A beautiful daughter, Rukmini, was born to the powerful king Bhishmaka. Krishna knew her to be "intelligent with auspicious characteristics, nobility of heart, beauty, high character and other excellences," and he set his heart on marrying her. Four of her five brothers were in agreement, but the fifth, Rukmin, detested Krishna, and proposed instead a wealthy king as her husband. Rukmini was heartsick, and sent a letter with a trusted priest to Krishna to tell him of the situation. "Dear Lotus-eyed Lord, I have chosen you as my husband," she said. "Please take me as your wife." She told him the time and place the marriage was to be performed, and pleaded with him to come with warriors, defeat the assembled armies of her suitor, and take her as a spoil of war.

Krishna made plans to attend the wedding and arrived on the eve of the wedding. Rukmini's father, Bishma, guessed Krishna's intent, and was happy. Rukmini's attendants were awed by Krishna's beauty and wished that he might become Rukmini's husband.

In the scene shown here, Rukmini is leaving her palace for the temple of the goddess Bhavani (Parvati). In her company are her father and mother, and she is guarded by her father's soldiers. One of Rukmini's attendants waves an honorific yak-tail flywhisk above her head as she departs.

Rukmini's visit to the temple is part of her pre-marital ritual, but she performs it trusting that Krishna will be there outside the temple to take her away. She intends to be "a bride who chooses her own husband," a svayamvara bride, rather than a bride whose husband is chosen for her. This "marriage-by-choice" was considered honorable and appropriate within the warrior caste.

Continue the story of Krishna and Rukmini

Back to Top