Accompanied by his fierce and determined prince Rukmi, the Vidarbha king advanced for battle, his wrath driving him and his fourfold army in pursuit of Hari. The clamor of war filled the air as they closed in. But mighty-armed Balabhadra, Lord Balarama, descended from his splendid chariot. Grasping his plough and mace, he moved with the force of a tempest, striking down the enemy ranks in a single, decisive moment. With plough and mace flashing, Balarama shattered chariots, trampled horses, felled towering elephants, and scattered foot soldiers upon the battlefield. Wherever his plough fell, rows of chariots were crushed; elephants toppled to the earth like mountains struck by thunderbolts. The devastation was swift and terrible—warriors’ heads split, blood flowed in torrents, and in but an instant, Balarama had decimated the opposing army. The field was awash with streams of blood, mingling the bodies of horses, elephants, chariots, and soldiers. Overcome by fear and destruction, all the assembled kings turned and fled. Yet Rukmi, burning with anger and pride, refused to retreat. He stood his ground and challenged Krishna to single combat. Rukmi raised his bow and loosed a furious shower of arrows upon Krishna, the wielder of the Sharnga bow. Govinda, smiling and untroubled, effortlessly took up his own Sharnga and, with playful ease, responded. With a single arrow, Krishna felled Rukmi’s chariot-horses and charioteer, then shattered his chariot, banner, and flag. Now rendered chariotless, Rukmi seized his sword and stood firm upon the earth. But Krishna, ever valiant, split that sword with a single arrow. Undeterred, Rukmi raised his fist and struck Krishna on the chest. Yet, Hari seized him upon the battlefield and bound him tightly. Madhusudana, smiling gently, took up a razor-edged weapon and, with a swift motion, shaved Rukmi’s head, then released him. Overwhelmed by sorrow and humiliation, Rukmi sighed like a wounded serpent and returned to his city, where he remained, consumed by grief. Thus ended that great rout of the Vidarbha army, as recounted in the sacred dialogue between Uma and Maheshvara, concerning the illustrious deeds of Shri Krishna, in the Uttarakhanda of the glorious Padma Mahapurana. Afterward, Krishna, accompanied by Balarama, Rukmini, and Daruka, ascended his divine chariot and journeyed swiftly to his own city. Entering Dvaraka at an auspicious time, beneath favorable omens, Hari performed all the Vedic rites as prescribed. There, in Dvaraka, Krishna married the radiant princess Rukmini, adorned with gold and resplendent in her beauty. At that wondrous wedding, celestial drums resounded in the heavens, and the best of the gods showered flowers in blessing. Vasudeva, Ugrasena, and Akrura—the foremost of the Yadus—were present, as was Balabhadra, shining with splendor, along with the other eminent Yadavas. All rejoiced and celebrated the union of Krishna and Rukmini. Nanda the cowherd arrived with the cowherds and their wives, and Yashoda, adorned with fine ornaments, joined the festivities. The wives of Vasudeva, led by Devaki, as well as Revati, Rohini, and the noble women of Dvaraka, gathered to witness and bless the sacred rites. All performed the wedding ceremonies with joy, and Devaki, out of deep affection, offered worship to the gods as was proper. The elder royal women, together with Devaki, completed all the wedding rituals according to tradition, and the festival was celebrated by the foremost Brahmins. The Brahmins were honored and feasted, receiving garments and ornaments, while Ugrasena and the other kings were duly worshipped. Nanda and the cowherds, Yashoda, and the women were honored with gifts of gold, jewels, garments, and ornaments. All assembled were filled with delight and reverence at that great celebration. The bride and groom, radiant with joy, embraced and bowed to the sacred fire. Blessed by the learned Brahmins, their benedictions ringing forth, Krishna and Rukmini shone with divine splendor upon the marriage altar. Then, together, they bowed to the Brahmins, elders, and Krishna’s eldest brother, Balarama. Having completed all the sacred rites, Madhusudana graciously dismissed the assembled kings and guests. Honored by Hari, the foremost of kings departed for their realms, and the Brahmins returned to their homes. The righteous son of Devaki, Krishna, the imperishable Lord, dwelt happily with Rukmini on the splendid terrace of his divine mansion, delighting in her company as Narayana delights in Shri. Sages and hosts of gods in heaven praised their union. Day after day, with a joyful heart, Janardana resided in the beautiful city of Dvaraka, enveloped in happiness. In the course of time, Krishna took other illustrious wives as well. Satyā, the renowned daughter of Satrājit—born as a portion of the earth—became his wife. Vaivasvatī, known as Kāliṃdī, greatly fortunate and a portion of Līlā, became his third wife. Janārdana also married Mitravindā, the daughter of Viṃda and Anuviṃda, who stood in her own svayaṃvara, adorned with a pure smile. Krishna displayed his valor by binding seven proud bulls with a single rope to win her hand, she of lotus-petal eyes, whose bride-price was heroism. At that time, Satrājit, the king, possessed a wondrous jewel called Syamantaka. He entrusted it to his younger brother Prasena, the great-souled. On one occasion, Madhusudana requested that excellent jewel, but Prasena responded to Vasudeva with forceful words. Thus, the glorious deeds and divine marriages of Krishna unfolded, as narrated in the sacred Uttarakhaṇḍa of the Padma Mahāpurāṇa.