A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.105

c5.105

ANIRUDDHA. ‘Uncontrolled.’ Son of Pradyumna and grandson of Krishna. He married his cousin, Su-bhadrā. A Daitya princess named Ushā, daughter of Bāṇa, fell in love with him, and had him brought by magic influence to her apartments in her father’s city of Soṇita-pura. Bāṇa sent some guards to seize him, but the valiant youth, taking an iron club, slew his assailants. Bāṇa then brought his magic powers to bear and secured him. On discovering whither Aniruddha had been carried, Krishna, Bala-rāma, and Pradyumna went to rescue him. A great battle was fought; Bāṇa was aided by Śiva and by Skanda, god of war, the former of whom was overcome by Krishna, and the latter was wounded by Garuḍa and Pradyumna. Bāṇa was defeated, but his life was spared at the intercession of Śiva, and Aniruddha was carried home to Dwārakā with Ushā as his wife. He is also called Jhashāṅka and Ushā-pati. He had a son named Vajra.