Shishupala, also known as Shishupala or Shishupal, is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology, primarily known from the epic Mahabharata. He was the son of Damaghosha, the King of Chedi, and Queen Srutashrava. Shishupala’s life is intertwined with his complex relationship with Lord Krishna.
According to the Mahabharata, Shishupala was born with three eyes and four arms, a sign that he would meet his end at the hands of Krishna. As a child, he was prophesied to be killed by Krishna, which led his mother to plead with Vasudeva, Krishna’s father, to spare him. Vasudeva agreed, saying that Krishna would pardon Shishupala’s offenses a hundred times before taking any action against him.
As Shishupala grew up, he became a close friend of Krishna but harbored deep-seated animosity towards him due to a past rivalry. During the royal consecration of Yudhishthira, Shishupala insulted Krishna publicly, provoking Krishna to finally take action. Krishna then fulfilled the prophecy by beheading Shishupala with his Sudarshana Chakra during the event, much to the shock of the gathered kings and queens.
Shishupala’s story serves as a moral tale about the consequences of harboring hatred and the inevitability of destiny in Hindu mythology. His character exemplifies the complexities of relationships and divine justice as portrayed in the ancient texts.