Gopala-campu
Gopal Champu
Chapter Sixteen - Rukmiṇī’s Marriage
[1] After the evening session, Snigdhakaṇṭha began speaking (the next morning) another topic in Nanda’s assembly, lit by the smile from Kṛṣṇa’s moon-like face.
[2] When the many messengers were going and coming in this way, two other messengers arrived. As in previous cases, they announced the good condition and gave information. There was astonishing news from the most auspicious city called Vanamālī.
[3] Nanda said, “O messengers! Please describe this completely.”
[4] They said:
When some days had passed in complete happiness, one day while your son was sitting somewhat indifferently on a cot in a room made of jewels with a vacant mind, a brāhmaṇa who acted as if he had been cheated by evil men quickly approached. Kṛṣṇa had great faith in the person who had arrived because he was a brāhmaṇa, and according to proper conduct offered him respects, worshiped him by washing his feet and offering other services, fed him tasty food, gave him a bed, and held his feet for service. After inquiring about his well being he asked why he had come.
[5] Being shy, the brāhmaṇa was silent for some moments and then spoke. “There is a king named Bhīṣmaka living in Kuṇḍina in Vidarbha state. He is the abode of great fame. You know him. He is famous for being born in a famous dynasty. He has some demonic sons like Rukmī and a daughter named Rukmiṇī. Friends who know the king’s heart were thinking of offering her to you. But Rukmī has deceived them and has attempted to give her toŚiśupāla. This praiseworthy daughter, hearing of your qualities and confirming them through the scriptures, desires to accept you as her husband according to her impressions. What is to be said about her desire to accept you? She has already accepted you in her mind. Having done that, it is continually painful for her to see other marriage arrangements. Giving up shyness, she has sent me to you. She says this:
One should not be ashamed for a righteous cause. Shame because of sin or death is low. Those women are fortunate who worship Kṛṣṇa because of attraction, giving up local custom and dharma.” ||1||
[6] Kṛṣṇa began to think, “It is true. She has no alternative. Nārada, who gives happiness to all, has already said that she is attracted only to me. Let us leave that news of her attraction for now. Fixed in the instructions from saints like Nārada, she cannot give up the scriptural principle of being fully dedicated to me. She can even give up her body. I think she cannot reveal her desires for me to her parents unless she knows my agreement to marry her. If she knows I accept her, she will live. If she understands I will not accept her, then she will give up her life. This constant nature of mine manifests at all times: when someone shows anurāga for me, I cannot reject them. Because of the extraordinary emotions in my heart caused by the wealth of prema in Vraja I have no inclination for her. But now she is attempting service with great pain. My heart does not know what to do. I must again ask for news.”
[7] He asked, “What are the details of what she wants?”
[8] The brāhmaṇa said, “There is nothing. But she shyly gave me this letter. “
[9] Kṛṣṇa said, “Please read it.”
[10] The brāhmaṇa spoke in a choked voice:
O Kṛṣṇa, most beautiful in the universe! Your famous qualities have entered my heart through my ears. What to speak of hearing about you, on seeing your form you have entered my heart! ||2||
O lotus-eyed Kṛṣṇa! My mind becomes absorbed in those qualities. Those qualities combine and remain in my mind, which thinks of you as the only goal. By those qualities, my heart gives up all shyness and constantly follows you. ||3||
O Lord! Let these qualities which destroy all suffering and your form which bestows all results not be given to me though I desire them! But I do not want to see other women in such a position. ||4||
What intelligent women, with good family and qualities, would not worship you? For there is no one equal to you in qualities and you attract the minds of all people in the three worlds. ||5||
Most worshipable Kṛṣṇa! Because you attract all, I have given up shyness. I immediately accept you as my husband. Śiśupāla cannot touch this body which has been offered to you. O lion among men! Is the lioness’s body fit for the jackal? ||6||
I have worshipped the Lord since childhood by various types of charity to serve you. If this is not accomplished or there is obstacle in my worship, let my body perish. But no one else should touch my body. ||7||
O Kṛṣṇa! The day after tomorrow I am to be married. Come to the marriage secretly tomorrow, surrounded by soldiers. Defeating Śiśupāla and others, take me away when I go out to worship Devī according to the custom. ||8||
If the Lord, the dust from whose lotus feet takes away all suffering, is not pleased, let me have the benediction of worshiping him and giving up my life for thousands of births! ||9||
[11] The people of Vraja said, “Ah! This young girl has fixed her mature intelligence on the most auspicious object. She has made such vow in the end.”
[12] Some women said, “How could she be a young girl? She was intelligent, for in fear she sent the messenger.”
[13] Others said, “Those of kṣatriya birth have no fear in their minds but they teach others by being fixed in dharma. Tell the rest of the story.”
[14] The messengers said:
Understanding her deep attachment, Kṛṣṇa again thought: “What should I do now, since I must prevent her from giving up her body? And this marriage will be an obstacle in going to Gokula. How should I marry her?”
[15] He again considered, “Anyway, I should kidnap her and later think about what to do.”
[16] Thinking in this way he said to the brāhmaṇa:
O best of brāhmaṇas! Please listen with attention. Since I heard from Nārada that she is attracted to me, my mind has been thinking of her constantly.
It is well known that the devotees follow after the qualities of the devatā they worship. But I also follow after the qualities of my devotees, just as a crystal mountain adopts the qualities of the object next to it. ||10||
[17] Therefore she must be delivered. Later I will consider what to do.
[18] Thinking in this way, with anxious heart he mounted his chariot with the brāhmaṇa. Understanding the time of the wedding, he arrived in one night in Kuṇḍina town, in the middle of Vidarbha. He decided that he should not take permission from anyone. He did not even take Balarāma because of fear and shame. Going in this way he arrived in the evening.
[19] Arriving at Kuṇḍina, he saw the joyful marriage arranged by the king according to the wishes of his son. He then understood that Śiśupāla had arrived expecting to be the groom. He also saw the great respect Bhīṣmaka gave to the groom as appropriate to the occasion, and saw Jarāsandha and others who had assembled to fix the proposal.
[20] Nanda in fear asked, “How did my son remain so close to them while being alone?”
[21] The messengers said, “O Nanda! You certainly know your son’s power which considers millions of enemies to be insignificant. If a lion is alone in an elephant herd, will the lion be afraid?” ||11||
[22-23] Nanda said, “Did anyone follow Kṛṣṇa? No one should follow him? Even Balarāma did not follow him? How could Balarāma also born in the milk ocean of Vraja give up affection for him? Did not the people of Dvārakā have affection for him as a relative?”
The two messengers said, “Only Balarāma followed. Hearing that his brother had arrived at Kuṇḍina to steal the bride and that the enemies were ready to prevent any interruption to the marriage, Balarāma was overcome with affection from being born in the ocean of affection in Vraja. Alarmed, we went to Kuṇḍina with an array of troops.” ||12||
[24] All then thought of the difference between Balarāma and the Yadus. They said, “Prema that appears from birth is svabhāva-siddha (according to the very nature of a person). Prema which arises incidentally is conditional. How can that artificial prema be compared with natural prema?” ||13||
[25] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[26] The messengers said, “When he arrived Kṛṣṇa was embarrassed. Balarāma became red like the rising moon because of anger and did not speak to Kṛṣṇa, thinking him to be like a thief. He remained there, surrounding him with the troops.”
[27] Nanda said in joy, “Where did the brāhmaṇa go? Afflicted by fear that her love for Kṛṣṇa would be destroyed, wondering where he was, what did Rukmiṇī think?”
[28] The messengers said, “Understanding that any requests made at night would be useless, the brāhmaṇa stayed awake all night thinking of auspicious subjects. Rukmiṇī was thinking that the brāhmaṇa would come in the evening. Thinking her aspirations were devastated, she became unsteady. The opportunity at the marriage, which she had narrated to him in the letter, did not materialize. ‘I cannot waste time’ she thought. She thought of looking at the road, but could not do so. With vacant mind, she bowed her head. Controlling herself by keeping her mouth firmly closed, she closed her tearful eyes. Some time passed. She was unable to tolerate the brāhmaṇa not returning, but her left eye, arm and foot began trembling as an auspicious sign. With those symptoms, her mind became alert and she opened her eyes. Opening her eyes she saw the brāhmaṇa in front of her. Seeing him, her mind became agitated with doubt whether Kṛṣṇa had come. Then she saw the joy on his face. Her mind and eyes became joyful. Becoming happy, she became cool.
By closeness to the brāhmaṇa who was fragrant with the aroma of Kṛṣṇa, Rukmiṇī became fragrant. She experienced such strong joy within that her hairs stood on end. ||14||
[29] The messengers continued: “She inquired from the brāhmaṇa in private. Asked, he explained clearly that Kṛṣṇa had accepted her proposal and he had come with him on the chariot by a pleasant route. But all the articles worthy of praise that she had arranged were not suitable to give the brāhmaṇa. In offering her head to him when she bowed down, she made him most exalted. Rukmiṇī’s moon-like body, lit by the cakra of Kṛṣṇa’s acceptance words, became free from Śiśupāla, who was like Rāhu on the seventh lunar day.” ||15||
[30] Nanda said, “How did Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma fool the others there, and how did the king treat them?”
[31] The messengers said, “They pretended that they had come to see the elaborate marriage celebration. Hearing that they had agreed to come to his daughter’s marriage, in joy the king worshiped them elaborately as suitable to guests.”
[32] Nanda said, “Since he treated them only like guests with some indifference, I think that all the inhabitants of the city must have been indifferent to them.”
[33] The messengers said, “No, no. The king could not show inclination to them because of his suffering condition, caused by his evil son’s advice. All others were unhappy with this situation. All the people gathered and drank through their eyes, like folded hands, the streams of sweetness form Kṛṣṇa’s blue lotus face, spreading constant, unlimited happiness. They said ‘Rukmiṇī is suitable to be Kṛṣṇa’s wife, and Kṛṣṇa is suitable to be her husband in all ways.’ They said this using the word “certainly” at every instance. Moreover they said, ‘Because of past, present and future pious acts we do not desire our own happiness. But we make this joyful prayer. O Lord of all results for all living beings! Let strong, lotus-eyed Kṛṣṇa accept the lotus hand of Rukmiṇī by righteous or unrighteous means!’” ||16-17||
[34] Nanda and the people said in bliss, “Then what happened?”
[35] The messengers said:
After bathing in the morning and putting on her clothing, with joyful mind, as if getting permission to go to Dvārakā, Rukmiṇī then became eager to go to the Durgā temple according to the instructions of her parents, after she offered them respects, surrounded by friends, her brother’s wives, mothers-in-law, wives of the family priests, servants, eunuchs, and groups of foot soldiers with swords and armor. Horsemen armed with the best weapons, chief ministers on all-seeing elephants, processions of chariots, musicians carrying instruments, skillful dancers*, sūtas, māgadhas* and vandis distinguished by different colored costumes, and finally, the blissful common people watched the continuous spectacle. Since she held Kṛṣṇa in her heart, no one could impede her. Emerging from the palace guarded by guards, she went through the city according to Vedic rules and arrived at the dharmic Durgā temple. Wishing that Kṛṣṇa would destroy the enemies, she walked slowly to the temple.
[36] Rukmiṇī worshipped Durgā according to the proper method and, holding her prasāda (mercy) in her body and mind, left the sanctum. Taking the hand of her friend in her hand which had the beauty of Durgā’s jeweled hand position (mudrā), she went outside. Yogamāyā made Rukmiṇī, with teeth like kunda flowers, into two forms. The opposers of Kṛṣṇa saw a material form. The devotees saw her as Kṛṣṇa’s wife. The opposers of Kṛṣṇa became bewildered by māyā and the devotees of Kṛṣṇa became joyful with devotion to him. While this occurred, Kṛṣṇa remained seated in his chariot, higher than all the rest. The bride and groom gazed at each other as if eternally related, devoid of the glance of even the best of the public.
[37] After they glanced at each other again, Rukmiṇī deliberately delayed in order to climb into the chariot and glanced at him with the edge of her eye. Kṛṣṇa positioned on his swift chariot, then took her up. Persons at a distance thought that Garuḍa on his flag had quickly taken her off to Dvārakā. ||18||
[38] He took her and left. When he took her away, the unlimited people who had been bewildered by māyā such as Jarāsandha came back to consciousness, awakened by the sound of Kṛṣṇa’s chariot. They could not understand when Kṛṣṇa had come, when he left and where he went. ||19||
[39] After considering, they began to search. Accompanied by the harsh, terrifying sound caused by the thumping of drums, the neighing of horses, the trumpeting of elephants and the rattling of chariots, the best of soldiers began searching, following the path of the kidnapper of the king’s daughter, which was strewn with the bodies of all the enemies cut down by his chariot. Their bodies torn, they became filled with affliction. ||20||
Though the armies came in front of Kṛṣṇa, one cannot describe them because jackals only come in front of a lion out of insanity. ||21||
Though Rukmiṇī’s heart was shy from the first meeting because of her good upbringing, she embraced Kṛṣṇa’ face with her eyes, since she was fearful of the enemy’s strength. ||22||
“Though she knows my power, she is afraid because of her nature as a young girl.” Kṛṣṇa calmed her quickly by his words possessing increasing mercy. ||23||
It is true that the enemy approached the Yadus and fired arrows at them. But they were like a mass of clouds in a strong gale. ||24||
The Yadus clearly saw the enemies with their quivers behind. Amazingly, the enemy did not know the position of the Yadus’ limbs with their weapons. ||25||
The enemy had most valuable swords but they were like treasures locked in a miser’s storehouse. ||26||
The enemy did not lament when countless foot soldiers, horses, chariots and elephants fell in the battle. Because their bodies remained alive, they felt unequalled happiness. ||27||
The piles of bodies of the terrified enemies run over by Kṛṣṇa’s fast chariot were like steps to Svarga. ||28||
Some, seeing the bodies with severed heads, fled far away in fear, holding their heads with their hands, thinking that their own heads may have been severed. ||29||
They consoled Śiśupāla whose wife had been stolen, gave up enthusiasm for fighting through the excuse that victory and defeat depend only on karma, and then left. ||30||
“I was defeated by Kṛṣṇa seventeen times and I conquered him once. See how I remain calm.” Jarāsandha’s words did not make anyone laugh. ||31||
“I was defeated the seventeenth time, but I defeated him the eighteenth time.” Jarāsandha was in this way mistaken about his victory. ||32||
[40] Though Rukmī had been defeated with others like a tāla tree burned by a strong lightning bolt, he promised in front of the inauspicious rascals that if he did not defeat Kṛṣṇa and Rukmiṇī he would not return.
[41] We derive some happiness from their words. They say that your son, whom Vasudeva established as his son, is a cowherd. They do not deny it. Kṛṣṇa was satisfied with that.[1]
[42] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[43] The messengers said, “Rukmī was so thoughtless. But see the cowardly state of the others, since they vowed to help but fled without a show of strength, because they had hearts of frightened deer, not hearts dedicated to the Lord.”
[44] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[45] The messengers said:
Rukmī lamented. Giving up those who lamented their loss, he took only his own akṣauhiṇīs and went to battle, but, looking behind, he found he was his only helper. Since he could not depend on only himself, he thought and concluded he could only talk to Kṛṣṇa. From far off, behind Kṛṣṇa, he called “Stop, stop.” But Kṛṣṇa continued to move, not hearing him because of the sound of his chariot swallowed the sound of Rukmī’s chariot. When he heard the sound of his chariot, he stopped. Rukmī began firing abuse from his mouth and arrows from his bow. Kṛṣṇa deflected all the arrows of abuse by his smile and deflected Rukmī’s fury by his armor made of Yogamāyā.
Kṛṣṇa’s golden arrows with feathered ends, increasing in brilliance by the competition with Rukmī, simultaneously broke Rukmī’s bow and flag staff. The arrows immediately demolished the charioteer, Rukmī’s limbs, and his four horses at the same time. Rukmī watched as this happened. With difficulty, he took another bow. He released more arrows, but the same thing happened. Depressed and lamenting, Rukmī then gathered his iron club, spears, trident, shield, armor, sword and lance to make himself invincible against the enemy. His chariot broke and he alighted from it.
[46] Quickly making Rukmī devoid of his chariot, Kṛṣṇa on his chariot approached him with great speed like Śiva. ||33||
[47] When Rukmī took up his golden sword and colorful shield, in order to stop Kṛṣṇa’s advance, Kṛṣṇa pulverized them but not completely. Kṛṣṇa wanted to break his sword and shield, deflate his joy and cut him with his knife. But he did not kill him.
[48] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[49] The messengers said, “Rukmiṇī then showed her womanly nature. Giving up shyness, she protected her brother, trying to help him, out of pity. Rather than kill him because of audacity, Kṛṣṇa took the opportunity to have some fun which would inflict great pain on him.”
[50] Everyone said, “Tell us what happened next.”
[51-52] The messengers said, “So that the snake with deflated pride could not run away, expert, powerful Kṛṣṇa tied up the deceitful man with a torn piece of cloth like Bali so he could not get loose, as if ready to kill him. A shadow of mercy appeared in Kṛṣṇa’s mind because of Rukmiṇī’s pleas. Kṛṣṇa then disfigured him by cutting the tough forest of hair on his head with a quick movement of his sword, making zigzag patterns left and right as if lice were making new paths.”
[53] When the Vraja assembly laughed at this description, the messengers spoke again:
“Please listen. Balarāma felt pain for Rukmī like someone who wipes a person with cloth when that person breaks his nose. While Kṛṣṇa fought with Rukmī, Balarāma and other attendees of the wedding routed the opposing troops who caused a disturbing battle. When Kṛṣṇa tied up Rukmī, Balarāma was present. Seeing him bound by Kṛṣṇa like someone to be killed, Balarāma became touched with compassion, and, taking the bonds, released them and scolded Kṛṣṇa with many words. He brought Rukmiṇī, back to a normal state by giving instructions since she was trembling because of Rukmī’s plight:
asādhv idaṁ tvayā kṛṣṇa kṛtam asmaj-jugupsitam |
vapanaṁ śmaśru-keśānāṁ vairūpyaṁ suhṛdo vadhaḥ ||
maivāsmān sādhvy asūyethā bhrātur vairūpya-cintayā |
sukha-duḥkha-do na cānyo 'sti yataḥ sva-kṛta-bhuk pumān ||
bandhur vadho-'rha-doṣo 'pi na bandhor vadham arhati |
tyājyaḥ svenaiva doṣeṇa hataḥ kiṁ hanyate punaḥ ||
kṣatriyāṇām ayaṁ dharmaḥ prajāpati-vinirmitaḥ |
bhrātāpi bhrātaraṁ hanyād yena ghoratamas tataḥ ||
My dear Kṛṣṇa, you have acted improperly! This deed will bring shame on us, for to disfigure a close relative by shaving off his mustache and hair is as good as killing him.
Saintly lady, please do not be displeased with us out of anxiety for your brother’s disfigurement. No one but oneself is responsible for one’s joy and grief, for a man experiences the result of his own deeds.
A relative should not be killed even if his wrongdoing warrants capital punishment. Rather, he should be thrown out of the family. Since he has already been killed by his own sin, why kill him again?
The code of sacred duty for warriors established by Lord Brahmā enjoins that one may have to kill even his own brother. That is indeed a most dreadful law. SB 10.54.37-40
[54] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[55] The messengers said, “Gentle Rukmiṇī agreed with Balarāma’s instructions. Rukmī thought to himself that the instructions of Balarāma were more painful than being bound by Kṛṣṇa. He thus felt intensely aggrieved.”
[56] Nanda said, “Where did he go after this?”
[57] The messengers said, “After being freed by Balarāma, he met with his remaining devastated troops in a depressed mood.”
[58] Everyone said, “How could the cruel fellow, disfigured like that, go back to Kuṇḍina?”
[59] The messengers said, “Though thinking Rukmī should actually be doubly punished, Balarāma, to protect Rukmī’s honor, had him completely shaved by a barber as if he had gone on pilgrimage, and then put him on his chariot and sent him off. Holding strong enmity towards Kṛṣṇa and bad intentions on his return journey, he came to his residence and stayed there. What is the use of speaking about sinful persons? Enough said.”
[60] Nanda asked, “Did Kṛṣṇa return to an auspicious house?”
[61] The messengers said, “After he returned, as previously, he heard news of Vraja through Uddhava and taking Uddhava’s permission, sent us here quickly.”
[62] Nanda asked, “Was the marriage performed?”
[63] The messengers said, “No, no, it seemed to have been neglected. The reason was previously given. Hearing all the happy news from the mouth of Uddhava, how could Kṛṣṇa marry if it were not performed by you?” ||34||
[64] When Nanda and others were discussing in the assembly, two servants of Vasudeva from Dvārakā carrying a message approached Nanda, offered respects, inquired about his well-being and then addressed him as follows, “O lord! Vasudeva has sent this letter.”
[65] Nanda took the letter with respect and read it.
“You are my friend, always thinking of my happiness. You are the root of all auspiciousness named Nanda. Embracing you, I, Vasudeva, make a request with all humility:
Your son that you accept as your own I also take as my son. We have no difference. You know that I know that. Who could think otherwise about us? Because we have the same feelings for Kṛṣṇa as our son, we pray permission for his marriage, just as you repeatedly pray for permission with your hand-written letters.” ||35||
[66] Saying this, Nanda said, “Alright, arrange to feed the two messengers. Later we will send a suitable message.”
[67] When all gathered they considered as follows pleasantly:
Since Kṛṣṇa’s promise to return to Vraja cannot be false, he will be delayed as long as the enemy has not been destroyed. That has not yet been accomplished, but sometime in the future it will be. While Balarāma is enjoying family life, it is not proper that Kṛṣṇa remains in an unmarried state, for Kṛṣṇa has written these sweet words to us:
yāta yūyaṁ vrajaṁ tāta vayaṁ ca sneha-duḥkhitān |
jṣātīn vo draṣṭum eṣyāmo vidhāya suhṛdāṁ sukham ||
Now you should all return to Vraja, dear father. We shall come to see you, our dear relatives who suffer in separation from us, as soon as we have given some happiness to your well-wishing friends. SB 10.45.23
[68] This statement reveals the following:
One should make arrangements so that friends may be happy. That is included in the happiness of Kṛṣṇa, known as a Yadu and kṣatriya. ||36||
[69] If he does not appear as a Yadu kṣatriya, because of not having oneness with them, other events cannot take place. Therefore, like Vasudeva, we will pray for his marriage.
[70] Nanda wrote this message:
Embracing my most affectionate son whose beautiful face is worshipped by all happiness, I make the following request:
O child! You know my heart–that I consider myself non-different from Vasudeva. For that reason whatever you do as per Vasudeva’s desire, know that it is our desire as well. What a misfortune, if we were to ever think differently! How could I endure the poverty-stricken condition of your lotus face devoid of beauty? I could not endure it. ||37||
[71] Receiving the message, the two messengers, carrying it, left. After some days, as previously, two Vraja messengers arrived. After telling of the well-being of Dvārakā, they told what had happened in Dvārakā.
[72] Nanda asked, “After that what happened?”
[73] The messengers said, “O Nanda! When your son saw your letter, tears washed away the writing. Later he fixed in his heart the meaning of the letter.” ||38||
[74] Nanda with tears said, “Then what happened?”
[75] The messengers said, “He underwent the marriage that you permitted.
In Dvārakā there was profuse music in each house and in the heavens, spreading over the high waves of the ocean, with one sound competing with the others. Crowded with Kuntī, Yadus, Kekayas and Kurus, as well as the people of Vidarbha, the wedding of Rukmiṇī took place with great festivity, giving great joy.” ||39||
[76] Nanda asked, “Did all the people of Vidarbha come?”
[77] The messengers said, “All came except Bhīṣmaka’s sons.”
[78] Nanda said, “Was not Bhīṣmaka ashamed to come?”
[79] The messengers said, “He was ashamed. He feared being slighted by Vasudeva’s group and his daughter.”
[80] Nanda said, “Did all the groups of the bride and groom meet together?”
[81] The messengers said, “Yes. All matters of the wedding were performed perfectly. But without your presence, our minds remained without peace. What more should I say about the topic?”
[82] Hearing this, as previously when Nanda’s assembly became pale, Snigdhakaṇṭha concluded.
“O Nanda! Kṛṣṇa, whose splendid face gives all happiness, does not shine as much in the presence of his father, mother, and unlimited relatives and millions of houses with immense treasures as he does on attaining your sweet glance.” ||40||
[83] Hearing this and seeing the pleasing color of Kṛṣṇa’s eyes, Nanda’s color was restored. He embraced Kṛṣṇa and everyone’s’ hair stood on end.
[84] Blissful on seeing Kṛṣṇa, the bards of Vraja began reciting.
Kṛṣṇa curbed all desires because of the sweetness of Vraja and considered a king’s wealth to be useless. He had no desire to marry. At that time, a brāhmaṇa came to Kṛṣṇa.
He delivered the words of Rukmiṇī and relished the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s clever words in response. The brāhmaṇa left Dvārakā joyfully, came to Kuṇḍina, and told Rukmiṇī that Kṛṣṇa would come.
Joyful Rukmiṇī, desiring the wedding, offered respects to the brāhmaṇa with no fear*.*
As a trick, she worshipped Durgā during the festival in order to be qualified to accept the feet of the Lord.
He shone perfectly when he took Rukmiṇī on his chariot and made the faces of the enemies’ pale with lamentation. When Jarāsandha and others were disinclined to fight and the enemy was defeated, Rukmī instigated a fight with Kṛṣṇa.
Kṛṣṇa did not kill him but disfigured him by shaving his head. Having defeated Rukmī with his allied kings, Kṛṣṇa went to Dvārakā with Rukmiṇī.
Respected for defeating various enemies, he now resides in Vraja by the desire of all. ||41||
[85] When the day’s topic was finished, the evening recital began by which Rādhā and her friends became happy.
[86] Snigdhakaṇṭha said:
When messengers arrived, the gopīs used to gather to hear, but not all the time, because among them, only a few of their assistants were present in the. Understanding the times when the topics would bring happiness to the sakhīs, they would bring the sakhīs to hear.
[87] They heard a little about the marriage with Rukmiṇī through others. Just as Vasudeva wrote a letter to Nanda, Uddhava wrote to the gopīs:
Kṛṣṇa decided that he would never marry among the Yadus. “But if I do not marry her, she will kill herself. I do not know what to do if this happens.” ||42||
[88] Understanding the situation, the gopīs, afraid of responsibility for a woman’s death, wrote an answer for Kṛṣṇa:
We endure all difficulties arising from unfortunate karma. But we pray that Kṛṣṇa’s fame, like the moon, will not be spoiled by the death of a woman. ||43||
[89] When Kṛṣṇa heard Nanda’s letter, and saw privately the letter written by the gopīs delivered by Uddhava, he accepted the letter without joy. There is no use in describing this. But listen to this:
O Rādhā! Bold because of intense love, he who gave you up because of unavoidable duties now puts you on his lap, excluding all other thoughts, and has given up his defamation. ||44||
[90] Having dissipated all pain for Rādhā and her friends, spreading joy to all, the two reciters went to their residence.
Having attained each other, Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, free of all worries, embracing each other, spread most splendid joy throughout Vraja. ||45||
[1] This refers to SB 10.54.22: This wicked-minded cowherd boy, infatuated with his prowess, has violently abducted my sister. But today I will remove his pride with my sharp arrows.