Once, there ruled a king named Paundraka over the kingdom of Karusa province. He was very vain and thought himself to be the most powerful man in the universe. When he heard the stories of Krishna’s bravery, he grew jealous of him. One day, to prove himself superior to Krishna, Paundraka sent a letter to him in Dwarka through his messenger. The messenger read out, “Krishna, give up your false pretence of being a god because I am the supreme power. Come and surrender to me or else I shall kill you.” Everyone was surprised to hear this. But Krishna patiently listened and then said to the messenger, “Tell your master that he is a foolish person. He has unknowingly challenged me. I shall destroy him.” The messenger returned to Karusa and told Paundraka everything. Being threatened this way Paundraka attacked Krishna. He was accompanied by his friend who was the king of Kasi. In the battlefield, Krishna said, “You had asked me to give my divine symbols to you. So here it is.” Saying so, Krishna threw his divine weapon, the Sudarshan Chakra, towards Paundraka. It cut off his head and killed him.
PAUNDRAKA CHALLENGES KRISHNA
