The Demon’s Attack
While the noble Yādavas were enjoying water sports near Dvārakā, the powerful and malevolent demon Nikumbha, who harbored enmity against the demigods and the Yadu dynasty, seized an opportunity. He kidnapped Bhānumatī, the daughter of King Bhānu, using his mystic powers to bewilder the palace guards and women.
Nikumbha’s desire for revenge stemmed from a past grudge—his brother Vajranābha had been slain by Pradyumna, son of Kṛṣṇa, after the latter abducted Vajranābha’s daughter Prabhāvatī.
The Heroes Mobilize
As Bhānumatī cried for help, great warriors like Vasudeva and Ugrasena rushed to her quarters but found no trace of the kidnapper. They quickly informed Lord Kṛṣṇa, who mounted Garuḍa along with Arjuna and instructed Pradyumna to follow on a chariot.
The trail led them to Nikumbha’s fortress city, which was well-defended. There, Nikumbha emerged and multiplied himself into three forms to fight the heroes. Using a spiked club, he began striking while holding Bhānumatī as a human shield.
The Delicate Battle
Fearful of harming the princess, Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna, and Pradyumna restrained their might. Arjuna employed a special archery technique—like separating a coiled python from a camel without injury—to attack Nikumbha without endangering Bhānumatī.
When Nikumbha vanished with Bhānumatī through illusion, the heroes tracked him across the world. Finally, at Gokarṇa, a sacred place under Lord Śiva’s protection, Nikumbha fell with the princess. Pradyumna seized the chance to rescue her.
The Fierce Duel
As the demon fled to Satpura, a stronghold of his kin, Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna pursued him. Pradyumna escorted Bhānumatī back to Dvārakā. Then all three heroes regrouped and surrounded the cave where Nikumbha hid.
At night’s end, Nikumbha emerged, launching a surprise attack. He struck Arjuna and then Pradyumna unconscious using invisibility and his heavy club.
Kṛṣṇa’s Fury and Divine Combat
Enraged at the sight of His son and friend lying unconscious, Lord Kṛṣṇa lifted His divine club Kaumodakī and charged at Nikumbha. The heavens watched as Kṛṣṇa and Nikumbha battled fiercely, whirling their clubs and roaring like lions.
Nikumbha delivered a fierce blow to Kṛṣṇa, who momentarily fell unconscious—but only as a display of His divine līlā. Indra showered nectar and Ganges water on Kṛṣṇa’s body, understanding this was the Lord’s play.
The Illusion is Shattered
When Kṛṣṇa rose and invoked His Sudarśana chakra, Nikumbha pretended to die and vanished, leaving an illusionary corpse. But Pradyumna, a master of mystic knowledge, recognized the trick and informed Kṛṣṇa that Nikumbha had ascended invisibly into the sky.
Suddenly, Nikumbha multiplied himself into ten million forms, attacking from all sides. Arjuna too expanded into millions of forms in response. The battle filled the sky and earth, but the demon’s forms continued regenerating.
Then, using divine knowledge, Kṛṣṇa understood the root of the demon’s illusion and decisively severed Nikumbha’s true head with the Sudarśana chakra, ending the menace once and for all. Arjuna, who was caught in the sky by the demon’s illusion, was rescued mid-air by Pradyumna.
Return to Dvārakā and Bhānumatī’s Marriage
After pacifying Arjuna, Lord Kṛṣṇa returned triumphantly to Dvārakā, where He was greeted by the great sage Nārada.
Nārada explained that Bhānumatī’s abduction was due to a curse by Sage Durvāsā. She had unintentionally offended the sage while playing near Mount Raivata. Angrily, he cursed her to fall into the hands of the enemies of the Yādavas.
When other sages pleaded on her behalf, Durvāsā softened and declared:
- She would be abducted but remain chaste and untouched.
- She would eventually marry a virtuous prince.
- She would have many children and good fortune.
- Despite experiencing grief, she would remain pure and fragrant, and never bear any long-term suffering.
Nārada advised Bhānu to give his daughter in marriage to Sahadeva, the youngest of the Pāṇḍavas—renowned for his fidelity, valor, and righteousness.
Bhānu, remembering the sage’s words, offered Bhānumatī to Sahadeva. Kṛṣṇa arranged the wedding, and Sahadeva joyfully returned with his bride.
Final Verse
“One who faithfully hears this story of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s victory shall achieve success in all of their endeavors.”
Let me know if you’d like this story formatted for a children’s version, included in a book, or extracted as a lesson-based narrative.
