- By Kashish Rai
- Wed, 04 Dec 2024 04:49 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The notion that Lord Krishna had 16,108 wives often sparks curiosity among those unfamiliar with the underlying story. However, delving deeper into the Bhagavata Purana, also known as the Srimad Bhagavatam, reveals the true essence of Lord Krishna's life and relationships. To grasp the significance of Lord Krishna's story, it's essential to understand his character and philosophy.
The Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam provide valuable insights into his life and teachings. Readers are advised to approach these texts systematically, starting with an understanding of Lord Krishna's character, rather than jumping directly into his stories. This will help avoid misconceptions and foster a deeper appreciation for his life and legacy.
Let us uncover, why Lord Krishna has 16108 wives as per Hindu Shastras below:
Lord Krishna, a revered Hindu deity, embodied divine love, wisdom, and courage, inspiring devotion in millions worldwide. (Image Source: Freepik)
Why Lord Krishna Has 16108 Wives?
Lord Krishna, the chief of the Yadavas clan in Dwarka, had eight principal wives: Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Nagnajiti, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Bhadra, and Lakshmana. This practice of polygamy was common during those times. However, Lord Krishna's life took a significant turn when he encountered the powerful asura king, Naraka.
Naraka, the son of Bhudevi and Varaha, had become extremely powerful by the boon granted to his mother by Lord Vishnu. He had captured all the kingdoms on earth, including Swarga loka, and even Lord Indra had to flee. Naraka had also captured 16,100 women after defeating their respective kings. Goddess Aditi approached Satyabhama for help, and Satyabhama, enraged by Naraka's behaviour, sought Lord Krishna's permission to wage war against him.
Lord Krishna, accompanied by Satyabhama, attacked Pragjyotishpur, riding his mount Garuda. During the battle, Krishna killed Mura, Naraka's general, earning him the title 'Murari'. Naraka was eventually killed by Satyabhama, an avatar of Bhudevi. After defeating Naraka, Lord Krishna released the 16,100 women, who were captivated by his divine beauty and sought to either marry him or commit suicide.
To restore their honour and raise their status in society, Lord Krishna married the 16,100 women, making them his queens. This noble act added to his total number of wives, making it 16,108. Lord Krishna's actions demonstrated his compassion and commitment to protecting and empowering women.