Satyabhama is the only child of the Yadava chief Satrajit. Even though at the time it was more common to raise boys in martial arts and athletic pursuits the Bhagavatam Puranas teach an important lesson in equality with the introduction of Satyabhama in Krishna’s past times. Satyabhama was haughty and high-spirited and had very little interest in men until she met Krishna. Unlike his other wives who were satisfied to stay at home, Satyabhama demanded to accompany Krishna as a help mate in all fields, including warfare, for which her father had given her ample training. Krishna did not tell her “no” go home and be a good little wife. This makes a lot of sense to those who read the past times of Lord Krishna in their entirety instead of taking bits and pieces out of context to fit an agenda since he is constantly trying to get it through people’s heads that all are equal in divinity.
Intro
In the Puranas it is mentioned that Satyabhama is the daughter of Satrajit. Satyabhama is the third wife of Lord Krishna, renowned for both her strong will and bad temper. She is believed to be an Avatar or incarnation of Bhudevi.
Satrajit was the owner of the Syamantaka jewel. Satrajit, secured the jewel from Surya and therefore never wanted to part with it even once when Krishna, asked for it he said that the jewel would be safe with him. After some time, Prasena, the brother of Satrajit went out hunting wearing the jewel but was killed by a lion. Then Jambavan (Jamvanta,) killed the lion and gave the jewel to his son to play with it. When Prasena did not return, Satrajit wrongly blamed Krishna for killing Prasena for the sake of the jewel.
Krishna to prove himself innocent set out in search of the jewel and found it in Jambavan`s cave, with his child. Jambavan attacked Krishna thinking him to be a trespasser who had come to take away the jewel. Both of them fought for continuous twenty eight days. At last Jambavan`s whole body was horribly wounded from the thrashing of Krishna`s fists. Jambavan recognised Him and surrendered. Jambavan was remorseful and gave Krishna the jewel.
Then Krishna returned the jewel to Satrajit, who also repented for his allegation. He offered Krishna the jewel and also wanted Krishna to marry his daughter Satyabhama . Krishna accepted Satyabhama`s hand but denied from accepting the jewel.
There is a legendary story related to Satyabhama and Narakasura. Narakasura was a demon king who ruled Pragjothishyapur. He was blessed by Lord Brahma that he would be unbeatable and would die only in the hands of his mother. Narakasura used this power of immortality and gradually became a dictator. He became infamous for his evil ruling and for disrespecting the Devas and women. Narakasura defeated Lord Indra, king of gods, and snatched sixteen thousand women and imprisoned them in his palace.
He once stole the earrings of Aditi, the heavenly mother goddess, and seized some of her territory. Aditi was a relative of Satyabhama. Satyabhama was believed to be an incarnation of Bhudevi and Bhudevi was Narakasura` mother.
When Satyabhama heard of Narakasuara`s cruelty towards women and his behaviour with Aditi, she was infuriated. Satyabhama discussed this problem with Lord Krishna and took permission to declare a war against Narakasura. Krishna agreed and presented his Garuda as her mount and both rode to the city ruled by Narakasura.
In the war Satyabhama fought with Narakasura valiantly but he was more skillful. After a few days Narakasura got a chance to hurt Krishna. Krishna fainted as per the predestined divinely plan made with Satyabhama. When Satyabhama saw Narakasura attacking Krishna then she got furious.
She doubled her strength and attacked the demon king Narakasura and finally. Before Narakasura`s death, he requested a boon from his mother, Satyabhama that everyone should celebrate his death with colourful lights. Accordingly this day is celebrated as the first day of Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi.
After her victory, Satyabhama freed all the prisoners of Narakasura. Satyabhama rescued the sixteen thousand women and Lord Krishna married them for the reason of their purity which they preserved regardless of being made
captives.
Satyabhama and Krishna : Art by Stephanie Celeste Chateau
