Editing Rukmini

{{short description|Hindu goddess and chief consort of god Krishna}}
{{other uses}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Infobox deity
| type = Hindu
| image = Rukmini.jpg
| caption = 12th-13th century sculpture of Rukmini
| name = Rukmini
| script = {{lang|sa|रूक्मिणी}}
| script_name = Devanagari
| other_names = <!--Only add significant names--> {{hlist|Shriji|Vaidarbhi|Bhaishmi|Rakhumai|Dwarikeshwari|Chiryauvana|Lakhubai}}
| abode = {{hlist|[[Dvārakā]]|[[Pandharpur]]|[[Vaikuntha]]}}
| affiliation = {{hlist|Avatar of [[Lakshmi|Sri]]|[[Devi]]|[[Ashtabharya]]}}
| texts = [[Vishnu Purana]], [[Bhagavata Purana]], [[Mahabharata]], [[Harivamsa]], [[Rukminisha Vijaya]], [[Skanda Purana]], [[Padma Purana]]‚ [[Brahma Vaivarta Purana]]‚ [[Garga Samhita (Vaishnavite text)|Garga Samhita]]‚ [[Garuda Purana]], [[Gopala Tapani Upanishad]], [[Yadavabhyudaya]]
| festivals = Rukmini Ashtami, [[Vasanthotsavam]], [[Shayani Ekadashi|Ashadhi Ekadashi]]
| gender = Female
| siblings = [[Rukmi]]
| consort = [[Krishna]]
| children = {{ubl|[[Pradyumna]] and 9 others (sons) <br> Charumati (daughter)}}
| father = [[Bhishmaka]]
| birth_place = [[Vidarbha Kingdom]]
| death_place = [[Dvārakā]]
| dynasty = [[Bhoja tribe|Bhoja]] (by birth)<br/> [[Yadava|Yaduvamsha]]-[[Lunar dynasty|Chandravamsha]] (by marriage)
| deity_of = Mother Goddess<ref>{{cite book|title=The Rosary and the Lamp|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DLIgAAAAMAAJ&q=mother+goddess+Rakhumai|author=Baburao Patel|year= 1966|quote = Oh, Sweet Rukhmai Divine Mother of Humanrace}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Tukaram|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZOWIAwAAQBAJ&dq=mother+goddess+Rakhumai&pg=PA112|author=R. D. Ranade|year= 1994| publisher=State University of New York Press | isbn=9781438416878 |quote = "His father is pandurang and mother is rakhumai}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Islamic Financial Management, Volume 1 Marathi Literature|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nrR9D_ydGwoC&dq=mother+goddess+Rakhumai&pg=PA637|author=Sunitha despande|year= 2007| publisher=Global Vision Publishing House | isbn=9788182202214 |quote = Rakhumai-Mother Rukmini}}</ref><br/>Goddess of Fortune<ref>{{cite book|title=Bhagavad Gita as it is The Marriage of Kṛṣṇa and Rukmiṇī|url=https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/10/54/60/|author= A.C Bhakti vedanta swami|year= 1968|quote = " Dvārakā’s citizens were overjoyed to see Kṛṣṇa, the Lord of all opulence, united with Rukmiṇī, the goddess of fortune "}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=TheSummumBonumŚrīmad Bhāgavatam rukmi's defeatandmarriage
|url=https://bhagavata.org/pdf/TheSummumBonum.pdf|author=Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsadeva|year=2002|quote= "Oh King all the citizens in Dvārakā were overjoyed to see Kṛṣṇa, the Master of All Opulence joined in marriage with Rukmiṇī, the goddess of fortune"}}</ref>
| member_of = [[Ashtabharya]]{{sfn|Mani|1975|p=62}}
| venerated_in = [[Warkari]], [[Haridasa]]
}}
'''Rukmini''' ({{langx|sa|रुक्मिणी|lit=radiant}}, {{IAST3|Rukmiṇī}}) is a [[Devi|Hindu goddess]] and the first queen of [[Krishna]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Balfour |first=Edward |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t9krAAAAYAAJ&dq=rukmini+chief+wife+krishna+books&pg=PA454 |title=The Cyclopædia of India and of Eastern and Southern Asia: Commercial, Industrial and Scientific, Products of the Mineral, Vegetable, and Animal Kingdoms, Useful Arts and Manufactures |date=1885 |publisher=B. Quaritch |pages=454 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jn8oAAAAYAAJ&dq=rukmini+chief+wife+krishna+books&pg=PA83 |title=Select Specimens of the Theatre of the Hindus |date=1835 |publisher=Parbury, Allen |quote="The marriage was solemnized at Dwarakú, and Rukmini remained the chief of Krishna's wives" |pages=83 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Mitchell |first=John Murray |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MWJRAAAAYAAJ&dq=rukmini+chief+wife+krishna+books&pg=PA117 |title=Hinduism Past and Present: With an Account of Recent Hindu Reformers and a Brief Comparison Between Hinduism and Christianity |date=1885 |publisher=Religious Tract Society |quote="He had eight chief wives; the queen of all, Rukmini, had been betrothed to another, but on her marriage-day Krishna carried her off in a chariot and made her his own wife." |pages=117 |language=en}}</ref> She is described as the chief of Krishna's wives in [[Dvārakā]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-06-24 |title=Rukmini, Rukmiṇī: 13 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/rukmini |access-date=2022-08-06 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Dasa |first=Gopiparanadhana |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GcpGCgAAQBAJ&dq=rukmini+queen+of+dvaraka&pg=PT231 |title=Sri Brhad-bhagavatamrta: Volume One |date=2002-01-01 |publisher=The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust |isbn=978-91-7149-784-0 |pages=Verse 74 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bhandarkar |first=Ramkrishna Gopal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=C5zKrCIBmBwC&dq=rukmini+chief+consort&pg=PA161 |title=Vaiṣṇavism, Ṡaivism and Minor Religious Systems |date=1987 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |isbn=978-81-206-0122-2 |pages=21 |language=en |quote="expressed a desire for as good a son as Rukmini, his chief consort, had."}}</ref> Rukmini is revered as the [[avatar]] of [[Lakshmi]] and is venerated primarily in [[Warkari]],<ref>{{cite journal |url= http://www.ic.nanzan-u.ac.jp/SHUBUNKEN/publications/jjrs/pdf/276.pdf |title= The Vithoba Faith of Maharashtra: The Vithoba Temple of Pandharpur and Its Mythological Structure | journal=Japanese Journal of Religious Studies |volume=15 |issue=2–3 |first=Shima |last=Iwao |date=June–September 1988 |publisher=Nanzan Institute for Religion and Culture |pages=183–197 |issn=0304-1042 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326062749/http://www.ic.nanzan-u.ac.jp/SHUBUNKEN/publications/jjrs/pdf/276.pdf |archive-date=2009-03-26}}</ref> and [[Haridasa]] tradition,{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}} and additionally in [[Sri Vaishnavism]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2024-09-20 |title=Shri Rukmini-devi: Significance and symbolism |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/shri-rukmini-devi |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

Rukmini is mainly worshipped in [[Maharashtra]] and [[South India]]. The people of Maharashtra venerate her with [[Vithoba]] (a regional form of Krishna) and call her Rakhumai.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bryant |first=Edwin Francis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HVDqCkW1WpUC |title=Krishna: A Sourcebook |date=2007 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-803400-1 |language=en}}</ref> In South India, she is worshipped along with Krishna and his and his other primary consort [[Satyabhama]]. Her birthday is celebrated every year on the occasion of Rukmini Ashtami.<ref name=":1" />

==Etymology and epithets==
The name ''Rukmini'' is derived from the [[Sanskrit]] word ''Rukma'' which means 'Radiant', 'Clear' or 'Bright'.<ref name = "Monier" >{{Cite book|last=Monier-Williams|first=Monier|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_3NWAAAAcAAJ&q=Rukma|title=A Sanskrit-English Dictionary|date=1872|publisher=Clarendon|language=en|page=847}}</ref> The name can also mean 'decorated with gold ornaments'.<ref name="Chandra">{{Cite book|last=Chandra|first=Suresh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mfTE6kpz6XEC&q=Rukmini&pg=PA154|title=Encyclopaedia of Hindu Gods and Goddesses|date=1998|publisher=Sarup & Sons|isbn=978-81-7625-039-9|language=en}}</ref><ref name = "Monier" /> Other names and epithets include:
*''Shree'' – [[Lakshmi]], Mother Goddess of the universe
*''Ruciranana'' – One Who Has A Beautiful Face, Expanding Like A Lotus Flower<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rukmini, the only daughter of King Bhismaka, was exquisitely beautiful. She was known as Ruciranana, which means "one who has a beautiful face expanded like a lotus flower" - Vaniquotes |url=https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Rukmini,_the_only_daughter_of_King_Bhismaka,_was_exquisitely_beautiful._She_was_known_as_Ruciranana,_which_means_%22one_who_has_a_beautiful_face_expanded_like_a_lotus_flower%22 |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=vaniquotes.org}}</ref>
*''Vaidarbhi'' – She Who Is From The Kingdom Of [[Vidarbha]]<ref name="JA">{{Cite book|last=Louis-Frédéric|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B04OAQAAMAAJ&q=Rukmini|title=Encyclopaedia of Asian Civilizations: N-R|date=1977|publisher=L. Frédéric|isbn=978-2-85893-050-0|language=en|page=492}}</ref>
*''Bhaishmi'' – Daughter of Bhishmaka<ref name = "JA" />
*''Rakhumai'' – Mother Rukmini<ref name = "JA" />
*''Chiryauvana'' – One Who Is Forever Young<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-22 |title=Rukmini: The First Ashtabharya Of Krishna And Her Journey From A Princess To A Passionate Lover - Vedic Story |url=https://www.vedicstory.com/puranas/rukmini-the-first-ashtabharya-of-krishna-and-her-journey-from-a-princess-to-a-passionate-lover/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=www.vedicstory.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
*''Pradyumna Janani'' – Mother of [[Pradyumna]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-22 |title=Rukmini: The First Ashtabharya Of Krishna And Her Journey From A Princess To A Passionate Lover - Vedic Story |url=https://www.vedicstory.com/puranas/rukmini-the-first-ashtabharya-of-krishna-and-her-journey-from-a-princess-to-a-passionate-lover/ |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=www.vedicstory.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Legends==
===Birth===
According to the epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'' and other ''[[Puranic]]'' scriptures, Princess Rukmini was born to [[Bhishmaka]]—the king of [[Vidarbha]] kingdom, belonging to the [[Bhoja tribe|Bhoja]] dynasty.{{sfn|Mani|1975|p=138}} She had five elder brothers—[[Rukmi]], Rukmaratha, Rukmabahu, Rukmakesa and Rukmanetra.<ref name=":0" /> [[Puranas]] such as ''[[Vishnu Purana]]'', ''[[Bhagavata Purana]],'' and ''[[Padma Purana]]'' praise her as an incarnation of Goddess [[Lakshmi]], the wife of God [[Vishnu]].<ref name="Mani">{{Cite book|last=Mani|first=Vettam|url=https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/page/657/mode/2up|title=Puranic encyclopaedia : a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature|date=1975|publisher=Delhi : Motilal Banarsidass|others=Robarts – University of Toronto|page=657|isbn=9780842608220 }}</ref>

===Marriage to Krishna===
[[File:Krsna Takes Rukmini Away from Devi Shrine.jpg|thumb|A painting depicting Rukmini eloping with Krishna from a temple of Ambika ([[Parvati]]).]]

In the [[Harivamsa]], a supplement to Mahabharata, (Vishnu Parva, Chapter 59, Verse 35-40), it is stated about Rukmini that {{block quote|"Her lips, eyes and the corners were coppery, thighs, hips and breast were plump, her body was tall but thin and beautiful; her countenance was like the moon, her nails were red; eye-brows were charming, hairs were curling and black and her beauty was highly picturesque. Her face was beautified by rows of equal and white teeth."<ref>{{Cite web |title=A PROSE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF HARIVAMSHA. |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/61937/61937-h/61937-h.htm#chapter-cxvvi-an-account-of-rukshmi-krishna-takes-away-rukshmini |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=www.gutenberg.org}}</ref>{{secondary source needed|date=November 2024}}}} However, according to another translation of the [[Harivamsa Purana]] text by [[Gita Press]] in Hindi, Rukimini's age when Krishna first sees her and later elopes with her she is described as being sixteen in the commentary and the translation but this is not stated in the original [[Sanskrit]] text. According to the [[Skanda Purana]], Rukmini was eight years old when she married Krishna. Her father had a dream when his daughter was born she would marry a being with four arms when Rukmini was eight he had announced that she was ready for marriage, and that she was set to marry [[Shishupala]] the crown prince of [[Chedi Kingdom|Chedi]], but Rukmini did not wish to marry [[Shishupala]] this is when she wrote a letter to [[Krishna]] to save her. It was during this time that [[Krishna]] came and eloped with and then married her.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2020-10-22 |title=The Greatness of Rukmiṇī Tīrtha [Chapter 142] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-skanda-purana/d/doc425871.html |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Harivamsha Purana (Supplement to Mahabharata)|url=https://archive.org/details/harivamshapurana/page/n466/mode/1up|year=2014|publisher=Gita Press|pages=1169}}</ref> {{secondary source needed|date=November 2024}}

According to another translation of the [[Harivamsha Purana]] by [[Manmatha Nath Dutt]], Rukimini's age is not stated. {{block quote|"Krishna saw, near the temple, Rukshmini, the best of beauties, like unto the burning flame of fire, as if she were the goddess of illusions descended on earth, or the goddess earth herself coming out of the nether region, or the very goddess Shri (the goddess of prosperity) the foremost of damsels, gentle like the rays of the moon, and separated from her lotus, coming down on earth as his wife. That damsel of dark-blue hue and large eyes, Rukshmini, was seated on a car. And though the gods even could not see her with their mind Krishna could see her. Her lips, eyes and the corners were coppery, thighs, hips and breast were plump, her body was tall but thin and beautiful; her countenance was like the moon, her nails were red; eye-brows were charming, hairs were curling and black and her beauty was highly picturesque. Her face was beautified by rows of equal and white teeth. Seeing the beautiful Rukshmini, the foremost of damsels, clad in a blue raiment, matchless in the world at that time for her beauty, fame and grace Krishna’s desire grew powerful like fire to which clarified butter is offered and his mind was attracted by her. Thereupon consulting with Rama before the Vrishnis he made up his mind for stealing her away." (Vishnu Parva, Chapter 60, Verse 35-44)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/harivamsha-purana-dutt/d/doc485601.html | title=An Account of Rukshmi: Krishna Takes Away Rukshmini &#91;Chapter 60&#93; | date=14 November 2020 }}</ref>}}

It is stated in the [[Brahma Vaivarta Purana]] (Krishna Janma Khanda, Chapter 105, Verses 9–14) she had reached [[puberty]] and was ready for marriage according to her father.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.veducation.world/library/Sastra-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0/purana/brahma-vaivarta-purana/brahma-vaivarta-purana-english | title=Veducation Library : Read Sanatan Shastras Online }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Brahma Vaivarta Purana|url=https://archive.org/details/brahma-vaivarta-purana-all-four-kandas-english-translation/page/648/mode/2up|year=2003|publisher=Chaukamba Publications|pages=648}}</ref> {{secondary source needed|date=November 2024}}

In the [[Bhagavata Purana]] (Dasama Skandha, Chapter 53, Verse 51), she has been described as having budding breasts.<ref>{{cite book|title=Shrimad Bhagavata Purana (Nepali)|url=https://archive.org/details/shreemad-bhagwat-mahapuran/page/n4491/mode/2up|year=1955|publisher=Gita Press|pages=4492}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Shrimad Bhagavatam|url=https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/10/53/51-55/|date=1970|publisher=Bhaktivedanta Book Trust|page=4491}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/ | title=Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-bhagavata-purana | title=Bhagavata Purana | date=27 May 2022 }}</ref>{{secondary source needed|date=November 2024}}

The ''Bhagavata Purana'' narrates that Rukmini once heard about [[Krishna]] and his heroic deeds, such as slaying the tyrant king [[Kamsa]], and opposing the evil king [[Jarasandha]]. She fell in love with him and desired to marry him. The episode of ''Rukmini Kalyanam,'' and the devotion of Rukmini towards her desired husband is narrated by the sage [[Shuka]] to King [[Parikshit]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Ayyar |first=P. V. Jagadisa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NLSGFW1uZboC&dq=rukmini+purana&pg=PA29 |title=South Indian Shrines: Illustrated |date=1982 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |isbn=978-81-206-0151-2 |pages=29 |language=en}}</ref>

Rukmini's parents rejoiced and gave their permission, but Rukmi – who was an ally of Jarasandha – strongly opposed it. Instead, he proposed that she marry his friend [[Shishupala]]— the crown prince of [[Chedi Kingdom]], and a cousin of Krishna.<ref name="Mani" /><ref name="Ch51">{{Cite web|title=CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO|url=https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/10/52/|access-date=2021-06-14|website=vedabase.io|language=en}}</ref>{{efn|Shishupala was also a vassal and close associate of Jarasandha and hence an ally of Rukmi.}} Bhishmaka agreed, and a distressed Rukmini immediately sent for a trusted [[Brahmin]] and asked him to deliver a message to [[Krishna]].<ref name="Mani" /> In the message, she wrote to Krishna about her love and asked him to abduct her when she visited the temple of Goddess [[Ambika (goddess)|Ambika]] ([[Parvati]]) before her wedding. Krishna, having received the message in [[Dvārakā|Dvaraka]], told the messenger to inform Rukmini that he had received her letter and would come to make her his wife. Krishna then immediately set out for Vidarbha with [[Balarama]], his elder brother.<ref name="Ch51" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Ayyar |first=P. V. Jagadisa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NLSGFW1uZboC&dq=rukmini+purana&pg=PA29 |title=South Indian Shrines: Illustrated |date=1982 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |isbn=978-81-206-0151-2 |pages=32 |language=en}}</ref>

Meanwhile, in Vidarbha's capital [[Kundina]], Bhishmaka had prepared for Rukmini's marriage. Rukmini grew anxious as she observed the host of kings, wondering if the Brahmin she had dispatched had not reached safely or not, and if the Almighty would assist her in her efforts. Her face grew pale and her thoughts grew distressed as she shunned herself from the rest of the world. Her sorrow of Krishna not having yet arrived to marry her yet was so immense that she refused to eat, sing to her parrot, or play her lyre.<ref name="Ayyar 1982 332"/> Shishupala, along with his allies including Jarasandha had arrived. Krishna and Balarama had also arrived, and Bhishmaka welcomed them. At the palace, Rukmini had lost all hope, but the messenger turned up and informed that Krishna had accepted her request. The next day, she went to the temple to offer her prayers to [[Ambika (goddess)|Ambika]]. As she proceeded towards the wedding venue, she saw Krishna and he soon swept her into his [[chariot]] with him. All of Jarasandha's forces quickly started chasing them, but they were repulsed by Balarama and his army.<ref name = "Shyam" />
<!---In an account slightly differing from that of the [[Bhagavat Purana]], in the play "Rukmini Horon" by the 15th-century [[Assamese Language|Assamese]] playwright [[Sankardev|Srimanta Sankaradeva]],<ref>{{Cite book|last=Neog|first=Maheswar|title=Early History of the Vaiṣṇava Faith and Movement in Assam: Śaṅkaradeva and His Times|publisher=[[Motilal Banarsidass]]|year=1980|location=Delhi|pages=162–207}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Rajan|first=Anjana|date=10 November 2017|title=Beyond the nine rasas|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/beyond-the-nine-rasas/article20033870.ece|access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref> [[Uddhava]] too accompanies Krishna in his campaign."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kashyap|first=Uruli|date=10 September 2018|title=''Rukmini Horon natot natyokar Srimanta Sankardevor moulikota''|url=https://nilacharai.com/rukmini-haran-naatat-srimanta-sankardevar-moulikata/|url-status=live|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Nila Charai}}</ref>--->
Rukmi chased after Krishna and Rukmini.<ref name="bg">{{cite book|title=Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Kathiawar (Public Domain text)|url=https://archive.org/details/1884GazetteerByBombayPresidencyVol8Kathiawar349D|year=1884|publisher=Printed at the Government Central Press, Bombay|volume=VIII|pages=380–381}}</ref> He challenged Krishna to a fight, but was easily overpowered by the former. Rukmini begged Krishna to spare her brother's life, and the latter agreed. However, he shaved Shishupala's hair and moustache as a mark of punishment, and let him go free. Krishna and Rukmini reached Dvaraka, where they were welcomed with great pomp and ceremony, followed by a wedding.

[[File:Indian School, late 18th century - The marriage of Krishna and Rukmini. - RCIN 1005113.w - Royal Collection.jpg|thumb|upright|Late 18th century painting of the wedding of [[Krishna]] and Rukmini]]

===Krishna's ruse===
The [[Bhagavata Purana]] describes an episode through the sage [[Shuka]] where the yet unwed Rukmini takes a bejewelled whisk and starts fanning her prospective husband Krishna, wearing an expensive girdle and a dazzling necklace. Even though he is pleased, Krishna points to the fact that the princess had been desired by a number of handsome and energetic monarchs and states that he was not their equal, and that he had also almost lost his realm rescuing her. He remarks that she had not been far-sighted in choosing him as her groom and that she must now instead choose a Kshatriya like her. Rukmini's heart shuddered, her red nails scratched the floor, and tears flowed from her eyes that were decorated with collyrium. She fell to the floor, her hair dishevelled. Krishna swiftly raised her back to her feet and assures her that he was merely joking, as householders do with their beloved. Her fear of abandonment seeping away from her, the princess eulogises him, praising his glories and addressing him as her [[Ātman (Hinduism)|atman]], her sense of self. Krishna praises her single-minded devotion to him.<ref>{{Cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HUSCDwAAQBAJ&dq=rukmini+lotus-eyed&pg=PT211 |title=The Bhagavata Purana 3 |date=2019-01-21 |publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited |isbn=978-93-5305-380-2 |language=en |chapter=Chapter 10(58)}}</ref>

===Married life and children===
[[File:Vittala Rakhumai Thennangur.jpg|thumb|309x309px|Statue of Vittala Rakhumai, Thennangur]]
Though Krishna married many other women, Rukmini remained his chief consort and the queen of Dvaraka.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gSsqAAAAYAAJ&q=rukmini+chief+consort+krishna |title=Books 8-12: Krishna, spirit of delight|date=1976 |publisher=Vighneswara Publishing House |pages=740 |language=en |quote="Rukmini : Chief consort of Krishna"}}</ref> When she longed for a child, Krishna flew to [[Mount Kailash|Kailash]] upon his mount [[Garuda]], and expressed his wife's desire to [[Shiva]]. Obliging, Shiva blessed Rukmini to be the bearer of the new incarnation of [[Kamadeva]], whom he had previously immolated with his third eye. Thus was [[Pradyumna]] born.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mani |first=Vettam |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mvXsDwAAQBAJ&dq=rukmini+dvaraka&pg=PA594 |title=Puranic Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Work with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature |date=2015-01-01 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0597-2 |pages=594 |language=en}}</ref> Many scriptures have mentioned that Rukmini and other wives of Krishna lived like sisters.

The [[Bhagavata Purana]] and [[Vishnu Purana]] states that Rukmini and Krishna had ten sons—[[Pradyumna]], Charudeshna, Sudeshna, Charudeha, Sucharu, Charugupta, Bhadracharu, Charuchandra, Vicharu, and Charu.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gita Press Gorakhpur |url=https://archive.org/details/vishnu-puran_202204/page/n399/mode/1up |title=Vishnu Puran |pages=389 |language=Hindi}}</ref><ref name = "Mani" /><ref name = "Sinha" >{{Cite book|last=Sinha|first=Purnendu Narayana|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OveYh2v-1roC&q=sons+of+krishna&pg=PT691|title=A Study of the Bhagavata Purana: Or, Esoteric Hinduism|date=1950|publisher=Library of Alexandria|isbn=978-1-4655-2506-2|language=en}}</ref> In the ''[[Harivamsa]]'', Rukmini's sons are Pradyumna, Charudeshna, Charuchandra, Charugarbha, Sudangstra, Druma, Sushena, Charugupta, Charuvinda, and Chharuvahu. A different listing is found in ''[[Anushasana Parva]]'' of the ''Mahabharata'', where Pradyumna, Charudeshna, Sucharu, Charuvesa, Yasodhana, Charusravas, Charuyasas, and Sambhu are Rukmini's sons.<ref name = "Mani" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Mahabharata, Book 13: Anusasana Parva: Anusasanika Parva: Section XIV|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m13/m13a014.htm|access-date=2021-06-18|website=sacred-texts.com}}</ref> Vishnu Puran also mentioned that Rukmini had a daughter named Charumati.<ref name="Dalal">{{Cite book|last=Dalal|first=Roshen|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC&q=Rukmini|title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide|date=2010|publisher=Penguin Books India|isbn=978-0-14-341421-6|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Gita Press Gorakhpur |url=https://archive.org/details/vishnu-puran_202204/page/n399/mode/1up |title=Vishnu Puran |pages=389}}</ref>

===Tale of the scales===
According to a folktale of [[Odisha]], the divine sage [[Narada]] once arrived in Dvaraka and asked for Krishna to be given to him as alms. Krishna's 8 queens requested him to take anything else and Narada asked them to give wealth equal to Krishna's weight. They arranged for a big scale ([[Tulabharama]]) to be put up. Satyabhama put all of her coins, gems and jewellery on the scale, but it doesn't budge. Other wives gave their jewels, but it was of no use. At last, Rukmini came and put a single leaf of [[Tulsi in Hinduism|Tulasi]] on the scale and chanted that it represented her love for Krishna. The scales then became balanced. Though this story is absent in the main scriptures pertaining to Krishna's life, it is often repeated to enunciate the worth of Rukmini's love over Satyabhama's material wealth.<ref>{{cite book|author=Devdutt Pattanaik|title=The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rjL3ogbdJNkC|date=September 2000|publisher=Inner Traditions/Bear|isbn=9780892818075|pages=27}}</ref> The only known versions of this story are from [[Padma Purana]] and [[Devi-Bhagavata Purana|Devi Bhagvata Purana]], where Satyabhama succeeds in weighing Krishna normally with gold items.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UbSgAAAAMAAJ&dq=rukmini+worship&pg=PA231 |title=Calcutta Review |date=1905 |publisher=University of Calcutta |pages=231 |language=en}}</ref>

===Meeting Sudama===
In the ''Bhagavata Purana'', another well-known incident in Rukmini's married life is narrated. When Krishna's childhood friend, [[Sudama]], visited Dvaraka, Rukmini welcomed Sudama and gave him food. She and Krishna fanned him as he rested from his long journey. This type of devotion is a characteristic of Rukmini, an attribute of her that is prevalent.{{sfn|Mani|1975|p=437}}

{{Vaishnavism}}

===Durvasa's curse===
According to the [[Skanda Purana]], the famously short-tempered sage [[Durvasa]] met Krishna and Rukmini when he was on a pilgrimage. Durvasa asked the couple to be yoked onto his chariot while he held the reins. In the process of pulling the chariot forward, Rukmini grew exhausted and requested Krishna for water. Krishna struck his foot against the ground causing a spring of the [[Ganges|Ganga]] river to appear. Observing her quench her thirst without seeking his permission, the infuriated Durvasa cursed her to be separated from her beloved Krishna. Rukmini grew perturbed and started to cry. To pacify her, Krishna blessed her with the boon that if his devotees were to only see him and not her, they would receive only half the merit.<ref>{{Cite book |first=GV |last=Tagore |title=Skanda Purana |year=1950}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-16 |title=Durvāsā cursing Rukmiṇī [Chapter 2] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-skanda-purana/d/doc627241.html |access-date=2022-07-10 |website=wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

Despite this consolation, Rukmini grew distressed due to her separation from her consort and fell unconscious. The sea-god and the sage [[Narada]] arrived to comfort her. Narada informed her that her husband - a manifestation of [[Vishnu]] - was the [[Brahman|Supreme Being]] himself, he rhetorically wondered how she could expect to keep his company in an exclusive garden. The sea affirmed the divine sage's words, promising her that as the companion of Vishnu, she would always retain her permanence in his being. The goddess [[Ganga (goddess)|Bhagirathi]], the personification of the Ganga, produced a richly-endowed forest on the spot, laden with fruits and flowers, quickly to be frequented by the inhabitants of Dvaraka. Durvasa vengefully burnt the forest with his powers. Rukmini grew depressed and contemplated giving up her human form. Krishna arrived and stopped her. She felt ashamed and furious with herself even as her husband reassured her of his devotion. The repentant Durvasa begged Krishna to reunite with Rukmini, and the deity consented, blessing the sage with virtue as well as saluting the river Ganga, who then became the liberator of sorrows.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tagore |first=GV |title=Skanda Purana |pages=Chapter 3, Verses 6–84}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-16 |title=Relief of Rukmiṇī [Chapter 3] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-skanda-purana/d/doc627242.html |access-date=2022-07-10 |website=wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

===Death===
After the disappearance of Krishna following the Yadu massacre in the [[Mausala Parva]], Rukmini, along with [[Jambavati]], self-immolated herself on the funeral pyre.<ref>[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m16/m16007.htm Dio Mahabharate.] „''Rukmini, the princess of Gandhara, Saivya, Haimavati, and queen Jamvabati ascended the funeral pyre''."</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Vijayakumar|first=Lakshmi|date=2004-01-01|title=Altruistic Suicide in India|url=https://doi.org/10.1080/13811110490243804|journal=Archives of Suicide Research|volume=8|issue=1|pages=73–80|doi=10.1080/13811110490243804|issn=1381-1118|pmid=16006390|s2cid=41567060}}</ref>

== Iconography ==
[[File:Goddess_Rukmini.jpg|thumb|upright|140px|Rukmini with shanka, chakra and gada in Rukmini Temple, Dwaraka]]

In many texts, the [[Brahmin|Brahman]] dispatched by Rukmini to request Krishna to elope with her on her [[svayamvara]] describes the princess poetically as bearing beautiful hands, braided tresses, and a face that resembles the moon.<ref name="Ayyar 1982 332">{{Cite book |last=Ayyar |first=P. V. Jagadisa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NLSGFW1uZboC&dq=rukmini+purana&pg=PA29 |title=South Indian Shrines: Illustrated |date=1982 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |isbn=978-81-206-0151-2 |pages=33 |language=en}}</ref> She is consistently described as beautiful in other accounts.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g2WK8eswRgwC&dq=rukmini+appearance&pg=PA33 |title=Reports |date=1879 |publisher=Office of the Superintendent of Government Printing |pages=3 |language=en}}</ref>

Rukmini as mentioned in Hindu traditions, stands for the majesty and wealth of Krishna. [[Vadiraja Tirtha]] in ''[[Rukminisha Vijaya]]'', describes her as Krishna's supreme beloved consort.<ref>{{Cite book |url=http://archive.org/details/rukminisha-vijaya-1-sri-vadiraja-tirtha-t.-s.-raghavendran |title=Rukminisha Vijaya - 1 - Sri Vadiraja Tirtha, T.S.Raghavendran |pages=31}}</ref> In south Indian iconographic tradition, Rukmini, along with [[Satyabhama]], appear as the primary consorts of Krishna.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Shulman |first=David Dean |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d97_AwAAQBAJ&dq=rukmini+iconography&pg=PA283 |title=Tamil Temple Myths: Sacrifice and Divine Marriage in the South Indian Saiva Tradition |date=2014-07-14 |publisher=Princeton University Press |isbn=978-1-4008-5692-3 |pages=283 |language=en}}</ref>

According to the ''Vaikhanasagama'', Rukmini should be depicted on the right side of Krishna, her image golden-yellow in complexion. Her hair is supposed to be tied up in a fashionable knot, and should also be adorned with flowers. Her right arm should be hanging down, and she should hold a lotus in her left hand.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rao |first=T. A. Gopinatha |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SlbbDwAAQBAJ&dq=rukmini+golden&pg=PA203 |title=Elements of Hindu Iconography: Volume I - Part I |date=2020-04-06 |publisher=BoD – Books on Demand |isbn=978-3-8460-4767-5 |pages=203 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fHlDAAAAYAAJ&q=rukmini+iconography |title=The Journal of the Bihar Research Society |date=1968 |publisher=Bihar Research Society. |pages=238 |language=en}}</ref> She is supposed to be adorned with various ornaments.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rao |first=T. A. Gopinatha |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SFbbDwAAQBAJ&dq=rukmini+right+side&pg=PA204 |title=Elements of Hindu Iconography: Volume I - Part I |date=2020-04-06 |publisher=BoD – Books on Demand |isbn=978-3-8460-4766-8 |pages=204 |language=en}}</ref>

== Literature and symbolism ==
Rukmini in [[Hinduism]], is revered as the goddess of fortune, and mostly appears alongside her husband Krishna. An avtara of [[Lakshmi]], she is the chief and most beloved consort of Krishna, in various scriptures and text of Hindu traditions.<ref>{{Citation|last=Bryant |first = Edwin F. |authorlink=Edwin Bryant (author) |year=2007 |title = Krishna: A Sourcebook |publisher = Oxford University Press |isbn = 978-0-19-514891-6|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=HVDqCkW1WpUC|volume= |pages=283, 360}}</ref>

[[File:Temple Sri Sanatan - Montréal - QC - CA - Krishna & Rukmini.jpg|thumb|Krishna and Rukmini at Temple Sri Sanatan, [[Montreal]]. Rukmini always appears on the left side of Krishna.<ref>{{cite book|author=D Dennis Hudson|title=The Body of God : An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram: An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IMCxbOezDi4C&pg=PA264|accessdate=28 March 2013|date=27 August 2008|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-970902-1|pages=263–4}}</ref>]]

Rukmini finds her mention in ''[[Gopala Tapani Upanishad]]'' (as Krishna's other consort),<ref>{{Cite book
 | author = Deussen, P.
 | year = 1980
 | title = Sixty Upanishads of The Veda, trans
 | publisher = VM Bedekar and GB Palsule. Delhi
 | isbn = 0-8426-1645-4
}}Vol II, pp. 809-888. He has translated the Rāma Pūrva and Uttara-tāpinī and the Nṛsiṁha Pūrva and Uttara-tāpinī Upanishads.</ref> in the ''[[Garga Samhita (Vaishnavite text)|Garga Samhita]]'' (as Queen of Dvaraka),<ref>{{cite book |author=Lavanya Vemsani |title=Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4fw2DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA99 |year=2016 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-61069-211-3 |pages=99–100 }}</ref> in ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'' (as Krishna's chief queen),<ref>C Mackenzie Brown (1983), [https://www.jstor.org/stable/1462581 The Origin and Transmission of the Two "Bhāgavata Purāṇas": A Canonical and Theological Dilemma], Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Vol. 51, No. 4, pages 551–567</ref> in ''[[Brahma Vaivarta Purana]]'',<ref>{{cite journal |last=Gielen |first=Joris |title=The Theological Bearing of Puranic Stories: An enquiry into the presence of feminine theology in the Brahmavaivarta Purana |journal=Religions of South Asia |volume=2 |issue=2 |year=2008 |doi=10.1558/rosa.v2i2.177}}</ref> in ''[[Harivaṃśa]]'' that centres upon Dvaraka,<ref>[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/mbs/mbs01002.htm The Mahabharata in Sanskrit: Book I: Chapter 2] in sacred-texts.com website, (MBh.1.2.69): "hari vaṃśas tataḥ parva purāṇaṃ khila saṃjñitam bhaviṣyat parva cāpy uktaṃ khileṣv evādbhutaṃ mahat." ["Hari Vamsa Purana known as Khila (supplement) and Bhavishya Parva also spoken as Khila are wonderful and great"].</ref> and in ''[[Mahabharata]]'', mainly in the ''[[Adi Parva]]'' and the ''[[Mausala Parva]]''.<ref>Ganguli, K.M. (1883-1896) "[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m16/index.htm Mausala Parva]" in ''The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa'' (12 Volumes). Calcutta</ref> Rukmini is the central character of the text, ''[[Rukminisha Vijaya]]'', that talks about her and Krishna's life before marriage and ends with their marriage.<ref>{{cite book|title=Rukmiṇīśavijayaḥ: mahākāvyam|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fg23AAAAIAAJ|author=Vyasanakere Prabhanjanacharya|publisher=Aitareya Prakāśanam Vyāsanakere|year=1996|page=7}}</ref> She also appears in the ''[[Vishnu Purana]]'' and ''[[Padma Purana]]'' (as an avatar of [[Lakshmi]]).<ref>{{Cite book|last=Kinsley|first=David|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HzldwMHeS6IC|title=Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition|date=1988-07-19|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-90883-3|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=Dalal|first=Roshen|title=Hinduism and its basic texts|date=2017-07-14|work=Reading the Sacred Scriptures|pages=157–170|location=New York |publisher=Routledge |doi=10.4324/9781315545936-11|isbn=978-1-315-54593-6}}</ref>

The ''[[Brihad Bhagavatamrita]]'' offers the following adulations to Rukmini, identifying her with Lakshmi and Krishna as the Supreme God, the source of all avatars. It states that she assumes partial [[avatars]] to accompany Krishna's avatars like [[Vamana]] and serves Krishna as his "perfectly complete divine consort".<ref>{{Cite book |first=Sanātana |last=Gosvāmī |url=http://archive.org/details/sribrhadbhagavat0000sana |title=Śrī Br̥had Bhāgavatāmr̥ta of Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī : translated from the original Sanskrit, with a summary of the author's Dig-darśinī commentary |date=2002 |publisher=Los Angeles : Bhaktivedanta Book Trust |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-0-89213-348-2 |pages=240–241}}</ref> The ''[[Naradiya Purana|Narada Purana]]'' instructs a devotee on the manner of offering worship to Krishna, offering precedence to the role of Rukmini in his devotion. Rukmini is worshipped with Krishna on his left-hand side; she is equated with [[Rajas]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Shastri |first1=J. L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2JHsDwAAQBAJ&dq=rukmini+worship&pg=PA1142 |title=The Narada-Purana Part 3: Ancient Indian Tradition and Mythology Volume 17 |last2=Tagare |first2=G. V. |date=2004-01-01 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-3884-0 |pages=1142 |language=en}}</ref> The ''[[Skanda Purana]]'' describes the process of the worship of the goddess with Krishna. A devotee is said to acquire wish fulfillment, male progeny and physical beauty by pleasing Rukmini.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-16 |title=Importance of worshipping Rukmiṇī [Chapter 22] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-skanda-purana/d/doc627261.html |access-date=2022-08-06 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

== Worship and festivals ==
[[File:Vitthal - Rakhumai.jpg|thumb|[[Vithoba]] (left) with his consort [[Rakhumai]] at the [[Sion, Mumbai|Sion]] Vitthal temple, [[Mumbai]]|215x215px]]

Rukmini's worship as the consort of [[Krishna]] precedes his association with his other consorts [[Radha]]. According to [[Dineshchandra Sircar|D.C. Sircar]], a sculpture from Paharpur in northern Bengal, attributed to the sixth or seventh century, represents Krishna and his consort, which he concludes is likely Rukmini. Her identification with Radha is rendered unlikely by the historian, since, "we have no undoubted reference to Radha in genuine epigraphic or literary records of an early date".<ref>{{Cite book |first=Dineschandra |last=Sircar |url=http://archive.org/details/Sircar1971 |title=Studies In The Religious Life Of Ancient and Medieval India by Dineschandra Sircar (1971) |date=1971 |pages=51}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |first=Sanātana |last=Gosvāmī |url=http://archive.org/details/sribrhadbhagavat0000sana |title=Śrī Br̥had Bhāgavatāmr̥ta of Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī : translated from the original Sanskrit, with a summary of the author's Dig-darśinī commentary |date=2002 |publisher=Los Angeles : Bhaktivedanta Book Trust |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-0-89213-348-2 |pages=240}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Murdoch |first=John |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZWcwAQAAMAAJ&dq=sri+vaishnava+rukmini&pg=PA21 |title=The Religious Sects of the Hindus |date=1904 |publisher=Christian Literature Society for India |pages=21 |language=en}}</ref>

Rukmini is mainly worshipped in west and [[south Indian]] states such as [[Gujarat]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Goa]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Telangana]], [[Tamil Nadu]], and [[Kerala]]. Her kingdom, Vidarbha, is believed to be located in present-day Maharashtra. Along with [[Vithoba]] (a regional form of Krishna), Rukmini is worshipped as "Rakhumai" in the [[Pandharpur]] region.<ref name="Pilai">{{Cite book|last=Pillai|first=S. Devadas|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P3uD22Ghqs4C&q=vithoba&pg=PA367|title=Indian Sociology Through Ghurye, a Dictionary|date=1997|publisher=Popular Prakashan|isbn=978-81-7154-807-1|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Shyam">{{Cite book|last=Pattanaik|first=Devdutt|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ux1eDwAAQBAJ&q=Rukmini|title=Shyam: An Illustrated Retelling of the Bhagavata|date=2018-07-01|publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited|isbn=978-93-5305-100-6|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-02 |title=Rukmini Devi Temple: A Sacred Hindu Site in India - Shivrajpur Beach |work=Shivrajpur Beach |url=https://shivrajpur.net/rukmini-devi-temple/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |language=en-GB}}</ref> Rukmini is worshipped as the chief goddess in [[Divya Desam]] temples like [[Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple]], [[Parthasarathy Temple, Chennai|Parthasarathy Temple]]; with Krishna being the primary deity.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.academia.edu/12405403 |last=R.K.K. |first=Rajarajan |year=2013|title=Historical sequence of the Vaiṣṇava Divyadeśas. Sacred venues of Viṣṇism|journal=Acta Orientalia |publisher= Acta Orientalia, Societates Orientales Daniica Fennica Norvegia Svecia| volume= 74|pages=37–90|issn=0001-6438}}</ref> She is also worshipped with her co-wife [[Satyabhama]] in temples like [[Thirukkavalampadi]], [[Venugopalaswamy Temple, Karvetinagaram|Venugopalaswamy Temple]] and [[Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Mannargudi|Rajagopalaswamy Temple]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Sri Divya Desams|publisher=Sarva Sastra Maha Vidyalaya|location=[[Coimbatore]]|last=P.M.|first=Neelakrishnan|journal=Ancient Science of Life|pages=193–7|volume=11|issue=3|date=April 1992|pmc=3336602|pmid=22556587}}</ref>

===Festivals===
==== Rukmini Ashtami ====
''Rukmini Ashtami'' is the occasion that celebrates the birth anniversary of Rukmini. It is observed on the eighth day of the waning moon in the Hindu lunar month of ''Pausha'' (December—January on the Common Era calendar). Rukmini is acknowledged with special pujas and rituals in all of the temples dedicated to Krishna, especially those in those parts of India, especially associated with him such as Mathura and Vrindavan.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Melton |first=J. Gordon |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lD_2J7W_2hQC&dq=rukmini+worship&pg=PA755 |title=Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations [2 volumes]: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations |date=2011-09-13 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-59884-206-7 |pages=755 |language=en}}</ref>

====Vasanthotsavam====
[[Vasanthotsavam]] is an annual Seva celebrated in [[Tirumala]] to celebrate the arrival of spring season.<ref>{{cite book|last=N|first=Ramesan|title=The Tirumala Temple|year=1981|publisher=[[Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams|TTD]]|location=[[Tirupati (city)|Tirupati]]}}</ref> ''Abhishekam'' - specifically called ''Snapana Thirumanjanam'' (Holy bathing), is performed to the utsava murthy and his consorts on all the three days. On the third day, abhishekam is performed to the idols of [[Rama]], [[Sita]], [[Lakshmana]] and [[Hanumana]] along with Krishna and Rukmini. Procession of the consecrated idols are taken in a procession in the evening on all the three days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/12/stories/2006041210620300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060419152327/http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/12/stories/2006041210620300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2006-04-19|title=Vasanthotsavam begins|date=2006-04-12|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2008-04-18}}</ref>

== Temples ==
[[File:Rukmini Devi Temple, Dwarka during Dwaraka DWARASPDB 2015 (2).jpg|thumb|[[Rukmini Devi Temple]], [[Dwarka|Dwaraka]]]]

* [[Rukmini Devi Temple]], [[Dwarka|Dwaraka]], [[Gujarat]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-02 |title=Rukmini Devi Temple: A Sacred Hindu Site in India - Shivrajpur Beach |work=Shivrajpur Beach |url=https://shivrajpur.net/rukmini-devi-temple/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* [[Kantajew Temple]], Bangladesh
* [https://g.co/kgs/kE8Edk8 Vitthal Rukhmini Temple, Kaundanyapur, Maharashtra]
* [[Tirumala Krishna Idol|Tirumala Venkateswara Temple]], [[Tirupati]], [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Dr N Ramesan|title=The Tirumala Temple |year=1981 |publisher=[[Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams]]|location=[[Tirumala]]}}</ref>
* [[Vithoba Temple]], [[Pandharpur]], [[Maharashtra]].<ref>[https://www.thedivineindia.com/vithoba-mandir/6570 Vithoba Temple Pandharpur] - ''The Divine India''</ref>
* [[Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple]], [[Kanchipuram]], [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Temples of Tamil Nadu Kancheepuram District|publisher= Directorate of Census Operations, Tamil Nadu|year=2003|last=C.|first=Chandramouli|ref=C.}}</ref>
* [[Thennangur]] Sri Rakhumai Sametha Panduranga Temple, [[Thiruvannamalai]], Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite web |title=sri-rakumai-sametha-panduranga-temple |url=https://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=128 |website=Sri Rakhumayi Sametha Panduranga Temple Tiruvannamalai}}</ref>
* Sri Vittal Rakhumai Mandir, [[Dahisar]], Maharashtra.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sri Vittal Rakhumai Mandir |url=https://svrm.in/sri-vittal-rakhumai-mandir/ |website=Sri Vittal Rakhumai Mandir Dahisar official website}}</ref>
* Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple, [[Thanjavur]], Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shri Vittal Rukmini Panduranga Temple, Kumbakonam |url=https://templetownkumbakonam.com/2018/12/07/shri-vittal-rukmini-panduranga-temple-in-kumbakonam-history-timing-and-details/ |website=templetownkumbakonam.com|date=7 December 2018 }}</ref>
* Sri Rukmini Panduranga Swamy Temple, [[Machilipatnam]], Andhra Pradesh.<ref>{{Cite news |title=PANDURANGA SWAMY TEMPLE |url=https://www.machilipatnam.com/panduranga-swamy-temple/ |website=www.machilipatnam.com|date=7 September 2020 }}</ref>
* Vijaya Vitthala Mandhira, [[Hampi]], [[Karnataka]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vittala Temple, Hampi – An Architectural Wonder |url=https://www.karnataka.com/hampi/vittala-temple/ |website=www.karnataka.com|date=17 January 2015 }}</ref>
* [[International Society for Krishna Consciousness|ISKCON Temple]] - Iskcon Kaundanyapur,<ref>{{Cite web |title=ISKCON Kaundanyapur (Govardhan Temple |url=https://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/2011/11/16/kaundanyapur/ |website=centers.iskcondesiretree.com|date=16 November 2011 }}</ref> Iskcon Los Angeles,<ref>{{Cite web |title=ISKCON Los Angeles – New Dvaraka Dhama |url=https://centres.iskcon.org/centre/iskcon-los-angeles/ |website=centres.iskcon.org}}</ref> Iskcon Amravati,<ref>{{Cite web |title=ISKCON Amravati – Sri Sri Rukmini Dwarkadhish Mandir |url=https://centres.iskcon.org/centre/iskcon-amravati-sri-sri-rukmini-dwarkadhish-mandir/ |website=centres.iskcon.org}}</ref> Iskcon Dwarka.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sri Sri Rukmini Dwarkadhish Temple |url=https://iskcondwarka.org/rukmini-dwarkadhish-temple/ |website=Sri Sri Rukmini Dwarkadhish Temple Official Website}}</ref>
* [[Kantajew Temple]], [[Dinajpur]], [[Bangladesh]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=kantajew |url=https://assignmentpoint.com/kantanagar-temple/}}</ref>
* [[Sri Krishnan Temple]], [[Singapore]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sri Krishnan Temple|url=http://www.ura.gov.sg/conservationportal/consmap.html?bldgid=SKNTPL&page=History|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124110752/https://www.ura.gov.sg/Conservation-Portal/Explore/History?bldgid=SKNTPL|archive-date=24 November 2020|access-date=24 November 2020|website=Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore}}</ref>
* Lakhubai Mandir Temple Dindiravan, Pandharpur, India<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayuri |first=Tourmet |date=2014-06-05 |title=Shri Lakhubai Temple Rukmini Mandir |url=https://tourmet.com/shri-lakhubai-temple-rukmini-mandir/ |access-date=2024-11-17 |website=tourmet |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Vitthal Rukmini Mandir, New Jersey USA<ref>{{Cite web |title=SACRED Foundation |url=https://www.vitthalmandirus.org/ |access-date=2024-11-17 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Rukmini Panduranga Temple, Long Beach, CA<ref>{{Cite web |title=Long Beach Temple Inauguration |url=https://bhaktimarga.us/templela/ |access-date=2024-11-17 |website=Bhakti Marga America |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Influence ==
[[File:Rukmini-Dwarakadisa 108.jpg|thumb|upright|130px|Rukmini at the New Dwarka Hare Krishna temple, [[Los Angeles]]]]

===Culture===
The [[Mishmi people]] of [[Arunachal Pradesh]] believe that Rukmini belonged to their tribe. The plays and dances on 'Rukmini Haran' are common. There is a legend that Krishna asked the Mishmi people to cut their hair as a form of punishment for not allowing him to marry Rukmini. Due to this Idu-Mishmi people are also called "chulikata" (chuli-hair, kata- cut).<ref>Aiyadurai, A., & Lee, C. S. (2017). Living on the Sino-Indian border : The story of the Mishmis in Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India. ''Asian Ethnology'', 76(2), 367–395.</ref>

===Paintings===
[[File:Indian (Kangra or Mandi) - Krishna Abducting Rukmini from the Temple - 2009.481 - Museum of Fine Arts.jpg|thumb|Krishna abducting Rukmini - Museum of Fine Arts]]

Rukmini's marriage to Krishna and related events have been depicted in the [[Kangra painting]] and [[Pahari painting|Mandi painting]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=8EGUpX1O0hoC&dq=Kangra+painting&pg=RA2-PA62 Pahari centres] ''Arts of India: Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, Music, Dance and Handicraft'', by Krishna Chaitanya. Published by Abhinav Publications, 1987. {{ISBN|81-7017-209-8}}. ''Page 62''.</ref>

=== In popular culture ===
====Films====
*In the 1957 Telugu-Tamil film ''[[Mayabazar]]'', Rukmini was portrayed by Sandhya.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nag |first=Kushali |date=23 May 2012 |title=Mayabazar is an interplay of illusions and reality |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120523/jsp/entertainment/story_15519255.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104003336/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120523/jsp/entertainment/story_15519255.jsp#.VjlScWQrIxc |archive-date=4 November 2015 |access-date=4 November 2015 |website=[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)|The Telegraph]]}}</ref>
* In the 1966 Telugu film ''[[Sri Krishna Tulabharam (1966 film)|Sri Krishna Tulabharam]]'', Rukmini was portrayed by [[Anjali Devi]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Thurlapati|date=4 September 1966|title=శ్రీ కృష్ణ తులాభారం|trans-title=Sri Krishna Tulabharam|work=[[Andhra Jyothi]]|url=https://indiancine.ma/documents/GSW/0,39,2550,1689|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826223537/https://indiancine.ma/documents/GSW/0,39,2550,1689|url-status=live}}</ref>
* In the 1967 and 1971 Telugu films ''[[Sri Krishnavataram]]'' and ''[[Sri Krishna Vijayamu]]'' respectively, Rukmini was portrayed by [[Devika]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Srikanth|date=15 October 1967|title=సినిమా: శ్రీ కృష్ణ అవతారం|trans-title=Cinema: Sri Krishnavataram|work=[[Visalaandhra]]|url=https://indiancine.ma/documents/GVM/0,0,2550,1650|access-date=17 September 2020|language=te|archive-date=14 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114130711/https://indiancine.ma/documents/GVM/0,0,2550,1650|url-status=live}}</ref>
* In the 1986 Hindi film ''[[Krishna-Krishna]]'', Rukmini was portrayed by [[Vidya Sinha]].

====Television====
*In [[B. R. Chopra]]'s 1988 series ''[[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|Mahabharat]]'', Rukmini was portrayed by Channa Ruparel.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-02|title=31 years of Mahabharat on Doordarshan: Interesting facts about one of most popular TV shows ever|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/31-years-of-mahabharat-on-doordarshan-know-interesting-facts-about-one-of-most-popular-tv-shows-ever/1724556/|access-date=2020-07-24|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref>
*In [[Ramanand Sagar]]'s 1993 series ''[[Shri Krishna (1993 TV series)|Shri Krishna]]'', Rukmini was portrayed by [[Pinky Parikh]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-04-27 |title=After 'Ramayan' and 'Mahabharat', now 'Shri Krishna' is returning to Doordarshan |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/after-ramayan-and-mahabharat-now-shri-krishna-is-returning-to-doordarshan/articleshow/75400171.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst |access-date=2024-06-30 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
* In the 2011 series ''[[Dwarkadheesh Bhagwan Shree Krishn]]'', Rukmini was portrayed by [[Priya Bathija]] and Payal Shrivastav.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt8141442/fullcredits/cast?ref_=m_ttfc_3 |title=Dwarkadheesh: Bhagwaan Shree Krishn (TV Series 2011–2019) - IMDb |language=en |access-date=2024-11-30 |via=m.imdb.com}}</ref>
* In the 2013 series ''[[Mahabharat (2013 TV series)|Mahabharat]]'', Rukmini was portrayed by [[Pallavi Subhash]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-mahabharat-so-far-so-good-tv/20130917.htm|title=Review: Mahabharat, so far so good|publisher=Rediff|author=Nishi Tiwari|access-date=17 September 2013|archive-date=1 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501105830/https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-mahabharat-so-far-so-good-tv/20130917.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* In the 2017 series ''[[Vithu Mauli]]'', Rukmini was portrayed by Ekta Labde.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10016142/fullcredits?ref_=ttfc_ql_1 | title=Vithu Mauli (TV Series 2017–2020) - Full cast & crew - IMDb | website=[[IMDb]] }}</ref>
* In the 2017 series ''[[Paramavatar Shri Krishna]]'', Rukmini was portrayed by [[Amandeep Sidhu]] and [[Hunar Hali]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Hunar Hali replaces Amandeep Sidhu to play Rukmini in Paramavatar Shri Krishna|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/hunar-gandhi-replaces-amandeep-sidhu-in-tv-show/articleshow/71374833.cms|website=The Times of India|accessdate=19 February 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
* In the 2018 series ''[[RadhaKrishn]]'', Rukmini was portrayed by [[Zalak Desai]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Exclusive – Zalak Desai to play Rukmini in Star Bharat's RadhaKrishn|url=https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/television/radhakrishn-zalak-desai-joins-the-swastik-productions-family-as-rukmini-in-the-show-1124845|website=ABP News|accessdate=21 January 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
* In the 2019 series ''[[Dwarkadheesh Bhagwan Shree Krishn – Sarvkala Sampann]]'', Rukmini was portrayed by [[Neetha Shetty]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt8141442/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cst_sm | title=Dwarkadheesh: Bhagwaan Shree Krishn (TV Series 2011–2019) - Full cast & crew - IMDb | website=[[IMDb]] }}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==See also==
* [[Ashtabharya]]
* [[Rakhumai]]
* [[Krishna]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite book |title=Rukmini Kalyanam (Sanskrit) |author=Rajachudamani Dikshita |author2= English introduction, P.P. Subramanya Sastry |publisher=Sri Vani Vilas Press, Srirangam |year=1920|url=https://archive.org/stream/rukminikalyanamw00rajauoft#page/n3/mode/2up }}
* {{Cite book|first=Saiswaroopadate |last=Iyer |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rfaRzgEACAAJ |title=Rukmini — Krishna's Wife |date=2021 |publisher=Rupa |isbn=9789390356089}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{commons category}}
* [http://vedabase.net/sb/10/53/en1 Srimad-Bhagavatam: Krishna kidnaps Rukmini]
{{HinduMythology}}
{{Krishna}}
{{mahabharata}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Characters in the Mahabharata]]
[[Category:Hindu goddesses]]
[[Category:Forms of Lakshmi]]
[[Category:Characters in the Bhagavata Purana]]
[[Category:Consorts of Krishna]]