Dāruka, Kṛṣṇa’s personal charioteer throughout the Dvārakā period. He yokes the four horses Śaibya, Sugrīva, Meghapuṣpa and Balāhaka, brings the gold-fitted, Garuḍa-bannered chariot and stands before the Lord with joined palms; he drives to Vidarbha for Rukmiṇī and into the battle with Śālva. His constant presence throws the great reversal at Kurukṣetra into relief — the Lord who is ordinarily driven by Dāruka there takes up Arjuna’s reins Himself.
