Sri Krishna's Family

King Parikshit bowed his head and asked, "O sage, after taking the Syamantaka jewel from King Jambavan's cave and marrying Jambavati, did Krishna then start for Dwaraka from there? And what about the companions he had left at the mouth of the cave? Where were they then?"

Shukadeva Goswami replied, "Listen, Parikshit, here a problem arose. Krishna had entered the cave after leaving his companions outside. They kept waiting for Krishna for twelve days."

Outside that dark cave, the men grew restless and afraid.

One of them said, "Brother, twelve days have passed today. But Vasudeva still has not come out of the cave."

Another answered, "That is exactly the matter of worry. Come, let us go inside the cave once and see what is there."

At once someone objected, "No, no, leave it. When Vasudeva told us to wait outside, it is better to do that. There is no need to get into trouble for nothing."

Then one of them looked around and asked, "What do all of you say?"

Several agreed. "Yes, yes, you are right. What is the use of creating trouble without reason? Vasudeva is not with us to protect us either."

Still another said anxiously, "Still, let us go once and see. Let us try to find Vasudeva. Who knows in what condition he is?"

But another rebuked him. "Hey, do not be foolish. When a mighty hero like Vasudeva could not come out of there even in twelve days, do you think you and I can?"

At last one of them cried out toward the cave, "O Vasudeva, where are you?"

There was no answer.

Then one man said, "Listen, let us do one thing. Let us return to Dwaraka as fast as we can and give this news to everyone. After that, whatever everyone decides together, that will be done."

Another replied with pain, "You have spoken well. But how will we show our faces in Dwaraka? We came to the forest as Vasudeva's companions, and now we will leave him behind and go away?"

"That is why I am saying, friend," said another, "let us wait a few more days instead. If our lord returns and does not find us, he will be very hurt."

But fear was now strong among them. "And if he does not return? We are sitting like this before this unknown cave. Is there any way to know when something terrible may come out from inside the cave?"

Then the decision was made. "No, no, we must reach Dwaraka before this evening. It is very urgent to give the news about Vasudeva there."

Parikshit asked, "So they returned to Dwaraka after twelve days, Acharyadeva? What happened after that?"

Shukadeva said, "Parikshit, after twelve days they returned to Dwaraka and told everything in detail. A dark shadow of grief fell over all of Dwarakapuri. Father Vasudeva, mother Devaki, and wife Rukmini became deeply sorrowful."

The king asked softly, "And what happened to the other people of Dwaraka when they heard this news, O sage?"

"The people of Dwaraka became like stone in grief," Shukadeva said. "And not only that, they blamed Satrajit for this whole event. Then, hoping to get Krishna back, they all together began worshipping Mahamaya Shri Durgadevi. Pleased by their worship, the goddess blessed them."

Parikshit leaned forward eagerly. "Sage, when then did Krishna return to Dwaraka with Jambavati? And what did the people of Dwaraka do when they saw them return? I very much wish to know that."

Shukadeva smiled gently. "King, when the people of Dwaraka received the blessing of Goddess Mahamaya, at that very time Krishna appeared in the city. The Syamantaka jewel was shining on his neck. And beside him in the chariot sat his newly married wife Jambavati. When the people understood that Krishna had succeeded in his task, they could not contain their joy."

Parikshit asked, "Acharyadeva, after recovering the Syamantaka jewel and bringing it back, did Krishna return it to Satrajit?"

"King," said Shukadeva, "Lord Shri Krishna brought the jewel and went to the royal court of Ugrasena. There he called Satrajit. When Satrajit came to the court, Krishna told him in detail the whole story of how the jewel had been recovered and returned that jewel into his hands."

Parikshit asked, "Did Satrajit take the jewel back?"

"Yes, King," Shukadeva replied. "Satrajit took the jewel from Krishna's hand. But because he had spoken harshly against Krishna, he felt endless regret and shame. After that he began to feel that he had done wrong. He kept thinking how he could free himself from that sin."

In his mind Satrajit lamented, "I am truly short-sighted. It was not right for me to accuse Krishna. However valuable this Syamantaka jewel may be, my daughter is even more valuable to me than that. So I will offer this jewel and my daughter both into Krishna's hands."

Shukadeva continued, "Satrajit's daughter was Satyabhama. She was full of good qualities. It was hard to find another girl as beautiful and noble as she was. Many kings wished to marry her. But Satrajit made up his mind to give his daughter to Krishna, and so he went to Krishna. Asking forgiveness for his offense, he said, 'Lord, I am deeply ashamed and sorry for what I have done. As an act of repentance, I wish to place this Syamantaka jewel and my daughter Satyabhama in your hands.'"

Krishna replied, "O Satrajit, I cannot take this Syamantaka jewel. This jewel belongs to the Sun-god, and because you are his devotee, he gave it to you. So only you have the right to this jewel. We only have the right to receive the gold that comes from it. Therefore you may give us that. And I know that your daughter Satyabhama is full of many virtues, and I have no objection to accepting her hand in marriage."

Parikshit asked, "What happened after that, Acharyadeva?"

Shukadeva said, "Very soon after the marriage, news came from Hastinapura about the burning of the house of lac. You know, King, nothing is unknown to Lord Shri Krishna. So he knew that the Pandavas had not been harmed in that accident. Still, when the messenger came and gave the news that Kunti and the Pandavas had been burned in the fire of the lac house, he quickly set out for Hastinapura with Balarama."

Parikshit said, "Krishna and Balarama both left Dwaraka. Then Dwaraka was left unprotected, lord. Did no danger happen?"

Shukadeva answered, "Many people were attracted to Satrajit's daughter Satyabhama and wished to marry her. Shatadhanva was one of them. Though he was brave, his nature was very wicked. After Shri Krishna went to Hastinapura, Akrura and Kritavarma advised Shatadhanva."

They said to him, "Listen, Shatadhanva, even after we expressed our wish again and again, Satrajit did not marry Satyabhama to any of us. You too are not an unworthy groom. Yet he did not give her to you either, and instead married his daughter to that Krishna. This injustice cannot be accepted. Krishna and Balarama are both absent from Dwaraka now. This is the best time to take revenge on Satrajit."

Shatadhanva answered, "Right. Right. I will never accept this injustice. But how shall I take revenge? Satyabhama is now Krishna's wife. Satyabhama can no longer be gained."

Then they said, "Then kill Satrajit and take away the Syamantaka jewel he keeps with him."

Shatadhanva said, "Yes. I will do that. Satrajit has deceived us. Now his end is near."

Shukadeva said, "King, death itself was close over the sinful Shatadhanva. So, under the urging of others, his mind became confused. He killed the sleeping Satrajit and fled away with the Syamantaka jewel."

Parikshit asked in sorrow, "Sage, where was Satyabhama then?"

"Parikshit," Shukadeva replied, "Satyabhama was in that house at that time. Shatadhanva forced his way into the inner chambers and killed the sleeping Satrajit like a butcher. Even in this terrible disaster, the wise Satyabhama kept her mind steady. She placed her father's body in a great vessel of oil and went herself to Hastinapura. There she told Krishna everything in detail. Krishna and Balarama at once set out for Dwaraka. After returning there, they took steps to recover the Syamantaka jewel from Shatadhanva."

Parikshit asked, "Acharyadeva, did Shatadhanva know that Krishna would try to recover the jewel from him?"

"Certainly, King," said Shukadeva. "Very soon that news reached Shatadhanva. Then he became very frightened and first went to Kritavarma for help."

Shatadhanva pleaded, "Please protect me. I have received news that Krishna has begun trying to recover the Syamantaka jewel from me."

Kritavarma replied, "O Shatadhanva, Lord Shri Krishna and Balarama are themselves forms of God, all-powerful. No one has ever survived after making them enemies. A mighty king like Kamsa was killed by him, and a hero like Jarasandha was defeated by him again and again. Compared to him, we are very ordinary. Please forgive me. I cannot help you in any quarrel with Krishna and Balarama."

Shatadhanva said bitterly, "Oh, I had thought you were my friend. You have left my side like this. Very well, one day I will take revenge for this too."

Kritavarma answered, "First survive Krishna's anger. After that, you may settle matters with me."

Shukadeva continued, "In this way, getting no help from Kritavarma and disappointed in his hope, Shatadhanva went to Akrura. Asking him for help, he said, 'O great minister, Krishna has begun trying to recover the Syamantaka jewel from me. Please stand by me and help me resist Krishna.'"

Akrura said, "Forgive me, Shatadhanva. Who would willingly go to fight against the Almighty? He who at the age of seven held up Govardhana Hill with one hand for seven days—I bow to his feet a hundred million times. I cannot imagine, not even in a bad dream, taking up weapons against him."

Shatadhanva cried, "I thought you were my friends. So I did what you told me to do. And now you yourselves are leaving my side."

Akrura answered, "Listen, Shatadhanva, we only gave you advice. We did not tell you to do the act, nor did we promise to stay with you in such a deed. So forgive me. This fight is completely yours alone."

Shatadhanva stood silent for a moment. Then he said, "Very well. Then let this fight be mine alone. O noble Akrura, please grant me only this last request. I leave that Syamantaka jewel in your keeping. If I return alive, I will take it back from you."

Akrura said, "Very well, let it be so."

Parikshit asked, "Acharyadeva, did Shatadhanva then flee from Dwaraka?"

"Yes, King," Shukadeva said. "He mounted a horse that could travel a hundred yojanas and fled at once."

Parikshit asked, "And what did Krishna and Balarama do then?"

Shukadeva said, "See, Parikshit, nothing is unknown to the Lord. So Krishna knew that Shatadhanva would flee. Therefore, as soon as he fled, Krishna quickly mounted his fast Garud-bannered chariot with Balarama and chased after that Shatadhanva, who had become the killer of his father-in-law."

"What happened then, Acharyadeva?" asked the king.

"Near Mithila, in a grove, Shatadhanva's horse fell down," Shukadeva replied. "Then he left the horse there and began to run on foot. Lord Shri Krishna got down from the chariot and chased him on foot. At last Krishna cut off Shatadhanva's head with his sharp Sudarshana discus. Then he put his hand into his clothes and began searching for the Syamantaka jewel."

Parikshit asked, "Acharyadeva, did he find that jewel?"

"No, King. Krishna did not find the jewel. In truth, Shatadhanva had left that jewel in Akrura's keeping. So Shri Krishna returned and said to Balarama, 'We killed Shatadhanva for nothing. The Syamantaka jewel is not with him.'"

Balarama said, "Krishna, hearing your words, it seems clear that he must have left that jewel in Dwaraka with someone. Now we must go back and make inquiries about it."

Krishna replied, "You are right, elder brother. Let us return to Dwaraka now then."

But Balarama said, "You return to Dwaraka, Krishna. The king of Mithila is a very dear friend of mine. If he learns that I came to the border of his kingdom and went back without meeting him, he will be deeply hurt. So I am going to meet him. Please permit me, and later I will return to Dwaraka."

Parikshit said, "Sage, surely Balarama was warmly welcomed in Mithila. How long did he stay there?"

Shukadeva answered, "After this, when Balarama went to Mithila, the king was overjoyed and honored him greatly. Pleased by his respect and service, Balarama stayed in Mithila for several years. It was at this time that Duryodhana, son of Dhritarashtra, learned mace fighting from Balarama."

Parikshit asked, "And Krishna, what did he do after returning to Dwaraka, Acharyadeva?"

Shukadeva said, "After returning to Dwaraka, he told Satyabhama that though the wicked Shatadhanva had been killed, the Syamantaka jewel had not been found with him. Then, with the help of relatives and friends, he performed the funeral rites of his father-in-law Satrajit."

The king then asked, "Acharyadeva, those who had given Shatadhanva the evil advice to steal the Syamantaka jewel—that is, Kritavarma and Akrura—what did they do then? When those two heard the news of Shatadhanva's death, they became very afraid and fled from Dwaraka to save their lives. Akrura was a very respected man in the Yadava clan. He left Dwaraka like this to save his life. Did this have any effect among the people of Dwaraka?"

"Yes, King, it did have an effect," said Shukadeva. "Among the elderly people of Dwaraka there was a belief that wherever Akrura lived, there would be good rain there, and the people there would be protected from suffering and disease. They thought that because Akrura had gone away, many evil influences had spread in Dwaraka, and because of that the people were suffering in many mental and physical ways."

Parikshit asked with surprise, "What, Acharyadeva? Where Shri Krishna himself is present, can any evil force spread its influence there?"

"No, King. It can never happen," replied Shukadeva. "Lord Shri Krishna also knew that the sufferings of the people of Dwaraka were not due to that. But at that time, to remove public blame, he sent a messenger and had Akrura brought back to Dwaraka. Of course, there was another purpose also behind bringing Akrura back."

"What was that purpose, O sage?" asked Parikshit.

"All-knowing Lord Shri Krishna knew that Shatadhanva had left the Syamantaka jewel in Akrura's keeping. So another purpose of Krishna was to recover that jewel from him with gentle words."

"Acharyadeva, how did Krishna solve that matter?" asked the king.

Shukadeva said, "After Akrura returned to Dwaraka, Krishna received and honored him properly. Then he said to him, 'O noble one, you are a supporter of charity and righteousness. For a long time we have known that the unoffered Syamantaka jewel taken from Satrajit had been left in your keeping by Shatadhanva. Now you know that Satrajit had no son. Therefore, his daughter's son, that is, his grandson, will inherit all his property. So according to scripture, that jewel should come to my sons.'"

Akrura replied, "Yes, Vasudeva, I do not deny that. But I feel it is better for the jewel to remain with a pure soul like you than with my sons."

Krishna then said, "But in this matter I have had to face one problem."

Akrura asked, "What problem? Please tell me clearly, Vasudeva."

Krishna answered, "My elder brother Balarama and my relatives do not fully believe my words about this jewel. Therefore, if you would kindly show that jewel before them once, then all the doubts of elder brother Balarama, Satyabhama, Jambavati, and the others regarding this jewel will be removed."

Akrura said at once, "Vasudeva, I will certainly honor your request. That jewel is with me. I am showing it to you right now."

Saying this, Akrura took out from within his clothes that jewel hidden there, shining like the sun, and placed it in Shri Krishna's hand. Krishna himself showed that jewel to all his relatives. In this way, he was freed from all blame that had been placed on him concerning that jewel.

Parikshit asked, "And then, Acharyadeva, did Shri Krishna keep the jewel with himself after that, or did he return it to Akrura?"

Shukadeva replied, "Parikshit, Lord Shri Krishna certainly had the power to keep the Syamantaka jewel with himself. But he had given Akrura his word that after showing this jewel to everyone once, he would return it to him. So, to keep his promise, he placed that jewel back into Akrura's hand."

Then Parikshit asked, "Acharyadeva, after hearing from Satyabhama about Satrajit's murder, Shri Krishna returned to Dwaraka from Hastinapura. After that, when did he meet the Pandavas again?"

Shukadeva said, "When the Pandavas began living in Indraprastha, Krishna once went there with his people. During the heavy rains, one day Krishna went hunting with Arjuna. After some time, feeling tired, they stood on the bank of the Yamuna to rest. There, not far away, sat a very beautiful young woman engaged in penance. Krishna sent Arjuna to ask about her."

Arjuna went near and asked, "O beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you? And where have you come from?"

The maiden answered, "O traveler, I am Kalindi, daughter of the Sun-god. I do not wish to accept any man other than Lord Vishnu as my husband. That is why I am doing this penance. I only desire that the supremely loving Lord Vishnu may be pleased with me."

Arjuna asked, "Where do you live in the middle of this deep forest?"

Kalindi replied, "My father the Sun-god has built a palace for me in the waters of the Yamuna. I live there."

"All right," said Arjuna. "And how long will your penance continue?"

Kalindi answered, "Until Lord Vishnu answers my call and grants me his sight, until then I will do penance here and live here."

Hearing this, Arjuna went to Krishna and told him everything. Though the Lord knows all, he still listened to all that Arjuna said. Then he went there at once, lifted that maiden into the chariot, and came before Yudhishthira.

Parikshit asked, "What happened after that, Acharyadeva? Did Krishna marry Kalindi?"

"No, King," Shukadeva replied, "Krishna did not marry Kalindi at once. She began living in the inner chambers of the Pandavas with the other women."

Parikshit said, "I have heard the story of the burning of the Khandava forest from my elders, O sage. I have also heard of his many deeds with the Pandavas. Tell me, tell me the story of the Yadava clan, lord. Tell me the story of Dwaraka. I have never heard that story."

Shukadeva said, "Listen, King, after the burning of Khandava, Krishna married Kalindi. Then he married Mitravinda, princess of the Avanti kingdom. This Mitravinda was Krishna's aunt's daughter."

Parikshit asked, "How did Krishna marry her? Please tell me everything, Acharyadeva."

Shukadeva said, "Mitravinda's two brothers, Vinda and Anuvinda, were followers of Duryodhana. When Mitravinda chose Shri Krishna as her husband in her svayamvara assembly, her two brothers strongly opposed it. Then, in the presence of all the kings, Shri Krishna carried Mitravinda away from that very assembly and took her to Dwaraka, where he married her according to the scriptures."

Parikshit exclaimed, "Ah, before the heroism of the all-powerful Lord Shri Krishna, all other heroes seem small. Acharyadeva, what happened after that?"

Shukadeva continued, "After this, Govinda married Satya and Lakshmana one by one, and then went to destroy Bhaumasura."

Parikshit asked, "Who was Bhaumasura, O sage?"

Shukadeva answered, "Bhaumasura was the king of Pragjyotishapura. He was so cruel that even the gods became greatly troubled by him. Once he stole Varuna's umbrella and Mother Aditi's earrings. Not only that, there is a place on Mount Meru called Mani Mountain, which belongs to the gods. Bhaumasura captured that place too by force. Then King of the gods Indra came to Dwaraka and met Krishna."

Indra bowed and said, "O most beautiful Narayana, please accept my salutations."

Krishna asked, "Is all well, O king of the gods?"

Indra replied, "You know everything, lord. The gods are suffering terribly under Bhaumasura's cruelty. We can bear it no longer. Please find a remedy for this, lord. Save us from that demon, lord. Save us."

Krishna said, "Go back without worry, O king of the gods. I will kill Bhaumasura very soon."

After assuring Indra in this way and sending him off, Krishna told everything to his dearly beloved wife Satyabhama. Then, taking her with him, he mounted Garuda and set out for Pragjyotishapura.

Parikshit asked eagerly, "Acharyadeva, what was that Pragjyotishapura like? I am very eager to know."

Shukadeva said, "Parikshit, Pragjyotishapura was extremely well protected, and entering it was very difficult. Around the capital were very high mountain fortresses filled with many weapons. After that there was a moat-like barrier full of water and a barrier of fire. Beyond that was a wall of electricity through which even air could not pass. And after crossing all this, one would see countless strong nets spread by the demon Mura inside. These nets were spread all around the city."

Parikshit said, "Acharyadeva, such a terrible ring of protection! How did Krishna enter there through all this?"

Shukadeva replied, "King, can the Lord be stopped even by a hundred barriers? He struck those mountain forts with his feet and shattered them, and by shooting arrows again and again he tore that fortress apart. Then with his Sudarshana discus he destroyed all the walls made of fire, water, and air."

Parikshit asked, "And the nets spread by the demon Mura—how did Vasudeva cross those?"

"Krishna cut those nets made by Mura into pieces with blows of his sword," said Shukadeva. "At last, with his heavy mace, he smashed the city wall to bits. Then Vasudeva blew his Panchajanya conch. At the deep, world-shaking sound of that conch, the hearts of the city's guards trembled, and the sound broke Mura's sleep. That demon had five heads. And he shone like the sun and fire at the time of destruction. Ordinary beings could not even raise their eyes to look at his terrible form."

Parikshit asked, "Did that terrible demon then begin fighting with Krishna, lord?"

"Yes, King," Shukadeva said. "Just as a snake rushes at Garuda, in the same way that demon rushed toward the Lord, raising his trident. It seemed as if with his five heads he would swallow the three worlds. Rushing in this way, the demon whirled his trident with great force and hurled it toward Garuda, Krishna's mount. And from his mouth he let out a terrible lion-like roar."

Parikshit asked, "Acharyadeva, how did Krishna deal with this demon's attack?"

Shukadeva answered, "Krishna shot two arrows and broke that trident into three pieces. Then the demon hurled a mace at Krishna. Krishna smashed that too with his own mace. After Krishna destroyed one weapon after another, the demon was left without weapons and rushed at Krishna with both hands stretched out. Krishna then cut off all five of his heads with his Sudarshana discus. Mura had seven sons. Grief-stricken at their father's death, they wanted to avenge him. So, on Bhaumasura's order, they attacked Krishna, making a demon named Pitha their commander. But by Krishna's arrows, commander Pitha and all the soldiers were cut to pieces."

Parikshit asked, "What was Bhaumasura doing at that time, lord?"

Shukadeva said, "When Bhaumasura saw that all his army, even his commander, had been killed by Krishna, he became mad with terrible anger and came out of the city with an elephant force called Madrashravi. Without delay he used a weapon called Shatagni against the Lord. But he could do Krishna no harm. Bhaumasura's soldiers were scattered, and some of them fled. Now Bhaumasura began to fight alone."

"What kind of battle was that, O sage?" asked the king.

Shukadeva replied, "Bhaumasura saw that one by one all his efforts had failed. Then he raised his trident and went to attack Krishna. But before he could throw that trident toward Krishna, Krishna's Sudarshana discus cut off his head. At Bhaumasura's death, all the sages of the world began praising Krishna. And the gods showered flowers upon him."

Parikshit said with wonder, "What a wonderful divine act of the Lord. What an amazing display of heroism. Then what happened after that, Acharyadeva?"

Shukadeva said, "After killing Bhaumasura, Goddess Earth herself came to Krishna. She placed the Vaijayanti forest garland around Krishna's neck. And she gave him Mother Aditi's jewel-studded earrings. Then Goddess Earth praised Lord Shri Krishna and said, 'O bearer of conch, discus, and mace, O God of gods, O Lord of all, O Padmanabha, I bow at your tender lotus-like feet, lord. You are the supreme shelter of all wealth, fame, knowledge, and renunciation in this world. You are endless, and you are the essence of all things. You are eternal, and you are also the non-eternal. You are nature, and you are also the supreme person. Answering the call of your devotees, you return in many forms. Hundreds of millions of salutations at your feet, lord.'"

Krishna said, "May there be blessing, Mother. I have one request."

She replied, "Lord, what request? Please command me."

Krishna said, "Lord, after you killed my son Bhaumasura, his son Bhagadatta is greatly frightened and troubled. So I have brought him to your remembrance, lord. Please bless Bhagadatta."

Krishna then blessed him. "I bless you, Bhagadatta. May your mind always stay on the path of truth and justice. Come, child, take me to your palace."

Shukadeva continued, "Entering that palace of Bhaumasura, filled with every kind of worldly wealth, Krishna saw that there were sixteen thousand Kshatriya princesses there, whom Bhaumasura had at different times abducted by force from different kingdoms and kept imprisoned there."

Parikshit exclaimed, "Sixteen thousand princesses? Did the Lord set them free?"

Shukadeva said, "As soon as those princesses saw Krishna, each one of them desired him as her husband. They surrendered themselves at his feet."

The king said, "What a strange divine play of the Lord. And he is always carrying out his duty of protecting those who seek shelter in him. Well then, what happened to those women after that, Acharyadeva?"

Shukadeva answered, "King, Krishna then dressed those royal maidens in fresh pure clothes and ornaments and sent them to Dwaraka in palanquins. With them he also sent much wealth, jewels, chariots, horses, and other things. After that Krishna went to Amaravati to meet Indra. There King Indra, together with his wife Indrani, worshipped Satyabhama and Krishna."

Parikshit asked, "After returning to Dwaraka, what did Krishna do with those sixteen thousand princesses, Acharyadeva?"

"He fulfilled their heart's desire," Shukadeva said. "All of them had wished to have him as their husband. So, choosing an auspicious day, Krishna married those maidens according to the scriptures."

Parikshit said, "Then how many wives did he have? I feel very surprised, Acharyadeva. Tell me, when Krishna had so many wives, could he truly care for each one separately? And could they all live together in peace? Tell me, did they not quarrel among themselves?"

Shukadeva answered, "You are surprised just seeing the number, King. But Lord Krishna gave proper honor to each of his wives. Each one had her own separate house. Therefore there was no place for quarrel or conflict there. In those homes there were such divine things as could be found nowhere else in the world. Krishna's wives were each portions of Goddess Lakshmi herself. Krishna's relationship with each of them was very sweet. Though there were hundreds of maidservants in those homes to serve, all the wives served their husband with their own hands."

Parikshit then said, "Acharyadeva, there is one thing I am very curious to know. You said Krishna cared equally for all his wives. Even so, there must have been one among them who was dearest to Krishna. Who was she, Acharyadeva?"

Shukadeva replied, "It is true, King, that Krishna gave equal attention to all his wives. But his dearest was his first wife, Rukmini. She held a great place in Krishna's heart."

"But why Rukmini, Acharyadeva?" asked Parikshit. "Why not someone else? Were the others not as worthy as Rukmini?"

Shukadeva said, "She filled a great part of Krishna's heart. King, in truth Rukmini was Lord Narayana's wife, Shri Lakshmi herself. And the others were her portions."

Parikshit asked, "Did ordinary playful joking happen between Krishna and Rukmini, lord? Surely Krishna himself was very playful, and he could not live without gentle jokes."

Shukadeva said, "Listen to an incident from one day, King. One day Krishna was resting on Rukmini's bed. That day Rukmini, in the enchanting form of Shri Lakshmi herself, was serving the Lord. Krishna was very pleased by this. While speaking, with a smiling face he asked Rukmini, 'You have been greatly deprived, Rukmini.'"

Rukmini was startled. "Why, lord? Why are you saying this?"

Krishna said softly, "Your father and brother had found many better bridegrooms for you, dear. Those kings were far greater than me in beauty, virtues, wealth, and power. You had even been engaged to one of them."

Rukmini answered, "I do not remember, lord. I do not wish to remember that. To me it is a bad dream."

Krishna continued teasing her. "Why, dear? How well you would have lived there. He would have kept you like a treasure on his head. I am not worthy of you, Rukmini. I do not have that much power."

Rukmini grew anxious. "What trick are you playing, lord? Why are you doing this? Have I committed some fault?"

Krishna said, "No, no, the fault is mine. Just look, out of fear of Jarasandha I fled and had to build this city of Dwaraka and live here. I do not even have a throne. You could not become a queen, dear. By worshipping me, what happiness have you gained?"

With deep devotion Rukmini replied, "I am the queen of your heart, O lord. I have gained the right to serve you. Though you yourself are the controller of all, you have given me the right to sit beside you. Who is happier than I am?"

But Krishna went on, "No, Rukmini. I have done you wrong. There is still time. If you wish, choose some worthy Kshatriya. Then all your hopes and wishes in this world and the next will be fulfilled."

Trembling, Rukmini prayed, "Lord, O Narayana, keep me at your feet, lord. Do not deprive me of the right to serve you, Madhusudana. O Govinda, please do not joke like this again."

Then Krishna at once became tender and concerned. "Rukmini, Rukmini! Alas, alas, I have hurt you so much, dear. Rise, Rukmini, rise. Look at me. Here, here I am, your everything. I know this, dear. Rise, rise, Rukmini. I was only joking. Forgive me."

Hearing such words from Krishna's mouth, Rukmini became very afraid. She felt that Krishna was perhaps seeking a way to abandon her. And as soon as this thought came to her mind, she fainted while weeping. The golden fan slipped from her hand.

Parikshit asked, "Did Krishna have any doubt about Rukmini's love, O sage?"

Shukadeva answered, "No, King, he did not. He was only making a pure joke. But hear one thing, Parikshit. The Lord himself tests his surrendered devotees in this way. He examines whether they truly have firm faith and devotion toward him, King. Only he alone must remain in the devotee's heart. He cannot bear the presence of a second there. That is why he gives such tests. Do you understand, King? So that there may be no flaw in steady devotion to him."

Parikshit bowed with folded hands. "I understand, Acharyadeva. Please show me your grace. May I keep that one-pointed devotion at his feet, like Goddess Rukmini. I want nothing else in this world, lord. I want nothing but him."