The story of Krishna and Rukmini is very popular in Hindu mythology. Their romantic love story goes beyond tradition, social rituals, and time. The affection between Krishna (the incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and Rukmini (the princess of Vidarbha) displays a strong bond between them, devotion, and courage. Even today, they inspire young couples. Rukmini's firm love for Krishna led to this love story, and they married each other. Many problems came in their way. Let’s explore more about Krishna and Rukmini, their love story, issues they faced, their sons, important rituals, and more in this blog.
A Brief Introduction To The Krishna and Rukmini Story
Krishna is an important god in the Hindu religion. He is believed to be the 8th incarnation of lord Vishnu. He is famous for his love, kindness, compassion, and protection. Rukmini was known for her amazing beauty, grace, and strong religious faith. She used to love Krishna because of his divine qualities. She regarded him as a perfect man who stood for goodness, love, and justice.
Nevertheless, Rukmini was in a state of uncertainty. It’s because her brother, Rukmi, arranged her marriage to Shishupala- a cruel, abusive, and arrogant man. Rukmini did not love him even a little bit. So, the proposal of her marriage to Shishupala disappointed her. She was of the view that if she had to marry him, her life would be full of difficulties. Therefore, she took a very bold step that surprised everyone.
She wrote a letter to Krishna expressing her love and asking for his help. Krishna received her letter with joy, traveled to Vidarbha to rescue her, and married her to ensure her safety.
Nevertheless, Rukmini was in a state of uncertainty. It’s because her brother, Rukmi, arranged her marriage to Shishupala- a cruel, abusive, and arrogant man. Rukmini did not love him even a little bit. So, the proposal of her marriage to Shishupala disappointed her. She was of the view that if she had to marry him, her life would be full of difficulties. Therefore, she took a very bold step that surprised everyone.
She wrote a letter to Krishna expressing her love and asking for his help. Krishna received her letter with joy, traveled to Vidarbha to rescue her, and married her to ensure her safety.
How Did Rukmini Seek Krishna’s Help?
Krishna appeared suddenly on the day of Rukmini’s wedding to Shishupala and immediately took her away. This unexpected intervention astonished everyone present at the wedding. The couple went to Dwaraka, where they married each other in a divine ceremony. This made Rukmini very happy as she married the man she was in love with. This marriage displayed a victory of love over tradition and was a symbol of divine blessings.
The Importance of Krishna and Rukmini's Marriage
The marriage of Krishna and Rukmini is of great importance. First, it displays the power of true love. It must always be remembered that Krishna did not marry Rukmini due to her beauty or royal status, but because of her pious heart, devotion, and endless love. In the same way, Rukmini chose Krishna as a true life partner, not as a god.
With marriage, Krishna and Rukmini also challenge the established traditions of that time. During those periods, there was a society that gave more importance to arranged marriages and expected children to obey the orders of their family members. Krishna and Rukmini’s love made them stand out from the crowd. They did not hesitate to go against the established tradition. This courageous step made Rukhmani happy. They indicated that true love and devotion can break the irrelevant barriers of society.
With marriage, Krishna and Rukmini also challenge the established traditions of that time. During those periods, there was a society that gave more importance to arranged marriages and expected children to obey the orders of their family members. Krishna and Rukmini’s love made them stand out from the crowd. They did not hesitate to go against the established tradition. This courageous step made Rukhmani happy. They indicated that true love and devotion can break the irrelevant barriers of society.
Krishna and Rukmini Son
After marriage, Krishna and Rukmini were blessed with 10 sons. Their names were Pradyumna, Charudeshna, Sudeshna, Charudeha, Sucharu, Charugupta, Bhadracharu, Charuchandra, Vicharu, and Charu. They also had one daughter named Charumati. Pradyumna became famous as a powerful and skilled warrior. He was believed to be the reincarnation of Kamadeva, the god of love. His birth symbolized the deep love between Krishna and Rukmini.
Pradyumna had many important skills, such as bravery, exceptional intelligence, mastery of warfare, archery, and the secret of the Chakravyuha etc. It played an important role in the Mahabharata- the epic battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas. His courage and strength reflected the traits acquired from Krishna and Rukmini.
Pradyumna had many important skills, such as bravery, exceptional intelligence, mastery of warfare, archery, and the secret of the Chakravyuha etc. It played an important role in the Mahabharata- the epic battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas. His courage and strength reflected the traits acquired from Krishna and Rukmini.
How to Worship Krishna and Rukmini At Home/ in the Temple?
Hindus respect Krishna and Rukmini very much. They worship them in temples, homes and during special occasions
Krishna and Rukmini Worship At Home
Many devotees worship Krishna and Rukmini in their homes almost every day and offer prayers. You can also do it. Just place pictures/idols of Krishna and Rukmini in the right place at your convenience. You can get these from cottage9. Clean the worship place, light lamps, offer fresh flowers, and chant hymns such as the Bhagavad Gita and Rukmini Ashtakshara (the prayer dedicated to Rukmini). Offer prasad (sacred food) to everyone at the end of the worship and exchange blessings.
Many devotees worship Krishna and Rukmini in their homes almost every day and offer prayers. You can also do it. Just place pictures/idols of Krishna and Rukmini in the right place at your convenience. You can get these from cottage9. Clean the worship place, light lamps, offer fresh flowers, and chant hymns such as the Bhagavad Gita and Rukmini Ashtakshara (the prayer dedicated to Rukmini). Offer prasad (sacred food) to everyone at the end of the worship and exchange blessings.
Krishna and Rukmini Worship in The Temple
If you want more people to attend the worship of Krishna and Rukmini, go to the nearest temple with their idols/images. Clean it in and out and decorate it with flowers. Burn some incense sticks to create a perfect environment for worship.
Start the puja with the help of one or more priests, offer flowers, fruits, sweets (such as makhan and peda, Krishna’s favorites), and incense. Chant mantras, recite prayers, and perform aarti to take blessings of the divine couple. Organize kirtans (singing religious songs) and ask people to participate. Distribute bhog and prasad (pious food) to all at the end of the worship.
If there is no such temple in your area with Krishna and Rukmini idols, don't worry. You can get them from Cottage9. Perform abhishekam (holy bath of the idol with milk, honey, and other pious liquids) and pran pratishtha (establishment of life force) with the help of a Hindu guru (spiritual leader). Place the idol in the temple and start worshipping the divine couple.
Start the puja with the help of one or more priests, offer flowers, fruits, sweets (such as makhan and peda, Krishna’s favorites), and incense. Chant mantras, recite prayers, and perform aarti to take blessings of the divine couple. Organize kirtans (singing religious songs) and ask people to participate. Distribute bhog and prasad (pious food) to all at the end of the worship.
If there is no such temple in your area with Krishna and Rukmini idols, don't worry. You can get them from Cottage9. Perform abhishekam (holy bath of the idol with milk, honey, and other pious liquids) and pran pratishtha (establishment of life force) with the help of a Hindu guru (spiritual leader). Place the idol in the temple and start worshipping the divine couple.
Some Temples Dedicated to Krishna and Rukmini
Rukmini Devi Temple (Dwarka, Gujarat)- It is also known as Rukmini Mata Temple.
Sri Sri Rukmini Dwarkadhish, Dwarka, Delhi- It has idols of Krishna with Rukmini. A large number of devotees visit here to worship the divine couple.
Rajagopalaswamy Temple (Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu)- Here, devotees worship lord Krishna as Rajagopalaswamy (the lord of kings) along with Rukmini and Satyabhama.
Panduranga Temple (Thiruvannmalai, Tamil Nadu)- Here, people worship Panduranga (Krishna) and Rukmini daily or during special occasions.
There are many other temples with Krishna and Rukmini idols across India. Search yourself or seek people’s help if you want to organize the Krishna and Rukmini worship in the nearest temple.
Sri Sri Rukmini Dwarkadhish, Dwarka, Delhi- It has idols of Krishna with Rukmini. A large number of devotees visit here to worship the divine couple.
Rajagopalaswamy Temple (Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu)- Here, devotees worship lord Krishna as Rajagopalaswamy (the lord of kings) along with Rukmini and Satyabhama.
Panduranga Temple (Thiruvannmalai, Tamil Nadu)- Here, people worship Panduranga (Krishna) and Rukmini daily or during special occasions.
There are many other temples with Krishna and Rukmini idols across India. Search yourself or seek people’s help if you want to organize the Krishna and Rukmini worship in the nearest temple.
Festivals Celebrating Krishna and Rukmini
Rukmini Dvadasi
Devotees celebrate Rukmini Dvadasi to commemorate the divine marriage of Krishna and Rukmini. It takes place on the 12th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of Vaisakh month (April – May). This is the day when Krishna, after receiving Rukmini’s love letter, fled away with her and married her. The day is observed as Rukmini’s devotion and Krishna’s love. People fast, perform special pujas in temples and homes, chant prayers to Rukmini and Krishna, participate in processions, and organize dramas to mimic the wedding of Krishna and Rukmini.
Devotees celebrate Rukmini Dvadasi to commemorate the divine marriage of Krishna and Rukmini. It takes place on the 12th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of Vaisakh month (April – May). This is the day when Krishna, after receiving Rukmini’s love letter, fled away with her and married her. The day is observed as Rukmini’s devotion and Krishna’s love. People fast, perform special pujas in temples and homes, chant prayers to Rukmini and Krishna, participate in processions, and organize dramas to mimic the wedding of Krishna and Rukmini.
Janmashtami
It occurs on the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (August or September). During Janmashtami, people mainly celebrate the birth of Krishna. But they also highlight the divine love between him and Rukmini less prominently. Many temples across India and even individuals often display idols of the couple together. They organize kirtans, and dance performances, participate in puja, sing devotional songs, and distribute sweets or prasad among devotees.
It occurs on the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (August or September). During Janmashtami, people mainly celebrate the birth of Krishna. But they also highlight the divine love between him and Rukmini less prominently. Many temples across India and even individuals often display idols of the couple together. They organize kirtans, and dance performances, participate in puja, sing devotional songs, and distribute sweets or prasad among devotees.
Diwali (With Rukmini’s Worship)
People celebrate Diwali to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. But, in some regions in India, especially in Maharashtra, people organize special prayers for Krishna and Rukmini on this occasion. It is believed that the couple returned to Dwaraka on this day after their marriage. They decorate homes, light oil lamps (diyas), organize prayers, and exchange sweets. They perform plays to let people feel the love between the divine couple.
People celebrate Diwali to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. But, in some regions in India, especially in Maharashtra, people organize special prayers for Krishna and Rukmini on this occasion. It is believed that the couple returned to Dwaraka on this day after their marriage. They decorate homes, light oil lamps (diyas), organize prayers, and exchange sweets. They perform plays to let people feel the love between the divine couple.
Conclusion
Krishna and Rukmini's Story inspires people even today. It is more than the tale of a romantic couple. It symbolizes a true story of pious love, devotion, and courage. They went against the established norms of society in the pursuit of their love.
Remember the divine love of Krishna and Rukmini daily or during special occasions as per your convenience and get their blessings. It will promote unconditional love, happiness, and well-being between you & your life partner.
Feel free to get all the required paintings and idols of Krishna and Rukmini from Cottage9. Just place your order and fill in the details. Your shipment will reach the specified address soon.
Remember the divine love of Krishna and Rukmini daily or during special occasions as per your convenience and get their blessings. It will promote unconditional love, happiness, and well-being between you & your life partner.
Feel free to get all the required paintings and idols of Krishna and Rukmini from Cottage9. Just place your order and fill in the details. Your shipment will reach the specified address soon.
