Shloka 34
The Killing of Ariṣṭāsura and Kaṁsa’s Plot to Summon Kṛṣṇa
उग्रसेनं च पितरं स्थविरं राज्यकामुकं । तद्भ्रातरं देवकं च ये चान्ये विद्विषो मम ॥ ३४ ॥
ugrasenaṁ ca pitaraṁ sthaviraṁ rājya-kāmukaṁ tad-bhrātaraṁ devakaṁ ca ye cānye vidviṣo mama
Aku juga akan membunuh bapaku yang sudah tua, Ugrasena, yang tamak akan kerajaanku, dan aku akan membunuh saudaranya Devaka serta semua musuhku yang lain.
FAQs
This verse shows Kaṁsa explicitly naming even his father Ugrasena and uncle Devaka as enemies, illustrating how adharma makes one see righteous relatives as threats.
In the narrative, Kaṁsa fears opposition to his rule and therefore orders that Ugrasena, Devaka, and other perceived rivals be brought under control, revealing his insecurity and cruelty.
Unchecked ambition and fear can turn relationships into rivalries; cultivating humility, accountability, and dharmic leadership prevents power from becoming destructive.