ਜਰਾਸੰਧਿ (jaraa-saňdh)
Meaning: noun: Jarasandh, the king of Magadh and father-in-law of Kans, the maternal uncle of Krishna.
Quote:
ਜਰਾਸੰਧਿ ਕਾਲਜਮੁਨ ਸੰਘਾਰੇ॥ ਰਕਤਬੀਜੁ ਕਾਲੁਨੇਮੁ ਬਿਦਾਰੇ॥ ਦੈਤ ਸੰਘਾਰਿ ਸੰਤ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ॥
jaraa-saňdh kaal-jamun saňghaare. rakat-beej kaal-nem bidaare.
dait saňghaar saňt nistaare.
The Lord destroyed Jarasandh and Kaljamun (due to their conceit).
The Lord killed Rakat-beej and Kalnem (for their arrogance).
Thus, by slaying the arrogant demons, the Lord saved the saints. – Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 224
Message: Duel of life
According to the Hindu epic Mahabharat, Jarasandh was a terrible king and father-in-law of Kans, the wicked maternal uncle of Krishna.
After Kans’ death Jarasandh besieged his kingdom (Mathura) and imprisoned many innocent kings in a dungeon.
However, ultimately, he too was killed in a duel arranged by Krishna. Thus, the tyrant was punished for his arrogance and wickedness.
Similarly, Kaljamun or Kalayavana, a wicked king and close friend of Jarasandh, was also killed by Krishna.
Likewise, Kalnem or Kalnemi, the uncle of Ravan, the demon-king of Lanka, was killed by Hanuman.
Rakat-beej or Raktavija was another demon who was killed by Durga or Chandi.
These legends show us how arrogant kings and violent men in the past eventually met their end.
Our follies and wrongdoings become our own enemies and the cause of our destruction, spiritual as well as physical.
On the other hand, saintly qualities within us are our protectors and saviours. If we practice imbibing these qualities, the Divine is on our side. We will feel confident, protected and secure.
To read more: http://www.dadazi.net/choto/pindnsdnl/mahabharata/mahabk06/chp1901.html
Etymology: Blend of Sanskrit jaraa (name of a demoness who is believed to have put the two halves of Jarasandh together) + sandh (joining), hence literally one who is joined by Jara. (Read more: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarasandha)
