Unseen by their enemies and followers, the foremost among the Yadus returned once more to their city, Dvārakā, which lay safely guarded by the ocean’s embrace. Meanwhile, the king of Magadha, believing that Balarāma and Keśava had perished in fire, withdrew his vast army and returned to his own realm. In the days that followed, Raivata, the illustrious king of Ānarta, prompted by Brahmā’s counsel, gave his daughter Raivatī in marriage to Baladeva, as had been previously foretold. Govinda, the Lord, also wed Vaidarbhī—the daughter of Bhīṣmaka and mother of Śrī—at her own svayaṃvara, O best of the Kurus. Before the eyes of all, Krishna overpowered the kings Śālva and the allies of Cedi, and, like Garuḍa seizing nectar, claimed her as his bride. King Parikṣit then asked, “It is said the Lord married Rukmiṇī, the beautiful daughter of Bhīṣmaka, by the rākṣasa rite. O Lord, I wish to hear how Krishna, of immeasurable brilliance, after conquering Jarasandha, Śālva, and others, brought the maiden as his bride. Who could ever tire of hearing Krishna’s sacred stories—sweet as honey, purifying the world, ever fresh and new, even for those well-versed in them?” Śrī Bādarāyaṇa replied, “There was a great king named Bhīṣmaka, lord of Vidarbha, who had five sons and one daughter renowned for her beauty. The eldest son was Rukmi, then Rukmaratha, Rukmabāhu, Rukmakeśa, and Rukmamālī; their virtuous sister was Rukmiṇī. From those who visited her home, Rukmiṇī heard praises of Mukunda’s beauty, valor, virtues, and glory, and in her heart, she considered him the most worthy husband. Krishna, recognizing her intelligence, noble character, beauty, and virtues, resolved to accept her as his wife. Though her relatives wished to give the princess to Krishna, her brother Rukmi—who harbored hatred toward Krishna—prevented it and favored Śiśupāla instead. Learning of this, Rukmiṇī, the dark-eyed princess of Vidarbha, became deeply distressed. After careful thought, she quickly sent a trusted Brahmin to Krishna. The Brahmin journeyed to Dvārakā, and, admitted by the doorkeepers, saw the Supreme Person seated upon a golden throne. Upon seeing the Brahmin, Krishna, Lord of the devotees, rose from his seat, seated him, and honored him as the gods honor themselves. After the Brahmin had eaten and rested, Krishna—the refuge of the righteous—approached, touched his feet with reverence, and inquired with care, “O best of Brahmins, is your dharma, esteemed by the elders, proceeding without difficulty? Is your mind content? Whenever a Brahmin, content with whatever comes, remains steadfast in his duty, he fulfills all desires. Even the lord of the gods, if discontent, wanders among worlds; but one who is content, though possessing nothing, sleeps free from affliction. I bow my head to those Brahmins who are content, virtuous, humble, peaceful, and friends to all beings. Is all well with you? For the king whose subjects live happily is dear to me. Since you have come here, crossing many hardships, tell me everything, especially if there is anything confidential—what should I do for you?” Thus respectfully questioned by the Supreme Lord, the Brahmin narrated everything. Rukmiṇī’s message was as follows: “O beauty of the worlds, having heard of Your virtues, which remove the distress of those who listen, my mind has entered into You through the channels of my ears, O infallible one. Beholding Your form, which fulfills all desires, my heart is captivated. O Mukunda, what noble maiden of good family, possessing discernment, would not choose You as her husband—You, who are equal only to Yourself in lineage, character, beauty, knowledge, age, wealth, and glory, and who delight the minds of all, O lion among men? Therefore, O Lord, I have chosen You as my husband; please accept me as Your wife, for I have offered myself to You. Let not the king of Cedi, like a jackal seizing the offering meant for the lion, touch the share of the hero, O lotus-eyed one. If the Supreme Lord, master of all and elder brother of Gada, is truly satisfied with my worship—through charity, sacrifice, vows, rituals, and service to gods, brahmins, and elders—let Him come and take my hand, and not the son of Damaghoṣa or any other. Tomorrow, O unconquered one, when You come to Vidarbha to marry, concealed and surrounded by chiefs of Your army, overpower the forces of Cedi and Magadha, and win me by valor, according to the custom of the Rākṣasas. If You wonder how I, kept within the inner chambers and guarded by relatives, can be married by You, I will tell You the means: On the previous day there is a great procession to the family goddess, during which the new bride goes outside to worship Girijā. The great souls desire to bathe in the dust of whose lotus feet, just as the Lord of Umā does to destroy his own darkness. O lotus-eyed one, if I do not obtain Your favor, let me give up this life, emaciated by vows, over hundreds of births.” The Brahmin concluded, “Thus I have brought these secret messages from the daughter of Vidarbha. Consider what should be done, and act accordingly.” Śuka continued, “Hearing the message from the princess of Vidarbha, Krishna took the Brahmin by the hand, smiled, and spoke: ‘I too am unable to sleep at night, my mind absorbed in her. I know that Rukmiṇī’s marriage to me was prevented by her brother out of enmity. I will bring her here, seizing her from the assembly of kings in battle—she who is devoted to me, flawless in form, like the flame of sacred fire.’ Knowing the auspicious time for Rukmiṇī’s wedding, Madhusūdana said to his charioteer, ‘Dāruka, quickly yoke the chariot.’ Dāruka brought the chariot, yoked with the horses Śaibya, Sugrīva, Meghapuṣpa, and Balāhaka, and stood before Krishna with joined palms. Krishna mounted the chariot, placed the Brahmin beside him, and with swift horses, journeyed from Ānarta to Vidarbha in a single night. Meanwhile, the king of Kuṇḍina, out of deep affection for his son, began the wedding preparations to give his daughter to Śiśupāla. The city was thoroughly cleaned and sprinkled; its roads, streets, and crossroads adorned with colorful flags, banners, and arches, ready for the grand occasion.