Mahabharata – Chapter 3: Krishna's Departure to Mathura

Krishna's Departure to Mathura

In the previous chapter, we enjoyed the enchanting pastimes of Krishna in Vrindavan, where He infused love and devotion into the hearts of the Gopis. By the Yamuna's bank, under the shade of Kadamba trees, and in the wondrous dances of the Raslila, Krishna blessed Vrindavan with His sweet presence. However, the time had come for Him to move towards a new chapter of His life, a chapter in which He had to go to Mathura, end the tyrannical Kamsa, and re-establish Dharma.

Arrival of Akrura

In Vrindavan, the golden morning sunlight was slowly spreading. Birds were singing sweet songs, and the sounds of churning curd echoed in the homes of the Gopis. Suddenly, a chariot stopped at the doorstep of Nanda Baba. As the residents of Vrindavan saw the person who alighted from the chariot, curiosity spread among them. That person was none other than Akrura, a trusted minister of Kamsa. There was a serious expression on his face. Kamsa had sent him to take Krishna and Balarama to Mathura. Akrura's heart yearned to see Krishna, but he was also tormented by the fear of Kamsa.

Nanda Baba welcomed Akrura and inquired about his well-being. Akrura said, "Nanda Baba, King Kamsa has invited you and Krishna-Balarama to Mathura. He is organizing a grand bow sacrifice, in which he wishes to witness your presence and the valor of Krishna-Balarama." Nanda Baba was surprised. Krishna and Balarama also came to Akrura. Krishna, smiling, asked Akrura, "Is it true that King Kamsa has called us? We are happy that we will get an opportunity to go to Mathura." Krishna knew that this journey was not just to participate in a sacrifice, but an opportunity to fill Kamsa's vessel of sins and establish Dharma.

Crisis in Mathura

Akrura took Krishna and Balarama in the chariot and set off towards Mathura. The Gopis of Vrindavan became distressed in separation from Krishna. Tears were in their eyes and a sense of despair in their hearts. As soon as they reached Mathura, Krishna sensed the unrest and fear spread throughout the city. Kamsa's tyrannical rule was pervasive everywhere. The subjects were oppressed, and it had become difficult to follow Dharma. Upon entering Mathura, Krishna and Balarama saw a hunchbacked maidservant named Kubja. Krishna, with His divine power, made Kubja beautiful. Kubja was overwhelmed by Krishna's grace and offered Him sandalwood paste.

While roaming the markets of Mathura, Krishna and Balarama were attempted to be stopped by Kamsa's wicked warriors. They challenged Krishna and Balarama to a wrestling match. Krishna and Balarama easily defeated those warriors. Seeing this, courage was infused among the subjects against Kamsa's tyranny. Krishna's presence brought a new hope to Mathura. People began to believe that the end of Kamsa's oppression was near. Krishna ensured that His actions conveyed the message to the public that the establishment of Dharma and justice was inevitable.

End of Kamsa and Restoration of Ugrasena

Finally, the day of the bow sacrifice arrived. Kamsa sat on his throne, a mixture of arrogance and fear on his face. Krishna and Balarama entered the bow sacrifice arena. Krishna lifted the enormous bow and broke it with a single stroke. Hearing the sound of the bow breaking, Kamsa was filled with rage. Krishna challenged Kamsa, and a fierce battle ensued between them. In the end, Krishna dragged Kamsa down from his throne, threw him down, and slew him. With the slaying of Kamsa, the reign of terror in Mathura came to an end.

After Kamsa's death, Krishna freed his father Ugrasena from prison and reinstated him on the throne of Mathura. Ugrasena ruled by following the path of justice and Dharma. An era of peace and prosperity returned to Mathura. Krishna proved that He could go to any extent to protect Dharma. He also showed that arrogance and tyranny are destined to end. By Krishna's grace, Mathura once again became a center of Dharma and justice.