Surasena

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This article is about the historical kingdom. For the kingdom in Indian epic literature, see Surasena Kingdom.

Surasena (or Shourasena) was the kingdom around the modern Brajabhumi. The etymology of the name is not clear. Some say it was named after a famed Yadav king Sursain, while others see it as an extension of Surabhir (Abhira). According to Megasthenes, people of this place worshipped the shepherd God Herakles, which according to many scholars was due to a misconception while others see in it connotations of Scythic origin of Yadus. It was the sacred land of Lord Krishna in which he was born, raised, and ruled. It was an ancient Janapada. It has been well mentioned in Mahabharata.

It's capital was Mathura which was situated at the bank of the river Yamuna. Now it is a holy place for all Hindus. The main Gosthis which ruled the Surasena were Shorasenee, Brishnis, Yadavas or Yadukul, etc.

[edit] External links

• Pali dictionary entry