Krishna, the central figure of Hindu mythology and one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, is believed to have had multiple wives. The exact number of his wives varies across different accounts and scriptures, but according to various traditions, Krishna had eight principal wives, known as the Ashtabharya. These wives played significant roles in his life and were considered to be manifestations of the goddess Lakshmi, the divine consort of Vishnu.
The Ashtabharya consisted of Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Nagnajiti, Bhadra, and Lakshmana. Each wife had her own distinct qualities and attributes, and their stories contribute to the rich tapestry of Krishna’s life.
Rukmini, the chief queen of Krishna, is considered his primary consort and the epitome of devotion. Her story is widely known and celebrated. She was the daughter of King Bhishmaka of Vidarbha, and despite being betrothed to another prince, Rukmini fell deeply in love with Krishna. On the day of her wedding, Krishna eloped with Rukmini and married her, thereby winning her hand in marriage.
Satyabhama, known for her beauty and fierce nature, was another prominent wife of Krishna. She was the daughter of King Satrajit and deeply loved Krishna. Satyabhama’s love and devotion were tested in various episodes, showcasing her unwavering loyalty towards her husband.
Jambavati was the daughter of the bear-like king Jambavan, who played a significant role in the story of the retrieval of the Syamantaka jewel. Jambavati’s marriage to Krishna brought about the reconciliation between Krishna and Jambavan, marking the restoration of peace and friendship.
Kalindi, the daughter of the Sun god Surya, is considered the personification of the river Yamuna. Krishna married Kalindi, bringing her into his divine family and establishing a deep connection with the sacred river.
Mitravinda, the princess of the kingdom of Avanti, chose Krishna as her husband in a self-choice ceremony called “Swayamvara.” Her union with Krishna was marked by both her devotion and her strong-willed nature.
Nagnajiti, the princess of Kosala, was a brave and courageous woman who was abducted by a demon named Narakasura. Krishna rescued her and subsequently married her, bringing her into his divine family.
Bhadra, the daughter of King Bhadrasena, was a gentle and compassionate wife of Krishna. Although her story is not as widely known as the others, she holds a significant place in the narrative of Krishna’s life.
Lakshmana, not to be confused with Sita’s sister in the epic Ramayana, was another wife of Krishna. She was the daughter of King Duryodhana, a key character in the Mahabharata epic. Lakshmana’s marriage to Krishna was seen as a means to align the warring factions of the Yadava and Kaurava dynasties.
It is important to note that while Krishna had these eight principal wives, he is also believed to have had 16,000 or more wives as mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana. This narrative symbolizes Krishna’s divine and all-encompassing love, representing his ability to establish a personal connection with each individual soul.
Final Conclusion on How Many Wives Did Krishna Have
In conclusion, Krishna, the beloved deity of Hindu mythology, had multiple wives. The exact number varies across different accounts, but the Ashtabharya, consisting of Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Nagnajiti, Bhadra, and Lakshmana, are
