Why Lord Krishna Is Rarely Seen With Mata Rukmini In Temples

Krishna Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth manifestation of the deity Vishnu will be celebrated on August 26, Monday. Lord Krishna’s name is often intertwined with Radharani- the Hindu goddess of Vrindavan. It is also believed that by chanting Radharani’s name, a devotee can attain Lord Krishna’s blessings. Even though Lord Krishna was married to Mata Rukmini, in most temples, the devotees will see the idols of Lord Krishna and Radharani. People might have rarely seen such temples showing Mata Rukmini and Shri Krishna together. Many want to know why Lord Krishna is seen less with Mata Rukmini and more with Radharani. Bhopal astrologer Pandit Yogesh Chaure has talked more about this in a conversation with News 18.

1. As per the scholars, almost all the poets of the Bhakti period described the incident of Radha-Krishna in an exaggerated form. The beginning of devotion to Radhe Krishna is considered to have originated from the Vallabh sect or the Vallabhacharya sect. It also includes the Radhavallabh sect, Nimbarka sect, etc. In this case, it is believed that devotion to Radhe Krishna must have commenced in the medieval period.

2. Apart from this, in the works of the Vaishnav Bhakti sect, Radharani has been given major importance to Lord Krishna. Due to this reason, the devotees were mostly aware of Radhaji’s association with Lord Krishna. This awareness could also be a reason for the increase in the number of Goddess Radha-Lord Krishna temples in comparison to temples where Lord Krishna is with his Queen Mata Rukmini.

3. As per the Puranas, Lord Krishna is considered adept in 64 arts and a perfect incarnation. At the same time, Radhaji’s name is taken more prominently in Nandlal Kanhaiya’s Rasleela. Due to this reason, the former’s name remains prominent even in the literature related to Shri Krishna. These are considered some of the reasons why Lord Krishna and Radha ji’s idols are present together in temples.

Importance

Janmashtami holds a lot of importance for Hindus as it is one of their significant festivals and is celebrated at midnight. Lord Krishna’s believers see him as a symbol of divinity, love and righteousness.