The Abduction of Rukmini

King Parikshit listened carefully and then asked, “O sage, how did the king of Chedi, Shishupal, come to have such a close relationship with the land of Vidarbha? Did King Bhishyak know Shishupal?”

Shukadeva Goswami replied, “Yes, O King. The friendship between Chedi and Vidarbha was very old. Shishupal’s father, Damghosh, and King Bhishanak of Vidarbha respected each other. Because of that, friendship also became strong among the princes.”

Then Shukadeva began to tell what had happened in those earlier days.

One day Rukmi opened his heart to his dear friend and said, “Friend, these days I often see you lost in thought. What has happened to you? You can speak to me openly.”

Shishupal answered, “Nothing much, friend. Actually, I am thinking about the marriage of my sister Rukmini. My sister is the finest jewel in this world. So I must find a husband worthy of her. That is what I am thinking about, Shishupal.”

Shishupal said, “There is no lack of worthy kings, Rukmi. Then why worry so much?”

Rukmi replied, “That is true, there is no lack. But I must choose from among them. I will give Rukmini in marriage only to one who can give her proper honor. I am thinking about who such a trustworthy groom could be, friend.”

Then Shishupal looked at him and said, “Friend Rukmi, you have known me since childhood. Do I have any qualities as a man that attract you?”

Rukmi answered warmly, “What are you saying, friend? I have never seen another man as brave as you, or a friend as loyal as you. Your good qualities have no end.”

Shishupal said, “Then I have one request for you.”

“What request? Speak without fear, friend,” said Rukmi.

Shishupal then revealed his heart. “I have liked your sister Rukmini for a long time. I have never seen another girl as beautiful, patient, and virtuous as her. If I marry her, would you have any objection?”

At once Rukmi became pleased. “What joyful words you have spoken, friend! It would be my sister’s great fortune to have you as her husband. There can be no question of objection. I give you my word right now. I will place my sister Rukmini’s hand into yours.”

Parikshit interrupted gently and asked, “Acharyadev, the king was ruling that country then. Did Rukmi promise Rukmini to Shishupal without taking his opinion?”

Shukadeva said, “In truth, King Bhishan loved his son very deeply. He could never refuse his son. The king had great trust in his son’s judgment. So Rukmi knew that his father would accept his decision.”

Shukadeva continued.

Rukmi went to his father and said, “Maharaj, I have come to you with a proposal.”

King Bhishyak said, “Speak, my son. What do you want?”

Rukmi said, “Father, I have made a decision about Princess Rukmini’s marriage. Of course, if you disagree, that is another matter.”

The king answered, “I have deep trust in your decision, and there is no question of my disagreeing.”

Then Rukmi spoke clearly. “I wish to give Princess Rukmini in marriage to Shishupal. Father, do I have your consent? There is no groom anywhere more worthy than Shishupal to be Rukmini’s husband. If I have your permission, I can make all the arrangements very soon.”

The king at once agreed. “Certainly, certainly. That is very good news. I have no objection to Shishupal. And I have complete trust in your wisdom, my son. Besides, I had long ago thought of Shishupal for Rukmini. And I had also given my word to King Dam Ghosh.”

Rukmi was surprised. “I had never heard that, Maharaj.”

The king said, “When Rukmini was born, a divine voice was heard, Rukmi. I heard that voice. And that voice said that this girl must be given in marriage into the hands of the four-armed one.”

Rukmi asked, “The four-armed one?”

“Yes, my son,” said the king. “But I did not know who that four-armed one was. At that time, King Dam Ghosh of Chedi helped me. His son Shishupal was born with four hands and three eyes.”

Rukmi said, “I did not know that, Father.”

The king replied, “I did not know either. I heard this from King Dam Ghosh himself. So it did not take long to find the four-armed one. And that very day I gave him my word that I would marry Rukmini to Shishupal.”

Rukmi said at once, “Then there is no obstacle now. Let us begin the wedding arrangements, Maharaj.”

The king nodded. “Yes, Prince. Begin the wedding preparations. And send word to the king of Chedi as soon as possible. But before that, it is also important to take the advice of the royal council.”

Rukmi bowed and said, “As you command, Maharaj, so it shall be.”

Parikshit said, “Shishupal was born with four hands? I had never heard that, O sage.”

Shukadeva replied, “Yes, O King. At birth Shishupal had four arms and three eyes. Because of that, he thought himself equal to Krishna. But after Shishupal’s birth, a fortune-teller once made a prophecy. He said that the person whose touch would make Shishupal’s two extra hands and one extra eye fall away, by that same hand he would one day be killed.”

Parikshit asked, “Did Narayan touch him, O sage?”

“Yes, O King,” said Shukadeva. “Shri Hari in the form of Shri Krishna touched him. Right in front of Shishupal’s mother Shrutashrava, the boy’s two extra hands and one eye fell away. Shrutashrava was Vasudev’s sister. Then there was nothing more for her to understand. At that very moment she begged Krishna to spare her son’s life.”

Parikshit asked, “What did Lord Krishna say, Master?”

Shukadeva answered, “Krishna gave his word that he would forgive a hundred offenses of this boy.”

Then Parikshit said, “There is one question I cannot answer at all, Master. Why did Shishupal become Krishna’s enemy? Why could he not bear Krishna?”

Shukadeva said, “Shishupal was wicked-minded from the beginning. He was a man of dark nature. So he could not accept even God himself. But there is another deep secret behind this, O King.”

Parikshit leaned forward. “What is that secret, Master? Please tell me.”

Shukadeva replied, “At the beginning of this tale I told you about Jaya and Vijaya. Do you remember, Parikshit? Those two gatekeepers of Narayan were cursed and came down to earth. Narayan had promised that he himself would come to save them. In Krishna’s incarnation, this Shishupal was that Jaya. If he died at the hands of the Lord, he would quickly gain release. So he came as his enemy.”

Parikshit bowed his head. “I understand, Master. Now everything has become clear to me. Please now tell me about Rukmini’s marriage.”

Shukadeva said, “None of Rukmini’s relatives liked Shishupal. Everywhere people criticized and spoke badly of Shishupal, the king of Chedi. So none of Rukmini’s relatives agreed to this marriage. But Prince Rukmi stood firm in his decision.”

From the time Rukmini heard of Rukmi’s decision, she became very sad. She had no interest in anything anymore. At that time one of her dear friends came and asked her, “What has happened, Princess? Why do I see you so downcast? What is wrong? Tell me openly.”

Rukmini said, “You know everything, dear. My brother and my father together have fixed my marriage with Shishupal. But... but I do not agree to this marriage at all.”

Her friend said, “Shishupal’s power is much greater than that of other kings. Then... then where is your objection?”

Rukmini replied, “Shishupal is a very rude and wild man. Besides... besides there is another reason.”

“Another reason? What is that, Princess?” her friend asked.

Rukmini lowered her eyes and spoke from her heart. “I love Vasudev Krishna. I have offered my whole heart at his feet. In my heart I have already accepted him as my husband.”

Her friend cried out softly, “Since when? What a disaster! Have you told this to anyone?”

“No,” said Rukmini. “Who would listen to me? Brother has already spoken. His word is the final word. Father too has agreed with him.”

The friend became anxious. “Then now we must... we must find some way.”

Rukmini said firmly, “Friend, if I do not find a place at Krishna’s feet, then I will choose another path. But I will never accept Shishupal as my husband.”

Her friend at once protested, “Friend, you must not even think such a thing. You are wise and learned. Surely you can find some way. Tell me, does Vasudev know your heart?”

Rukmini shook her head. “How would he know, friend? He has, he has never seen me. Perhaps he has never even heard of me.”

The friend said, “I have heard somewhere that if anyone asks for shelter at Vasudev’s feet, he never turns them away. Why do you not tell him of your love once? Let us see whether he responds.”

Rukmini’s face brightened a little. “You have spoken well, Sukhi. If Vasudev comes to know about me, about my painful days of suffering in separation from him, about my refusal to marry Shishupal, then surely he will do something. Isn’t that so?”

Sukhi answered, “Then why delay? Start trying at once.”

Rukmini said, “But if I want to inform Vasudev, I will have to send a messenger. What if someone becomes suspicious?”

Sukhi said, “Then send some Brahmin of the kingdom for this work. Brahmins travel from one kingdom to another, so everyone will think it is natural. Send your message through him, all right?”

Rukmini said, “Sukhi, that is a very good idea. Yes, I will do that. There is no time now. I will write the message at once.”

But Sukhi stopped her. “Wait, wait. I am saying, you may write the letter, but first think whether you know some trustworthy Brahmin who can carry it. Otherwise people may come to know about your letter.”

Rukmini nodded. “Yes, there is such a man. He is very kind, gentle-hearted, and trustworthy. Friend, I will tell you where to find him. Go and bring him to me at once.”

Sukhi bowed. “As you command, Princess.”

Rukmini said, “If this work succeeds, I will give you many, many rewards.”

Sukhi smiled. “This smile on your face is my greatest reward. Now let me go. I will arrange everything.”

Parikshit asked, “So the Brahmin who went to Krishna was brought by that friend of Rukmini?”

Shukadeva said, “Yes, O King. And what happened after that, I have already told you—how the Brahmin delivered the message to Krishna and how Krishna entered the city first, bringing him along in the chariot.”

Parikshit said, “Yes, O sage, what happened after that? The city of Vidarbha must have been wonderfully decorated for the princess’s wedding, must it not?”

Shukadeva answered, “Yes, indeed. From the royal roads of the city to the crossroads, and even the small and large lanes, everything was decorated that day. Many arches were built. Many banners and flags were used to decorate all around. The boys and girls of the city wore flower garlands, ornaments around their necks, perfume on their bodies, and fine clothes. Every house in the city was decorated with flowers, garlands, and many ornaments. King Bhishan, according to sacred rule, worshipped the ancestors and the gods, fed Brahmins, and gave much charity.”

Parikshit asked, “And Princess Rukmini? What was she doing then, O sage?”

Shukadeva replied, “Her friends bathed the beautiful Rukmini and tied an auspicious thread on her hand and put bracelets on her wrists. Then they dressed her in new clothes and many costly ornaments. Soon they would have to leave for the temple of Goddess Girija.”

Parikshit then said, “Acharyadev, I am very eager to know who came with Shishupal.”

Shukadeva replied, “King Damghosh of Chedi arrived at Kundinapur with his son Shishupal. The king of Vidarbha himself came forward to welcome them and arranged seats for them. Among the wedding party were friendly kings such as Shalu, Jarasandha, Dantavakra, Viduratha, and others. There were also the four divisions of their armies, with elephants, chariots, foot soldiers, and horsemen.”

Parikshit was surprised. “Acharyadev, the wedding party came with a full army? Why?”

Shukadeva answered, “Because all these kings were enemies of Krishna and Balaram. They feared that Krishna might bring his Yadu army and create trouble in the wedding and even carry Rukmini away.”

“But what was the reason for such fear, O sage?” asked the king.

Shukadeva said, “See, O King, all the opposing kings had gathered in one place at that wedding. Especially Jarasandha and Shishupal naturally feared that Shri Krishna might somehow come there. Besides, Rukmini was supremely beautiful. So they also suspected that Krishna might wish to marry her. Therefore, in case Krishna attacked, the opposing kings together kept their full armies ready to stop him.”

Parikshit said, “But Krishna knew nothing of this, Acharyadev. He came to Vidarbha alone.”

Shukadeva smiled gently. “Do not forget, O King, that even when Krishna is alone, he is not truly alone.”

“I did not understand your words, Master,” said Parikshit.

Shukadeva explained, “Balaram always kept watch over everything connected with Krishna. After Krishna set out alone to carry away Rukmini, news came to Balaram through a messenger that the opposing kings had arrived in Vidarbha as a wedding party with their full armies. He understood that all this was meant to stop Krishna. So a great war was about to come.”

Parikshit asked, “So Balaram went to protect Krishna?”

“Of course,” said Shukadeva. “Brotherly love is a very strong bond, O King. Though he knew Krishna’s power, Balaram still became anxious for his safety. So at once he set out for Kundinapur with a great fourfold army.”

Parikshit asked, “O sage, as soon as Krishna reached Vidarbha, did that news reach Rukmini?”

Shukadeva said, “No, O King. Goddess Rukmini still did not know that Krishna had already arrived at Kundinapur that morning. She sat in the inner chambers waiting for Krishna. As time passed, her mind became more and more restless. She was getting no news of Krishna. Even her friends had learned nothing.”

What would happen now? What would Rukmini do? At the thought that Krishna might not come, the princess became full of pain. She said to her friend, “Krishna has not arrived, and that Brahmin has not returned. What has happened then? Tell me, has fate mocked me? Is there some impurity in me because of which Krishna did not accept my prayer?”

Her friend comforted her. “Are you worried, Princess? Be a little calm. Vasudev Krishna never turns away the call of a devotee.”

But Rukmini said, “Vasudev has still not come, friend. There is not much time left before the wedding hour. Will he really not come? That Brahmin has not returned. And I cannot even be sure whether he reached Vasudev with my message.”

Her friend replied, “Have a little patience, Princess. Dwarka is not a short distance from here. My heart says that both of them will arrive before the wedding hour begins.”

Rukmini said anxiously, “Look, friend, I had sent him the message that on the morning of the wedding day I would go to worship at Mother Girija’s temple. He should arrive before that. And from that temple he should carry me away. But... but if he does not come now, then even that will no longer be possible.”

She kept thinking such endless thoughts and weeping. Just then her friend suddenly saw the Brahmin. In great excitement she cried out, “Princess, Princess, look there! That Brahmin is coming this way. Look, how peaceful his face is, just as if, just as if he is smiling. Look, look.”

Rukmini rose at once. “Let me see, let me see, Sukhi! Sukhi, go quickly and bring him inside with proper honor and respect.”

The Brahmin came before Rukmini, bowed to her, and stood there. Rukmini saw that the Brahmin’s face was truly shining. Seeing that, her eyes filled with new hope. Her heart danced with joy. With a happy mind she asked, “Tell me the news, Brahmin. Was your journey successful?”

The Brahmin replied, “Yes, Princess. It was successful. As soon as your message reached him, he did not delay even a little. Riding in a very swift chariot, he reached Vidarbha in a single night. I came with him as well.”

Rukmini’s voice trembled. “He has come? Then Govinda has come?”

“Yes, Princess, he has come,” the Brahmin said. “Vasudev himself told me that his heart too is troubled with thoughts of you. He will in no way allow your marriage to Shishupal to happen.”

Rukmini was overwhelmed with joy. “Ah, what news you have brought me, Brahmin. May God bless you. I offer you all the wealth of this world. Friend, it is time to go to the temple. All of you get ready.”

Parikshit then asked, “Acharyadev, Krishna came alone and entered the circle of enemies. When did Balaram arrive in Vidarbha with his Yadava army?”

Shukadeva said, “A little while after Krishna reached there, Balaram too arrived with his soldiers and followers. Seeing him, Krishna said, ‘Brother, why have you left Dwarka and come here with so many people?’”

Balaram answered, “‘You left in great haste. And you did not find out that here Jarasandha, Shishupal, Dantavakra, and other enemy kings have gathered with their full armies.’”

Krishna said lightly, “‘Brother, they have come to the wedding with their armies. What has that to do with me? And why should I be afraid? I have come here because I am eager to see the wedding of King Bhishyak’s daughter. King Bhishyak respects me greatly.’”

But Balaram said, “‘This is not the time for jokes, Krishna. Jarasandha and the others already suspected that you might come here. And that you might cause some trouble and try to stop this wedding. They even fear that you may marry Rukmini and take her away. It is to prevent that that they have come to the wedding with such war preparations.’”

Krishna then said, “‘I understand, brother. But can fate be stopped like this?’”

Balaram replied, “‘Do not speak in riddles, Krishna. Fate may not be stopped, but if war begins, our Yadava army will be able to stop the enemy. And know this, I will return from here only with you beside me. Not alone.’”

After Balaram said this, Krishna could say nothing more. He could not even forbid his elder brother. So the two brothers helplessly went together toward the wedding place.

Parikshit asked, “What was Maharaj Bhishak’s reaction when he heard that Krishna had come, O sage?”

Shukadeva replied, “Maharaj Bhishyak was very wise and deeply religious. He honored Krishna with all his heart. When he learned that Vasudev himself had eagerly come to see his daughter’s wedding, he was greatly pleased and welcomed him and Balaram with drums and worship materials. He also arranged suitable places for all of them to stay.”

Parikshit asked, “Acharyadev, did the common people of Vidarbha come to know that Krishna himself had arrived in their kingdom? What did they do?”

Shukadeva answered, “Can the news of the Lord’s coming stay hidden in one place, O King? It spreads through all creation like a gentle breeze. So the news of Krishna’s arrival also did not remain hidden. The common people of Vidarbha gathered there to see Vasudev. All of them began to praise him. They welcomed him with flowers and sandal paste.”

Some of the people said, “So long we had only heard praise of Vasudev. Today we have seen him with our own eyes, and our lives are blessed.”

Another said, “Ah, that is true, brother. What beauty! What radiance! His words are like honey poured into our ears. Truly we are blessed.”

Someone else said, “Having been able to bow at the Lord’s feet, do you know, Shri Krishna and Balaram have not come alone. I saw that they have brought a great Yadava army with them.”

Another answered, “Who knows, brother, these are matters of kings. But do you know one thing? I feel that our Princess Rukmini would suit Vasudev better than Shishupal.”

Another said, “I truly cannot imagine the princess as the wife of anyone else.”

And another replied, “You are right about that. But there is still time before the wedding. Come, let us all pray to the Lord that something miraculous may happen. And that our princess may marry Vasudev.”

Thus the common people of the kingdom, enchanted by Krishna, spoke among themselves.

Just then Goddess Rukmini came out from the inner chambers. Keeping a sacred silence, and surrounded by countless soldiers, she walked toward the temple of Mother Girija.

Parikshit asked, “Acharyadev, did Goddess Rukmini go alone to that temple, surrounded only by soldiers?”

Shukadeva said, “No, no, O King. Along with the great guard around her were her friends and many wives of Brahmins carrying all the worship materials. There was even a large group of women carrying many offerings and worship items, walking behind the princess.”

Rukmini went there with everyone, worshipped with deep devotion, and in her heart prayed for Shri Krishna, saying, “O Mother Bhagavati, a hundred crore salutations at your feet. If my mind is pure, if my heart is clean, then please bless me so that my wish may be fulfilled. May I gain Lord Shri Krishna today as my husband. May no other man be able to touch me.”

After finishing the worship in this way, Goddess Rukmini broke her vow of silence and came out of the temple holding the hand of her dear friend.

She said softly, “Friend, our worship is over. But there is still no sign of Vasudev.”

Her friend replied, “Then what will you do, Princess? Now we must return toward the chariot. The king’s soldiers are guarding all around. It is not possible to stand in one place waiting for him.”

Rukmini said, “No, friend, we cannot stand still. Then let us do one thing. I will walk very slowly through this crowd and keep looking. If I can see him.”

Her friend answered, “Very well, I will look for him with you. At least with my eyes as much as I can. And if you see him first, give me a sign and show me where, will you not?”

“I will, friend, I will. Do not be afraid, come now,” said Rukmini.

With slow steps Rukmini walked, spreading the glow of her beauty as she moved toward her chariot. Seeing her, all the kings stood still in wonder. Weapons slipped from their hands. Their helmets fell. Their armor loosened.

Parikshit asked, “Why, O sage? What was the reason for such a condition among the kings?”

Shukadeva replied, “In truth, Parikshit, Rukmini was supremely beautiful. She was like the very enchantment of God. With her beauty she could charm even the greatest heroes. Her waist was very lovely and slender. Her bosom was full and well-shaped. Standing at the meeting of girlhood and youth, Rukmini’s whole body had the beauty of a flower newly come into bloom. Ah, her face, her dark kohl-like hair, her bright restless eyes, her lips touched with a soft smile, and her red mouth. Her walk was like that of a royal swan. Ah, who knows what incomparable beauty of the goddess those kings saw. Perhaps that is why their whole bodies became so weak. Their strength seemed to melt away.”

Then Shukadeva added, “You have spoken rightly, O King. By this beauty of hers even great kings and rulers were charmed and struck still that day. Some even fell from their horses while staring at her. Whoever looked at her with wide open eyes, at them Rukmini cast shy and joyful side glances. Her enchantment spread over all.”

Parikshit asked, “And Krishna? Where was he then?”

Shukadeva said, “He too was there in that very crowd. He understood that while moving toward her chariot, Rukmini’s eyes were searching only for him again and again. That is why she moved so slowly.”

“Acharyadev, then why did Krishna not show himself to her earlier?” asked the king.

Shukadeva replied, “We all know, O King, that Lord Shri Krishna delights in divine play. He plays with his devotees and even with his enemies. And on such a day, would he not play with his beloved? Would he not let a little trembling enter her heart? Would he not let her suffer a little uncertainty? How could it be otherwise? On purpose he stayed mixed in the crowd and kept watch on Rukmini.”

Parikshit said, “Truly, the Lord’s play is present everywhere. Tell me then, Acharyadev, in the end how did the two meet?”

Shukadeva said, “When Krishna understood that Rukmini could no longer hold back her thoughts and feelings, that she had become deeply overwhelmed, then he showed himself to her from within the crowd. At last Rukmini saw her most desired Shri Hari.”

Parikshit asked eagerly, “Then, then what happened, Master? What was Goddess Rukmini’s reaction when she saw him?”

Shukadeva replied, “On seeing him, first a long breath of relief came from Rukmini’s heart. Then at once she lowered her eyes in shyness. A shy smile bloomed at the corner of her lips. With the excuse of moving back the loose hair from her face with both hands, Rukmini looked once more, and yet once more, at her beloved. In her mind she bowed to him. She saw that Krishna, smiling, was gazing steadily only at her.”

Parikshit asked, “There were thousands of people there, and crowds of guards and soldiers. How did Krishna lift Rukmini onto the chariot, O sage?”

Shukadeva answered, “Here indeed is the Lord’s greatness, Parikshit. Here indeed is his greatness. As Goddess Rukmini slowly walked and came near her own chariot, Krishna suddenly did a strange thing. All at once he leaped into the crowd with great force. Passing almost as if flying over the heads of countless people, he came straight there. Without giving anyone a chance to understand anything, he suddenly stood face to face with Rukmini. Then, before the eyes of the enemies, he pulled her up onto his own chariot marked with the Garuda flag.”

Parikshit exclaimed, “No one could stop him, O sage?”

“How could they stop him?” Shukadeva replied. “The whole thing happened so quickly that before anyone understood anything, Krishna, Balaram, and the other Yadavas had already left that place.”

Parikshit said, “That means before Jarasandha’s eyes, Krishna once again fulfilled his purpose and went away?”

“Yes, O King,” said Shukadeva. “Jarasandha and the kings of his side could do nothing, and in anger and shame they began to burn inside. A loud uproar began among the kings.”

The defeated kings cried out in fury.

“Like every other time, Krishna has again stolen and run away. And... and we could do nothing at all.”

“These Yadavas are all thieves. And the greatest thief among them is Krishna.”

“He cannot win by strength. So he fled like this after deceiving everyone.”

“Why, but... but we all stood here with weapons in our hands. And... and we could do nothing. This, this is our deep humiliation.”

“It feels as if the prey of a lion was dragged away by some cunning jackal from somewhere. And we only watched like helpless men.”

“Krishna has once again, once again, deeply insulted all our heroes and escaped after blinding our eyes with dust. We must destroy him.”

“Friends, let us all together take our full armies and follow Krishna. Unless we tear those Yadava forces apart and kill Krishna without mercy, my heart will know no peace.”

“Come, come.”

Mad with rage, the enemy kings chased Krishna and the Yadava army with all their strength. In a moment the field of joy turned into a field of war. Giving fearlessness to Rukmini with one hand, and holding in the other his world-famous bow, Krishna stood ready for battle.