In the ancient city of Mathura, a prophecy changed the destiny of a kingdom. King Kansa learned that Devaki’s eighth child would bring an end to his tyranny. Fearful of the prophecy, he imprisoned Devaki and her husband, Vasudeva. Yet, on a miraculous night, Lord Krishna was born, beginning a journey that would transform the lives of countless people.
The Kingdom of Mathura and the Cruel King Kans
Long ago, in the ancient city of Mathura, there lived a powerful king named Kans. He was the son of King Ugrasena and the brother of Princess Devaki.
Kans was ambitious and powerful, but his heart was filled with pride and cruelty. He wanted complete control over his kingdom and feared anyone who might challenge his power.
Devaki married Vasudeva, a noble and virtuous man. On their wedding day, Kans himself drove the chariot carrying the newly married couple. He was happy for his sister and showed her great affection.
However, everything changed when a divine voice from the heavens spoke.
“O Kans! The eighth child of Devaki will be the cause of your death.”
The prophecy filled Kans with terror. The sister he had once loved suddenly became, in his fearful eyes, the mother of his future enemy.
In his anger, Kans wanted to kill Devaki immediately. Vasudeva pleaded with him and promised to hand over their children.
Kans spared their lives but imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva in a heavily guarded prison in Mathura.
He believed that by controlling their lives, he could escape his destiny. But destiny had already begun to unfold.
Devaki and Vasudeva lived in captivity, waiting for the birth of their children. According to the traditional Bhagavata Purana narrative, Kans killed their first six sons, terrified that one of them might fulfil the prophecy. Their seventh child, Balarama, was miraculously transferred to the womb of Rohini, another wife of Vasudeva.
At last, the time came for the birth of the eighth child.
On a sacred night, during Krishna’s birth festival known as Janmashtami, Devaki gave birth to Lord Krishna.
According to Hindu tradition, Krishna was no ordinary child. He was the divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu, born to restore righteousness, protect the innocent, and bring an end to Kans’s tyranny.
The prison filled with divine radiance. Vasudeva and Devaki understood that their child was extraordinary.
Miraculously, the prison doors opened, the guards fell asleep, and Vasudeva’s chains loosened.
Vasudeva knew that he had to save the newborn child from Kans. He gently placed Krishna in a basket and prepared to leave the prison.
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