Lord Krishna in Hindu Mythology: Queens and Marriage
Lord Krishna, an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu and a central figure in Hindu mythology, is often described as marrying numerous queens. This article explores the principal and numerous spouses of Lord Krishna, as mentioned in various scriptures and texts.
Principal Wives of Lord Krishna: Ashtabharya
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna had eight principal wives, known as the Ashtabharya. These wives included:
Rukmini: One of the first and most significant wives of Lord Krishna. Rukmini is considered an incarnation of Maha-Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune. Jaambavati: Another of Lord Krishna's principal wives, who is considered an incarnation of Bhu-Devi, the earth goddess. Satyabhaama: Known for her righteousness and devotion, Satyabhaama is also recognized as a manifestation of Lakshmi. Mitravinda: This wife is often associated with the divine presence of Lakshmi within her heart, making her another incarnation of Lakshmi. Bhadra Devi: One of the eight principal queens, she is also known for her devotion and piety. Lakshmanaa Devi: The eighth principal wife of Lord Krishna, her name suggests her close association with Lakshmi. Kaalindi: Often recognized as another incarnation of Lakshmi, Kaalindi is celebrated for her devotion. Satyaa Devi or Nagnajiti: This wife is also known for her righteousness and is associated with the presence of Lakshmi in her heart.Expansion of Forms and Additional Queens
According to some scriptures, Lord Krishna expanded himself into 16108 forms and married 16108 queens. This concept is elaborated in Khanda 10 Adhyaayas 55–58 of the Bhagavata Purana. These additional queens are not considered principal wives but rather minor spouses of Lord Krishna.
The Role of Lakshmi in Krishna's Wives
It is important to note that only Rukmini and Satyabhaama were considered saakshaat avataaras of Lakshmi, manifesting as Maha-Lakshmi and Bhu-Devi. The other wives had the aavesha of Lakshmi. This means that Lakshmi resided in their hearts as the antaryaami indweller, making them deserving of their divine marriage. Svaami Vadiraja Teertha Shripaadagalu explained this concept in his work, Rukmineesha Vijaya.
Marriage in the Context of Hindu Puranas and Narratives
The narratives around Lord Krishna's marriages are not only about human relationships but also about the interconnectedness of all living beings. In the Bhagavad Gita, which is a part of the larger epic Mahabharata, Lord Krishna is described as the creator of the universe. The term 'Bhagavad Gita' can be interpreted as those who sing the songs of creation, including all living beings and the earth, air, water, fire, and space. In this context, marriage in Hindu Puranas symbolizes the interconnectedness and the diverse forms of existence within the universe.
Similarly, the narrative of Lord Krishna's many marriages reflects the diverse structures and beliefs of different religions. Like democracies, communism, and various other systems, marriages in Hindu Puranas are seen as a reflection of the universal truth and interconnectedness of all living beings.
For a deeper understanding, one can refer to Khanda 10 Adhyaayas 55–58 of the Bhagavata Purana, which provides detailed information on Lord Krishna's numerous marriages and the significance of his principal wives.
Thank you for reading. Shri Krishnaarpanamastu.