Satyabhama was proud of her good looks and of her pure love for Krishna. Yet, she was jealous of Rukmini.
One day, Sage Narada, the creator of mischief, asked Satyabhama, “Is it really true that Lord Krishna loves Rukmini more than you?” Satyabhama was shocked! “What should I do to gain His undivided attention?” she pleaded with him. Narada who was always eager to cause confusion, said, “I have a great plan to bring Lord Krishna close to you.” Satyabhama listened attentively.
Sage Narada advised Satyabhama, “Make a vow that you will hand over Lord Krishna as alms (Daan) to me. But I will allow you to trade Him in for an equivalent weight of your riches. Seeing that you are willing to trade in your wealth for Him, Lord Krishna will admire you for your sacrifice and will keep you close to Him.”
Satyabhama rushed to Lord Krishna and told Him about her unfortunate vow to Narada. Krishna patiently listened to her and nodded His head.
Satyabhama commanded to bring out the large scales and all her jewels to the garden of the palace. Soon, Lord Krishna’s other queens too hurried to the garden. Then, Satyabhama gave away Krishna as alms (Daan) to Narada. Narada then gave her the option of taking back Krishna by presenting him with an equivalent weight of riches.
Satyabhama agreed to it. She placed Lord Krishna on one plate of the scales and started piling up the gold and gemstones on the other plate.
Satyabhama kept adding more and more of her wealth on the plate of the scales, but the plate on the side of Lord Krishna did not even budge. Swallowing her pride, she begged the other wives to give her their jewels.
The wives removed every gold ornament on their bodies. However, the scale showed no signs of motion. All the gold in Dwarka was brought and piled up, but to no avail. Satyabhama was desperate to get Him back.
In desperation, Satyabhama rushed to Rukmini’s private chambers and requested for help. Rukmini plucked a single leaf of tulsi (sacred basil). Praying to Krishna, Rukmini placed the single tulsi leaf on all the piled-up wealth. The plate on which Krishna sat flew up! “Try removing your riches, Satyabhama,” Krishna said, smilingly.
Satyabhama removed all her riches until nothing but the single tulsi leaf sat on the plate. Yet, it weighed more than Krishna. “You gave all your riches to me, but there was no devotion in that offering. But Rukmini offered me a tulsi leaf with utmost love and devotion,” said Krishna.
Satyabhama was humbled. With tears in her eyes, she said to Narada, “Thank you for teaching me this lesson today. I will never underestimate the power of devotion and love towards Lord Krishna.” Narada smiled and left Dwarka, chanting Lord Krishna’s name.
