Introduction
Mathura holds a unique and sacred place in Hindu mythology, especially in the life and mission of Lord Krishna. As the birthplace of Krishna, Mathura is not only a geographical location but also a pivotal setting in his divine play (Leela). Krishna’s connection to Mathura is deeply intertwined with his role as the preserver of dharma (righteousness) and the eradicator of evil forces. This paper explores the establishment of Mathura, its historical and mythological significance, and how it connects to Krishna’s later life, including his role in Dwaraka and the Mahabharata.
1. The Origin and Establishment of Mathura
Mathura is one of the seven Moksha-puris (sacred cities leading to liberation) in Hinduism and has a history that predates Krishna’s birth.
1.1 The Mythological Foundation of Mathura
- According to Hindu texts, Mathura was originally established by the Yadava king Shurasena, Krishna’s grandfather.
- The city gained prominence under the rule of Ugrasena, who was later overthrown by his son Kansa.
- Under Kansa’s tyranny, Mathura suffered greatly, prompting divine intervention in the form of Krishna’s birth.
1.2 Mathura Under Kansa’s Rule
- Kansa, after hearing a prophecy that the eighth child of his sister Devaki would kill him, imprisoned her and her husband Vasudeva.
- Mathura became a land of oppression, leading to the anticipation of Krishna’s arrival as the liberator.
This historical foundation sets the stage for Krishna’s divine mission and his eventual role in reshaping the destiny of Mathura.
2. Krishna’s Role in the Liberation of Mathura
Krishna’s first and foremost mission in Mathura was to overthrow the tyrannical rule of Kansa and restore dharma.
2.1 Krishna’s Return to Mathura
- After spending his childhood in Vrindavan, Krishna was invited to Mathura under the guise of participating in a wrestling match.
- This marked the beginning of his confrontation with Kansa.
2.2 The Defeat of Kansa
- Krishna and his brother Balarama defeated Kansa’s wrestlers and ultimately killed Kansa, restoring Ugrasena to the throne.
- The removal of Kansa symbolized the restoration of dharma in Mathura, making it a city of divine justice.
The liberation of Mathura was not just a political change but a cosmic event that reinforced Krishna’s divine mission.
3. The Transformation of Mathura and Krishna’s Responsibilities
After liberating Mathura, Krishna took on a leadership role, shaping its political and spiritual landscape.
3.1 Krishna as the Guardian of Mathura
- Krishna ensured that Mathura remained a hub of righteousness and peace.
- He protected it from external threats, particularly from Jarasandha, the ruler of Magadha and Kansa’s father-in-law.
3.2 The Repeated Attacks of Jarasandha
- Jarasandha attacked Mathura seventeen times in retaliation for Kansa’s death.
- Each time, Krishna successfully defended Mathura, but the city remained under constant threat.
This ongoing conflict led to a crucial decision in Krishna’s life—the strategic move to Dwaraka.
4. The Establishment of Dwaraka and Krishna’s Departure from Mathura
Realizing that Mathura’s people were suffering due to Jarasandha’s relentless invasions, Krishna made a strategic decision.
4.1 The Migration to Dwaraka
- Krishna, along with the Yadavas, moved from Mathura to the western coast, establishing the fortified city of Dwaraka.
- This move was not an act of abandonment but a strategic retreat to ensure the Yadavas’ survival and to prepare for future cosmic duties.
4.2 The Significance of Dwaraka in Krishna’s Later Life
- Dwaraka became Krishna’s new base, where he ruled as a king while continuing his divine mission.
- Despite leaving Mathura, Krishna’s connection to the city remained strong, as it symbolized the place of his early mission.
The shift from Mathura to Dwaraka signifies Krishna’s evolution from a protector to a strategist and statesman.
5. Mathura’s Role in the Mahabharata and Krishna’s Later Life
Mathura continued to hold significance in Krishna’s life, especially in the events of the Mahabharata.
5.1 Krishna’s Guidance to the Pandavas
- Krishna, now residing in Dwaraka, frequently returned to Mathura for important events.
- His role as a charioteer and advisor to Arjuna in the Mahabharata is deeply connected to his upbringing and values instilled in Mathura.
5.2 The Final Days and the Yadava Destruction
- Krishna’s lineage and the Yadavas, despite their initial glory in Mathura, faced internal strife that led to their destruction.
- The eventual submergence of Dwaraka and Krishna’s departure from the mortal world signify the cyclical nature of cosmic events.
Even though Mathura was not Krishna’s final home, its establishment was crucial in shaping his divine mission and influence on world affairs.
6. Conclusion
Mathura was not just the birthplace of Krishna but a vital cornerstone of his divine mission. From being a city under Kansa’s tyranny to becoming a land of righteousness under Krishna, Mathura played a crucial role in shaping Krishna’s early life and later responsibilities. Though he later established Dwaraka as his political base, his connection to Mathura remained eternal. Through the liberation of Mathura, Krishna set the stage for his greater cosmic duties, including his role in the Mahabharata and the establishment of dharma on Earth. Ultimately, Mathura serves as a symbol of Krishna’s divine intervention, strategic wisdom, and unwavering commitment to righteousness.