Kamsa
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Kamsa (, ) was the tyrant ruler of the Vrishni kingdom, with its capital at Mathura. He is variously described in Hindu literature as either a human or an asura; The Puranas describe him as an asura, while the Harivamśa describes him as an asura reborn in the body of a man. His royal house was called Bhoja; thus, another of his names was Bhojapati. He was the cousin of Devaki, the mother of the deity Krishna; Krishna ultimately fulfilled a prophecy by slaying Kamsa.
Key facts
- Character.image
- KRISHNA KILLS KANSA.jpg
- Character.caption
- Krishna slays Kamsa
- Character.spouse
- Asti and Prapti (daughters of Jarasandha)
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- Royal house
- Character.data21
- Yaduvamsha
- Character.family
- Ugrasena (father)Padmavati (mother)
- Character.info hdr
- Information
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Wikidata facts
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- Krishna Killing King Kamsa and Balarama Slaying a Wrestler LACMA AC1995.163.1.jpg
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- Commons category
- Kamsa
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Article
6 sectionsContents
- Birth and early life
- Annexation of kingdom
- Warning issued by Yogamaya
- Death
- References
- External links
Kamsa (, ) was the tyrant ruler of the Vrishni kingdom, with its capital at Mathura. He is variously described in Hindu literature as either a human or an asura; The Puranas describe him as an asura, while the Harivamśa describes him as an asura reborn in the body of a man. His royal house was called Bhoja; thus, another of his names was Bhojapati. He was the cousin of Devaki, the mother of the deity Krishna; Krishna ultimately fulfilled a prophecy by slaying Kamsa.
Kamsa was born to King Ugrasena and Queen Padmavati. However, out of ambition, and upon the advice of his personal confidantes, Banasura and Narakasura, Kamsa decided to overthrow his father, and install himself as the King of Mathura. Therefore, upon the guidance of another advisor, Chanura, Kamsa decided to marry Asti and Prapti, the daughters of Jarasandha, King of Magadha.