The 8 wives of Lord Krishna and what do they represent

Lord Krishna, the epitome of love and compassion, is famous for his ‘leelas’ and his 16108 wives. That's right! So many people, texts, scriptures, and ‘experts’ say that Shri Krishna had 16,108 wives and he used to manifest himself in that many forms to be with each of them. But, not many people know that Shri Krishna only had 8 wives, and the rest of them were Gopis that he saved from a demon!

Here we mention all about the 8 wives of Lord Krishna and what they represent.

Rukmini, Lord Krishna’s first and most beloved wife, is considered to be the epitome of devotion. She is regarded as his chief consort and is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.
It is believed that Devi Rukmini is a symbol of devotion and pure love, because she eloped with Shri Krishna from her wedding as she had always prayed to get married to him. She married him despite her family's wishes for her to marry another prince and her love for Lord Krishna is now described as the ideal relationship.

Satyabhama is famous as the second most important wife of Lord Krishna. It is believed that she is an incarnation of Bhumidevi and was the epitome of strength, courage, and strong will. It is said that Satyabhama was the one who accompanied Lord Krishna in his battle with Narakasura, where they both helped 16,100 girls be free from Narakasura’s clutches.

Jambavati, the daughter of the bear-king Jambavan, is said to represent courage and victory. Why? Because Lord Krishna won Jambavati as his partner after defeating her father Jambavan. It is said that when the loss of jewel was blamed on Shri Krishna, he wandered distant lands to find it and prove his innocence. He finally found it with Jambavan who refused to give it easily. He then fought with him, during which Jambavan realised that Krishna was a Vishnu avatar, and he happily gave him back the jewel, and married his daughter Jambavati with Krishna.

Kalindi, the personification of the Yamuna River, is another of Krishna’s wives. She is also the daughter of Surya dev and is believed to be the symbol of purity and simplicity, along with Shri Krishna’s alliance with the Solar dynasty.

Kalindi was found by Shri Krishna praying to God to let her marry Lord Vishnu. And Krishna being his avatar could not say no to her simple devotion.

Mitravinda is said to be the representation of love and willpower. It was her determination that allowed her to marry Shri Krishna, against her family’s wishes. It is said that despite her brothers' opposition, she was determined to marry Krishna and it enabled her to follow her heart, even against her family's wishes, and go off with Shri Krishna.

Satya, the daughter of King Nagnajit of Kosala, is said to be a representation of how even the Lord has to prove himself.

King Nagnajit had put forward a condition that whoever tamed 7 wild bulls could have his daughter’s hand in marriage. And Shri Krishna, even after being a God, won her hand in marriage by subduing seven ferocious bulls.

Bhadra, to be put simply, represents pure love, an obedient child, and a devoted wife. And to have Bhadra as his wife, Lord Krishna did not have to tame any wild bulls or elope with her while fighting her family. Instead, it was Bhadra’s mother, Shutakirti, who wanted Shri Krishna to be her daughter’s husband, and so he became.

Lakshmana, the daughter of King Brihatsena, was known for her beauty and grace. And so, for his daughter, the King organised a Swayamwar with an archery competition. The famous incident of shooting an arrow in the fish’s eye was in Lakshmana’s swayamwar and Shri Krishna won her over by shooting the fish’s eye at the first chance.