Jarasandha, the mighty king of Magadha, was one of the most powerful rulers of his age and a formidable adversary of the Pandavas and Krishna. Born unnaturally in two halves, he was joined together by a demoness named Jara, hence his name. He imprisoned many kings for sacrifice to Shiva, making him feared across Aryavarta. Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna confronted him before Yudhishthira’s Rajasuya sacrifice, as defeating him was essential for imperial consecration. After a long duel, Bhima, guided by Krishna, tore him apart in the same way he was born, ensuring his end. Jarasandha represents tyranny and the necessity of righteous strength to secure dharma.
