Jarasandha and Kalajamuna (Kalayavana) were killed. (Gauri M. l, p. 224) Kalayavana was the king of ‘Faaras’ and a great friend of Jarasandha. He wanted to conquer Mathura, for which he performed penance and received a boon from Shiva that none of the Yadavas would be able to kili him. Coming to know about the protection given by Shiva to Kalayavana, Sri Kristina, somewhat dejected, shifted to Dwarka from Mathura. Another incident also occurred at this juncture.
King Muchukunda, a king of solar dynasty and son of Mandhata has on the request of god Indra gone to Devaloka along with his forces and defeated the Asuras (demons). Indra wanted to bless him with an award for the service, which he had rendered. Muchukunda, feeling very tired, wanted to be shown a place, where he could have sound sleep, because he had not slept for a long time. Indra led him to a cave on earth and told him that anyone who disturbed him in sleep, would be reduced to ashes by his very look.
Kalayavana went to kili Krishna, but the latter pretended to be in great fear and fled. Kalayavana pursued him, who having come to know about Muchukunda, entered the cave. Kalayavana mistook Muchukunda for Krishna and kicked him violently. Muchukunda jumped up from his sleep and looked at Kalayavana, who was immediately reduced to ashes. Comments : The wicked king got his due punishment.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh (ed), Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
Kalayavana, also known as Kalajamuna, is a significant figure in Hindu mythology, particularly in the stories surrounding Lord Krishna. He is depicted as a powerful and fearsome king of the Yavanas (a term often referring to foreign or non-Vedic tribes) and is known for his role as an adversary of Krishna.
Key Aspects of Kalayavana:
- Birth and Background:
- Kalayavana’s birth is described in the Brahmanda Purana. He was born as a result of a boon granted to Sage Gargya by Lord Shiva. Gargya, insulted by the Yadavas, performed intense penance to seek a son who would challenge the Yadava dynasty. Kalayavana was born with immense strength and a dark complexion, symbolizing his formidable nature.
- Alliance with Jarasandha:
- Kalayavana allied with Jarasandha, the king of Magadha and a sworn enemy of Krishna. Together, they sought to destroy Mathura and the Yadavas. Kalayavana led an army of 30 million warriors to besiege Mathura.
- Encounter with Krishna:
- Krishna, known for his strategic brilliance, avoided direct confrontation with Kalayavana. Instead, he lured him into a cave where the ancient king Muchukunda was in deep slumber. Muchukunda had been granted a boon that anyone disturbing his sleep would be reduced to ashes. When Kalayavana entered the cave and disturbed Muchukunda, he was instantly incinerated.
- Symbolism:
- Kalayavana represents the forces of arrogance and aggression that challenge divine order. His defeat through Krishna’s strategy highlights the triumph of wisdom and righteousness over brute strength.
Kalayavana’s story is a fascinating blend of cosmic justice, divine intervention, and the interplay of dharma (righteousness) and adharma (unrighteousness).
