Shloka 37
Kṛṣṇa Arrives at Kuṇḍina and Abducts Rukmiṇī
Rukmiṇī-haraṇa Prelude
अस्यैव भार्या भवितुं रुक्मिण्यर्हति नापरा । असावप्यनवद्यात्मा भैष्म्या: समुचित: पति: ॥ ३७ ॥
asyaiva bhāryā bhavituṁ rukmiṇy arhati nāparā asāv apy anavadyātmā bhaiṣmyāḥ samucitaḥ patiḥ
The townspeople said: “Only Rukmiṇī deserves to become His wife, none other; and He Himself, flawless in beauty, is the only fitting husband for Princess Bhaiṣmī.”
According to Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī, this text combines statements made by different citizens. Some pointed out that Rukmiṇī was a suitable wife for Kṛṣṇa, others said that no one else was suitable. Similarly, some stated that Kṛṣṇa was most suitable for Rukmiṇī, and others stated that no one else would be a suitable husband for her.
FAQs
This verse affirms that Rukmiṇī is uniquely fit to be Kṛṣṇa’s wife, and that Kṛṣṇa—being blameless and perfect in character—is the most suitable husband for her.
In the narrative of Canto 10, Rukmiṇī’s exclusive devotion and Kṛṣṇa’s divine perfection are shown as naturally matched; Śukadeva highlights their rightful, dharmic union amid competing political proposals.
Seek relationships grounded in character, mutual suitability, and shared higher values—rather than mere social pressure—while honoring dharma and integrity in commitments.