The Proud King of Draviḍa
Far to the south ruled a mighty king named Śaśidhvaja, sovereign of the land of Draviḍa. Though noble by birth, over time he had grown arrogant, thinking himself invincible. His court was filled with flatterers, and he considered himself greater than all sages and even the gods.
When news reached him of Kalki’s triumphs across the land—how this mysterious warrior from Śambhala was slaying wicked kings and restoring dharma—Śaśidhvaja became furious.
“Who dares wield power without my approval?” he roared. “Let him taste defeat at my hands!”
Thus began one of the greatest confrontations foretold in the Purāṇas.
The Meeting of Two Forces
Śaśidhvaja assembled a vast army: chariots shining like the sun, elephants clad in iron, cavalry trained for annihilation. He himself rode at the front, armored in gold, holding a bow enchanted by black magic.
As Kalki approached with His radiant weapons, riding the white steed Devadatta, the entire sky turned crimson with anticipation.
The moment their eyes met, the air trembled, as if the earth itself were holding its breath.
The Epic Battle
The two forces clashed in a thunderous collision.
- Śaśidhvaja fired arrows like torrential rain, each charged with dark mantras.
- Kalki countered effortlessly, invoking Vedic astras that tore through the enemy ranks.
- Kalki’s sword sliced through illusion, His chakra repelled fire, His bow silenced thunder.
For days they battled. Thousands watched. At first, Śaśidhvaja was confident, then puzzled, then terrified.
“Who is this being?” he whispered, as his strongest weapons shattered like glass against Kalki’s golden shield.
Śaśidhvaja’s Realization
Exhausted and bloodied, King Śaśidhvaja fell to his knees. His heart, once swollen with pride, cracked open with humility.
“You are not of this world,” he cried. “No mortal could have faced me like this. Tell me—who are You truly?”
At that moment, Kalki’s form radiated with divine brilliance. His weapons glowed with celestial light. In a voice as deep as the ocean, He replied:
“I am Kalki, the avatāra of Lord Nārāyaṇa. I have come to destroy adharma and restore the age of truth.”
Overwhelmed with awe, Śaśidhvaja bowed down. Tears filled his eyes. The pride that had blinded him now dissolved in the light of realization.
He placed his crown at Kalki’s feet and said:
“Forgive me, O Lord. I mistook You for a warrior. You are the protector of all. Accept me as Your servant.”
Peace and Surrender
Kalki embraced Śaśidhvaja and lifted him up.
“Your repentance has sanctified you,” He said. “Rule your people justly. Let your sword now protect the saints, not frighten them.”
The two, once enemies, now stood as allies in dharma. Śaśidhvaja renounced cruelty, established a court of justice, and became one of Kalki’s greatest supporters.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Even great kings fall when ego blinds them to divinity.
- The Lord tests not only demons, but even the proud-hearted, until they bow in humility.
- True greatness is in recognizing the Lord, even if He comes as a humble warrior.
- There is no shame in surrendering—for in surrender, one gains everything.
Origin of the Story: Kalki Purāṇa – Chapters 10–12, detailing the confrontation and reconciliation between Kalki and King Śaśidhvaja.
