Ugrasena

For other uses, see Ugrasena (Nanda dynasty) and Agrasen.

Ugrasena (Sanskrit: उग्रसेन) is a character mentioned in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. He is the King of Mathura, a kingdom that was established by the Vrishni tribes from the Yaduvamsha clan. His son Kamsa was a cousin of Krishna's mother, Devaki. King Ugrasena was overthrown by Kamsa, and was sentenced to life in prison, along with Kamsa's cousin, Devaki, and her husband, Vasudeva. Krishna reinstalled Ugrasena as the ruler of Mathura once more after defeating his wicked uncle.^[2]

Ugrasena
King of Mathura King of the Yadus^[1]
Texts	Mahabharata
Personal information
Parents	Ahuka (father)
Children	Kamsa
Dynasty	Yaduvamsha

Balarama and Krishna being received at the court of the King Ugrasena at Mathura

Mythology

According to the Puranas, Kamsa issued an order for the execution of his own father once he grew paranoid of the valour of Krishna and Balarama in Mathura, observing them slay wild elephants that he had released for their murder. He ordered his father to be thrown in the river Kalindi, bound hand and foot. This was among the many reasons that would lead to his nephew slaying him.^[3]

Krishna treated Ugrasena with honour upon his prestigious welcome and reception to the city of Mathura:^[4]

O king, informed of your intention I say that you are the king of Mathura. Do not make it otherwise. O king, I will confer upon you your proper share in the land and gift. As I did with the other kings I had kept your share in reserve beforehand, one hundred thousandth portion without any ornaments or raiment. O king, get upon your white car adorned with gold, umbrella, fans, flags and celestial ornaments. And wearing your crown of sunny lustre govern the city of Mathura, delightedly with your sons and grand-sons, defeat your enemies and multiply the Bhoja race. The king of gods, the holder of thunder-bolt sent, for Ananta and Shouri, celestial ornaments and raiments. From the thousand jars of gold coins reserved for the citizens of Mathura in that ceremony of installation the king of gods has ordered that one thousand should be given to each of the panegyrists and bards, one hundred to each old man, prostitute and other men and ten thousand to each of the Yadavas, Vikadru and others who live with the king Ugrasena.

— Harivamsa Purana, Chapter 56

Samba, the son of Krishna and great-grand son of Ugrasena, had insulted several sages by disguising himself as a pregnant woman and asked the sages to ascertain the baby's gender. The sages cursed him to deliver an iron rod, which was to cause the annihilation of his entire clan. The Yadavas reported these tidings to Ugrasena, who had the rod turned into powder, and thrown into the sea. He also prohibited liquor in his kingdom. Sometime, after this incident he died and attained heaven. He, along with Bhurshiravas, Shalya, Uttara and his brother Shankha, Vasudeva, Bhuri, Kamsa, joined the company of devas in heaven.^[5]

Personality

In contrast to his son Kamsa, Ugrasena is described to be a conscientious and capable ruler, and a great devotee of Vishnu. The Vishnu Purana states that the city of Mathura was "well presided over by Ugrasena, and abounded in a happy population both of men and women".^[6]

References

1. "Ugrasena, Ugrasenā, Ugra-sena: 18 definitions". 29 June 2012.
2. www.wisdomlib.org (28 January 2019). "Story of Ugrasena". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
3. www.wisdomlib.org (28 January 2019). "Story of Kaṃsa". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
4. www.wisdomlib.org (14 November 2020). "Ugrasena Receives Krishna [Chapter 56]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
5. Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Puranas. Vol. 1. Sarup & Sons. 2001. p. 1315. ISBN 9788176252263. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
6. www.wisdomlib.org (30 August 2014). "Ugrasena's coronation [Chapter XXI]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2 August 2022.