Believing that Balarāma and Keśava had perished in flames, the mighty king of Magadha withdrew his vast army and returned to his own realm. Meanwhile, in the land of Ānarta, King Raivata, following the counsel of Brahmā, joyfully gave his daughter Raivatī in marriage to Baladeva, just as had been foretold. At this time, Govinda, the Supreme Lord, also took Vaidarbhī—the daughter of Bhīṣmaka and mother of Śrī—as his bride at her svayaṃvara. In the presence of all, Krishna vanquished the assembled kings, including Śālva and the allies of Cedi, and, like Garuḍa seizing the nectar, he claimed her hand. The king then inquired, “I have heard, O Lord, that Krishna married Rukmiṇī, the lovely daughter of Bhīṣmaka, by the rākṣasa rite. How did Krishna, after conquering Jarāsandha, Śālva, and others, bring this maiden as his bride? O Brahman, who could ever tire of hearing Krishna’s sacred stories—ever sweet, ever purifying, and always fresh, even for those who know them well?” Śrī Bādarāyaṇa then narrated: There was a great king named Bhīṣmaka, lord of Vidarbha, blessed with five sons and one daughter of exceptional beauty. His eldest son was Rukmi, followed by Rukmaratha, Rukmabāhu, Rukmakeśa, and Rukmamālī. Their virtuous and radiant sister was Rukmiṇī. As time passed, Rukmiṇī heard from visitors to her home the wondrous tales of Mukunda’s beauty, valor, and noble qualities. Her heart was drawn to Krishna, and she considered him the only worthy husband. Krishna, too, recognized in her intelligence, noble character, beauty, and virtue a bride perfectly suited for him. Though her family favored Krishna, her brother Rukmi, harboring enmity toward the Lord, opposed the match and instead chose Śiśupāla as her groom. Upon learning this, Rukmiṇī, deeply distressed, pondered her plight and swiftly sent a trusted Brahmin to Krishna with a secret message. The Brahmin journeyed to Dvārakā, where the Lord, seated upon a golden throne, welcomed him with the highest honor, as the gods would honor one of their own. After the Brahmin had been fed and rested, Krishna, ever the refuge of the righteous, approached, touched his feet, and inquired gently about his welfare: “O best of Brahmins, is your dharma proceeding without difficulty? Is your mind content? For one who is content, even without possessions, is truly at peace, while even the king of the gods, if discontent, wanders restlessly.” Krishna continued, “I bow to those Brahmins who are content, virtuous, humble, and the best friends to all beings. Is all well with you? For the king who ensures his subjects’ happiness is dear to me. You have come a long way—please tell me what brings you here, especially if it is confidential. What may I do for you?” Thus respectfully questioned, the Brahmin revealed Rukmiṇī’s message: “O beauty of the worlds, having heard of your virtues, my mind has entered into you through the channels of my ears, and beholding your form, my heart is captivated. What noble maiden would not choose you, who are unrivaled in lineage, character, beauty, knowledge, age, wealth, and glory? Therefore, I have chosen you as my husband. Do not let the king of Cedi, like a jackal stealing the lion’s share, take what belongs to the hero. “If you are pleased with my worship—my charity, sacrifices, vows, and service—then let you, not the son of Damaghoṣa or any other, come and take my hand. Tomorrow, when you arrive in Vidarbha for the wedding, come concealed and surrounded by your chiefs. Overpower the forces of Cedi and Magadha and win me, whose bride-price is valor, by the rākṣasa custom. “If you wonder how I, guarded within the inner chambers, can be married by you, know this: on the day before the wedding, there is a procession to the family goddess Girijā, when the bride is allowed outside for worship. O lotus-eyed one, if I do not obtain your favor, let me give up this life, emaciated by vows, over hundreds of births.” Having delivered this heartfelt message, the Brahmin concluded, “This is the secret word from the princess of Vidarbha. Consider what must be done, and act accordingly.” Śuka then said: Hearing these words, Krishna took the Brahmin’s hand, smiled, and replied, “I too am unable to sleep, my mind absorbed in her. I know her brother’s enmity prevented our union. I will bring her here, seizing her from the midst of the kings—she who is flawless and devoted to me, like the sacred flame.” Aware of the auspicious hour for Rukmiṇī’s wedding, Madhusūdana instructed his charioteer, “Dāruka, quickly yoke the chariot!” Dāruka brought forth the chariot, harnessed with the swift horses Śaibya, Sugrīva, Meghapuṣpa, and Balāhaka, and stood before Krishna with joined palms. Krishna mounted the chariot, seated the Brahmin beside him, and, with lightning speed, journeyed from Ānarta to Vidarbha in a single night. Meanwhile, in Kuṇḍina, King Bhīṣmaka, out of deep affection for his son, began the preparations to give Rukmiṇī in marriage to Śiśupāla. The city was thoroughly cleansed and sprinkled; its roads, streets, and crossroads were adorned with colorful flags, banners, and arches. Everywhere, men and women dressed in spotless garments, decked with garlands, fragrant flowers, and ornaments, filled the city, their splendid houses perfumed with aguru incense, all in anticipation of the great event.