Krishna had a number of wives. Well, he has been the inspiration of all Indian males over the ages in matters of love. Even now, in Hindi the saying - Chaaron Taraf Gopiyan , beech me Kanhaiya - is used to describe a young man surrounded by many females in college, office or picnics. True to his reputation the first marriage of Krishna too was done in the most dramatic way, by eloping with his bride, Rukmini.
Rukmini the first wife of Shri Krishna is considered to be a part of Goddess Lakshmi, the queen of Lord Vishnu who was represented on the earth in human form as Krishna himself. So naturally they were to marry each other but not before some drama. Rukmini was born as the daughter of King Bhismak of Vidarbha. From her childhood she was a devotee of Vishnu. When she crossed the age of sixteen, her father wanted to marry her off to a suitable prince.
Jarasandha , the enemy of Krishna was the ruler of Magadha which controlled a large part of the country. Vidarbha was a vassal state and the king Bhismak was ruling at the pleasure of Jarasandha. Now, the king of Chedi, Shishupal was a favourite of Emperor Jarasandh and also his commander He was an arch enemy of Krishna and had good friendshipn with prince Rukmi of Vidarbha, Rukmini's elder briother. On the insistence of his son, Bhismak decided to give away his daughter Rukmini to Shishupal on marriage.
Rukmini was not ready to marry Shishupal . She was a fan of Shri Krishna by hearing stories about him. Through a Brahmin, she managed to send a message to Krishna at Dwaravati (Dwarka) to save her and take her away. getting the message, Krishna with his elder brother Balaram got ready for a battle and started off for Vidarbha. As soon as they reached the outskirts of the town, he sent the Brahmin messenger to Rukmini with the message of his arrival.
Meanwhile Shishupal backed by an army came to Vidarbha for the marriage. Rukmini dressed in all the jewelries’ and bridal dress went out of the palace to a temple to perform prayers. From there Krishna picked her on his chariot and they both eloped. A great hue and cry ensued as the combined army of Vidarbha, Chedi and Magadha tried to stop them. But Balaram, with his favourite weapons Hal (the plough) and Gada (mace) thwarted them all. Krishna too fought and humiliated prince Rukmi by shaving off his head and packing him off to home. They brought Rukmini to Dwaravati.
All ended well and the elders of the family, King Vasudev, Devaki, Ugrasen , Akrur decided to arrange a quick marriage for them. The foster parents of Krishna, Nand and Yashoda too were very happy for their son. Krishna married Rukmini and the entire Yadava clan enjoyed the festivities. This was not the only marriage that Shri Krishna had. There are mentions of seven more wives of his - Satyabhama, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Jamwavanti, Nagnajiti, Sulakhsmana and Sushila (source : Padma Puran and Harivansam ). More about them some other day.
Still today elopement is a very favourite option for young couples facing hurdles in marriage. Some sound and fury happen initially but later everything is normal. Jai Shri Krishna, one should say.
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