Rukmini was the only daughter of Bhismaka, King of Vidarbha. She had decided to marry Krishna, but her eldest brother, Rukma wished her to marry Shishupala, King of Chedi, and persuaded his father also to agree. When preparations for the marriage began at Kundinapura, she sent a messenger to Krishna telling him of her resolve to die if he did not take her away and marry her. Krishna set off immediately. Balarama guessed his intention and followed with a huge force to protect him from the enemies who would certainly attack him. Rukmini came out from a temple after prayers and, seeing Krishna’s chariot, ran into it. As they took off, Rukma’s force gave a hot chase. Balarama had arrived. A great battle took place and Rukma was defeated. His offer to join first the Pandavas and then the Kauravas for war was brushed off by them. No one wanted a disloyal brother!
Rukmini
