The tale of Shree Krishna’s triumph over Kansa, also known as Kansa Vadh, stands out as a profound example of divine justice and the timeless struggle between good and evil. This narrative isn't merely a thrilling account of heroism; it is a symbolic representation of the victory of righteousness over tyranny and of light over darkness. Kansa, the merciless king of Mathura, was foretold that his death would come at the hands of his sister Devaki's eighth child. Driven by this prophecy, Kansa went to great lengths to eliminate any threat, imprisoning his sister and slaughtering her children one by one. But, despite all his efforts, he could not escape his destiny.
The story of Kansa Vadh represents the inevitable destruction of arrogance, cruelty, and evil when faced with divine truth and virtue. Shree Krishna’s journey to Mathura, his confrontation with Kansa’s army, and his eventual victory carry profound lessons for every spiritual seeker. As Swami Mukundananda ji eloquently explains, Shree Krishna’s actions reveal not just his divine power but also the values that each soul must embody on the path of righteousness.
This article delves into the heart of Shree Krishna’s battle with Kansa, exploring the spiritual significance of his actions and the lessons we can draw from his victory. Through Swamiji’s insights, we learn that Kansa Vadh is not just a historic event but a metaphor for the inner battles that individuals face. Shree Krishna’s triumph urges us to conquer our inner demons, encouraging us to live fearlessly, with compassion, and with unwavering faith in the power of truth and goodness.
The Beginning of Shree Krishna’s Mission: His Journey to Mathura
Shree Krishna’s birth itself was miraculous. The divine plan was set in motion when he was taken out of the prison to Gokul, where he grew up with Yashoda and Nand Baba, waiting until the day he would confront his tyrannical uncle.
As Shree Krishna grew up, his divine attributes became apparent, protecting his village from various dangers. But as Swamiji beautifully explains, Shree Krishna never forgot his true mission. When the time came, Shree Krishna and his elder brother, Balaram, set out for Mathura after being invited by Kansa to participate in the Dhanuryagya festival. This journey marked the beginning of the end for Kansa.
Entering Mathura: Shree Krishna’s Divine Play
Upon reaching Mathura, Shree Krishna’s aura began unsettling Kansa. Swamiji explains how Kansa, in a meditative state of fear, started seeing Shree Krishna everywhere, similar to how the Gopis saw Shree Krishna in every aspect of their surroundings, but with pure devotion. Unlike the Gopis’ loving absorption, Kansa’s fear was an indication of his impending doom.
The story begins with a seemingly simple event that would trigger a chain of extraordinary occurrences. In Mathura, there lay a celestial bow (dhanush), and Shree Krishna's interaction with it would set the wheels of fate in motion. Without hesitation, Shree Krishna approached the bow and broke it with ease. The sound of its breaking was so tremendous that it is said to have affected even Surya (the Sun God)—his celestial horses were startled and scattered in fear.
For Kansa, this was more than just the breaking of a bow. It was the fulfillment of a prophecy he had desperately tried to avoid. Lord Shiva had warned him that the person who could break this bow would be his destroyer. The thunderous sound of the breaking bow sent shivers down Kansa's spine, marking the beginning of his end.
The Final Showdown: Shree Krishna's Path to Kansa
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Kansa had prepared multiple layers of defense described below.
1. Kuvalyapeed, the Elephant
On the day of the festival, Kansa placed a ferocious elephant named Kuvalyapeed at the entrance, intending to crush Shree Krishna. But as Swamiji vividly describes, Shree Krishna displayed his divine strength by effortlessly defeating Kuvalyapeed. He broke off one of the elephant’s tusks and used it to subdue the beast, showcasing that his power was far beyond what any earthly creature could withstand.
2. The Wrestlers: Chanur and Mushtik
Kansa’s next attempt to halt Shree Krishna involved his two most formidable wrestlers, Chanur and Mushtik. To mark the beginning of the fight, Shree Krishna extended his hand to Chanur and Balram extended his hand to Mushtik. Chanur laughed at Shree Krishna’s childlike appearance, underestimating his power. But Shree Krishna, with a mere flick of his finger, rendered Chanur powerless while Balram defeated Mushtik. Swamiji emphasizes that Shree Krishna’s strength was both divine and unassailable, unlike anything the wrestlers or onlookers had ever witnessed.
To the wrestlers, Shree Krishna appeared as hard as a thunderbolt. For the women watching, he was the epitome of beauty. To Kansa, Shree Krishna seemed like death personified. This varied perception highlighted that God reveals himself in ways that resonate with each soul’s purity or impurity, as Swamiji explains through the concept of Yogmaya (divine Shakti).
3. Facing Kansa: The Ultimate Confrontation
Having conquered all obstacles, Shree Krishna finally faced Kansa. Fueled by righteous anger, Shree Krishna leaped toward his tyrant uncle, grabbing him by the hair and throwing him down. At that moment, Shree Krishna reminded Kansa of the cruelty he had inflicted on his parents, Devaki and Vasudeva, drawing attention to the pain and suffering caused by unchecked power and hatred.
With a swift blow, Shree Krishna ended Kansa’s reign, liberating Mathura from tyranny. The people rejoiced, celebrating the victory of good over evil, and freedom over oppression. Shree Krishna’s act wasn’t merely a personal vendetta; it symbolized the restoration of dharma, the re-establishment of righteousness.
The Symbolism and Teachings in Shree Krishna’s Triumph: Spiritual Insights for Modern Times
Shree Krishna’s triumph over Kansa isn’t just a story of good defeating evil. Swamiji interprets this narrative as a metaphor for the spiritual journey, where inner demons and obstacles must be confronted. Kansa symbolizes the ego, the darkness that keeps souls imprisoned in ignorance and fear. Shree Krishna’s journey reflects the soul’s quest for liberation, where divine consciousness must overcome negativity.
1. Lesson of Faith and Fearlessness
Shree Krishna’s strength stems not just from physical prowess but from divine fearlessness. When faced with adversity, his calm assurance shows that true power comes from unwavering faith in righteousness. Swamiji explains that Shree Krishna’s confidence was a product of his divine awareness. In our lives, embracing Shree Krishna’s courage means facing challenges without fear, and trusting that with the right intentions, the divine power will guide us through.
2. Compassion and Mercy
After slaying Kansa, Shree Krishna’s first act was to free his parents, Devaki and Vasudeva, from prison. Shree Krishna’s focus was on restoring joy and peace to his loved ones. Swamiji highlights this moment as a reminder that true victory lies in freeing others from suffering and uplifting those we cherish.
3. The Power of Divine Detachment
Kansa’s obsession with Shree Krishna grew from hatred and fear, while Shree Krishna’s actions were free from personal animosity. As Swamiji notes, Shree Krishna’s divine detachment allowed him to carry out his mission without being swayed by emotions. This teaches that to achieve spiritual goals, one must act with detachment, focusing on duty rather than personal gain.
4. Rejoicing in Divine Love
Shree Krishna’s return to his parents signifies the bond of divine love that transcends all forms of happiness. Devaki’s joy upon seeing Shree Krishna after years of separation symbolizes the soul’s longing for reunion with the divine. She embraced him as her child, fulfilling a longing that neither time nor separation could diminish. This moment captures the ultimate joy of divine love, where the devotee and the divine unite beyond earthly limitations.
Conclusion: The Eternal Message of Shree Krishna’s Power
The battle between Shree Krishna and Kansa represents more than just a physical confrontation—it symbolizes the eternal struggle between dharma (righteousness) and adharma (unrighteousness). Shree Krishna's victory wasn't just about physical strength; it was about restoring cosmic balance and establishing dharma.
As we reflect on this story, we can draw parallels to our own lives where standing up for what is right, even against seemingly challenging odds, is essential. Shree Krishna's life events remind us that with faith, determination, and righteousness, no challenge is too great to overcome.
Swami Mukundananda invites devotees to embrace Shree Krishna’s teachings through the Get Closer to God in 21 Days Challenge on the Radha Krishna Bhakti App focusing on wisdom, meditation, and service, aiming to deepen one's understanding of Shree Krishna’s timeless wisdom.
Resources
Shree Krishna's Power that'll Blow your Mind - How Krishna Slayed Kamsa? | Swami Mukundananda