RUKMAGADA Remembrance of the Name of the Lord was a constant function of Rukamagad….. (Swayye Mahle Teeje Ke, p. 1394) Rukmagada was a king, who always meditated on the Name of the Lord. (See Narada Purana, chapters 9 to 38).
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
Rukmagada, also known as Rukmangada, is a legendary king in Hindu mythology, celebrated for his unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu and his adherence to the sacred vow of Ekadashi (a day of fasting and devotion observed on the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight). His story is primarily found in the Narada Purana and other Hindu texts, where he is depicted as a righteous and pious ruler of the Solar Dynasty.
Key Aspects of Rukmagada’s Story:
Devotion to Ekadashi:
- Rukmagada was a devout follower of Vishnu and strictly observed the Ekadashi fast. He also encouraged his subjects to follow this practice, emphasizing its spiritual benefits.
- His dedication to Ekadashi was so profound that it even drew the attention of the gods, including Yama, the god of death, who noticed a decline in souls entering his realm due to the king’s influence.
Test of Faith:
- To test Rukmagada’s resolve, Brahma created the celestial nymph Mohini and sent her to tempt the king. Mohini demanded that Rukmagada break his Ekadashi vow as a condition for their union.
- Despite her beauty and allure, Rukmagada remained steadfast in his devotion, refusing to compromise his principles.
Sacrifice and Divine Intervention:
- Mohini, in her efforts to challenge Rukmagada, demanded the life of his son, Dharmangada, as a test of his commitment to dharma (righteousness). The king, his wife Sandhyavali, and Dharmangada all agreed to the sacrifice to uphold their spiritual values.
- At the critical moment, Lord Vishnu intervened, revealing the divine nature of the test and blessing Rukmagada and his family. They were ultimately taken to Vaikuntha (Vishnu’s heavenly abode) as a reward for their devotion. Symbolism and Legacy:
- Rukmagada’s story highlights the importance of faith, devotion, and adherence to dharma, even in the face of immense challenges.
- His unwavering commitment to Ekadashi underscores the spiritual significance of fasting and devotion in Hinduism, serving as an inspiration for devotees.
Rukmagada’s tale is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of devotion and the rewards of living a righteous life.
