Shishupal was an important king mentioned in Mahabharata, Srimad
Bhagavata Purana and other puranas. He is associated with Sri Krishna. It was
Sri Krishna who killed him after forgiving him 100 times. The life of Shishupala is very interesting and is
lesson on how anger, jealousy and hatred can cause one’s downfall.
Birth of Shishupala – Jaya – Vijaya Door Keepers Of Vaikuntha
Shishupala and Dantavakra were the manifestation of Jaya and
Vijaya in Dwapara Yuga. They were undergoing their last birth according to the stipulation
in the curse inflicted on them. Jaya – Vijaya were the guards of Vaikuntha.
They were once cursed by the four manasaputras of Brahma for denying them an
audience with Lord Vishnu.
The four manasaputras were Sanandana, Sanaka, Sanat Sujata
and Sanat Kumara.
Deformed Birth of Shishupala And Prediction of His Death
Shishupala was the king of Chedi and a cousin of Sri
Krishna.
Sri Krishna was the son of his paternal aunt.
When Shishupala was born he had three eyes, four hands and
brayed like an ass. His parents King Damaghosha and Srutashravas decided to
abandon him in a forest.
When they were walking through the forest with their
deformed newborn child, a forest ghost appeared before them and predicted that
the child would grow strong and powerful. All his deformities would disappear
when the person who was destined to kill him saw him and took him on his lap.
Krishna Saves Child Shishupala - Gives Boon To Mother
Shishupala’s mother placed the child on the lap of everyone
who came to the palace; however, nothing happened.
When Sri Krishna took the child onto his lap, the child lost
his third eye and extra limbs. He started crying a like a normal child.
Shisupala’s mother asked for a boon from Sri Krishna that he
would not harm her son.
Sri Krishna gave Srutashravas the boon that he will forgive one
hundred taunts and insults of Shishupala.
Shishupala A Wicked Ruler
Shisupala grew up to be a wicked man. He abducted maidens
and indulged in reckless acts.
He crossed the path of Sri Krishna several times. Each time
Sri Krishna forgave
Shishupala due to the boon given to his mother.
Shishupala was one among the several suitors of Draupadi.
When attempting to lift the bow to shoot the target, he fell down. He was
mocked by those present. He did create a commotion when Arjuna married
Draupadi.
He was also a suitor of Princess Rukmini. Brother of Rukmini
had chosen him to marry his sister. But Rukmini was in love with Krishna and
eloped with him.
He attacked Dwaraka when Sri Krishna was not around but he
found not success in this attempt.
He sided with Jarasandha and Duryodhana who were enemies of
Krishna and Pandavas.
Shishupala indulged in numerous evil actions but was
forgiven by Sri Krishna.
Death of Shishupala
The finale of offences came at the Rajasuya Yajna performed
by the Pandavas at Indraprastha.
Shishupala objected to Sri Krishna being given first honors
and started abusing Sri Krishna.
He also invited Sri Krishna to fight, who at last declared
that his promise of tolerating Shishupala's one hundred insults was fulfilled.
Sri Krishna took out the sudarshana chakra on the 101 insult
and cut off his head.