Ranchoodji

 The title "Ranchodji" is one of the many epithets of Lord Krishna, specifically referring to an episode from his life where he strategically retreated from battle. The name "Ranchod" means "one who left the battlefield" (from Ran meaning battlefield and chod meaning to leave). This story is primarily associated with Krishna’s encounter with the formidable king Kala Yavana and his divine strategy to protect his people.

The Story of Ranchodji

During Krishna’s rule in Mathura, the evil king Jarāsandha, father-in-law of the late Kamsa, repeatedly attacked Mathura to avenge Kamsa's death. Though Krishna and Balarama defeated him multiple times, he kept returning with larger forces. To make matters worse, Kala Yavana, a mighty and cruel warrior from the Yavana (Greek or Persian) kingdom, invaded Mathura with a massive army, instigated by Narada and encouraged by Jarāsandha.

Seeing the danger to his people, Krishna devised a strategy. Instead of engaging in a direct battle that could cost countless lives, he chose to lead Kala Yavana away from Mathura. Krishna left the battlefield unarmed and started walking. The arrogant Kala Yavana, believing Krishna was fleeing in fear, followed him.

Krishna led him deep into a mysterious cave, where a great sage-king named Muchukunda had been sleeping for ages. Muchukunda had received a boon from the Devas that whoever disturbed his sleep would be burned to ashes by his mere glance.

Unaware of this, Kala Yavana entered the cave and mistook the sleeping Muchukunda for Krishna. He kicked him to wake him up, and the moment Muchukunda opened his eyes, Kala Yavana was reduced to ashes.

Krishna, smiling at his perfect execution of divine strategy, blessed Muchukunda and returned to his people. However, knowing that Jarāsandha would not give up his attacks, Krishna decided to move his people to a safer land. He led the Yadavas across the ocean and established the grand city of Dwaraka, a well-fortified kingdom on the western coast of India.

The Meaning of "Ranchodji"

Though "Ranchod" means one who left the battlefield, in this case, Krishna did not leave out of fear but out of divine wisdom and strategic foresight. He knew that a true king protects his people rather than engaging in unnecessary battles. Instead of a head-on war, he used intelligence to eliminate the enemy without bloodshed.

This title "Ranchodji" became a beloved name for Krishna, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan, where devotees revere him as the deity of Dwaraka. Even today, the famous Ranchodrai Temple in Dakor, Gujarat, is dedicated to Lord Krishna under this title.

This story highlights Krishna’s diplomacy, wisdom, and his unwavering commitment to dharma, making Ranchodji one of his most celebrated names in history.