Preparations for the wedding of Sisupala and Rukmini were apace in Kundina. Sisupala’s allies, Jaransha, Dantavakra, Paundraka were present with their retinue. All were the enemies of the Yadavas. Balarama learnt that Krishna had gone alone to Kundina and assembled a large army to be prepared for all eventualities.
Rukmini was tormenting herself: Did the messenger reach Dwaraka? Did Krishna listen to him? What is the beloved Krishna doing? Will he come? What if he does not come? Amidst these imaginary flights of reflections, the messenger arrived and told Rukmini, that Krishna had arrived in Kundina. Balarama was also around with his army. Now, Rukmini had nothing to fear. Her heart leapt in joy and she thanked the messenger and expressed her gratitude to him, bending down and touching his feet..
All the citizens of Kundina had gathered now to get a glimpse of the famed Balarama and Krishna. They saw them and realized, "We now know why they are called gods. See their dazzling form and beauty! It is a pity that Rukmin will not be marrying Krishna, the prince of Dwaraka; it would have been an ideal match. Rukmini wanted a heavenly swan and is getting a swarthy crow, thanks to her brother’s evil plans. But who can overcome Destiny?"
The bridal procession started. The bride’s companions included many women carrying vessels of gold and silver, carrying gifts and offerings to god, flowers, fruits and coconuts, camphor and incense, scents of sandal and turmeric and many other exquisite perfumes of India. Musicians played with their musical instruments joyous tunes. The royal bands and soldiers were also accompanying the marriage party and enroute were the citizens showering flowers and parched rice on the party, in blessing.
The party reached the temple. Rukmini went into the shrine; her beauty was enhanced in her devoutness and serenity. She worshipped the goddess Gauri and the great god Shiva. "O Mother! O Divine!" Rukmini prayed, "I pray to you to fulfil my desires. I pray that Krishna should be my husband."
The procession was now ready to return from the temple to the marriage pandal. As Rukmini came out, she was Krishna riding a chariot driven by four milk-white horses. Their eyes met. A thrill passed through the entire body of Rukmini, she looked down to the earth. Before she could wink her eyes, she had been lifted up body from the ground and borne onto Krishna’s shoulder in the chariot. Before the onlookers could realize what had happened, the chariot rolled away, guarded by the Yadava army led by Balarama.
Balarama turned Jarasandha’s army back after a pitched battle between the two armies. Krishna consoled Rukmini, "Fear not, my dear princess. My men will drive the Jarasandha’s army assisted by Sisupala’s in quick time." Krishna had also to join the fight. He spared the life of Rukmini’s brother as she pleaded with Krishna, "Please spare my brother’s life." Krishna obliged; the prince of Vidarbha was not penitent, he vowed to kill Krishna and rescue Rukmini in due course.
Krishna married Rukmini in Dwaraka with all fanfare. They were a happy princely couple. Krishna re-established Dharma in the Universe. He played his part in the great war between Kauravas and Pandavas and in the battlefield of Kurukshetra. He pronounced the Bhagavad Gita as the essence of the Dharma.
A brahmin named Kuchela lived in a small village. He was a friend of Krishna. He had been with Krishna in the gurukulam at Ujjain. Kuchela was a learned man; he did not have any attachment to worldly, materialistic phenomena.
