The Birth of Balaram

King Parikshit listened with deep attention and then said, "I have a question, Acharyadev. The one who did not remain in Devaki’s seventh womb was a part of Lord Vishnu. Then why does the divine voice speak only about the eighth womb? The seventh womb is also important. It is not less important at all."

Shukadeva Goswami replied, "You are right, King. Shesh Naga is equal to Vishnu. But Devaki’s seventh womb did not remain."

Parikshit leaned forward in surprise. "Did not remain? What are you saying, Acharyadev? Then where did Shesh Naga go?"

"He went to Braj, to Rohini."

"Shesh Naga came into Devaki’s womb in the prison of Mathura, but how did he go from there to Rohini in Braj, O great sage?"

"This was the work of Yogamaya," Shukadeva said. "Without Yogamaya, how could any divine play happen, Maharaj? She is the main power behind Hari’s divine play."

"Who is Yogamaya, O sage? Please tell me about Yogamaya."

"Of course I will. Without speaking of her, the story of Krishna cannot even begin, Parikshit. But before that, listen about Rohini. The womb into which Ananta Naga entered from Devaki’s womb was also very fortunate."

"Maharaj, please tell me, Acharyadev. I am very eager to hear about Devi Rohini."

Shukadeva began, "Rohini was the daughter of King Balhik. Have you heard of Balhik, King? He was the younger brother of your ancestor, King Shantanu. Besides Rohini, Balhik had another daughter too. Her name was Pauravi. In a swayamvar assembly, both Rohini and Pauravi married Vasudev. Rohini became Vasudev’s wife even before Devaki.

"When Kansa’s cruelty reached its highest point, Vasudev sent Rohini to Braj, to the safe shelter of his dear friend Nanda. Kansa did not know this. Kansa kept no watch over any of Vasudev’s other wives. Only Devaki was his enemy. So he had no problem with the others. That is why Kansa also did not know about the birth of Sankarshan."

Parikshit asked, "Who is Sankarshan, Acharyadev?"

"The Shesh Naga in Devaki’s seventh womb became Sankarshan. Because Yogamaya drew him out and sent him into Rohini’s womb, he was named Sankarshan."

"I see. But how was this drawing possible? Please tell me that, O sage."

"I will tell you that story, Parikshit," said Shukadeva. "Before hearing this divine play, we must return to the Supreme Lord Narayan and his Yogamaya."

Devaki was pregnant for the seventh time. The time for Shri Hari to come to earth was drawing near. Before him, Anantadev, or Shesh Naga, would come, for he is the companion of the Lord’s divine play. So he had to be kept safe.

For that work, Shri Hari called Yogamaya.

This Yogamaya could make any impossible thing possible. That is why another name for her was the one who can make the impossible happen.

Parikshit asked softly, "How does Yogamaya make the impossible possible?"

Shukadeva answered, "Lord Vishnu has endless glory and countless powers. With each power, he does a different kind of work. The power that helps him perform different divine plays is Yogamaya. Her power is endless. By her own maya, she keeps the Lord connected with the world. That is why her name is Yogamaya. Do you understand now, King?"

"Yes, Acharyadev. Now I understand a little."

"The Lord’s divine play is really the Lord’s maya," Shukadeva continued. "That is why Yogamaya is also called Vishnumaya. She is actually a part of Mahamaya. This power also has a form, and in the heavenly world her importance is endless."

One day Shri Hari called Goddess Yogamaya and said, "Goddess Yogamaya, now it is time for you to go to earth."

"Where must I go, Lord?" she asked. "Please give your order."

"You must go to Gokul in Braj, O blessed one. That place is very holy and very peaceful. Braj is beautiful in its natural sights. Life in Braj is simple and easy. There everyone’s hearts are full of joy. The king of Braj is Nanda, and his wife’s name is Yashoda. One of Vasudev’s wives, Rohini, is staying there. King Nanda has secretly given her safe shelter."

"Am I to go and tell Braj about your coming, Lord?"

"No, Goddess. That time has not yet come. First you must do one task. But be careful, this task is very secret. No one must know anything. Use your own power of maya, Goddess."

"As you command, Lord."

"Listen, Goddess. That part of me whom everyone knows as Shesh Naga is now in Devaki’s womb. But if Shesh Naga is born there, he will fall into Kansa’s hands. So destroy that womb of Devaki."

"Very well, Lord. But then where will Anantadev go?"

"Draw him out and bring him into Rohini’s womb in Gokul. He will be born from there. Because of this drawing, his name will be Sankarshan. After that, when I am born as Devaki’s child, you must go into Yashoda’s womb in Gokul, Goddess."

"As you command, Lord."

Because of this drawing by Yogamaya, Haladhari Balaram’s other name is Sankarshan. He came into Devaki’s womb, but he was born from Rohini’s womb.

Parikshit asked, "Why did Rohini become Balaram’s mother? Was there any other reason for this too, Acharyadev?"

"Yes, of course," Shukadeva replied. "To hear that reason, we must speak of Rohini’s previous birth, King. In her previous birth, Rohini was Kadru. From her womb the serpent race was born. That is why in this birth too, Balaram in the form of Shesh Naga was born from her womb."

"Did no one come to know about this change of womb, O sage?"

"No, no, no. Can anyone know what Yogamaya herself does while staying unseen? Though Vasudev and Devaki knew Balaram’s true identity. But at that time it was completely secret."

"But Kansa knew that Devaki was pregnant for the seventh time, did he not?"

"Yes, King. Not only Kansa, all of Mathura knew that news. A few days later, everyone in the city of Mathura heard that Devaki had lost the child in her womb. This news filled Mathura with sorrow."

The people began to whisper from house to house and street to street.

"Have you heard? Princess Devaki’s seventh womb has been lost."

"Yes, that is what I heard. We had been living this long with an impossible hope. It seems that hope is gone now."

"Ah, I too am fearing the same thing. Till now I had faith in the divine voice. Devaki’s eighth womb would surely destroy this sinful Kansa. But what if the womb is lost again? What if the eighth womb is also—like the seventh—"

"Do not say that, please do not say that. How much more cruelty can we bear? O Narayan, protect us. Please keep the eighth womb safe."

"Yes, you are right. Now only that is our hope."

Parikshit said, "Could Kansa accept that Devaki’s seventh womb was lost, O sage? Did no doubt rise in his mind?"

After hearing the news of Devaki’s miscarriage, Kansa came to the prison himself. Since hearing Devarshi Narad’s words, his soul had found no peace. Six long years had passed. As the days moved on, Kansa became more and more lost in fear. Nothing like this had happened in those six years. Then what had happened suddenly this time? After hearing the news, Kansa could not stay in the royal court. Stamping his feet, he himself came to the prison.

A guard cried aloud, "Be alert. The emperor of Mathura, conqueror of all directions, great hero, just king Maharaja Kansa is coming."

"Guard, open the lock at once."

"As you command, Maharaj."

Kansa entered and stared at Devaki. "What is this I hear, Devaki? They say you have lost your child. How did it happen?"

Devaki, weak and shaken, said, "I do not know, I do not know."

"You do not know? You are lying? Do you know what punishment that can bring?"

Vasudev spoke calmly. "Maharaj, Devaki is already weak. On top of that she has suffered such a heavy shock in her mind. Why are you troubling her, Maharaj?"

Kansa turned sharply. "Is this matter of losing the child true, or is there some other secret behind it?"

"I am speaking the truth, Maharaj," Vasudev said. "Devaki’s seventh womb is no more. Such a thing can happen. There is no secret here, Maharaj. Please believe it."

Kansa’s eyes narrowed. "I trust none of you, Vasudev. None of you. I must know the real truth. Guard, call the royal physician. Go."

"Yes, Maharaj. I am bringing him at once."

Soon the physician came and bowed. "Maharaj called me? Please give your order."

Kansa said, "How did Devaki lose the child this time? Do you know the matter? Tell me whatever you know, and tell the truth. If you lie, your head will be cut off."

The physician trembled. "I will not lie, Maharaj. The princess... the princess truly has had a miscarriage."

"How did it happen? You were there. Did I not tell you to keep watch on Devaki?"

"No, Maharaj. I was not there at that moment. But as soon as I got the news, I came at once. I examined her, and it is true that the princess’s child has been lost, Maharaj."

Kansa fell silent. Strange, this was not supposed to happen. Could this too be divine maya? The eighth womb... then is the time of that womb coming near?

At once he shouted, "Chief of the city, chief of the city! Increase the number of guards in this prison so that not even a fly can enter."

Meanwhile in Gokul, waves of joy were flowing. On the sixth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadra, a divine child was born from the womb of Goddess Rohini.

Almost everyone knew that this child was not ordinary. A child who came only from the mother’s womb, without the father, could not be like others. So Balaram was one among many, yet he was the only one of his kind. He was completely different from the other children of Gokul.

Parikshit asked with delight, "What was baby Balaram like, Acharyadev? Please tell me."

Shukadeva smiled. "Balaram’s body was fair in color. He was so fair that no one else in Gokul was like him at that time. It seemed as if light was coming out of his body. He had long hair and two matchless eyes. From childhood he was calm and steady. Mother Rohini dressed his shining white body in blue clothes. She put tiny anklets on his two feet and tiny bangles on his two hands. Seeing that child, the people of Gokul became wild with joy."

At that time one day, Garga Muni came to Gokul.

Parikshit asked, "Who is Garga Muni, O sage?"

Shukadeva said, "Garga was the son of Maharshi Bharadwaj and Sushila. All the people of the Yadav clan accepted this Garga Muni as their guru. So Garga Muni had influence in both Mathura and Gokul. Both Vasudev and King Nanda were disciples of Garga Muni."

Hearing that Gurudev had come to Gokul, Nandghosh, the king of the cowherds, came to welcome him.

"Come, come, Gurudev. What great fortune for us! Instead of us going to bow before you, you yourself have come to bless us. Come, Lord, come. Please accept my full prostration."

"My good man, I am very pleased with your devotion, Nanda," said Garga Muni. "I heard that a newborn child has been born in your house. I have come to see him today. Well then, where is he?"

"Here, Lord, this way, this way, come. Rohini Devi has had a son. Please come here, Gurudev."

Garga looked at the child and said, "Wonderful, he is beautiful. This boy is truly like a piece of the moon."

Nanda folded his hands. "This child must be named, Gurudev. Who else but you can do that? If today you would give him one—"

"Wait, Nanda, wait. First let me sit in meditation, then I will tell his name."

Gargacharya sat in meditation under a tree. After the meditation ended, a strange glow appeared on his face. He became bright with a sweet and wonderful smile. Guru Garga called King Nanda aside in private.

"How did you find the child, Gurudev?" Nanda asked in a low voice. "Is all well? Will this child face any danger?"

"Danger?" Garga said. "What are you saying, Nanda? This child himself is the destroyer of danger. He has been born to destroy danger. This child is most holy, Nanda. He has been born by divine means."

Nanda hesitated. "Gurudev, all at once in Rohini Devi’s womb—"

"Not all at once, Nanda. I can see a strong connection between this child and Vasudev and Devaki of Mathura. Raise him with care, Nanda. You are greatly blessed."

"Please give the newborn a name, Gurudev."

"Among all living beings on earth, this boy will be the strongest. So I name him Balaram."

Parikshit then asked, "Why is Balaram called Haladhari, Acharyadev?"

"Because he carried a plough in his hand. That was his weapon. Of course, he was best in mace fighting. But still, he loved the plough even more than the mace. Balaram is also called Baladev or Balabhadra."

"Tell me, Acharyadev, were the natures of these two avatars of Shri Vishnu the same?"

"Not at all," Shukadeva replied. "Shri Vishnu’s Krishna avatar and his Shesh Naga avatar were completely different in nature. Each was the full opposite of the other. Krishna was very playful, while Balaram was very calm. Krishna hardly ever became angry, and there was always a sweet smile on his face. But if Balaram became angry once, then there was no saving anyone. He could destroy everything. Again, no one could match Krishna in cleverness and skill, but Balaram was very simple and straightforward. He had no interest at all in difficult matters. But though they were opposite in nature, the two brothers were one in soul. There was not the smallest difference between them. But I will tell that story later. For now, listen about Yogamaya, King."

Parikshit said, "After bringing Balaram into Rohini’s womb, did Yogamaya still have more work to do? Please tell me."

"Yes, she did," said Shukadeva. "From Krishna’s birth up to the divine plays of Vrindavan, Yogamaya is the main heroine of every event. No divine play can happen without her. What never happens, what cannot happen, Yogamaya made happen. The strong attraction that Vrindavan has for Shri Hari is also because of Yogamaya. That is why Shri Hari is sending Yogamaya to earth even before he himself comes. He is also beginning a new path."

"A new path? Which path are you speaking of, O sage? What command is Shri Hari giving to Yogamaya?"

"Narayan himself is establishing the Narayani power. This Kali age will be the age of Shakti. Its foundation is being laid from Dwapar itself, King."

"What relation does power have with Devaki’s eighth womb, Acharyadev?"

"It has a deep relation, Parikshit. See, when Shri Hari himself enters Devaki’s womb, at that same time Yogamaya too will come into Yashoda’s womb in Gokul. He is giving that order. This time she too will be established on earth. Narayan and Narayani Shakti will descend side by side. Both streams will appear on earth together. Shri Hari is saying that too."

Shukadeva then spoke the Lord’s words.

He was saying to Goddess Yogamaya, "Take birth in the womb of Yashoda, the wife of King Nanda, O blessed one. At that same time I too will take birth in Devaki’s womb. But this birth of yours is not only to carry out my command, Goddess. On earth you will become famous in the form of the giver of boons. People will pray to you, they will worship you, and they will offer you incense, lamps, and sacred food."

Yogamaya bowed and said, "My only thought and knowledge is to serve you, Lord. I do not think about my own glory. I will carry out your command, Bhagavan."

The Lord said, "You are my own power, Goddess. You are one with me. On earth you will be established as Narayani, Durga, Bhadrakali, Chandika, and Sarada, Goddess. Holy seats will be established on earth. Staying there—"

Yogamaya answered, "Mahamaya, whatever you command, that will happen, Lord. I will remain on earth in the form of Narayani Shakti, and I will receive worship from all."

Then Shukadeva explained, "Brahman and its power are one. Narayan and Narayani Shakti are one. Power is whole and undivided. It has no parts. But the matter is this: different kinds of work need different kinds of power. So that great whole power only shows itself in many forms and many names. That is why all of them are parts of that great power."

Parikshit asked, "So Narayani Shakti came to earth before Narayan, is that right?"

"They came at the same time, King. Because at the time of Balaram’s birth, Yogamaya did not have to come in body. By the power of her divine maya alone, she brought Devaki’s womb into Rohini. But this time she must come herself. For the first time on earth, along with an avatar, his attracting power too is descending in a separate form."

Parikshit asked eagerly, "What happened at the time of Devaki’s eighth womb? Please tell me that, O sage."

Shukadeva said, "This womb of Devaki was not formed in the natural way, Maharaj. This eighth womb was created by divine power and divine maya. Narayan and his Vishnu-maya worked together here. Because the one who was coming was an avatar."

"Who is called an avatar, O sage?"

"The one who descends to show human beings the path to freedom is called an avatar. An avatar comes to destroy sinners and save the good. He teaches the message of dharma in a way fit for that age. By his own conduct, he gives people an example to follow."

"I understand, O sage. Now please explain a little about the reason for Krishna avatar’s birth, Acharyadev."

"First of all, know one thing, Maharaj. The birth of an avatar is not like five other ordinary births. There is a very great difference between the birth of gods and the birth of humans. The birth of ordinary humans has no special purpose. They are born to suffer the results of their past actions. But when the Lord is born as a human, that birth is no longer just an ordinary birth. It is called an appearance."

"Why is it called an appearance, O sage?"

"God is eternal. He has no birth and no death. For the need of the world, he takes on a body. And when the work is done, he leaves that body by his own will. Both his coming and his going happen only by his own wish. It is not so for ordinary living beings, Parikshit. For them, everything is ruled by fate. Nothing is in their own hands. That is the difference between God’s appearance and human birth. Do you understand now, King?"

"Yes, Acharyadev. Now I understand the background of his coming. But I want to hear more about that great appearance. My heart is eager. Please tell me everything, O sage."

"Then how was this eighth womb of Devaki formed, Acharyadev?"

"An avatar means one who descends, and his womb too is not formed by fixed natural rules, King. When God enters the mother’s womb as a child, the father may have no bodily part in it at all. In the case of the Ram avatar, he did not. The same happened in the case of the Krishna avatar. Vasudev was not Krishna’s biological father."

Parikshit was amazed. "How strange. Then how was this womb formed?"

"This event is truly wonderful," said Shukadeva. "Nothing like this had ever happened before on earth. And it is doubtful if it will ever happen again."

Then another voice rose in the sacred assembly.

"Please speak, Brahmarshi Shuk. We too had waited eagerly for this sacred moment. Maharshi Vashishtha was with Ramchandra. As his guru, he taught him and advised him. He had a close bond with the avatar. But in our lives, we never got that chance. Now let us calm the feelings of our hearts by hearing of him from your mouth. Ah, after so many days we shall again see that child-face of Ramchandra. In the eyes of my heart, Ramchandra is still that little child. Please make me drink the nectar of Hari once again, Brahmarshi Shuk."

Shukadeva replied with folded hands, "There is no difference between child Ram and Krishna. Narayan is coming again. Ah, his human form is truly very beautiful, Maharshi Angira, Brahmarshi Vashishtha. I feel blessed to tell the story of Hari before all of you. The Lord’s story is like nectar. And today great souls like you and a righteous king like Maharaj Parikshit are sitting as listeners. So today the glory of Hari’s story shines even brighter."

Just then another divine voice was heard.

"Narayan, Narayan. I praise you, Maharshi Shukadev."

Shukadeva at once bowed. "Welcome, Devarshi Narad. Please accept Shuk’s pranam."

Narad said, "Narayan, Narayan. Ah, what divine play of the Lord! It is as if endless sweetness is flowing in his name. Coming down from non-dual samadhi, what sweet Hari-katha you are telling, Shuk! My heart is filling up."

"It is all your gift, Devarshi," said Shukadeva. "My father heard it from you, and from my father I received the taste of this nectar, Lord."

"No, Shuk, no," Narad said gently. "Hari’s story is spoken by Hari himself. Wherever Hari-katha is spoken, that place becomes Vaikuntha. And the one who sits in that Vaikuntha is Shri Hari himself. Outwardly he may look different, but inside he remains joined with Hari. Otherwise it is not possible to speak Hari’s story, Shuk. It is not possible to speak Hari’s story. You yourself are now Shri Hari. Whether you know it or not. Say Hari Hari, speak Hari’s name, Shuk, speak. I too have come to hear your words. I will be blessed to hear again the story of the Lord’s birth. Tell, tell how that endless Supreme Lord came into Devaki’s little womb, Shuk, speak."

Shukadeva resumed, "Who frees people from fear? Shri Hari. First of all, unless he frees Vasudev and Devaki from fear, his birth itself will not be possible."

Parikshit asked, "Then how did Vasudev become free from fear, Acharyadev?"

"Vasudev was a devotee of Shri Hari," Shukadeva said. "Even in the middle of Kansa’s prison and all that heavy suffering, he did not break down. Sitting on the prison floor, Vasudev meditated regularly. That is why even among so much sorrow he remained steady, just as calm as before. His power of judgment was sharp. After the miraculous event around Devaki’s seventh womb, he was inwardly prepared. As the time of the eighth womb came nearer, his peace, patience, and meditation seemed to grow even more."

Like always, that day too, after darkness had deepened, Vasudev sat in meditation. His meditation became very deep.

Then suddenly Vasudev saw a strong light inside himself.

He was amazed. What is this? Never before have I seen such a strange light. The light of this glow is spreading inside me like the sea. From where is this light coming? Who is behind it? I... I can see nothing else.

Then a voice came from within the light.

"Vasudev, can you see me? Look carefully. Then you will see me."

Vasudev said, "Who are you, Lord? In this light I can see nothing at all. My eyes are dazzled. Will I become blind?"

"No, Vasudev. Why should you become blind? This time your sight will open. You will gain divine power, Vasudev. That power will rise from these waves of light. Become strong, Vasudev. Let all your fear and worry go away. Become full, Vasudev."

Vasudev’s heart trembled with devotion. "Yes, yes, now I have seen you, Lord. Narayan himself is standing within me. Even through penance over many births one cannot see this sweet and enchanting form, Lord. And I, I have gained such fortune that you yourself—"

"Be calm, Vasudev. What you see is true. See my presence everywhere, inside and outside. Behold this divine form of mine. Become strong through my power, Vasudev. I am coming to you. This time I am coming."

Vasudev bowed within himself and cried, "O Lord, O Supreme God, O teacher of the world, please accept my pranam, Lord. I am most unworthy, most ordinary. Yet you have shown such strange mercy to me. As clouds move away from the sky, all fear is leaving my mind too. Strength like a lion is rising in me. I fear no one now, no one. No one has the power to stop me anymore. I am firm like a mountain."

In that dim light in the half-dark closed room, Vasudev stood up. His eyes and face shone with endless brightness. The rays of the strong light he had just seen now lit up his whole body. It was as if the strength of a hundred thousand elephants was in his body. By the strength of his mind, he could now crush iron chains. The calm, gentle, soft-spoken man of before was no longer there. In his place stood a mighty and powerful great being full of endless energy. No bond of the world could tie him anymore. He was staying in Kansa’s iron prison only by his own will.

With both hands folded at his chest, Vasudev bowed to his chosen Lord. Then slowly he went and stood beside Devaki.

It was deep night then. Devaki was sleeping deeply. The avatar of Shesh Naga had touched the seventh womb. Since then she had been floating in divine joy. Vasudev saw the shine of that joy on the face of the sleeping Devaki. He sat beside her, stroked her head gently, and called her in a very low voice, "Devaki, Devaki, wake up, Devaki."

She opened her eyes suddenly. "Who? You? What has happened?"

"Slowly, Devaki. Let no one hear. Come, come with me."

In one corner of the dark prison cell a lamp was burning. Vasudev took Devaki there and sat beside the lamp. In the light of the lamp, Vasudev’s face became clear. Looking at that face, Devaki sat still in wonder. Such strange peace and power seemed spread all over that face. It was as if the light of the lamp was also falling through Vasudev’s body. She did not know this man. Devaki had never seen this form of her husband before.

In amazement she looked at him and asked, "What, what has happened? Why do you look like this? Never before have I—"

"No words, Devaki, no words. Remember Lord Narayan in your heart and sit still. This power you see in me is not mine. This light is not mine either. My heart has been filled with the light of the Supreme Lord. The Lord himself has appeared inside me, inside me. He is coming, Devaki, he is coming. He himself told me this with his own mouth."

Devaki’s whole being shook. "Narayan is coming? Narayan himself is coming? Tell me, is this true? Please tell me."

"Yes, Devi, yes. Narayan himself is coming to us. His words cannot be false. Our time of sorrow will now end. Joy will return to the world. When blissful Shri Hari comes, no sorrow can remain anywhere."

Devaki folded her hands and prayed, "O Lord, give me the strength to bear you. Make me worthy, Lord. Make me worthy."

Then Vasudev said, "With this fire as witness, I give you initiation, Devaki. Through this giving of initiation, all the power within my heart will flow into you. Let that endless power now enter your womb."

On that silent night, Vasudev gave initiation to Devaki. Then both of them became absorbed in deep meditation.

The light, energy, and strength of Vasudev’s body and mind now made Devaki shine too. Her form changed. Kansa’s guards were amazed to see her. In the middle of such neglect and insult, where had so much beauty and radiance come from in Devaki and Vasudev?

The royal nurse was called. She came and saw that the signs of pregnancy had appeared strongly again in Devaki’s body. At once the news was sent to Kansa.

"Victory to Maharaj."

"Speak, messenger. Is there any news?"

"Yes, Maharaj. Princess Devaki is again with child. I heard this from the nurse and came to tell you, Maharaj."

Kansa rose sharply. "Devaki? Pregnant again? Then the eighth womb has come. Listen, messenger, tell the guards to keep close watch. I will not tolerate any excuse. This child of the womb will come this time. There is no chance of miscarriage now. So not even a crow or a bird must reach near the prison. Without my order even the nurse will go there only—yes, do you understand? Go now."

"As you command, Maharaj. I understand. It will be exactly as you have ordered. Victory to Maharaj."

Left alone, Kansa muttered to himself, "The eighth womb, the eighth womb. Will the divine voice come true? If it does, then—no, no, what am I thinking? Devaki’s last womb was lost. This time too perhaps the same will happen. In a prison there is no care, no comfort—without these, let me see how she gives birth. And even if a child is born, it will die in my own hands. Then what is there for me to fear? Whom should I fear? Yes, yes, I should go to them once. Yes, yes, I should go. I will see Devaki with my own eyes."

After hearing the news of Devaki’s eighth womb, Kansa could not calm himself at all. In his mind he set one reason after another. But before his fear, all those reasons kept burning away like dry straw. He could not focus on the work of the royal court. Restlessly he walked around in his own room. Again and again he seemed to hear that divine voice. Who was coming in Devaki’s eighth womb? Would that one truly take his life? But how?

No, Kansa could not remain even in his own room.

After fighting endless battles with himself for several days, one day he truly came to the prison and stood before Devaki.

"Devaki, Devaki!"

Vasudev answered, "Come, Maharaj. Come."

Kansa said, "They say Devaki is about to become the mother of the eighth child."

"Yes, Maharaj. The signs of Devaki’s eighth womb have appeared."

"Be careful, Vasudev. Do not try any trick with this child. I will smash it to death right here before your eyes. Sin will leave this Mathura."

Vasudev replied, "How much can really be done while sitting in this prison, Maharaj? How could I deceive you?"

After pouring out all his anger and excitement, Kansa now looked at Devaki.

At once his whole body seemed to tremble. He stood there frozen.

Could this also be possible?

Suddenly the iron chains opened. The guards lay unconscious in sleep. A great storm seemed to drown everything around. Vasudev was running toward the Yamuna like a madman. Devaki sat in the prison chanting the Lord’s name in fear for her life. If anyone came there, she would turn blue with terror. And the blue-colored child was laughing without end.