As an expert in the field of Hindu mythology and history, I can provide a detailed answer to your question about Lord Krishna's marital status. Lord Krishna, who is considered the eighth avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, is one of the most revered and celebrated figures in Hinduism. His life and teachings are documented in various ancient scriptures, including the Bhagavad Gita, the Mahabharata, and the Harivamsa, among others.

Step 1: English Answer
Lord Krishna is known to have had multiple wives, and the number is indeed a subject of debate and interpretation among scholars and devotees. According to the traditional accounts, Krishna had eight principal queens, also known as the Ashtabharya. These eight wives are considered his primary consorts and are often depicted in Hindu art and literature as the most beloved and closest to Krishna. They are:


1. Rukmini - The most famous and beloved of Krishna's wives, Rukmini was the sister of Rukmi and princess of Vidarbha. She chose Krishna as her husband over her arranged marriage to Shishupala.

2. Satyabhama - A princess from the kingdom of Chedi, Satyabhama is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who was married to Krishna in a different capacity, often showing a more assertive side in their relationship.

3. Jamadagni - The daughter of the king of Kalinga, she is less frequently mentioned in scriptures but is counted among the principal wives.

4. Kalindi - Also known as Satya, she is the daughter of the Sun God, Vivasvan, and Samjna.

5. Mitragupta - A princess from the kingdom of Avanti, she is known for her beauty and grace.

6. Bhadra - The daughter of King Vrishasena of the Yadava clan, Bhadra is another of the principal wives.
7.
Lakshmanaa - She is the sister of the king of Madra, and her marriage to Krishna is a significant part of the epic tale.
8.
Kalika - The last of the Ashtabharya, Kalika is often associated with the dark complexion of Krishna.

In addition to these principal queens, Krishna is said to have had a large number of other wives. The number 16,000 or 16,100 is often cited in various scriptures, including the Puranas, which are a vast collection of ancient religious texts. It is important to note that these figures are symbolic and should not be taken literally. In Hindu tradition, large numbers are sometimes used to convey the idea of abundance or to emphasize the divine nature of a figure.

The story of the women kidnapped by Narakasura is an interesting aspect of Krishna's life. Narakasura, a demon king, had captured 16,000 women from different kingdoms, and upon defeating Narakasura, Krishna liberated these women. It is said that these women, out of gratitude and reverence, asked Krishna to marry them, and he accepted. However, the interpretation of this event varies, and it is not universally accepted that all these women became his wives.

It is also worth mentioning that the concept of marriage and relationships in ancient times was different from what we understand today. The social and cultural context of the Dwapara Yuga, the epoch in which Krishna lived, was vastly different, and the institution of marriage was not defined in the same way as it is in modern times.

In conclusion, while it is clear that Lord Krishna had a significant number of wives, the exact number and the nature of these relationships are open to interpretation and are often understood in the context of the symbolic and divine aspects of his life.

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The women kidnapped by Narakasura ask Krishna to marry them. Besides eight principal queens, the Hindu god Krishna, an avatar of the god Vishnu in the Dwapara Yuga (epoch), is described to have many unnamed junior wives. Their number is mentioned as 16,000 or 16,100 in different scriptures.read more >>