Krishna Kills the Elephant Story

Kansa was the king of Mathura who was destined to be killed by Krishna. Since then, his only aim was to somehow succeed in assassinating his nemesis. One such endeavor was having Krishna stamped under the feet of a ferocious elephant named Kuvalayapida. He was a full-grown bull elephant known for his violence and temper. Kansa also used him in several battles, all of which proved to be fatal for the opponent. He was sanguine about the fact that this time his victory is certain.

How Did Krishna Kill Kuvalayapida?

Krishna and Balarama after their usual morning routine heard the kettle drums beating in the wrestling arena. The entire city of Mathura was dressed up for the festival. The inhabitants had gathered around to witness the show which was indeed decorated with flowers and garlands. No one could have guessed that the apparent innocent show was actually a plot to kill Krishna and Balarama.

On their entrance to the arena, the brothers noticed an elephant blocking their way on the urge of his caretaker. Krishna immediately sensed the purpose of the caretaker and prepared himself for anything suspicious. Krishna questioned the caretaker in a grave voice about why the animal was blocking the way of a festive arena. The caretaker being conceited refused to do so. Krishna threatened to send him and the elephant to the abode of Yamaraja (Lord of death).

The caretaker, thus being insulted by Krishna, spurred the elephant to attack Balarama and Krishna. The animal as ordered rushed towards Krishna trying to hold him with his trunk but as soon as he came within reach, Krishna dexterously ran behind him. In his second attempt, Krishna ran behind the elephant and held him with its tail, and dragged him for at least twenty-five yards. The furious animal tried to twist away his tail, trying to get rid of Krishna but instead, it swerved the lord in the opposite direction like a little kid.  Krishna dodged him even more, and he quickly fell to the ground and got back up again, the enraged elephant thinking Krishna was down, tried to gore him with his tusks but he struck the earth instead. His prowess was foiled, and the lordly elephant Kuvalayapida went into a frenzied rage out of frustration. But the elephant keepers goaded him on, and he furiously charged Krishna once again. This time Krishna held the elephant by his trunk and threw him on the ground and climbed up his body. Krishna broke one of his tusks and with it killed the beast and his caretakers.  Leaving the dead elephant aside, Lord Krishna held on to the tusk and entered the wrestling arena. With the tusk resting on His shoulder, drops of the elephant’s blood and sweat sprinkled all over him, and his lotus face covered with fine drops of his own perspiration, the Lord shone with great beauty. Balarama took the other tusk and entered the arena with their other cowherd friends.

Krishna and Kuvalayapida

Note to Parents 

Apart from mythological references, Lord Krishna’s life stories combine various emotions such as love, divinity, righteousness, and bravery that kids can learn and incorporate. Learning begins at home, therefore it becomes necessary for parents to read with their children to help them understand the values and manifest the morals in their own character.

Conclusion

Kansa was a cruel King who tried innumerable times to kill his nephew, Krishna, though he miserably failed in each of his attempts. Kansa was fully convinced that this time his plan of action wouldn’t go in vain and he would thus be successful in his vengeance against Krishna. However, just like all of Kansa’s cronies, Kuvalayapida the elephant paid the price.