Significance of Jarasandha
Jarasandha, a powerful king of Magadha, plays a significant role in various Indian epics and narratives, serving as a formidable antagonist to figures like Krishna and the Pandavas. He is portrayed as invincible in battle, boasting great strength and strategic prowess. His actions include plotting against Krishna, attempting to capture rival kings, and ultimately facing defeat at the hands of Krishna and Bhima. Jarasandha's storyline reflects themes of pride, tyranny, and confrontation between Dharma and Adharma in the context of ancient Indian traditions.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Jarasandha'
Jarasandha, a formidable king of Magadha in Hinduism, embodies strength and enmity towards the Pandavas, being a significant antagonist in the Mahabharata; he was ultimately defeated by Krishna, highlighting the conflict between Dharma and Adharma.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The name bestowed upon the child, meaning 'united by Jara,' indicating his origin from the act of the Rakshasa woman's influence.[1] (2) A powerful king described in the text, known for his might, wealth, and influence, who poses a significant challenge to the protagonists.[2] (3) A king referred to as invincible in battle, exemplifying the extreme challenges faced by Bhishma.[3] (4) A formidable warrior made from the two halves of one child, known for his great prowess in battle.[4] (5) An illustrious king who was wrongfully slain by Krishna, as mentioned by Sisupala in his accusations.[5]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A king known for capturing kings who opposed him, representing the antagonist forces against Krishna and his allies.[6] (2) The fierce king who commanded an army against Krishna and Balarama in the narrative.[7] (3) Son of Vrihadratha and a powerful ruler in the Magadha dynasty, notorious for his strength and enmity towards the Pandavas.[8] (4) A boastful leader in battle who was defeated by Krishna.[9] (5) The king of Magadha who is eventually challenged to combat by Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna.[10]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A key adversary whose arrival signifies impending conflict, acting as a touchstone for testing military prowess.[11] (2) Jarasandha is described as a powerful king who announced a marriage between Shishupala and Rukshmini and is known for his prowess in battle.[12] (3) A powerful king and warrior who plays a significant role in the narrative, challenging the Yadavas and later fleeing from battle.[13] (4) A powerful king and enemy of Krishna, mentioned for his opposition to Krishna's rule.[14] (5) The leader of a circle of kings and a formidable figure, depicted as a threat to Krishna and his followers.[15]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A powerful character who suggests Rukmini's engagement to Shishupala and gathers support against Krishna.[16] (2) A prominent king of Magadha known for his unique birth story involving being born in two parts.[17] (3) A notable king from the Vrihadratha dynasty, regarded as the most celebrated among its princes.[18]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Jarasandha is noted as a descendant of Sambhava.[19]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The son of Brihadratha, born joined by a rakshasi.[20]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) One of the successors of the Brihadratha dynasty who perished at the hands of Kamsa.[21]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The demon king who is killed by Krishna, demonstrating a conflict between Dharma and Adharma.[22]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The king of Magadha who was defeated by Lord Krishna in battle.[23] (2) A character in the text known for his formidable power and anger in response to Kamsa's death.[24] (3) The enemy of Magadharih, whose influence relates to illusion.[25] (4) A significant character in the text referenced as someone who should not be killed, despite the destruction of the army.[26] (5) A significant figure in the narrative, representing a powerful adversary who suffers defeat in the conflict.[27]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A specific king mentioned in the context of this narrative, representing a formidable opponent.[28] (2) A king who was killed by Bhimasena due to the strategic guidance of Shri Krishna.[29]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) The primary antagonist in the combat, a powerful king notorious for his strength.[30] (2) A character from the Indian epic Mahabharata known for his formidable strength and his role as an antagonist in the story.[31] (3) A treacherous ruler of Magadha, portrayed as a curse on earth due to his disbelief in Lord Krishna's supremacy.[32] (4) The antagonist known for his strength and tyranny, whom Bhima and Arjuna are attempting to defeat.[33] (5) The antagonist king known for his strength and malicious deeds, including plotting to sacrifice the trapped kings.[34]
Jain concept of 'Jarasandha'
In Jainism, Jarasandha is seen as a complex king from Magadha who instigates conflict against Krishna, orchestrates plots, and has notable ties to Kamsa. His character is significant in ancient Indian narratives and regional reverence.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A figure mentioned as having given Jivayashas to Kamsa, indicating a prior agreement between them.[35] (2) A king who issued commands to capture King Simharatha and reward the one who succeeded.[36] (3) A king who, along with others, feels threatened by Vasudeva’s claim to Rohini and instigates conflict.[37] (4) The Lord of Magadha who ordered an army march against Krishna.[38] (5) A character noted in the context of reverence and biography, important in the narrative traditions of ancient Indian epics.[39]
The concept of Jarasandha in local and regional sources
Jarasandha, a powerful adversary of the Yadavas, persistently besieged Mathura seeking revenge for the death of his son Kamsa, portraying the relentless conflicts between dynasties in ancient Indian mythology.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The formidable enemy of the Yadavas who repeatedly attacked Mathura to avenge his son Kamsa.[40]