In the Dwapar Yuga, the earth was filled with sin, fear, and injustice. The cruel king Kansa ruled Mathura with tyranny. His oppression caused suffering and despair among the people. At this time, Lord Vishnu decided to incarnate to restore righteousness and destroy evil. This incarnation was none other than Lord Krishna.
Kansa loved his sister Devaki deeply. He always cared for her safety, well-being, and happiness. When Devaki’s marriage was arranged with Vasudeva, Kansa personally drove the chariot to escort his sister to her new home. The entire village came out to bid farewell, and flowers were strewn all along the path, decorating the chariot in joyous celebration.
As the chariot moved along the road, suddenly a divine voice (Akashvani) echoed through the sky:
“O Kansa! The eighth child of Devaki, whom you hold so dear, will be the cause of your destruction.”
Hearing this, Kansa became furious. His face turned red, and his eyes blazed with anger. Filled with rage, he immediately planned to kill Devaki.
However, Vasudeva, with humility and calmness, pleaded with Kansa:
“O Kansa! Please do not harm Devaki under any circumstances. We assure you that all our children will be entrusted to your care.”
Kansa accepted Vasudeva’s words for the moment, but his fear and arrogance led him to imprison Devaki and Vasudeva immediately.
Kansa killed Devaki’s first six children immediately after their birth. The entire kingdom was plunged into sorrow and fear. People were terrified, yet Vasudeva and Devaki remained steadfast in their faith and patience, trusting in divine providence.
When the seventh child, Balarama, was born, the miraculous power of Yogamaya transferred him safely into the womb of Rohini, ensuring that Kansa could not harm him.
Now, the time for the birth of the eighth child approached. Kansa tightened the security in the prison even further. He stationed soldiers and guards everywhere, determined that no harm should come to his plans. Yet he did not know that God Himself was about to intervene in His divine play.
On the eighth day (Ashtami) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapad, under the Rohini Nakshatra, Lord Vishnu incarnated in Devaki’s womb and was born as Lord Krishna.
The moment Krishna was born, extraordinary events unfolded:
The prison chamber was filled with a divine, radiant light, dispelling all darkness and fear.
A sense of peace, joy, and divine presence enveloped the surroundings.
Lord Krishna revealed His four-armed form to Vasudeva and Devaki, holding the Shankha (conch), Chakra (discus), Gada (mace), and Padma (lotus).
He informed them that His birth was meant solely to destroy Kansa and establish righteousness (Dharma) in the world.
Along with His birth, even more miraculous events occurred:
All the prison doors and chains opened automatically.
The guards fell into a deep enchanted sleep and were unable to obstruct the divine plan.
The entire area was bathed in a serene, celestial aura, filling everyone with love, tranquility, and harmony.
Journey Across the Yamuna to Gokul
Immediately after His birth, Lord Krishna instructed Vasudeva:
“O Vasudeva! Take me safely to Gokul (Gopala Kund), where Nanda Baba and Yashoda will nurture and care for Me.”
With complete faith and devotion in his heart, Vasudeva carefully lifted the newborn Krishna into his arms. In the quiet of the night, he began the secret journey across the Yamuna River. Miraculously, the river’s currents calmed, and all obstacles disappeared due to the divine presence of Krishna.
During this journey, many miraculous events occurred:
The waters of the Yamuna parted and flowed gently, as if honoring the divine child.
The moonlight and the stars seemed to shine brighter, as though protecting Krishna from any harm.
Not a single obstruction appeared along the way, and the night passed safely.
Vasudeva successfully reached Gokul and placed Krishna in the loving care of Nanda Baba and Yashoda. There, Krishna’s childhood pastimes (Bal Lila) began, and His divine charm and miracles became known throughout the village. People were enchanted by His sweet form, His laughter, and His playful antics.
Thus, from the very moment of His birth, Lord Krishna brought love, joy, and the restoration of dharma to the world. His divine pastimes taught the timeless lesson that a true devotee is one who is full of faith, patience, and love, and that the blessings of the Lord are always with those who surrender to Him with sincerity.
