KANSA Kansa, Kesi and Chandura were not equalled by anyone; They did not comprehend the Lord, therefore they were dishonoured. (Gauri M. l, p. 225) Kansa was the son of king Ugrasena of Mathura, whom he deposed and usurped his throne with the help of his father-in-law Jarasandha, the king of Magadha. He had married two daughters of Jarasandha. He was the cousin of Devaki, -who was married to Vasudeva. It was prophesied that a son born of Devaki would kili him, therefore he endeavoured to destroy all her children.
The seventh child was transferred to Rohini, the second wifé of Vasudeva. Krishna was the eighth child, who was exchanged with the newly bom daughter of Nand and Yashodha, miraculously, on the night of his birth. The seventh child Balarama and the eighth child Krishna both were brought up by Nand. When they escaped the evil designs of Kansa, the tyrant ordered all the young male children of his kingdom to be killed.
He wanted the killing of Krishna by any rneans, therefore he sent several demons to do the job, but none of them could hann the divine child. Htt invited both the brothers Balarama and Krishna te Matbura, where the powerful demon Chandura was engaged for the job. Krishna killed Chandura, the wrestler and afterwards killed Kansa also. See : Das Avatars Krishna
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
Kansa, also spelled Kamsa, is a prominent antagonist in Hindu mythology, particularly in the epic Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana. He is infamous as the tyrannical ruler of Mathura and the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna, whose destiny was intertwined with Kansa’s downfall.
Key Aspects of Kansa:
Birth and Lineage:
- Kansa was born to King Ugrasena and Queen Padmavati. However, some texts suggest that Kansa was not Ugrasena’s biological son but was conceived through a supernatural event involving a demon.
- He belonged to the Bhoja dynasty and ruled Mathura with cruelty and ambition.
Prophecy and Fear:
- A divine prophecy foretold that Kansa would be killed by the eighth child of his sister Devaki. In fear, Kansa imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudeva, killing their first six children.
- The seventh child, Balarama, was miraculously transferred to another womb, and the eighth child, Krishna, was secretly transported to Gokula.
Tyranny and Oppression:
- Kansa’s reign was marked by cruelty and oppression. He allied with powerful demons like Jarasandha and Narakasura to strengthen his rule.
- He sent numerous demons to kill Krishna, but all were defeated by the divine child.
Death at Krishna’s Hands:
- Krishna eventually confronted Kansa in Mathura. In a dramatic battle, Krishna slew Kansa, fulfilling the prophecy and liberating Mathura from his tyranny.
- Kansa’s death symbolizes the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness).
Symbolism:
- Kansa represents unchecked ambition, fear, and the destructive consequences of ego and tyranny. His story underscores the inevitability of divine justice and the victory of good over evil.
Kansa’s tale is celebrated in festivals and rituals, particularly in Mathura, where his defeat is reenacted as a reminder of Krishna’s divine role in restoring cosmic balance.
