Vasudeva, a significant figure in ancient Indian history and mythology, had thirteen wives. Among them, Devaki is widely known as the mother of Lord Krishna, while Rohini is recognized as the mother of Balarama.
Vasudeva, the father of Lord Krishna and Balarama, was married to Devaki, who is considered his chief consort. In addition to Devaki, he had several other wives, contributing to his extensive lineage. These marriages highlight the customary practices of royalty and prominent figures in ancient times, where multiple marriages were common for alliances and progeny.
The Wives of Vasudeva
The following table lists the wives of Vasudeva as mentioned in various historical accounts:
| S.No. | Name of Wife | Notable Children (from reference) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Devaki | Lord Krishna, Balarama (as foster mother), and others |
| 2. | Pauravi Rohini | Balarama, Sarana, Shatha |
| 3. | Madira | |
| 4. | Vaishakhi | |
| 5. | Bhadra | |
| 6. | Sunama | |
| 7. | Sahadeva | |
| 8. | Shantideva | |
| 9. | Shrideva | |
| 10. | Devarakshita | |
| 11. | Vrikadevi | Avagaha, Nandaka |
| 12. | Upadevi | |
| 13. | Badarva |
Notable Consorts and Their Progeny
- Devaki: As the biological mother of Lord Krishna, Devaki holds immense importance in Hindu scriptures. Her marriage to Vasudeva and the subsequent birth of Krishna are central to the narratives of the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana.
- Pauravi Rohini: Rohini is another significant wife of Vasudeva. She nurtured Balarama, Vasudeva's son, in her womb after his embryonic transfer from Devaki's womb (according to some scriptures), making her Balarama's birth mother. She also bore other sons, namely Sarana and Shatha.
- Vrikadevi: Among his other wives, Vrikadevi is noted for giving birth to two sons, Avagaha and Nandaka, further extending Vasudeva's progeny.
The extensive list of Vasudeva's wives and children underscores his significant role in establishing various branches of the Yadava dynasty.
