The Story of Kansa ( part-1)

The Story of Kansa ( part-1)

( as collected from the Bhagavata Purana, Harivamsha, and allied Puranas by Lokanath Mishra)

In a former birth, Kansa had been the demon Kalanemi. During the Treta Yuga, when Hanuman was on his way to fetch the life-restoring sanjivani herb to save Lakshmana, Kalanemi attempted to block his path. But Hanuman, in his might, hurled him away. Though defeated, Kalanemi did not die. Consumed by the desire to become invincible, he undertook fierce penance and pleased Brahma. As a boon, he was promised that he would not be slain by any god, not even Vishnu. Yet Brahma warned him: “This desire will not be fulfilled in this life. In your next birth, you shall indeed become strong and powerful.”

Thus reborn as Kansa, when he reached manhood, he displayed extraordinary strength, the fruit of that ancient penance. Skilled in wrestling—an art taught to him by the celebrated wrestlers of the Yadava clan—he soon surpassed his teachers. He traveled across kingdoms, challenging the best wrestlers of the time, defeating them effortlessly, and either forcing them into submission or forging alliances with them.

Through this, he drew to his side many formidable beings: Keshi, Chanura, Mushtika, Vatsasura, Bakasura, and Putana. He allied with other mighty demons such as Banasura, Narakasura, and Kalayavana. His cruelty and misdeeds earned him the name Kamsasura.

Soon in Mathura, demons multiplied until their numbers rivaled those of the Yadavas themselves. Kansa’s rakshasa companions always encouraged his wickedness, but the Yadavas grew restless and critical of his demonic ways. The city was thrown into turmoil, with frequent clashes between Yadavas and demons. Ignoring his father King Ugrasena, Kansa always favored the demons.

At this time, in Hastinapura, Dhritarashtra was the ruler, though blind from birth. His younger brother Pandu, a virtuous and valorous king, had been the true guardian of the throne, but later enthroned Dhritarashtra out of compassion. Pandu retired to the forest with his wives Kunti and Madri, where, through a boon given by Sage Durvasa, Kunti bore divine sons—beginning with Yudhishthira.

Meanwhile, in Mathura, Kansa’s power grew unchecked. Even mighty kings like Jarasandha of Magadha trembled before him. Once, when Jarasandha marched against Mathura, a mad elephant in his army ran amok. Kansa, with bare hands, seized the beast by its trunk, whirled it around, and flung it dead into Jarasandha’s camp. Stunned by this display of might, Jarasandha abandoned enmity and instead offered friendship, giving his daughters Asti and Prapti in marriage to Kansa.

Now allied with Magadha, Kansa grew even more arrogant. With armies of demons at his side, he attacked heaven itself, defeated Indra and the gods, and carried Indra’s throne triumphantly back to Mathura.

The kingdoms of earth lived in constant fear, for Kansa’s demon armies raided at will, committing untold atrocities. His closest allies—Keshi, Chanura, Mushtika, Dhenukasura, Vatsasura, Shakatasura, Pralambasura, Banasura, Narakasura, and above all Jarasandha—shook the earth with their terror. Even Mother Earth herself, unable to bear the weight of so much evil, took the form of a cow and appealed to Brahma.

Brahma, with the gods, went to the Ocean of Milk to seek Narayana’s aid. Lord Vishnu appeared and promised: “Fear not. I shall be born in the Yadu dynasty to end Kansa’s reign of terror.”

In the Vrishni line of the Yadavas lived Surasena, whose son was Vasudeva. Vasudeva first married Rohini. Later, he was given the hand of Devaki, daughter of Devaka, brother of King Ugrasena. The marriage was celebrated with great splendor.

Kansa, who loved his cousin Devaki dearly, himself took the reins of her wedding chariot as the charioteer, eager to honor her. But as the chariot rolled forth, a thundering voice echoed from the heavens:

“O foolish Kansa! The very sister you now escort shall give birth to your slayer. Her eighth son shall be your death.”

At once, Kansa’s affection turned to terror and rage. He seized Devaki by the hair, drew his sword, and was about to strike her down. But Vasudeva restrained him, pleading with folded hands:

“Brother Kansa, you are the crown prince of Mathura, mighty and invincible. To kill a helpless woman would only bring you disgrace and rebellion. I give you my solemn vow: every child born to Devaki shall be delivered into your hands. Spare her life.”

Kansa, grim and suspicious, lowered his sword. From that day onward, he awaited the fateful eighth child who, as destiny had foretold, would bring about his end.

⸻( to be continued)

The Birth of Kansa – A Story from Ancient India