Story Time

Srugala Vasudeva or Paundraka Vasudeva, the king of the Pundra kingdom, fancied himself to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and dressed exactly like Krishna. He was an ardent devotee of Sun god, and through his worship to him, Paundraka received an extraordinary chariot and horses.

He was so proud of these possessions that he looked down upon Krishna, who did not own any chariot or horses until the war of Mahabharata took place. Paundraka also could not understand why, despite all his efforts, he was not as popular as Krishna.

His niece Shaibya frequently taunted him. Her comments would upset him. Shaibya also happened to love Krishna with all her heart, but she had no hope of getting married to him because of her uncle’s behaviour and malice towards him.

One day, Paundraka vasudeva decided to wage a war battle against Krishna to display his superiority. However, Kanha defeated him easily. This is how Krishna took ownership of the chariot and horses, which later became an integral part of his persona.

Krishna knew ashwa vidya, understanding the mind of horses, and took care of them as they were part of him. He was believed to be the only charioteer in the war who personally looked after the horses’ needs and provided them with compassion at the end of everyday.

Much later, Krishna learnt of Shaibya’s love for him and married her too.

There are other versions of this story too however not many mention about how Krishna got a chariot. 

As i have always maintained the stories in north india differs from the stories prevelant in southern part of the country. I am , through this series, trying to bring not so known ones.