|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 250 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  101

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Thus the wedding of Lord Krishna and Devi Rukmini took place in a grand manner.  One day, Devi Rukmini appeared before Krishna and shyly revealed her desire to have a child.  Krishna advised Devi Rukmini to pray to Lord Mahadeva, she sincerely conducted the worship of Lord Mahadeva.” 

Lord Parameshwara underwent extreme Tapasya after the demise of Devi Sati in the Yogagni, in the meantime, the entire world had to undergo the atrocities of demons, and the deities lost their power fighting against the demons without a great leader to lead the army of deities.  They all desired to have a powerful leader of deities from the Beeja of the supreme ascetic who is Lord Shiva.  The deities were in a dilemma on how to approach Lord Mahadeva who was undertaking extreme penance after the separation from Devi Sati, no one dared to go near Lord Mahadeva and none has the courage to wake up Shiva from the extreme penance. Thus, Lord Indra advised Lord Kamadeva to rouse emotions in Lord Shiva.   Lord Kamadeva shot the cupid flower arrows against Lord Shiva who was undertaking extreme Tapasya and was serving by Goddess Parvati.  Lord Mahadeva was annoyed and opened his third eye and looked at Kamadeva.  The extreme brilliance of Thapasagni from the third eye of Mahadeva burned Kamadeva into ashes.  Devi Rathi who is the wife of Kamadeva fallen at the feet of Mahadeva and requested to reinstate life in Kamadeva was advised to take birth as Mayavathi in the palace of Shambarasura so that she can unite with her husband once again. 

Shambarasura undertook extreme Tapasya and attained an abundance of boons from Lord Bhrama, asked for a boon that no one can kill him other than Kamadeva who was already lost life in the hands of Mahadeva. Shambarasura became haughty after receiving a boon from Lord Bhrama.  In the meantime, Kamadeva appeared as Beeja in Krishna and it was carried in the womb of Devi Rukmini.  Maharishi Narada came to know about it, visited Shambarasura in his palace, and informed the birth of Kamadeva as Pradhyumna to Krishna and Devi Rukmini.  Shambarasura lost his peace, decided to kill Pradhyumna, and arrived in the palace of Krishna.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 249 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  100

The legend of the Rukmini Vivah represents the union of Jeeva with the Paramathma, the union of the soul with the Supreme Lord, the five brothers of Rukmini represents the sense organs which always wedge on the material well-being.  The mind and intellect only has the ability to elevate the soul with the constant practice of recitation and remembrance of glorious myths of supreme Lord.  The association with the saintly men and ascetics, constant contemplation and listening to the various myths from scriptures would elevate the soul to the state of supreme bliss, it enhances the devotion, eventually attains the union with the Paramathma, it is the promise of supreme Lord to Jeeva, whoever contemplates upon the supreme Lord with constant recitation and meditation would remain pure and get rid of all the sins finally attain union with the Supreme Lord.

There is an interesting legend of a lion cub that was lost from its herd and reached in the hands of a cowherd who took great care of it and kept it with the herds of goat, eventually, the lion cub adopted all the habits the baby goat, consumed grass, remained nervous to walk alone.  The lion cub was too attached to the herd of goat, produced bleat like the baby goats.  The cowherd took all the goats and the lion cub for grazing in the woods, he was not aware that he has been under constant observation of a lion.  The lion was surprised to notice the lion cub producing bleat and walking close to the herds of the goat; it rushed to the herd of goats and caught hold of the lion cub, alas! It ran towards the cowherd was safely taken home.  The same incident happened once again, this lime lion did not leave the lion cub; it took the cub on the river bank.  The lion cub was all horrified, but the lion did not leave it to hold, produced an earsplitting roar, the cub was terrified.  The lion instructed the cub to watch his face and his own image in the water.  The lion cub looked at the water and found his own image and the image of the lion are the same. Thus, slowly the lion cub regained its confidence, it forced the cub to produce roar like him, fed it with the meat of deer, it was all new experience for the cub, surprisingly it got adapted to the new style of living like a lion.  The constant remembrance of the Supreme Lord who has endless prowess, learning the scriptures which describe the greatest potentials of the human mind and intellect is called the practice of spirituality.

|| 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 ||