Did you know? Krishna-Rukmini used to live separately! The Story of Rukmini Temple, Dwarka.

Yes, you read it correctly. Let me take you straight to the tragic story.

The Story – 

The story is set a few years after Lord Krishna and Devi Rukmini eloped, to get married, from Kaundanyapur - the capital of Vidarbha Kingdom. After the marriage, Lord Krishna aspired to seek the blessings of Maharshi Durvasa whose ashram was not far away from the capital Dwarka. With the pious objective, Krishna took Rukmini along with him to seek blessings. According to local legends Sage Durvasa, Sage Agastya and other rishis resided in that very Ashram. After a blissful meeting, Krishna requested Maharshi Durvasa to come along with them to Dwarka and allow himself to serve the Sage. Pleased by the humbleness of the God himself, Maharishi Durvasa agreed but put one condition. 

The Condition – 

Maharshi Durvasa said that he would come to Dwarka only if Krishna and Rukmini carried the chariot from Pindara to Dwarka. Shri Krishna and Rukmini grabbed the opportunity with both hands and expressed their readiness. Shri Krishna immediately detached the horses from the chariot and instead, he along with Devi Rukmini carried the chariot with Maharshi Durvasa onboard. The journey was going well. But destiny had different plans for the newly married couple. The journey was draining especially for young Rukmini. Poor Rukmini without even a single complaint was carrying a half weight of the chariot. 

The Curse - 

Because of the obvious reasons, after some time, Rukmini started feeling thirsty. She needed water in the midway. She asked Krishna if it would be possible to obtain some water. As they were around a barren land surrounded by sea, it was difficult to obtain water. Krishna asked if she could bear for some time, but poor Rukmini was drained. Seeing her condition, Krishna put his toe into the ground and brought holy ganga to the barren land.

The place today is called Charan Ganga Dham in Tupani Village which is approximately 20 Km from Dwarka. Quenching her thirst, Rukmini felt satisfied and was ready for the journey.

But that event didn’t go down well with Maharshi Durvasa. He was furious. He shouted at the couple for insulting the sage by by ignoring him and not offering the water to him first. Infuriated Maharshi, with his red eyes, cursed Rukmini – 'You will be separated from your husband and will have to live separately'. Rukmini was devastated. Poor Rukmini started crying with the thought of having to live without her beloved husband. Krishna consoled her and assured, ‘We are one, Rukmini. No power in eternity can keep us apart'. Assured, Rukmini got herself together and accepted her painful fate.

Rukmini’s Penance and Current Temple - 

As per the local legend, Rukmini did penance for 12 years after which Lord Vishnu appeared. He not only relieved her from the curse but also gave her a boon that a visit to ‘Dwarkadheesh’ would be incomplete without Rukmini. Rukmini Temple in Dwarka is the place where Rukmini did her penance and lived separately from Krishna. It is almost 3km away from the Dwarkadheesh Temple.

The Rukmini Temple is around 2500 years old and was rebuilt over the period. The current temple is estimated to be of the 12th Century. The Temple structure is stunning with intricate carvings having beautiful elephant, gods, and goddesses structures. As the entire event happened because of water, water is the primary offering here in this temple. Before being allowed to enter the sanctum, the main priest tells the story of how Rukmini was cursed. Listen to that, it is interesting. Also, after coming out, water from the well which originated because of Krishna’s toe is given as prasad. 

Our Experience – 

We were mesmerized when we came to the entry gate. The beautiful temple adorned itself with dazzling and dancing flags. With the white & blue backdrop provided by the artistic clouds, the hide and seek of Sun God provided a perfect golden hue over the temple. 

We didn’t get the opportunity to visit Charan Ganga Dham and Pindara Village i.e. Sage Durvasa’s Ashram. But it is advised to take time and see these important places also. I didn't post any pictures of Charan Ganga Dham and Agatya Rishi Ashram as we missed going there. But you can easily find it on Google. Agastya Rishi Ashram is a group of temples currently in ruins. Charanganga Dhan currently has a temple with a well of sweet water, in a place surrounded by sea on all sides. Because of the historical significance it carries, one must visit these places. 

Important places from Dwarka:

Rukmini Temple – 3km from Dwarkadheesh Temple

Charan Ganga Dham, Tupani Village – 20 km

Pindara Village, Agastya Rishi Ashram, Pindara group of temples – 45 km.

Please let me know your experience whenever you visit these places. Also please share your comments regarding the blog in the comments section. It helps in improving the content and storytelling.

Thanks!

Jai Shri Krishna!