Arrival in Mathurā
As Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma entered Mathurā with Akrūra, the city buzzed with curiosity. The townspeople had long heard rumors of the heroic boys from Vṛndāvana, the slayers of mighty demons, and now they came to witness these two radiant youths with their own eyes.
Kṛṣṇa walked the streets of Mathurā like a rising moon, casting joy wherever He glanced. The brāhmaṇas, shopkeepers, and maidens were mesmerized by His divine beauty—His lotus eyes, bluish complexion, and gentle smile stirred their hearts in ways they had never felt before.
The Washerman’s Arrogance and Punishment
As they entered the city, Kṛṣṇa encountered the royal washerman, who carried fine garments for the king. Kṛṣṇa requested some cloth, but the arrogant man rebuked Him:
“These garments belong to the King. You are mere cowherds! Leave at once!”
With one swift blow, Kṛṣṇa struck the man down. Then He and Balarāma distributed the finest clothing among their companions. The Lord thus honored His devotees with royal dress.
The Bow Festival Announced
Meanwhile, Kaṁsa arranged a great Dhanur-yajña in his wrestling arena. As part of the rituals, a massive, sacred bow was brought forth and placed in the center of the arena, mounted on a platform of gold and marble. The bow was enormous—crafted by the gods themselves, and so heavy that ordinary men could not lift it, let alone string it.
Kaṁsa’s goal was clear: he hoped Kṛṣṇa would attempt to lift the bow and be killed by its celestial power or by the guards protecting it.
Kṛṣṇa Enters the Arena
Kṛṣṇa, fearless and smiling, entered the inner chamber of the bow festival. The guards attempted to stop Him, but He easily brushed them aside. Without hesitation, He walked up to the bow, and to everyone’s amazement:
He lifted it with one hand, as if it were a toy stick.
Then, gripping the two ends, He bent it to string it—and it broke in half with a thunderous crack that echoed through the city like a thunderclap.
The Panic in Mathurā
The sound terrified the people of Mathurā. It was so loud and powerful that many thought the end of the world had come. Kaṁsa, hearing it in his palace, trembled with fear.
“He has broken the bow!” he cried. “He is truly my death!”
The bow guards attacked Kṛṣṇa, but He and Balarāma killed them all with ease, using only parts of the broken bow and their bare hands.
Kaṁsa’s Fear Deepens
With this act, Kṛṣṇa shattered not only the physical weapon but also the false pride and security of Kaṁsa. The demon king realized he was no longer in control—destiny had arrived, and his days were numbered.
Meanwhile, the citizens of Mathurā began to whisper:
“This boy is no ordinary human. He has the power of the gods. Could He be the long-awaited deliverer?”
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Kṛṣṇa breaks the bow just as He breaks the ego and arrogance of those who oppose dharma.
- The Lord always protects His devotees and punishes the wicked, even when He seems playful and innocent.
- Kaṁsa’s fear is the natural state of those who oppose Kṛṣṇa’s will. Even his strategies backfire under divine will.
- Kṛṣṇa’s beauty, power, and humility can coexist perfectly, drawing both love from the innocent and fear from the wicked.
- Just as Kṛṣṇa dressed His friends in royal clothes, He lifts up His devotees, even when they come from humble backgrounds.
Origin of the Story: Harivaṁśa Purāṇa – Viṣṇu-parva, Chapters 75–76
