A Story of Dvapar Yuga in Prose (Part-25)
By Lokanath Mishra
The princess of Vidarbha, Rukmini, had now blossomed into a young woman in the fullness of youth. One day she was strolling in the pleasure garden, surrounded by her companions. Amid laughter and playful banter, one friend said, “For a Lakshmi-incarnate like our princess—perfect in beauty and virtue—it is difficult to find a husband worthy of her. Father Maharaja has already sent priests to various kingdoms, yet nowhere has his heart found satisfaction.”
Another companion said, “Why he searches so widely, I cannot understand. Has no one spoken to him of Shri Krishna, the Lord of Dwarka? In beauty, virtue, power, and splendor—where is he lacking? I have heard he is an incarnation of Narayana Himself.”
The maidservant fell silent. Rukmini said, “Speak, Madhavi, speak—why have you stopped?”
Madhavi replied, “What should I say?”
Rukmini said, “What you were saying—tell me of him once more.”
The companions exchanged glances. Madhavi said, “Was I speaking of anyone? I seem to have forgotten.”
The garden echoed with rippling laughter. A blush spread across Rukmini’s face. She said, “How childish you are! I have heard that name many times. Whoever begins to speak of him becomes absorbed while speaking. Is Kanhaiya truly so beautiful, so extraordinary?”
Latika asked mischievously, “Kanhaiya? Who is that?”
Laughter rose again. This time Rukmini pouted.
Madhavi said, “Enough, enough—the princess is angry. Jewel among princesses, do not be impatient. Listen as I describe the qualities of your beloved man. In all Aryavarta there is no man as handsome, virtuous, and powerful as Vasudeva Krishna. He is an ocean of love, a treasure-house of virtues, a storehouse of strength. His lips are sweet, his eyes sweet, his form sweet, his words sweet. What more can I say? He is the Lord of Mathura; everything about him is sweet and enchanting. One who once beholds his beauty—envied even by millions of women—cannot turn their eyes away. Whoever once sees that smile on his coral lips becomes his forever. Hearing of his wondrous deeds, you too would believe him to be divine.”
Rukmini asked softly, “How may I see him, even once?”
Latika said, “I know our royal priest has portraits of many princes. Let us seek his help. I will go to him today.”
The next day the priest himself entered the royal inner chambers carrying the portraits. In truth, he had come at King Bhishmaka’s request. Bhishmaka asked about the progress of the search for a groom. The priest said, “Maharaja, for our princess, only Vasudeva Krishna of Dwarka is a worthy match. I am certain this union will be like the meeting of gold and gem. Please set a day to send a proposal to Dwarka.”
As the king rose to consult the queen, one of Rukmini’s companions entered, took the portrait of Shri Krishna from the priest’s hands, and vanished in a moment. The king entered with the queen; both were delighted. King Bhishmaka said, “Please come again. I will consult my sons and then summon you.”
In exchange for sufficient bribes, the companions handed over the enchanting portrait of Shyamghana to Rukmini. After seeing it, Rukmini lost all composure. Beholding that exquisite radiance, she surrendered herself inwardly at his feet. Day and night, light and darkness, hunger and thirst—all ceased to matter to her.
The queen noticed her daughter’s distraction. One day she seated her lovingly and asked, “What is it, my child? Open your heart to me. I am your mother; you need hide nothing from me. Since talk of your marriage began, you have grown silent. If you desire someone in your heart as your husband, tell me.”
After repeated questioning, the princess of Vidarbha placed Shri Krishna’s portrait into her mother’s hands. The queen comforted her and assured her she would help fulfill her wish.
When King Bhishmaka heard this, he was pleased. He gathered his sons and raised the matter of Rukmini’s marriage. He said, “Before we proceed, I must say that Rukmini wishes to have Krishna of Dwarka as her husband. I hope none of you object?”
“Impossible!” thundered the eldest son, Rukmi. “I have already fixed her marriage. Shishupala, the prince of Chedi, is the only suitable match. I have given my word. He will soon come to see Rukmini.”
The other brothers objected. They said, “Wherever our sister’s heart lies, if we marry her there, she will live happily.”
Rukmi said, “My sister will not go against my word. King Jarasandha loves Shishupala like his own son and desires this marriage as well. Have you considered the consequences of opposing him? Know this—the safety of the Vidarbha throne depends on this alliance.”
Ignoring his parents and brothers, Rukmi stormed out. The chamber filled with unease; sorrow darkened every face.
Rukmini heard of Rukmi’s harsh decree. In joy and sorrow alike, she would run to the temple of Goddess Durga. Today too, in deep anguish, she sought refuge at Mother Bhavani’s feet.
Rukmi heeded neither parents nor brothers. Crushing the tender vine of love sprouting in his only sister’s heart under the intoxicated foot of pride, he summoned Shishupala to the royal palace of Kundina. Maintaining decorum, King Bhishmaka accorded Shishupala royal honors. Rukmi forced Rukmini to appear before him, but she neither looked at Shishupala nor answered his questions. Insulted and displeased, Shishupala returned to his kingdom.
Investigating the cause of her indifference, Shishupala learned that the princess of Vidarbha was immersed in love for Krishna.
Soon Rukmi received an urgent summons from Jarasandha, who said, “Son Rukmi, the minds of young women are fickle. It is the elders’ duty to guide them rightly. Only Shishupala is the best match for your sister. Fix the wedding date quickly and inform me. Invite King Shalva, Prince Paundraka, Dantavakra, and other kings to accompany me in the bridal procession.” It was an implicit threat.
Rukmi returned to Kundina and conveyed Jarasandha’s command to his father. With no other option, Bhishmaka sent a proposal to King Damaghosha of Chedi for the marriage of Shishupala and Rukmini.
Tears never dried in Rukmini’s eyes. None among her parents or brothers dared support her. Only her companions remained by her side, knowing that the one who could make the impossible possible was Shri Krishna. At their urging, Rukmini wrote a letter to the Lord of Dwarka:
“Beloved Lord of my life, I write this letter soaked in tears. From the day I beheld your portrait, I accepted you in my heart as my husband. But fortune does not favor me. My elder brother forces me to marry the prince of Chedi and has gone there with the proposal. My marriage may take place very soon. If you do not accept me and I am given to another, I swear by your vows—I will end my life.
There is only one way to save me. On the morning of the wedding day, I will go to worship our family goddess at the temple on the far side of the pleasure garden. On my return, only my companions will be with me, no guards. At that time, you may carry me away.
Your servant at your feet,
Rukmini.”
At dusk, Latika took the sealed letter to the priest’s house, gave him the funds needed for the journey to Dwarka, and said, “Revered sir, our princess’s life rests in your hands. If you do not return with Vasudeva Krishna, know that the sin of her death will be yours.”
Devarshi Narada could not bear the sorrow of Mother Lakshmi in the form of Rukmini. Before the priest arrived, he appeared in Dwarka. Shri Krishna welcomed him and asked the reason for his visit. Narada said, “It is improper, Lord, to cause such pain to the Mother. Does her anguished cry not stir even a faint vibration in the heart of the Inner Witness? Shishupala has completed preparations to come with his forces to Kundina. Must the Mother again suffer abduction in the Dvapara age as in the Treta?”
Krishna replied, “In the destiny of Hari’s beloved, abduction is written. Who can change it—neither you nor I?” A mysterious smile played on his lips. Then he added, “But it seems the royal priest of Vidarbha waits outside. Go, son of Brahma—hurry and assure the Mother that she will receive the groom she desires.”
After Narada departed, the guard announced the arrival of the royal priest of Kundina. Vasudeva ordered him to be brought in with honor, asked for privacy, seated the acharya respectfully, and inquired after Kundina’s welfare. Without delay, the priest explained his purpose and expressed fear that delay would bring disaster. He handed over the letter.
After reading it, Krishna asked, “Will the king of Vidarbha celebrate the wedding without inviting Dwarka?”
The priest replied, “Lord, you know well—an invitation would surely have come, but the elder son Rukmi will not allow it.”
Krishna asked, “When is the wedding date?”
The acharya said, “Two days have passed in my journey. Fearing disturbances, I have heard from reliable sources that the marriage may be hastened. It cannot be said that even by tomorrow the date will not be fixed.”
Krishna grew resolute. “Wait here. You will travel with me in the chariot to Kundina.” Without informing anyone else, he instructed Daruka to prepare the chariot, and soon Krishna’s chariot was seen racing down the royal avenue of Dwarka.
( to be continued)