26 Facts About Rukmini

Rukmini is an incarnation of the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi.

Rukmini's hair is supposed to be tied up in a fashionable knot, and should be adorned with flowers.

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.

Rukmini fell in love with him and desired to marry him.

Bhishmaka agreed, and a distressed Rukmini immediately sent for a trusted Brahman and asked him to deliver a message to Krishna.

Rukmini grew anxious as she observed the host of kings, wondering if the Brahman she had dispatched had not reached safely or not, and if the Almighty would assist her in her efforts.

Rukmini's face grew pale and her thoughts grew distressed as she shunned herself from the rest of the world.

At the palace, Rukmini had lost all hope, but the messenger turned up and informed that Krishna had accepted her request.

Rukmini 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.

Krishna and Rukmini reached Dvaraka, where they were welcomed with great pomp and ceremony, followed by a wedding.

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.

Rukmini's heart shuddered, her red nails scratched the floor, and tears flowed from her eyes that were decorated with collyrium.

Obliging, Shiva blessed Rukmini to be the bearer of the new incarnation of Kamadeva, whom he had previously immolated with his third eye.

At last, Rukmini came and put a single leaf of Tulasi on the scale and chanted that it represented her love for Krishna.

When Krishna's childhood friend, Sudama, visited Dvaraka, Rukmini welcomed Sudama and gave him food.

Rukmini felt ashamed and furious with herself even as her husband reassured her of his devotion.

The Brihad Bhagavatamrita offers the following adulations to Rukmini, identifying her with Lakshmi and Krishna as the Supreme God, the source of all avatars.

Rukmini is worshipped with Krishna on his left-hand side; she is equated with Rajas.

Rukmini Ashtami is the occasion that celebrates the birthday of Rukmini, the chief wife of Krishna.

Rukmini's birthday is primarily celebrated by women, who venerate her, her husband, and her son.

Rukmini Ashtami is observed on the eighth day of the waning moon in the Hindu lunar month of Pausha.

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.

Rukmini is mainly worshipped in west and south Indian states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

Rukmini is worshipped in Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple as the chief goddess, with Krishna being the primary deity.

The Mishmi people of Arunachal Pradesh believe that Rukmini belonged to their tribe.