The Fate of Devaki's Sons

In the first instalment of the Krishna series, we explored the profound bond between Prince Kans and his sister Devaki. The turning point in their relationship came with a chilling prophecy that altered the course of their lives forever. Once a loving brother, driven by fear, Prince Kans transformed into a staunch enemy of Devaki. Luckily, Devaki's husband, Vasudev, saved her life by convincing Prince Kans that she was no danger to him. Instead, Vasudev proposed a deal: they would willingly hand over their newborn babies to Prince Kans, thereby ensuring that the life of Devaki is spared.

Test of Trust

Vasudev was relieved that Devaki's life was spared and started living in the palace that had been reserved for them. In due time, Devaki gave birth to a son. Vasudev named him "Kirtiman," and with a heavy heart, he took his newborn child to Kans, keeping the promise he had made.

There is no task too menial or beneath a man's dignity when he chooses to act with detachment. For someone whose thoughts are steadfastly focused on the Lord's feet, nothing is beyond reach. Vasudev, a man imbued with equanimity and wisdom, had the capacity to present his child at the feet of Kans, proclaiming:

"Here is my child. I promised to deliver him to you immediately after his birth."

Kans was very pleased with Vasudev. With a smile on his face, he took the child and placed it in the hands of Vasudev, saying:

"Please take this child back with you. I am not going to kill it. After all, I have been told that it is your eighth child who will kill me. This is your firstborn. I have no fear of him."

Vasudev was elated and carried the child in his arms. But knowing his brother-in-law's nature, he could not believe his words or his actions.

Sage Narad’s Intervention

Meanwhile, Sage Narad visited Kans in his kingdom. He spoke to him about the cowherds in Gokul. The land of Braj was ruled by Nand, and Kans knew that Nand and Vasudev were half-brothers. Sage Narad told Kans that many celestial gods and goddesses had taken birth on the earth at the command of Lord Narayan with the purpose of killing all the demons. Sage Narad also told him about Lord Brahma and Mother Earth's visit to Lord Narayan’s abode to seek protection. Kans was taken aback at this news and became afraid.

Sage Narad further said, "I do not think you should be so complacent about the sons of Devaki. The prophecy claimed that her eighth child would kill you, and you are allowing this first child to live. Pause and think for a moment. What exactly does eighth mean? If you count backwards from the eighth, the first one becomes the eighth. If from the second, again the first will be the eighth. If you count from the third, the second will be the eighth, and so on. I do not think it is wise on your part to be so careless about this important matter."

Sage Narad was successful in sowing the seeds of doubt in the mind of Kans and left chanting, "Jai Shri Narayan, Jai Shri Narayan."

After what Sage Narad had told Kans, he felt it was a mistake to spare the life of Devaki’s first child. He rushed to the palace of Vasudev and snatched the baby from Devaki's hand, killing it. Then he put both Vasudev and Devaki in chains and threw them in jail.

The Tyranny of Kans

Kans' hatred towards the Yadavs grew, and he harassed them mercilessly. He imprisoned his father, Ugrasen, the King of Yadavs, and installed himself as the king of Mathura, establishing a reign of tyranny over the entire realm.

As time went on, Devaki gave birth to five more sons while still imprisoned. Kans, consumed by fear and paranoia, resolved to spare none of Devaki's children. He ruthlessly killed each newborn, convinced that one of them might be Lord Narayan himself. In his desperate attempts to secure his safety, he believed that eliminating Devaki's offspring at birth would protect him.

Jarasandha, the king of Magadha, had allied himself closely with Kans by marrying off his daughters to him; this granted Kans an array of powerful supporters. This group included formidable figures like Jarasandha himself, along with demons such as Pralambha, Baka, Chanura, Trinavarta, Aghasura, Mushtika, Arishta, Dvividha, Putana (notably a female), Keshi, and Dhenuka. Apart from Jarasandha, the remaining were all demons. Additionally, many other kings maintained friendly relations with Kans.

The Yadavs, constantly tormented by Kans, sought refuge in various neighbouring kingdoms such as Kuru, Panchala, Kekaya, Salva, Vidarbha, Nishadha, Videha, and Kosala. Some believed it to be more strategic to remain with Kans and align themselves with him. Tragically, six of Devaki's children had already been slain, while her seventh was about to make his presence known in her womb.

The Secret Mission

Lord Narayan recognised that the time had come to bring an end to the unrighteousness prevailing in the world. He called upon Yogamaya and commanded her:

"Devi, go immediately to Gokul, where the cowherds are under the rule of Nand. Vasudev's wife, Rohini, resides there, and the other wives of Vasudev are in hiding, fearful of Kans's wrath. My ansh (part of Me), who is Adishesha, has entered Devaki’s womb at my behest. You must go there, extract the child from Devaki's womb, and place it within Rohini. The next child Devaki bears will be my own incarnation. At the same time, you will be born as the child of Yashoda and Nand."

Yogamaya sought the Lord's permission before descending to earth. Devaki became unconscious, and the transfer of the child occurred without her awareness. The following day, people murmured that the child had been lost even before its birth. Kans heard the same tale.

Kans felt that he was doing everything in his power to ensure he would live forever. However, there was no way to hinder the divine plan of God that was already set in motion. Lord Narayan had promised that He would relieve Mother Earth of her sufferings and had put in place a plan to fulfil His promise.

Summary

The beginning of the Krishna series focused on the dramatic shift in the relationship between Prince Kans and his sister Devaki after a chilling prophecy foretold that her eighth child would be his downfall. Driven by fear, Kans initially spared Devaki's life on the condition that her newborns would be handed over to him, but he later imprisoned her and her husband, Vasudev, after being manipulated by Sage Narad into believing he should kill the firstborn child. The narrative explains that Kans became a tyrant, slaying six of Devaki's children and allying himself with powerful demons and kings to solidify his reign of terror. Ultimately, the text sets the stage for the divine plan orchestrated by Lord Narayan, who commanded Yogamaya to transfer the seventh child to Rohini’s womb and ensure the birth of his own incarnation as Devaki’s eighth child.