The story of Shri Krishna and Kansa is not just a mythological tale but a timeless lesson on the triumph of good over evil. Narrated in the Bhagavata Purana and the Mahabharata, this epic recounts how Shri Krishna, the divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu, freed the world from the tyranny of his wicked uncle, King Kansa. This legend is deeply revered in Hindu tradition, symbolizing the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness).
Kansa’s Curse and His Reign of Terror
Kansa was the tyrannical ruler of Mathura, feared for his cruelty and injustice. His sister, Devaki, was married to Vasudeva, a nobleman of the Yadava clan. During their wedding, an ethereal voice (Akashvani) warned Kansa:
“The eighth son of Devaki will be your doom! He will kill you and end your reign.”
Terrified by this prophecy, Kansa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva, vowing to kill every child born to them. One by one, he mercilessly slew their first six children. However, fate had different plans for the seventh and eighth ones.
The Birth of Shri Krishna and His Escape to Gokul
When Devaki conceived her seventh child, Lord Vishnu’s divine power transferred the unborn baby to Rohini, Vasudeva’s first wife. This child later became Balarama, Shri Krishna’s elder brother.
Then came the night of Shri Krishna’s birth, the eighth son of Devaki, destined to end Kansa’s tyranny. As he was born in Mathura’s prison, the entire atmosphere changed – the prison doors magically opened, the guards fell into a deep sleep, and Vasudeva saw divine instructions in his mind:
“Take the newborn child to Gokul and exchange him with Yashoda’s daughter.”
With a miracle guiding him, Vasudeva carried Krishna across the stormy Yamuna River in a basket. As legend says, Sheshnag (the cosmic serpent) spread his hood to shield the infant Krishna from the rain. Reaching Gokul, Vasudeva exchanged Krishna with Yashoda’s daughter and returned to Mathura.
When Kansa attempted to kill the baby girl, she transformed into Goddess Yogmaya and warned him:
“O foolish Kansa! The one destined to kill you is already safe elsewhere.”
Enraged and fearful, Kansa intensified his tyranny, vowing to find and kill Krishna.
Krishna’s Childhood and Kansa’s Wicked Plans
Growing up in Vrindavan, Krishna performed many divine leelas (miracles). Meanwhile, Kansa sent several demons like Putana, Trinavarta, and Bakasura to kill Krishna, but the child-god effortlessly defeated them all.
Krishna’s butter-stealing mischiefs, flute melodies, and playful interactions with the Gopis made him beloved by all in Vrindavan. Yet, his divine mission was always clear—to defeat Kansa and restore righteousness.
The Grand Showdown: Krishna vs. Kansa
As Krishna grew, Kansa devised a trap. He invited Krishna and Balarama to Mathura for a wrestling match, hoping to eliminate them. However, upon entering Mathura, Krishna amazed everyone by effortlessly defeating Kansa’s strongest warriors.
In the final showdown, Krishna leaped onto Kansa’s throne, dragged him down, and with a mighty blow, ended his reign forever. The people of Mathura cheered in joy, as their oppressor had finally fallen.
With Kansa gone, Krishna restored peace and righteousness, fulfilling the divine prophecy.
The Eternal Significance of the Story
The battle between Krishna and Kansa is not just an ancient legend but a timeless symbol of the victory of dharma over adharma. It teaches that no amount of tyranny can withstand the power of righteousness. Even today, Shri Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita continue to inspire millions worldwide.
Conclusion
The story of Shri Krishna and Kansa is a powerful reminder that evil may rise, but it will always fall before truth and justice. It is an eternal lesson in faith, perseverance, and divine destiny, inspiring humanity for generations to come.
