Knowledge Bank

What is Abhinivesha?

According to Patanjala Yogasutra II.9, Abhinivesha is - thirst for life. This is one of the five kleshas giving rise to sorrow. The cause of abhinivesha is the wrong thinking that; I am this body.

Why Kamsa was killed?

Kamsa was the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna. He was very cruel and wicked. Lord Krishna's mother was Devaki. At the time of her wedding, an oracle was heard that her son would kill Kamsa, Kamsa imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudeva. He killed their first six sons. The seventh pregnancy was transplanted to Rohini the second wife of Vasudeva and was born as Balarama. The eighth child was Krishna. His father carried him to Gokula secretly and left him in the custody of Yashoda and Nandagopa. Kamsa came to know later that his slayer was still alive and was growing up in Gokula. He sent several Asuras to Gokula to take the life of Krishna but failed every time. In the meantime, Kamsa imprisoned his own father Ugrasena, and took over the rulership. He perpetrated atrocities upon the people of Mathura. Many prominent Yadavas fled to safety. Krishna had to release Mathura from the clutches of Kamsa. That's why the Lord killed him.