The curse of Durvasa separated Krishna from his wife

Kabyashree

The curse of Durvasa separated Krishna from his wife

Rukmini was the beloved wife of Lord Krishna. She eloped from her father's abode just to marry the man she was in love with. But destiny had other plans for her. She was cursed by Durvasa. She had to stay away from her husband for all her life. This was not bearable. But why did Durvasa curse her?

Krishna considered Rukmini to be the most beloved of his wives. Image Source: New Indian Express.

After marrying Rukmini, Krishna and his wife decided to pay a visit to the house of the powerful sage Durvasa. The Sage was pleased to see the God visiting him.

He enquired about Krishna's life- political, financial, and personal. Krishna calmly answered the divine sage all his questions.

Durvasa was pleased to know about the immense wealth Krishna possessed. Also, the large family Krishna has built with sixteen thousand and eight queens and the offspring made Durvasa wonder about the concept of eternity.

He asked Krishna, "How may I help you?"

Krishna smiled and replied that the main reason for his visit to the house of the great Sage was that he would like to invite the great Sage into his kingdom. Krishna wanted to serve the sage who was feared by many (even the Gods).

Saying this, Krishna went to the Sage. He kindly took Durvasa back to his house. He still showered his respect in front of the great Brahman. He washed the Sage's feet and touched the water with his head. He also offered the Sage with water from his own hands, gifted the sage with cows, and offered panchamrit to the sage. This was a mixture of five ingredients- milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar. By doing so, Krishna showed his respect towards the great Sage.

The sage was pleased with Krishna and blessed him. But he could not reverse his curse. Rukmini had to separate from Krishna. This whole story had been narrated by Prahlada and Udhava in the Skanda Purana. Durvasa, here, can be seen as the raging rishi who is needed to be scared of because even the Gods were incapable of pleasing him. Also, he can be seen as a giver. He blessed Krishna for his humble attitude and generous kindness towards a Brahmin.

Krishna wanted to wash Sage Durvasa's feet and sanctify himself by touching the water with his head which would clean the great Sage's feet.

Durvasa was pleased. He got ready to join Rukmini and Krishna in their kingdom. But he warned Krishna that all his conditions should be met. Krishna readily agreed.

Both Krishna and Rukmini got into their chariot along with the Sage. He was ready to leave for Dwarka. The sage stopped. He wanted Krishna to leave behind their horses and that Krishna should be the yoke to his chariot.

Krishna agreed to it. He and his wife got down from the chariot and started pulling the chariot. Durvasa was sitting casually witnessing the great Krishna and his wife perform such a turbulent task only to please the Sage.

The Gods noticing the act too were pleased. They applauded at the sight where not only Krishna, but also his wife was pulling the chariot. They started throwing flowers towards the couple from heaven.

After a point of time, Rukmini got tired. She was thirsty. She started complaining to her husband about the wicked sage they were catering to and wanted to take some rest. Krishna used his toe to dig a hole in the ground. And there emerged water from the Ganges.

Rukmini drank the water and quenched her thirst.

Durvasa noticed this. He was furious. He yelled at the couple for not seeking his permission before drinking water. He needed to be served first. He cursed Rukmini. Because she drank water without the Sage's permission she will always be occupied with the habit of drinking. Also, since she did not leave the yoke of the chariot while drinking, she shall be separated from Krishna.

After cursing the goddess, Durvasa got off the chariot and sat down on the ground. Panic-stricken Rukmini began crying. How was it possible for her to be away from the love of her life? She could not bear this.

Krishna calmed her. He said that he will visit Rukmini twice a day. Any worshipper with a love for Krishna in his heart will be able to see the couple together. For those who cannot see them together, the fruit of their visit will be halved.