Week 14 Reading Notes: Krishna: The Saviour , Part I

Shalva Attacks Dwarka

Krishna was in Indraprastha when the attack happened. Shalva was Shishupala's friend and wanted to avenge him by destroying all Yadavas. He began penance to summon Shiva and ask for a boon. He asks for a vehicle to attack the Yadavas. The vehicle can travel anywhere. 

Vehicle Features:

• Carries thousands of people
•  Indestructible
• Travel in air, water, and land.
• Disappears/ Teleports

Pradyumna (Krishna's son) took charge and attacked the army along with his brothers and the 

Yadava warriors. They shot a bunch of arrows until they hit Shalva. Shalva's minister hits Pradyumna so his charioteer retreats. Pradyumna is angry when he wakes up because they ran away.

The charioteer does his dharma and protects Pradyumna. 

They go back and continue the battle which was still happening. As Krishna and Balarama return and find their city chaos and their chariot is struck by an arrow and Krishna's shoulder.

Krishna attacks Shalva and he disappears with his magic vehicle. Shalva kidnaps Vasudeva (Krishna's father) and beheads him in front of Krishna but it turns out to be an illusion. 

Sudama Visits Krishna

Sudama is brahmin and one of Krishna's childhood friends. He lived in poverty with his wife. When he visits he takes rice to give to Krishna but is embarrassed to give it. Krishna appreciates it and Sudama spends the night in his palace. When he leaves, Krishna doesn't give him anything because wealth can ruin a person. 

Sudama is understanding of this.

When he returns to his home, he sees a palace. He also has servants. 

Arjuna Marries Subhadra

Arjuna and Subhadra
Image Source: (Raja Ravi Varma)

Subhadra is Krishna and Balarama's sister. Balarama was planning to marry her off to Duryodhana which Vasudeva and Krishna were against.

Isn't it up to the father who his daughter marries? 

Arjuna hears about this and goes to visit Balarama in disguise as a brahmin. Subhadra fell in love with Arjuna at first sight. He kidnaps her with Vasudeva and Krishna's help. 

Bibliography

Bhagwat: The Krishna Avatar by Amar Chitra Katha