Krishna, resolute and fearless, declared his intention: “I will bring Rukmini here, seizing her from the midst of assembled kings in battle—she who is devoted to me, flawless in form, shining like the flame of a sacred fire.” Śuka continued: At the auspicious time set for Rukmini’s wedding, Madhusūdana, knowing all, turned to his charioteer. “Dāruka,” he commanded, “quickly yoke the chariot.” Dāruka promptly brought forth the chariot, harnessed to the four swift horses—Śaibya, Sugrīva, Meghapuṣpa, and Balāhaka—and stood before Krishna with hands respectfully joined. Mounting the chariot, Krishna, also called Śauri, placed the trusted brāhmaṇa beside him. With the horses galloping at incredible speed, they covered the great distance from Ānarta to Vidarbha in a single night. Meanwhile, the king of Kuṇḍina, moved by deep affection for his son, began grand preparations to give his daughter, Rukmini, in marriage to Śiśupāla. The city was thoroughly cleansed and sprinkled with fragrant water. Roads, streets, and crossroads were adorned with colorful flags, banners, and festooned arches, creating a festive atmosphere. Men and women filled the city, dressed in spotless garments and adorned with garlands, fragrant flowers, and ornaments. The splendid houses were perfumed with aguru incense, and every corner radiated joy and anticipation. The king performed the traditional worship for the ancestors, the gods, and the brāhmaṇas, feeding them sumptuously and having auspicious rites recited as custom prescribed. Rukmini herself, radiant and beautiful, was freshly bathed and adorned for the ceremony, dressed in exquisite garments and the finest ornaments. Brahmins, foremost in their knowledge, performed protective rites for the bride, chanting from the Sāma, Ṛg, and Yajur Vedas. The chief priest, skilled in the Atharva Veda, offered oblations to pacify any unfavorable planetary influences. The king, best among those who observe proper rites, gave generous gifts of gold, silver, garments, sesame mixed with jaggery, and cows to the Brahmins. At the same time, King Damaghoṣa, lord of Cedi and father of Śiśupāla, arranged all that was needed for his son’s prosperity, employing experts in sacred mantras. With elephants intoxicated for battle, chariots adorned with gold, and armies crowded with infantry and horses, Damaghoṣa set out for Kuṇḍina. The king of Vidarbha welcomed him with honor and joy, settling him in accommodations prepared for the occasion. Soon, powerful kings arrived: Śālva, Jarāsandha, Dantavaktra, Vidūratha, and thousands of allies from Cedi and Pauṇḍra. All were enemies of Krishna and Balarāma, determined to see the Cedi prince win the maiden, ready to fight should Krishna and the Yadus attempt to intervene. The kings gathered with their full armies and vehicles, their minds fixed on battle. When Lord Balarāma heard of the kings’ preparations and learned that Krishna had gone alone to claim the maiden, he became concerned for his brother. Filled with affection, he quickly set out for Kuṇḍina, leading a great force of elephants, horses, chariots, and infantry. Meanwhile, Rukmini, the princess of Bhīṣmaka, noble and graceful, longed for Hari’s arrival. Seeing no sign of him, she pondered the words of the brāhmaṇa who had carried her message. “Alas,” she thought, “three nights have passed since my wedding was declared, yet I am blameless. The lotus-eyed one does not come, and I do not know why. The brāhmaṇa who carried my message has not returned even today.” “Perhaps, seeing some fault in me, the faultless Krishna 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, the goddess Gauri, Rudrani, Girijā, or Sati.” Thus, the young maiden, her mind wholly captivated by Govinda, reflected on the passing time and closed her tear-filled eyes. As she awaited Govinda’s arrival, her left thigh, arm, and eye—beloved for their auspiciousness—began to tremble, signaling hope. At that very moment, the foremost brāhmaṇa, as instructed by Krishna, entered the inner chambers and saw the princess. Rukmini, seeing him, her face bright with delight and her mind calm, skillfully recognized the signs and questioned him, her smile pure and gentle. The brāhmaṇa joyfully informed her that Krishna, the son of the Yadu dynasty, had arrived, and conveyed his truthful words regarding the svayaṃvara—her self-choice of a husband. Knowing that Krishna had come, Rukmini’s heart overflowed with joy. Out of shyness and respect, she did not look directly at the brāhmaṇa, for he was dear to her in another way. Meanwhile, Rama and Krishna, having arrived and eager to witness the wedding, entered the city accompanied by the sounds of musical instruments and were received with proper honors. They were offered honey and milk, pure garments, and choice gifts, worshipped according to proper rites. A splendid residence was prepared for them, their armies, and attendants, and hospitality was offered as befit their dignity. All the assembled kings were honored according to their valor, age, strength, and wealth, their desires fulfilled with gifts and offerings. When word spread that Krishna had arrived, the people of Vidarbha city flocked to see him, drinking in the sight of his lotus face, their hands respectfully joined at their eyes in reverence. The townspeople whispered among themselves, “Only Rukmini is fit to be Krishna’s wife; and he, flawless in nature, is the proper husband for Bhīṣma’s daughter. Whatever little good we have done, by that the creator of the three worlds is pleased. May Achyuta accept—may he accept the hand of the Vidarbha princess.” Thus, bound by the thread of love, the people spoke. Meanwhile, the maiden left the inner chambers to go to the temple of Ambikā, guarded by soldiers. She walked on foot, longing to see the tender feet of Bhavānī, but her heart was fully fixed on the lotus feet of Mukunda. Surrounded by her mothers and friends, and protected by brave royal soldiers clad in armor and bearing raised weapons, she proceeded. The air resonated with the sounds of drums, conches, cymbals, trumpets, and kettle-drums, heralding the ceremony. Thousands of noble women, richly adorned, accompanied her, bringing a variety of offerings—garlands, perfumes, garments, and ornaments—for the priests, as the sacred rites continued and destiny itself seemed to pause, awaiting the union of Rukmini and Krishna.