Revati (wife of Balarama)

Revati was the daughter of King Kakudmi, also known as Raivata, the ruler of the ancient city of Kushasthali. Famed for her beauty, wisdom and noble character, she was considered unmatched among the princesses of her age. Seeking a husband worthy of her virtues, Kakudmi journeyed with his daughter to the abode of Brahma for guidance. When they returned from Brahma's court, they discovered that vast ages had passed on earth. The people, kingdoms and heroes they had once known had vanished with the passing of the yugas. Brahma advised Kakudmi that Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna, was the destined husband for Revati. The princess thus entered an entirely different age while preserving the dignity and values of the one she had left behind. The Puranic tradition describes Revati as possessing the great stature of beings from an earlier age. Before their marriage, Balarama gently reduced her height with the touch of his plough, the <i>Hala</i>, so that she would be suited to the people of the current era. The episode symbolizes the transition from one age of the world to another rather than an act of violence. As queen of the Yadavas, Revati became known for wisdom, restraint and devotion to dharma. Although she does not take part in the great battles of the Mahabharata, her presence in the royal household reflects stability, compassion and the continuity of righteous kingship across changing ages.

Revati was born to King Kakudmi of Kushasthali, a monarch descended from the ancient solar lineage. Raised with the education expected of a princess, she excelled in learning, virtue and royal conduct. Her journey with Kakudmi to Brahma's celestial court became one of the most remarkable episodes in the Puranic tradition. Returning to earth after what seemed a brief visit, she found that countless generations had passed. Following Brahma's counsel, she married Balarama and became queen of the Yadava dynasty.

Revati is remembered as calm, graceful and exceptionally wise. <b>She accepted the loss of her own age without bitterness, choosing duty over grief.</b> Her patience, humility and unwavering commitment to righteousness made her one of the most respected queens in the household of the Yadavas.