IN THE COMPANY OF KRISHNA - 3. CAIDYA ALIAS SISUPALA THE GREAT ENEMY OF KRISHNA

 

Sisupala – The Great Enemy of Krishna

            The name Caidya refers to the ruler of Cedi, and in this context, it means Sisupala, the king of Cedi. Another ruler of Cedi, Dhrstaketu, was also known by this name. Sisupala played a significant role in the Kurukshetra war, where he led the Krauncavyuha (a battle formation shaped like a stork), designed by Dhrstadyumna. (Bhisma Parva, Chapter 50, Sloka 47)

Sisupala’s Past Life

In his previous birth, Sisupala was one of the two gatekeepers of Vaikuntha, named Jaya and Vijaya. Due to a curse from the great sages, they were born thrice as demons:

1. Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu
2. Ravana and Kumbhakarna
3. Sisupala and Dantavaktra

(For more details, see "Jaya and Vijaya" in Indian Puranas.)

Birth and Prophecy

Sisupala was born to King Damaghosa of Cedi and his wife Srutasravas (Bhagavata, 9th Skandha). However, he had a strange and terrifying appearance—he was born with three eyes and four hands. At birth, he cried like a donkey, making his parents consider abandoning him.

At that moment, a mystical being (Jin or ghost) appeared and prophesied:

• The child would grow up to be extremely powerful.
• He could only be killed by one specific person, who was already on earth.
• If the child was placed on the lap of that person, two of his hands and his third eye would disappear.

News of this prophecy spread far and wide, attracting many kings who wished to see the child.

One day, Srutasravas, who was Krishna’s aunt, placed Sisupala on Krishna’s lap. Instantly, his extra hands and third eye disappeared. Seeing this, his mother pleaded with Krishna to forgive Sisupala’s offenses at least a hundred times. Krishna promised to do so. (Sabha Parva, Chapter 43)

Sisupala’s Role in Various Events

Sisupala was an important figure in several major events:

1. Present at Draupadi’s wedding and attempted to stop the ceremony. (Adi Parva, Chapter 185, Verse 23)
2. Attended the coronation of the King of Kalinga. (Santi Parva, Verse 6)
3. Served as the Commander-in-Chief of Jarasandha. (Sabha Parva, Chapter 14, Verse 10)
4. Honored Bhima when he conquered kingdoms. (Sabha Parva, Chapter 29, Verse 11)
5. Participated in Yudhishthira’s Rajasuya sacrifice. (Sabha Parva, Chapter 234, Verse 14)

Sisupala’s Conflict with Krishna

During the Rajasuya Yajna, Sisupala strongly opposed Krishna being given the highest honor.

1. He publicly insulted Krishna. (Sabha Parva, Chapter 39, Verse 11; Chapter 41)
2. He attacked Dvaraka in Krishna’s absence. (Sabha Parva, Chapter 45, Verse 7)
3. He stole Vasudeva’s sacrificial horse. (Sabha Parva, Chapter 45, Verse 9)
4. He kidnapped the wife of Babhru. (Sabha Parva, Chapter 45, Verse 10)
5. He abducted the daughter of his uncle, the King of Visala. (Sabha Parva, Chapter 45, Verse 11)

Finally, Krishna lost patience and killed Sisupala after he had exceeded the promised 100 offenses. (Sabha Parva, Chapter 45, Verse 25)

After his death, Sisupala’s soul merged with Krishna’s divine form, symbolizing his ultimate liberation. (Sabha Parva, Chapter 45, Verse 26)

Legacy

Sisupala remains one of the most well-known antagonists in Hindu mythology. His story teaches the lesson that even the greatest enemies of God can ultimately find salvation in Him.

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