Shining Qualities of Rukmini Devi

2015-04-30
Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 10.60.55-57 - Shining Qualities of Rukmini Devi (download mp3)
by Radhika Vallabha Prabhu at ISKCON Chowpatty
www.iskcondesiretree.com



 

SB 10.60.55
na tvadrsim pranayinim grhinim grhesu
 pasyami manini yaya sva-vivaha-kale
praptan nrpan na viganayya raho-haro me
 prasthapito dvija upasruta-sat-kathasya

Translation:
In all My palaces I can find no other wife as loving as you, O most respectful one. When you were to be married, you disregarded all the kings who had assembled to seek your hand, and simply because you had heard authentic accounts concerning Me, you sent a brahmana to Me with your confidential message.



SB 10.60.56
bhratur virupa-karanam yudhi nirjitasya
 prodvaha-parvani ca tad-vadham aksa-gosthyam
duhkham samuttham asaho ’smad-ayoga-bhitya
 naivabravih kim api tena vayam jitas te

Translation:
When your brother, who had been defeated in battle and then disfigured, was later killed during a gambling match on Aniruddha’s wedding day, you felt unbearable grief, yet out of fear of losing Me you spoke not a word. By this silence you have conquered Me.

Purport:
Here Lord Krsna refers to an event that will be described in the next chapter. Thus Krsna’s talks with Rukmini must have taken place after the marriage of Aniruddha.



SB 10.60.57
dutas tvayatma-labhane su-vivikta-mantrah
 prasthapito mayi cirayati sunyam etat
matva jihasa idam angam ananya-yogyam
 tistheta tat tvayi vayam pratinandayamah

Translation:
When you sent the messenger with your most confidential plan and yet I delayed going to you, you began to see the whole world as void and wanted to quit your body, which could never have been given to anyone but Me. May this greatness of yours remain with you always; I can do nothing to reciprocate except joyfully thank you for your devotion.

Purport:
Srimati Rukmini-devi had no intention whatsoever of accepting any other husband but Lord Krsna, as she stated in her message to the Lord (Bhag. 10.52.43): yarhy ambujaksa na labheya bhavat-prasadam/ jahyam asun vrata-krsan sata-janmabhih syat. “If I cannot obtain Your mercy, I shall simply give up my vital force, which will have become weak from the severe penances I will perform. Then, after hundreds of lifetimes of endeavor, I may obtain Your mercy.” The Srimad-Bhagavatam firmly establishes the unique glories of Queen Rukmini-devi.