A princess of Vidarbha who chose her own husband by letter, and became Krishna's chief queen in Dvaraka.
Appears in
Rukmini's letter — Skandha 10, adhyayas 52-54 — A princess about to be married against her will sends a brahmana with a letter: come and take me, or I give up my life.
Embodies
Surrender and grace — Rescue comes when strength runs out: the elephant, the queen and the king are saved at the point they stop relying on themselves.
Devotion as the highest dharma — The Bhagavatam's own thesis (1.2.6): the highest dharma is devotion with no motive, which nothing can interrupt.
Questions to explore
Why did Rukmini choose Krishna over Shishupala?
What did Rukmini do at the temple of Ambika on her wedding day?
How does Rukmini answer when Krishna teases her later?
