Introduction: Krishna and His Wives
Lord Krishna, the beloved avatar of Vishnu, is often depicted as a lover of multiple wives. While the exact number and names of these wives vary across different scriptures and contextual interpretations, there are a few that hold significant importance in the religious and mythological narratives. This article explores the most recognized wives of Lord Krishna, their origins, and their dear places in the spiritual symbolisms of the community.
The Ashtabharya: Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, and Others
The Bhagavata Purana describes a specific hierarchy of Krishna's wives, known as the Ashtabharya, which comprises eight wives: Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Nagnajiti (also called Satya), Bhadra, and Lakshmana (also called Madra). These wives stand as significant figures in the legend of Krishna, representing different aspects of divine grace and devotion.
Rukmini: The Descent of Lakshmi
Rukmini is the first and foremost wife of Krishna. She is often referred to as the princess of Vidarbha and is considered an avatar of the goddess of prosperity, Sri. In the Bhagavata Purana, Rukmini is described as the avatar of Sridevi, ascending to Krishna to become his chief queen in Dvaraka. Rukmini is not merely a common wife but a representation of divine majesty and wealth. She is the portrait of Srī (material Prakriti) as the Material Prakriti Shri, standing for Krishna's majesty and wealth.
Satyabhama, the Earthly Goddess Lakshmi
Satyabhama, the third wife of Krishna, is the daughter of the Yadava king, making her a princess. She is often considered the incarnation of the earth goddess Bhudevi and is known as Lakshmi in the spiritual significance. She is the avatar of Bhu Devi or Bhudevi, representing the kingdom and realm of the Lord. In the narrative, Satyabhama is often associated with the qualities of devotion and spiritual dedication.
Jambavati: Victory
Jambavati, another wife of Krishna, is believed to be the manifestation of Niladevi, a form of Lakshmi. She represents the victory of transcending one's physical and spiritual limitations. Jambavati is the avatar of Vijaya, which means conqueror. She is the one who was won by defeating her father, signifying her strong character and the victory gained through her devotion to Krishna.
Kalindi: The River Yamuna
Kalindi, a revered river goddess, is worshipped independently and is known for her spiritual significance. The river Yamuna is often depicted as the consort of Lord Krishna, symbolizing the purity and divinity that follows him. Kalindi, as a river goddess, stands as a metaphorical representation of the divine water that washes away all sins and brings spiritual enlightenment.
The Larger Hierarchy of Wives
Besides the Ashtabharya, Krishna is said to have around 16000 or 16108 ceremonial wives, symbolizing the vastness and complexity of his sovereignty. These wives are hierarchically categorized into three groups, representing different aspects of the divine and earthly realms. The first group includes Rukmini, Satyabhama, and Jambavati, signifying their role in material and spiritual enrichment. The second group comprises the queens of different regions, symbolizing the cosmic ruling and administrating powers. The third group includes Mitravinda and Bhadra, representing the inner and outer circle of Krishna's clan, the Satvata.
The Divine Story of 16108 Wives
The Bhagavata Purana also describes the life of these wives after their marriage. Each wife was given a palace with hundreds of maid-servants. Krishna is said to have divided himself into several forms, one for each wife, spending the night with each of them. In the morning, all these forms of Krishna unite into one, returning to his royal duties as the king of Dvaraka.
An interesting story in the Bhagavata Purana describes how Narada, Vishnu's devoted sage, visited Dvaraka to verify the truth about Krishna's ability to manage 16108 wives. Narada witnessed Krishna living in a household environment filled with domesticity, laughter, and care for family and duties. This experience convinced Narada of Krishna's divine divinity, affirming his status as a supreme being.
The Significance and Belief
The story of Krishna's multiple wives is not just a tale but a profound spiritual and mythological narrative. It symbolizes the divine aspect of a supreme being, capable of embodying and uniting with numerous souls in a manifestation of his all-encompassing love and devotion. This belief enriches the spiritual experiences of devotees and adds depth to the worship of Lord Krishna.