The brahmana, having faithfully delivered the secret message from the princess of the Yadu dynasty, addressed Krishna: “I have brought these confidential words from the daughter of Vidarbha. Consider what must be done, and act accordingly.” Śuka, the sage, narrates that upon hearing this message from Rukmini, the princess of Vidarbha, Krishna—the son of the Yadu dynasty—took the brahmana’s hand, smiled gently, and spoke. Krishna confessed, “I too am restless at night, unable to sleep, for my mind is absorbed in thoughts of her. I know that Rukmini’s marriage to me was prevented by her brother, Rukmi, out of enmity. But 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.” Śuka continues: Knowing the auspicious time for Rukmini’s wedding, Madhusūdana, another name for Krishna, instructed his charioteer, “Dāruka, quickly yoke the chariot.” Dāruka promptly brought the chariot, harnessed with four noble horses—Śaibya, Sugrīva, Meghapuṣpa, and Balāhaka—and stood before Krishna with joined palms. Krishna mounted the chariot, placing the brahmana alongside him, and with the swift horses, they journeyed from Ānarta to Vidarbha in a single night. Meanwhile, the king of Kuṇḍina, out of deep affection for his son Rukmi, began the wedding preparations to give his daughter Rukmini to Śiśupāla. The city was thoroughly cleaned and sprinkled; streets, roads, and crossroads were adorned with colorful flags, banners, and arches. Men and women dressed in spotless garments, adorned with garlands, fragrant flowers, and ornaments, filled the city. Splendid houses were perfumed with aguru incense. The king worshipped the ancestors, gods, and brahmanas, fed them according to custom, and had auspicious rites recited. Rukmini, the beautiful maiden, freshly bathed and adorned for the ceremony, was dressed in fine garments and decorated with the finest ornaments. The foremost brahmanas performed protective rites for her, chanting from the Sama, Rig, and Yajur Vedas; the chief priest, versed in Atharva Veda, offered oblations to pacify planetary influences. The king, best among those who follow proper rites, gave gold, silver, garments, sesame mixed with jaggery, and cows to the brahmanas. King Damaghosha, lord of Cedi, arranged everything for prosperity for his son Śiśupāla, employing experts in mantras. With intoxicated elephants, chariots adorned with gold, and armies crowded with infantry and horses, he proceeded to Kundina. The king of Vidarbha approached him, honored him, and joyfully settled him in prepared accommodations. There, Shalva, Jarasandha, Dantavaktra, Viduratha, and thousands of allies from Chedi and Paundra arrived. These enemies of Krishna and Rama, determined to secure the maiden for the Chedi prince, gathered, resolved to fight if Krishna, accompanied by the Yadus, came to take her. All the kings, with their full armies and vehicles, assembled, their minds fixed on battling him. Hearing of this effort by the opposing kings, Lord Rama, fearing conflict, learned Krishna had gone alone to take the maiden. Filled with affection for his brother, Rama quickly set out for Kundina with a great force of elephants, horses, chariots, and infantry. Meanwhile, the princess of Bhishmaka, Rukmini, of noble form and longing for Hari’s arrival, saw no sign of Krishna’s coming and pondered the brahmana’s words. She lamented, “Alas, three nights have passed since my wedding, though I am blameless; the lotus-eyed one does not come, and I do not know the reason. The brahmana who carried my message has not returned even today. Perhaps, seeing some fault in me, the faultless one now hesitates to take my hand in marriage, though he had resolved to do so. My fate is unfortunate; the creator is not favorable to me, nor is the great lord Shiva, nor the goddess Gauri, Rudrani, Girija, or Sati.” Thus, the young maiden, her mind captivated by Govinda, reflecting on time, closed her tear-filled eyes. As she awaited Govinda’s arrival, her left thigh, arm, and eye—beloved for their auspicious speech—began to tremble. Then, as instructed by Krishna, the foremost brahmana saw the princess moving within the inner chambers. Seeing him, she greeted him with a delighted face and an undisturbed mind, skilled in recognizing signs, and questioned him, her smile pure. The brahmana informed her that Krishna had arrived, conveying the truthful words spoken regarding the self-marriage. Knowing Krishna had come, the Vidarbha princess, her heart joyful, did not look at the brahmana, for he was dear to her in another way. Hearing of their arrival and eager to witness his daughter’s wedding, Rama and Krishna came with musical instruments sounding, bringing proper honors. Honey and milk, pure garments, and desired gifts were brought, and they were worshipped according to proper rites. The wise king prepared a splendid residence for the two, with their armies and attendants, and offered hospitality as appropriate. To the assembled kings, according to their valor, age, strength, and wealth, he honored them with all desired offerings. Hearing that Krishna had arrived, the residents of Vidarbha city came and gazed upon the lotus face of Krishna, their hands joined reverently at their eyes. They whispered among themselves, “Only Rukmini is fit to be his wife, not another; he too, flawless in nature, is the proper husband for Bhishma’s daughter. 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.” Thus, bound by the thread of love, the townspeople spoke. Meanwhile, the maiden, Rukmini, went from the inner chambers to the temple of Ambika, guarded by soldiers, as the momentous events unfolded.