The city was alive with celebration, its streets teeming with men and women dressed in spotless garments, adorned with fragrant garlands, fresh flowers, and shining ornaments. The houses themselves exuded the sweet aroma of aguru incense, adding to the air of festivity and joy. King Bhishmaka, the ruler of Vidarbha, oversaw the sacred preparations with great care. He worshipped the ancestors, the gods, and the revered brāhmaṇas, honoring them with food and gifts as tradition prescribed, and had auspicious rites recited to bless the occasion. In the midst of this, his daughter, the beautiful princess Rukmini, was bathed and adorned for the auspicious ceremony. She wore the finest garments and was decorated with exquisite ornaments, radiant as a goddess. Foremost Brahmins gathered to perform protective rites for Rukmini, chanting from the Sama, Rig, and Yajur Vedas, while the chief priest, learned in the Atharva Veda, offered oblations to calm any adverse planetary influences. King Bhishmaka, renowned for his adherence to proper rites, gave generously to the Brahmins—gold, silver, garments, sesame mixed with jaggery, and cows—ensuring every ritual was complete. In Cedi, King Damaghosha, father of Shishupala, made elaborate arrangements for his son’s prosperity, employing experts in mantras. With elephants in rut, golden chariots, and armies brimming with infantry and horses, he set out for Kundina, the capital of Vidarbha. Upon his arrival, King Bhishmaka welcomed him with honor and joy, settling Damaghosha and his retinue in accommodations prepared for the occasion. Soon, other powerful kings arrived: Shalva, Jarasandha, Dantavaktra, Viduratha, and thousands of allies from Chedi and Paundra. These were enemies of Krishna and Balarama, gathered with the intent to secure Rukmini’s hand for the Chedi prince, Shishupala. They resolved among themselves to fight should Krishna, accompanied by the Yadus, dare to come and claim her. The city swelled with armies and vehicles as all the assembled kings, their minds set on battle, prepared for confrontation. News of this hostile gathering reached Lord Balarama, who, fearing conflict, learned that Krishna had already gone alone to take the maiden. Filled with deep affection for his brother, Balarama swiftly set out for Kundina with a great force of elephants, horses, chariots, and infantry. Meanwhile, Rukmini, princess of Bhishmaka, noble and beautiful, longed for Hari’s arrival. Yet, seeing no sign of Krishna, she pondered the Brahmin’s words and wondered anxiously, “Alas, three nights have passed since my wedding was arranged. Though I am blameless, the lotus-eyed one does not come, and I do not know why. The Brahmin who carried my message has not returned either. Perhaps Krishna, seeing some fault in me, now hesitates to take my hand, though he had resolved to do so. My fate is unfortunate—the creator, Shiva, Gauri, Rudrani, Girija, and Sati seem not to favor me.” Thus, her mind absorbed in thoughts of Govinda, she closed her tear-filled eyes, reflecting on time and destiny. As she awaited Govinda, her left thigh, arm, and eye—regarded as auspicious—began to tremble, a subtle sign of hope. At that moment, as instructed by Krishna, the foremost Brahmin entered the inner chambers and found the princess. Seeing him, her face lit with delight and her mind serene, Rukmini, skilled in recognizing signs, questioned him with a pure smile. The Brahmin conveyed Krishna’s message: the son of the Yadu dynasty had arrived, and all was set for the self-choice ceremony. Overjoyed, Rukmini’s heart soared, and though she did not look directly at the Brahmin, she cherished him for his role in reuniting her with Krishna. Soon, the sounds of music announced the arrival of Rama and Krishna, who came with proper honors, eager to witness the wedding. King Bhishmaka welcomed them with honey and milk, pure garments, and desired gifts, worshipping them with all due rites. He prepared a splendid residence for Krishna, Balarama, and their retinues, offering generous hospitality. All the assembled kings were honored according to their valor, age, strength, and wealth, each receiving offerings as befitted their station. When the people of Vidarbha heard that Krishna had arrived, they rushed to see him, gazing upon his lotus-like face with hands joined in reverence before their eyes. Among themselves they murmured, “Only Rukmini is fit to be his wife, and he, flawless in nature, is the proper husband for Bhishmaka’s daughter. Whatever little good we have done, may it please the creator of the three worlds. May Achyuta accept, may he accept the hand of the Vidarbha princess.” Thus, bound by love, the townspeople spoke as one. In the midst of this, Rukmini left the inner chambers, making her way to the temple of Ambika, guarded by soldiers. She went on foot to see the tender feet of Bhavani, and as she walked, her heart was fully absorbed in thoughts of the lotus feet of Mukunda. Surrounded by her mothers and friends, and protected by brave soldiers in armor with raised weapons, the procession moved forward to the sound of drums, conches, cymbals, trumpets, and kettle-drums. Thousands of noble women, richly adorned, carried offerings—garlands, perfumes, garments, and ornaments—for the priests. Singers and musicians sang and praised her, while bards, genealogists, and heralds joined the procession. Upon reaching the goddess’s abode, Rukmini washed her feet and hands, purified herself, and entered the presence of Ambika, peaceful and serene. The elderly and learned wives of the Brahmins, accompanied by Bhavani, worshipped the auspicious goddess, wife of Bhava, who bestows prosperity. Rukmini bowed again and again before Ambika, praying, “O Ambika, auspicious one, accompanied by your children, may Krishna be my husband. May you be pleased with this offering.” With fragrant substances, unbroken rice, incense, garments, garlands, ornaments, various foods, and rows of lamps, the Brahmin women, together with their husbands, worshipped the goddess with salt, cakes, betel leaves, necklaces, fruits, and sugarcane, seeking her blessings for the sacred union to come.