In the heart of Vidarbha, where the air hums with the fragrance of blooming lotuses and the whispers of sacred rivers, Princess Rukmini penned a love letter to Shri Krishna, the divine embodiment of beauty, grace, and compassion. This letter, carried by a trusted Brahmin, is not merely words on parchment but a cascade of her soul’s deepest yearnings, a melody of devotion that transcends time. Rukmini, radiant and resolute, pours her heart into verses that shimmer with love, courage, and an unyielding faith in Shri Krishna, the one who captivates the universe with his divine charm. Her words are a sacred offering, a bridge between the human and the divine, inviting every reader to lose themselves in the eternal love story of Rukmini and Shri Krishna—a love that is both earthly and divine, tender yet triumphant.
Below, each verse from Rukmini’s letter, as found in the Shrimad Bhagavatam (Canto 10, Chapter 52, verses 37–43), is presented with its Sanskrit text, English translation, and a heartfelt explanation that seeks to weave devotion, simplicity, and beauty into every word, igniting love for Shri Krishna in every reader’s heart.
Verse 37
Sanskrit Verse
श्रीरुक्मिण्युवाच
श्रुत्वा गुणान् भुवनसुन्दर शृण्वतां ते
निर्विश्य कर्णविवरैर्हरतोऽङ्गतापम् ।
रूपं दृशां दृशिमतामखिलार्थलाभं
त्वय्यच्युताविशति चित्तमपत्रपं मे ॥
English Translation
Rukmini said: O most beautiful one in all the worlds, I have heard of your divine qualities, which enter the ears of those who listen and soothe the pains of their hearts. Your enchanting form, a treasure for the eyes, fulfills every desire of those who behold it. O Shri Krishna, my heart, free of all shame, surrenders completely to you.
Meaning
Rukmini’s heart sings as she begins her letter, addressing Shri Krishna as the most beautiful being in all creation, a vision of divine splendor that captivates the universe. She speaks of hearing his glories—tales of his compassion, his courage, his divine play that dance through the air and slip gently into the ears of those who listen. These stories are not mere words; they are a balm, a soft breeze that heals the deepest aches of the heart, washing away sorrow with their sacred melody. And then, she speaks of his form—his radiant smile, his lotus-like eyes, his flute that calls to every soul. To see Shri Krishna is to find every longing fulfilled, as if the eyes themselves have discovered their purpose. Rukmini confesses that her heart, unbound by hesitation or shame, has already run to him, drawn irresistibly to his divine presence. Her words invite us to imagine Shri Krishna’s beauty, to let his qualities fill our hearts, and to surrender, as she does, with fearless love and devotion.
Verse 38
Sanskrit Verse
का त्वा मुकुन्द महती कुलशीलरूप-
विद्यावयोद्रविणधामभिरात्मतुल्यम् ।
धीरा पतिं कुलवती न वृणीत कन्या
काले नृसिंह नरलोकमनोऽभिरामम् ॥
English Translation
O Mukunda, bestower of liberation, what noble and virtuous maiden, born of a high lineage, would not choose you as her husband? You are unmatched in family, character, beauty, wisdom, youth, wealth, and glory. O lion among men, you enchant the hearts of all humanity.
Meaning
Rukmini’s voice trembles with awe and adoration as she calls Shri Krishna “Mukunda,” the one who grants freedom from all worldly bonds. She wonders aloud: which maiden, blessed with wisdom and born into nobility, could resist choosing him as her beloved? Shri Krishna is the epitome of perfection—his lineage divine, his character a beacon of righteousness, his beauty a vision that steals the breath, his wisdom a light that guides, his youth vibrant with eternal charm, and his glory a treasure beyond measure. He is a lion among men, majestic and fearless, yet his presence is a soft melody that soothes and enchants every heart. Rukmini’s words paint a picture of Shri Krishna as the ideal, the one who fulfills every dream of love and devotion. Her question stirs our souls, urging us to see Shri Krishna not just as Rukmini’s chosen one, but as the eternal beloved of every heart that seeks divine love.
Verse 39
Sanskrit Verse
तन्मे भवान् खलु वृत: पतिरङ्ग जाया-
मात्मार्पितश्च भवतोऽत्र विभो विधेहि ।
मा वीरभागमभिमर्शतु चैद्य आराद्
गोमायुवन्मृगपतेर्बलिमम्बुजाक्ष ॥
English Translation
Therefore, O beloved, I have chosen you as my husband and offered myself to you. Please, O radiant one, accept me as your wife. Let not Shishupal, like a lowly jackal, claim the prize meant for a lion, O lotus-eyed Shri Krishna.
Meaning
With unwavering resolve, Rukmini declares her choice: Shri Krishna, the one her heart has crowned as her husband. Her words are a sacred vow, an offering of her entire being—body, mind, and soul—at his lotus feet. She pleads with him to accept her, to come to her father’s home and make her his own. Her love is fierce yet tender, and she compares Shri Krishna to a mighty lion, the king of all, whose rightful claim no one can challenge. In contrast, she likens Shishupal, her unwanted suitor, to a jackal, a creature unworthy of the divine prize that is her heart. Calling Shri Krishna “lotus-eyed,” she evokes the image of his eyes—gentle, deep, and brimming with compassion—that draw her soul to him. This verse is a call to every devotee to choose Shri Krishna above all, to offer their heart with courage and trust, knowing that his love is the ultimate refuge.
Verse 40
Sanskrit Verse
पूर्तेष्टदत्तनियमव्रतदेवविप्र-
गुर्वर्चनादिभिरलं भगवान् परेश: ।
आराधितो यदि गदाग्रज एत्य पाणिं
गृह्णातु मे न दमघोषसुतादयोऽन्ये ॥
English Translation
If I have truly worshipped Bhagwan, the supreme ruler, through acts of charity, sacrifices, vows, devotion to gods, Brahmins, and elders, may Shri Krishna, the elder brother of Gada, come and take my hand, and not others like Shishupal, son of Damaghosha.
Meaning
Rukmini’s heart now turns to her faith, her voice soft with hope and trust in the divine. She reflects on her life’s devotion—the wells she dug for the thirsty, the temples she built for worship, the food she shared with the needy, the vows she kept, and the reverence she offered to Brahmins and elders. These acts were not mere duties but offerings of love, woven with the hope that they would reach Bhagwan’s heart. She prays that if her devotion is true, Shri Krishna, the radiant elder brother of Gada, will come to claim her hand, rescuing her from the clutches of Shishupal and others who seek her against her will. Her words are a reminder that devotion is a bridge to the divine, a way to call Shri Krishna into our lives. They inspire us to live with kindness, to serve with love, and to trust that Shri Krishna hears every sincere prayer, ready to hold our hand through life’s trials.
Verse 41
Sanskrit Verse
श्वोभाविनि त्वमजितोद्वहने विदर्भान्
गुप्त: समेत्य पृतनापतिभि: परीत: ।
निर्मथ्य चैद्यमगधेन्द्रबलं प्रसह्य
मां राक्षसेन विधिनोद्वह वीर्यशुल्काम् ॥
English Translation
O invincible Shri Krishna, come tomorrow to Vidarbha in secret, surrounded by your mighty generals. Crush the armies of Shishupal and Jarasandha with your strength, and marry me through the Rakshasa rite, winning me as the prize of your valor.
Meaning
Rukmini’s voice now carries the urgency of a lover and the strategy of a warrior. She addresses Shri Krishna as the unconquerable one, her trust in his strength absolute. She paints a vivid plan: he must come to Vidarbha’s capital, Kundinapura, on the eve of her forced wedding, cloaked in secrecy yet backed by his fearless army. With his divine might, he will scatter the forces of Shishupal and Jarasandha, her enemies who seek to bind her against her will. She asks him to claim her through the Rakshasa rite, a marriage won through valor, where the bride is the prize of a hero’s courage. Her words pulse with faith in Shri Krishna’s power and love, urging him to act swiftly to make her his own. This verse kindles a spark in our hearts, reminding us that Shri Krishna is not just a lover but a protector, ready to fight for those who call to him with devotion, sweeping away all obstacles with his divine grace.
Verse 42
Sanskrit Verse
अन्त:पुरान्तरचरीमनिहत्य बन्धून्-
त्वामुद्वहे कथमिति प्रवदाम्युपायम् ।
पूर्वेद्युरस्ति महती कुलदेवयात्रा
यस्यां बहिर्नववधूर्गिरिजामुपेयात् ॥
English Translation
If you wonder, “How can I marry you without harming your kin, as you dwell within the inner chambers?” I offer a way: on the day before the wedding, a grand procession to worship Goddess Parvati will take place, and the bride must go out to see her.
Meaning
Rukmini’s wisdom shines as she anticipates Shri Krishna’s concern—how can he take her without shedding the blood of her family, who guard her within the palace’s inner chambers? With love and foresight, she reveals a sacred opportunity: on the day before her forced marriage, a grand procession will wend its way to the temple of Goddess Parvati, their family deity. As the bride, Rukmini must step out to offer her prayers, leaving the palace’s confines. This moment, she tells Shri Krishna, is his chance to claim her without violence. Her words weave a tapestry of devotion and strategy, showing her as both a devoted lover and a clever partner in their divine union. For us, this verse is a reminder that Shri Krishna works in harmony with our efforts, guiding us through life’s challenges when we offer him our trust and wisdom, just as Rukmini does here.
Verse 43
Sanskrit Verse
यस्याङ्घ्रिपङ्कजरज:स्नपनं महान्तो
वाञ्छन्त्युमापतिरिवात्मतमोऽपहत्यै ।
यर्ह्यम्बुजाक्ष न लभेय भवत्प्रसादं
जह्यामसून्व्रतकृशान् शतजन्मभि: स्यात् ॥
English Translation
Great souls like Shiva seek the dust of your lotus feet to cleanse their ignorance. O lotus-eyed Shri Krishna, if I do not receive your grace, I will give up my life, weakened by vows, hoping to find you even after a hundred births.
Meaning
In this final verse, Rukmini’s devotion reaches its zenith, her words a radiant flame of love and surrender. She speaks of Shri Krishna’s lotus feet, whose sacred dust even great souls like Shiva seek to dispel the darkness of ignorance. This dust is no ordinary thing—it is the essence of divine grace, a touch that purifies and liberates. Rukmini, with her heart laid bare, declares that without Shri Krishna’s love, life holds no meaning. She vows to fast and pray, even through a hundred lifetimes, if needed, to earn his grace. Her words are not of despair but of unshakable faith, a testament to her belief that Shri Krishna’s love is worth every sacrifice. This verse stirs our souls, inviting us to seek Shri Krishna with the same relentless devotion, to cherish his grace as the ultimate treasure, and to trust that he will come to us, as he did for Rukmini, when our hearts call with pure love.
Rukmini’s love letter to Shri Krishna is a divine poem, each verse a petal in a lotus of devotion, unfolding to reveal the depth of her love and faith. Through her words, we glimpse Shri Krishna—not just as the charming cowherd or mighty warrior, but as the eternal beloved who hears every sincere heart. Her letter is an invitation to us all: to listen to his glories, to behold his beauty, to choose him as our own, and to trust that he will come, as he did for Rukmini, to sweep us into his divine embrace. Let her words kindle in us a love for Shri Krishna that burns bright, guiding us through life with devotion, courage, and the certainty that his lotus eyes watch over us always.
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