Lord Krishna is one of the most endearing deities of Indian mythology and is considered to be one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. Goddess Lakshmi, the divine consort of Lord Vishnu, was born upon earth as his companion across his many incarnations. In this tale she appears as Rukmini, the beautiful and virtuous princess of Vidarbha.

Krishna is often known as the ‘great lover’ in Indian mythology. Yet information of the women he had wooed, won and wed are surprisingly limited and is confined to his conquest of Rukmini.

This story encapsulates Krishna’s romantic marriage with Rukmini, who gives her heart to Krishna when she hears of his great deeds. Krishna’s whisking away of Rukmini under the very noses of his enemies is one of the most exciting parts of the tale.

Rumini is a perfect foil to Krishna in this idyllic tale. It is she who, though coy, makes the first move by confidently revealing her heart to her lover. She plans the details of their escape while demonstrating the high status of women in ancient India.