Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Srimad Bhagavatam 10.53 Summary

This chapter describes how Lord Sri Krsna arrived in Kundina, the capital of Vidarbha, and kidnapped Rukmini in the presence of powerful enemies.

After Lord Krsna had heard the brahmana messenger recite Rukmini's letter, the Lord said to him, "I am indeed attracted to Rukmini, and I know of her brother Rukmi's opposition to My marrying her. Therefore I must kidnap her after crushing all the low-class kings, just as one might generate fire from wood by friction." Since the solemnizing of vows between Rukmini and Sisupala was scheduled to occur in only three days, Lord Krsna had Daruka ready His chariot at once. Then He immediately set out for Vidarbha, which He reached after one night's travel.

King Bhismaka, trapped by his affection for his son Rukmi, was prepared to give his daughter to Sisupala. Bhismaka saw to all the necessary preparations: he had the city decorated in various ways and had its main roads and intersections thoroughly cleansed. Damaghosa, the King of Cedi, having also done everything necessary to prepare for his son's marriage, arrived in Vidarbha. King Bhismaka greeted him properly and gave him a place to stay. Many other kings, such as Jarasandha, Salva and Dantavakra, also came to witness the occasion. These enemies of Krsna had conspired to kidnap the bride if Krsna came. They planned to fight Him together and thus guarantee Sisupala his bride. Hearing of these plans, Lord Baladeva gathered His entire army and quickly went to Kundinapura.

On the night before the wedding, Rukmini, about to retire, had still not seen either the brahmana or Krsna arrive. In anxiety, she cursed her bad fortune. But just then she felt her left side twitch, a good omen. Indeed, the brahmana shortly appeared and related to her what Krsna had said, including His firm promise to kidnap her.

When King Bhismaka heard that Krsna and Balarama had arrived, he went out to greet Them to the accompaniment of triumphant music. He worshiped the Lords with various gifts and then designated residences for Them. Thus the King showed due respect to the Lords, as he did to each of his numerous royal guests.

The people of Vidarbha, seeing Lord Krsna, remarked to one another that He alone would be a suitable husband for Rukmini. They prayed that on the strength of whatever pious credit they had, Krsna might win Rukmini's hand.

When the time came for Srimati Rukmini-devi to visit the temple of Sri Ambika, she proceeded there surrounded by many guards. After bowing down to the deity, Rukmini prayed to be allowed to have Sri Krsna as her husband. Then she took the hand of a girlfriend and left the Ambika temple. Seeing her inexpressible beauty, the great heroes present dropped their weapons and fell to the ground unconscious. Rukmini walked with deliberate steps until she noticed Krsna. Then, as everyone looked on, Sri Krsna took Rukmini onto His chariot. Like a lion claiming his rightful share from a band of jackals, He drove back all the opposing kings and slowly made His exit, followed by His associates. Jarasandha and the other kings, unable to bear their defeat and dishonor, loudly condemned themselves, declaring that this defamation was like a petty animal's stealing away what rightfully belongs to the lion.

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Copyright (c) The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
His Holiness Hrdayananda dasa Goswami
Gopiparanadhana dasa Adhikari
Dravida dasa Brahmacari