Krishnapriya Devashree

94. The Fall of Shishupal

A/N

The event with Shishupal in this chapter, along with the scathing insults he hurled, are taken directly from the actual Mahabharata text. Well, most. And in reality, Shishupal only speaks with Bhishma and Krishna and not others.I initially referred to the BORI Critical Edition, but to be honest, it didn't feel as impactful because of the polished English. Then I switched to the Hindi version and my goodness, Shishupal did not hold back. The serials do not do justice to this scene because Shishupal says so much! It's not just a few words or sentences. It's pages of insults.

We often wonder how Shri Krishna could do something so drastic at such a grand event where every notable figure of Aryavarta was present. But reading Shishupal's insults, it becomes crystal clear. The man didn't just cross the line, he trampled over it and kept going! No wonder Shri Krishna lost it.

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Krishna stood at the grand marble steps of his palace in Dwarka. The Narayani Sena stretched out before him as far as the eye could see—rows upon rows of warriors and their flags fluttering in the gentle breeze.  This was more than an army. It was a symbol of Yadava's strength and proof of Krishna's dominance in Aryavarta.

Behind him, he heard the soft sound of anklets. Devashree descended the palace steps with their little Pradyumna in her arms. The little boy babbled joyfully as his tiny hands tugged at the folds of his mother's saree. 

As they reached the bottom of the steps, Pradyumna's gaze fell on Krishna. Instantly, his tiny arms stretched out toward his father and he squealed in excitement.

Krishna turned and a smile spread across his lips as he stepped forward to take the child into his arms. 

"Ah, my little bean," he said lifting Pradyumna high into the air before settling him against his chest. The child giggled and his small hands reached up to pat Krishna's face. 

"Shree," Krishna said with affection. "You ready to leave?"

"Yes."

"Look, Priye," he said. "Your army is ready."

Devashree turned her gaze toward the vast expanse of warriors and chariots. Acres upon acres of land were covered in disciplined rows of soldiers with banners bearing the insignia of Dwarka.

"It's majestic. What about the other things?"

"These chariots are filled with treasures—gold, jewels, fine silks, and spices"

Devashree tilted her head thoughtfully. "Is this enough, or do we need more?"

Krishna chuckled softly, shifting Pradyumna as the baby reached for the edge of his crown. "You tell me, Shree." he teased her.

 "Swami, if this isn't enough, then nothing ever will be."

"Then it will suffice," Krishna said. He climbed his chariot with Pradyumna and held out his hand for Devashree to take. She reached out and slipped her palm into his as she stepped up to join him, taking her place at his side. They set forth for Indraprastha.

It took them almost four days to get there. Upon reaching they were grandly welcomed by Yuddhishtir himself. 

"Welcome, Vasudev," Yudhishthir greeted, stepping forward as Krishna descended from the chariot with a sleepy Pradyumna in his arms. "And welcome to you as well, little Rajkumar," he added.

Krishna bowed slightly. "Dharmaraj, it is always an honor to stand before you." He patted the baby on his back. "Hey, Tanu, it's time to wake up. Look where we are-Indraprasth. The grand empire of your Kakashree Yuddhishtir.