IN THE COMPANY OF KRISHNA - 1 ARISHTASURA

 

In the company of Krishna, we explore the life of one of the most revered and celebrated deities in Hindu mythology. Krishna is regarded as the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, born to Vasudeva and Devaki, but raised by Nanda and Yasoda in the village of Gokula. Though he was the true son of Vasudeva and Devaki, Krishna grew up under the loving care of Nanda and Yasoda, and it was during his childhood that his divine nature began to unfold. He effortlessly vanquished powerful demons sent by his evil uncle Kamsa, such as Putana, Bakasura, and many others.

Krishna's early years in Gokula are marked by his playful and mischievous interactions with the Gopis, particularly his close bond with Radha, the most beloved of them all. As he matured, Krishna's divine powers and wisdom became even more apparent. He played a crucial role in the Mahabharata, acting as the charioteer and guide for his close friend Arjuna. His counsel and strategic mind were pivotal in the Pandavas’ victory over the Kauravas in the great Kurukshetra War.

Throughout his life, Krishna demonstrated extraordinary strength and valour, killing notorious demons like Kamsa, Naraka, Kesin, and Arishtasura. His many adventures and deeds earned him immense devotion and admiration. Krishna also had more than 16,000 wives, with Rukmini and Satyabhama being his favorites. Despite his many marriages, his relationship with Radha remains the most celebrated in Indian mythology, symbolizing divine love and devotion.

Krishna's death came in an unusual and poignant manner: he was struck by an arrow from a hunter named Jaras, who mistakenly believed Krishna to be a deer. This marked the end of his earthly incarnation. Krishna's life, filled with divine miracles, wisdom, and compassion, continues to inspire countless followers and remains a central figure in the spiritual and cultural traditions of India. His blue-black complexion, often described as the colour of a dark cloud, further adds to his mystical allure as a symbol of the divine.

Aristasura (Aristaka) - The Terrifying Ox

Introduction:

The Gopas (cowherds) performed Mahesvara Puja in the Devi forest and spent the night on the banks of the Kalindi River.  During this peaceful occasion, a python suddenly appeared and began to swallow Nandagopa, one of the cowherds.

Krishna's Intervention:

Krishna, with his divine powers, kicked the python, transforming it into a Deva called Sudarsana.  Sudarsana was a Vidyadhara (a celestial being) who had been cursed by sage Angiras and turned into a python.

Aristasura’s Terror in Gokula:

Aristasura’s Arrival:  Aristasura, a fierce servant of Kamsa, disguised himself as a terrifying ox and arrived in Ambadi.  The people of the village were terrified as the ox rampaged, destroying hills and mountains with its horns and bellowing with immense fury.

The Battle with Krishna:

Krishna's Courage:  Sri Krishna, with unmatched bravery, faced the ferocious ox.  He rained blows upon the beast, ultimately throwing it hundred yojanas away (a vast distance).  With Krishna's defeat, the ox transformed back into its true form as Aristasura, an Asura (demon).

The End of Aristasura:

Conclusion of the Battle: Aristasura’s form as the ox was destroyed, and he regained his original Asura form upon death. This marked the end of his terror, and the people of Gokula were saved once again by Krishna’s divine intervention.

Conclusion:

The Power of Krishna:  Through his unmatched courage and divine power, Krishna always protected the innocent and defeated the forces of evil. The story of Aristasura serves as a reminder of Krishna’s divine nature and his constant protection of his devotees.

Sources:

Bhagavata Purana, Dasama Skandha, Chapter 36

अथ तर्हि आगतो गोष्टमरिष्टो वृषभासुरः। महीं महाककुत्कायः कम्पयन्खुरवीक्षिताम् ।।

Then there came to Gokul one ox demon( vrishabhaasura ) by name Arishta, with large hump made the earth tremble torn by his hoofs.

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