|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 248 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  99

Jarasandha with his huge army men followed Krishna’s chariot.  Balarama with his huge army of men chased Jarasandha.  The elder brother of Rukmi was embarrassed watching Rukmini leaving with Krishna.  He promised that if he could not retrieve his sister from the custodian of Krishna, he will not enter the city.  Thus the entire city gave out an appearance of the battlefield, Jarasandha battled against Balarama, and Krishna fought against men of Rukmi.  A vicious battle took place in the Kudinapuram, in that fierce battle Balarama defeated Jarasandha.  He returned to Shishupala and comforted him forget about Rukmini, he continued explaining his series of failures, he pacified Shishupala that he will definitely get a perfect match, they both eloped from the crowd of Kundinapuram.  Lord Krishna and Rukmi had a fierce battle; Krishna fastened him in a tree and prepared to sieve his head.   Suddenly Krishna felt the touch of cold and supple hands on his feet. It was Devi Rukmini with a prayer “ Oh! Yogeshwara, Oh! Aprameyathma, Oh! Jagathpathi, he is my brother, kindly leave him.”  Immediately Krishna looked at her and announced his decision not to kill him,  Rukmi was disfigured by taking off the hairs from the head and face.

Yogeshwara  Apremeyathman Deva Deva Jagathpathe | Hanthum Narhasi Kalyana Bhratharam Mey Mahabhuja ||

Balaram arrived on the spot and called for Krishna, and Balarama sharply criticized Krishna for his act against Rukmi who is going to be the closest relative. Balarama comforted Devi Rukmini saying that it is all part of the deeds of Kshatriyas advised her to elevate her soul, it was her attachment to her brother that made her unhappy.  The Supreme Lord resides as a soul in all the living beings, intellectuals understand the truth and raise to the knowledge of ‘Oneness-in-All’, an ignorant one never understands the ultimate truth, like the brilliant rays of the sun covered in the dark clouds, they keep fastening themselves into constant worries and grief of worldly attachments and bondage.  The body has to undergo changes and ruin, the soul remains unhurt, it has no attachment or bondage, therefore it remains free from grief and sorrows. Balarama said “ Oh! Devi, elevate your soul from sorrows and miseries with the knowledge of the supreme soul and keep yourself serene.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Thus, Krishna and Rukmini arrived in the city of Dwaraka.  An elaborate arrangement was made for the wedding of Krishna and Rukmini, the city of Dwara got festive mood, the entire city was decorated with various precious gems, flowers, Poornakumbha, Agaru, Dhoop and various fragrances etc.  The houses in the city of Dwaraka were decorated for a Mahothsava. Thus, a grand wedding of Krishna and Devi Rukmini took place before the illustrious members of Vrishni, family, and people of Dwaraka.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 247 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  98

Rukmini Haranam

Thadhahamapi Thacchiththo Nidhram Cha Na  Labhe Nishi | Vedham Rukmina Dhveshan Mamodhvaho Nivaritha: ||

Krishna speaks “Oh! Bhraman, I was not getting sleep in the night hours, my mind was completely in the thoughts of Rukmini, I was finding it difficult to express my love for her, it is sad that Rukmi decided to perform her marriage with Shishupala.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Krishna ordered his charioteer Dharuka to keep ready the chariot, and hurried to the chariot and took a seat in it and invited Bhramana to be seated next to him.  He was neither informed to Balarama nor Udhdhava, the chariot moved at the speed of the wind.  In the Kingdom of Vidharbha, the fortress was decorated with magnificent gems, flags, flowers, pathways, and courtyard were well decorated, the whole city was ready for the grand celebration, Brahmanas were performing fire sacrifices, recitation of Vedic-chants were reverberating in the sky.  The Kingdom of Chedi has the same festive mood, decorated for the grand wedding, performance of various religious rites was taking place.  Shishupala arrived with his associates Shalya, Jarasandha, Dhanthavakthra, and  Paundraka, were received with great respect and offered fortresses for their stay.  Devi Rukmini was getting ready to leave to the shrine of Goddess Girija, ladies assembled around Devi Rukmini and adorned her with various ornaments, fragrances, flowers, and exquisite garments.  She was immersed at the thoughts of Krishna, she became anxious whether Krishna makes it or not, her eyes were brimming with tears, ladies surrounded her pacified; suddenly her left eye trembled as a good omen, she understood that everything going to be auspicious.  Suddenly, Rukmini saw the pleasing face of Brahmana who was sent as a messenger to Krishna removed all her worries.   She rushed to Bhramana and heard that Krishna has already promised to take away Rukmini, she prostrated before the Brahmana.  Once again, Rukmini enthusiastically got ready herself for Krishna.

Balarama enquired the guards of the Palace the reason for Krishna’s sudden journey, even they had no clear information about it, somehow managed to convey the message of Krishna’s journey to Kundinapuram/Vidharbha.  Balarama with huge men of the army left Dwaraka, he was following Krishna to Vidharbha.  Krishna looked back and saw Balarama, they looked at each other’s eyes, Balaram who instructed Krishna to perform the task without much chaos in Vidharbha.  The people of Vibharbha came to know about the visit of Krishna, they crowded to see him and cheered, they openly wished Krishna should marry Rukmini, they would make a great pair.

Namasye Thvam Ambike  Abheekshnam Swasanthanayutham Shivam | Bhooyath Pathirmey Bhagavan Krishna Thadhanumodhatham ||

Devi Rukmini happily followed her female attendants and warriors, accompanied by a group of performers of divine musical instruments, thus they moved out of the palace of Vidharbha and proceeded to the shrine of Goddess Girija.  Before entering the shrine, she washed her feet and stood before the deity and prayed “ Oh! Ambike along with Lord Parameshwara and children, I shall prostrate before you, kindly bless me to attain Bhagavan Krishna as my husband.” She worshiped Goddess Girija with various ingredients, flowers, scents, and fruits; she worshiped Vipasthri/wives of Bhramanas, offered betel leaves, turmeric, and fruits.  Devi Rukmini got out of the shrine and walked on the grand path ways where the Kings and saintly men stood on the both the sides of the path ways were fallen unconscious watching her mesmerizing beauty.   Devi Rukmini has a lovely appearance, she has beautiful physical features, beautiful lips resemble Bimba fruits, attractive smile,  large and raised bosom, her beautiful long attractive hair locks decorated with various flowers or rich fragrances, she was walking like a swan, she has adorned in various ornaments all over the body, her anklets were made attractive jingling noises.  Devi Rukmini realized that Lord Krishna must be somewhere in the crowd, her eyes looked around searching for him.  Devi Rukmini handed the try containing the vermilion, flowers and other ingredients to her female attendant, she cleared the curly hairs locks fallen on her face, causing hindrance to getting a clear view of the audience, suddenly her eyes caught hold of Acchyutha who was standing among the Kings with an attractive smile.  Madhava rushed to Devi Rukmini and seized her hand, carried her in his hands and deposited in his chariot.  The Kings assembled were screamed in panic, Shishupala felt ashamed to watch his pry snatched by a lion.  Shishupala was completely dejected; Jarasandha pacified him mentioning his series of failures in the battle with Krishna.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 246 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  97

Rukmini Sandhesham

Dhrishtva Bhramanadevasya  Thavamaruhya Nijasanath | Upaveshyarhayam Chakre Yadhathmanam Dhivaukasa: ||

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, The twice-born arrived in the palace of Dwaraka, saw the most charming Purusha seated on the magnificent throne, he has a lovely appearance, attired in marvelous yellow silk garments, adorned in various precious ornaments all over the body, Srivathsam, Kausthubham, and Vanamala.  The Brahmana approached Krishna with folded hands; Krishna rose from the seat immediately and received him with great honor.  Krishna massaged the feet of the elderly Bhramin who has a pleasing smile and enquired the reason for his visit to the palace. Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Vipra, a twice-born should have pleasing nature and contentment.  Whoever remains unhappy and haughty even if he is a Sureshwara, could not attain supreme abode.   An ignorant swollen with pride and unhappiness undergoes the cycles of birth and death.  An intelligent even though he/she, has meager wealth but pleasing nature and amiable would get relieved from the miseries and sorrows of the worldly existence.  Oh! Vipra who has pleasing, serene, sharing, and caring nature, free from ego, pride, jealousy, and desires, I shall always prostrate before those virtuous Vipra.  Oh! Bhraman, I could sense something bothering you, why did you come so far? What’s that bothering you?”  The twice-born handed the message of Devi Rukmini to Krishna was refused, asked the Bhramin to read it aloud.”

Devi Rukmini speaks “Oh! Bhuvanasundara, Oh! Achyutha, I have heard your glorious myths, and your lovely appearance, that helped me to get rid of my sorrows and miseries, it has removed all the impurities in my mind and intellect as well.  After listening to your splendor, my mind and intellect is completely wedged on you, therefore I have no shame to pronounce that I have fallen in love with you.  Oh! Mukunda, you are valorous like a lion, you are most appropriate to elevate my soul.  Oh! Ambujaksha, I have already surrendered to you, I am having troubling times, my elder brother fixed my marriage with the King of Chedi, I am helpless, therefore you have to appear before them as a lion and take away your prey that was proposed to offer to King of Chedi.  Oh! Paresha, I have observed various austerities and vows, I have performed various charities, and if I am blessed let my hands unite with yours.  It should not unite with the hands of Shishupala.  Oh! Bhagavan, there is not much time left for you, I shall suggest the easiest method to approach Vidharbha, and take me away from the powerful army men of King of Chedi.   You can take me away from Vidharbha exhibiting your endless prowess following the demonic rite.  Oh! Bhagavan, you need not create chaos in the assembly of King or in the palace, we have the custom to visit the deity of our family clan on the previous day of marriage, therefore you can take me away while I go to visit the shrine of Goddess Girija.  Oh! Bhagavan, I have already surrendered my mind and intellect upon you, if you have not turned to take me away, Oh! Ambujaksha, I shall promise you, I will sacrifice my life by undertaking extreme penances without consuming meals, and if I had to take hundreds of birth I will not back off my mind and intellect from you to achieve as my husband.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 245 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  96

Bhagavan Bheeshmakasutham Rukminim Ruchirananam | Rakshasena Vidhanena Upayema Ithishrutham ||

King Pareekshith speaks “ Oh! Bhraman, I have heard Bhagavan Krishna married to Devi Rukmini, the beautiful daughter of Bheeshmaka, following the demonic rites, kindly elaborate to me.  The glorious myths of Bhagavan Krishna would remain fresh always and it never creates boredom in listeners, it is enough to remove all the impurities of the mind.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan,  King Bheeshmka of Vidharbha Rajadhipathi had five sons Rumki, Rukmaratha, Rukmabahu, Rukmakesha, and Rukmamali, and a daughter Rukmini who was highly virtuous and intelligent.  She has heard the glorious myth of  Bhagavan Krishna from her childhood, she had great opportunities to listen to the splendor of Krishna from the saintly men and twice-born visited in the palace on regular basis, gradually she has confirmed that he is the appropriate groom for her. Thus she has assumed that Mukunda who is capable to elevate the souls, is charismatic, virtuous, intelligent, as her future husband.   In the meantime, Krishna also heard of the chastity and beauty of Rukmini, daughter of King Bheeshmaka.  The elder brother Rukmi was not supportive of the idea of Rukmini’s desire to marry Krishna.  He decided to marry off Rukmini to the King Shishupala of Chedi.  Rukmi had no respect for Krishna who was the leader of cowherds, he had some supernatural powers, performed various amusement, killed his own uncle, performed Maharas with the women of cowherds, stolen the clothes of women while they were having a bath.  He openly criticized Krishna before the entire family who was supporting the idea of Rukmini.  Thus, the family kept quiet, Rukmi made arrangements the marriage of his sister to King Shishupala.  All the preparations for the marriage were in full swing, the invitations were sent to the neighboring rulers, without the knowledge of Rukmini.  Once, a twice-born visited the palace to shower his blessings on Rukmini, while conversation took place between the Bhramin and Devi Rukmini came to know about her marriage were already declared with Shishupala.  Rukmini could not control her grief, she fallen at the feet of the Bhramin with tears overflowing, she understood that her parents are helpless and they have to obey the order of their elder son Rukmi.  Devi Rukmini asked the Bhramin to do a favor, thus she wrote a message to Krishna and instructed the Bhramin to deliver it to Krishna who is in Dwaraka.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 244 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  95

Lord Krishna speaks “ Oh! Sarvabhauma, Oh! Maharaja, I am highly pleased with your devotion, even though I have offered boons, your mind and intellect did not take notice of it.  I want to test your devotion that is why I have offered boons, I persuade my devotees with boons to know their devotion and faith in me.  The intellectuals practice Pranayama and unite their mind and intellect upon me, an ignorant practice breathing technique without the realization of the presence of the supreme soul would attain short-lived peace, and keep feeding their senses.  Oh! Rajan, you have to take one more birth to elevate your soul, eventually, you will attain union with me.”  Muchukunda prostrates before the supreme Lord and left to Badrikashram to conduct Tapasya.

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Jarasandha was keenly waiting for Lord Krisha out of the cave.  Jarasandha found Krishna running out of the cave was followed.  Krishna took shelter on the top of the hill; Jarasandha put fire on the foothills, eventually, the fire spread all over the hills.  Jarasandha felt happy that Krishna trapped in a huge fire, and returned to his palace, without knowing the fact the other side of the hill was facing the ocean.  Krishna took shelter in the ocean and moved to Dwaraka.  Thus, Krishna and Balarama started living in the majestic city of Dwaraka.  Balarama was married to Devi Revathi who was the daughter of King Revatha/  Anarthadhipathi and Krishna was married to the daughter Devi Rukmini of King Bheeshmaka of Vidharbha.”

Bhagavanapi Govinda Upayemey Kurudhvaha | Vaidharbhim Bheeshmakasutham Shriyo Mathram Swayamvare ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 243 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  94

Muchukundha Sthuthi

Avatheerno Yadhukule Griha Anaka Dhundhubhe: | VadhanthiVasudevethi Vasudhevasutham Hi Mam|| Varan Vrineeshva Rajarshe  Sarvan Kaman Dhathami They | Mam Prasanno Jana: Kashchin Bhooyoarhathi Shochithum ||

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Lord Krishna was pleased with the Emperor Muchukundha and offered boons, he eulogized Lord Krishna with marvelous verses.”

Labdhva  Jano Durllabhamathra Manusham Kadhanchithavyangamayathnatho Anagha| Padharavindham Na  Bhajathyasanmathir Grihandhakoope Pathitho Yadha Pashu: ||

Muchukundha speaks “ Oh! Bhagavan, the Jeevathma did not realize your splendor due to the influence of Maya, and they forget to eulogize your glories, take immense pleasure in senses and worldly matters and bondages, and keep themselves in constant miseries and worries, eventually they keep away themselves from the supreme Purusha.  Oh! Bhagavan, it is extremely rare to attain the birth of a human, without knowing the truth, the Jeeva takes immense pleasure in the worldly matters and bondage, without contemplating upon the lotus feet of supreme Lord, heave themselves into the darkness of the deep well like worldly matters and bondage.  Oh! Bhagavan, I had the fame of an Emperor and an abundance of richness, I have soaked in the happiness of family, wives, children, and the Kingdom without the knowledge of Bhramam, even though it creates boredom  in the long run, the Jeeva continues to wedge on it.  Oh! Bhagavan, I have understood the human body is a mud pot, the ignorant takes in pride of the mud pot that is derived from the mud, and has short life.  The Jeeva takes pleasure in the worldly matters and bondage without the knowledge of its impermanent nature, and missing the greatest opportunity to get hold of the supreme bliss/supreme Bhramam.  Oh! Bhagavan, the Jeeva takes pleasure like the mouse trapped in the mouth of a giant serpent, the body which is subject to transformation and ruin, the intellectuals elevate the Athman from the trap of the cycles of repeated births and attain liberation.  Oh! Bhagavan, I have understood this mind and intellect can take pleasure in worldly matters and bondages which is impermanent, it can also take pleasure in the supreme Bhramam which is beyond birth and death.  Oh! Bhagavan, it can be achieved only with the association of ascetics and saintly men, and with the constant practice of the same.  Oh! Bhagavan, kindly blesses me, to get relieved from all the worldly matters and bondage, and lead my mind and intellect to attain that supreme bliss, which was sought after by the virtuous and saintly men.  Oh! Bhagavan, I am not yearning for anything other veneration of your lotus feet, I should be able to perform all the righteous deeds with a pleasing mind, unlike the dark clouds takes away the brightness of the Sun, and I should be able to receive all those happenings in the life as your grace. I do not need any other boon from you.  Oh! Bhagavan, I should be able to get rid of all those bondages of Rajas, Tamas, and Sathvik, and contemplate upon supreme Purusha who is beyond Gunas, Prakrithi, pure, with no dualities, and I should attain that supreme Purusha who is supreme bliss.  Oh! Bhagavan, all my life I was feeding my senses with the expectation of bliss, Alas! It led me to extreme miseries, sorrows, and boredom, Oh! Bhagavan, I shall surrender my intellect and mind at your lotus feet, from the past miseries and troubles, and the upcoming happiness.  Oh! Esha, kindly protect us.’’  Thus, Emperor Muchukundha reverentially prostrated before Lord Krishna.”

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya ||

Chapter -242 – The legend of Lord Krishna – 93

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Bhagavan Krishna prepares to have a battle with Jarasandha who is the father-in-law of Kamsa.  Kamsa had two wives Asthi and Prapthi became widows after his death.  Jarasandha decided to fight against Krishna who forced his daughter to live the life of widows.  Jarasandha with twenty-three Akshauhini Sena/army of men declared a battle against Krishna, who had some other plans in his mind.   Krishna decided not to kill Jarasandha, definitely, there will be a huge number of warriors lose their lives in the battle, in this way he can reduce the burden of Earth.  Krishna had battled against Jarasandha for seventeen times, he left Jarasandha without killing him each time; numerous warriors of his army men were killed in the battle,  the eighteenth time Jarasandha brought King Yavana who had three crores of men of the army on the battlefield.  During the preparation of War, Krishna instructed Lord Vishwakarma to build an astonishing palace in the city of Dwaraka in the middle of the ocean, beautiful fortresses were built and many of the people were shifted to the city of Dwaraka.  Krishna and a few of army men left in Mathura, Yavana brought a huge army of men before Krishna who ran out of the battlefield and entered into a cave. Yavana made fun of Krishna who was defeated by Jarasandha for seventeen times, laughed at his ridicule act.  Yavana chased after Krishna and entered in the cave filled in pitch darkness.  Krishna has dark-complexion, the cave was filled in darkness, Yavana found a person sleeping on the ground covered in a black blanket inside the cave. Yavana kicked harshly on the person thinking that it is Krishna, the person who was asleep on the floor opened his eyes widely and looked at Yavana who instantly turned into ashes.  It was Emperor Muchukunda of the Ikshvaku dynasty, looked at Krishna and enquired him.  They began to talk to each other; Emperor Muchukunda speaks “Oh! Mahabhaga, I am the son of Mandatha, I have assisted the deities in the battle against demons, without sleep for several days.  In that battle the deities won against the demon, Lord Indra offered a boon to have good sleep if anyone disturbs my sleep would become ashes, so I have chosen this cave to sleep. Kindly introduce yourself. ”  Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Rajan, I have several names, I have born in the clan of Yadhu, I am the son of Vasudeva/Anakadhundhubi and Devi Devaki.”  Emperor Muchukunda thrilled to hear the name of Krishna, witnessed the magnificent form of Lord Vishnu with four arms holding Shankha, Chakra, Gadha, and the Padma,"