Krishna and Aghasura Story

Aghasura was one of the many demons sent by Kansa to kill his nemesis, Lord Krishna. Aghasura meaning entails a mystic demon who took the form of a serpent. Aghasura was cursed by sage Ashtavakra for making fun of his deformed body and was thus turned into a snake. Aghasura immediately apologized for his mistakes, he begged Ashtavakra to take back the curse. Ashtvakra accepted the apology saying when God comes to earth, he will redeem Aghasura by breaking this curse.

Aghasura was the elder brother of Bakasura and Putna (also demons sent by Kansa).  He was burning in rage because Krishna had already killed his younger siblings. He wanted to take his revenge by killing Krishna. On getting the opportunity, he readily agreed.

How did Krishna Kill Aghasura?

Once Krishna and his cowherd friends planned out playing in the Jungle. Krishna blew his buffalo horn to call out and gather his friends. All collected at once with their calves and marched towards the forest. Filled with excitement all along the way, they were all mocking each other, laughing and playing tricks. Just then, Aghasura happened to appear before them. He thought this was the perfect chance for him to attack and kill Krishna and his friends and complete his revenge.

Using his mystic powers, Aghasura took the form of an eight-mile-long python. He opened his mouth wide, seeming like a dense cave. When the boys came across it, they decided to enter the cave, when one of the boys said, “Doesn’t this look like a serpent opening his mouth and waiting to eat us?”

To this, the other replied, “Now that you say so, the wind flowing does smell like its breath and the teeth like mountain peaks. However, if we all enter at once how would he swallow us together? And we have Krishna with us, if anything happens to us, he will kill the demon just like he killed Bakasura.”

Krishna knew this was a great demon but seeing his friends, he entered its carnivorous belly to save them and find a way to kill the demon. Once all entered, Aghasura was trying to smash Krishna and his companions. But Krishna expanded himself within the throat of the demon and suffocated him. Even after trying harder, Aghasura could not breathe and choked to death.

With Aghasura lying dead, Krishna led his friends and the calves out of his mouth. 

After Aghasura’s soul left his body, it merged with lord Krishna. He was a sinful creature but Lord Krishna liberated him by giving him his spiritual body. Krishna, even when kills someone, does them good.

Aghasura’s body later remained in the jungle and it remained the boys’ favourite spot to play and pastime for a while.

Aghasura lying with his Mouth Wide Open

Moral of the Story

Aghasura’s story teaches us to have respect for all despite their looks and flaws. No person shall be treated small and mocked for their disabilities as god made everyone equal.

If one has faith in god, all hurdles can be crossed. Just like the cowherds trusted in Krishna no matter how dangerous the situation might be, the lord’s greatness will help you overcome it.

Krishna’s Victory over Aghasura

Note to Parents

Lord Krishna was a spiritual guru. Reading about his life stories exposes us to the truth and eradicates superstitions and false beliefs. Parents play an important role in introducing their kids to Hindu deities and explaining to them the moral virtues they teach. This will strengthen their knowledge about their culture and surely lead them to a better path from a young age.

Conclusion

In this story, we have seen that Aghasura got cursed because he made fun of the deformed body of a sage. This story teaches us to have respect for every being. We have also seen that Aghasura was a mystic demon who took the form of a serpent to kill Krishna. However, he could not succeed and eventually, Krishna kills Aghasura.