shRugAlavadhaH

- Introduction by Prof.K.T.Pandurangi

 Chapter XVI 

Jarasandha attacked the Yadavas again. Sri Krishna came down to Karavira with Balarama and met Parashurama in an ashrama on the bank of the river Vena. Karavira was then being ruled over by Srigala Vasudeva. Parashurama took Krishna and Balarama to Gomantaka.

Bali Chakravarthi Stole kirita of Lord Sri Krishna 

Lord Narayana came to amukta-sthana of Ksheerasagara to receive service from the deities who were not yet liberated. Bali also came to meet Narayana. Narayana pretended to sleep and asked the deities to sleep. Taking that opportunity, Bali stole His kirita. Garuda went to Patalas, brought the kirita back, and gave it to Sri Krishna. The divine weapons of Sri Krishna and Balarama also came down. The wives of Balarama, Varunisri and Kanti, also came. Balarama enjoyed their company in Gomantaka. 

Fight with Jarasandha 

Jarasandha encircled Gomantaka with his army. Krishna and Balarama jumped down the mountain. The mountain was pushed down eleven yojanas by the pressure of their feet. Hamsa, Dibhika, Ekalavya, Kichaka, Sisupala, and others encircled Krishna. Sri Krishna threw arrows at them and made them run away. Jarasandha threw his mace at Balarama, and Balarama fainted. Vayu informed him through the ethereal voice that Jarasandha would be killed by a stronger person later and that Balarama must leave. 

Srigala Vasudeva Killed by Krishna 

When Srigala Vasudeva came to know that Krishna had come to Karavira, he proceeded to fight with Him. Sri Krishna cut off his head and tore his body into two. He placed Srigala's son Shakradeva on the throne and returned to His city