Krishna Plans to Kill Jarasandha

Krishna continued, "It is not easy to defeat him. He looted even Mathura and compelled me to flee to Dwarka. Despite having brave warriors like Satyaki, Balarama, and Pradyumna, we were unable to save Mathura from Jarasandha. He imprisoned several kings and intends to sacrifice them to Lord Shiva. Before commencing the Rajasuya Yagya, you will have to kill Jarasandha and rescue the kings."

Yudhishthira felt this task would be difficult, but Bhima was excited by the mere thought of defeating Jarasandha.

"Eighty-six kings are currently being held captive by Jarasandha," Krishna said to Yudhishthira. "After imprisoning fourteen more kings, he will sacrifice all of them. Whoever rescues these kings will gain the trust of the Kshatriyas."

The big question was: How could anyone kill the mighty Jarasandha? Yudhishthira was in a dilemma about whether to challenge him, but Bhima and Arjuna felt confident they could defeat him in a fair fight. Krishna tried his best to dispel Yudhishthira's fears.

"Leave everything to me," he said. "Just send Bhima and Arjuna with me. Once Jarasandha is killed, all the remaining kings will accept your supremacy. There is no need to worry. Whatever is destined to happen will happen. Everyone receives the fruit of their actions. Jarasandha's death is certain, as his sins have exceeded all bounds.

"I have devised a plan to defeat Jarasandha and free the imprisoned kings. Bhima, Arjuna, and I will disguise ourselves as Brahmins, enter his prison, free the kings, and challenge him to a duel. When he accepts, Bhima will tear his body apart."