A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.904.4

c5.904.4

Near the city they found Kansa's washerman engaged in his calling. They threw down some of his clothes, and he addressed them insolently, upon which they killed him, and took such clothes as they liked. In his progress he met Kubjā, a crooked damsel, who gave him some unguent, and he repaid her gift by making her straight. In the games he killed Chānūra, the king's boxer. Afterwards he killed Kansa himself, and replaced Ugrasena on the throne. He remained in Mathurā and studied the science of arms under Sāndīpani. He went down to the infernal regions and brought back his six brothers, whom Kansa had killed, and these, having tasted the milk of their mother, ascended to heaven. During this period he killed a demon named Panchajana, who had attacked the son of his teacher. This demon lived in the sea in the form of a conch-shell, and Krishna afterwards used this shell, called Pānchajanya, as a trumpet. Kansa’s two wives were daughters of Jarā-sandha, king of Magadha. This king assembled his forces and marched against Mathurā to chastise Krishna, but he was defeated. He renewed his attacks eighteen times, and was as often defeated. A new enemy then threatened Krishna, a Yavana or foreigner named Kāla-yavana, and Krishna had been so weakened that he knew he must succumb either to him or to his old enemy the king of Magadha, so he and all his people migrated to the coast of Guzerat, where he built and fortified the city of Dwārakā.