KANSA

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