Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 6
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
鲁克米妮王后的内室极其华美：垂挂着璀璨珍珠串的华盖，宝石放光如灯。茉莉等花鬘处处悬垂，引来蜂群嗡鸣；格窗孔隙间，皎洁月光清净地洒入。大王啊，沉香（aguru）薰烟从窗孔袅袅逸出，携带着天界帕利迦塔林芬芳的微风，使室内宛如花园。其时王后侍奉她的夫君——诸世界的主宰——他安坐斜卧于床上，枕衾华贵，床榻洁白柔软如乳沫。
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.
FAQs
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.