The End of Jarasandh

One day a messenger came to the court of Dwarka. He brought a message from the thousands of kings Jarasandh held prisoner: Krishna, we take refuge in You; free us from this captivity. At the same time Narad arrived and said that Yudhishthir wished to perform the Rajasuya yajna and was inviting Krishna.

Uddhav advised that both tasks could be done together. Jarasandh had to be overcome for the Rajasuya, and defeating him would also free the captive kings. Fighting him with armies would be hard, so the way was to defeat him alone in single combat.

Krishna, Bhim and Arjuna went to Magadh disguised as Brahmins. Jarasandh honoured Brahmins. They asked him for a fight as their alms. Jarasandh realised who they were, but he kept his word and accepted a mace duel with Bhim.

Bhim and Jarasandh fought for many days, battling by day and resting like friends at night. They were evenly matched. Krishna knew that Jarasandh had been born in two halves, joined together by a demoness named Jara. He split a blade of grass down the middle as a sign to Bhim. Bhim tore Jarasandh apart in the same way.

Krishna freed all the kings from the prison. They were thin and weary, but on seeing Krishna they folded their hands and sang His praises. Krishna returned their kingdoms to them with honour. Jarasandh's son Sahadev was made king of Magadh. Then Yudhishthir's Rajasuya yajna was completed.