Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 33
Kṛṣṇa Visits Indraprastha; Kuntī’s Remembrance; Kālindī and Further Marriages
न तां शेकुर्नृपा वोढुमजित्वा सप्त गोवृषान् । तीक्ष्णशृङ्गान् सुदुर्धर्षान् वीर्यगन्धासहान् खलान् ॥ ३३ ॥
na tāṁ śekur nṛpā voḍhum ajitvā sapta-go-vṛṣān tīkṣṇa-śṛṅgān su-durdharṣān vīrya-gandhāsahān khalān
The kings who came as suitors were not allowed to marry her unless they could subdue seven sharp-horned bulls. These bulls were extremely vicious and uncontrollable, and they could not tolerate even the smell of warriors.
FAQs
This verse states that the kings could not marry Rukmiṇī unless they first conquered seven fierce, sharp-horned bulls—an extraordinary trial meant to test true valor.
Because the marriage required defeating seven nearly unconquerable bulls, described as violent and intolerant of any rival’s strength—making the challenge beyond ordinary suitors.
It teaches that valuable outcomes often come with demanding tests; one should cultivate real strength, discipline, and character rather than relying on status alone.