Bhishmaka (also spelled Beeshmaka) was the king of Vidarbha and the father of Rukmini. Rukmini was Krishna's principal wife, making Bhishmaka Krishna's father-in-law. Bhishmaka wanted Rukmini to marry Krishna, but her brother Rukmi opposed this alliance and wanted her to marry Shishupala. Krishna ultimately abducted Rukmini with her consent, and they married.