Kamsa's Evil Plot to Kill Krishna : Episode 25

Recap of Previous Episode: Pandu’s cremation leads to Madri’s self-immolation, leaving Kunti to raise all five sons. Krishna lifts Govardhana, humbling Indra and revealing his divine purpose. The Pandavas return to Hastinapura, where Duryodhana rejects Yudhishtra and Shakuni quietly sows strategy against them. Disturbed by what lies ahead, Satyavati departs to lead a life of renunciation.

Kamsa’s Plot and Akrura’s Dilemma

Akrura is the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna, who serves as a minister in the court of King Kamsa of Mathura. Kamsa summons Akrura, flanked by two deadly wrestlers. He reveals that Devaki’s prophesied son, Krishna, lives in Gokula with Balarama, and orders Akrura to invite them to Mathura for the Dhanur Yagna. The offerings of milk, curd, and ghee are just a cover — his true plan is to kill them in the arena.

Akrura cautions that even as a child Krishna slew Putana, Shakatasura, Narakasura, and Pralambasura; now grown, he may be far more powerful. Kamsa ignores the warning and commands obedience.

Satyavati’s Renunciation

In Hastinapura, Satyavati prepares to leave for vanaprastha. As she removes her ornaments, memories of loss and consequence rise before her — the lineage she secured, the tragedies that followed, the curse she could not avert. Ambika and Ambalika ask to accompany her, and she consents in silence.

Akrura in Gokula

Akrura travels to Gokula, overwhelmed with devotion. Every path feels sanctified by Krishna’s footsteps, and he bows to the soil that witnessed His childhood play. At Nanda’s home, the family welcomes him warmly.

Akrura reveals the grim truth — Kamsa has invited Krishna and Balarama under the guise of a yagna, plotting to kill them. Krishna listens calmly.

Cruelty in the Arena

In Mathura, the wrestling arena fills with cheering crowds as Ugrasena presides beside Akrura. When a powerful king from Sunga Desa overpowers him, Kamsa flings mud at his eyes and kills him dishonourably, ignoring the referee’s objections. The elders watch in shame; Ugrasena laments the decline of righteousness. Akrura consoles him, saying the Divine witnesses all, and justice will come.

Another wrestler enters; Kamsa strikes him even while unconscious. Akrura later recounts these acts to Krishna, apologizing for being the messenger of such cruelty. Krishna consoles him, saying devotion led him to speak truth; duty alone brought him here. He instructs Akrura to inform Kamsa that He and Balarama will attend the yagna.

Departure of the Queens

Satyavati, Ambika, and Ambalika leave the palace. They take leave of Kunti and the Pandavas, Dhritarashtra and his family, and Vidura’s household. At the gates, Satyavati accepts water from Vyasa’s kamandala, ritually washing away her worldly ties before journeying into the forest.

Kamsa Killed : Ugrasena Re-instated as King

Krishna and Balarama arrive at the Dhanur Yagna. Krishna lifts the enormous bow with ease and snaps it in two; the thunderous crack rolls across the arena, and Kamsa feels the omen strike his heart.

As the chaos rises, Krishna leaps to the royal gallery, seizes Kamsa, and hurls him into the arena floor. He presses his foot upon the tyrant’s chest. In that final moment, Kamsa recalls his carefree days with Devaki — how he once joked that his nephew should one day place his foot upon him in play. Realization dawns; he beholds Krishna’s divine form, folds his hands, and breathes his last.

Krishna and Balarama then lead Ugrasena into the royal court, seat him on the throne, and crown him king once more.

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