Kṛṣṇa Teases Rukmiṇī; Her Devotional Reply and the Lord’s Assurance
तस्मिनन्तर्गृहे भ्राजन्मुक्तादामविलम्बिना । विराजिते वितानेन दीपैर्मणिमयैरपि ॥ ३ ॥ मल्लिकादामभि: पुष्पैर्द्विरेफकुलनादिते । जालरन्ध्रप्रविष्टैश्च गोभिश्चन्द्रमसोऽमलै: ॥ ४ ॥ पारिजातवनामोदवायुनोद्यानशालिना । धूपैरगुरुजै राजन् जालरन्ध्रविनिर्गतै: ॥ ५ ॥ पय:फेननिभे शुभ्रे पर्यङ्के कशिपूत्तमे । उपतस्थे सुखासीनं जगतामीश्वरं पतिम् ॥ ६ ॥
tasmin antar-gṛhe bhrājan- muktā-dāma-vilambinā virājite vitānena dīpair maṇi-mayair api
ルクミニー妃の奥殿はこの上なく麗しかった。真珠の輝く連なりが垂れる天蓋が張られ、宝石は灯火のように光を放つ。茉莉花などの花鬘には蜂の群れが唸り、格子窓の隙からは清らかな月光が差し込む。王よ、窓の孔からはアグルの薫香が漂い出て、パーリジャータ林の香りを運ぶそよ風が室内を庭園の趣にした。そこで妃は、乳の泡のように白く柔らかな寝台にて安らかに憩う夫君—万界の主—に仕えた。
According to Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī, Rukmiṇī’s palace was quite famous then, as now, and these descriptions give a glimpse into its opulence. Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī adds that the word amalaiḥ in this verse may also be read aruṇaiḥ, which would indicate that when this pastime took place the moon had just risen, bathing the entire palace in beautiful ruddy moonshine.
This verse depicts Rukmiṇī approaching and attentively serving Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who is simultaneously her husband and the Lord of all worlds, showing how intimate love and reverence unite in bhakti.
The narration highlights Kṛṣṇa’s unique position: He is the Supreme Controller of all existence, yet He accepts loving domestic relationships with His devotees, allowing them to serve Him personally.
Create a sacred atmosphere for devotion—cleanliness, fragrance, beauty, and calm—and offer your attention and service to God with both affection and respect, as Rukmiṇī does.