Shloka 30
Chapter 90
तासां स्त्री-रत्न-भूतानाम् अष्टौ याः प्राग् उदाहृताः ।
रुक्मिणी-प्रमुखा राजंस् तत्-पुत्राश् चानुपूर्वशः ॥
tāsāṃ strī-ratna-bhūtānām aṣṭau yāḥ prāg udāhṛtāḥ / rukmiṇī-pramukhā rājaṃs tat-putrāś cānupūrvaśaḥ //
ఓ రాజా, ఆ స్త్రీరత్నస్వరూప రాణుల్లో ముందుగా చెప్పబడిన ఎనిమిది—రుక్మిణీ మొదలైనవారు—మరియు వారి కుమారులు ఇప్పుడు క్రమంగా వర్ణించబడుతున్నారు.
Having stated the vast number of Kṛṣṇa’s queens, Śukadeva now turns Parīkṣit’s attention to the principal queens of Dvārakā—especially the eight foremost consorts beginning with Śrī Rukmiṇī. Calling them “strī-ratna” (jewels among women) emphasizes their extraordinary virtues: devotion to Kṛṣṇa, purity of character, royal dignity, and spiritual excellence. In Bhagavata narrative style, this verse functions as a transition: it signals an organized description (anupūrvaśaḥ, “in sequence”) of Kṛṣṇa’s family life, highlighting how the Lord expands His līlā through His devotees and descendants. Theologically, it also shows that Kṛṣṇa’s relationships are not mundane; His queens are exalted bhaktas, and their households become stages for dharma, devotion, and divine opulence (aiśvarya). For readers, the verse encourages honoring great devotees and learning bhakti through their qualities—especially steadfast love, humility, and dedication to the Lord in the midst of worldly responsibilities.
FAQs
This verse points to the eight foremost queens headed by Rukmiṇī, whom Śukadeva had referenced earlier and will now describe along with their sons.
Because they are portrayed as exceptionally virtuous devotees—exemplars of devotion, purity, and noble character—making them spiritually and morally outstanding.
By honoring exalted devotees and learning bhakti through their qualities—especially faithful devotion to Kṛṣṇa while responsibly living one’s duties.