Jarasandha Ascends the Throne and Brihadratha Retires to the Forest
After hearing the prophecy, King Brihadratha returns to his city, crowns his son Jarasandha, and retires to the forest with his wives. Freed from worldly ties, Jarasandha begins his conquests, backed by two invincible commanders, and becomes a world-conqueror so formidable that even Krishna's people choose to ignore him.
With his relatives and kin, King Brihadratha returned to his city. He instated his son Jarasandha on the throne. The prophecy had been spoken; the future was set. Brihadratha, now detached from worldly pleasures, followed his two wives and left for the forest to lead a life of austerities.
With his father and mothers retired, Jarasandha began to fulfil the rishi’s words. He subjugated kings with his own valour. He was not alone. He had two commanders, Hamsa and Dibhaka, who were incapable of being killed with any weapons. They were the best among the intelligent in their counsel and skilled in the art of war. The three of them together — Jarasandha, Hamsa, and Dibhaka — were more than a match for the three worlds.
In the forest, after a long time of austerities, King Brihadratha and his wives attained heaven by virtue of their penance.
Back in the world of men, Jarasandha’s power grew unchecked. He became a world-conqueror, a cakravartin (universal sovereign). His rise was so absolute, his strength so overwhelming, that the powerful Kukura, Andhaka, and Vrishni clans — the people of Krishna Vasudeva — made a deliberate policy. They ignored him. Confronting such a force was not wisdom. The right policy was to look away.