After subduing the mighty kings—Śālva and the allies of Cedi—by force, Krishna, before the eyes of all, seized Rukmiṇī just as Garuḍa once carried away the nectar. The king, inquiring about this wondrous event, recalled how it was heard that the Lord married Rukmiṇī, the beautiful daughter of Bhīṣmaka, by the rākṣasa rite—a heroic abduction. Eager to know more, he asked, “How did Krishna, of immeasurable brilliance, after conquering Jarāsandha, Śālva, and the others, bring that maiden to be his bride?” He added, “Who could ever be satiated by hearing the sacred stories of Krishna—sweet as honey, purifying the world, ever-fresh, and always new, even for those who know them well?” Śrī Bādarāyaṇa then began his narration. He spoke of a great king named Bhīṣmaka, ruler of Vidarbha, who had five sons and one daughter of exceptional beauty. The eldest son was Rukmi, followed by Rukmaratha, Rukmabāhu, Rukmakeśa, and Rukmamālī. Their sister was the virtuous and radiant Rukmiṇī. From those who visited her home, Rukmiṇī heard of Mukunda’s beauty, valor, virtues, and glory. These praises entered her heart and she considered Krishna alone a worthy husband. Krishna, recognizing her intelligence, noble character, beauty, and virtues, resolved in his mind to accept her as his wife. Though her relatives wished to give the princess to Krishna, her brother Rukmi, who harbored enmity toward Krishna, prevented it and instead chose Śiśupāla for her hand. When Rukmiṇī learned of this, the dark-eyed princess was deeply distressed. After much thought, she quickly sent a trusted Brahmin as her messenger to Krishna. The Brahmin journeyed to Dvārakā, and, admitted by the doorkeepers, saw the Supreme Person seated upon a golden throne. Seeing the Brahmin, the Lord of the devotees rose from his seat, welcomed him, and honored him as the gods honor themselves. When the Brahmin had eaten and rested, Krishna, the refuge of the righteous, approached, touched his feet, and inquired with care, “O best of Brahmins, is your dharma, esteemed by the elders, proceeding without great difficulty? Is your mind content?” He continued, “Whenever a Brahmin, content with whatever comes, remains steadfast in his duty, he fulfills all desires. Even the lord of the gods, if discontent, wanders among worlds; but one who is content, though possessing nothing, sleeps free from affliction. I bow my head to those Brahmins who are content, virtuous, the best friends to all, humble, and peaceful. Is all well with you? For the king, whose subjects live happily under his protection, is dear to me. Since you have come here, crossing many hardships, tell me everything—especially if there is anything confidential. What should I do for you?” Thus respectfully questioned by the Supreme Lord, who had assumed a form for his pastimes, the Brahmin narrated everything. He conveyed Rukmiṇī’s heartfelt message: “O beauty of the worlds, having heard of Your virtues, which remove distress, my mind has entered into You through my ears, O infallible one. Beholding Your form, the fulfillment of all desires, my heart is captivated. What noble maiden of good family, possessing discernment, would not choose You as her husband—You, who are equal only to Yourself in lineage, character, beauty, knowledge, age, wealth, and glory, the delight of all, O lion among men? Therefore, O Lord, I have chosen You as my husband; please accept me as Your wife. I have offered myself to You. Let not the king of Cedi, like a jackal seizing the offering meant for the lion, touch the share of the hero, O lotus-eyed one. If the Supreme Lord, the master of all, the elder brother of Gada, is truly satisfied with my worship—through charity, sacrifice, vows, rituals, and service to gods, Brahmins, and elders—then let Him come and take my hand, not the son of Damaghoṣa or any other. Tomorrow, O unconquered one, when You come to Vidarbha to marry, concealed and surrounded by chiefs of Your army, overpower the forces of Cedi and Magadha, and win me by valor, according to the custom of the Rākṣasas. If You wonder how I, kept within the inner chambers and guarded by relatives, can be married by You, I will tell You the means: On the day before the wedding, there is a great procession to the family goddess, when the new bride goes outside to worship Girijā. The great souls desire to bathe in the dust of whose lotus feet, just as the Lord of Umā does to destroy his own darkness. O lotus-eyed one, if I do not obtain Your favor, let me give up this life, emaciated by vows, over hundreds of births.” The Brahmin concluded, “Thus I have brought these secret messages from the daughter of the Yadu dynasty. Consider what should be done, and act accordingly.” Śuka continued: Hearing the message from the princess of Vidarbha, Krishna took the Brahmin by the hand, smiled, and spoke: “I too am unable to sleep at night, my mind absorbed in her. I know that Rukmiṇī’s marriage to me was prevented by her brother out of enmity. I will bring her here, seizing her from the assembly of kings in battle—she who is devoted to me, flawless in form, like the flame of sacred fire.” Knowing the auspicious time for Rukmiṇī’s wedding, Madhusūdana said to his charioteer, “Dāruka, quickly yoke the chariot.” Dāruka brought the chariot, yoked with the horses Śaibya, Sugrīva, Meghapuṣpa, and Balāhaka, and stood before him with joined palms. Mounting the chariot, Krishna placed the Brahmin beside him, and with swift horses, journeyed from Ānarta to Vidarbha in a single night. Meanwhile, the king of Kuṇḍina, out of deep affection for his son, began the wedding preparations to give his daughter to Śiśupāla. The city was thoroughly cleaned and sprinkled; its roads, streets, and crossroads were adorned with colorful flags, banners, and arches. The city bustled with men and women dressed in spotless garments, adorned with garlands, fragrant flowers, and ornaments. Splendid houses were perfumed with aguru incense. The king duly worshipped the ancestors, gods, and Brahmins, fed them according to custom, and had auspicious rites recited. The beautiful maiden, freshly bathed and adorned for the auspicious ceremony, was dressed in fine garments and decorated with the finest ornaments. The foremost Brahmins performed protective rites for the bride with chants from the Sāma, Ṛg, and Yajur Vedas, while the chief priest, versed in Atharva Veda, offered oblations to pacify the planetary influences. Thus, all was set for the fateful day when destiny would be fulfilled.