Chapter 1: The Prophecy Unveiled

The air was thick with tension as the court of King Kansa echoed with the sound of ominous music. The grand hall, bedecked with treasures once belonging to the mighty King Indra, seemed to hold its breath. A special feature had arrived in the form of a whispered tale: the "Times of Ancient Crimes."

King Kansa, seated on his extravagant throne, surveyed his court with a mix of arrogance and curiosity. He was a king who feared nothing, or so he believed. Yet, here he was, facing an unexpected visitor from the heavens.

"Greetings, Devarshi Narada," Kansa said with a hint of suspicion. "Please, take a seat. What brings you here? You know that gods are not welcome in my court."

Narada Muni, the divine sage known for his mischievous wisdom, smiled gently as he took his place. "I know, King Kansa. But understanding the nature of gods is beyond your grasp. They hold no enemies, treating everyone equally."

Kansa's eyes narrowed. "Surely, Devarshi, you haven't come to reclaim Indra's treasures? This throne, this skin, this umbrella—they are mine now."

Narada shook his head. "Indra holds no grudge. I bring news for your own good, King. Your life depends on it."

Kansa leaned forward, intrigued but wary. "What is this news of my doom, Narada Muni? Speak plainly."

"The day of your downfall approaches, King Kansa," Narada announced, his voice as calm as a still lake. "Do you recall the divine prophecy? It is about to be fulfilled."

Kansa's face twisted with anger and disbelief. "Who are my enemies? Who dares to challenge me?"

Narada's eyes gleamed with knowledge. "The girl who slipped from your grasp, Devaki's eighth child, was not hers. She was Yashoda's daughter. Just as Devaki's son went to Yashoda."

Kansa's mind raced. "Which son of Devaki went to Yashoda?" he demanded.

"Not one, but two," Narada explained patiently. "Devaki's sons were raised in Nanda's house in Gokul. One is Krishna, known to all as Nanda's son. The other is Rohini's son, Balarama."

"Impossible!" Kansa shouted, his voice shaking the walls. "Despite my guards, despite everything! How could this be?"

"Yashoda's daughter was Yogamaya herself," Narada continued, unfazed by the king's rage. "She transferred Devaki's seventh child into Rohini, and Balarama was born. Out of fear of you, Vasudeva took his eighth child and left him with Yashoda. That child is Krishna."

Kansa's face was a storm of disbelief and fury. "Are you saying this truly happened, Devarshi?"

"I do not lie, King," Narada replied. "Krishna and Balarama have already defeated your followers. They killed Putana, Trinavarta, and Sakatasura. They are your doom."

Kansa's hand gripped the hilt of his sword. "Vasudeva dared to conspire against me! I will cut off his head with this very sword."

"Wait, King," Narada cautioned, raising a hand. "In your excitement, your judgment is clouded. If you kill Vasudeva now, Vrindavan will rise against you. You underestimate Krishna and Balarama."

"Should I fear two insignificant boys?" Kansa scoffed.

"That is your misunderstanding, King Bhoja," Narada warned. "Their power is beyond your imagination. Remember Putana and Trinavarta? If they could fall, do you think you will survive? Krishna knows magic; how else does he achieve the impossible?"

As the music swelled once more, Kansa sat back, his mind a whirl of fear and fury. The prophecy loomed over him like a shadow, and the name of Krishna echoed in his mind, a promise of his impending doom.

Chapter 2: The Shadow of Fear

Kansa paced the grand hall of his palace, his mind a storm of thoughts. "You are not wrong, Devi," he muttered to himself, gripping the arm of his throne. "Krishna should not be given any more chances. If you kill Vasudeva, he will get an opportunity. Vasudeva must be kept alive." He paused, realizing the urgency of his next move. "City Guard! City Guard!" he bellowed.

A guard appeared almost instantly, bowing deeply. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Arrest that son of Surasena, Vasudeva, and my sister Devaki right now," Kansa ordered, his voice as cold as the stone beneath his feet. "Let them rot in prison, never to see the light of day."

The guard nodded, his expression unwavering. "As you command, Your Majesty. Right in front of them, I will cut their child into pieces and let it float away in the Yamuna."

Just then, the celestial sage Narada, who had been watching the proceedings, chuckled softly. "Narayan Narayan! My work here is done, King Bhoja. I will now return to the heavenly realm. Be careful, alright?"

Kansa barely heard him, his mind too consumed by his fears. But one of his advisors, intrigued, asked, "One thing I don't understand, Lord. Kansa didn’t know about Krishna and Balarama. So why did Devarshi Narada tell him about them?"

"Because the time is approaching, King," Narada replied, his eyes twinkling with a mysterious light. "The preparations for destruction must begin. That’s why all these arrangements. Without a call from Mathura, how would Krishna and Balarama go there?"

The advisor pondered this. "Alright, Lord, did Kansa send the call now?"

Before Narada could respond, Kansa had already made his next move. He summoned a fearsome demon named Keshi, a creature whose very name struck terror in the hearts of gods and mortals alike. Keshi, who had aided Kansa in his conquests before, appeared in the shadows of Kansa's chamber.

"King Bhoja Kansa," Keshi greeted, his voice rumbling like distant thunder. "Accept the greetings of the demon Keshi, Your Majesty Kansa."

"Come, Keshi," Kansa urged, desperation lacing his words. "I am in great trouble. You must rescue me from this danger."

"But everything seems fine in Mathura, Your Majesty," Keshi replied, his eyes narrowing. "I don't see any signs of trouble. What danger are you talking about?"

"Listen, Keshi," Kansa leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. "A great disaster is about to strike Mathura. The sage Narada himself came and warned me. But before that happens, I need to eliminate my enemies. That's why I've called you."

Keshi nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "As you command, my lord. I will solve all your problems right away."

"Go to Vrindavan, Keshi," Kansa instructed, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Kill Krishna and Balarama. But... be very careful. I've heard they know magic."

Keshi laughed, a deep, menacing sound. "But no magic can stand against a mighty demon like you, my king. Rest assured. I will bring their dead bodies to your feet."

Kansa, determined not to miss any chance, knew he needed a plan that attacked from all sides. As Keshi departed for Braj, Kansa summoned his strongest wrestlers. Among them were many like Sal and Tusla, but the fiercest were two named Mushtika and Chanura.

When they arrived, Kansa addressed them, "Mushtika and Chanura, there are no warriors stronger than you in the world. Even the gods fear your bravery. Defeat my two enemies."

Mushtika, a giant of a man, bowed respectfully. "Forgive us, Your Majesty. Any one of us can lift all the mountains of the earth. Yet, you have called both of us to defeat your enemies."

Kansa nodded, appreciating their strength. "I know that, Mushtika. I have tried many times before to defeat them, but I have failed each time. That's why I want you both to be ready this time."

"Who are your enemies, Your Majesty?" Chanura asked, his voice as steady as a mountain.

"The two sons of Vasudeva, Balarama and Krishna," Kansa replied, his voice seething with hatred. "Listen, Chanura, if they do not die in Vrindavan, I will invite them to a wrestling match here in Mathura. It will be a game, a competition for everyone to see. Prepare an arena for this, Chanura."

"As you command, Your Majesty," Chanura said, determination in his eyes. "Make sure there is a place for everyone to watch. Create a spectacle like no one has ever seen before. Krishna and Balarama will come to compete there."

"I will start the preparations right away, Your Majesty," Chanura promised. "Chief elephant keeper, you will station the mighty elephant, Kuvalayapida, at the entrance. As soon as Krishna and Balarama arrive, the elephant will crush them under its feet."

"Who is Kuvalayapida, my lord?" another advisor asked, curiosity piqued.

"Imagine a creature as big as a mountain, with strength beyond words," Kansa explained, his eyes gleaming with a sinister light. "There was no person or animal born that didn't fear him. Kansa had a huge team to manage him. This elephant was his last hope."

And so, the wheels of fate continued to turn, as the shadows over Mathura grew darker with each passing moment.

Chapter 3: The Unseen Threat

In the bustling streets of Mathura, the air was thick with the scent of spices and the hum of market chatter. Yet, beneath the ordinary facade, a sinister plot brewed. Kansa, the tyrant king, had woven a web of deceit, keeping his plans hidden from the innocent people of Vrindavan.

In his grand court, Kansa addressed his trusted advisor, Acharyadev. "Acharyadev, no one in Vrindavan knows about my plans," he assured, a sly grin playing on his lips. "The gopis visit Mathura's market for trade, but they remain blissfully unaware. This time, I have left no gaps in my plan. The deaths of Krishna and Balarama will be orchestrated in my court, known only to my closest followers. Even after imprisoning Vasudeva and Devaki, the people of Mathura remain ignorant of my true nature."

Acharyadev nodded, pondering the king's cunning. "But what about the Yadava clan's trust, my lord?"

Kansa's eyes gleamed with malevolence. "Akrura is the key. He is the most trusted among the Yadavas, my own brother. His goodness endears him to the entire clan. I have summoned him."

True to Kansa's word, Akrura arrived at the court, his expression respectful yet curious. "The king has summoned me. Please, command me, Your Majesty."

"Akrura, Akrura," Kansa began, his voice dripping with feigned sincerity, "you are the only one I can rely on. Just as Vishnu relies on Indra, I rely on you. There is something you must do."

"I am at your service, King," Akrura replied, bowing slightly.

"Go to Vrindavan, where Nanda Maharaja's sons, Balarama and Krishna, live. I have heard they are destined to bring about my end. Bring them here in this chariot. They are but boys. Mushtika, Chanura, or Kuvalayapida can easily dispose of them. Invite them to Mathura's bow festival."

Akrura hesitated, considering the implications. "Will your father Ugrasena accept this, Your Majesty?"

"My father clings to power, even in his old age," Kansa sneered. "He and his brother Devaka plot against me. I will eliminate them both. As long as my father-in-law, King Jarasandha, stands by me, I fear no one. With allies like King Divida, Sambara, and Narakasura, I am invincible. Do not worry, Akrura."

"No, Your Majesty, I am not worried," Akrura replied thoughtfully. "I am merely contemplating destiny."

"Destiny?" Kansa laughed. "I know my destiny. None of my enemies will survive. I will rule a kingdom free of thorns. I need only to remove these two boys. Go, Akrura, go quickly."

Akrura nodded, understanding his task but pondering fate's mysterious ways. "Who can say what destiny holds, Your Majesty? It's all in the hands of fate. But I am loyal to you. I will bring Krishna and Balarama to Mathura."

Meanwhile, in the serene village of Vrindavan, a monstrous presence loomed. A creature named Keshi, in the form of a terrifying horse, had arrived. His eyes were wild, his mouth fierce, and his mane dark and untamed. His breath was fiery, and he moved with alarming speed. The roar he unleashed sent shivers through every living being in Vrindavan.

Panicked, the villagers rushed to Krishna, their beloved Kanai. "Kanai, Kanai, we are in big trouble!" they cried.

"What happened, friends? Why are you so scared?" Krishna asked, his voice calm and reassuring.

"Come and see, Kanai," they urged. "A terrifying horse has come. It’s not just a horse; it looks like a giant tiger!"

"Our cows and calves are huddled together in fear," another added anxiously.

Krishna nodded, determination in his eyes. "Let’s go see this horse."

As they approached, the villagers clung to Krishna, their fear palpable. "Do you hear that, Kanai?" one whispered. "That monster is calling out!"

"Don’t be afraid," Krishna said, his voice steady. "Nothing will happen. I’m here. Let’s take a look at this horse."

Upon seeing the creature, Krishna realized the truth. "This isn’t just a horse. It’s a monster."

"What will happen, Kanai? Will it kill us?" the villagers asked, their voices trembling.

"You all move aside," Krishna instructed, stepping forward bravely. "Nothing will happen to you. It’s looking for me."

"Why is it looking for you, Kanai? Where did it come from?" they questioned.

"From Mathura," Krishna replied, his eyes narrowing with resolve. "Go, go away. I will send it back to where it came from right now."

And with that, the fate of Vrindavan hung in the balance, as Krishna prepared to face the monstrous Keshi.

Chapter 4: The Battle with Keshi

As Krishna stood firm, the fierce demon Keshi charged towards him with terrifying speed. The ground seemed to tremble under the might of the horse-shaped beast. As Keshi approached, he reared up and tried to kick Krishna with his powerful hind legs. But Krishna, swift and agile, dodged aside just in time. With a deft movement, he seized Keshi’s legs, lifted the massive creature over his head, and spun him around like a whirlwind. Then, with a mighty heave, he hurled Keshi far into the distance.

The sudden assault left Keshi in a daze, and he lay there unconscious for a moment. The villagers watched with bated breath, their hearts pounding in their chests. But soon, Keshi regained his senses. Anger and fury blazing in his eyes, he charged at Krishna once more. The very sky and earth seemed to shudder with his wrath.

Krishna, seeing the fear in the eyes of his friends, urged them to move back to safety. As Keshi bore down on him, Krishna stood his ground, calm and unyielding. Then, with a swift and decisive move, he thrust his hand into the gaping mouth of the demon. Krishna’s hand began to grow, expanding larger and larger, until it filled Keshi’s throat completely. Like a noose tightening around its prey, Krishna's hand choked the life out of the demon. Struggling for breath, Keshi finally succumbed, collapsing lifelessly to the ground.

A collective sigh of relief swept through the people of Vrindavan. Their eyes, wide with awe, turned to Krishna, their savior. At that moment, the sage Narada appeared before Krishna, his hands folded in reverence. "O Krishna, O Lord of the Universe," Narada said, his voice filled with gratitude, "thanks to you, the world is free from fear today. This terrible Keshi demon was a servant of the wicked Kansa. Who knows how many evil deeds he had done before. Yet, by your divine grace, Keshi’s bonds were broken. Ah, how fortunate he was!"

Krishna smiled gently at the sage. "I am very pleased with your devotion, sage. Ask me for a blessing."

"Oh Narayan, what more could I ask from you?" Narada replied, his eyes shining with devotion. "Please bless me so that I can see you day and night. Please grant me this blessing."

Krishna nodded. "It shall be so, sage, it shall be so. After defeating Keshi, the world will worship me as Keshav," he declared.

The sage bowed deeply, understanding the significance of Krishna’s words. But a question lingered in his mind. "Did King Kansa hear about the fate of his most trusted demon, wise sage?"

"Yes, the king did," Narada confirmed. "He sent Bomasura from Mathura. Disguised as a cowherd boy, Bomasura joined Krishna’s friends. He pretended to play with the boys of Vrindavan and secretly trapped them in a cave."

When Krishna learned of this treachery, he rushed to the scene without hesitation. No matter how much Bomasura tried to stop him with his giant form, he was no match for Krishna’s strength. In the end, the demon fell to the ground, lifeless.

"Sage, had Akrura not yet reached cruel Braj?" Krishna inquired.

"No, King," Narada replied. "Akrura was waiting for the right moment with the best chariot and the fastest horses. His heart was filled with joy and excitement."

"Why, Lord? Why was he so joyful? What was King Kansa’s purpose in calling Krishna and Balarama to Braj?" Narada asked, curiosity piqued.

"Akrura knew the reason," Krishna explained. "He also knew that Kansa’s end was near and that he was unknowingly inviting his own destroyers. This was the greatest divine play, King. That’s why Akrura couldn’t contain his joy. The Yadavas of Mathura would be free from fear. Humanity would return to people. The more Akrura thought about it, the happier he became."

"But there was another reason for Akrura’s joy, King," Narada added. "What was that reason, Lord? Please tell me."

"Akrura knew the true identity of Krishna and Balarama," Krishna revealed. "He was eager to see them. When the chance finally came, Akrura couldn’t hold back his emotions. He was overwhelmed with tears, joy, and excitement. On the auspicious morning when he set out from Mathura with the chariot, Akrura was so moved by devotion, respect, and love that he couldn’t even see the road through his tears."

And so, the divine play continued, with each moment bringing Krishna closer to his destiny.

Chapter 5: Akrura's Journey to Vrindavan

The gentle morning breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers as Akrura, the devoted servant of King Kamsa, guided his chariot along the dusty road. His heart was a whirlwind of emotions, knowing he was finally on his way to see Krishna and Balarama. The journey was not just a physical one, but a fulfillment of his deepest desires.

As the chariot rolled along, Akrura couldn't help but reflect on the nature of his mission. "Why didn't Akrura go to Vrindavan earlier, wise sage?" asked Parikshit, his eyes filled with curiosity as he listened to the tale.

The sage, with a knowing smile, explained, "Akrura was bound by his duty to King Kamsa. He couldn't just leave without permission. A visit to Vrindavan might have aroused Kamsa's suspicion. If the secret of Krishna and Balarama's true parentage were revealed, Vrindavan would be in danger, and Krishna's safety could be compromised."

Parikshit nodded, understanding the risk that had kept Akrura away all these years. "So he waited for the right moment?"

"Yes," replied the sage. "And now, at last, that moment has come. Akrura was overjoyed. He bathed, donned clean clothes, and set out with his chariot, his heart full of devotion."

As Akrura traveled, he marveled at his fortune. "What luck do I have," he whispered to himself. "Even a worldly man like me gets the chance to see the Lord. The greatest yogis can't see Him in their meditation, yet I will see Him with my own eyes. What grace, Krishna, what unexpected grace!"

The sage continued, "A devotee like Akrura is truly rare, Parikshit. Yet he faces the unpleasant task of bringing Krishna from Vrindavan. But this is all part of His divine play. Who else but a pure-hearted devotee could carry the Lord Himself?"

Akrura's thoughts were interrupted by a strange sound. He heard a buzzing, like a bustling market. Curious, he listened closely.

"I have this Krishna. You won't find another Krishna like this anywhere," a voice called out. "How much will you pay for him? I can give you up to three Krishnas, but don't ask for more because I don't have any. Come to me, my Krishna is better. I'll give you everything within three Krishnas."

Akrura was bewildered. "Why is everyone talking about Krishna?" he wondered aloud. "It sounds like there's a market ahead. But where is Krishna? What are they saying? Could it be? Have I reached Vrindavan? How amazing! I've never heard anything like this before."

The sage chuckled softly. "How could you have heard it before, Parikshit? This sound is only heard in Vrindavan. Everywhere in Vrindavan—markets, fields, and streets—people chant Krishna's name. Even the merchants call out 'Krishna, Krishna' when selling their goods. Everything in Vrindavan is named Krishna. Even the money here is called Krishna. Those who come to buy also bargain using Krishna's name."

Akrura's heart swelled with joy. He was nearing his destination, a land where every word, every breath, resonated with the name of the one he longed to see. The horses of his chariot galloped eagerly, as if they too sensed the divine presence awaiting them in Vrindavan.

Chapter 6: The Divine Encounter

As Akrura moved further with his chariot, he noticed something remarkable. When the shopkeepers weighed their goods, they called the units of weight "Krishna." Overwhelmed with joy and emotion, Akrura exclaimed aloud, "Vrindavan, Vrindavan, I have arrived in Vrindavan. This place is holier than heaven. Even the gods come down to this land, and here I am, standing on it. I bow to you, Vrindavan, the great sage and sacred place."

Finally, Akrura realized he had arrived in the long-desired land of Braj. His eyes eagerly scanned the path, searching for the footprints of Lord Hari. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the land, and the cowherds were returning to Braj with their cattle. Dust rose from the cows' hooves, covering everything like a gentle blanket. Amidst this scene, Akrura desperately searched for the divine footprints of the Lord.

And there they were—the rare footprints of Ankush. These were the marks that sages and wise men had been meditating upon for ages. Finally, he had found the footprints of his Lord. Seeing them, Akrura's heart soared with joy. Tears filled his eyes as he walked towards Nanda Maharaj's house, chanting Krishna's name.

Near the house, some cowherds were carrying milk. A little further away, Krishna and Balarama stood watching. Krishna wore yellow clothes, and Balarama wore blue. Their cheerful faces had sandalwood marks, and garlands of forest flowers swayed on their bodies. Their smiles seemed to shower endless kindness. Akrura felt as if these two brothers were waiting just for him.

Akrura jumped down from his chariot and rushed towards Krishna and Balarama. He fell to the ground at their feet, overwhelmed by the dust of Vrindavan. Tears flowed from his eyes as he spoke, "O Narayana, O Infinite Lord, I bow to you, I bow to you."

Krishna's voice was gentle and warm. "Great Akrura, welcome to Vrindavan. You have fulfilled your desires, and your penance has borne fruit. We are very happy to see you. Get up, Akrura, serving you will bless us both. Come, come, Akrura, come to our home."

Akrura, filled with emotion and tears, couldn't speak. Krishna and Balarama placed their lotus-like hands on his head. Then, holding his hands, they led him towards Nanda's house. Akrura felt a thrill through his body at their touch. His life felt complete. He was now on the path shown by the Lord.

On King Kansa's orders, Akrura turned the chariot towards Mathura with Krishna and Balarama. Vrindavan was preparing to see the great bow of King Kansa. As Krishna was leaving, the gopis of Vrindavan lay on the path, unable to let the chariot pass without their hearts breaking.

What would happen next? We will return with that story in the next chapter.

You have been listening to the story of Krishna, based on the works of the great sage Vyasa's Shrimad Bhagavatam and the Garg Samhita.