Krishna Kidnaps and Elopes With Rukmini : Episode 50

Recap of Previous Episode : Drona accepts Dhrishtadyumna as his disciple despite Kripi and Ashwatthama’s anger, declaring that a Guru must teach without discrimination. Kunti and the Pandavas bid farewell to the Brahmana family of Ekachakrapura. A man from Varanavata reveals that his family vanished during the palace fire, pushing Duryodhana and Shakuni into a secret investigation. Meanwhile in Vidarbha, Shishupala is hosted as Rukmini’s prospective groom, but Rukmini is repulsed — especially when the self-styled “real Vasudeva,” Paundraka, appears.
The Fallen Spy of Ekachakrapura The people of Ekachakrapura discover a man lying dead on the main street — his body bearing multiple injuries. This was the very man who had identified the residents of Brahmin Upaya’s house as the Pandavas who were supposed to have died in the Varanavata fire. The Pandavas continue their journey through the forest. Kunti feels tired and wants to rest, but Sahadeva observes flocks of birds flying north. He explains that this means there must be water bodies in the south attracting wild animals, making the place unsafe. The Pandavas resume walking. Rukmini Sends Her Message Rukmini writes a heartfelt letter to Krishna and entrusts it to a priest. Krishna hears Rukmini’s voice in a dream — a divine reminder of her being Lakshmi’s incarnation. At that moment Balarama announces the arrival of a priest with a special message. Krishna reads Rukmini’s letter and immediately leaves for Kundinapura. Dushshasana’s Inquiry at Varanavata Dushshasana arrives in Varanavata with Vanjikodi’s husband and angrily questions the villagers for giving false information about the Pandavas’ death. The villagers recount how Vanjikodi and her five sons left the palace the day before the fire because Kunti had asked them to vacate. Dushshasana suspects they may have re-entered through a back entrance, but the village chief shows him the ornaments recovered from the charred remains. Nilava recognizes the ornaments of Kunti and Yudhishtra. Convinced, Dushshasana concludes that Kunti and her sons truly died in the fire. Draupadi’s Dream and Drupada’s Anxiety Draupadi dreams of being garlanded by a Brahmin in a marriage hall full of kings. Disturbed, she rushes to her parents and narrates the dream. Drupada consults astrologers who affirm that a dream seen during Brahma-muhurta is destined to come true. But this troubles Drupada — her destiny was tied to marrying Arjuna. How could both be true? A learned Guru arrives and reassures them. He explains that Arjuna may be alive and hidden, just as Indra once hid inside a lotus stem when all believed him lost. Destiny is fixed at birth, including marriage. He advises Drupada to go ahead with a swayamvara in the month of Thai under the Rohini star, inviting all kings and designing a contest that only Arjuna could win. Drupada is finally relieved. Krishna Arrives for Rukmini Rukmini visits the temple with the queen, unable to contain her anxiety. After the worship, she looks everywhere for Krishna, but he is nowhere in sight. Just as she steps into her chariot, thunder rolls and Krishna descends in an aerial chariot. He lifts Rukmini inside and the chariot soars into the sky. The guards rush to inform King Bhishmaka, who is with Jarasandha, Shishupala, Rukmi and Paundraka. Jarasandha, Shishupala and Rukmi mount their aerial chariots to pursue Krishna. Balarama joins the fight and faces the trio with great prowess. During the battle, Shishupala admits he does not want to marry Rukmini against her will. Hearing this, Jarasandha agrees, and both withdraw.