Chapter 1: The Birth of Legends

In a serene corner of the world, a sage sat with a king, their conversation a tapestry of wisdom and curiosity. "I am amazed, Lord, truly amazed," the king admitted, his eyes gleaming with wonder. "The more I hear about Lord Hari, the more my heart fills with joy. Please, tell me about my guiding star, O wise sage. Let me hear about my life-giver, Lord Krishna. I feel a bit of peace now."

The sage nodded, his expression serene. "Now, I will tell you about Lord Krishna, O King. After the avatar of Rama, the Lord came to earth again as Krishna. Jai and Vijay have been born for the third time to die, and to rescue them, Narayana has come again. However, this avatar is more important than the others."

"Why, Lord? Why do you say this?" the king asked, leaning forward with eager anticipation.

"This Krishna avatar is the playful supreme being," the sage explained, his voice carrying the warmth of a grandfather sharing a cherished story. "In each of his pastimes, a different divine power is revealed. Nowhere else has there been such a display of divine power, O King. In this form of Krishna, the endless splendor of God has been seen."

The king's curiosity deepened. "Why did the other avatars have less splendor? Please tell me, O wise sage."

The sage smiled, his eyes twinkling like stars. "Do you know what an avatar's play is like, O King? It is like waves in a vast ocean. From there, various waves rise. Some waves are big, and some are small. The bigger the wave, the more water it contains, right? Avatars are just like those waves."

"Then who is this vast ocean?" the king asked, his voice a whisper of awe.

"That is a story from long ago, O King," the sage replied, his words weaving a tapestry of ancient wisdom. "Do you want to hear it? That ocean is the eternal blissful Brahman itself. From that supreme Brahman, avatars are created. The waves are the avatars. No matter what the scriptures say about the number of avatars, they are actually infinite. A big wave means that avatar has much more power and splendor."

"But why does the power of avatars vary, O revered teacher?" the king inquired, his mind a whirl of questions.

"Depending on the needs of the age, he descends with just the right amount of power," the sage explained patiently. "The work and purpose of each age are not the same. So, the power of the avatars is not the same either. Of course, until the Dvapara Yuga, the world was much simpler. Its demands were not very high. That is why there is no comparison between Krishna and other avatars, O King."

The king nodded, absorbing the wisdom like a sponge. "Alright, what makes Krishna's incarnation special? Please tell me, Acharyadev."

"Before this, the world had never seen such a fierce clash between good and evil," the sage began, his voice filled with the weight of history. "People used to think that reaching heaven was the greatest achievement. They hadn't even heard about attaining moksha, or liberation. They mistakenly believed that actions were the only form of religion. It was through Krishna's incarnation that people learned to distinguish between actions, religion, heaven, and moksha. As long as creation exists, there is no other path than the one shown by Lord Krishna, O King. Please tell me about Lord Krishna's teachings and his divine play..."

The king's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "I will surely tell you, Maharaj," the sage promised. "But first, let me tell you about the family where the playful Hari was born. In the Treta Yuga, Ramachandra was born in the Solar Dynasty. And in the Dwapara Yuga, Krishna was born in the Lunar Dynasty. But how did this Lunar Dynasty begin? Please tell me, my lord."

The sage's voice grew softer, like a gentle breeze carrying the scent of ancient times. "From the lotus navel of the Supreme Being Narayana, Brahma was born. Brahma's son's name was Atri, who was as virtuous as his father. From Atri's tears, his son Soma was born. Soma is also known as Chandra, or the Moon. Brahma was very fond of Chandra. After Brahma, Chandra became the chief of the Brahmins, medicines, and the stars."

As the tale unfolded, the world of gods and mortals seemed to come alive, each word a brushstroke painting the canvas of the cosmos. And so began the story of Krishna, the playful supreme being, whose life and teachings would forever illuminate the path of righteousness.

Chapter 2: The Arrogance of Chandra

Chandra, the Moon, was not just known for his luminous beauty but also for his royal status, which only fueled his pride. One day, his gaze fell upon Tara, the wife of the wise sage Brihaspati. Tara's beauty was legendary, rivaling even the celestial nymphs like Urvashi and Rambha. Captivated by her, Chandra did the unthinkable—he abducted her.

Brihaspati, the revered teacher of the gods and son of the sage Angiras, was a man of peace, uninterested in the clamor of war. He approached Chandra with a simple request, "Please, return my wife." But Chandra, blinded by his arrogance, refused. Left with no other option, Brihaspati declared war.

The heavens trembled as the gods, led by the mighty Indra, rallied behind Brihaspati. Meanwhile, Shukracharya, who harbored resentment towards Brihaspati, sided with Chandra. The cosmos held its breath, fearing the catastrophic clash of celestial beings.

In desperation, Sage Angiras sought the wisdom of Prajapati Brahma. "O Creator of all, chaos threatens your creation. If you do not intervene, this universe may be torn apart."

Brahma listened intently, his face darkening with concern. "What calamity has befallen us, Angiras? Speak, for the balance of the cosmos hangs by a thread."

"Lord, the gods are poised for battle. Under Brihaspati's lead, they prepare to strike against Chandra. We need your guidance, my lord."

Brahma sighed deeply, his mind racing. "The gods, at war with each other—this is indeed dire. Seek Lord Shiva's counsel, for he might quell this storm. Yet, even he stands with Indra and Brihaspati. And Shukracharya supports Chandra. Only you, my lord, hold the power to restore peace."

With the weight of the universe upon him, Brahma's anger flared. He descended upon Chandra, his voice thunderous. "Chandra, cease this madness! How dare you sow discord among the divine? Your actions against Brihaspati are unforgivable. Release Tara now, or face your downfall."

Chandra, cowed by Brahma's wrath, bowed his head. "Your will is my command, my lord. I shall release her at once."

True to his word, Chandra freed Tara. Yet, the ordeal was far from over. Tara was with child, and a new conflict arose—who was the father, Brihaspati or Chandra?

Caught in a storm of shame and fear, Tara stood before the two men. Brihaspati, his voice edged with anger, declared, "Rid yourself of this child, Tara. It is not mine, and I will not claim it."

Tara, her heart heavy yet resolute, replied, "This child is innocent. As its mother, I cannot abandon it. If anyone must be cast aside, let it be me. I will protect this child with my life."

Neither Brihaspati nor Chandra would claim the child, their voices firm in denial. It was then that Brahma intervened once more, his tone gentle yet firm. "Tara, speak the truth. Who is the father of your child?"

With a trembling voice, Tara confessed, "My lord, the father is Chandra."

When the child was born, his beauty and charm captivated both Brihaspati and Chandra, each yearning to be called 'father.' Yet, by Brahma's decree, Chandra was acknowledged as the father. The child was named Budha, and in time, Budha's son, Pururava, would become the illustrious founder of the lunar dynasty.

Thus, amidst the turmoil and pride, a new lineage was born, destined to leave its mark upon the world.

Chapter 3: The Birth of the Yadava Dynasty

Parikshit, a young prince with eyes full of curiosity, sat cross-legged before the wise sage. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the ground. His question hung in the air like a soft echo. "Hey, if Lord Krishna belongs to the lunar dynasty, why is he called a Yadava, wise sage? Can you please tell me how the Yadava dynasty began?"

The sage, with his long white beard and serene smile, nodded gently. "Alright, let me tell you a story. Listen, Parikshit," he began, his voice as soothing as the evening breeze. "The celestial nymph Urvashi became enchanted by Pururava, the son of Budha, after hearing about his name and beauty. From the union of Pururava and Urvashi, the descendants of the lunar dynasty were born. One of those descendants was Yayati. Yayati's eldest son with Devayani, the daughter of the demon teacher Shukracharya, was named Yadu. The Yadava dynasty began with Yadu."

Parikshit, eager for more, leaned forward. "Why didn't King Yayati's son Yadu remain in the lunar dynasty, wise sage? How did a new dynasty start from him?"

The sage's eyes twinkled with the wisdom of ages. "That's a tale of betrayal, my king," he said, and the air seemed to grow thicker with anticipation. "Devayani, the daughter of the demon teacher Shukracharya, and Sharmishtha, the daughter of King Vrishaparva, were very close. But one day, while playing in the water with their friends, they suddenly saw Shiva and Parvati passing through the sky. Seeing Lord Shiva, the girls felt very embarrassed. They quickly..."

The sage paused, allowing the suspense to build, before continuing. "...put on the clothes they had left on the shore. But in her haste, Sharmishtha accidentally wore Devayani's clothes. How dare a Kshatriya girl do such a thing! The Brahmin girl Devayani became very angry. She shouted at Sharmishtha, 'You have a lot of nerve, Sharmishtha. Don't you know we Brahmins are the highest? You are an Asura, our disciple. Yet you wore my clothes. How dare you!'"

Sharmishtha, her eyes wide with regret, pleaded, "I didn't do it on purpose, Devayani. Please believe me."

But Devayani's anger was like a storm. "Just like Shudras have no right to recite the Vedas, you have no right to touch a Brahmin's clothes. Wicked Asura, how dare you commit such a sin? Tell me, you unfortunate one, how dare you speak to me like this? Just like a dog waits at its master's door for food, you depend on my father. Think about what you're saying. So, you sinful one, I'll throw you into that well. Let's see who saves you."

With a swift and furious motion, Devayani really pushed Sharmishtha into a well and stormed back to her palace with her friends. The sage's voice grew softer, drawing Parikshit deeper into the tale. "A little later, as King Yayati was returning from hunting, he came by that way. Looking for water to quench his thirst, he spotted the well from afar. But when he got closer, he was surprised! Inside the well was a very beautiful girl."

The sage's eyes gleamed with the memory of the story. "Yayati threw his royal shawl towards her and rescued her from the well."

Parikshit listened, captivated by the unfolding drama. "After escaping from the dark pit, Devayani was filled with gratitude and love for King Yayati. She said, 'Oh King, isn't it strange? Our meeting like this is not ordinary. The gods of heaven have brought us together. You saved me from the pit, and you quenched your thirst with the water from it. Please, marry me, Your Majesty.'"

Yayati, curious and cautious, asked, "What is your background? Are you from a warrior family?"

With a soft smile, Devayani replied, "No, no, Your Majesty. I am not a warrior. My name is Devayani, and I am the daughter of Guru Shukracharya."

"Then you are a Brahmin's daughter. Why do you want to marry someone like me, a warrior?" Yayati questioned, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Due to a curse from Kacha, the son of the divine teacher Brihaspati, I cannot marry a Brahmin, Your Majesty. This is against societal norms, but I cannot deny my feelings for you," Devayani confessed, her voice a gentle plea.

Yayati, moved by her words, nodded solemnly. "Alright, I accept your words. I will marry you."

The sage's voice grew more somber as he continued. "When Yayati returned to his kingdom, Devayani went to her father, Shukracharya, crying and told him about Sharmishtha's insult. To Guru Shukracharya, living on the mercy of a warrior king felt like poison. Holding his daughter's hand, he set out."

"By then, King Vrishaparva had learned everything from Sharmishtha. He was worried, thinking, 'What a disaster! What if Guru Shukracharya helps our enemies win? Or takes revenge for his daughter's insult?'"

The sage's words painted a vivid picture of the king's anxiety. "He rushed to Shukracharya and met him on the way. Falling at his feet, the distressed Vrishaparva pleaded, 'Oh revered teacher, please do not leave my kingdom. I beg you. My life will be in danger if you leave, Master. Please do not abandon me. Kindly return to your home. Have mercy.'"

As the sage's tale came to a temporary pause, Parikshit sat spellbound, eager to hear what happened next in this intricate tapestry of destiny and desire.

As Parikshit listened intently, the sage continued weaving the intricate tale of destinies intertwined.

King Vrishaparva stood resolute, his voice steady. "I have no grievances against you," he said, addressing the sage. "But I cannot remain in your kingdom without my daughter, Devyani. She refuses to stay any longer. Whatever needs to be discussed, you must speak with her."

Devyani, the sage's daughter, approached with a gentle plea in her eyes. "Do not be angry with me," she said softly. "Tell me, what can I do for you? Speak freely, and whatever you say, I shall do. But please, do not leave this kingdom."

The king sighed, his expression troubled. "After the insult to your daughter Sharmishtha, my heart is heavy, and I have no desire to stay. However, since you request it, I will not leave. But there is something I must ask of you in return."

Devyani nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Tell me, Devyani, whatever you want, I will give it to you. What do you wish for?"

"After my marriage," Devyani replied, "Sharmishtha will come with me along with her friends. They will all serve me as maids. Do you agree to this proposal, Your Majesty?"

"Yes, Devyani, it will be as you say," King Vrishaparva promised. "Sharmishtha will be your maid. I give you my word."

With this assurance, Devyani returned home with her father. In due time, she married King Yayati, and Sharmishtha, along with her thousand friends, went to serve Queen Devyani.

After the wedding, as the celebrations faded, Shukracharya called King Yayati aside. "King Yayati," he warned, "remember this: Sharmishtha is Devyani's maid. Treat her like a maid. Do not give her a place in your life as you do with Devyani."

"I will remember your words, Acharya," Yayati assured him.

For a time, Devyani lived in bliss, and soon she bore two sons, Yadu and Turvasu. Seeing Devyani's joy, Sharmishtha felt a yearning in her heart for a child of her own. Yet, how could she escape her life as a maid? And even if she could, how would she achieve her desire?

One day, fate intervened. King Yayati sat alone in his lush garden, Devyani nowhere in sight, and no guards or servants nearby. Sharmishtha, seizing the moment, approached him with urgency in her steps.

"Please help me, King," she pleaded. "Grant me a child."

Yayati hesitated, his mind a whirl of conflicting duties. "Wait, Sharmishtha. I cannot disobey Shukracharya's words."

"And what about your duty as a king?" Sharmishtha implored. "I am begging you, King. Would you deny a beggar? Would that be just?"

Yayati pondered her words, knowing the truth in them. "That's true," he conceded. "Although Acharya forbade me from doing this, refusing you would not be right. Very well, I promise to give you a child."

True to his word, Yayati fathered three sons with Sharmishtha, named Druhyu, Anu, and Puru. But when Devyani learned of this, her heart filled with anger and sorrow. She returned to Shukracharya, her spirit wounded beyond repair.

Despite Yayati's efforts to mend their bond, Devyani's trust was shattered. Together, they went to Shukracharya. Upon hearing the tale, the sage's wrath was fierce, and he cursed Yayati.

"You deceitful and immoral Yayati," Shukracharya thundered. "I curse you. May old age and weakness seize your body immediately. May your beauty fade away."

"Acharya, your words never fail," Yayati lamented. "I know my youth will be lost now, and darkness will fall on your daughter's life too. By punishing me, you have also ruined Devyani's life. Please tell me how I can be free from this terrible curse."

The sage's voice softened slightly. "Listen, Yayati, if someone willingly takes your old age upon themselves, you will regain your former appearance, beauty, and youth. You will be able to enjoy life once more."

As the curse took hold, Yayati's once vibrant form succumbed to the weight of age. His beauty withered, leaving him a shadow of his former self. Desperate, he sought out his eldest son, Yadu.

"Son Yadu," Yayati implored, "can you give me your youth? I want to pass on to you the old age given to me by your grandfather. I still wish to enjoy life, and my senses are still strong. This old age is driving me crazy, my son. Save me, Yadu, by giving me your youth."

Chapter 4: The Burden of Age and the Promise of a Savior

Yadu stood before his father, Yayati, with a heavy heart. "Forgive me, Father," he said, his voice filled with regret. "I cannot give you what you ask for. I haven't even tasted the pleasures of life yet. If I take on this old age, my life will be over before it even begins. I would have no choice but to end my life. No, Father, I cannot do this. I beg your forgiveness."

Yayati's eyes hardened, and his voice grew cold. "What? You won't listen to me? You refuse to obey your father's command. From this moment, I disown you from this family. I will not give you the throne. You may stay in this kingdom, but remember, you are no longer part of Yayati's lineage."

One by one, Yayati approached his other sons, but none of them were willing to take on his old age. Finally, his youngest son, Puru, stepped forward. "I am willing to take your old age, Father," Puru declared with unwavering resolve. "After all, this body is a gift from you. So, your wish is like a sacred command to me. Take my youth and enjoy the kingdom. I will accept your old age."

Yayati's stern expression softened into one of gratitude and pride. "Son Puru, I am very pleased with you. You will gain eternal heaven. Your name will be written in golden letters in the world, son. In golden letters."

With his youth restored, Yayati indulged in the pleasures of the world for several thousand years. But eventually, the allure of worldly delights waned, and Yayati longed for peace. Taking leave from his beloved Devayani, he ventured into the deep forest to meditate. Before departing, he bestowed the throne upon his loyal son, Puru. Thus, the lineage of Yayati continued, with the Yadava or Yadu dynasty arising from Yadu, and the lineage of the Kauravas and Pandavas emerging from Puru.

As the story unfolded, a curious voice interrupted. "Acharyadev, I have a question. Did Lord Krishna come only to free Jai and Vijay? Was there no other reason for his arrival? I am very eager to know the background of Krishna's birth. What was the state of the world like at that time? Please tell me about it, Master. I am very eager to learn."

The Acharya smiled at the eager question. "You've asked a very beautiful question, Your Majesty. Indeed, the Earth was in great trouble. It was hiding and trembling in fear because of the giants and demons. No matter how hard it tried, the Earth couldn't save itself. Tired, scared, and confused, it took the form of a cow and went to Brahma, crying. In a sad voice, it said, 'I am in great danger and have come to you for help, Lord. Please save me. If you don't help, I will truly be destroyed. Creator, I can no longer bear my burden.'"

Brahma, the Creator, spoke soothingly to the Earth. "Calm down, Mother, calm down. If you become so anxious, all living beings will be destroyed. We must follow the Creator's plan, Mother. Don't be sad. I am trying to ease your sorrow."

The Earth, still in the form of a cow, pleaded, "You are the Creator yourself, Lord. You can do anything if you wish. Why do you need to depend on anyone else, Lord?"

Brahma nodded with understanding. "Come, Mother. I am taking you to the one I depend on. He is the only one who can remove this danger. No one else can save you from this trouble. Come, I will take you to him."

With the sad Earth in tow, Brahma journeyed to the shore of the Milky Ocean. As they arrived, other gods gathered, aware of the Creator's presence. Brahma began to praise the Supreme Lord. "Oh Supreme Narayana, remover of the world's burdens, Lord Hari, please awaken. Lighten the Earth's burden. Oh Narayana, please protect the Earth, Lord."

In deep meditation, Brahma awaited the divine response. Emerging from his trance, he addressed the gathered gods. "I have heard Lord Hari's message. Now I will tell you what he said, listen."

The gods leaned in, anticipation in their eyes. "Please tell us, Father, we are eager to hear."

Brahma continued, "He knows about the Earth's troubles. He is coming himself to lighten its burden. With his power, he will cleanse the Earth. Gods, you must also help in his divine play."

"We will gladly do that, Father. We will be companions in Lord Hari's play. It is such a great fortune."

Brahma's voice was firm as he gave his instructions. "Listen, gods. Lord Hari will be born in the Yadu dynasty on Earth. You must also take birth in that dynasty. As long as he stays on Earth, you will support his divine play."

The gods nodded, determination in their hearts. "We will surely fulfill that duty, Lord. In whose house will Lord Hari be born in the Yadu dynasty?"

Chapter 5: The Divine Lineage

The air was thick with anticipation as Brahma continued to explain the grand plan. "The Supreme Hari will be born in the house of Vasudeva," he declared, his voice echoing with authority. "His divine power will descend as his beloved on Earth. Ananta, the thousand-headed serpent, will come to Earth before him as his elder brother. And to serve them, the divine maidens will also take birth on Earth."

One of the gods, curiosity piqued, asked, "And what about the divine power, Yogamaya, who is the glory of Narayan? Will she also come to live on Earth with the Lord?"

Brahma nodded, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "Yes, Yogamaya, who enchants this creation, will indeed accompany Lord Hari to Earth. Without her help, the divine play of God is impossible. Narayan, along with his companions, will descend to Earth, and all the sorrows of the people will vanish. Mother Earth, be calm. The Lord himself is coming to lighten your burden. Why should you be sad anymore? I offer countless salutations to the playful Lord Hari."

The gods listened intently, their hearts swelling with devotion. One of them whispered in awe, "From today, I will eagerly wait to hear the footsteps of the Supreme Lord, my Lord. Oh, how fortunate I would be! Just thinking about it gives me shivers, Father. Victory to the Supreme Lord, victory to Lord Hari."

Another god, overcome with emotion, exclaimed, "Finally, the great moment has arrived. Hearing about this moment makes my life blessed, my Lord. I will be able to conquer death."

The wise sage, who had been listening patiently, spoke up. "Please tell us about the family and lineage where my Janardana was born, O wise sage. I am very curious to hear about the ancestors of Lord Krishna."

Brahma obliged, recounting the history with reverence. "There was an ancient king of the Yadu dynasty named Surasena. He ruled in Mathura. Although we call him the king of the Yadu dynasty, there was no single ruler in this lineage. There were various small and large groups or clans. Each clan had a leader, who was the ruler of that group. The leader with more power could control multiple groups. However, usually, the rulers of this dynasty did not think of extending their influence beyond their own group. Of course, there were exceptions."

"Surasena was the ruler of the Mathura and Surasena groups. He was a strong ruler. From his time, Mathura became the capital of the Yadava kings. Lord Hari is eternally present in this city of Mathura."

The sage continued, "What is the relationship between King Surasena and Janardana Krishna, O teacher?"

Brahma smiled and answered, "Lord Krishna's father, Vasudeva, was the son of Surasena. Like his father Surasena, Vasudeva possessed qualities such as strength, courage, kindness, forgiveness, wisdom, and honesty. Besides Vasudeva, Surasena had many other children. Among his sons, Devashrava and Devabhaga were notable. Among his daughters, Pritha was significant. When King Kuntibhoja adopted her, she became known as Kunti. Shishupala's mother, Shrutashrava, and Dantavakra's mother, Shrutadeva, were also daughters of Surasena."

"Vasudeva's dear friend was Nanda, the chief of Gokul. He was the son of King Devamidha."

The sage interjected, "Well, who were the victory and triumph of Lord Hari in the Krishna avatar, O wise sage?"

Brahma replied, "They were Shishupala and Dantavakra. They were the sons of Vasudeva's two sisters."

The sage, still curious, asked, "O teacher, now please kindly give me the introduction of Lord Krishna's mother, Devaki. Who was she?"

Brahma continued, "Devaki was the daughter of Devaka, the brother of King Ugrasena. She was the sister of Ugrasena's son, Kamsa. She had many other sisters, including Pauravi, Madira, Vaishakhi, Bhadra, Sunama, Sahadeva, and Shrideva."

At that moment, the excitement in the room was palpable. Brahma explained, "At that time, Vasudeva's fame and reputation had spread everywhere in the Yadava dynasty. All the princesses wanted to marry him. Vasudeva developed a friendly relationship with King Ugrasena and his son Kamsa. With Kamsa's wish, preparations began for Vasudeva's marriage to Devaki and her other sisters. Kamsa himself played a key role in this wedding. There was a strange excitement all over Mathura."

Brahma's voice softened as he concluded, "Vasudeva and Devaki were so fortunate that the Supreme Lord himself became their child. I am eager to hear this story. Is it so easy to have the Lord in one's womb? It takes many lifetimes of devotion for the Supreme Lord to become someone's child. No one in the world has done penance like Vasudeva and Devaki."

Chapter 6: The Tale of Sutapa and Prishni

In the ancient days, there lived a devoted couple named Sutapa and Prishni. Sutapa was a mind-born son of the great deity, Brahma, and his wife Prishni shared his deep devotion. Despite their love and dedication, they were childless, a sorrow that weighed heavily on their hearts. Determined to have a child, they embarked on a journey of intense penance, seeking the blessings of the divine.

Their unwavering devotion did not go unnoticed. One day, as they meditated with pure hearts, a radiant light appeared before them. It was Lord Narayana, the protector of the universe. His presence filled the air with divine energy, and his voice was gentle yet powerful as he spoke, "I am pleased with your hard penance. Sutapa, you don't need to suffer anymore. You have achieved success. I will grant you a boon. Tell me, Sutapa, what do you wish for? I will fulfill your prayer."

Sutapa and Prishni bowed deeply, their hearts overflowing with gratitude. "O Lord," Sutapa began, his voice trembling with reverence, "we are blessed to have seen you. Our desires are fulfilled, Lord. But we are childless, please grant us a child."

Lord Narayana smiled kindly and asked, "What kind of child do you want?"

Prishni, her eyes shining with devotion, replied, "O Lord, what can we say? Before seeing you, our minds were different, but now we can't think of anyone else. Lord, please be our child. I would be blessed to carry you in my womb. If that is my fate, then I ask for this blessing, O Lord of the Universe."

"You surely have that fate," Lord Narayana said with a gentle nod. "Otherwise, I would not have come to you myself, Prishni. A devotee's prayer is the greatest to me. Since you have asked for me, you will have me. So be it."

His words echoed with divine promise, "So be it," he declared three times. Thus, Lord Narayana became their child in three different lifetimes. In the first birth, he was Prishni's son, Prishnigarbha. In the second birth, Sutapa became Sage Kashyapa, and Prishni became the goddess Aditi. In Aditi's womb, the Lord was born as Vamanadeva. In the third birth, Sutapa was reborn as Vasudeva, and Prishni as Devaki, and it was in her womb that Lord Krishna was born.

As the story of Vasudeva and Devaki's devotion unfolded, the listener, filled with awe, turned to his teacher and said, "Hearing the wonderful story of Vasudeva and Devaki, I feel blessed, O teacher. Please tell me more about Lord Krishna's incarnation."

The sage nodded wisely. "Before telling about Vasudeva and Devaki, listen to the story of Kamsa, O king. Kamsa was a very cruel king of the Bhoja dynasty. He was completely opposite to his father Ugrasena."

Curiosity sparked in the listener's eyes. "How did Kamsa become king while his father was alive, Lord? And how did he become so different from his father? Hearing this, I am curious. Please satisfy my curiosity, O Lord."

The sage continued, "King Ugrasena's wife was named Padmavati. She was incredibly beautiful. At that time, there was no woman as lovely as her. Seeing her beauty, the demon king Drumil fell in love with her. Once, when Ugrasena was away, Drumil took on Ugrasena's appearance and went to Padmavati. Thinking he was her husband, the queen went with the demon to her bedroom without any doubt. From their union, Kamsa was born. This is why Kamsa did not have any of his father Ugrasena's qualities."

Despite his cruel nature, Kamsa had a soft spot for his sister Devaki. Because of this, he arranged her marriage to his dear friend Vasudeva. The listener, puzzled, asked, "But why do you call Kamsa the king of Mathura, wise sage? Isn't King Ugrasena the ruler? Then who arranged Devaki's marriage?"

The sage explained, "Before talking about Devaki and Vasudeva, we need to know more about Kamsa. Kamsa's cruelty became so extreme that life in Mathura was in chaos. He never listened to anyone's advice, not even his father, King Ugrasena."

The listener leaned forward, intrigued. "Did any outside evil force help Kamsa, respected teacher?"

"Yes, it did," the sage replied. "That force was Magadha. At that time, the power of Magadha's king, Jarasandha, was the greatest in the world. No one dared to oppose Jarasandha. Kamsa married Jarasandha's two daughters, Asti and Prapti. With the power of Magadha behind him, everyone feared the mighty Kamsa. When Kamsa's cruelty reached its peak, the terrified people of Mathura had no choice but to pray to Narayana for help."

The sage's voice grew somber. "Because of Kamsa's tyranny, no holy person, monk, or sage could perform rituals or worship in Mathura. To escape this unbearable oppression, the people of Mathura wept day and night. Even though other Yadava clans couldn't accept Kamsa's rule in their hearts, they had to acknowledge him as their leader out of fear. Vasudeva himself was a prince of the Yadava clan. He was against Kamsa, wise sage."

The listener sat back, absorbing the tale, eager to hear more about the unfolding destiny that would soon change the world.

Chapter 7: The Prophecy of Devaki

King Surasena and his son, Vasudeva, were beloved figures in Mathura, admired for their noble nature and thoughtful demeanor. Even Kamsa, known for his fierce and oppressive rule, held Vasudeva in high regard due to his gentle personality. This mutual respect ensured peace between Vasudeva and Kamsa, at least until the fateful day of Devaki's marriage.

The day of the wedding dawned bright and full of promise. Devaki's father, Devak, spared no effort in making the event grand and unforgettable. As part of the dowry, he gifted 400 elephants adorned with gold necklaces, 5,000 horses, 18 chariots, and 200 elegantly dressed maidservants. The entire city of Mathura was alive with festivity. Music and dancing filled the streets, and every corner was lit up with vibrant decorations.

After the wedding ceremony, Kamsa himself took on the role of charioteer for his sister Devaki and her new husband, Vasudeva. The sight of the mighty Kamsa driving the chariot amazed the people of Mathura, who gathered to witness this rare display of affection.

The chariot had just begun its journey when the sky suddenly darkened with ominous clouds. A brilliant flash of lightning startled Kamsa, and from the heavens, a powerful voice boomed, "Oh wicked Kamsa, now you will face the consequences of your sins. Listen carefully, the one you are escorting will bear a child, and it is her eighth child who will be your end. Devaki's eighth child will be your destroyer, Kamsa."

Kamsa's face contorted with rage as he shouted into the stormy sky, "Who dares to threaten me? Who has the courage to speak such words?"

The royal priest, standing nearby, spoke with a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, you know who has spoken. This is no ordinary voice. It is a divine prophecy, and we have all heard it."

Kamsa laughed, a harsh, bitter sound that echoed through the air. "A divine prophecy! How can a mere god threaten Kamsa? There is no god greater than I! Devaki's eighth child will destroy me? I will prove them wrong. Before such a thing can happen, I will end Devaki's life. I will not allow her to have any children."

With madness in his eyes, Kamsa leapt from the chariot, sword drawn. All traces of love and kindness were gone from his heart, replaced by a cold determination to protect himself at any cost. Like a man possessed, he seized Devaki by her hair, ready to strike.

But just then, the music of the wedding celebrations swelled, a sound so pure and hopeful that it seemed to challenge the darkness of Kamsa's intent.