Untangling The Tale Of Rukmini, Lord Krishna's First Wife

Do you know, Rukmini was devoted to Lord Krishna from an early age? She secretly wrote a letter to Lord Krishna to save her from getting married to Prince of Chedi, Shishupal

who was rukmini lord krishna wife

Among the innumerable stories around Lord Krishna's marriage one is the tale of his first wife Rukmini. While many are aware that Rukmini was Lord Krishna's first wife, they don't know the true story behind their wedding. A lot of people call Rukmini a reincarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, others call her Lord Krishna's dear friend. But who was Rukmini and how did she end up marrying Lord Krishna? Here's all you need to know.

Rukmini's Early Life

According to legends, Rukmini was born in the kingdom of Vidarbha, she was the daughter of King Bhishmaka. Rukmini had five elder brothers Rukmi, Rukmaratha, Rukmabahu, Rukmakesa and Rukmanetra.

Rukmini - Reincarnation Of Goddess Lakshmi

Rukmini is believed to be the reincarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Lord Vishnu as per many puranas like the Padma Purana, Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana.

How Rukmini Ended Up Marrying Lord Krishna?

rukmini lord krishna marriage brother rukmi

If folklore is to be believed, King Bhishmaka wanted his daughter Rukmini to marry Shishupal, who was the prince of Chedi. However, Rukmini was completely devoted to Lord Krishna from an early age. On the other hand, her brother, Rukmi who was a close friend of evil king Kansa was against Lord Krishna. Though Rukmini's parents agreed to Rukmini following her heart and marrying Lord Krishna, her brother was against it.

Rukmini couldn't convince her brother and then she secretly wrote a letter to Krishna. She asked him to take her away. When Lord Krishna received the letter, he immediately left for Vidarbha along with Balarama. When he reached Vidarbha, he fought with Rukmini's brother Rukmi and after defeating him, he left with Rukmini. The two later got married in Madhavpur, a village in Gujarat. The temple is revered and commemorates the marriage of Lord Krishna and Rukmini.

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Rukmini's Life As Lord Krishna's Wife

lord krishna wife rukimini

The Bhagvata Purana has an episode that states that once Rukmini was fanning her husband Lord Krishna, wearing an expensive girdle and a dazzling necklace Krishna was pleased but mentioned that Rukmini, the princess was desired by many and while rescuing her, he almost lost his kingdom. He remarked that Rukmini wasn't far-sighted in choosing him as her groom and she should have chosen a Kshatriya like her. Hearing that, Rukmini's heart broke, she burst into tears and fell on the floor. Lord Krishna then picked her up and told her he was merely joking. Lord Krishna then praised Rukmini for her devotion towards him.

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Lord Krishna and Rukmini had 10 sons - Pradyumna, Charudeshna, Sudeshna, Charudeha, Sucharu, Charugupta, Bhadracharu, Charuchandra, Vicharu and Charu.

Radha - Rukmini Connection

A lot of people think that Radha and Rukmini are the same. As per some legends, Radha reincarnated as Rukmini and got married to Lord Krishna. Mahabharata clearly reads that Rukmini was Lord Krishna's wife and an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. On the other hand, Radha, a Hindu goddess who devoted her life to Lord Krishna and is worshipped with Lord Krishna around the world has no mention in ancient scriptures like Mahabharat.

Rukmini's Demise

It was after Lord Krishna left his mortal body, Rukmini, his first wife along with his other wives sacrificed themselves in the same funeral pyre.

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