A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.729

c5.729

JARĀ-SANDHA. Son of Brihad-ratha, and king of Magadha. Brihad-ratha had two wives, who after being long barren brought forth two halves of a boy. These abortions were regarded with horror and thrown away. A female man-eating demon named Jarā picked them up and put them together to carry them off. On their coming in contact a boy was formed, who cried out so lustily that he brought the king and his two queens. The Rākshasī explained what had happened, resigned the child, and retired. The father gave the boy the name of Jarā-sandha, because he had been put together by Jarā. Future greatness was prophesied for the boy, and he became an ardent worshipper of Siva. Through the favour of this god he prevailed over many kings, and he especially fought against Krishna, who had killed Kansa, the husband of two of Jarā-sandha’s daughters. He besieged Mathurā, and attacked Krishna eighteen times, and was as often defeated; but Krishna was so weakened that he retired to Dwārakā. Jarā-sandha had many kings in captivity, and when Krishna returned from Dwārakā, he, with Bhīma and Arjuna, went to Jarā-sandha’s capital for the purpose of slaying their enemy and liberating the kings. Jarā-sandha refused to release the kings, and accepted the alternative of a combat, in which he was killed by Bhīma.