Rukmini, an incarnation of Laxmi, was born to king Bhismaka of the Vidharbha kingdom. She was very pretty as a child and grew up to be a beautiful princess. She was very much impressed by the stories she heard about Krishna. She fell in love with him and wished to marry him. Unfortunately, Rukmini’s elder brother Rukmi did not approve of this. He convinced Bhismaka and arranged for Rukmini’s marriage to his dear friend, Shishupala, the king of Chedi. Rukmini sent a letter to Krishna, describing the whole condition. Krishna too loved Rukmini. So, he made a plan and kidnapped Rukmini from the Parvati Temple on the day of her wedding. When Rukmi heard about this, he angrily rallied his soldiers together and left to fight against Krishna. Rukmi fired one arrow after another, but could not hurt Krishna. Krishna then killed Rukmi’s horse and destroyed his chariot. Rukmi came crashing to the ground. He tried to attack Krishna but was unsuccessful. Krishna was about to kill him. But Rukmini begged him to spare his life. Krishna loved Rukmini very much. So, he spared Rukmi’s life. Krishna then returned to Dwarka with Rukmini and married her in a grand ceremony.
KRISHNA AND RUKMINI
