Stories From The Bhagawatham - Krishna Avatar - A Voice From The Heavens

There were two brothers named Ugrasena and Devaka. Ugrasena was the ruler of the kingdom named Mathura. He had a son named Kamsa. Devaka had a daughter named Devaki whose marriage was fixed with Vasudeva, the son of Shura who was the lord of the yadava clan. 

Kamsa was extremely fond of his cousin Devaki and regarded her as his own sister. He participated in the marriage celebrations and when the time came for Devaki to leave with Vasudeva, Kamsa took up the reins of the chariot in which the newly wedded couple were to depart to their home.

Just as the chariot was about to move, a voice rang out from the very heavens. “You fool!” The music surrounding the chariot stopped and complete silence reigned in the crowd. Everyone looked at the heavens. The voice which had paused, as if to ensure everyone’s attention, then spoke again. “You fool! The woman whom you are taking to her husband’s home is going to be the reason for your destruction. The eighth born child of this woman will kill you!”

It was now evident that the words had been spoken for Kamsa. He jumped down the chariot, pulling Devaki by her long hair with his one hand and drawing out his sword with another. “So you are going to birth my killer? I won’t allow this to happen. At this moment itself, I will kill you. Then I won’t have anything to fear.” He raised his sword threateningly over Devaki when Vasudeva came running to him and held his hand.

“You have the blood of the Shurasena clan and are a noble-minded prince destined for greatness. Will you besmirch your name and that of your clan by killing a woman, who is after all your own sister? Everyone knows you are extremely fond of Devaki. How did all of your love for her vanish in one instant? Just look at her! She is trembling with fear and shock. Will you kill such a pure and innocent soul? Withdraw your sword, Kamsa. It is not proper of you to do this.”

Vasudeva saw that his words had no impact on Kamsa who showed no signs of releasing Devaki. It was then that Vasudeva had to do something which no parent would ever think of, even in their worst nightmares.

My sons aren’t born yet. He thought in silent grief. I will have to promise Kamsa that I will gift him my sons. At least Devaki will live till her children are born. Perhaps death will claim Kamsa before my sons arrive, perhaps he will live long enough to face that son of mine who will kill him. The heavens have prophesied. This is fated.

With a calm demeanor that showed none of his silent struggle and grief, Vasudeva said to Kamsa. “The voice said that one of Devaki’s children will kill you, not Devaki herself. Spare her life, and I promise you that I will bring my children to you as soon as they are born.”

Kamsa thought over this for a moment and finally released Devaki in silent acceptance of Vasudeva’s offer.

And thus began the ordeal of Vasudeva and Devaki.

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