The story of Sri Krishna and Rukmini is found in the
Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavad Purana. Sage Narada once revealed that
Rukmini was an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and she was destined to get
married to Sri Krishna in the Treta Yuga.
Rukmini was the daughter of King Bhishmaka of Vidarbha. The
king had five sons and a daughter. Rukmini was the youngest and was noted for
her beauty and piety. Rukmi, the eldest of the brothers, had married granddaughter
of Jarasandha - king of Magadha and enemy of Sri Krishna
Jarasandha,
Rukmi and Shishupala (prince of Chedi) had made an alliance to fight Sri Krishna. When Jarasandha
asked Rukmi to get her sister married to Shishupala, he readily agreed without
consulting Rukmini. He then arranged a namesake Swayamvara in which Sri Krishna
was not invited.
Rukmini had grown up nursing the dream of getting married to
Sri Krishna. She had heard the wonderful stories of Sri Krishna from her father
and Sage Narada.
However, when Rukmini heard about her marriage being forcibly fixed to Shishupala, she was crestfallen. Her dream of marrying Sri Krishna was being throttled by her brother.
When she had no idea what to do next, a Brahmin visited her. He agreed to carry her message to Sri Krishna.
The Brahmin carried the message to Sri Krishna. The Yadavas were happy to hear about Rukmini’s interest.
They soon reached Vidarbha. Citizens and King Bhishmaka gave Sri Krishna a royal welcome. Rukmi became cautious and worried as there were rumours that Sri Krishna had arrived to abduct Rukmini.
The Brahmin carried the news of the arrival of Rukmini in
Vidarbha. She was overjoyed.
Rukmini, the bride, then visited the temple of Mother
Goddess and found Sri Krishna waiting for her in his chariot. She slowly moved
towards the chariot and in a flash was lifted by Sri Krishna into the chariot.
The loves drew past a stunned Rukmi and other princess.
The crowd that had assembled was happy to see their princess finding the perfect match.
But Rukmi and other princes attempted to chase the lovers but were stopped by the Yadavas headed by Balarama.
Rukmi did reach the chariot of Sri Krishna and Rukmini. But the arrogant prince was easily overpowered by Sri Krishna. Rukmi got his life back as Rukmini did not want any bloodshed.
The lovers were given a royal welcome in Dwaraka and the royal marriage was conducted in a grand scale.