Kansa was the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna and Balarama, and the King of Mathura. It was prophesied by the great saint Narada that he would be killed by Devaki s (Kansa s sister) eighth son. Despite killing off all of Devaki s sons right after birth, Lord Krishna and Balarama survived this fate through divine grace and grew up as the cattle herder Nanda and Yasodha s son and Balarama as Rohini s son. On hearing that the eighth child, Lord Krishna had survived, Kansa made numerous attempts to kill him but failed. After his final attempt, Kansa was killed by Lord Krishna and this is celebrated as Kansa Vadh.
Despite Kansa's efforts, Krishna was born as the eighth child of Devaki and Vasudeva. To protect Krishna from Kansa, Vasudeva secretly took the newborn Krishna to the village of Gokul and left him there with Yashoda and Nanda. As an adult, Krishna returned to Mathura to challenge Kansa. He fought and defeated Kansa in a dramatic battle, freeing the people of Mathura from his tyrannical rule.
This day falls on tenth day of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month of Hindu Lunar Calendar. It is celebrated to commemorate the killing of King Kansa, the ruler of Mathura by Lord Krishna. The town of Mathura comes alive and is colorful on this day. Various cultural activities like dance, music and dramas portraying the dalliances of Lord Krishna and enactments of many of his legends takes place.
Kamsa Vadh is celebrated in Mathura and other places by making effigies of Kamsa and people gather around for thrashing it as an enactment of the deed done by Lord Krishna. It is celebrated as a commemoration of freedom from him and also of Lord Krishna s bravery. Classical and art performers reenactments of this event through music, dance and drama.
Significance
The significance of Kansa Vadh in Hindu mythology and culture is multifaceted, touching on themes of divine justice, the role of dharma (righteousness), and the celebration of divine intervention. Here are some key aspects of its significance:
1. Triumph of Good Over EvilThe killing of Kansa by Krishna represents the ultimate victory of good over evil. Kansa was a symbol of adharma (unrighteousness) and cruelty, and his defeat signifies the establishment of justice and righteousness. This theme is central to many Hindu stories and festivals, illustrating that divine intervention occurs to restore cosmic order.
2. Role of the Divine ProtectorKrishna’s role in Kansa Vadh emphasizes his function as a divine protector and savior of the oppressed. Krishna, as the Supreme God in the form of a human, demonstrates that divine beings work through human forms to guide and protect the righteous.
3. Fulfillment of ProphecyKansa Vadh also underscores the concept of destiny and the fulfillment of divine prophecies. The prophecy that Kansa would be killed by Devaki’s eighth son came true despite all Kansa’s efforts to prevent it. This highlights the idea that divine will is ultimately unstoppable and that righteous forces will prevail.
4. Symbolism of JusticeKansa’s death is a metaphor for the triumph of justice and the downfall of tyranny. It reassures believers that no matter how powerful an evil force may seem, it will be defeated in the end. This concept is an important element in many religious and philosophical teachings, reinforcing the belief in moral balance.
5. Inspirational NarrativeThe story serves as an inspirational narrative for followers of Hinduism. It encourages them to strive for righteousness and to believe in the divine’s role in overcoming challenges. The tale of Krishna’s courage, strength, and moral integrity provides a model for ethical behavior and the pursuit of justice.
6. Cultural and Religious CelebrationsThe events of Kansa Vadh are commemorated during festivals like Janmashtami and Dussehra, which are significant events in the Hindu calendar. These celebrations involve reenactments of Krishna’s life, including his battle with Kansa, which helps keep the stories and teachings of Krishna alive in the cultural consciousness.
7. Moral LessonsThe story teaches several moral lessons, including:
- The Inevitability of Karma: Kansa’s cruel deeds led to his downfall, illustrating the concept that one's actions have consequences.
- The Importance of Righteous Leadership: It contrasts Kansa’s tyranny with Krishna’s just rule, emphasizing the need for ethical leadership.
- The Power of Faith and Devotion: Krishna’s devotees are depicted as unwavering in their faith, showing that devotion and righteousness lead to divine favor.
Legend of King Kansa
The story of Kansa Vadh is surrounded by a rich collection of legends and traditional narratives that highlight various aspects of the episode and its significance. Here are some of the prominent legends and associated stories related to Kansa Vadh:
1. The Prophecy and Kansa’s TyrannyLegend: According to legend, a celestial voice foretold that Kansa would be killed by the eighth son of his sister Devaki. Fearing for his life, Kansa imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudeva, killing each of their newborn children. Despite his efforts, Krishna was born as the eighth child, and the legend of his miraculous birth and escape from Mathura is celebrated as a sign of divine intervention.
2. Krishna’s Early Life and MiraclesLegend: Before confronting Kansa, Krishna performed many miracles as a child. One legend recounts how he lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Gokul from the wrath of Indra, the rain god. Another tale speaks of Krishna subduing the Kaliya Snake, which had poisoned the Yamuna River, showcasing his divine powers even as a young child.
3. The Mathura TrialLegend: After his return to Mathura, Krishna faced several trials set by Kansa. These included fighting Kansa’s wrestlers, Chanura and Mushtika, who were famous for their strength. Krishna's defeat of these formidable opponents is celebrated as a demonstration of divine might and the triumph of good over evil.
4. The Battle with KansaLegend: The battle between Krishna and Kansa is described as an epic and dramatic confrontation. The legend depicts Krishna’s strategic brilliance and strength as he defeats Kansa’s guards and allies, culminating in a final duel where Kansa is thrown to the ground and killed.
5. The Rebirth of KansaLegend: Some versions of the legend suggest that after Kansa’s death, he was reborn as a demon in another era, symbolizing the eternal struggle between good and evil. This rebirth story links Kansa’s defeat to a larger cosmic battle and the continuing mission of Krishna to eradicate adharma (unrighteousness).
6. Kansa’s Demoness AlliesLegend: Kansa was assisted by several demon allies, including Putana, who tried to kill Krishna with poisoned milk, and Trinavarta, who attempted to carry Krishna away in the form of a whirlwind. These legends illustrate the various methods Kansa employed to eliminate Krishna and the divine intervention that thwarted these attempts.
7. Krishna’s Return to MathuraLegend: Krishna’s return to Mathura was prophesied to bring an end to Kansa’s reign. The legends describe how Krishna, aided by his devotees, entered the city in disguise and gathered the strength needed for the final confrontation. This return is marked by the gathering of allies, including the Pandavas, who support Krishna in his mission.
8. Kansa’s Death and RedemptionLegend: The death of Kansa is sometimes depicted as a moment of spiritual redemption for him. According to some legends, Kansa, before his death, recognized Krishna as the Supreme Being and realized his mistakes, leading to his spiritual liberation. This aspect of the story emphasizes forgiveness and the idea that even the most wicked can attain redemption.
9. Krishna’s Divine LeelasLegend: The episode of Kansa Vadh is also part of Krishna’s broader series of divine exploits or leelas. These leelas include his playful interactions with his devotees, his role as a protector of dharma, and his teachings on spirituality and morality. Each leela serves to reveal different aspects of Krishna’s divine nature.
10. The Destruction of the Yadu DynastyLegend: After Kansa’s death, Krishna’s life story leads to the eventual destruction of the Yadu dynasty, which is portrayed in the Mahabharata and other texts. This aspect of the legend illustrates the cyclical nature of life and the idea that divine interventions are part of a larger cosmic plan.