The Expansion of Power
After his marriage to Tulasī Devī, Śaṅkhacūḍa turned his attention to ruling his kingdom. Empowered by the boon of invincibility and the protection of his divine amulet, he began to conquer all directions of the universe.
Śaṅkhacūḍa was not an ordinary king. He was majestic in form, brilliant in intelligence, and a devotee of Lord Viṣṇu, though born in the dynasty of the Dānavas. His power was unmatched, and his influence extended not only over human realms but even among celestial and infernal regions.
He led a massive army of asuras and dānavas, beings with immense strength, many of whom were his loyal generals and commanders. These warriors moved like thunderstorms and roared like lions, inspiring fear in even the greatest demigods.
In due time, Śaṅkhacūḍa conquered the entire earth. He then ascended to the heavens, defeating the demigods, who were taken by surprise. Even mighty warriors like Indra, Kubera, Yamarāja, and Varuṇa were unable to resist his advance.
The entire three worlds—Bhū (earth), Bhuvaḥ (sky), and Svaḥ (heaven)—came under his rule. The guardians of the directions fled. The devas, harassed and humiliated, lost their posts and wandered in fear.
Śaṅkhacūḍa took up residence in Amarāvatī, the capital of the heavenly planets, and ruled as sovereign of all realms.
The Demigods Appeal for Help
Unable to tolerate their defeat, the demigods assembled and approached Lord Brahmā, seeking guidance. Bowing before the Grandfather of all beings, they cried:
“O Lord, we are suffering under the oppression of Śaṅkhacūḍa. We have lost our power and positions. Please protect us. Only you can show us the path forward.”
Brahmā listened carefully and then led them all to Vaikuṇṭha, the supreme abode of Lord Nārāyaṇa.
Upon arriving, the demigods offered obeisances and prayers to the Lord, whose divine form shone like a thousand suns, seated on His eternal throne beside Lakṣmī Devī.
Brahmā spoke:
“O Supreme Lord, You are the protector of the universe. Please save us. Śaṅkhacūḍa, though born a demon, has acquired tremendous strength through Your blessings. He now torments the righteous and has seized the heavens. Only You can restore balance.”
Lord Viṣṇu heard their plea and replied calmly, “Do not fear. I will take birth as a brāhmaṇa and later assume the form of Mahādeva (Lord Śiva) to destroy Śaṅkhacūḍa at the proper time. Until then, be patient.”
Encouraged by the Lord’s assurance, the demigods offered Him their respects and returned to their abodes.
Śaṅkhacūḍa’s Devotional Practice
Despite his worldly conquests, Śaṅkhacūḍa remained loyal to his guru, Jaigiṣavya, and continued to meditate on Lord Kṛṣṇa daily. He performed fire sacrifices, gave charity, and protected his citizens with compassion.
His kingdom was prosperous. Rivers flowed with nectar, crops grew in abundance, and all beings were free from disease and sorrow. He ruled not with cruelty, but with dignity and purpose, aware of his divine mission.
Signs of a Coming War
But as time passed, the Lord’s arrangement for cosmic balance began to unfold.
The demigods, having regrouped, started preparing for battle once again. Śaṅkhacūḍa, aware of the gathering storm, began mobilizing his vast armies. He knew his time of testing had come.
Yet he did not fear, for he wore the Sarvamaṅgalamaya amulet, the gift of Lord Brahmā, infused with Lord Kṛṣṇa’s power. As long as he wore it and Tulasī remained faithful to him, no force in the universe could defeat him.
Thus began the events that would lead to the greatest war between devotion and deception, curse and redemption, attachment and surrender—a divine play orchestrated by the Supreme Lord Himself.
Lessons to Be Learned
1. Material Power Must Be Guided by Spiritual Wisdom
Though Śaṅkhacūḍa conquered the universe, he remained respectful to his guru and devoted to Lord Viṣṇu. Śrīla Prabhupāda taught that power without devotion leads to tyranny, but when ruled by bhakti and dharma, even strength becomes a tool for divine service.
2. Kṛṣṇa Allows the Rise of the Powerful to Teach Humility to the Proud
The rise of Śaṅkhacūḍa and the fall of the demigods show how the Lord tests and teaches through the rise and fall of fortunes. Just as the demigods had to humble themselves before the Lord, we too must surrender in difficult times and seek shelter in Kṛṣṇa’s plan.
“Kṛṣṇa sometimes puts His devotees into difficulty to glorify them or to bring about a greater good.” – Śrīla Prabhupāda
3. The Lord Protects Dharma by His Own Arrangement
Lord Viṣṇu promised to take action—not immediately, but at the right time. This teaches that patience and faith in divine timing are essential. The Lord may delay, but He never neglects the needs of His devotees.
4. A Devotee Remains Humble Even in Great Power
Though Śaṅkhacūḍa became ruler of the three worlds, he did not abandon sacrifice, charity, or devotion. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasized that a real devotee remains humble, even amidst great success, and never forgets the Lord’s mercy behind his fortune.
5. External Form Can Deceive, But the Lord Knows the Heart
Though born a demon, Śaṅkhacūḍa’s heart remained connected to Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda taught that birth and appearance are not the true markers of devotion—the Lord sees only the sincerity of the heart.
6. Cosmic Drama is Orchestrated for the Benefit of All
This story reminds us that the battles and conflicts we see, even among divine beings, are arranged by the Lord to purify the world, glorify His devotees, and reveal eternal truths. In every trial, the hand of Kṛṣṇa is hidden, guiding the world toward spiritual evolution.
