Rukmini, an incarnation of Laxmi, was born to king Bhismaka of the Vidharbha kingdom.

She was very enchanting even as a little child and grew up to be a very beautiful maiden. Many prince coveted her hand in marriage. She was charmed by the stories she heard about Krishna and fell in love with him at a tender age. As she grew and legends of Krishna's heroic acts reached her ears her love for the handsome prince only became stronger. She pined to meet him once.

Unfortunately, Rukmini's elder brother Rukmi was a dear friend of Kansa. Hearing of Kansa's death at the hands of Krishna, Rukmini grew furious. He knew about Rukmini's love for Krishna and influenced Bhismaka into believing that it would be wrong if his daughter were married to the killer of Kansa. Bhismaka believed him, and arranged for Rukmini's marriage to Shishupala, the king of chedi and a dear friend of Rukmi.