nanopahara balibhir

 varamukhyah sahasrasah

srag-gandha-vastrabharanair

 dvija-patnyah sv-alankrtah

 

gayantyas ca stuvantas ca

 gayaka vadya-vadakah

parivarya vadhum jagmuh

 suta-magadha-vandinah

 

Translation: 

 

Behind the bride followed thousands of prominent courtesans bearing various offerings and presents, along with well-adorned brahmanas’ wives singing and reciting prayers and bearing gifts of garlands, scents, clothing and jewelry. There were also professional singers, musicians, bards, chroniclers and heralds.

 

Purport: 

 

Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti explains that from her own quarters up to the temple of Bhavani, Rukmini went by palanquin and thus was easily protected. Only for the last twelve to fifteen feet, from the palace to the temple area, did she go on foot, with royal bodyguards stationed outside the temple on all sides.