*SKANDHA X. CHAP. 61.*
Rama, Krishna, Pradyumna, Rukmini and others went to Bhoja Kata, the
seat of Rukmin, on the occasion of Aniruddha's marriage. When the
marriage was over, the assembled kings advised Rukmin to challenge Rama
to a game of dice. At first, the wager was laid by Rama at one hundred,
one thousand and ten thousand gold coins respectively. Rukmin won all
the games. The king of Kalinga derided Rama by shewing his teeth. Rama
did not like this.
Rukmin then laid the wager at one lakh of gold coins. Balarama won the
game. But Rukmin falsely declared that he had won it.
Rama then laid the wager at ten krores. Rama won the game this time
also. But Rukmin falsely said: -- "I have got it let the bystanders
decide this." At this time, a voice from the heavens said that Balarama
had got the victory by fair means and Rukmin was telling a lie, But
Rukmin under evil advice did not mind this. He and the kings derided
Balarama. "Keeper of cows, what know you of games? They are the province
of kings." Balarama could bear it no longer. He took his club and killed
Rukmin. He then broke the teeth of the king of Kalinga. The other kings
fled in fear.