Zarasandha (Jarasandha) was a
powerful king in Hindu mythology, known from the Mahabharata. His father, King
Brihadratha of Magadha, had two wives but no children. One day, a sage named
Chandakaushika gave the king a fruit as a blessing. The king split it and gave
half to each wife. Both wives became pregnant, but each gave birth to only half
of a human baby. The two halves were lifeless and frightening, so the king had
them thrown into the forest.
A demoness (asuri) named Jara
found the two halves. She picked up one piece in each hand, and when she
brought her hands together, the halves magically joined into a living baby. The
baby cried loudly. Jara, the demoness, moved by this, took the child to the
king and told him what had happened. The king was very happy and named the
child "Jarasandha," meaning “joined by Jara.”
Zarasandha (Jarasandha) grew up
to become a strong king of Magadha. He had two daughters who married Kamsa,
Krishna’s evil uncle. When Krishna killed Kamsa, Zarasandha (Jarasandha) became
angry and attacked Krishna many times. Though Zarasandha (Jarasandha) had help
from other powerful kings, he lost every time.
Later, Krishna asked Bhima, one
of the Pandava brothers, to fight Zarasandha (Jarasandha). With Krishna’s help,
Bhima defeated and killed him, ending Zarasandha’s (Jarasandha’s) rule. This
also freed many kings that Zarasandha (Jarasandha) had captured.
Zarasandha (Jarasandha) ruled
during the Brihadratha dynasty, which lasted 2,600 years before other dynasties
took over. He is also mentioned in the Vayu Purana.
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Your portrayal of Jarasandha in 'In Company of Krishna' is both enlightening and engaging. I appreciated the depth you brought to his character, highlighting the complexities of his role in the Mahabharata. Looking forward to more of your insightful explorations!
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