The tale of Banasur and Lord Krishna’s battle is a captivating story deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly in the epic Mahabharata and the Puranas. Banasur, also known as Banasura, was a powerful demon king ruling over the city of Sonitpur, located in present-day Assam, India. He was a devout follower of Lord Shiva and had obtained great boons from him, making him nearly invincible in battle.
Banasur’s arrogance and tyranny grew over time, and he became a formidable force, feared by both humans and gods alike. He had a thousand arms and was accompanied by a formidable army of demons, making him a force to be reckoned with.
Meanwhile, Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, had descended to Earth to restore righteousness (dharma) and rid the world of evil. Krishna was aware of Banasur’s tyranny and the threat he posed to the world. Despite knowing the immense power of Banasur, Krishna resolved to confront him and put an end to his oppression.
The confrontation between Banasur and Lord Krishna began when Banasur’s daughter, Usha, fell in love with Aniruddha, a grandson of Lord Krishna. Banasur, upon discovering this forbidden love, imprisoned Aniruddha in his fortress, Shonitpur.
Lord Krishna, upon learning of Aniruddha’s capture, decided to intervene. He assembled a formidable army, including powerful warriors like Lord Shiva, Lord Kartikeya, and other divine beings. They marched towards Shonitpur to rescue Aniruddha and confront Banasur.
As the battle commenced, Banasur unleashed his mighty powers and his army of demons upon Lord Krishna and his allies. The battlefield shook with the clash of celestial weapons and the roars of demons.
Lord Krishna, armed with his divine weapons and accompanied by his allies, fought valiantly against Banasur and his forces. Despite Banasur’s extraordinary strength and magical abilities, he found himself unable to withstand the divine power and strategy of Lord Krishna.
In the midst of the battle, Lord Shiva, who was a staunch devotee of Banasur, intervened and urged Krishna to spare Banasur’s life. Lord Krishna, respecting the wishes of his devotee, decided to honor Lord Shiva’s request.
However, Banasur was not left unpunished. Lord Krishna, instead of killing Banasur, decided to disarm him. He used his Sudarshana Chakra (divine discus) to sever all but four of Banasur’s arms, thus rendering him powerless.
Realizing the futility of his resistance, Banasur surrendered to Lord Krishna and sought his forgiveness. Lord Krishna, in his magnanimity, granted Banasur mercy and allowed him to retain his kingdom, albeit under the condition that he would henceforth uphold righteousness and virtue.
The battle between Banasur and Lord Krishna symbolizes the eternal struggle between good and evil, with righteousness ultimately prevailing over tyranny and oppression. It serves as a timeless reminder of the triumph of divine justice and the power of compassion and forgiveness.