Kans, also known as Kansa or Kamsa, was a central antagonist in Hindu mythology, famously appearing in the Puranas and Harivamsa. He ruled the city of Mathura and was a cousin (some texts say uncle) to Lord Krishna. Kans is described as a tyrant: ambitious, cruel, and feared by his subjects. According to stories, he seized the throne by dethroning his own father, King Ugrasen, with the help of powerful allies, including demons and other kings .
- Kans is known for his cruelty towards the people of Mathura and his infamous acts of violence, especially against children born to his sister, Devaki.
- His story is closely linked to Lord Krishna: a prophecy foretold Kans' death at the hands of Devaki's eighth son. Driven by fear, Kans imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudev and killed their first six children .
- He represents the symbolism of evil, ego, and misuse of power in many Indian spiritual texts, and his life serves as a cautionary tale .
- Kans' defeat at the hands of Krishna marks the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated during Janmashtami .
Most traditional sources describe Kans as an extremely harsh and ruthless ruler. He overthrew a just and compassionate king (his father), suppressed his people, allied with evil beings, and instilled terror in his realm. No historical or mythological account regards him as benevolent; instead, his reign is remembered for tyranny and fear .
Ironically, Kans initially had great affection for his younger sister Devaki. He arranged her marriage to Vasudev with much pomp. However, his attitude changed drastically after learning of the prophecy during her wedding, which foretold that Devaki's eighth child would be his destroyer. From this moment, his love turned to paranoia and cruelty .
Despite his early fondness, Kans imprisoned Devaki and ultimately caused her immense suffering by killing her children. His actions underline his transformation from a caring brother to a terror-stricken ruler obsessed with self-preservation.
- A divine prophecy (akashvani) announced that Devaki's eighth son would end Kans' life and rule.
- In an attempt to evade fate, Kans imprisoned Devaki and Vasudev, killing each of their newborns as soon as they were born.
- Despite these drastic measures, Krishna, the eighth son, survived through divine intervention and was raised in Gokul, away from Kans's reach .
- The act is seen as an example of fear-driven evil—a demonstration that, no matter how powerful, one cannot escape destiny.
As predicted, Krishna returned to Mathura years later. He and his brother Balarama defeated Kans's demon allies and confronted him in his court. In a dramatic battle, Krishna killed Kans, thereby ending his reign of terror and restoring King Ugrasen to the throne. This event is seen as one of the first major victories of Krishna, symbolizing dharma (righteousness) overcoming adharma (evil) .
- Blind ego and excessive fear can transform love into cruelty, and even family bonds into sources of violence.
- No one can escape the consequences of their actions, and fate (or destiny) has a way of fulfilling itself regardless of human intervention.
- Tyranny, no matter how powerful, will ultimately be uprooted by truth and righteousness.
- The story reminds us against paranoia, selfishness, and misuse of power, teaching instead the value of justice and humility.
- Every oppressor faces a downfall; good always prevails over evil, a lesson celebrated in the life of Krishna and the downfall of Kans .