Krishna and Jarasandha

Jarasandha was the emperor of Aryavarta (north India) at the time when the Pandavas were ruling at Indraprastha. Most of the kings of North India acknowledged his suzerainty out of fear. Many of those who did not, had been imprisoned by him. To establish the supremacy of the Pandavas it was necessary to subdue Jarasandha.

Though Jarasandha was considered invincible, he had a vital flaw and Krishna knew this. Jarasandha had a split, personality, in a purely physical sense. He was born split and it was the (black) magical touch of a sorceress that had joined the two halves to complete the man. This joint was at once the source of his strength and his weakness.

Mighty men of mythology, be they of the East or of the West, were always characterized by at vital flaw which, in reverse, would turn out to be a vital asset, Karma's Kavacha (armour) and Achilles' heels are classic examples. The secret of the heroes' strength often remained locked in this dual nature of their gifts. Only one who knew the secret could vanquish them. Jarasandha's weak point was known only to Krishna. How he brings about the fall of the mighty and evil emperor is narrated in this Amar Chitra Katha, based on the Bhagawat Purana arid the Mahabharata.