Satrajit

Character Overview

Satrajit is presented in the Purāṇic tradition as a wealthy and honorable Yadava noble who received the famed Syamantaka jewel from the sun god, Sūrya. As the jewel’s keeper he enjoyed great prosperity and esteem. At the same time he was proud of the jewel’s prestige and cautious about its influence on his family and reputation. His position as a household head and protector shaped many of his choices.

Relationship with Krishna

Satrajit’s relationship with Krishna moves through stages: respect, suspicion, reconciliation, and familial alliance. Initially he was on friendly terms with Krishna, accepting him as a notable member of the Yadava circle. When scandal arose over the disappearance of the Syamantaka jewel and the death of the man who had last worn it, Satrajit accepted accusations circulating in society and at one point suspected Krishna. Krishna, confident in his integrity, pursued the truth, recovered the jewel from its actual custodian, and thereby cleared his name. In repentance and to restore honor, Satrajit offered both the jewel and his daughter Satyabhama to Krishna. Krishna accepted Satyabhama in marriage, and the house of Satrajit thereby entered a close, permanent relation with Krishna.

Notable Conversations and Incidents

• The gift of the Syamantaka: Scriptures state that Sūrya gifted the Syamantaka jewel to Satrajit. That gift bestowed prosperity and public attention upon Satrajit and his family.

• The accusation and search: When the jewel vanished and a man named Prasena (in traditional accounts) was found dead, rumors implicated Krishna. Satrajit’s unwillingness to dismiss the suspicion created tension. Krishna then conducted a deliberate search for the truth, leading to a confrontation with the true possessor of the jewel and the restoration of Krishna’s reputation.

• Reconciliation and offering: After Krishna’s innocence was proved, Satrajit publicly repented. To re-establish honor and show devotion, he offered the Syamantaka jewel and his daughter Satyabhama to Krishna. Krishna accepted Satyabhama as one of his wives; versions differ about whether the jewel remained with Krishna or was returned to Satrajit, but the central point is Satrajit’s contrition and the familial bond that followed.

Interesting Facts and Nuances

• Textual sources and variations: The episode of the Syamantaka jewel and Satrajit appears in texts such as the Bhagavata Purāṇa and the Harivamsa. Different retellings emphasize different details (for example, the role of Jambavan in the recovery of the jewel and the length of conflict), so small particulars vary across tradition.

• The nature of the jewel: The Syamantaka is described in tradition as a jewel associated with the sun god, believed to bring light, prosperity, and social prestige. Because of this, possession of the jewel attracted both favor and envy, and it became a focal point of suspicion and rivalry.

• Family ties to Krishna: Satrajit’s daughter Satyabhama becomes a principal figure connected to Krishna. Through this marriage the episode has long-reaching consequences in Krishna’s household narratives.

• Moral complexity: Satrajit is not a simple antagonist; he is a man of honor, wealth, and paternal care whose attachments and concerns for reputation lead him to a mistaken judgment. His later repentance and generous offer show moral recovery rather than simple villainy.

Legacy and Lessons

Satrajit’s story is often cited as a lesson about pride, reputation, and the healing power of truth and repentance. It teaches that attachment to honors and objects can cloud judgment, but sincere repentance and humility restore relationships. The incident also highlights Krishna’s role as upholder of dharma: he clears false accusation, restores honor, and forges familial bonds that benefit the community. Satrajit’s legacy endures partly through his daughter Satyabhama’s place in Krishna’s life and through the moral teachings that the episode continues to convey.