102- Deliverance of Arishtasur, Vyomasur and Keshi: Naradji Reveals Krishna’s Secret to Kans

Shukadevji tells Parikshit that one day, as Bhagwan Shree Krishna was entering Braj, a demon named Arishtasur arrived in the form of a bull. His body was enormous. He struck the earth so violently with his hooves that the ground trembled.

Roaring loudly and raising clouds of dust, he charged about wildly. With his sharp horns, he broke walls and the embankments of fields. His terrifying bellowing filled the people with fear. The women and cows began to tremble, and the animals fled in panic from their places.

All the residents of Braj cried out, “Shree Krishna, save us!”

Seeing the fear spreading throughout Braj, Bhagwan Shree Krishna reassured everyone and challenged the demon, saying, “Wicked one! Why are you frightening the cows and the cowherds? I shall at once break the pride of one as arrogant as you.”

Hearing this, Arishtasur became furious. Pawing the ground violently, he rushed toward Shree Krishna with his sharp horns lowered and charged at great speed. Bhagwan Shree Krishna seized both his horns and, just as a powerful man might push back an opponent, forced him several steps backwards and threw him to the ground. The demon rose again, even more enraged, and attacked once more.

Shree Krishna again caught his horns, hurled him down, and pinned him beneath His feet, crushing him severely. Then He tore off one of the demon’s horns and struck him with it. Vomiting blood and writhing in agony, the demon finally gave up his life.

When the demon was slain, the devas showered flowers from the heavens and praised Bhagwan. The residents of Braj were filled with joy. Shree Krishna returned to the cowherd settlement with Balaramji, and upon seeing Him, the hearts and eyes of the gopis overflowed with delight.

Shukadevji further tells Parikshit that the leelas of Bhagwan are most astonishing. After Bhagwan Shree Krishna had slain Arishtasur, Naradji went to Kans and said:

“O Kans! The girl who slipped from your hands and rose into the sky was actually Yashoda’s daughter. The Shree Krishna who lives in Braj is Devaki’s son. And Balaramji, there is the son of Rohini. Out of fear of you, Vasudev placed both of them with his friend Nand. It is they who have killed your attendant demons.” (Bhagavat 10.36.17–18)

Upon hearing this, every one of Kans’s senses trembled with rage. He immediately seized his sword and rushed to kill Vasudev, but Naradji restrained him. When Kans realised that it was indeed the sons of Vasudev who were destined to cause his death, he once again had Devaki and Vasudev bound in chains and thrown into prison.

After Naradji departed, Kans summoned the demon Keshī and ordered him, “Go to Braj and kill Balaram and Krishna.” Keshi immediately set out.

Then Kans called for the wrestlers Chanur, Mushtik, Shal, and Toshal, along with his ministers and elephant-keepers. He said, “Listen carefully. The two sons of Vasudev, Balaram and Krishna, are living in Nand’s Braj. It is said that my death will come at their hands. Therefore, when they come here, you must kill them under the pretext of wrestling. 

Arrange platforms around the arena so that the citizens and people from the countryside may sit and watch the contest.”

Turning to the elephant-keeper, he said, “You are clever. Station your elephant, Kuvalayapid, at the entrance to the arena. When they enter, have the elephant trample them to death. And on the coming Chaturdashi, begin the Dhanush-yajna according to proper rites. To ensure its success, offer an animal sacrifice to Bhairav.”

Shukadevji tells Parikshit that Kans thought only of his own selfish interests. After instructing his ministers, wrestlers, and elephant-keeper, he summoned the noble Yadu, Akrurji. Taking his hand, he said, “Akrurji, you are generous and worthy of my respect. Today, please do this task for me. Among the Yadus, there is none who desires my welfare more than you.

“This is an important matter, so I rely upon you. Go to Nand’s Braj. There dwell the two sons of Vasudev, Balaram and Krishna. Seat them upon this very chariot and bring them here without delay.

“It is said that the devas have declared that those two will be the cause of my death. Therefore, bring them here. Also, invite Nand and the other gopas along with gifts. Once they arrive, I shall have my elephant Kuvalayapid trample them. If they somehow escape, my wrestlers Mushtik and Chanur will kill them.

“After their death, Vasudev and his clan will be overcome with grief. Then I shall eliminate them as well. My father, Ugrasen, is still alive and desires the throne. Later, I will destroy him, his brother Devak, and all who oppose me.

“Then only you and I shall remain upon this earth. Jarasandh is my father-in-law, Dvivida is my ally, and Shambar, Narak, and Banasur stand with me. With their support, I will defeat all enemies and rule without fear.

“I have told you all this in confidence. Now go quickly and bring Balaram and Krishna here. They are still mere boys; it will not be difficult to kill them. Tell them only that they should come to see the Dhanush-yajna and the splendour of Mathura.”

Akrurji replied, “Maharaj, it is natural that you think in this way, desiring to avert danger and death. Yet a person should remain steady in both success and failure, simply performing his duty. Results do not arise from effort alone; they unfold according to destiny.

“Man makes many plans, yet he does not know what fate has already determined. When destiny supports him, his efforts succeed, and he rejoices. When destiny does not favour him, his efforts fail, and he grieves. Still, I shall carry out your command.”

Thus, Kans gave instructions to his ministers and to Akrurji and dismissed them. He returned to his palace, and Akrurji went back to his home.

Shukadevji tells Parikshit that the demon Keshi, whom Kans had sent, came to Braj in the form of a gigantic horse. He was racing wildly, and the force of his hooves made the earth tremble. His terrifying neighing filled everyone with fear. His body was enormous, his eyes wide and fierce, and his mouth huge. He had come with the intention of killing Bhagwan Shree Krishna.

Seeing that his arrival had spread panic throughout Braj, Bhagwan Shree Krishna stepped forward and roared like a lion, challenging him.

On beholding Bhagwan before him, Keshi became even more enraged. With his mouth wide open, he rushed toward Him at great speed and, upon reaching Him, struck out with his hind legs. But Bhagwan swiftly avoided the attack. Seizing both of Keshi’s hind legs, He whirled him around and flung him far away, just as Garud tosses aside a serpent.

After some time, Keshi rose again, burning with even greater fury, and charged once more at Bhagwan. This time, Bhagwan smiled gently and thrust His left arm into the demon’s mouth. As soon as His arm entered, Keshi’s teeth shattered and fell out. Then Bhagwan’s arm began to expand within the demon’s throat. It grew so large that Keshi’s breathing was choked off. He struggled desperately, his body drenched in sweat, until at last he collapsed upon the ground. Within moments, his life air departed.

His lifeless body split apart. Bhagwan Shree Krishna then withdrew His arm. Witnessing this astonishing sight, the devas were filled with wonder and joy. From the heavens, they showered flowers and offered heartfelt praises to Bhagwan.

After departing from Kans, Devarshi Naradji went directly to Bhagwan Shree Krishna. In a secluded place, he spoke to Him, “O Shree Krishna, You are the Supreme Paramatma, of the nature of Sat-Chit-Anand. Your true form cannot be grasped by mind or speech. You are the controller of the entire universe. You dwell in the hearts of all beings, and everything rests in You. You are the dearest of the devotees and the crown jewel of the Yadu dynasty.

“Just as one fire is hidden within many pieces of wood, in the same way, You are the indwelling Self of all living beings. Though You reside within all, You remain unseen; yet You are the witness and regulator of everyone. Creation, sustenance, and dissolution of the cosmos are carried out by Your own divine power. You require no support, for You are all-powerful.

“You have descended in the Yadu dynasty to destroy daityas and the unrighteous, and to protect Dharma. It is a matter of great joy that You have effortlessly slain the demon Keshi. Soon You will also kill Chanur, Mushtik, the other wrestlers, the elephant Kuvalayapid, and Kans himself. Thereafter, You will destroy Shankhasur, Kalyavan, Mur, and Narakasur.

“You will bring the Kalpavriksh from heaven and humble Indra’s pride. You will marry many heroic princesses and reside in Dwaraka, freeing people from sin.

“You will retrieve the Syamantak jewel from Jambavan and restore the dead sons of a Brahmin. Later, You will slay Paundraka and, at Yuddhisthir’s Rajasuya yajna, You will destroy Shishupal and then Dantavakra.

“While residing in Dwaraka, You will perform many more heroic deeds, which wise men will sing of in ages to come. Then You will become Arjun’s charioteer in the great war, lightening the burden of the Earth by destroying vast armies. All this I shall witness.

“O Prabhu, You are pure knowledge and bliss itself. Nothing exists independently of You. You are ever established in Your own bliss. For You, everything is eternally accomplished. Your resolve never fails. Before Your power, this Maya and this world are insignificant.

“This universe and all its diversities manifest only through Your Maya. At present, You are performing human-like leelas and shining as the crest jewel of the Yadus. I bow to that Sat-Chit-Anand Bhagwan and take refuge in You.”

Having thus offered his prayers, Naradji departed. Meanwhile, after killing the demon Keshi, Bhagwan Shree Krishna resumed His daily life just as before, joyfully tending the cows with His beloved gvalbal friends.

One day, the gvalbal were grazing cows and other animals upon the mountain slopes. While there, they began playing hide-and-seek, with some acting as thieves and others as protectors.

At that time, Vyomasur arrived there disguised as a cowherd boy. He was the son of the great magician Mayasur and was himself highly skilled in illusion. In the game, he repeatedly took on the role of a thief and stealthily abducted many of the boys playing as sheep.

He carried them away and locked them inside a mountain cave, sealing its entrance with a massive rock. Gradually, only four or five boys remained free among the gvalbal. Bhagwan Shree Krishna, who is ever affectionate to His devotees, understood his deceitful act at once.

Vyomasur was immensely powerful. Realising he had been discovered, he assumed his original gigantic form, as vast as a mountain, and tried to break free. But Bhagwan had already seized him so firmly that he could not escape.

Then Bhagwan Shree Krishna grasped him tightly with both hands, hurled him to the ground, and strangled him like a beast. Thus, Vyomasur was slain. The devas, seated in their celestial vimanas, watched this leela unfold and rejoiced.

Thereafter, Bhagwan Shree Krishna broke apart the rocks blocking the cave entrance and rescued the gvalbal from that perilous place. The great devas and the cowherd boys alike offered prayers in His praise. Then Bhagwan Shree Krishna returned to Braj.

Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Shreemad Bhagavat Katha [Hindi]- 13.02.2026