Shloka 32
Kṛṣṇa’s Queens, Their Sons, and Balarāma’s Victory over Rukmī at Dice
Aniruddha–Rocanā Marriage Context
तं चापि जितवान् रामो धर्मेण छलमाश्रित: । रुक्मी जितं मयात्रेमे वदन्तु प्राश्निका इति ॥ ३२ ॥
taṁ cāpi jitavān rāmo dharmeṇa chalam āśritaḥ rukmī jitaṁ mayātreme vadantu prāśnikā iti
Taruhan itu pun dimenangkan Balarāma dengan adil sesuai dharma, namun Rukmī kembali berlindung pada kecurangan dan berkata, “Akulah yang menang di sini; biarlah para saksi ini menyatakan apa yang mereka lihat!”
Rukmī undoubtedly had his friends in mind when he called for the witnesses to speak. But even as his witnesses prepared to aid their cheating friend, a wonderful event took place, as described in the next verse.
FAQs
This verse shows that even in rivalry, one may act “within dharma”—using a permissible strategy rather than outright cheating—highlighting that righteousness governs conduct even in contests.
Out of pride and refusal to accept defeat, Rukmī tried to manipulate the assembly’s verdict, seeking a technical justification to deny Balarāma’s victory.
Compete ethically and accept outcomes with humility; do not twist rules or seek validation from “judges” to protect ego when you are clearly in the wrong.