The Glorious Yādava Lineage
For many years, Dvārakā flourished as the seat of divine prosperity, ruled by Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Lord, and protected by His powerful dynasty—the Yādavas. Kings, sages, and even celestial beings revered the Yādava clan for their heroism, knowledge, and devotion.
However, in time, pride began to enter the hearts of some among the Yādavas. Their unparalleled strength and favor from Kṛṣṇa made them careless and arrogant. The seeds of downfall were being unknowingly sown.
The Prank That Invoked a Curse
One day, several young Yādava princes, in a playful yet disrespectful mood, approached revered sages such as Viśvāmitra, Nārada, and Kaṇva, who had arrived in Dvārakā.
They dressed Sāmba, the son of Jāmbavatī and Kṛṣṇa, as a pregnant woman and mockingly asked the sages:
“O wise ones, can you tell us whether this lady will give birth to a son or a daughter?”
The sages, angered by the arrogance and mockery, responded:
“This boy will give birth—not to a son or daughter—but to a mace of iron, which shall destroy the entire Yādava race!”
The princes were stunned. Soon, Sāmba developed pain in his stomach, and from within his belly emerged a deadly iron club (mausalī).
The Curse Begins to Unfold
Terrified, the Yādavas reported the event to Kṛṣṇa. Understanding the seriousness of the curse, Kṛṣṇa ordered that the iron club be ground into fine powder and thrown into the ocean. The remaining unbreakable piece was cast away.
Yet the sages’ words could not be undone. The powdered dust that entered the ocean settled into reeds near the seashore, and the indestructible remnant would later become part of a deadly weapon.
Despite Kṛṣṇa’s efforts to prevent it, the wheels of destiny had already begun to turn.
Signs of Impending Doom
As time passed, ominous signs began to appear in Dvārakā:
- People became increasingly addicted to alcohol and violence.
- Quarrels broke out among noblemen.
- Even the pious and wise became indifferent to dharma.
- The hearts of warriors grew restless, and pride blinded their judgment.
Though Kṛṣṇa remained calm, He knew that the time of the Yādavas’ departure had arrived, as foretold in divine prophecy and sanctioned by the Supreme Will.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Even the greatest dynasties can fall when pride replaces humility.
- Mocking saintly persons and disregarding dharma leads to grave consequences.
- Kṛṣṇa does not interfere with the destined outcomes of curses when they align with His divine plan.
- The Lord arranges even destruction as part of a cosmic reset, to restore balance and prepare for new eras.
- The presence of the Supreme does not guarantee safety when one forgets reverence and virtue.
Origin of the Story: Harivamsa Purana 3 – Chapter 136: The Curse of the Sages and the Beginning of the End of the Yādava Dynasty
