Story Summary
Discover the epic tale of The Killing of Jarasandha from the Mahabharata. Lord Krishna and Bhima use a clever strategy to defeat the indestructible tyrant king.
King Jarasandha of Magadha was a formidable tyrant born in two halves, joined together by a demoness named Jara. He was nearly invincible because any wound would instantly heal as his body parts fused back together. Having imprisoned nearly a hundred kings to sacrifice them, he posed a threat to the world's balance. Lord Krishna, knowing that Jarasandha must be removed for Yudhishthira to perform the Rajasuya Yagna, traveled to Magadha with Bhima and Arjuna. Disguised as Brahmins, they challenged the king to a duel. Jarasandha chose Bhima, and the two wrestled for twenty-seven days. Each time Bhima tore Jarasandha apart, the king’s body joined back together. Finally, Krishna picked up a straw, split it lengthwise, and threw the pieces in opposite directions. Bhima understood the signal. He seized Jarasandha, tore him in half, and threw the left side to the right and the right side to the left. Unable to reunite across the opposite directions, the tyrant finally perished, and the captive kings were set free.
The Moral
Even the most seemingly invincible power has a hidden weakness that can be overcome through divine wisdom and strategic action.
“To defeat an enemy who reunites, one must cast the pieces where they can never meet.”
Fun Fact
Jarasandha was the father-in-law of Kansa, the tyrant of Mathura. His enmity with Krishna began because Krishna killed Kansa, leading Jarasandha to attack Mathura seventeen times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Killing of Jarasandha?
The story teaches that physical strength alone is not enough to win; one must use intelligence and strategy to find a solution to seemingly impossible problems.
Who killed Jarasandha in the Mahabharata?
Jarasandha was killed by Bhima, the second Pandava brother, during a wrestling match that lasted twenty-seven days.
How was Jarasandha born?
He was born as two lifeless halves to two queens; a demoness named Jara joined the halves together, giving him life and his name, which means 'joined by Jara.'
Why did Krishna want Jarasandha to be killed?
Jarasandha had imprisoned eighty-six kings and planned to sacrifice one hundred of them to achieve supreme power, threatening the peace of the world.
What trick did Krishna use to help Bhima?
Krishna signaled Bhima by splitting a blade of grass and throwing the halves in opposite directions, showing Bhima how to prevent Jarasandha's body from rejoining.
Why did Jarasandha choose to fight Bhima?
When challenged to a duel by the three disguised visitors, Jarasandha refused to fight Krishna (a cowherd) or Arjuna (too young), choosing Bhima as his equal in strength.
Discussion (0)
Share your thoughts on this story
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
