117- Krishna's Divine Daily Routine in Dwarka, the Fall of Jarasandh, and the Liberation of the Captive Kings

Shukadevji tells King Parikshit that every morning, when the roosters began to crow, and the sweet songs of birds filled the air, the queens of Dwarka would become saddened at the thought that Bhagwan Krishna would soon leave them to attend to His daily duties. At that time, the fragrance of the Parijat tree would spread through the atmosphere, bees would hum, and birds would seem to welcome the dawn with their melodious calls.

Bhagwan Krishna would rise daily during Brahma Muhurt and perform all the purificatory practices prescribed by the scriptures. He would then meditate upon His own transcendental, eternal and divine nature, which is beyond Maya. In this way, He demonstrated the ideal of spiritual discipline and righteous living.

Thereafter, He would bathe, perform Sandhya-vandan, offer oblations into the sacred fire, chant the Gayatri mantra, worship the Sun-god, and offer respects to the devas, rishis and forefathers.

He honoured brahmins, elders and spiritual teachers and set an example of charity by gifting large numbers of cows and other valuable offerings each day. He would then behold auspicious objects such as cows, brahmins and sacred Deity forms. After attending to the needs of His citizens, relatives and servants and seeing everyone satisfied, He Himself felt delighted.

Then Bhagwan Krishna would put on royal attire and, accompanied by His charioteer Daruk, Uddhavji and Satyaki, proceed to the Sudharma assembly hall. There, among the heroes, scholars, artists and ministers of the Yadu dynasty, He conducted affairs of state, discussed Dharma and worked for the welfare of all.

One day, a messenger arrived in the royal assembly of Dwarka. He carried a plea from nearly twenty thousand kings who had been defeated and imprisoned by Jarasandh, the king of Magadh.

These captive rulers prayed to Bhagwan Krishna, saying that He alone is the protector of those who surrender unto Him and the remover of all fear. They admitted that worldly power and royal opulence are temporary, yet they had become attached to them and were now suffering greatly.

They explained that Jarasandh was extremely powerful and had helplessly imprisoned them. Although Bhagwan Krishna had defeated him many times before, his pride had only increased, and he continued to persecute the devotees of Bhagwan.

Finally, those imprisoned kings surrendered completely to Bhagwan Krishna and begged Him to free them from Jarasandh’s captivity.

While the messenger was delivering the king’s appeal, Devarshi Narad arrived in the royal assembly. Bhagwan Krishna asked him about the affairs of the three worlds, especially the Pandavas.

Naradji explained that Maharaj Yudhishthir had no desire for material gain. However, for the pleasure of Bhagwan Krishna and the welfare of the world, he wished to perform the Rajasuya yagya. Many devas, rishis and kings would attend, and everyone would receive the opportunity to behold Bhagwan Krishna.

Yet the Yadavas present in the assembly felt that before such a sacrifice could be performed, Jarasandh must first be defeated and the captive kings liberated. Bhagwan Krishna then turned toward His wise minister and beloved friend Uddhavji and requested his opinion.

Although Bhagwan Krishna knows everything, He sought counsel from Uddhavji to demonstrate ideal leadership and proper conduct.

After carefully considering the opinions of Naradji, the assembly and Bhagwan Himself, Uddhavji spoke, “O Bhagwan, Naradji’s proposal is indeed proper. However, both objectives, the success of Yudhishthir’s Rajasuya yagya and the liberation of the imprisoned kings, require the defeat of Jarasandh first.

“No king can perform the Rajasuya yagya without establishing sovereignty over all directions. Therefore, Jarasandh must be defeated. Once he falls, the captive kings will be freed, and Your glory will spread throughout the world.

“Jarasandh is extraordinarily powerful, but Bhimsen is his equal. Jarasandh never refuses a request made by a Brahmin. Therefore, Bhimsen should approach him in disguise as a Brahmin and ask for a duel. By Your grace, Bhimsen will certainly defeat him.”

Everyone present, including Naradji and Bhagwan Krishna Himself, approved of Uddhavji’s advice. Bhagwan Krishna then took permission from Vasudevji and the elders and prepared to depart for Indraprastha.

Before leaving, He assured the messenger of the captive kings, “Return and tell your kings not to fear. Their welfare is assured. I shall slay Jarasandh and set them free.”

The messenger joyfully carried the message back to Girivraj, and the imprisoned kings eagerly awaited their liberation and the darshan of Bhagwan Krishna.

Bhagwan Krishna travelled through many regions, crossing mountains, rivers, cities and villages. Passing through Anarta, Sauvira, Maru, Kurukshetra, Panchala and Matsya, He finally arrived at Indraprastha. When Maharaj Yudhishthir learned of His arrival, he came out of the city with his teachers, relatives and citizens to welcome Him. Amid Vedic chants, auspicious music and joyful celebrations, Bhagwan Krishna was received with great honour.

Yudhishthir was overwhelmed with love and repeatedly embraced Him. Bhimsen, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev also greeted Him affectionately. The women of the city rushed to rooftops and balconies to catch a glimpse of Bhagwan Krishna and showered Him with flowers.

Kuntiji embraced her beloved nephew, while Draupadi respectfully welcomed Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi and the other queens.

Bhagwan Krishna remained in Indraprastha for several months.

One day, while seated in the royal assembly surrounded by sages, brahmins, kings, teachers and relatives, Maharaj Yudhishthir addressed Bhagwan Krishna, “I wish to worship You and the devas who are Your manifestations through the Rajasuya yagya. Please fulfil this desire.”

Bhagwan Krishna replied, “O Dharmaraj, your intention is noble and auspicious. This sacrifice will bring glory, benefit the world and please the devas, sages, forefathers and all living beings.

“However, first conquer the kings of the earth and gather the necessary resources. Only then should the sacrifice be performed.”

Following this advice, Yudhishthir sent Sahadev to the south, Nakul to the west, Arjun to the north and Bhimsen to the east. The Pandavas successfully conquered many rulers and collected vast wealth for the sacrifice.

Yet Yudhishthir remained concerned because Jarasandh had not been defeated. Bhagwan Krishna therefore implemented the plan suggested earlier by Uddhavji.

Accompanied by Bhimsen and Arjun, He disguised Himself as a Brahmin and travelled to Girivraj, the capital of Magadh. Jarasandh was renowned for honouring brahmins and guests. When the three disguised warriors approached him, he welcomed them respectfully.

They said, “O King, we have come from afar as your guests. Kindly grant the request we have come to make.”

Though Jarasandh noticed their powerful physiques and the bowstring marks on their wrists, he admired their courage and generosity.

Finally, Bhagwan Krishna revealed their identities: “We are not brahmins but kshatriyas. We have come seeking the gift of combat. This is Bhimsen, this is Arjun, and I am Krishna, your old enemy.”

Jarasandh laughed and replied, “Krishna, I will not fight You, for You once left Mathura before me. Arjun is younger and weaker than I am. Only Bhimsen is a worthy opponent.”

He then handed Bhimsen a massive mace and took another himself.

The two mighty warriors fought fiercely with maces. Their blows thundered across the battlefield. When their maces shattered, they continued with hand-to-hand combat.

For twenty-seven days, they fought without either gaining victory.

On the twenty-eighth day, Bhimsen admitted to Bhagwan Krishna that he could not find a way to defeat Jarasandh.

Knowing the secret of Jarasandh’s birth, that his body had once been joined together from two separate halves, Bhagwan Krishna silently tore a branch in two to give Bhimsen a clue.

Understanding the signal, Bhimsen seized Jarasandh, threw him to the ground, pinned one leg beneath his foot and pulled the other apart, tearing his body into two pieces.

Thus, Jarasandh was slain.

Jarasandh had imprisoned twenty thousand eight hundred kings within a mountain fortress. After their release, the kings emerged weak, emaciated and exhausted from years of confinement.

The moment they saw Bhagwan Krishna, dressed in yellow garments and adorned with the Srivatsa mark, the Kaustubha gem, the Vanamala, the conch, the discus, the mace, and the lotus, all their suffering vanished.

Overwhelmed with devotion, they bowed at His lotus feet and offered prayers.

Bhagwan Krishna instructed them, “True devotion to Me will now awaken within your hearts. Know that I am the Self and Lord of all beings. Pride born of wealth, power and kingdom leads only to downfall.

“Therefore, rule your subjects according to Dharma, worship Me through sacrifice, control your senses, and accept both happiness and distress as My grace. Remember Me always, and in the end you will attain Me.”

After honouring and restoring the kings, Bhagwan Krishna sent them back to their kingdoms. Filled with gratitude, they returned home and ruled according to His instructions.

Thereafter, Bhagwan Krishna, Bhimsen and Arjun departed for Indraprastha. As they approached the city, they blew their conches. The victorious sound filled their friends' hearts with joy and struck fear into their enemies' hearts.

Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Shreemad Bhagavat Katha [Hindi]- 01.06.2026