Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 20
Kṛṣṇa’s Queens, Their Sons, and Balarāma’s Victory over Rukmī at Dice
Aniruddha–Rocanā Marriage Context
श्रीराजोवाच कथं रुक्म्यरीपुत्राय प्रादाद् दुहितरं युधि । कृष्णेन परिभूतस्तं हन्तुं रन्ध्रं प्रतीक्षते । एतदाख्याहि मे विद्वन् द्विषोर्वैवाहिकं मिथ: ॥ २० ॥
śrī-rājovāca kathaṁ rukmy arī-putrāya prādād duhitaraṁ yudhi kṛṣṇena paribhūtas taṁ hantuṁ randhraṁ pratīkṣate etad ākhyāhi me vidvan dviṣor vaivāhikaṁ mithaḥ
King Parīkṣit said: How could Rukmī give his daughter to his enemy’s son? After all, Rukmī had been defeated by Lord Kṛṣṇa in battle and was waiting for an opportunity to kill Him. Please explain this to me, O learned one — how these two inimical parties became united through marriage.
FAQs
This verse records Parīkṣit’s doubt: despite Rukmī’s hostility and humiliation by Kṛṣṇa, he still arranged a marriage alliance with an enemy’s son—showing how political strategy can override personal enmity.
It highlights Rukmī’s deep resentment—he felt dishonored by Kṛṣṇa and continued to wait for a vulnerable moment to take revenge.
It cautions that unresolved humiliation and envy can turn into long-term obsession, and that outward alliances may hide inner hostility—so one should seek inner purification rather than revenge.