Krishna: Dispelling the Myth of 16,000 Wives

**Trigger Warning: This Post Contains Mention of S3xual Violence and Abduction**

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Author's Note: I felt compelled to create this post due to the overwhelming prevalence of misinformation surrounding him, as he is undeniably one of the most popular deities. It is disheartening to witness even individuals within this community perpetuating such inaccuracies.

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            Wel✮come to @terracottavessel's blog

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             table of contents

            〜Intro

            〜clarifying misconceptions

            〜who were the 16000 women

            〜Marriage was never the central concern

            〜outro

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Krishna, the beloved deity, unfortunately faces misinformation even from his own devotees. The idea that he "married" 16,000 women is a distortion contradicting his lifelong fight against misogyny. It's essential to understand that Krishna consistently upheld the dignity and equality of women in his teachings and actions. Spreading such falsehoods undermines his core message and the principles he championed throughout his life.

Interestingly, due to Krishna's unwavering commitment to his principles, he and his entire bloodline were cursed to vanish from the face of the earth. This event occurred during the epic of Mahabharata and involves intricate details that we won't delve into now. It serves as a testament to the significance of Krishna's stance and the consequences he faced for upholding his beliefs.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

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Misconception #1: Krishna had 16,000 wives.

Reality: In truth, Krishna had only married eight wives, known as the Astabharya. It is important to clarify that Krishna did not initiate any of these marriages himself. For instance, Rukmini, one of his wives, sent him heartfelt letters beseeching him to rescue her from an unwanted marriage forced upon her by her parents. Rukmini had always held deep affection for Krishna, just by hearing about the things he did to defeat injustice in society.

Furthermore, there are several other instances that dispel the misconception. For instance, Jambavanti, another of the Astabharyas, was married to Krishna at the request of her father, and Krishna respectfully accepted this proposal. It is crucial to understand the true nature of Krishna's relationships and dispel the exaggerated notion of him having an excessive number of wives.

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Who were those 16000 women?

The 16,000 women in question were unfortunate captives, ensnared in a horrifying existence as sex slaves under the tyrannical rule of the demon king Narakasura. In Hindu culture, such actions are not just considered criminal but heinous beyond measure. The practice of kings having concubines was vehemently condemned, and wise rulers, like Krishna and Rukmini, took decisive action against perpetrators like Narakasura. Similarly, Sita and Ram confronted and defeated Ravana, who also indulged in such despicable acts.

In Hindu culture, women are revered and must be treated with utmost respect. Their honor and dignity are sacrosanct, to the extent that men are expected to bow down in reverence before them. Such values reflect the profound importance placed on upholding the rights and well-being of women, ensuring their rightful place as esteemed of society.

Krishna displayed an extraordinary act of selflessness and courage when he put the love of his life, his beloved queen Rukmini, in grave danger to rescue the 16,000 captive women. Queen Satyabhama, a prominent consort of Lord Krishna, exemplified courage and strength in every aspect of her life, fought in this war as well.

In those times, the punishment for rapists and their ers was severe. Just as Ravana and his brothers, along with their ers, faced dire consequences for their heinous actions, Krishna understood the importance of bringing justice to the perpetrators. The righteous principles of the era demanded that those involved in such crimes face the ultimate penalty.

The war against Narakasura was indeed a monumental and significant conflict, owing to his long and powerful reign. Narakasura had established himself as a formidable ruler, wielding immense influence and causing widespread havoc and suffering. His reign was characterized by tyranny, oppression, and the subjugation of innocent beings.

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Marriage was never the central concern

After the liberation of the captive women, referred to Krishna as their "Swami." It is important to note that the term "Swami" is often contextually misunderstood or mistranslated as "husband." However, in this specific context, it signifies a deeper meaning of "protector" or "master." The rescued women recognized Krishna as their guardian and savior, someone who had come to their aid and provided them with safety and security.

The designation of Krishna as their Swami goes conveys a profound sense of trust, reverence, and gratitude towards him for his role in delivering them from a life of captivity and despair. rather than a literal translation of marital status.

It is important to approach this aspect with impartiality and respect the historical and cultural context in which the term "Swami" was used.

Krishna, recognizing the need for the rescued women to have a place they could call home, constructed palaces for them in Dwarka. These palaces provided them with a sense of ownership and security, offering them a sanctuary where they could rebuild their lives. In a society that often shunned them as impure, Dwarka embraced and welcomed them without judgment.

Krishna ensured that these women had equal opportunities to participate in economic activities and earn a livelihood, just like any other resident of Dwarka. They were granted the freedom to engage in business and pursue their chosen professions, empowering them to be self-sufficient and independent. The focus was not on arranging marriages for these women but rather on guaranteeing their safety, well-being, and overall comfort.

It is important to dispel the myth that these women made requests for marriage or that it was the central concern. Krishna's actions were driven by his deep sense of comion and the desire to provide them with a nurturing environment where they could flourish. The emphasis was on ensuring their dignity, offering them opportunities for personal and professional growth, and creating an inclusive society that embraced them as valued .

Reflecting upon these historical s, it becomes clear that Krishna's actions were rooted in profound empathy and a commitment to justice. The truth behind these events stands in stark contrast to the misconceptions perpetuated by certain narratives.

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In summary, it is crucial to distinguish fact from fiction when examining Krishna's life. Let us dispel misconceptions, honor Krishna's teachings, and strive for a just and inclusive society.

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