Rukmini Temple

Dating to the 12th-13th century, the Rukmini temple has beautiful carvings, specially on the pillars of the Sabha Mandapa. The temple was built in honour of Rani Rukmani, princess of Vidharba, who was to be married to Sishupala, but eloped with Lord Krishna This small temple, 1.5km north of town, is an architectural masterpiece.

Rukmini is the most important of Krishna's 16,108 wives. The temple walls are decorated with beautiful paintings depicting her pastimes with Krishna. This temple is said to date back to the 12th century. The story behind this temple is that one day, Durvasa Muni, who is easily angered, was invited by Lord Krishna and his wife, Rukmini, to dinner.

When a person is invited to dinner, etiquette dictates that the host should not eat until the guest has been satisfied. On the way to dinner, Rukmini became thirsty and asked Krishna for help. Krishna then put his foot in the ground and the Ganges waters flowed forth from the earth while Durvasa was not looking. As Rukmini was drinking the water, however, Durvasa turned and saw her drinking without his permission. He became angry and cursed her to live apart from Lord Krishna. That is why Krishna's temple is in the town and hers is located outside the town.