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:
- Hiranyaksha
and Hiranyakashipu
- Ravana
and Kumbhakarna
- 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:
- Present
at Draupadi’s wedding and attempted to stop
the ceremony. (Adi Parva, Chapter 185, Verse 23)
- Attended
the coronation of the King of Kalinga. (Santi Parva, Verse
6)
- Served
as the Commander-in-Chief of Jarasandha. (Sabha Parva,
Chapter 14, Verse 10)
- Honored
Bhima when he conquered kingdoms. (Sabha Parva,
Chapter 29, Verse 11)
- 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.
- He
publicly insulted Krishna. (Sabha Parva,
Chapter 39, Verse 11; Chapter 41)
- He
attacked Dvaraka in Krishna’s absence. (Sabha Parva,
Chapter 45, Verse 7)
- He
stole Vasudeva’s sacrificial horse. (Sabha Parva,
Chapter 45, Verse 9)
- He
kidnapped the wife of Babhru. (Sabha Parva,
Chapter 45, Verse 10)
- 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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