Śiśupālavadha

poem by Māgha

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July 13, 2026

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The Shishupalavadha is a Sanskrit epic poem, or mahakavya, written by the poet Magha in the 8th century CE. It is considered one of the six model mahakavyas and is based on an episode from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata.12

The poem recounts the story of King Shishupala, who insults the hero-god Krishna. Krishna ultimately beheads Shishupala in a duel. The Shishupalavadha is known for its elaborate descriptions, complex syntax, and extensive vocabulary, with a legend claiming it includes every word in the Sanskrit language. The 19th canto is particularly noted for its intricate structure, featuring a stanza that reads identically forwards and backward. Magha was a master of Sanskrit poetic techniques, aiming to rival the style of earlier poets like Bharavi.12

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South Asian arts
The mahākāvya
His Śiśupālavadha (“The Slaying of King Śiśupāla”) is based on an episode of the Mahābhārata in which the rival King Śiśupāla insults the hero-god Krishna, who beheads him in the ensuing duel. Māgha is a master of technique in the strict Sanskrit sense of luscious descriptions;…
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His Śiśupālavadha (“The Slaying of King Śiśupāla”) is based on an episode of the Mahābhārata in which the rival King Śiśupāla insults the hero-god Krishna, who beheads him in the ensuing duel. Māgha is a master of technique in the strict Sanskrit sense of luscious descriptions;…
Read More