sri-raja uvaca -- the King said; katham -- how; rukmi -- Rukmi; ari -- of his enemy; putraya -- to the son; pradat -- gave; duhitaram -- his daughter; yudhi -- in battle; krishnena -- by Krishna; paribhutah -- defeated; tam -- Him (Lord Krishna); hantum -- to kill; randhram -- the opportunity; pratikshate -- he was waiting for; etat -- this; akhyahi -- please explain; me -- to me; vidvan -- O learned one; dvishoh -- of the two enemies; vaivahikam -- the marital arrangement; mithah -- between them.

King Parikshit said: How could Rukmi give his daughter to his enemy's son? After all, Rukmi had been defeated by Lord Krishna in battle and was waiting for an opportunity to kill Him. Please explain this to me, O learned one -- how these two inimical parties became united through marriage.