"Rukmini was the daughter of Bhīshmaka, the Vidarbha king. Having heard unstinting praises of Krishna, then ruling over Dvaraka, from several visiting sages and others, Rukmini had decided that she would marry Krishna only. As her elder brother was not favourably disposed towards Krishna, she was betrothed to Shushupala, the Chedi king and the date of the marriage was also close at hand. Rukmini got perturbed and sent a message to Krishna through a dependable Brahmana, requesting him to come and take her away by force. Rukmini's Message (abridged version): "O Lord of unparalleled beauty in all the three worlds! From the time I first heard of Your excellence, I had fallen for You and Your glories, entering through my ears, have been cooling down my body which was yearning for You. The only benefit in having eyes is to be able to see Your form. I am yours and please do not allow Shishupala or to hers to claim me. May all the vows observed and the worship done to the Lord, the Guru and others resulting in granting this desire of mine. Before I am married to Shishupala tomorrow, please come incognito along with Your army chiefs and carry me away by force. You are the one the dust of whose holy feet is desired by even Lord Shiva for destroying his Tamoguna. Now that I have known about you, if I do not get your Grace in this birth, I shall die pining for You with my body starved by rigorous discipline birth after birth till You relent and accept me."