Lord Krishna is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu deities worldwide. Stories of his mischievous deeds, divine rasleelas, eternal love for Radha, and his role in the Mahabharata are revered even today among his devotees.
However, one thing that often strikes the curiosity about Krishna’s life and antics is the number of wives that Lord Krishna had. If you also had a thought around it any day then this blog is for you; so, keep reading.
How Many Wives Did Krishna Have?
As per Vishnu Purana and Harivamsha Purana, Lord Krishna had a total of 16,108 wives.
Now, don’t be surprised by the number, and wait till you hear the story behind it.
There was a demon named Narakasura who had captured 16,100 princesses and kept them as captives. These girls were held in dire conditions and were treated poorly. When Krishna defeated Narakasura, he freed all these girls.
However, the princesses now feared societal rejection and dishonor. They were terrified that no one else would accept them and were prepared to end their lives. Seeing the intensity of the situation and bound by his sense of duty, Krishna married all 16,100 girls so they could all live with the dignity and status they needed to live a respectable life.
Another theory connects Lord Krishna's wives to music.
Lord Krishna is said to be an exceptional flutist, and his music was everywhere he went.
Hence, his 16,108 wives are compared to the 16,108 ragas, or musical modes, in Indian classical music.
Hence, according to this analogy, Krishna is the Raga, and his wives are the female ragas, or Raginis, representing different passions and affections.
It is believed that each Ragini chose a Raga and modulated her music to win Krishna's heart. As the embodiment of music, Krishna appreciated and enjoyed each of these 16,000+ variations.
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Ashtabharya: The Eight Principal Wives of Shri Krishna
Although Shri Krishna had 16,108 wives, there were eight principal wives, known as (Ashtabharya) who played a significant role in his life. Here’s more about each one of them:1. Rukmini: Rukmini was the chief queen who was deeply in love with Krishna, but her brother, Rukmi, had arranged her marriage to another prince named Shishupala. However, Rukmini didn’t want to marry him. Hence, one day, overwhelmed by the ongoing situation, she sent a heartfelt message to Krishna, asking him to rescue her. Krishna responded heroically, defeating Rukmi and his allies to take Rukmini away. Their story is a beautiful tale of love, bravery, and devotion.
2. Satyabhama: Satyabhama was an incarnation of Bhudevi, the earth goddess. Through intense meditation and devotion, Satyabhama sought to become Krishna’s wife. Her devotion impressed Lord Vishnu, who promised her that he would marry her in his next incarnation, which was as Krishna.
3. Jambavati: Jambavati was the daughter of Jambavan, the bear-king who was a devoted follower of Lord Rama. During a divine encounter with Lord Krishna, Jambavan realized Krishna’s divine nature and offered his daughter in marriage.
4. Kalindi: Kalindi, also known as Yamuna or Yami, was the daughter of the Sun god. She performed deep penance to fulfill his wish to marry Lord Vishnu. Her sincere devotion and longing led Krishna to fulfill her wish, showcasing his respect for true devotion and loyalty.
5. Mitravinda: Mitravinda was the daughter of King Jayasena and Rajadhidevi (the sister of Vasudeva, the father of Krishna) of the Avanti kingdom. She was thus the cousin of Lord Krishna and her marriage to Krishna was part of maintaining family ties and fulfilling familial obligations.
6. Nagnajiti: Nagnajiti was the daughter of King Nagnajita of Kosala. To win her hand in marriage, Krishna had to perform a challenging task which was to tame seven wild bulls by tying a noose around each one of them. By successfully completing this task, Krishna proved his valor and won Nagnajiti’s hand, proving his heroic qualities.
7. Bhadra: Bhadra, the daughter of King Bhadrasen was known as the god of the hunt. She was one of Shiva’s Gana and Krishna’s eighth queen.
8. Lakshana: According to Bhagavata Purana, Lakshana was known for her virtues and was the daughter of an unnamed ruler of the kingdom of Madra.
Understanding the Concept of Polygamy in Vedic Culture
In Vedic culture, polygamy was permitted but only under specific conditions. The key was that all wives were to be treated equally and with respect.
Krishna’s multiple marriages were not about satisfying personal desires but about fulfilling his roles as a divine figure and maintaining societal and familial duties. He lived according to the principles and rituals outlined in the scriptures, setting an example of righteousness and compassion.
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Meanwhile, another story that’s often misunderstood is Krishna’s Raasleela.
The Bhagavad Gita mentions that Krishna left Vrindavan at a young age, and the stories of Raasleela are from his early years. These tales usually depict his playful deeds and encounters with the gopis (female devotees) in Vrindavan.
Therefore, instead of seeing these stories as inappropriate, it’s more wise to view them as expressions of a young boy’s innocence and joy.
Takeaway
The stories of Krishna’s marriages are often simplified or misunderstood, leading to misconceptions. But instead of mocking or misrepresenting these stories, it’s more important to explore their deeper meanings and contexts. Krishna’s life and actions offer valuable lessons in duty, honor, and compassion.
So, the next time, approach these stories with a sense of curiosity and respect.
Also Read - 5 Reasons Why Krishna Chose Not to Marry Radha
