Though he was dull-minded and paid little heed to the actions of Vasudeva, Kamsa nevertheless ruled the kingdom alongside him in a manner that was outwardly righteous. Pleased with Vasudeva, the lord of the Daityas gave Devaki, the daughter of Devaka, to Vasudeva in marriage. As Devaki was being led away in a chariot, O Janamejaya, Kamsa, the king of Mathura, ascended the chariot of the Vrishnis to accompany her. Suddenly, a divine messenger’s voice echoed from the sky, heard by both Vasudeva and Kamsa: “O Kamsa, as you drive this chariot today carrying Devaki, know that her eighth child will be your death.” Overwhelmed by fear and delusion, Kamsa descended from the chariot, drew his spotless sword, and sought to strike Devaki’s head. At that critical moment, Vasudeva, wise and composed, intervened to appease Kamsa, speaking gently and with a conciliatory smile. “O king,” he said, “in all codes of conduct, it is declared that women must not be harmed. Will you kill this innocent, defenseless woman without cause? The fear you have can be averted: she can be guarded, and the agreement kept. When her eighth child is born, you may destroy him then; thus, your fear will be removed.” Thus addressed by Vasudeva, the chief of the Shurasenas accepted his words. Thereafter, sons of radiant splendor were born to Devaki, but the lord of Mathura, Kamsa, killed each one as they were born. Then, O lord of the people, the most excellent Baladeva was conceived in her; by the power of Yama, through illusion, the embryo was transferred. Devaki’s incomparable embryo was drawn forth and placed in Rohini’s womb, and because he was perfectly drawn out, he became known as Sankarshana. Due to his supreme strength, he was called Baladeva. Then, in Devaki again, the eighth child—the slayer of Madhu—was conceived. Kamsa took special measures to guard this embryo, and for the protection of Vasudeva’s child, he appointed a fierce and cruel minister. When Vasudeva was born, his father took him and exchanged him for the newborn daughter of a cowherd. Unable to endure the sound of the divine messenger, Kamsa sent the great-souled Vasudeva into Gokula. There, Vasudeva grew up among the cowherds, like a lotus in water—unknown to Kamsa, concealed like fire in wood. The lord of Mathura sent spies among the cowherds, but Vasudeva, mighty-armed and endowed with brilliance and strength, continued to grow. Those who suffered and longed for the lotus-eyed, infallible one surrounded him in groups—some out of fear, others out of desire. When Vasudeva gained strength, O king, and was approved by Ugrasena, he, together with all his brothers, acted anew. Having conquered the king of the Bhojas in battle and slain the mighty Kamsa, Vasudeva then installed Ugrasena as king, O lord of the people. Later, hearing that Jarasandha had been slain in battle by Madhava, Vasudeva made the son of Kamsa the lord of the Shurasenas at that time, O king. Raising a great army, he installed Vasudeva’s son there, and Janamejaya, his own son as well. Yet mighty Jarasandha, endowed with great strength, harassed Ugrasena and the Vrishnis. Thus, O son of Kuru, enmity arose between Jarasandha and Madhava; for the sake of dominion, Jarasandha confined those he had conquered. Surrounded by kings and rulers, the prosperous one worshipped the supreme god, Mahadeva—Krittivasa, the three-eyed. All this has been recounted as it happened, O bull among the Bharatas. Now hear how that king was slain by Bhimasena. When Jarasandha stood resolved for battle, the eloquent Adhokshaja, son of Yadu, spoke to him: “Which of us three, O king, does your mind wish to fight? Let one of us here be ready for battle.” Thus addressed, the radiant king Jarasandha, ruler of Magadha, chose Bhimasena as his opponent. Hearing of Bhima’s strength and seeing him wield a divine mace, Jarasandha, content, dismissed Arjuna and Vasudeva. Thinking Vasudeva a mere cowherd and Arjuna a mere boy, Jarasandha took garlands of rojana flowers and other auspicious items. Bearing foremost maces and implements for pleasure and pain, the priest approached Jarasandha, who was eager for battle. After the illustrious Brahmin performed the rites for auspiciousness, Jarasandha prepared himself, remembering the warrior’s code. He removed his crown, smoothed his hair, and stood firm like the ocean exceeding its bounds. The wise king, mighty in valor, spoke to Bhima: “Bhima, I will fight you, for you are the best among the victorious.” Having spoken thus, Jarasandha, the subduer of foes, advanced toward Bhimasena with great energy, like an Asura toward Indra. Then, after conferring with Krishna and having completed the auspicious rites, the mighty Bhimasena approached Jarasandha, eager for battle.