|
Page1
Bhishmaka, the king of Vidarbha, had five sons and an only daughter,
Rukmini, a princess of matchless beauty, charm and strength of character.
Having heard of Krishna and his renown, she wished to be united to him
in wedlock and the de sire daily grew in intensity. Her relatives approved the idea, all
except her eldest brother Rukma, the heir apparent, between whom and Krishna there was no
love lost.
Rukma pressed his father not to give Rukmini in marriage to the ruler
of Dwaraka but to marry her instead to Sisupala, the king of Chedi. The king being
old,Rukma's became the dominant voice and it looked as though Rukmini would be compelled
to marry Sisupala.
Rukmini, whose heart was wholly Krishna's because she was
Lakshmi-incarnate, was disconsolate. She feared that her father would be helpless against
herdomineering brother and would not be able to prevent the unhappy marriage.
Author : Shri C. Raja Gopalachari
|
