Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, is known for his divine love, wisdom, and numerous leelas (divine acts). While his connection with Radha is well celebrated, his marital life remains a topic of great interest. Among his many wives, the first wife of Lord Krishna was Rukmini. But what do the Hindu scriptures say about this? Let’s delve into the Puranas and find out.
Who Was Rukmini?
Rukmini was the daughter of King Bhishmaka of Vidarbha and is regarded as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. She was known for her unparalleled beauty, wisdom, and devotion to Lord Krishna.
Scriptural Evidence from Hindu Puranas
1. Bhagavata Purana (Srimad Bhagavatam) – Book 10, Chapter 53
One of the most authentic sources that mentions Rukmini as Krishna’s first wife is the Bhagavata Purana (also known as Srimad Bhagavatam). In Canto 10, Chapter 53, the story of Rukmini’s marriage to Krishna is narrated in detail.
Shloka Reference:
"श्रीशुक उवाच ऋक्षराजसुतां कृष्णो रुक्मिणीं रुक्मिणीपतिः | विवाहायोपयेमे तां राजन् भिष्मकनन्दिनीम् ||"
(Bhagavata Purana 10.53.1)
Translation:
"Shri Shukadeva Goswami said: O King, Lord Krishna, the husband of Rukmini, married her as His first wife. She was the daughter of King Bhishmaka."
This shloka clearly states that Rukmini was the first wife of Lord Krishna.
2. Vishnu Purana – Book 5, Chapter 29
The Vishnu Purana also confirms Rukmini as Krishna’s first wife. It narrates how Rukmini, deeply in love with Krishna, wrote a letter expressing her devotion and requested him to rescue her from an unwanted marriage to Shishupala.
Shloka Reference:
"स्निग्धया सा परं प्रेम्णा कृष्णं वरयते मनः | कृष्णः चापि तामेव कन्यामादाय ययौ गृहम् ||"
(Vishnu Purana 5.29)
Translation:
"With deep love, Rukmini chose Krishna as her husband. Krishna also took her and brought her home as His wife."
3. Harivamsa Purana – Chapter 85
The Harivamsa Purana, which is an appendix to the Mahabharata, elaborates on Rukmini’s marriage. It describes how Krishna abducted Rukmini from the temple to prevent her forced marriage to Shishupala.
Shloka Reference:
"रुक्मिणीं चोपनीय रथेन श्रीहरिः स्वयम् | आनीय द्वारकां प्राप्य विवाहं चकार सः ||"
(Harivamsa Purana 85.20)
Translation:
"Lord Krishna himself took Rukmini in his chariot and brought her to Dwaraka, where he solemnized their marriage."
The Significance of Rukmini as Krishna’s First Wife
1. Goddess Lakshmi’s Incarnation
Rukmini is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, just as Lord Vishnu incarnated as Krishna. This divine union symbolizes the eternal bond between the Supreme Lord and His eternal consort.
2. Rukmini’s Unparalleled Devotion
Unlike Radha, who is worshipped for her eternal love, Rukmini is revered for her unwavering devotion as a wife. Her selfless love and surrender to Krishna set an example of divine marital love.
3. The Ideal Hindu Wife
Rukmini exemplifies the qualities of an ideal wife—devotion, humility, patience, and unwavering faith in her husband.
Misconceptions: Was Radha Krishna’s Wife?
While Radha’s love for Krishna is celebrated in Bhakti traditions, no authoritative scripture states that Krishna married Radha. The Puranas and Itihasas only mention Rukmini as his first and principal queen.
Conclusion
From the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Harivamsa Purana, it is evident that Rukmini was the first wife of Lord Krishna. She was not only his consort but also the embodiment of devotion, grace, and divine love. Her story continues to inspire devotees across generations, reaffirming the sacred bond between the divine couple.
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