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
Os aposentos da rainha Rukmiṇī eram de beleza extraordinária: um dossel pendia com brilhantes cordões de pérolas, e joias resplandecentes serviam de lâmpadas. Guirlandas de jasmim e outras flores atraíam enxames de abelhas zumbidoras, e os raios imaculados da lua entravam pelas frestas das janelas rendilhadas. Ó rei, o incenso de aguru que saía por essas aberturas e a brisa perfumada do bosque de pārijāta davam ao quarto o encanto de um jardim. Ali a rainha serviu seu esposo, o Senhor de todos os mundos, reclinado com conforto num leito branco e macio como a espuma do leite.
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.