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 suitor kings could not marry her unless they first subdued seven sharp-horned bulls. Those beasts were vicious and ungovernable, unable to tolerate even the scent of heroic 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.