[Rukmini is the foremost and most beloved of the eight wives of Lord Sri Krishna. The story of her marriage to lord Krishna is one of the most cherished love stories of Indian spiritual mythology. This beautiful story is a testimony to Rukmini’s courage. But more than that, it is also a story of love conquering all obstacles.]

Rukmini was the daughter of Bhishmaka, the king of Vidarbha kingdom. She was the last of the six children, sister to five brothers. She was the most beautiful and gracious lady in the entire land. Her impeccable character, virtue, beauty and talents in the fine arts were known all over the land. Lord Krishna heard of her good qualities and her matchless beauty from his friends. Rukmini also heard of Lord Krishna and His fame from her very childhood through the guests that visited her father. She has heard a great deal about His courage, handsome features, character, youthful appearance and His unsurpassed leadership among kings. They both fell in love with each other.

Meanwhile, Rukmini’s eldest brother Rukmi, for political reasons, made a deal with king Shishupala for a marriage alliance with Rukmini. He had persuaded his father to go along with this decision in spite of the fact that the majority in the family circle wanted Rukmini to marry Krishna. Shishupala belonged to Rakshasa clan and was an arch enemy of Lord Krishna. When Rukmini learnt of her brother’s decision to give her away to Shishupala and her father’s inability to negate it, she was grief stricken. However, she was a brave. She would not give up her love for Krishna and was determined to marry Him. She knew that once Krishna knew about her love for Him, He will certainly rescue her from the clutches of Shishupala.

Rukmini summoned her childhood mentor, a brahmin named Agnidyotan. She revealed to him her love for Krishna and her helplessness before her brother. She told him that she would rather die than marry Shishupala. Agnidyotan listened sympathetically and offered to help her by carrying her message to Krishna in person. Sure Krishna would respect her wish. Rukmini was elated. Here was a chance to let Krishna know that she loved Him and He was her only Lord. She dictated her message to Krishna and sent him off to Dwaraka where Krishna lived.

The brahmin Agnidyotan traveled as fast as he could and reached the city of Dwaraka. He delivered Rukmini’s message to Krishna in her own words:

"O Krishna my Lord! Ever since I was a little girl I loved none but you. You are a lion among men. You are handsome, of good caste, educated, beautiful, youthful, good-natured, wealthy, strong, magnanimous, merciful, brave and courageous. Who wouldn’t want you? Didn’t Lakshmi Herself desire you before? Am I the first to be attracted to such a desirable person that you are? I love you and no matter how many births I take, I will not stop loving you. Like a jackal that covets the meat that belongs to a lion, Shishupala is trying to take me away from you. But I belong to you, the lion among men. Do not let this lowly of the lowest Shishupala get me. Come and take me away with you. Please do not think that the city is heavily guarded and taking me away from the palace is a difficult task. Please consider my plan. Just before the marriage I will be visiting the Durga temple outside the palace in the outskirts of the city. You please wait for me there and when I come out of the temple after worshipping Mother Durga, you can carry me off on your chariot. Any resistance from my father, brother and Shishupala and his friends will be too late. Besides you can easily defeat them in battle."

Then Agnidyotan added:

"O Lord Krishna! Do not hesitate any more. You two are perfect for each other. She is very beautiful and virtuous. I can not describe her beauty in words or count her virtues. Please go to Vidarbha and rescue her from Shishupala before it is too late for the marriage is near."

Krishna listened attentively. He was thinking of the mission that needed to be accomplished for there was not much time left but a couple of days to reach Vidarbha. He asked His brother Balarama to organize an army and follow him in case it was needed. He decided to travel alone using the fastest horses and the most skilled charioteer.

Back in Vidarbha, Rukmini waited anxiously. As the wedding day approached, her anxiety grew worse. She began to think that the whole idea was absurd. She thought: "Day after tomorrow is the wedding. Why isn’t Agnidyotan back? Did he ever reach Dwaraka or did he get tired midway and give up the trip? Did he meet Krishna and give my message to Him? Perhaps he did, but why should Krishna agree to rescue me? Probably Krishna thinks I am too immodest and bold. Perhaps He thinks I am less than righteous. I do not know what is in my fate. Mother Durga does not seem to favor me. I am doomed"

Agitated and anxious, Rukmini waited. At last, Agnidyotan returned and told her that Krishna agreed to come and rescue her. Rukmini’s joy had no bounds. The next day, the day of marriage, she took leave and blessing of her mother and other elders and started out to worship Durga in the temple at the outskirts of the city. Surrounded by numerous friends, maids and body guards, she entered the temple and prayed to Mother Durga thus: "Mother I always worshipped you with my full heart. Now I come to you to ask you a favor. If I did any virtuous deeds at all in my previous births, please make Krishna my husband."

With the blessings of Mother Durga, she stepped out of the temple. All the citizens and princes who came for the wedding were awe-struck at her beauty for she was bright like a line of lightening. Walking down the steps of the temple, she made them forget themselves. While they were thus mesmerized by her beauty, Krishna stepped forward and lead her to His chariot. After Rukmini was seated securely in the chariot, He blew His Panchajanya so loud that everyone heard it in the city and was fear stricken.

It was panic in Shishupala’s camp. They, along with Rukmi, started chasing Krishna on horse back, in chariots and on foot. They caught up with Krishna and Rukmini but by then brother Balarama arrived with the army. A fierce battle was raged and Shishupala, afraid for his life, retreated. He thought that it was better to be alive than to die for a woman. Shishupala decided not to fight with Krishna and fled back to his city. Rukmini’s brother Rukmi however, continued the fight. In his fight with Krishna, Rukmi got thrown from atop his horse. Krishna lounged at Him and with a sword was about to kill Him when He saw the sorrowful face of Rukmini pleading with Him not to kill Rukmi. So instead of killing Rukmi, Krishna shaved his head and mustache and sent him back in shame. Thus Krishna triumphed over Shishupala to rescue Rukmini. When they reached Dwaraka, Krishna married Rukmini.