Did Lord Krishna Have 108 Wives? The Reason Behind Marrying So Many Women

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Did Lord Krishna Have 108 Wives? The Reason Behind Marrying So Many Women

Did Lord Krishna Have 108 Wives? The Reason Behind Marrying So Many Women
Did Lord Krishna Have 108 Wives? The Reason Behind Marrying So Many Women


Lord Krishna, a central figure in Hindu mythology, is widely known for his wisdom, compassion, and his role in the Mahabharata. One of the often-asked questions about his life is whether he had 108 wives and, if so, why he married so many women.

Did Krishna really have 108 wives?

Yes, Lord Krishna is said to have had a total of 16,108 wives. Out of these, 8 were his chief or principal queens, and the remaining 16,100 were women he rescued from the clutches of a demon named Narakasura. Although people sometimes mention the number 108, it’s important to know that this is not an exact figure tied to the number of Krishna’s wives.

Who were the 8 principal wives?

Krishna’s 8 chief queens were known as Ashtabharyas, The most well-known among them were:

1. Rukmini – She was Krishna’s first wife and considered his chief queen.

2. Satyabhama – Known for her strong will and devotion to Krishna.

3. Jambavati – The daughter of a bear-king named Jambavan.

4. Kalindi – The daughter of the sun god, Surya.

5. Mitravinda – A princess who chose Krishna through a swayamvara (a ritual of choosing one's husband).

6. Nagnajiti – Also known as Satya, she was the daughter of King Nagnajit.

7. Bhadra – A princess related to Krishna through his father.

8. Lakshmana – Another princess who fell in love with Krishna and married him.

These queens played significant roles in his life and were considered a part of his divine mission.

How many wives did Shri Krishna have?

Why did Krishna marry 16,100 other women?

Did Lord Krishna Have 108 Wives? The Reason Behind Marrying So Many Women
Did Lord Krishna Have 108 Wives? The Reason Behind Marrying So Many Women


The story behind these 16,100 wives is both compassionate and noble. These women were imprisoned by a demon king named Narakasura. He captured them and held them against their will. After Krishna defeated Narakasura , he freed the women. However, in that time period, society looked down upon women who had been under the control of someone else, especially in captivity. These women feared they would be rejected by their families and society, with nowhere to go.

To save them from a life of dishonor and abandonment, Krishna made a compassionate decision, he married all 16,100 of them, ensuring that they could live with respect and dignity. His act was more than just marriage, it was an effort to protect their honor and give them a respectable position in society. 

Though Krishna married them, it is said that he manifested himself in 16,100 forms, giving each wife her own household and attending to them all simultaneously. This was possible due to his divine nature, showing how he could transcend the ordinary limits of time and space.

The symbolic meaning behind Krishna’s marriages

Krishna’s marriages, especially to the 16,100 women, are often interpreted symbolically. He represents the divine, and his act of marrying these women is seen as a metaphor for how the divine embraces all of creation, regardless of their past. It signifies that God does not judge based on society's labels and welcomes everyone into his fold.

Krishna’s multiple marriages are also considered to highlight his role as a protector and sustainer of dharma (righteousness). By marrying these women, he demonstrated his duty to uphold honor and morality in a society that might have otherwise shunned them.

Conclusion

In essence, while Lord Krishna had 16,108 wives, it was not out of desire or indulgence. His marriages, particularly to the 16,100 women, were a compassionate act to restore their dignity and give them a place in society. His life teaches that true divinity lies in protecting and uplifting those in need, and his actions continue to inspire countless devotees across generations.

So,dear readers, how did you like this post? Please share your thoughts. We will meet again in the next post with devotional story. Until then, keep smiling, stay happy, and remember the Lord.

Thank you. Jai Shree Radhe Krishna
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