Mathura & Kamsa Vadha

Stage Overview

Krishna leaves the quiet life of Vrindavan and walks to the city of Mathura with His elder brother Balarama. Mathura was ruled by the cruel king Kamsa. Long ago a prophecy said Kamsa would be killed by Devaki's eighth child. To stop the prophecy, Kamsa locked Devaki and Vasudeva in prison and tried many cruel ways to keep power. When Krishna grows up, He goes to Mathura to free His parents and to stop Kamsa's cruelty. This stage shows Krishna as both a gentle son and a strong protector of what is right.

What Happens in This Stage

• Krishna and Balarama enter Mathura. At first people think they are village boys, but soon great events happen.
• Kamsa plans tricks and fights to keep the throne. He sends a fierce elephant named Kuvalayapida and many strong fighters to stop Krishna and Balarama.
• In the arena, Balarama and Krishna show great skill. They beat Kamsa's champions, Chanura and Mushtika, and many others sent to fight them.
• Krishna then goes to the royal platform. Kamsa tries to kill Krishna, but Krishna overpowers him and ends Kamsa's cruelty.
• After Kamsa falls, Krishna frees Devaki and Vasudeva from prison. He honors elders and restores Ugrasena, Kamsa's father, to the throne.
• The people of Mathura are joyful and feel safe again. Order returns and many praise Krishna.

Interesting facts:

• The elephant Kuvalayapida is named in the stories as one of Kamsa's strong weapons against Krishna.
• The wrestling match is an important moment when Krishna shows both human skill and divine power.
• Even after victory, Krishna shows respect by touching His parents' feet and honoring the rightful king.
• This event is told in many bhajans, plays, and temple stories because it teaches strong lessons about right and wrong.

Krishna Connection

Krishna acts to protect dharma, which means right conduct. He comes to save the innocent and to stop great harm. In Mathura we see two beautiful sides of Krishna:

• The gentle, loving son who cares deeply for Devaki and Vasudeva and shows respect to elders.
• The brave, fearless protector who uses strength to remove evil and bring peace.

Devotees remember that Krishna's actions are full of love and mercy. He uses power not for pride, but to help others and to restore justice.

Feelings and Challenges

• People of Mathura feel fear and sadness under Kamsa's rule. They feel surprise and then great joy when Krishna wins.
• Devaki and Vasudeva feel deep relief and happiness when they are freed. They feel proud and humble toward their son.
• Kamsa feels terror and anger as the prophecy comes true.
• For children today, the story can bring mixed feelings. It has fighting and the death of a wicked king. It can be hard to understand why force is used. The important idea is that Krishna uses strength to protect the weak and end cruelty.

Challenges for learners:

• Understanding how love and strength work together.
• Learning why right action sometimes needs courage.
• Knowing how to avoid cruelty and not misuse power like Kamsa did.

Lessons for Daily Life

• Stand up for what is right. Help people who are in trouble or bullied.
• Use strength with kindness. Be brave, but stay humble and caring.
• Respect and care for your parents and elders, as Krishna honored Devaki and Vasudeva.
• Trust that God supports those who try to do good. Pray and act with faith.

Practical tips for children:

• Tell a teacher or parent if someone is being unfair or cruel.
• Be kind to friends and help those who need help.
• Say a short prayer asking for courage to do the right thing and for love in your heart.
• Remember that stopping harm is a way to protect others, not to be proud or cruel.

These lessons make the story of Mathura and Kamsa Vadha a guide for living with courage, compassion, and devotion to truth.