Mar 3, 2024, 11:38 AM IST

10 surprising facts about Mahabharat's Mama Kansa

Ritik Raj

Even today, every cruel uncle is named Kansa. In the Mahabharata, one of Shri Krishna's maternal uncles was Kansa, about whom many would have heard. 

The Mahabharata states that King Kansa of Mathura kidnaps his cousin sister Devaki and her husband Vasudev out of fear of a prophecy.

Since it was predicted that Devaki's eighth child would murder her, Kansa murders his seven children; however, by some miracle, Shri Krishna finds Yashoda in Gokul.

In Gokul, Kansa is killed by Shri Krishna in Mathura, who later became Yashoda Maiya's son. We are going to share with you 10 surprising facts about Kansa. 

Kansa and Shri Krishna are enemies because of the battle between the gods and demons, in which Lord Vishnu killed Kansa's previous incarnation.

 Kansa was the demon "Kalanemi" in a previous life. He was the son of the demon Virochana, who was slain by Lord Vishnu.

After being slain by God as a demon, Kalnemi was given human life and was born as Kansa, son of Ugrasena. 

Kansa had eight real brothers—Nyagrodha, Sunama, Kanka, Shanku Ajabhu, Rashtrapala, Yudhmushti, and Sumushtida—and five real sisters—Devaki, Kanswati, Satantu, Rashtrapali, and Kanka. 

 Asti and Prapti, the two daughters of King Jarasandha of Magadha, were married to Kansa. 

Kansa indirectly ruled over half of India. He was the king not only of Mathura, but also of the Yadav Republic, which included 106 clans such as Andhak, Ahir, Bhoj, and Gaur. 

Jarasandha, Kansa's father-in-law, owned a large empire. King Bhagdant of the North-East also bowed his head to Kansa, and he had a close relationship with the Kauravas.

Kansa is an evil character from the Mahabharata, but he is worshiped in many parts of India. He is worshiped in several locations in Uttar Pradesh between Lucknow and Hardoi.

Kansa is the king of Odisha for 10 days during 'Kans Mahotsav,' which is a regular celebration in Odisha. His court is decorated.