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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 10: Chapter 54: Verses 32-42
Overwhelmed with fear to behold this endeavour (on the part of Sri Krsna) to dispose of her brother, the virtuous Rukmini fell at the feet of her Spouse and pitifully prayed (as follows):- "0 Master of Yoga, 0 incomprehensible Lord of the universe, 0 blessed god of gods, 0 mighty-armed One ! You ought not to kill my brother." Sri Suka continued : With His feet thus clasped by Rukmini-whose limbs were perceptibly shaking with terror, (nay,) whose mouth was being parched and throat choked through grief and whose gold necklace had been displaced through nervousness-the merciful Lord desisted (from His purpose). Binding the evil-doer with (his own) scarf, the Lord disfigured him by shaving him (with the blade of His sword) in such a way as to leave (intact) a part of his moustaches and locks. Meanwhile the chosen among the Yadava warriors (led by Balarama) crushed the wonderful army of the enemy (even) as elephants would trample a lotus plant. Making their way into the presence of Sri Krsna, they found there Rukmi reduced to that (ignominious) plight and all but dead (through shame). Filled with pity to see him bound, the almighty Lord Sankarsana released him and spoke to Sri Krsna (thus):- 'Krsna ! you have perpetrated an impious act abhorred by our race.
(Partially) removing the moustaches and (curly) locks of a relative and (thereby) disfiguring him is tantamount to killing him. (Turning towards Rukmini,) please do not take offence with us, 0 good lady, thinking of the disfiguration of your brother. None else is responsible for one's joy and sorrow; for a man reaps the fruit of his own doings (in the shape of pleasurable and painful experiences). A relative does not deserve death at the hands of his relative even if he has committed an offence deserving such treatment and should be let off. Why should he who stands killed by his own offence be killed again? Such is the code of conduct specially prescribed for the Ksatriya race by Brahma (the lord of created beings), by virtue of which even a brother is permitted to kill his (own brother). Hence it is (so) exceedingly cruel. (Reverting to Sri Krsna,) the proud alone, who are blinded by pride of fortune, offer indignity to their relatives for the sake of dominion, land, (other movable) property, women, honour, dignity or any other consideration. (Turning to Rukmini once more,) it is your differential outlook through which you, like an ignorant person, constantly bear ill-will, among all created beings, to those who are ill-disposed to you, and wish well to those who are kindly disposed to you (remaining neutral to those who are indifferent to you).
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