A Brahmana named Gargya, ridiculed by the Yadavas, performed a twelve-year tapasya by consuming only iron dust. He aimed to have a son who would bring retribution upon the Yadavas. Pleased by his devotion, Mahadeva granted the boon. Gargya’s son, dark in complexion, was adopted by the childless king of the Yavanas. This boy grew up to become Kalayavana, an invincible warrior and king of the Yavanas. Known for his unmatched prowess in battle, Kalayavana fulfilled his father’s wish by becoming a formidable adversary to the Yadavas.
Kalayavana, a formidable and ambitious king, sought a worthy adversary and found one in Krishna, the divine ruler of Mathura. However, rather than engaging Kalayavana directly in battle, Krishna employed a clever ruse that lured his enemy into a situation where his defeat was inevitable.
Kalayavana’s initial intent was to declare war on a powerful king, and upon Narada’s advice, he chose to attack Mathura. When he laid siege to the city with his immense army, Krishna recognized the gravity of the threat posed by Kalayavana and the persistent attacks from Jarasandha. To protect the Yadu dynasty and secure Mathura, Krishna decided to construct the fortified city of Dvaraka in the sea, a strategic move to ensure the safety of his people. This fortification can be seen as bait, displaying a seemingly defensive stance that might encourage his enemies to act rashly.
When Kalayavana besieged Mathura, Krishna did not confront him directly. Instead, Krishna appeared before him unarmed and unarmored, creating an image of vulnerability. Kalayavana, eager to capture Krishna and prove his might, took the bait and pursued Krishna. Despite Kalayavana’s swift movements, he could not capture the elusive Krishna, who led him on a chase away from the battlefield and into a cave.
Krishna’s strategy was to lure Kalayavana into a trap, leveraging Kalayavana’s pride and impatience against him. Kalayavana’s determination to capture Krishna clouded his judgment, making him follow Krishna mindlessly into the cave, where King Muchukunda lay in a deep slumber. Muchukunda granted a boon to incinerate anyone who disturbed his sleep, which was the hidden bait in Krishna’s trap. Kalayavana, mistaking the sleeping king for Krishna, kicked Muchukunda to awaken him. This action triggered the boon, and Kalayavana was instantly burned to ashes by the fiery gaze of the enraged Muchukunda.
Krishna’s use of the bait was multifaceted. First, he protected his city and people by appearing defenseless and luring Kalayavana away from Mathura. Second, leading Kalayavana to Muchukunda ensured that the enemy was neutralized without a direct confrontation, conserving Krishna’s strength and resources for the more significant threat of Jarasandha. This action displayed Krishna’s deep understanding of psychological manipulation, using Kalayavana’s arrogance and impatience to orchestrate his downfall.
Krishna’s strategy reflects a profound grasp of human nature and the art of indirect confrontation. By making Kalayavana come to him and employing bait in the form of his seeming vulnerability and Muchukunda’s curse, Krishna controlled the terms of engagement. He turned Kalayavana’s aggression against him, leading to his demise without a single blow from Krishna. This approach eliminated a formidable enemy and showcased Krishna’s wisdom and strategic brilliance.
This also highlights Krishna’s ability to foresee and plan for multiple outcomes. By constructing Dvaraka, he created a haven for his people and a strategic base for future defenses. His actions against Kalayavana were part of a broader strategy to safeguard the Yadu dynasty from ongoing threats. Thus, Krishna’s application of Law 8 was not an isolated tactic but a component of his comprehensive approach to leadership and warfare.
Krishna’s encounter with Kalayavana is a classic example of making the enemy come to you and using bait to control the situation. By understanding and exploiting his enemy’s weaknesses, Krishna turned the tables on Kalayavana, ensuring his victory and the safety of his people. This episode from Krishna’s life embodies the essence of strategic patience and psychological insight, core tenets of the eighth Law of power.