It is so common among Hindus to laugh off and crack jokes about the number of wives Sri Krishna had. Do you the real story behind it? It is so pitying that we have never tried to dig deep into the authentic Bhagavata Purana and know the real story of Shri Krishna’s life. We have often propagated a malicious narrative by socialists which is completely wrong and misleading.
Yes, Sri Krishna had 16, 108 wives as per Srimad Bhagavatam. You may find negative comments where Krishna is shown as a playboy by giving a false explanation of his 16,108 wives. So, let us explore the actual story here.
Sri Krishna had 8 principal wives known as Ashta-Bharyas:
They were: Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Nagnajiti, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Bhadra, and Lakshmana.
1. Rukmini: Rukmini, the chief queen, was in love with Krishna. Rukmini’s brother Rukmi fixed her marriage with his friend Shishupala. Rukmini sends a message to Krishna to rescue her. Krishna abducts Rukmini while her marriage preparations are going on. Krishna’s army commanded by his brother Balarama defeated Rukmi and the other kings, who follow Krishna and Rukmini.
2. Satyabhama: Satyabhama, the second wife, is considered the aspect of the earth goddess Bhudevi and Vishnu’s second wife. Through severe meditation and penance, Satyabhama sought shelter in Lord Vishnu's abode i.e Vekuntha. Impressed by her extreme devotion, love, and care, Lord Vishnu granted her the boon of becoming his wife in his next incarnation.
3. Jambavati: Father of Jambavati, Jambavan - the devotee of Rama surrenders to Krishna and gifts his daughter to Krishna.
4. Kalindi: She was the well-keeper of River Yamuna & daughter of the Deity Sun. She went into a deep trance to fulfill her desire of marrying Lord Vishnu. Krishna fulfilled her desire to see her true devotion.
5. Mitravinda: Mitravinda is described as the daughter of King Jayasena of the kingdom of Avanti, by his wife Rajadhidevi, the sister of Krishna’s father Vasudeva. She is thus a first cousin of Krishna, the daughter of his father’s sister.
6. Nagnajiti: She was the daughter of King Nagnajita, of Kosala. Krishna competed in the swayamvara arranged by her father, and as per set rules he brought under control seven ferocious bulls by putting a noose around each of them and thus won Nagnajiti as his wife.
7. Bhadra: Bhadra is a god of the hunt and one of Shiva’s Gana. The eighth queen of Lord Krishna was Bhadra, the daughter of King Bhadrasen. It is also an epithet of Mount Meru.
8. Lakshana: The Bhagavata Purana mentions Lakshana, who is endowed with good qualities, as the daughter of an unnamed ruler of the kingdom of Madra.
Krishna’s Story of 16108 Wives:
There was a demon by the name of Narakasura. He had captured 16,100 beautiful unmarried girls in this area and kept them as sex slaves. When Shri Krishna killed Narakasura, he freed these 16100 sex slaves of Narakasura. After freeing them, all the girls requested Shri Krishna to marry them as society would never accept them.
So they pleaded with Lord Krishna to accept them because nobody else is going to marry them and if he doesn’t accept them, then they will commit suicide. Being trapped in dharma, Shri Krishna accepted all women as his wives so that they live an honorable life and nobody dares to mock them. To restore their honor and give them the status of the queen, Shri Krishna married them. That is how he came to have 16,108 wives.
All princesses of Lord Krishna were extremely beautiful and were attracted to Krishna’s beauty. Still, the Lord was not aroused by sexual appeal and thereby fulfilled his virtue perfectly by not indulging in any illegitimate relationship with any of these princesses.
Another story about Shri Krishna that most ignorant people mock is the story of Shri Krishna’s Raasleela. The Bhagwat Geeta states that Shri Krishna left for Mathura at the age of 10, and never returned to Vrindavan again. The stories of Rasleela is all from Vrindavan, which means that the age of Krishna was 8-9 years. What he did at that age should be labeled as “mischief” by a young boy rather than “eve-teasing”.
Polygamy in Vedic Culture:
Polygamy was allowed with the condition that all wives should be treated equally. Lord Krishna can be considered a teacher who, in spite of having no need of a wife went on to expand into many forms just to fulfill his wives’ desires and take care of them. He lived his life like an ideal householder, observing all the regulative rules, principles, and rituals as laid down in the Vedic scriptures within the laws and customs of civilized society.
Instead, if you look at the story, it was Shri Krishna who rescued Draupadi when she was humiliated. Even five Pandavas, Bhishma, and Dronacharya remained silent. And in fact, only Shri Krishna was able to save the honor. But, in this Kaliyuga, if anyone is able to satisfy his single spouse, he/she is considered extraordinary.
What all we are trying to convey through this article is that it is important to learn, unlearn, relearn the Shastras before mocking anything said on the knowledge of anything related to Hindu dharma.
The symbolism of Shri Krishna's 16,108 Wives
The number 16,108 in Krishna’s narrative, though seemingly overwhelming, possesses profound significance. As per the Mahabharata, Krishna’s rescue of 16,100 captive princesses from Narakasura prompted their gratitude, leading them to express a collective desire to marry him. In an unconventional move, Krishna accepted all of them as his wives.
This numerical choice carries spiritual symbolism. Within Hindu cosmology, 16,108 represents perfection and completeness. Specifically, the figure 16,000 signifies the sixteen arts (shodasha kala) associated with a cultured woman, while the additional 108 encompasses spiritual completeness. Furthermore, the digit eight holds connotations of wealth, prosperity, and fertility. Thus, Krishna’s marriages serve as a symbolic representation of divine union, encapsulating ideals of perfection, beauty, and abundance. The numerical precision is not accidental; rather, it intricately weaves spiritual and cultural symbolism into the fabric of Krishna’s celestial narrative, illustrating a profound connection between the divine and the manifold aspects of human experience.
The Divine Leelas and Cosmic Play
Krishna, as an avatar of Lord Vishnu, is regarded as a divine being whose actions transcend human norms. His marriages are not mundane unions but are considered divine leelas, cosmic plays that convey profound spiritual messages. The relationships with his 16,108 wives symbolise the various ways in which a devotee can connect with the divine.
Each wife, whether it be the devoted Rukmini, the playful Satyabhama, or others, represents a different fact of devotion. These relationships showcase the diversity of spiritual paths and the myriad ways individuals can approach and connect with the divine. The narrative emphasises that the Supreme Being accommodates all forms of sincere devotion, irrespective of its nature.
The Allegorical Interpretations behind Shri Krishna 16108 wives
The Mahabharata, like many ancient Hindu scriptures, often employs allegorical storytelling to convey philosophical truths. Shri Krishna 16108 wives can be interpreted as symbolising the myriad aspects of human consciousness. In this allegory, the soul, represented by Krishna, seeks union with all facets of creation, symbolised by the countless wives. It underscores the idea that the divine is present in every being, and the ultimate goal is to recognize this universal connection.
This allegorical interpretation aligns with the broader Hindu philosophy of oneness and the interconnectedness of all life. The diverse wives represent the manifold expressions of the divine in creation, and Krishna’s acceptance of them all symbolizes the all-encompassing nature of the Supreme Being.
What are the Lessons in Compassion and Redemption?
The episode of Krishna rescuing the captive princesses from Narakasura is pivotal in understanding the compassionate nature of Lord Krishna. Beyond the numerical magnitude, this act underscores Krishna’s commitment to justice and righteousness. By marrying the rescued women, Krishna not only restored their dignity but also provided societal acceptance, challenging prevailing norms.
This narrative serves as a powerful metaphor for redemption and the transformative power of divine intervention. It emphasises the belief that the divine is always ready to embrace those who seek refuge and liberation. Krishna’s actions go beyond societal expectations, highlighting the universal principle of compassion and the divine’s willingness to uplift and redeem all sincere souls.
The spiritual teachings and diversity of devotion-
The diversity of Krishna’s relationships with his wives reflects the nature of devotion. Rukmini embodies unwavering love, Satyabhama represents playful interaction, and others showcase different dimensions of devotion and surrender. This diversity teaches that the path to the divine is not uniform but accommodates various expressions of sincere love and dedication.
Krishna’s teachings, as expounded in the Bhagavad Gita, emphasise the universality of spiritual paths. The acceptance of 16,108 wives aligns with these teachings, reinforcing the idea that the Supreme Being welcomes all forms of sincere devotion, irrespective of the external expressions or paths chosen by devotees.
What is the conventional morality if Lord Krishna has 16108 wives?
The polygamous nature of Krishna’s marriages challenges conventional societal norms, raising questions about the appropriateness of such divine conduct. However, it’s essential to view Krishna’s actions within the context of his divine identity. As the Supreme Being, Krishna is not bound by societal norms or human limitations. His actions are laden with cosmic significance, transcending the boundaries of mundane morality.
This transcendence is a recurring theme in Hindu mythology, where the divine often operates outside the constraints of human understanding. Krishna’s marriages, viewed from this perspective, become a powerful tool for expanding the understanding of the divine and breaking free from rigid moral frameworks.
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Conclusion
Shri Krishna 16108 wives, while initially bewildering, unveil a rich tapestry of symbolism, spirituality, and mythology. The historical context of ancient India, the symbolic significance of the number 16,108, the cosmic play of divine leelas, allegorical interpretations, lessons in compassion and redemption, and the diversity of devotion all contribute to a nuanced understanding of this aspect of Krishna’s life.
The marriages of Lord Krishna transcend the boundaries of conventional morality and societal norms, inviting devotees to contemplate the spiritual meaning embedded in these ancient narratives. It serves as a reminder that the divine is not confined to human understanding and operates on a cosmic scale, encompassing all sincere expressions of love and devotion. Lord Krishna’s 16,108 wives, therefore, stand as a beacon guiding seekers on the different and universal paths to spiritual realisation.
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