#princess rukmini

[latent-thoughts]

A beautiful piece of art (I'm unable to find the artist) depicting Shri Vasudev Krishna carrying Princess Rukmini Devi to his chariot in the kingdom of Vidharbh (her homeland). She had sent him a letter in secret, expressing her love and devotion for him, asking him to come and take her to his kingdom as his bride. Her eldest brother, Rukmi, had arranged her marriage elsewhere, against her wishes. But she wanted to marry Shri Krishna.

Ultimately, her wishes prevailed because he came to Vidharbh in his chariot and whisked her away in front of everyone, including her brothers.

[kailasanath]

Rukmiṇī Haraṇa – abduction of Princess Rukmiṇī

Rukmiṇī, the princess of Vidarbha and considered the earthly avatāra of Devī Lakṣmī, had her heart set upon Lord Śṛī Kṛṣṇa, himself the avatāra of Śṛī Viṣṇu. However, her brother Prince Rukmī had promised her hand to his friend, the wicked Śiśupāla. In response to Princess Rukmiṇī’s letter appealing his help, in keeping with the Kṣatrīya tradition, Lord Śṛī Kṛṣṇa rode out in his war chariot and carried the princess off before she could be married off against her will.

Painting by

Bharadrāja Dāsa