Kuṇḍina is also called Kuṇḍinapura or Vidarbhanagara. It was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Vidarbha, which King Bhīshmaka ruled. Vidarbha was one of the great ancient kingdoms of the Deccan region.

The city is holy in the Kṛshṇa-kathā (the telling of Kṛshṇa’s deeds). Rukmiṇī, who is Mahālakshmī come in human form, was given in marriage to Kṛshṇa from here. The battle between Balarāma and the joined forces of Rukmi also took place at the gates of this city.

Kuṇḍina as the capital of Vidarbha

Kuṇḍina was the seat of the Vidarbha kingdom. Under King Bhīshmaka it was a rich and righteous city. It had a hundred gates (śata-dvāra), as a fortified royal capital.

Balarāma first defeated the hostile forces of Rukmi, Śiśupāla, Śālva and Dantavakra at the entrance of the city. Then the family purohita (house priest) Śatānanda led Kṛshṇa’s procession through those hundred gates, and the city received Kṛshṇa with great reverence. (Brahma Vaivarta Purāṇa, Śrī Kṛshṇa Janana Khaṇḍa, Chapters 105–107)

Holiness of Kuṇḍina

Kuṇḍina is made holy as the birthplace of Rukmiṇī, the avatāra of Mahālakshmī, and as the place of her marriage to Kṛshṇa.

Bhīshmaka performed the kanyādāna here. He placed Rukmiṇī’s hand in Kṛshṇa’s hand with Vedic mantras. This is one of the most praised events of Kṛshṇa’s life on earth.

Sources

Brahma Vaivarta Mahā Purāṇa, Śrī Kṛshṇa Janana Khaṇḍa, Chapters 105–107