(Other names: Sishupal, Shishupaal)

It is said that Lord Krishna’s door keeper Jay- Vijay was cursed by the Sankadi Kumars that they will live as a demons for three births. In the Satyug, they became Kashyap’s sons Hiranyaksha and Hiranya Kashyap, in the Treta age as Ravan and Kumbhkarna and in the Dwapar age as Dantvaktra and Shishupal. As such, Shishupal was the son of Kunti’s younger sister. That way, he was Krishna’s younger brother. Vediraj Damghash had married Shrutishrava (Kunti’s sister) after which Shishupal was born.

It is said, at the time of birth, he had three eyes and four hands. Krishna, with his father Vasudev went to see him. Just as Krishna touched Shishupal, his extra hands fell off and the third eye got closed. Shrutishrava said, “Krishna will kill my son.” But Krishna said he will not kill him till he makes a hundred mistakes.

Shishupal’s friend Rukmi wanted Shishupal to marry Rukmani. But Rukmani was deeply in love with Krishna and devoted him. When Shishupal, along with Jarasandh, went to marry Rukmani then there was no one to oppose him. Shishupal was very happy but when Rukmani went to the temple for her daily rites, Krishna abducted her and took her to Dwarka in front of egoistic Jarasandh and Shishupal. Since then, Shishupal became Krishna’s enemy.

Yudhishthir organized Rajsurya Yagya (a sacrifice which only a universal monarch is entitled to perform). In that, he installed Krishna as a guardian deity. At this, Shishupal was very angry.

He said, “When noble Kshatriyas like us are there, why we should devote our prayers to a cowherd who has no noble family, is dark skinned, has been expelled by all religions and a virtue less person”.

On saying this, he bad mouthed to Krishna. Krishna kept waiting till this tally reached hundred. The minute the pot was full; Krishna got up smiling and cut off his head with his Sudarshan Chakra. This is the end to Shishupal’s Jeevanleela (play of life).