Rukmini

What does Rukmini mean?

Rukmini means ‘adorned with gold’, from Sanskrit rukmiṇī, the feminine of a word formed from rukma, ‘gold ornament’. Wiktionary records this derivation and identifies Rukmini as Krishna's principal queen. The golden meaning and the queen's identity are therefore both supported, but they do different work: one explains the word, while the other supplies the religious and literary association. The Hindi entry also records the female given name.

Source: Wiktionary, रुक्मिणी. How we use sources.

Spelling and pronunciation

रुक्मिणी is read ruk-mi-nee, in three syllables with short u and i vowels and a long ending. Rukmani and Rukhmini are regional Roman forms. Keep k and m together without adding a vowel. The n is made with the tongue curled back in the Sanskrit-based pronunciation.

Also spelled Rukmani, Rukhmini.

Rukmini in tradition and story

Rukmini is the princess of Vidarbha who calls on Krishna before an arranged marriage and becomes his queen at Dvaraka. The related Marathi form Rakhumai names the consort worshipped beside Vithoba at Pandharpur.