Chapter 1: The Prophecy of Doom

The air was thick with tension as the royal chariot rolled through the streets of Mathura. King Kansa himself held the reins, a rare sight that made the townspeople murmur in awe. Today was supposed to be a day of joy, a celebration of the marriage of his beloved sister, Devaki, to Vasudeva. Yet, beneath Kansa's proud exterior, a storm brewed.

As the chariot clattered forward, a voice from the heavens shattered the day's peace. It was a prophecy, ominous and clear: the eighth child of Devaki and Vasudeva would be Kansa's end. The words echoed in his mind, turning the joyous occasion into one of dread. How could his sister, whom he cherished, bring about his downfall?

Uncertainty gnawed at Kansa. He glanced at Devaki, his heart torn between love and fear. The royal priest of Mathura offered no reassurance, unable to confirm or deny the divine warning. But Kansa was not a man to leave threats unanswered. With a fierce determination, he drew his sword, ready to eliminate the danger before it could take root.

Devaki, eyes wide with terror, clasped her hands together in desperate plea. "Save me, brother," she cried. "Listen to my prayer. You are all-powerful. How can a child from my womb kill you? It's impossible."

Kansa's voice was cold and resolute. "I know it's impossible, Devaki. Yet, all of Mathura heard the prophecy. Who dares to threaten me? Which god do you worship? Who wants to take my life through your prayers?"

"No, brother, no," Devaki insisted, her voice trembling. "I worship no one. I wish you no harm. Believe me, brother. Why would I want your death? I'm leaving this kingdom. We may never meet again, brother. Why would I want to destroy you?"

Kansa's eyes narrowed, his grip on the sword tightening. "That's what I want to know. I don't care if the prophecy is true or false. I want to close the path of danger myself. If I kill you, I will be safe."

With that, he raised his sword, ready to strike. The crowd gasped, frozen by fear of the tyrant king. Only Vasudeva, Devaki's new husband, dared to step forward. His voice was calm but firm as he addressed Kansa.

"Prince, the honor and rule of the Bhoja dynasty depend on you. As the heir of this great lineage, why are you committing such a sin? You want to kill a woman, your own sister, who is newly married. Why do you want to do such a terrible thing?"

Kansa’s eyes blazed with fury. "Did you not hear the prophecy, Vasudeva? Didn't you hear about Devaki's eighth child? Our child will be my killer. And yet, you say that Devaki should be kept alive. Tell me, is there anyone who has never died? Can you show me?"

"Prince," Vasudeva replied, his voice steady, "if someone is born, they will surely die. No one can deny that. This body will not last forever. Anyone who thinks they are immortal is actually foolish. You are a wise man. Have you forgotten that you are not just your body, but a soul?"

Kansa sneered, dismissing Vasudeva's words. "Are you trying to distract me with your words, Vasudeva? Do you think that with your sweet talk, I will free Devaki and put myself in danger? Never. Devaki must die."

"Devaki is an innocent girl," Vasudeva pleaded. "She is like your daughter, how can you kill her, Prince? That would be a sin. You know, this sin could lead to your own death. Don't you want what's best for yourself, Prince?"

"Are you joking with me, Vasudeva? Or are you mocking Kansa?"

"No, Prince, I have no such intention," Vasudeva assured him. "I just want to say that those who wish for their own well-being should not think of harming others. How long will you live? How you live depends on your actions. People are bound by the results of their actions. Your future depends on those results. You know this, Prince."

Kansa laughed, a harsh, bitter sound. "Kansa depends on no one. He writes his own destiny. He does not live on anyone's mercy."

Vasudeva met his gaze with unwavering calm. "Whatever you do will come back to you as your fate, Prince. Your actions will decide your path. After death, a person gets a new body. In that body, they experience the results of their past actions. Nothing is eternal, Prince."

"I am Kansa," the king declared, his voice booming with arrogance. "I am greater than anyone. I control my destiny. Others' fates depend on my will. Are you trying to confuse me, Vasudeva?"

But Vasudeva remained silent, knowing that words alone could not sway a heart blinded by fear and pride. The crowd watched, breathless, as the fate of Devaki hung in the balance.

Chapter 2: The Promise and the Prophecy

Vasudeva stood before King Kansa, his heart heavy but his resolve unwavering. He knew that actions spoke louder than words, and it was through his actions that he hoped to navigate the treacherous waters of fate. "Actions are greater than anything, Prince," Vasudeva spoke, his voice steady and calm. "Your behavior is your identity. If it is not right, there will be great danger. In this world, you may face enemies, and in the next, there is no escape from consequences."

Vasudeva's wisdom was renowned throughout the Yadu dynasty. Even the gods favored him, and when he was born, the heavens had sounded with drums, earning him the name Anakadundubhi. Now, he hoped his wisdom would be enough to sway the heart of a king blinded by fear and pride.

Kansa's anger and fear clouded his judgment, but Vasudeva saw his chance. Speaking with calm conviction, he addressed the king, "If you believe in the divine prophecy, you shouldn't worry about Devaki herself. The prophecy concerns her eighth child. I promise to give you all of Devaki's and my children."

Devaki's eyes filled with tears, her heart aching with the weight of the promise. "Don't cry, Devaki," Vasudeva whispered gently. "Calm down. We have no other choice."

Kansa's eyes narrowed as he considered Vasudeva's words. "You speak wisely, Vasudeva," he admitted grudgingly. "But how can I trust you? This is a matter of life and death for me."

Vasudeva nodded solemnly. "I am making this promise willingly, Prince. I will not break it. Only you will have the right over our children. Trust me."

"Fine," Kansa relented, though his eyes remained cold. "I won't harm Devaki because of your words. But I won't let her live freely either. Until your eighth child is born, you will be closely watched. My guards will report to me."

"As you wish, Prince," Vasudeva replied, his voice steady despite the storm raging in his heart.

The newlyweds returned home, but their home felt more like a prison. Guards surrounded them at all times, and the shadow of death loomed over them. King Ugrasena, Kansa's father, protested against his son's cruel actions, but Kansa, in his rage, imprisoned his own father and seized the throne for himself. The city of Mathura fell into a state of fear and oppression, with no sages or priests daring to enter.

Despite the darkness that surrounded them, a light of hope flickered in Devaki's heart. She was not Vasudeva's first wife—Rohini held that place—but Devaki was special. Her purity and grace made her a vessel for the divine. When the right time came, she gave birth to a baby boy with an amazing face and bright, shining eyes.

Devaki gazed at her son with joy and wonder. "Look at how wonderful the baby looks," she said to Vasudeva, her voice filled with awe. "I've seen many newborns, but I've never seen such a surprising beauty."

Vasudeva's heart ached at the sight of his son's innocent face. "Devaki, everything about this child seems amazing to you now," he said softly. "But tell me, aren't you happy seeing this son? I have named him Kirtiman."

Devaki's eyes widened with fear as she realized the truth. "Please don't say such things," she pleaded, her voice trembling. "Are you cursing him as his father?"

"No, Devaki," Vasudeva assured her gently. "I am not cursing him. I am just reminding you of the unavoidable truth. Our child cannot stay with us. We must take him to Kansa right away."

With heavy hearts, they prepared to fulfill their promise, knowing that the path of destiny was often fraught with sorrow and sacrifice.

Chapter 3: The Unyielding Promise

Devaki's heart raced as she held her newborn close, her eyes wide with desperation. "No. This is impossible," she cried, her voice thick with emotion. "I won't let you do this. How can you hand over this innocent baby to that monster? Can you bear to see your child's death with your own eyes? No, no. I won't let this happen. I am his mother. I will protect him."

Vasudeva placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, his voice steady but filled with sorrow. "Don't be impatient, Devaki. I must keep my promise. Hand the baby to me."

Devaki's eyes filled with tears as she looked at her husband, pleading. "What? Is your promise more important than your child's life? This is your own son. Why are you being so cruel to him? Why?"

"Calm down, calm down, Devaki," Vasudeva urged softly, glancing around the dimly lit cell. "We are surrounded by guards. If anyone hears you, it will bring even bigger trouble. Don't forget that."

Devaki's voice dropped to a whisper, her words still tinged with urgency. "Alright, tell me, if I don't tell anyone, will Kamsa know about this child? If he finds out from the guards, then all my children will fall into that monster's hands. As a mother, my arms will remain empty. Why did you make such a promise to Kamsa? Otherwise, he would have killed you on that chariot that day. Have you forgotten that?"

Vasudeva sighed deeply, his eyes reflecting years of pain. "It would have been better to die at Kamsa's hands that day. You can't understand how hard it is to live like this. If you did, you wouldn't push our child towards death like this."

"No, Devaki. It's very important for both of us to stay alive," he insisted, determination in his voice. "If one of us dies, how will that special moment come? Your eighth pregnancy, our eighth child, must come into this world."

Devaki's face softened, though doubt lingered in her eyes. "Do you really believe in that prophecy? Why? Aren't you afraid? It feels like a dream. Can this really happen? Will a cruel demon like Kamsa truly be destroyed? Can the child from my womb really do such an impossible thing? Can it really be true?"

Vasudeva nodded slowly, his gaze distant. "Who can say for sure what can and cannot be done? The answer to your question is hidden in the future, Devaki. For now, all we can do is wait patiently."

"But who is he? Who has the power to punish this terrible tyrant?" Devaki's voice was a mixture of hope and fear. "This task is not for an ordinary person. Isn’t that right, Devaki? Can’t you hear the footsteps of the infinite and eternal? I can hear them, Devaki. Listen, put your ear to my heart and hear it. Can you hear it, Princess? Oh Lord, oh eternal one, is this even possible? Please have mercy, Lord, have mercy."

Vasudeva took a deep breath, his resolve unwavering. "Be patient, Devaki, be patient. Give me the baby, put him in my arms. If I don’t go to Kamsa now, who knows what chaos that wicked man will unleash."

With a heavy heart, Vasudeva cradled the newborn in his arms and began the long walk to Kamsa’s palace. The streets of Mathura were filled with sorrowful cries, and the women mourned as if they were losing their own children. Vasudeva, however, did not look back. He couldn't afford to be weak now. Each step felt like a burden, and inside him, a storm of emotions raged.

Standing before Kamsa, Vasudeva held his child close. The baby slept peacefully, unaware of the danger surrounding him. "I have brought Devaki’s first child to you, King Kamsa," Vasudeva announced, his voice steady. "I promised you, and today I am keeping that promise. Here, only you have the right over this newborn."

Kamsa's eyes gleamed with a sinister satisfaction. "Take him, truthful Vasudeva. I spared Devaki’s life because I trusted you. You know how to keep your promises. I am pleased with your actions. Prince, now let me go, King. I cannot bear to see any harm come to my own child."

"Do not fear, Vasudeva," Kamsa replied with a dismissive wave. "This child is not my enemy. According to the prophecy, it is Devaki’s eighth child who will be my downfall. Why should I harm this one? Take the baby home, Vasudeva. I have no fear of him."

Relieved yet wary, Vasudeva accepted Kamsa's words. "Very well, then. Let this child live in Devaki’s arms." With the baby safely returned, Devaki's tears of relief mingled with her joy as she hugged her son tightly. But Vasudeva's mind remained troubled. He couldn't trust Kamsa's sudden kindness, suspecting it to be another trick of the wicked king. Though he said nothing to Devaki, fear gripped him inside.

As Kamsa sat in his court, unconcerned about Devaki’s first child, the sage Narada appeared before him. "Narayan, Narayan," Narada greeted with a knowing smile. "Are you well, King Kamsa? Is everything going well for you?"

The sage’s presence brought an air of mystery, hinting at the unfolding destiny that lay ahead.

Chapter 4: The Visit of Sage Narada

Kamsa sat on his grand throne, the opulence of his court surrounding him like a heavy cloak. His eyes were narrowed with suspicion as he watched the sage Narada, who had appeared unexpectedly in his palace. The sage’s presence always seemed to herald some unsettling news, and today was no different.

"What’s going on, Sage Narada?" Kamsa asked, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Did you lose your way? We don’t usually have gods visiting my palace. So, what message do you bring this time?"

Narada’s eyes twinkled with a mysterious light as he replied, "King Kamsa, even if gods don’t visit your palace, your kingdom is now filled with heavenly beings. Did you know that?"

Kamsa frowned, confusion clouding his features. "What are you saying, Sage? I don’t understand your riddle."

"The gods from heaven have been born into the Yadu and Vrishni families," Narada explained with a serene smile. "King Vasudeva, Devaki, and their relatives are all some form of divine beings. Their friends are also celestial. Nanda from Braj, his wife Yashoda, and the cowherds there have all come from the heavens. Even the loyal subjects in Mathura are gods."

"What are you saying, Sage?" Kamsa repeated, his voice rising in frustration. "I can’t see any of this. And why would heavenly beings come to Mathura? I really don’t understand."

"The gods have come," Narada continued calmly, "and that’s why a sage from heaven has come to see them."

Kamsa leaned forward, his curiosity piqued despite himself. "If I weren’t a king, why would I come to your palace? Yes, I came to tell you about this divine arrival. But why have they come, Sage? Why are they in my kingdom?"

"The world is filled with sin, and who but the gods can destroy it, King?" Narada replied, his voice echoing with a solemn truth. "Yes, the gods have come to lighten the burden of the world. They are all around you."

Kamsa’s eyes widened with a mix of fear and disbelief. "The gods have come to end the sins. They are around me? What does that mean? Whose end are you talking about, Sage Narada? Who is coming in Devaki’s eighth womb? Vishnu? Is it Vishnu?"

Narada’s enigmatic smile was the only answer before he turned and left, leaving Kamsa alone with his turbulent thoughts.

After the sage’s departure, Kamsa was a storm of emotions, caught between fear and excitement. He couldn’t sit still on his throne. His mind raced with the prophecy about Devaki’s eighth child. Overwhelmed, he shouted for his guard, his voice echoing through the palace halls.

"Guard! Guard! Come here quickly."

A guard hurried in, standing at attention. "Yes, Your Majesty. What are your orders?"

"Take the soldiers and go to Vasudeva’s house right now. Arrest Devaki, Vasudeva, and their child and bring them to me. Make sure my orders are followed. If anyone tries to stop you, kill them on the spot. Do you understand?"

"It will be done, Your Majesty," the guard assured, his face set with determination. "Rest assured, I will bring them to you immediately. No god has been born yet who can scare King Kamsa."

Kamsa watched the guard leave, his mind a whirl of anger and fear. "There will be no more mercy for Devaki and Vasudeva," he muttered to himself. "I will kill their children with my own hands. Yes, with my own hands."

The city guard, accompanied by a troop of soldiers, arrived at Vasudeva’s door. He knocked respectfully and said, "Sage Vasudeva, King Kamsa has ordered that you, Princess Devaki, and your child be taken prisoner. Please come with me."

Vasudeva’s heart sank as he replied, "You have come to imprison us. But why? The king has already set my baby boy free. He said so himself."

"I am only following the orders I have been given," the guard said, his voice devoid of emotion. "I don’t know anything more."

Vasudeva turned to Devaki, his eyes filled with sorrow. "Princess, should we protest? It won’t help. I had a feeling something like this would happen. Let’s go; this is our fate."

Devaki clutched her baby tighter, confusion and fear mingling in her heart. Holding Vasudeva’s hand, she followed the guard, her steps heavy with dread. The guards led them to a dark dungeon, shackling their feet and locking them in the cold, unyielding darkness. Despite Devaki’s desperate pleas, the guards took the baby from her arms and left to deliver him to Kamsa.

Overcome with grief, Devaki collapsed onto the dungeon floor, tears streaming down her face. From the depths of the darkness came the faint sound of a child’s cry, echoing through the stone walls.

"What happened? What was that sound? Where is my child?" Devaki cried out, her voice filled with anguish. "Whose cry did I hear? Tell me. Didn’t you hear anything? Please tell me."

Vasudeva knelt beside her, his voice gentle and soothing. "Devaki? Devaki, calm down. Be still. There’s no use getting so upset, Devaki. What will happen, will happen. We must be patient."

"Patience, patience," Devaki repeated, her voice breaking with despair. "I can’t take it anymore. I can’t."

"Don’t be like this, Devaki," Vasudeva urged softly. "After seven more children, the good time will come. Until then, we must endure this suffering. There’s no other way, Devaki."

And so, in the cold, silent darkness of the dungeon, Devaki and Vasudeva held onto each other, clinging to hope amidst their despair.

Chapter 5: Darkness and Hope

In the oppressive gloom of Kansa's dungeon, only the faintest slivers of daylight filtered through the narrow cracks in the stone walls. Day and night blended into one, as fierce guards remained ever-vigilant around the cell where Devaki and Vasudeva were confined. The bearer of their meager food and water was shrouded in shadow, never revealing their face, as Kansa had entrusted only his most loyal followers with the task of keeping the couple under watch. Though their bodies were not chained, heavy iron shackles bound their feet, allowing them only limited movement.

In hushed whispers, Vasudeva and Devaki spoke to each other, careful to keep their voices low, for who knew what further torment awaited them if Kansa overheard their conversation?

Each year, Devaki gave birth to a child, and each time, word swiftly reached Kansa. He would storm into the dungeon himself, wrenching the newborn from Devaki’s arms, driven by a single, consuming fear: that this child might be the avatar of Vishnu. Devaki and Vasudeva, knowing the fate that awaited their children, could do nothing but watch in silent agony.

Kansa's cruelty extended beyond the dungeon walls, but the rest of the Yadu clan did not accept this injustice. The Andhaka, Bhoja, and Vrishni clans harbored a fierce enmity toward him. Yet, despite their hatred, they were paralyzed by fear of the formidable powers of Magadha and Mathura, preventing any open rebellion against Kansa.

"Teacher, why was Lord Vishnu so afraid of Kansa?" a curious voice interrupted the tale.

"Let me tell you a story, king," the wise sage replied. "Kansa was aware of his past life. In that life, he was Kalanemi, the son of the demon Hiranyaksha. Kalanemi had been slain by Vishnu in a great battle between gods and demons. Thus, Kansa always viewed Vishnu as his adversary. Even after being reborn as Kansa, Vishnu remained his sworn enemy."

"Did Kansa believe Vishnu would kill him?" the young king Parikshit inquired.

"Not openly, but the fear of death was Kansa’s greatest weakness," the sage explained. "By making enemies with the Yadavas, Kansa was never truly safe. He lived in constant fear, always feeling that someone might strike him down at any moment. Even in his sleep, he would wake up in terror. To protect himself, Kansa sought the aid of the demon king Jarasandha."

The sage continued, "Fierce demons from Mathura, like Arishtasura, Putana, Keshi, and Dhenuka, were loyal to Kansa. Now, Mustika and Chanura had joined them. These two were the greatest wrestlers in the world, their strength unmatched by any god, demon, or human. They served as bodyguards for Jarasandha, and their presence only added to the terror."

"Did Mustika and Chanura also act cruelly like Kansa?" Parikshit asked.

"Yes," the sage nodded solemnly. "They were ruthless and cruel. The Yadavas of Mathura were terrified of them. Many fled to other kingdoms like Kuru, Panchala, Kekaya, Salva, Vidarbha, Videha, and Kushal to escape the tyranny. Those unable to escape had no choice but to submit to Kansa's rule, enduring the cruelty in silence, and waiting for the birth of Devaki's eighth child."

"How many of Devaki's children did Kansa kill?" Parikshit asked, his voice tinged with sorrow.

"Six of them," the sage replied gravely. "Every year, Kansa killed Devaki’s children with his own hands. As time passed, his behavior grew more erratic, and the people of Mathura awaited the inevitable curse that such heinous acts would bring."

"But who were these six children?" Parikshit asked, his curiosity piqued.

The sage's eyes softened with wisdom. "In the womb where Lord Narayan himself was to be born, no ordinary human could reside. These children were not mere mortals. Some were divine beings cursed to be reborn as the sons of the demon Kalanemi, their grandfather Hiranyaksha. Without their father's or grandfather's knowledge, they had prayed to Lord Brahma, who, pleased with their devotion, granted them the boon to regain their divine status. However, when Hiranyaksha discovered this, he cursed them, declaring that because they had prayed to Brahma, they would be killed by their own father in their next life. And as I have told you, Parikshit, Kalanemi in this life is Kansa, and those six children of Devaki were the sons of Kalanemi."

The sage paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle over the young king, who listened intently, his heart heavy with the tragic fate of the innocent children.

Chapter 6: The Divine Intervention

Parikshit leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "What happened to those six children, wise sage?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The sage nodded, acknowledging the young king's eagerness. "After their tragic death, Devaki’s six sons journeyed to the kingdom of Bali in the underworld. It was much later that Lord Krishna, in his infinite mercy, rescued them and brought them back. But that is a tale for another time. Now, let me tell you about Devaki’s seventh pregnancy, Parikshit."

Parikshit’s eyes shone with anticipation. "I am eager to hear that story too, revered teacher."

The sage continued, his voice calm and soothing. "As the time for the seventh child approached, Devaki began to show signs of happiness. The dark clouds of sadness, worry, fear, and sorrow slowly started to lift from her heart."

Parikshit was puzzled. "How did this amazing change happen, wise sage? How did Devaki find joy in that dark prison?"

The sage smiled gently. "That is the Lord’s miracle. In Devaki’s womb, the footsteps of an avatar were heard. But remember, Lord Narayan was to be her eighth child. The preparations for his arrival began with her seventh pregnancy. Before the Lord himself descended, his close companion, the great serpent, came to Earth. In the Treta Yuga, he was Lakshman in the avatar of Ram. In the Krishna avatar, he came as Balarama. In the Ram avatar, he was the younger brother. But in the Dwapara Yuga, during Krishna’s pastimes, the great serpent became the elder brother."

Parikshit listened intently, his mind racing with questions. "Is there a reason for this change, revered teacher? There must be a deep reason behind it."

"O King," the sage explained, "in the Ram avatar, the great serpent as Lakshman was younger. So, he had to follow the words of his elder brother. He couldn’t stop Ram from going into exile, and this sorrow never allowed him to be truly happy. This time, when it was certain that the Lord would come as Krishna, the great serpent came as the elder brother, so that Narayan wouldn’t have to suffer. Because in human pastimes, the Lord would have to follow his elder brother’s words. What an incredible love this is!"

Parikshit nodded, absorbing the depth of the sage’s words. "Every part of this divine play is like nectar," the sage continued. "The stories of Lord Hari’s pastimes are the sweetest. Whoever drinks this nectar attains Hari, O King. Once someone attains Hari, they have no fear of death. He is coming to free everyone from all fears. Now, I will tell you the story of his great birth, Parikshit."

The king's interest was piqued anew. "Hearing about Shesh Nag makes me very curious, Master. Please tell us about him. Who is Shesh Nag?"

The sage's eyes twinkled with wisdom as he spoke. "Shesh Nag is the son of Kashyap Muni and Kadru. He is also called Anantadev. Among the 1,000 serpent children of Kashyap and Kadru, Shesh Nag is the eldest. He has a huge body with a thousand hoods and immense strength. By meditating on Lord Brahma, Shesh Nag gained eternal life. When Lord Vishnu rests in deep meditation on the ocean of milk, it is Shesh Nag who supports him. Lord Vishnu lies on the coils of Shesh Nag."

Parikshit was amazed. "But how did Shesh Nag get the strength to support Lord Vishnu, Teacher? Did he become so powerful because of a boon from Creator Brahma?"

"No, King," the sage replied. "Such strength cannot be gained just by meditation. Shesh Nag is the king of Naglok. He is a part of Vishnu; otherwise, how could he support the Supreme Lord? Another son of Kadru, Vasuki Nag, also has divine power. He is the king of the underworld. By Brahma's command, he holds the entire earth on his head from below. Because he holds it, the earth stays steady. Otherwise, it would always be restless."

Parikshit was filled with wonder. "Who is more powerful between Shesh Nag and Vasuki, wise sage?"

"Their strength cannot be measured like that, King," the sage said with a knowing smile. "Both are powerful with the strength of Lord Vishnu. But you know, maybe Anant Nag and Vasuki are not different. Could they both be the same form? Can we understand everything about the will of the divine, King? When Anant Nag is in the underworld, maybe he is Vasuki. Who knows!"

Parikshit pondered these mysteries, his mind swirling with the possibilities of the divine play that unfolded before him.

Chapter 7: The Divine Plan in Motion

Parikshit listened intently, his curiosity piqued by the sage's words. "Please tell us more about the great being who was born as the elder of Lord Vishnu, Teacher," he urged, eager to unravel the mysteries of the divine.

The sage nodded, his eyes filled with wisdom. "When Shesh Nag coils up, even creation becomes still. Everything becomes motionless. There is no shape or time. But when he slowly spreads his hoods, creation begins. So, he is the symbol of creation, preservation, and destruction. That is the powerful Shesh Nag. Now he has come as an avatar in Devaki’s womb. Then Anant Nag became a form of joy. All sorrows disappear when you come to him. So, when Devaki became pregnant for the seventh time, she felt joyful."

Parikshit envisioned Devaki's face glowing with a divine light, her being enveloped in peace despite the darkness surrounding her. The sage continued, "Her face now seems to glow with a divine light. Devaki is becoming more peaceful. From the outside, there seems to be no reason for joy. Pain is eating away at them at every step. Yet, why did Devaki become so joyful? Vasudeva could not understand it. Devaki herself does not know."

"But Vasudeva guessed that the auspicious time they were waiting for was near. He is coming now. Vasudeva became more cautious and protected Devaki even more. Several days passed like this. Now signs of pregnancy began to show in Devaki. Vasudeva’s mind was filled with both hope and worry."

Seeing the worried look on her husband's face, Devaki spoke softly, "Listen, we have nothing to fear anymore. No more worries. I feel a strange peace inside. Surely, something miraculous will happen this time. But if anyone hears about this, we won't be safe. You are pregnant for the seventh time, and there is only one more to go. Kansa will become even more cruel now. If he tries to harm you—no, no, Kansa cannot harm me. I can feel it. I don't even know how I'm finding so much strength and courage inside. I can't recognize myself. So, should I keep quiet about one pregnancy before? Don't say a word. Stay completely silent. No one should hear anything."

Vasudeva listened, his heart torn between hope and fear. "But can you protect this child like this? Tell me. Even if I say nothing, I can't hide my pregnancy. How will I hide the birth of the child? The wicked Kansa will surely find out. You managed to save them six times before. Did you? No, Devaki, I couldn't. But something will happen this time. Devaki, my heart says something will happen, I don't know what. But this time, things aren't the same as before, Devaki. I believe that."

"But hush, hush, be completely quiet. Someone is coming this way. Be careful. The great and just King Kansa, the conqueror of Mathura, is coming. I told you, Devaki, this secret won't stay hidden. Don't be afraid. God is with us. He will protect us."

Just as she spoke, the iron door creaked open, and Kansa entered, his presence as foreboding as a storm cloud. "Devaki is pregnant for the seventh time. I have received the news. Don't try any tricks, Vasudeva. You know very well what happens if you try to deceive Kansa."

"Until today, I have not deceived you, Maharaja," Vasudeva replied, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

"You haven't. But if the gods come and try to cause any trouble, you will have to bear the consequences. Remember that, Vasudeva."

"We are simple people. Why would the gods come to us? We are not that fortunate, Maharaja. Rest assured. Just like every time, you will receive the news at the right time, Maharaja."

"Very well, I trust you again this time, Vasudeva," Kansa said, his eyes narrowing before he turned and left, the iron door clanging shut behind him.

As the night deepened, Devaki and Vasudeva found themselves overcome with an unusual drowsiness, their eyelids growing heavy. They surrendered to a deep sleep, unlike any they had known before. In that quiet prison, a gentle light appeared on the iron walls. Slowly, the light moved towards Devaki, wrapping her in a cocoon of peace. Even in her sleep, her face began to glow brightly.

By the command of Lord Narayana from Vaikuntha, Yogamaya appeared before her. Meanwhile, in the shadows of Kansa's prison, the miraculous happened—Devaki's seventh pregnancy vanished into thin air. Vasudeva and Devaki awoke, stunned with surprise.

Kansa, upon hearing the news, erupted in anger and disbelief. But the divine dance of destiny was in motion, and the story of miracles would continue, weaving its way through the fabric of time.

Chapter 8: The Divine Play Unfolds

In the mystical land of ancient Bharat, where tales of gods and heroes filled the air, a story of divine mischief and cosmic purpose began to unfold. This is the story of Krishna, drawn from the sacred Shrimad Bhagavatam, a revered text penned by the wise sage Vyasa.

As the sun rose over the bustling city, the people went about their daily chores, unaware of the celestial events that were set in motion. In the heart of the city, in a dimly lit prison, Devaki and Vasudeva sat quietly, their hearts heavy with the weight of destiny. Their seventh child had mysteriously vanished, leaving them bewildered but hopeful.

Meanwhile, in the opulent palace, Kansa paced angrily, his face twisted with fury and disbelief. "How could this happen?" he roared, his voice echoing through the grand halls. His advisors dared not speak, fearing the wrath of their king.

But beyond the walls of the city, in the realm of the divine, a grand play was being orchestrated. Lord Narayana, from his heavenly abode of Vaikuntha, watched with a knowing smile. He had sent Yogamaya to ensure that the divine plan unfolded as it should.

In a small village, far from the chaos of the city, a group of children gathered around an old storyteller. His voice was warm and inviting, drawing them into a world of magic and wonder. "Come, gather around," he beckoned, his eyes twinkling with the joy of sharing tales from the past. "Today, I will tell you about Krishna, the mischievous child, and his divine journey."

The children sat eagerly, their eyes wide with anticipation, as the storyteller began weaving his tale. "In the land of Vrindavan, where the Yamuna river flowed gently, a child was born who would change the course of history..."