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
Balarāma venceu também essa aposta com justiça, segundo o dharma; mas Rukmī voltou a recorrer à trapaça e declarou: “Eu venci aqui! Que estas testemunhas digam o que viram.”
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.