Rukhmini Udana: The Flight to Sri Krishna Reunion

ABOUT THE BOOK Sri Krishna is worshipped by the majority of the common Hindu population His life was full of hardships since birth, which is also similar to that of the common Indian. Children grow up listening to stories about his childhood that find themselves nearly into all households Kanha, as he is called then, becomes a popular figure. Besides Krishna's childhood stories, the Bhagwad Gila narrated by him plays a very important role in guiding the life of the masses. Moreover, his role in the Mahabharata is inspiring and often quoted to set examples of righteousness and the victory of truth over evil and injustice.

But we hardly find any substantial text about Shri Rukhmini Mata who was the heart and soul of Lord Sri Krishna. Not many people know the story of his journey from his capital Dwarika to take her away from the land of Vidarbha at the very last moment when her dear elder brother had been cheated into promising her hand to someone else, but she finds her rightful place into the arms of her heart and soul, Lord Sri Krishna.

The book is an attempt to present, in a very interesting manner, the character of Shri Rukhmini Mata and her life with the Lord. The event took place thousands of years ago and no one can vouch for the small facts. The folklore has been blended with imagination to create a splendid novel using mythology which has faith as its base. The complete life of Shri Rukhmini Mata and its different stages become the chapters of the book.

Due care has been taken not to imitate anyone, and any resemblance to any work will be coincidental, not intentional. The book is the work of imagination and faith based upon mythology and does not intend to hurt the feelings of any religion, community or race.

Jai Sri Krishna! Jai Shri Rukhmini Mata

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Hemant Bonde Patil, Ph.D. Management Science, MA International Relations, has been teaching varied subjects in the area of business at many reputed institutions over the past many years He has travelled extensively across the indian continent, not only to the main roads and cities, but also to the core depth of the interior of the country's rural parts observing the life of people. He has taken to writing during the last few years, and this is his first book. His writing reflects the experiences he has had in his life.

PREFACE Namaskar! It is every writer's dream that his or her writings get published and reach the readers. Moreover, it is equally important that the publisher who publishes those writings should not only have that kind of profile, but also the right foundation based upon righteous values. And here the book is in your hands, and the pleasure I get is so immense that it cannot be expressed in words. But then what else does a writer have to express his feelings about his writings which may seem just a few pages though he has put his heart into them? This being my first book that gets published surely does mean a lot to me. Not just because it may create a space for a new writer like me with other books to follow, but also because I had to urge myself to keep going and creating it. Being an avid reader myself, I have particularly taken into consideration the needs of the readers of today. I have tried to keep it short, simple, precise and to-the-point, without eliminating any important aspect of the text. Secondly, though the topic may seem to have its source to a particular religion, I have followed a universal approach in my expression.

I have tried my level best not to put anything that does not meet the expected standards. But then my purpose in writing this book is simply to ignite thoughts that instil and nurture righteousness that then take each life higher towards the light of truth. Moreover, as the topic of the book is related to my homeland of Vidarbha, I felt it my duty to begin with it.

Many books are available about one of the most popular of Hindu gods, Sri Krishna, nearly in every language across the world. His complete life as an avataar speaks about hardships since birth and directly relates to the common Indian population most of which lives in the rural areas of this lovely country. Moreover, the generation of Bhagwad Gita through his narration which guides numerous souls is well accepted all over. Children grow up knowing about him and his life in Gokul. There are so many instances in his life that set an example to be used in daily lives by all. But then rarely do we find even a few lines about Shree Mata Rukhmini who happens to be the heart and soul of the Lord himself. This was the first reason to create something that can fill that blank space.

History stands to support lots of things in the past which we carry on to the future generations. But when the matter at hand is about very ancient times, it limits that. We cannot claim the facts purely based upon historical happenings and archeological findings. That is why we turn to mythology that has faith as its base and the purpose to nurture well being and righteousness. The glorious past and the teachings thereof help us all to lead a life that is worth the greatest gift to all of us, which is life itself and being alive. But being alive doesn't mean just living, but living with a purpose. Deriving a purpose can be the most important objective of being born and staying alive. I have tried my best to utilize references from the folklore but they cannot be vouched for.

I was supported in writing this book by my very dear wife who happened to pass away just at forty due to pulmonary embolism, leading to a severe heart failure while the book was in press, leaving behind me and my small kids in deep grief. In a few hours she lost her life and I lost everything I live for. Her undying support to righteous means in every aspect of life and the sacrifices to be made to sustain them has left behind a legacy that would remain timeless in many forms. I dedicate this book to her memory and put forth a heartfelt request to kindly pray for peace to her noble soul.

**Contents and Sample Pages**