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[[File:Vitthal_-_Rakhumai.jpg|right|thumb|Rukmini and Krishna]]
'''[[w:Rukmini|Rukmini]]''' (or '''Rukmani''') is the principal [[wife]] and queen of the [[Hindu]] [[God]] [[w:Krishna|Krishna]], the king of [[w:Dwarka|Dwaraka]]. Krishna heroically kidnapped her and eloped with her to prevent an unwanted [[marriage]] at her request and saved her from an evil [[w:Shishupal|Shishupal]] (described in the [[w:Bhagavata Purana|Bhagavata Purana]]). Rukmini is the first and most prominent queen of Krishna. Rukmini is also considered an [[avatar]] of [[Lakshmi]], the [[Goddess]] of [[fortune]].
==Quotes==
*Rukmini was the daughter of Bhīshmaka, the Vidarbha king. Having heard unstinting praises of Krishna, then ruling over Dvaraka, from several visiting sages and others, Rukmini had decided that she would marry Krishna only. As her elder brother was not favourably disposed towards Krishna, she was betrothed to Sisupãla, the Chedi king and the date of the marriage was also close at hand. Rukmini got perturbed and sent a message to Krishna through a dependable Brahmana, requesting him to come and take her away by force. <br>'''Rukmini's Message''' (abridged version):<br>"O Lord of unparalleled [[beauty]] in all the three [[worlds]]! From the time I first heard of Your excellence, I had fallen for You and Your glories, entering through my ears, have been cooling down my body which was yearning for You. The only benefit in having [[eyes]] is to be able to see Your form. I am yours and please do not allow [[w:Shishupala|Sisupala]] or to hers to claim me. May all the vows observed and the [[worship]] done to the Lord, the Guru and others resulting in granting this [[desire]] of mine. Before I am married to Sisupãla tomorrow, please come [[w:Incognito|incognito]] along with Your army chiefs and carry me away by force. You are the one the dust of whose holy feet is desired by even Lord [[Shiva]] for destroying his [[w:Tamas (philosophy)|Tamoguna]]. Now that I have known about you, if I do not get your Grace in this birth, I shall die pining for You with my body starved by rigorous discipline birth after birth till You relent and accept me.
**[[w:Shrimad Bhagavatam|Shrimad Bhagavatam]] in: ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=DWElAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT99 Shrimad Bhagavatam]'', Jaico Publishing House, 25 October 2013, p. 99-100.
*Rukmini wrote what is claimed to be the [[world]]'s first love letter to [[w:Krishna|Krishna]], revealing her affection for him.
**Anjali H. Desai in: ''[http://books.google.co.in/books?id=gZRLGZNZEoEC&pg=PA58 India Guide Gujarat]'', India Guide Publications, 2006, p. 58.
*'''Complete text of the letter'''.<br>O the infallible and the most [[handsome]] One! Having heard Your qualities, which enter through the path of [[ears]] and absolve away the pains of [[life]], and having heard about Your handsome appearance, which is the only asset of the [[eyes]] of living beings with eyes, my [[heart]] is accepting You as a [[consort]] leaving behind shyness.||1||<br>O [[w:Krishna|Mukunda]], the lion (best) among men! Given a chance, which composed girl from a good lineage will not wish for You as a consort; You, Who is the [[happiness]] of the minds of people, Who is the happiness of the [[world]], and Who is incomparable from any viewpoint — be it lineage, nature, beauty, knowledge, energy, wealth, or abode.||2||<br>Therefore, O Lord! I have indeed accepted You as a consort and I have submitted myself to You. O lotus-eyed Krishna! Please arrive here [and accept me]; so that the prince of Cedi ([[w:Shishupala|Sisupala]]) does not takes away the property of brave You — just like a [[w;Jackal|jackal]] should not take away the prey of a [[w:LIon|lion.||3||<br>If I have revered the all pervading Paramatman by social welfares (digging wells), oblations, obeying rules, [[penance]], and serving [[demi-gods]], [[saints]], and [[preceptor]], then O Gadagraja (Krishna)! You accept me after holding my hand — instead of anyone else like the son of Damaghosa (Sisupala).||4||<br>O Lord, Who is unconquered! Arrive secretly in [[w:Vidharba|Vidarbha]] one day before my [[marriage]]. Then after defeating all the army-commanders from the regions of Cedi and Magadha (Sisupala and Jarasandha), marry me with the ways of [[demons]] by showing Your [[valor]] and conquering [[power]].||5||<br>If You are wondering that how will you conquer me without killing the women and relatives inside my palace, then I am telling You a way out. As per an old [[tradition]], there is a grand fair before the marriage, during which the bride goes out to the temple of [[w:Girija|Girija]] for [[prayers]].||6||<br> O lotus-eyed Krishna! If I don’t achieve the dust of Your feet, which is sought after by incomparable Ones like [[Shiva|Umapati]] (Siva), then I will destroy my [[life]]. If the service of Your feet is not achieved in this life, then I will take hundreds of birth and do penance; I am sure I will achieve Your lotus feet some day.||7||
**Seven stanzas of the Letter written by Rukmini to Krishna, as in the original text, translated to English from [[w:Satyabhama|Bama]]in: [[w:Bhagavata Purana|Bhagavat Purana]] ''[http://www.stutimandal.com/gif_bhgvt/rukmini_sandesh.htm Message of Rukmini], India Guide Gujarat]'', stutimandal.com
[[File:Mysore_painting.jpg|right|thumb|As told in the [[w:Krishna|Krishna]] [[Story]]; the [[w:Ashtabharya|eight brides]] [of Krishna] appear in the story in this sequence: 1) Rukmini; 2) [[w:Stayabhama|Satyabhama]] and 3) [[w:Jambavati|Jambavati]]—their marriages are entwined due to a wondrous jewel derived from [[w:Surya|Surya]] the [[Sun]], [[w:Kalindi|Kalindi]], [[w:Mitravinda|Mitravinda]], 6) Satya or [[w:Nagnajiti|Nagnajiti]], 7) [[w:Bhadra (Krishna's wife)|Bhadra]], and 8)[[w:Lakshmana (Krishna's wife)|Lakshmana]].... - D. Dennis Hudson.]]
*As told in the [[w:Krishna|Krishna]] [[Story]]; the [[w:Ashtabharya|eight brides]] [of Krishna] appear in the story in this sequence: 1) Rukmini; 2) [[w:Stayabhama|Satyabhama]] and 3) [[w:Jambavati|Jambavati]]—their marriages are entwined due to a wondrous jewel derived from [[w:Surya|Surya]] the [[Sun]], [[w:Kalindi|Kalindi]], [[w:Mitravinda|Mitravinda]], 6) Satya or [[w:Nagnajiti|Nagnajiti]], 7) [[w:Bhadra (Krishna's wife)|Bhadra]], and 8)Lakshmana (Krishna's wife)|Lakshmana]]. This ranking consists of three sets of wives corresponding to the constituents of Krishna’s sovereign rule from [[w:Dwarka|Dwarka]]. The first set of wives signifies Krishna's majestic status: Rukmini signifies his majesty [[Lakshmi|Sri]], Satyabhama represents his [[realm]] (''bhumi''), and intertwined with her is Jambavati,who signifies his [[victory]].
**D. Dennis Hudson in: ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=IMCxbOezDi4C&pg=PA264#v=onepage&q=Rukmini&f=false The Body of God : An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram: An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram],'' Oxford University Press, 27 August 2008, p. 264.
*And sixteen thousand portions of those [[goddesses]] became, O king, in this [[world]] of men, the wives of [[w:Vasudeva Krishna|Vasudeva]]. And a portion of [[Lakshmi|Sri]] herself became incarnate on [[earth]], for the gratification of [[w:Narayana|Narayana]], in the line of [[w:Bhishmaka|Bhishmaka]]. And she was by name the chaste Rukmini.
**[[Mahabharata]] Translated by [[w:Kisari Mohan Ganguli|Kisari Mohan Ganguli]] in:''[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Mahabharata/Book_1:_Adi_Parva/Section_LXVII The Mahabharata/Book 1: Adi Parva/Section LXVII]'', Wikisource
*Sacred Hindu lore abounds with tales of [[w:Satyabhama|Satyabhama]] showing off her [[wealth]] to spite Krishna's other wife, Rukmini, who was extremely poor; she had eloped with [[w:Krishna|Krishna]] with no gifts from her [[father]]'s house.
**[[w:Devdutt Pattanaik|Devdutt Pattanaik]] in: ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=rjL3ogbdJNkC&pg=PA27#v=onepage&q=Satyabhama%20ordered%20her%20&f=false The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine],'' Inner Traditions / Bear & Co, 1 September 2000, p. 26.
[[File:Rukmini mandir.JPG|right|thumb|The 2,500-year-old Rukmini temple stands alone on a barren land two kilometres outside the town of [[w:Dwarka|Dwarka]].... - [[w:The Hindu|The Hindu]].]]
*[[w:Narada|Narada]] once came to [[w:Krishna|Krishna]]'s palace for [[w:Alms|alms]]. Krishna's queens offered him anything he wished. "I want Krishna," he said. Horrified by this request, Krishna's [[w:Ashtabharaya|eight wives]] asked Narada to ask for anything else but Krishna. "Give me something else worth Krishna in weight. So the queens made Krishna sit on one pan of a balance and wondered what they could put on the other pan that was as heavy as Krishna. Some queens brought fruits, others brought books — but nothing seemed to balance Krishna's weight. [[w:Satyabhama|Satyabhama]] ordered her servants to bring all her jewelry. Even that could not balance Krishna's weight. Finally, Rukmini placed on the pan a sprig of the [[w:Ocimum tenuiflorumtulsi plant]], saying, "This [[symbol]]izes my [[love]] for Krishna." Instantly, the [[w:Balance|balance]] tilted in Rukmini s favor. Her love was worth much more than Satyabhama's [[gold]].
**[[w:Devdutt Pattanaik|Devdutt Pattanaik]] in: "The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine", p. 26-27.
*[[w:BhudevI|Bhu]] and [[Lakshmi|Shri]] are considered [[earth]]ly and [[heaven]]ly manifestations of Laxmi, goddess of [[wealth]] and [[fortune]]. When [[Vishnu]] descended upon the earth in the form of Krishna, they joined him as Rukmini and Satyabhama and their [[quarrel]]s continued.
**[[w:Devdutt Pattanaik|Devdutt Pattanaik]] in: "The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine", p. 36.
*The 2,500-year-old Rukmini temple stands alone on a barren land two kilometres outside the town of [[w:Dwarka|Dwarka]]. The reason for this distance is said to be a [[curse]] by the infamous [[w:Durvasa|Durvasa rishi]]. The story syas: While pulling Durvasa’s chariot, Rukmini got so thirsty that she drank [[water]] without offering it to her guest, Durvasa. This angered him and he cursed Rukmini to be separated from her beloved husband. Some locals also believe that it was on Krishna's behest that Durvasa had cursed Rukmini (Krishna had wanted to punish Rukmini for her [[arrogance]]).
**[[w:The Hindu|The Hindu]] in: ''[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-pilgrims-progress/article6067474.ece The pilgrim’s progress]'', The Hindu, 31 May 2014
*Every one of her forms is specifically female – most distinctly as [[w:Radha|Radha]], [[w;Sita|Sita]] and Rukmini who are consorts of various forms of [[Vishnu]]. She is [[w:Prithvi|prithvi]] the divine feminine embodied as mother [[earth]]... the gods proclaim: You exist as little girls in their [[childhood]], As young women in their [[youth]], And as elderly women in their [[old age]].
** Constantina Rhodes in: ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=RC0Mr3E1tqAC&printsec=frontcover Invoking Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth in Song and Ceremony]'', SUNY Press, 29 September 2010In: p. 26.
*That steadfast Kama, begotten of [[w:Vasudeva Krishna|Vasudeva]] [Krishna] in [[w:Rukmini|Rukmini]], that one who was known as the destroyer of [[w:Sambara|Sambara]], was the handsome [[w:Pradyumna|Pradyumna]] who looked like Kama.
** Catherine Benton in: ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=cWAh8sL3gOEC&pg=PA42 God of Desire: Tales of Kamadeva in Sanskrit Story Literature],'' SUNY Press, 1 June 2006In: p. 67.
===Puranic encyclopaedia : a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature===
[[File:Rukminimessenger.jpg|right|thumb|Rukmini fell in [[love]] with Sri Krisna. Her parents agreed to her choice. But her brother Rukmi was an enemy of Sri Krisna. Rukmi desired to give his sister to Sisupala. The date of the marriage was fixed and the heart was burning within [[Rukmini]]. She sent a [[w:Brahmin|Brahmin]] as [[w:Messenger|messenger]] to Krishna.]]
<small>[[w:Vettam Mani|Vettam Mani]] in:''[https://archive.org/stream/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft_djvu.txt Puranic encyclopaedia : a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature],'' Motilal Banarsidass, p. 657.</small>
*Rukmini was the [[w:Incarnation|incarnation]] of [[goddess]] [[Lakshmi]].
*Sri Devi (Laksmi) by her portions, took birth in the [[earth]] as Rukmini in the family of [[w:Bhismaka|Bhismaka]].
*When [[Vishnu]] took birth as Sri Krisna she was Rukmini.
*It was in the [[w:Vidarbha Kingdom|kingdom of Vidarbha]] that [[Lakshmi]] Devi took birth as Rukmini during the incarnation of Sri Krisna. To Bhismaka, the King of Vidarbha, five sons
beginning with [[w:Rukmi|Rukmi]], were born. The sixth was a daughter who was named Rukmini. She grew up into a beautiful damsel.
**In: [[Bhagavata Purana|Bhagavata]]
*Rukmini fell in [[love]] with Sri Krisna. Her parents agreed to her choice. But her brother Rukmi was an enemy of Sri Krisna. Rukmi desired to give his sister to Sisupala. The date of the marriage was fixed and the heart was burning within [[Rukmini]]. She sent a [[w:Brahmin|Brahmin]] as [[w:Messenger|messenger]] to Krishna.
*The time of marriage drew near. The kings of Ahga, Kalinga, Malava, Kekaya, Vanga, Magadha, Kosala, Salva, Cola, Pandya, Kerala and so on took their seats in the nuptial hall. Sri Krisna and [[w:Balabhadra|Balabhadra]] came with their [[army]]. The army under the leadership of Balabhadra remained behind and Sri Krisna went alone to the nuptial hall. While preparations were being made to give Rukmini to Sisupala, Sri Krpsna took her in his [[w:Chariot|chariot]] and quickly left the place. All the other kings who ran after Sri Krisna to fight had to confront with the mighty army of Balabhadra, who defeated the kings and returned to Dvaraka. **In: [[Bhagavata Purana|Bhagavata]]
*Ten sons were born to Sri Krisna by Rukmini. They were [[w:Pradyumna|Pradyumna]], Charudesna, Sudesna, Charudeha, Sucaru, Charugupta, Bhadracaru, Charucandra, Charubhadra and Charu.
**In: [[Bhagavata Purana|Bhagavata]]
*After the [[death]] of Sri Krisna, Arjuna visited [[w:Dwaraka|Dvaraka]]. Seeing the dilapidated city without rulers and the women without husbands, he cried aloud. Rukmini Devi ran to him and consoled him and seated him on a golden chair.
**In: Mahabharta, Mausala Parva, Chapter 5, Stanza 12.
*After the death of Sri Krisna, Rukmini, with the other wives of Sri Krisna jumped into a burning [[w:Pyre|pyre]] and [[died]].
*Visvakarma built a palace for Sri Krisna at the instance of [[w:Indra|Indra]]. The highest dome of it is covered with [[gold.]] So this dome dazzled as the peak of Mahameru. It was this dome that was set apart for his beloved wife Rukmini by Sri Krisna.
**In the [[Mahabharata]], Daksinatya Patha, Sabha Parva,
===Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Srimad Bhagavatam===
<small>Srimad Bhagavatam in: [http://vedabase.net/sb/10/53/en1 Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Srimad Bhagavatam], Vedabase</small>
*Just as Rukmini's [[mind]] is fixed on Me, My mind is fixed on her. I can't even [[sleep]] at [[night]]. I know that [[w:Rukmi|Rukmi]], out of envy, has forbidden our [[marriage]]. She has dedicated herself exclusively to Me, and her [[beauty]] is flawless. I will bring her here after thrashing those worthless kings in [[battle]], just as one brings a blazing flame out of firewood.
**[[w:Krishna:Lord Krishna]] to the [[w:Brahmin|Brahmin]] messenger who brought the confidential message that Rukmini who was to be married to [[w:Shisupala|Sisupala]].
*Daruka, ready My [[w:Chariot|chariot]] immediately.
**[[w:Krishna|Lord Krishna]] to the charioteer.
*King [[w:Bhishmaka|Bhishmaka]], the master of [[w:Kundina|Kundina]], having succumbed to the sway of [[affection]] for his son, was about to give his daughter to Sisupala. The King saw to all the required preparations... Maharaja Bhishmaka worshiped the forefathers, demigods and brahmanas, feeding them all properly. Then He had the traditional [[mantras]] chanted for the well-being of the bride....The bride [Rukmini] cleaned her teeth and bathed, after which she put on the [[auspicious]] wedding necklace. Then she was dressed in brand-new upper and lower garments and adorned with most excellent jeweled ornaments.
*Raja Damaghosha, lord of [[w:Chedi Kingdom|Cedi]], had also engaged brahmanas expert in chanting mantras to perform all [[rituals]] necessary to assure his son's [[prosperity]].
*[[w:Bhishmaka|Bhishmaka]], the lord of Vidarbha, came out of the city and met King Damaghosha, offering him tokens of respect. Bhishmaka then settled Damaghosha in a residence especially constructed for the occasion.
*Sisupala's supporters -- Salva, [[w:Jarasandha|Jarasandha]], [[w:Dantavakra|Dantavakra]] and Viduratha -- all came, along with [[w:Paundraka Vasudeva|Paundraka]] and thousands of other kings.
*If [[w:Krishna|Krishna]] comes here with [[w:Balarama|Balarama]] and the other [[w:Yadavas|Yadus]] to steal the [[bride]], we shall band together and fight Him.
**Sisupala's supporters went to the wedding with their entire armies and a full complement of military conveyances.
*When [[w:Balarama|Lord Balarama]] heard about these preparations of the inimical kings and how Lord Krishna had set off alone to steal the bride, He feared that a fight would ensue. Immersed in affection for His brother, He hurried to [[w:Kundina|Kundina]] with a mighty [[army]] consisting of infantry and of soldiers riding on [[elephants]], [[horses]] and [[w:Chariot|chariot]]s.
*Alas, my [[wedding]] is to take place when the night ends! How unlucky I am! Lotus-eyed Krishna does not come. I don't know why. And even the brahmana messenger has not yet returned. Perhaps the faultless Lord, even while preparing to come here, saw something contemptible in me and therefore has not come to take my hand. I am extremely unfortunate, for the [[creator]] is not favorably disposed toward me, nor is the great [[Shiva|Lord Siva]]. Or perhaps Siva's wife, [[w:DevIDevi]], who is known as [[w:Gauri|Gauri]], [[w:Rudrani|Rudrani]], [[w:Girija|Girija]] and [[w:Sati (goddess)|Sati]], has turned against me.
**Rukmini, whose [[mind]] had been stolen by Krishna, out of anxiety, awaiting the arrival of Krishna, closed her tear-filled eyes, remembering that there was still time.
*As the bride thus awaited the arrival of [[w:Krishna|Govinda]], she felt a [[w:Twitch|twitch]] in her left [[w:Thigh|thigh]], [[arm]] and [[eye]]. This was a [[sign]] that something desirable would happen.
*...[[w:Brahmin|brahmana]], following Krishna's order, came to see the [[divine]] [[Princess]] Rukmini within the inner chambers of the palace. Noting the brahmana's joyful face and serene movements, saintly Rukmini, who could expertly interpret such symptoms, inquired from him with a pure smile. The brahmana announced to her the arrival of [[w:Krishna|Lord Yadunandana]] and relayed the Lord's promise to marry her.
*The King [Bhishmaka], upon hearing that Krishna and Balarama had come and were eager to witness his daughter's wedding, went forth with abundant offerings to greet Them as [[music]] resounded.
*Rukmini, and no one else, deserves to become His wife, and He also, possessing such flawless beauty, is the only suitable [[husband]] for Princess Bhaishmi.
**The people of the city.
[[File:Krishna_and_Rukmini_ride_away_in_a_chariot.jpg|right|thumb|Lifting the [[princess]] onto His chariot, whose flag bore the [[emblem]] of [[w:Garuda|Garuda]], [[w;Krishna|Lord Madhava]] drove back the circle of kings. With [[w:Balarama|Balarama]] in the lead, He slowly exited, like a lion removing his prey from the midst of jackals.]]
*Rukmini appeared as enchanting as the Lord's [[illusory]] potency, who enchants even the sober and grave. Thus the kings gazed upon her virgin [[beauty]] her shapely waist, and her lovely face adorned with earrings. Her hips were graced with a jewel-studded belt, her breasts were just budding, and her eyes seemed apprehensive of her encroaching locks of hair. She smiled sweetly, her jasmine-bud teeth reflecting the glow of her bimba-red lips. As she walked with the motions of a royal [[w:Swan|swan]], the [[effulgence]] of her tinkling ankle bells beautified her feet.
*On the pretext of the [[procession]], Rukmini displayed her [[beauty]] for Krishna alone. Slowly she advanced the two moving lotus-whorls of her feet, awaiting the arrival of the Supreme Lord. With the fingernails of her left hand she pushed some strands of hair away from her face and shyly looked from the corners of her eyes at the kings standing before her. At that moment she saw Krishna. Then, while His enemies looked on, the Lord seized the princess, who was eager to mount His chariot.
*Lifting the [[princess]] onto His chariot, whose flag bore the [[emblem]] of [[w:Garuda|Garuda]], [[w;Krishna|Lord Madhava]] drove back the circle of kings. With [[w:Balarama|Balarama]] in the lead, He slowly exited, like a lion removing his prey from the midst of jackals.
===Tales of Krishna from Mahabharatha===
[[File:Rukmini-Dwarakadisa 108.jpg|right|thumb|Rukmini was a great [[beauty]], and the daughter of the king of Vidarba. She was also very clever. When she was of a marriageable age, her father king [[w:Bhishmaka|Bheeshmaka]], summoned his ministers and asked them to suggest suitable alliances. They recommended [[w:Vasudeva|Vasudeva]]’s son [[w:Krishna|Krishna]] as suitable [[groom]].]]
[[File:Unknown Indian - Krishna Abducting Rukmani from the Temple - Google Art Project.jpg|thumb|right|As per the message, Krishna arrived there in his chariot. Rukmini’s mother handed her over to Krishna. Krishna and Rukmini left in his chariot. The news spread. Rukmi was furious....]]
[[File:Unknown Indian (Bikaner) - The Marriage of Krishna and Rukmini - Google Art Project.jpg|right|thumb|Krishna won the battle and they were defeated disgracefully. He arrived at [[w:Dwarka|Dwarka]] with Rukmini. He married her amidst the joy of [[earth]] dwellers as well as [[celestials]].]]
<small>M. Padmanabhan, Meera Ravi Shankar in: [http://books.google.co.in/books?id=39TA4-XyaQkC&pg=PT37 Tales of Krishna from Mahabharatha], Sura Books, Aug 1, 2004</small>
*Rukmini was a great [[beauty]], and the daughter of the king of Vidarba. She was also very clever. When she was of a marriageable age, her father king [[w:Bhishmaka|Bheeshmaka]], summoned his ministers and asked them to suggest suitable alliances. They recommended [[w:Vasudeva|Vasudeva]]’s son [[w:Krishna|Krishna]] as suitable [[groom]].
**In: p. 32-33.
*The king was convinced, when he heard of Krishna's achievements and [[valour]]. But [[w:Rukmi|Rukmi]] who was her brother refused.
**In: p. 33.
*I cannot give my sister in marriage to one who plays on the flute. He has no spate status. I had like her to marry Sisupala, the king of Cheddi
**[[w:Rukmi|Rukmi]] in: p. 33.
*The councillors did not want to go against [[w:Rukmi|Rukmi]]. The father could also not refuse. As they could not argue against Rukmi, they all kept quiet. Rukmi sent a message to [[w:Shishupala|Sisupala]] immediately. He also took care of the marriage arrangements. But, Rukmini was very sad as she had dreamt of Krishna as her husband. She started crying at her [[fate]]. Her [[friends]] tried to console her. Her mother asked her to [[pray]] to [[w:Krishna|Krishna]] and surrender to his will. Then they heard a celestial voice: "Dear girl, don't worry! Send a good messenger to [[w:Dwarka|Dwaraka]], Krishna will come and take you away in a chariot." Rukmini was pleased. She sent for a special messenger.
**In: P. 33.
*When the next day dawned, Sisupala arrived in his chariot with his friends. [[w;Jarasandha|Jarasandh]] and Saluva accompanied him. [[w:Rukmi|Rukmi]] received them with open hands and was very thrilled.
**In: P. 33.
*The wedding arrangements continued. Rukmini was getting upset as the time for wedding approached. Her [[mother]] consoled her. She was decorated like a bride. She went with her friends to [[Durga]]'s temple. Her mother went along with them.
**In: P. 33.
*As per the message, Krishna arrived there in his chariot. Rukmini’s mother handed her over to Krishna. Krishna and Rukmini left in his chariot. The news spread. Rukmi was furious. Jarasandha, Saluva, Sisupala and Dhandhavakra started fighting with Krishna. They wanted to kill him and take Rukmini back. Krishna won the battle and they were defeated disgracefully. He arrived at [[w:Dwarka|Dwarka]] with Rukmini. He married her amidst the joy of [[earth]] dwellers as well as [[celestials]].
**In: P. 34.
*Krishna was seated with his wife Rukmini. [[w:Narada|Saint Narada]] visited him. Krishna greeted him with great warmth.
**In: P. 41.
*I've brought the Parijatha flower, from the celestial [[world]], and I'd like to give it to you.
**Saint Narada to Krishna
*Krishna took it from him and handed over to Rukmini. She adorned her hair with it. Narada took leave of them and went directly to [[w:Satyabhama|Satyabhama]].
*[[w:Satyabhama|Bama]] you seem to be thinking of Krishna always, but he seems to be more fond of Rukmini.
**Saint Narada to [[w:Satyabhama|Satyabhama]].
*I'd like to confirm this statement. I gave the [[w:Parijaat tree, Kintoor|Parijatha]] [[flower]] to [[w:Krishna|Krishna]], and he gave it to no one but Rukmini. Do you understand that he loves Rukmini more? When she heard this, [[w:Satyabhama|Bama]] got angry with Krishna. She was [[jealous]] of Rukmini.
===Krishna-The God Who Lived As Man===
<small>Bhawana Somaaya in: [http://books.google.com/books?id=hqLKwKPZllAC&pg=PT149 Krishna-The God Who Lived As Man], Pustak Mahal, 1 January 2008</small>
*After many [[nights]] of patient waiting, an exhausted Rukmini had in a comparatively happy moment asked her husband, “Lord, am I married to the king of [[w:Dwarka|Dwarka]]. Are you the same person to whom I wrote a [[love]] [[letter]] and surrendered my [[life]] to? Will you forever worry about others and never think about your wife? Have you ever pondered to think what I desire or what are my expectations of you...?
**In: p. 19.
*As she climbed the staircase, [[Draupadi]] recalled her first visit to the palace after Krishna married Rukmini. She remembered the elaborate welcome ceremony Rukmini had organized in her honour...Draupadi experienced a difference in fragrance to the customary ritual after she was welcomed by Rukmini in [[w:Dwarka|Dwarika]]...She was showered with [[flowers]] and [[pearls]] before she could step inside the gate.
**In: p. 149
*She [Draupadi] is my [[w:Krishna|Vasudeva]]’s ''sakhi''[friend].
**Rukmini said folding her hands in a [[w:Namaste|namaskar]]. There was a mischievous [[smile]] on her face that day.
**In: p. 149
*Rukmini was younger to [[Draupadi]] and much younger to [[w:Krishna|Krishna]]. When she failed in her attempts to dissuade brother [[w:Rukmi|Rukmin]] from arranging her [[alliance]] with King Shishupal, she wrote a letter to Krishna carried over by a Brahmin called Suden. That letter from Rukmini entailed merely seven shlokas.
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