Jarasandha
Jarasandha | |
---|---|
Kashi (mothers) | |
Children | Sahadeva and Jayatsena (sons) Asti and Prapti (daughters, wives of Kamsa) |
Kingdom | Magadha |
Predecessor | Brihadratha |
Successor | Sahadeva |
Weapon | Gada |
Dynasty | Brihadratha dynasty |
Jarasandha (
Etymology
The word Jarasandha has been explained as a combination of two Sanskrit words: jara (जरा) and sandha (सन्ध), "joining" The meaning of Jarasandha is "the one who is joined by Jara".[1][2]
Legend
Birth and early life
Jarasandha's father, King Brihadratha, was married to the twin daughters of the king of
Conflicts with Balarama and Krishna
Kamsa, the ruler of Mathura, acquired Jarasandha's attention. Impressed with his bravery, Jarasandha made Kamsa his son-in-law by marrying off his two daughters. This makes Jarasandha a relative of Krishna. Krishna killed Kamsa as announced by a divine prophecy. Jarasandha got infuriated as his daughters were widowed. Thereafter, Jarasandha vowed revenge against Krishna.[5] Jarasandha attacked Mathura with an army of 23 akshauhinis[citation needed], but Krishna and Balarama somehow managed the whole army of Jarasandha and his allies. Jarasandha attacked Mathura 17 times and was defeated by Krishna.[6]
During the 18th attack, the
Jarasandha keeps attacking Mathura and eventually Krishna orders Vishvakarma, the divine architect, to craft a magnificent city near the sea which is done overnight, then Krishna transports the entire population of Mathura to the new city, which was named Dvaraka. When Jarasandha attacks again he sets the city of Mathura ablaze, Krishna and Balarama merely use their powers to go to Dvaraka unscathed.
Jarasandha thinks that Krishna has died and returns to his own land. But in a short while, when Jarasandha was sitting in Dratharashtras court learns that Krishna has only changed the capital.
Later life and death
In the
He was also a major hurdle before emperor Yudhishthira when the latter decided to perform an offering. As Jarasandha was a powerful warrior, it was necessary for the Pandavas to eliminate him. Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna disguised as brahmins traveled to Magadha and met Jarasandha. After a formal meeting, Jarasandha enquired about their intentions. Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna revealed their actual identities. Krishna then challenged Jarasandha for a duel and gave him the freedom to choose any one belligerent. Jarasandha selected Bhima for a duel. Both Bhima and Jarasandha were accomplished wrestlers. The duel continued for several days and neither of them was willing to give up. After a long battle, Jarasandha grew tired. Krishna then hinted Bhima that when fatigued, a person might die if pressed too hard. Bhima understood Krishna's hint, lifted Jarasandha in the air and pressed his knee against Jarasandha's backbone, killing him instantly.[9]
Jarasandha's son Sahadeva (not to be confused with the youngest Pandava) was placed on the throne of Magadha and he agreed to be a vassal to the Pandavas. He was killed in the
References
Citations
- ^ "Jarasandha was a very powerful king of Magadha, and the history of his birth and activities is also very interesting - Vaniquotes". vaniquotes.org. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- ^ "Mahabharat Episode 28: Jarasandha – Born Divided". sadhguru.org. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
- ISBN 978-93-5118-415-7.
- ISBN 81-7508-080-9.
- ISBN 978-93-5029-590-8.
- ISBN 978-81-7505-837-8.
- ISBN 9780842608220.
- ISBN 978-81-208-0597-2.
- ISBN 9788121500944.
Besides this the Jarasandha had a gifted boon that whenever his body is ripped into two pieces, the two pieces will attach immediately how much how the distance they are thrown apart. Initially, the Bhima tried to kill him by splitting the body but in vain as they were attaching instantly again. So, Krishna gave a hint symbolically with a hay fiber to throw the body parts in mutually opposite directions so that they won't attach again and this was exactly followed by Bhima.
Sources
- Gibbs, Laura. Ph.D. Jarasandha Modern Languages MLLL-4993. Indian Epics.
- Dowson, John (1820–1881). A classical dictionary of Hindu mythology and religion, geography, history, and literature. London: Trübner, 1879 [Reprint, London: Routledge, 1979]. ISBN 0-415-24521-4
- Original Mahabharata by Shri Ved Vyasa
- Gita press, Gorakhpur edition of Mahābhārata
- Ramanand Sagar's "SHRI KRISHNA" serial
- MRITYUNJAY-the story of Karna.