Sri Radhakrsna's Leela - Part IV (Updated Chapter 42 on Page 30) - Page 20

Originally posted by: Radhikerani

^^Yes, and the note. :$

Originally posted by: Radhikerani

^^Yes, and the note. :$

Chapter 37: Mahati Kula Deva Yatra

Shishupala yawned. He had woken up earlier than usual, and now was being subjected to all the ceremonies of his marriage. His father Damaghosha was discussing with his elder brother Jarasaandha on how the city of Kundinapura was built, and its various pros and cons. As the Pujari finished the rites, he gave a grimace and got up. Immediately servants arrived to escort him to his horse, which would take him to the Mantapa where the marriage was to take place. He sighed and jumped upon the horse, accidentally kicking it in the shins. The horse neighed loudly and reared his front legs, causing Shishupala to lose his balance. Catching the reins, he steadied himself and followed his elders to the Mantapa, where a jubilant Rukmi and a somewhat resigned Bheeshmaka welcomed them. Garlanding Shishupala, Bheeshmaka had him descend the horse and washed his feet. Shishupala did not stifle his next yawn, earning himself a forceful nudge from Jaraasandha. He quickly covered his mouth and looked with a distasteful expression at the bards and dancers assembled to entertain him.

Just then, there was an intrusion, and to the shock of Jaraasandha, Damaghosha, Rukmi, Shalva, Paundraka, Dantavakra, Viduratha and Shishupala, and the sheer surprise of Bheeshmaka, a chariot bearing the emblem of a Garuda rushed into the open area outside the hall. And to the accompaniment of Shishupala's furiously beating heart, that horrible cowherd alighted from the chariot and rushed to the gathering.

"Pranams, uncle! Pranams Maharaja Bheeshmaka! Pranams, Oh Emperor Jaraasandha! Excuse my late arrival!" said Krsna cheerfully, causing Shishupala's insides to squirm with fear.

The brahmana appeared in Rukmini's chambers. "He has arrived, my child!"

Rukmini's eyes widened with excitement, and she rushed to the brahmana, falling at his feet. "I thank you profusely, Oh Mahashaya! I have nothing to offer you except my Namaskara!" She sought his blessings, tears flowing from her lotus eyes.

Balarama arrived at the gates of Kundinapura with a vast army, commanded by Krtavarma and consisting of the best warriors such as Satyaki, the son of Satyaka, Viprthu, Rajadhideva, Chakradeva, Bhangakara the eldest son of Satrajit, Prasena, Shvaphalka, Shatadyumna and others. Blowing their conches, they announced their arrival. Since the sun had risen only a few muhurtas ago, everyone was busy with their morning rituals. After half a muhurta or so, Balarama spotted King Bheeshmaka rushing to welcome them to Kundinapura followed by his prankster of a brother. He looked at Krsna, trying to convey his extreme displeasure at the latter's sudden departure, but meeting Krsna's mirthful eyes, he burst into a smile.

Magnanimously welcoming him and his army, Bheeshmaka provided the Yadavas a separate complex within the palace to refresh themselves, as the Puja for Girija Devi would happen in the next Prahara itself.

When Bheeshmaka left, Balarama caught Krsna's arm. "If you do this one more time..." He began, then shook his head and asked, "Where is Ravana, my dear elder brother?"

Krsna chuckled. "He is busy getting bored in the Mantapa. The usual rites. You must know, having experienced them yourself!"

At that moment, they were suddenly ambushed by the crowds of Kundina, who had upon hearing of Krsna and Balarama's arrival thronged to their palace to see them. Happy to see the two brothers, the crowds praised them with many a word of praise, and began discussing among themselves, loud enough for Balarama to hear.

"Is that Rukmi mad? We have such handsome and valiant heroes in our midst, and he has arranged our darling Rukmini's marriage with that dullard of a prince!"

"Our Rukmini should have been betrothed to this Yadava alone!"

"Let us pray to Girija Devi that somehow, Krsna gets to marry our Rukmini!"

"Uncle!" cried Shishupala. Jaraasandha looked at him as if he was a particularly bothersome fly. "What is it now?"

"Krsna has arrived! With his full army!"

"Yes, that is noticeable! What about it?"

"Uncle! Krsna! Rukmini! He might try to kidnap her! Remember how he stopped the Svayamvara!"

"Don't blabber like a foolish lout, Shishupala! You are the bridegroom! And as for Krsna, do you think we have come here to merely throw flowers on your blessed head?"

"Which means?"

"Which means, my dear nephew, that we shall see how that Krsna kidnaps Rukmini from our midst! You just wait and watch!"

Ignoring the lusty looks of the various kings assembled outside, Rukmini entered the temple along with her sakhis , her mother and elderly brahmanis, who had come to aid her with the Puja to Girija. Rukmini approached the shrine of the Goddess, who was flanked by her two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya, and accompanied by Mahadeva, who was situated to her right.

The elderly women guided her to first wash her hands and feet, perform her Achamana (sipping water after chanting Girija's names) and Anganyasa (purifying one's body) and then allowed her to enter the shrine.

Looking at Devi Ambika, Rukmini bowed her head and within her mind, prayed:

Praying thus, she offered water, rice, camphor, flowers, fresh garments, garlands, necklaces, and various gifts, and performed the Harati with an array of lamps. Then, to conclude the Sumangali Puja, she worshipped the elderly married women assembled there, who in turn offered to the goddess various Naivedya and tied the sacred thread around Rukmini's wrist. Rukmini sought her mother's blessings and looked at her, conveying all her feelings in a single look. She embraced her mother, knowing that she won't have time for a proper farewell.

Accepting the Prasada of Girija, Rukmini caught Sumukhi's hand, gestured Kamala to lead her, and walked out of the temple, carrying a lotus flower in her hand. She saw the assembled kings gawking lustily at her body, some of them even losing their senses and staring agape at her bewitching form. She smiled, allowing them to do so. Holding a lotus flower she stepped out into the clearing where the various friends of Jaraasandha had assembled to protect Shishupala's honour and prevent Krsna from doing anything.

Now if I have performed my worship well, then my Lord surely must be waiting for me like a lion among this gathering of jackals. But how do I seek him out?

She thought for a second and pretended to sway, causing her delicate tresses to fall on her eyes. Smiling, she lifted her lotus hand, pushed back her tresses and lifted her head majestically. There.

Dadrshe Achyutam Sa.

She saw the Infallible One.

In that split second of eye contact, Krsna jumped off his chariot and rushed to her, catching her hand. She stared at that beautiful lotus face of his. And memories flooded back into her mind.

Originally posted by: Radhikerani

I never knew of these parts of the story in such great detail! Thank you so much for bringing them forth!

Chapter 38: For Now And Forever

The waters of Ksheerasagara lashed around her as the ocean was being churned. She gazed above from her spot of meditation on the ocean bed, and saw, upon the gigantic tortoise that was Kurma Bhagavan, the great Mandara Mountain being twisted round and round, tossing the waters about. She saw the huge Naga King, Vasuki, being pulled from either end by the devas and asuras, in their attempt to churn out the riches of Ksheerasagara.

She could make out a luminary figure at the top of the mountain. Ajita. Of course. The devas needed her Lord to support the bottom of Mandara as Lord Kurma, and needed Him to hold Mandara from the top as well, as Lord Ajita, with thousand arms.

She also found her Lord taking part in the churning itself, along with the devas. She shook her head, and watched as the aquatic animals strayed away from the frothy waters, as those animals that were unfortunate enough to come close were thrown away from the area. She saw the whales and sharks encircling the area, curious as to this new formidable phenomenon occurring in their territory. Then, it felt as if the ocean itself was gasping, and she saw black vapours arise from the bed and converge, moving their way upwards and combining with the fumes emitted by Vasuki's many mouths. Halahala. She saw the gods and demons drop Vasuki and clutch their throats, and waited as Mahadeva arrived from Kailasa, accompanied by Sati, and swallowed the poisonous vapours of Halahala.

Once the Halahala was consumed, she knew that the riches of Ksheerasagara would start manifesting themselves. And sure, she saw light from above unite with the waters and manifest as the various treasures of the ocean: the celestial cow, Kamadhenu; the pristine white seven-headed winged horse, Ucchaishravas; the beautiful four tusked elephant Airavata; the luminary Chandradeva; the Kalpaka Taru which could fulfill all wishes; the Parijata Vriksha with its ethereal flowers; The divine gems Chintamani and Kaustubha Mani; the celestial wine, Vaaruni; the water nymphs, Apsaras.

As she saw each one of them rise to the surface of the water, she realized it was time. Revealing her presence to the denizens of the ocean, she arose from the waters upon a splendid golden lotus, with her four arms carrying various riches and bestowing boons upon all she saw. She appeared out of Ksheerasagara and found the devas and asuras stop the churning and gawk at her. Each god and demon approached her, offering her a gift - and along with the gifts, their lusty glances. She gasped, realizing the situation. She had a choice - she could either take her place by Narayana, or choose any other as her groom!

She smiled, and conjured a garland of wild flowers in her hand. She held her head high, ignoring the devas and asuras feasting on her beauty. None of them were fit for her. She would wed only the One who did not desire her. As she shook her head in rhythm to the waves, her tresses fell over her eyes. She lifted her hand and pushed back her tresses, looking up majestically. There.

Dadrshe Achyutam Sa.

She saw the Infallible One.

With a complexion rivaling a raincloud, dressed in golden silks, bearing a discus, conch-shell, mace and a lotus in his four majestic arms, a garland of Tulasi leaves on his neck and the Kaustubha from the Ksheerasagara now adorning his broad chest, stood her Achyuta.

She laughed and walked towards him, placing her garland around him. For now and forever.

"I accept your chastity, Site." He said calmly. "But you need to prove it once more over here, so that the citizens of Ayodhya can once more witness you true love for me."

Her sons cried, imploring her not to do anything, while Valmiki gasped at Rama's words.

She said, "If I have with my mind, body and spirit, loved none other than Rama, the dearest son of Emperor Dasaratha, if I have protected my chastity, if I have thought of only Rama, the jewel of mankind, then Oh Mother Bhumi, please accept me in your embrace."

Instantly the earth cracked open, and to the shocked cries of the crowds looking at her, and the wails of her children, and the silent tears flowing from her Rama's eyes, Bhudevi appeared, embracing her daughter. She looked one last time at her love.

"For now, and forever, my love."

She was outside the Rasa Mandala, staring at Lalita Devi's compassionate face, as the latter denied her entry into the divine dance of her Lord. She looked at Kamadeva, and at Mahadeva, both of whom were perplexed.

She smiled back at Lalita and manifested in two forms. One went back to her abode in Vaikuntha; the other began meditating in Vrindavana. She would attain her Lord. It was the promise of many lifetimes.

She gazed at those eyes, filled with infinite Love for her. Her eyes filled with tears, she held his hand tightly. Narayana and Mahalakshmi returned to the chariot. In a flash, Daruka lifted the reins of the chariot, Krsna's dear horses neighed loudly, and the chariot sped away from the precincts of the temple.

As promised by Jaraasandha, all the kings saw (and continued seeing) Krsna kidnapping Rukmini from their midst.

The kings stared at the departing chariot of Krsna, admiring how gracefully Krsna had lifted Rukmini onto the chariot and drove off. "What beauty!"

"The couple are made for each other."

"FOOLS!" bellowed Jaraasandha, his rage evident. "Krsna has kidnapped Rukmini! WHAT ARE YOU OAFS WAITING FOR?!"

The kings blinked, perplexed at the emperor's rage. They looked around, and realization struck them all.

"The jackal!" snarled Shalva. "Stealing away the treasure for the midst of us lions! How dare he?"

Together with Shalva, Paundraka, Damaghosha, Viduratha, Kalingaraja, Kashya, Kratha and others, Jaraasandha charged forth towards the fleeing chariot of Krsna. They were met by the Yadava army, led by Balarama.

"Warm regards, Emperor Jaraasandha!" shouted Balarama, and delivered his warm regards through a volley of arrows from his army.

Blowing his conch, Balarama commandeered his army to charge and the two armies clashed outside the city of Kundinapura.

Krsna looked at Rukmini's face, streaked with wonder and worry - wonder at how her luck had favoured her, and worry for her family.

"Why do you worry, my love?" Krsna asked, looking back towards the two armies begin the fight. "Do not fear. Balarama is quite capable of handling these armies!"

Mahalakshmi opened her mouth to reply to her Achyuta's comment, when she remembered who she currently was. She shook her head in confusion. Rukmini spoke. "I fear for both our army as well as my family, Mukunda."

Krsna chuckled. Then he squeezed Rukmini's hand and said, "Look."

Rukmini turned to the battlefield and stared with a mixture of amazement and amusement. Jaraasandha's armies were fleeing the battle. The Yadava army cheered and scared away their opponents, who hastily entered the safety of the city. Bheeshmaka's daughter smiled. "Ah, that is sorted then."

Shishupala sat in the Mantapa, waiting to hear what had happened. From what had spread through the public, apparently Krsna had carried Rukmini in his chariot and ran away from Kundinapura! His face had lost all colour due to his dreading a combat between him and Krsna. He looked to the entrance and saw his father and uncle enter the hall, followed by their comrades. They looked disappointed.

"What happened? Where is Rukmini?!"

"No one is higher than fate, my son," said Damaghosha.

"Get up, Shishupala," interjected Jaraasandha. "Your marriage is cancelled!"

"I am leaving, father!" shouted Rukmi, his eyes bloodshot. "I shall not return to Kundinapura unless I defeat that kidnapper and bring back my sister!"

Bheeshmaka sighed, knowing that this was the last time Rukmi would be seen in this city. His other four sons looked at their brother and shook their heads, taking their place by their father. Rukmi roared and set out to bring back his sister home.

He sped out of the gates and saw the army of the Yadavas a few Yojanas away. Lashing his horses, he drove his chariot faster than the capabilities of his steeds and somehow came close to the army.

"KRSNA!" he howled. "Fight me, you coward!"

He saw the army stop and turn towards him.  A single chariot rode out of the army, and he identified the emblem of Garuda, and the slender figure of his sister, along with that black sheep of the Yadavas. Krsna alighted his chariot, his sword in his hand. He walked briskly towards Rukmi, followed by a tearful Rukmini.

Rukmi jumped out of his chariot, sword in hand and rushed to duel Krsna. But his skills were of no avail, as he slowly realized how excellent a warrior Krsna was. Within moments, Krsna knocked the sword out of his hands and brought his own to Rukmi's throat. He smiled at Rukmi and lifted his sword, away from Rukmi's neck.

"You had forced your sister into a loveless marriage, despite knowing her actual feelings. You insulted your father and relatives and kept following Emperor Jaraasandha's instructions, even though they could be dangerous for your family. For these grave offences, you must be punished. Yet, you are Rukmini's brother. Therefore, I shall spare your life. But -" Krsna looked at Rukmi, his kind expression gone, and he brought down his sword, chopping off Rukmi's locks of hair from one side of his head alone. Rukmi stared in horror, as Krsna held his hands tight, and with a slight movement, chopped off half his mustache.

"Chop off all my hair, you fool! You shouldn't disgrace a Kshatriya thus!"

"This is your punishment Rukmi." Replied Krsna serenely, as Rukmini wept. Rukmi seethed. He looked up and saw Balarama running towards him.

"KRSNA!" he cried. "What have you done?!" he looked outrageously at his brother, then at Rukmi and back at his brother. "One should never dishonor our relatives like this!" he reprimanded. Turning to Rukmi, he said, "Forgive my brother for his insolence, prince. We did what we felt was right and chivalrous. We mean no insult to the kingdom of Vidarbha, or to Maharaja Bheeshmaka."

Rukmi snorted and arose. He looked at his sister's tearful eyes, managed a smile and said, "Be happy always, Rukmini."

And he ascended his chariot, going away from both the Yadavas and his home of Kundina. He would build a new city.

Krsna wiped his wife's eyes and embraced her. Balarama spoke a brief apology to Rukmini, and then they all set forth towards Dvaravati.