Rangeshwar Mahadev

Maharaja Kansa, who ruled Mathura, wanted to eliminate Krishna and His brother Balaram, fearing they would overthrow him. To carry out his plan, Kansa had a grand wrestling arena built in Mathura. He sent Akrura, a trusted messenger, to bring Krishna and Balaram from their home in Nandgaon under the pretense of a sightseeing trip. Once in the city, Krishna, Balaram, and their friends eventually reached the arena, which was lavishly decorated with flowers and arches. An enormous bow dedicated to Lord Shiva was placed at the front, and A mad elephant, trained to attack, was stationed at the main entrance to kill krishna.

Inside the arena, Rangeshwar Mahadev, adorned beautifully, watched over the events. As Krishna entered, He effortlessly lifted the massive bow with His left hand, strung it, and broke it in an instant with a thunderous sound, astonishing everyone around. Guards rushed to protect the bow, but Krishna and Balaram easily defeated them, continuing their tour of the city and returning to camp by sunset.

The next day, the wrestling matches began. Kansa’s strongest wrestlers, Canura, Mustika, Sala, and Tosala, stood ready for battle. Seated on a high platform, Kansa watched as Krishna and Balaram approached, carrying the tusks of the fierce elephant they had just slain. The two brothers, smiling and fearless, accepted the challenge of the mighty wrestlers. A fierce fight broke out, with Krishna and Balaram defeating Canura, Mustika, and the other wrestlers one by one.

Enraged, Kansa ordered Krishna, Balaram, Nanda, and Vasudeva to be arrested. However, Krishna leapt onto Kansa’s platform, seized him by the hair, threw him down, and struck him, ending his life. The people of Mathura watched in awe as Lord Krishna fulfilled the prophecy by freeing the land from Kansa’s tyranny.

Lord Shiva, whom Kansa had once worshipped in this very spot, witnessed this grand spectacle, or “ranga,” with joy. From then on, he became known as Rangeshwar Mahadev, the protector of Mathura and a witness to Lord Krishna’s heroic pastimes.