Shloka 41
Kṛṣṇa Arrives at Kuṇḍina and Abducts Rukmiṇī
Rukmiṇī-haraṇa Prelude
पद्भ्यां विनिर्ययौ द्रष्टुं भवान्या: पादपल्लवम् । सा चानुध्यायती सम्यङ्मुकुन्दचरणाम्बुजम् ॥ ४० ॥ यतवाङ्मातृभि: सार्धं सखीभि: परिवारिता । गुप्ता राजभटै: शूरै: सन्नद्धैरुद्यतायुधै: । मृदङ्गशङ्खपणवास्तूर्यभेर्यश्च जघ्निरे ॥ ४१ ॥
padbhyāṁ viniryayau draṣṭuṁ bhavānyāḥ pāda-pallavam sā cānudhyāyatī samyaṅ mukunda-caraṇāmbujam
Silent, she proceeded surrounded by her mothers and girlfriends. The king’s valiant soldiers, fully armed with weapons raised and ready, guarded her, while mṛdaṅgas, conchshells, paṇavas, horns and war-drums resounded.
FAQs
This verse shows Rukmiṇī keeping steady remembrance of Mukunda’s lotus feet, presenting such meditation as the proper inner focus even while performing outward religious duties.
In the wedding context, Rukmiṇī goes to the goddess’ temple as part of customary worship, while her heart remains fixed on Kṛṣṇa, whom she longs to marry.
Like Rukmiṇī, keep the mind anchored in devotion—repeat a holy name or recall Kṛṣṇa’s feet—while still carrying out necessary social and family responsibilities.