishnu’s gatekeeper Jaya.
Balrama: Balrama is the elder brother of Lord Krishna, known for his immense strength, loyalty, and wisdom. He plays a crucial role in supporting and guiding Krishna throughout their divine adventures.
In the kingdom of Vidarbha, King Bhishmak had five sons and one daughter named Rukmani. Rukmani, an incarnation of Lakshmi, was a beautiful and virtuous princess. Her eldest brother Rukmi desired that she marry Shishupal, but Rukmani’s heart belonged to Krishna.
Shishupal, Krishna’s cousin, had a history of frequent clashes with him throughout their lives.
Feeling distressed by her brother’s wishes, Rukmani confided in a Brahmin named Sudev, who often visited the palace. She asked Sudev to deliver a letter to Krishna expressing her desire to be with him. In her letter, Rukmani praised Krishna’s virtues and beauty, stating that she sought a union with him and not a lustful person. She described her devotion and the good deeds she had performed, promising to bring divine wealth and surrender to his feet. Rukmani also revealed that she worshiped at the Parvati temple daily and asked Krishna to take her away from there.
Upon receiving Rukmani’s heartfelt letter, Shri Krishna wasted no time and set off for Vidarbha overnight. The people of Vidarbha were elated to see the divine Krishna and welcomed him warmly. Sudev informed Rukmani of Krishna’s arrival, and she was overjoyed to hear that he had accepted her love. Eager to serve him, Rukmani asked Sudev what she could do for Krishna, to which he replied that Krishna expected nothing from her.
Meanwhile, Shishupal, along with Jarasandh and other kings, arrived at the palace. He was anxious about Krishna taking Rukmani away. Rukmi assured Shishupal that he had made elaborate arrangements to prevent any such occurrence.
Rukmani visited the Parvati temple as usual, but in her heart, she was only thinking of Krishna. As she descended from the temple, the kings present couldn’t resist lusting after her beauty. However, with a single glance, Rukmani rendered them unconscious.
Krishna then took Rukmani by her hand, placing her in his chariot, and they headed towards Dwarka. When the kings regained their senses, they realized that Rukmani had been taken.
As Shishupal seethed with anger, the other kings tried to console him, encouraging him to regain his composure and prepare for a confrontation with Krishna.
In Dwarka, Balrama was worried when Krishna hadn’t returned by evening. Upon learning what had happened, Balrama led an army to Vidarbha and easily dispersed the kings’ forces, leaving only Shishupal behind. Rukmi, Rukmani’s brother, attempted to fight Krishna but was quickly subdued and tied to a pillar. Overwhelmed by the fear of defeat, Shishupal hastily fled from the scene.
Rukmani pleaded with Krishna to release her brother, and Balrama suggested that since Rukmi was now Krishna’s brother-in-law, he should be set free. Following Balrama’s advice, Krishna untied Rukmi, and he was allowed to leave.
Krishna, now planning his wedding, sent a letter to his foster father, Nand Baba, requesting him to join the celebration. However, Nand Baba refused, feeling sad that Krishna had not returned to Gokul. Upon hearing this, Krishna went to Gokul and asked Yashodha Ma to come to Dwarka for the marriage. Nand Baba, Yashodha, Gopis, and others from Gokul finally arrived in Dwarka. And, the grand wedding of Shri Krishna and Rukmani took place in Madhavpur, near Dwarka, marking the beginning of a divine union.
The story of Shri Krishna and Rukmani teaches us several valuable life lessons. It reminds us that true love knows no boundaries and can conquer any obstacles. Rukmani’s unwavering devotion, selflessness, and purity of heart demonstrate the power of sincerity in relationships. Krishna’s swift action and determination highlight the importance of standing up for what we believe in. Moreover, the story underlines that beauty lies not just in appearances but in the virtuous qualities of a person. Ultimately, it shows us the significance of trust, faith, and surrendering to a higher power in finding fulfillment and happiness in life.
