Revati an interesting character
In the vast tapestry of Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana, some characters shine brightly in the spotlight, while others remain shrouded in mystery. One such fascinating figure is Revati, the devoted wife of Lord Balarama and a princess whose tale weaves together elements of time travel, cosmic wonders, and divine romance. If you’re intrigued by lesser-known stories from ancient Indian lore, Revati‘s journey is sure to captivate you. Let’s dive into her extraordinary life and uncover why she deserves more attention.
Who Was Revati? A Princess from a Bygone Era
Revati was no ordinary woman—she was the daughter of King Kakudmi (also known as Raivata), a ruler from the illustrious Solar Dynasty (Suryavanshi). Her father’s kingdom was centered in Kushasthali, the ancient name for what would later become the legendary city of Dwaraka. As the last king of his line, Kakudmi’s reign marked the end of an era, with his lands eventually overrun by the Punyajana Rakshasas. It wasn’t until much later that the Yadavas, led by Lord Krishna, migrated to the region and rebuilt it into a thriving kingdom.
What makes Revati stand out is her origins in a previous yuga (cosmic age), where humans were said to be taller, stronger, and more majestic. Described as a stunningly beautiful princess, Revati towered over the people of later times, embodying the grandeur of an ancient world. Her story, referenced in texts like the Bhagavata Purana and Garg Samhita, isn’t just about royalty—it’s a profound narrative on the relativity of time and the whims of fate.
The Cosmic Quest for a Groom: Revati’s Journey to Brahmaloka
King Kakudmi adored his daughter Revati and wanted nothing but the best match for her. Determined to find the perfect groom, he took Revati on a remarkable journey to Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma, the creator god. There, Kakudmi hoped to seek divine advice on suitable suitors.
While waiting for an audience with Brahma, who was enjoying a performance by the celestial Gandharvas, time slipped away unnoticed. What felt like mere moments to Kakudmi and Revati was, in reality, an astonishing 108 yugas on Earth—a mind-bending span of millions of years due to the different flow of time across cosmic planes.
When Brahma finally addressed them, he delivered a shocking revelation: “The short wait you experienced here equates to 108 yugas on Earth. Countless worthy men you might have considered have come and gone, their names lost to history.” Kakudmi was devastated, but Brahma offered a solution. He recommended Revati marry Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna and an incarnation of the serpent god Shesha. Balarama, with his immense strength and divine nature, was the ideal match.
Revati and Balarama: A Match Made in the Heavens (With a Twist)
Upon returning to Earth, Kakudmi and Revati found everything transformed. The world had shrunk—literally. Revati, hailing from an earlier yuga, was far taller and more robust than the people of the current age, including Balarama himself. In a gentle and symbolic act, Balarama used his iconic plow to adjust Revati‘s height, bringing her in harmony with the new era. Their union was a beautiful blend of destiny and adaptation.
Revati and Balarama’s marriage produced two sons, Nishatha and Ulmuka, who tragically met their end in the Yadava fratricidal war—a dark chapter in the Mahabharata’s aftermath. They also had a daughter named Vatsala, whose own story adds another layer of intrigue. Vatsala was initially betrothed to Abhimanyu, the valiant son of Arjuna. However, the Pandavas’ exile disrupted the plans, leading Balarama to arrange her marriage to Lakshmana Kumar, son of Duryodhana.
But fate had other ideas. Ghatotkacha, the mighty son of Bhima, intervened dramatically, thwarting the unwanted union and ensuring Vatsala could marry Abhimanyu after all. It’s these interconnected family dramas that make Revati‘s lineage so enthralling. Balarama’s passing, Revati entered his funeral pyre and attained salvation
Why Revati’s Story Still Resonates Today
Isn’t Revati‘s tale utterly fascinating? From a cosmic adventure spanning yugas to themes of love, loss, and resilience, her narrative reminds us of the timeless wisdom in Hindu mythology. Revati may not be as famous as Sita or Draupadi, but her story highlights profound concepts like time dilation—echoing modern ideas in physics and philosophy.
If you’re a fan of epic tales or exploring hidden gems in ancient texts, Revati offers a fresh perspective on the Mahabharata’s universe.
Share your thoughts in the comments: What other underrated characters from Hindu lore deserve the spotlight? For more insights into mythology, stay tuned to our blog!
