The Lord destroyed Jarasandha and Kalayavana; The Lord also killed Raktavija and Kala-Nem (Kala-Nemi). (Gaurt M. l, p. 224) Kalanemi was the uncle of the demon-king Ravana of Lanka. When Hanuman proceeded towards Himalayas in search of the medicinal herb for reviving Lakshmana, Ravana wanted him to be killed. For this purpose, he deputed Kalanemi with the promise of giving him half of his kingdom. Kalanemi assumed the form of a hermit-devotee and went to Gandhamadana, where Hanuman had gone.
He invited Hanuman to his hermitage and offered him food. Hanuman refused the food and drink and went to take a bath in the nearby pond, where a crocodile seized him; he dragged the animal out of water and killed him. But from the dead body there arose a love Apsara, who had become a crocodile because of the curse of Daksha. The Apsara told Hanuman to be cautious of Kalanemi. Thereby Hanuman came to know the identity of the disguised demon.
He went straight to Kalanemi and seizing him by his feet, he whirled him round and threw him with such a force that he fell before the throne of Ravana. In the Puranas, his previous life has been mentioned. He was an Asura and son of Virochana, the grandson of Hiranyakashipu. He was killed then by Vishnu, but was said to live again in Kansa and Kaliyuga.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh (ed), Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
Kalanemi is a fascinating figure in Hindu mythology, often depicted as an asura (demon) with significant roles in various legends. His name, derived from Sanskrit, translates to “the felly of the wheel of time,” symbolizing his connection to the cosmic cycle.
Key Aspects of Kalanemi:
- Genealogy:
- Kalanemi is the son of Virochana and the grandson of Prahlada, both prominent figures among the asuras. This lineage ties him to the powerful and complex narratives of the asura clans.
- Role in the Tarakamaya War:
- In the Padma Purana, Kalanemi is described as a commander in the Tarakamaya War, where he fought against the devas (gods). His immense strength and terrifying presence made him a formidable opponent, but he was ultimately slain by Lord Vishnu using the Sudarshana Chakra.
- Rebirth as Kamsa:
- In some traditions, Kalanemi is reborn as Kamsa, the tyrannical king of Mathura and the uncle of Lord Krishna. Kamsa’s role as Krishna’s adversary continues the theme of cosmic balance, with Krishna ultimately defeating him to restore dharma (righteousness).
- Symbolism:
- Kalanemi represents the forces of darkness and chaos that challenge divine order. His repeated confrontations with Vishnu highlight the eternal struggle between good and evil.
- Connection to Vrinda and Jalandhara:
- Kalanemi’s daughter, Vrinda, is a significant character in her own right. She marries the asura Jalandhara and is associated with devotion and purity, adding depth to Kalanemi’s legacy.
Kalanemi’s story is a rich tapestry of cosmic battles, rebirth, and the interplay of dharma and adharma.
