The noble brāhmaṇa, having delivered the secret message from the princess of the Yadu dynasty, spoke with reverence: “Great souls yearn to bathe in the dust of Your lotus feet, just as even the Lord of Umā seeks this to dispel his own darkness. O lotus-eyed one, if I do not obtain Your favor, let me relinquish this life, worn thin by vows, across hundreds of births.” With these words, he completed his mission, urging the listener to consider the message and act as deemed fit. Hearing the heartfelt plea from the princess of Vidarbha, Śuka narrates, the son of the Yadus—Krishna—took the brāhmaṇa by the hand, smiled gently, and spoke: “I too am unable to sleep at night, my mind wholly absorbed in thoughts of her. I know her brother, out of enmity, has prevented her marriage to me. But I shall bring her here, seizing her from the assembly of kings in battle—she, ever devoted to me, flawless in form, like the sacred flame itself.” Knowing the auspicious time for Rukmiṇī’s wedding was near, Krishna, the dispeller of demons, instructed his charioteer, “Dāruka, quickly yoke the chariot.” Dāruka obeyed at once, bringing forth the chariot drawn by the swift and noble horses Śaibya, Sugrīva, Meghapuṣpa, and Balāhaka, and stood before Krishna with joined palms. Mounting the chariot, Krishna placed the brāhmaṇa beside him, and, with the speed of the wind, they traveled from Ānarta to Vidarbha in a single night. Meanwhile, in Vidarbha, the king of Kuṇḍina, moved by deep affection for his son, began the preparations to marry his daughter to Śiśupāla. The city was cleansed and sprinkled, its roads, streets, and crossroads adorned with colorful flags, banners, and arches. Men and women, clad in spotless garments and adorned with fragrant garlands and ornaments, filled the city, while splendid homes were perfumed with aguru incense. The king performed all customary rites, worshipping the ancestors, gods, and brāhmaṇas, feeding them as tradition required, and having auspicious hymns recited. The beautiful Rukmiṇī, freshly bathed and adorned for the occasion, was dressed in the finest garments and ornaments. The foremost brāhmaṇas performed protective rites for her, chanting from the Sāma, Ṛg, and Yajur Vedas, while the chief priest, versed in the Atharva Veda, offered oblations to pacify planetary influences. The king, ever righteous, gave gold, silver, garments, sesame mixed with jaggery, and cows to the brāhmaṇas. At the same time, King Damaghoṣa, lord of Cedi, arranged all that was necessary for his son Śiśupāla’s prosperity, employing experts in mantras. With elephants intoxicated, chariots adorned with gold, and armies teeming with infantry and horses, Damaghoṣa proceeded to Kuṇḍina. The king of Vidarbha welcomed him with honor and joy, settling him in accommodations prepared for the occasion. Soon, Shalva, Jarāsandha, Dantavaktra, Vidūratha, and thousands of allies from Cedi and Paundra arrived as well. These enemies of Krishna and Balarāma, determined to secure Rukmiṇī for the Cedi prince, gathered together, resolved to fight should Krishna and the Yadus attempt to take her. All the assembled kings, with their full armies and vehicles, fixed their minds on confronting Krishna in battle. Hearing of this gathering of opposing kings, Lord Balarāma, concerned about the potential conflict, learned that Krishna had gone alone to bring the maiden. Filled with affection for his brother, Balarāma quickly set out for Kuṇḍina with a great force of elephants, horses, chariots, and infantry. Meanwhile, the princess of Bhīṣmaka, noble in form and longing for Hari’s arrival, saw no sign of him and pondered the words of the brāhmaṇa: “Alas, three nights have passed since my wedding was to occur, though I am blameless. The lotus-eyed one does not come, and I know not why. The brāhmaṇa who carried my message has not returned even today. Perhaps, seeing some fault in me, the faultless one now hesitates to take my hand, though he had resolved to do so. My fate is unfortunate; the creator is not favorable to me, nor are the great Lord Shiva or the goddess Gauri, Rudrāṇī, Girijā, or Sati.” Captivated by thoughts of Govinda, the young maiden, her mind reflecting on the passage of time, closed her tear-filled eyes. As she awaited Govinda’s arrival, her left thigh, arm, and eye—beloved for their auspiciousness—began to tremble. Then, following Krishna’s instructions, the brāhmaṇa entered the inner chambers and found the princess. She saw him with a delighted and tranquil face, and, skilled in recognizing omens, questioned him with a pure smile. The brāhmaṇa conveyed to her that the son of the Yadu dynasty had arrived, and relayed Krishna’s truthful words about the svayaṃvara. Hearing this, the Vidarbha princess, her heart overflowing with joy, did not look directly at the brāhmaṇa, for he was dear to her in another way. Soon, Krishna and Balarāma arrived with musical instruments resounding, eager to witness the wedding and bringing proper honors. They were welcomed with honey, milk, pure garments, and desired gifts, and worshipped according to the proper rites. The wise king prepared a splendid residence for the two brothers, their armies, and attendants, offering hospitality as appropriate. To the assembled kings, he bestowed honors according to their valor, age, strength, and wealth, fulfilling all their desires with appropriate offerings. When the people of Vidarbha heard that Krishna had arrived, they flocked to see him, drinking in the beauty of his lotus face with hands joined at their eyes in reverence. “Only Rukmiṇī is fit to be his wife, not another; he too, flawless in nature, is the proper husband for Bhīṣmaka’s daughter,” they declared. “Whatever little good we have done, by that the creator of the three worlds is pleased; may Achyuta accept, accept the hand of the Vidarbha princess!