Story of Rukmi is found in the Mahabharata and it is the story of a warrior who could not fight in the greatest war of his time. Rukmi was the son of Bhishmaka, King of Vidarbha, and brother of Rukmini (wife of Krishna). He performed intense austerities and attained Brahmastra (powerful arrow) from Parashurama and other Divyastras from Sage Druma. However, Rukmi was rude and arrogant and even his father could not control him.
Rukmi wanted Rukmini to marry Shishupala, king of Chedi. But Rukmini was in love with Krishna. Sri Krishna carried her away from temple on the day of her marriage.
Rukmi wanted Rukmini to marry Shishupala, king of Chedi. But Rukmini was in love with Krishna. Sri Krishna carried her away from temple on the day of her marriage.
Rukmi and his army chased Krishna but were defeated.
Feeling utterly humiliated, Rukmi did not return to Kundinapura, the capital of Vidarbha. He founded a new township named Bhojakata and it later became the capital of Vidarbha.
Rukmi then did intense penance and pleased Shiva who blessed him with Mahendra weapon. With this weapon, he expanded his kingdom.
His relationship with Sri Krishna became cordial in later years. Subhagi, daughter of Rukmi, married Pradyumna, son of Sri Krishna.
But there was a great flow in his character and that was his boastfulness. When preparation for the Kurukshetra war was taking place, Rukmi told Arjuna that he had a great bow in his possession and therefore with him on their side, he did not need any warriors. Arjuna did not like the boastfulness of Rukmi and so did not invite him to join the Pandavas.
Kauravas too did not invite him as they did not want a person who was rejected by the Pandavas.
But there was a great flow in his character and that was his boastfulness. When preparation for the Kurukshetra war was taking place, Rukmi told Arjuna that he had a great bow in his possession and therefore with him on their side, he did not need any warriors. Arjuna did not like the boastfulness of Rukmi and so did not invite him to join the Pandavas.
Kauravas too did not invite him as they did not want a person who was rejected by the Pandavas.
Once Balrama, elder brother of Sri Krishna, and Rukmi started playing dice. In one of the stakes, Rukmi lost the game but refused to admit defeat. Enraged at this, Balarama killed Rukmi.
Rukmi was indeed a great warrior but his hotheadedness and arrogance failed him.
Rukmi was indeed a great warrior but his hotheadedness and arrogance failed him.