Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 11
Kṛṣṇa Teases Rukmiṇī; Her Devotional Reply and the Lord’s Assurance
तान्प्राप्तानर्थिनो हित्वा चैद्यादीन् स्मरदुर्मदान् । दत्ता भ्रात्रा स्वपित्रा च कस्मान्नो ववृषेऽसमान् ॥ ११ ॥
tān prāptān arthino hitvā caidyādīn smara-durmadān dattā bhrātrā sva-pitrā ca kasmān no vavṛṣe ’samān
When those suitors—Caidya and the rest—stood before you, maddened by Cupid, and your brother and father were ready to give you to them, why did you reject them and choose Us instead, who are in no way your equal?
FAQs
Rukmiṇī wonders why Kṛṣṇa rejected powerful, lust-driven suitors like Śiśupāla and chose her instead, highlighting that His choice is not based on worldly status but His own divine will.
In an intimate exchange, Rukmiṇī speaks with humility and affection, questioning Kṛṣṇa’s selection of her over renowned kings, reflecting her deep devotion and self-effacing mood.
It teaches humility and warns against pride and lust; it also encourages valuing sincere devotion and character over external power, status, or entitlement.