The Tyranny of Kansa

Kansa himself took the charioteer’s seat to drive his newly married sister Devaki to her husband’s home. That day seemed to him the happiest day of his life.

But before the chariot had gone even a few steps, a divine voice rang out in the sky. It declared that the eighth child born to Vasudeva and Devaki would kill Kansa.

At once Kansa’s joy turned to terror.

That meant Devaki’s womb itself was deadly.

Devaki? His own beloved sister? Would she become the cause of his death?

Kansa did not know whether the heavenly voice was true or false. Even the royal priest of Mathura could not say. But Kansa thought only one thing: an enemy must never be spared.

In a flash he drew his sword and rushed at Devaki.

The hour of marriage became the hour of separation. The people of Mathura cried out in fear.

Trembling for her life, Devaki folded her hands and begged, "Save me, brother. Please listen to me. You yourself are all-powerful. How can a child in my womb kill you? That is impossible."

Kansa’s eyes burned. "That it is impossible, do I not know that, Devaki? But I did not hear the divine voice alone. All of Mathura heard it. Who dares to threaten me? Tell me, Devaki. Which god do you worship? Who wants to take my life through your prayer? Speak."

"No, brother, no," Devaki cried. "I worship no one. I do not want any harm to come to you. Believe me, brother. Why would I wish for your death? And now I am leaving this kingdom. Perhaps I will never see you again, brother. Why would I want to destroy you?"

"That is exactly what I want to know," Kansa said. "I have no need to judge whether this divine voice is true or false. I want to block the path of danger with my own hands. If I kill you, I will be free from danger."

With naked sword in hand, Kansa attacked her. No one dared protest.

Only Vasudeva stepped forward.

In a calm voice he said, "Prince, the honor, respect, and rule of the Bhoja dynasty depend on you. As the heir of this great line, what sin is this that has taken hold of you? You want to kill a woman. And that woman is your own sister. She has just been married. Why do you wish to commit such a terrible wrong at such a time?"

Kansa turned sharply toward him. "Did you not hear the divine voice, Vasudeva? Did you not hear about Devaki’s eighth child? Your child will be my killer. And even after that, you say Devaki should be kept alive."

Vasudeva answered gently, "Tell me, is there any person whose death has not come? Can you show me such a person, Prince? If there is birth, there must be death. No one can deny that. This body can never remain forever. One who thinks himself immortal is a fool. But you are a wise man. Have you forgotten that you are not your body, you are the soul?"

Kansa gave a harsh laugh. "Are you trying to confuse me with clever words, Vasudeva? Do you think I will free Devaki and place myself in danger because of your sweet speech? Never. Devaki must die."

"Devaki is an innocent young girl," Vasudeva said. "She is like your daughter. How can you kill her, Prince? This is a sin, and you know it. This sin may even bring your own death. Do you not want your own good, Prince?"

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

"No, Prince, I have no such aim. I only want to say this. If a man wants his own good, how can he think of another’s harm? How long you will live and how you will live depend on the fruits of your actions. Man is a servant of his own deeds. His future depends on their result. You know this well, Prince."

Kansa lifted his chin proudly. "Kansa depends on no one. He writes his own fate. He does not live on anyone’s mercy."

"Whatever you do will return to you as your fate, Prince," Vasudeva replied. "Your actions will decide your path. After death, a person gets a new body. In that body he suffers the results of his old deeds. Nothing is eternal, Prince."

"I am Kansa. I am greater than all. I control my own fate. The fate of others depends on my wish. Are you trying to mislead me, Vasudeva?"

"Action is greater than all," said Vasudeva. "Do such actions that will make you immortal. Your conduct is your true identity, Prince. If conduct is not right, terrible danger follows. In this world there is no escape from enemies, and in the next there is no escape from suffering."

In wisdom and judgment, Vasudeva was the best of all. In this virtue no one in the Yadu line could equal him. He was the purest man of that family. Even the gods loved him. It was said that heavenly drums had sounded at his birth, and so another name for Vasudeva was Anaka Dundubhi.

Kansa’s anger and fear had destroyed his power to think clearly. Vasudeva saw his chance. He knew that if he spoke calmly and wisely, Kansa would have to agree. Otherwise Devaki could not be saved.

In truth, Vasudeva was taking a great risk. There was no certainty that Devaki would even have children. The matter of an eighth child was still far away. Perhaps Kansa might die before that. So he decided to think about the divine voice later. As a husband, his first duty was to protect Devaki.

So Vasudeva said, "Even if you believe the divine voice to be true, you should have no fear of Devaki herself. Your fear is about her eighth child. I promise you, I will place every child born to Devaki and me into your hands."

Then he turned softly to Devaki and said, "Do not cry, Devi, be calm. We have no other way."

Kansa narrowed his eyes. "You know the meaning of the promise you have made, Vasudeva? Will you really be able to hand your own children over to me?"

"I make this promise willingly," Vasudeva replied. "My promise is firm. I will not step away from it in any way. Be at peace, Prince. You alone will have authority over our children. Trust me."

"You have spoken rightly, Vasudeva," Kansa said at last. "I know you are a very wise and thoughtful man. That is why I cannot doubt you. But how can I trust you fully? This is a matter of life and death for me."

Vasudeva answered, "The way is still in your hands. If I do not give them to you, you can come and take them yourself. Your power is endless. I will not be able to stop you, Prince."

"That is true," Kansa said. "Very well. Because of your words I will not kill Devaki. But I will not let her live freely either. Listen, Vasudeva. Until your eighth child is born, there will be strict guards around you. My men will bring me news. Tarpal, place guards outside the house of Devaki and Vasudeva. Keep them confined."

Tarpal bowed. "As you order, Prince, so it shall be."

Kansa trusted Vasudeva, for he knew that Vasudeva never spoke falsely. Besides, he believed Vasudeva would never be able to save even one child from the eyes of his fierce guards.

So the newly married couple returned home.

But their life became like that of prisoners. Strong guards stood all around them. They had no freedom at all. Death could come rushing at them at any moment.

King Parikshit then asked, "Did Maharaja Ugrasena, Kansa’s father, accept this injustice, O sage?"

Shukadeva Goswami replied, "No, Ugrasena did not accept it. When he heard of his son’s cruel act, he strongly protested. He even ordered that Devaki be freed. But Kansa did not listen. In great anger he threw his own father into prison. After seeing this final cruelty, no one in the city of Mathura dared protest any longer."

Removing Ugrasena, Kansa seated himself on the throne as king. He declared that no holy men or Brahmins from outside would be allowed to enter Mathura. Across the land there was only fear and oppression.

Parikshit asked, "Did Vasudeva first marry Devaki, Acharyadev?"

Shukadeva answered, "No, King. Before that he had married Rohini. She too was noble. But Devaki was unmatched in every way. No woman was as pure as she was. All the gods dwelt in Devaki’s body. So her womb too was a divine womb. Her children also were all beings of the heavenly world."

In due time Devaki gave birth to a son.

He had a beautiful face, a lovely color, and a strange brightness in his eyes. Devaki’s joy knew no end when she saw him.

In a bright voice she said, "Look how beautiful the child is. I have seen many newborn babies, but never such astonishing beauty before."

Vasudeva replied, "He is your own child, so his charm feels different. Devaki, everything about this baby seems wonderful to you now. Your eyes are filled with a mother’s love."

"Tell me, are you not happy to see this son?" she asked. "I will name him Kirtiman."

Vasudeva’s face darkened. "But do you know the real truth, Devaki? He will not get any chance to show any greatness."

"Please do not say such things," Devaki pleaded. "I beg you. Will you curse him, being his father?"

"No, Devaki, I did not curse him. I only reminded you of the unavoidable truth. This child will not remain in our arms. We must take him at once to Kansa."

Devaki clutched the baby close. "No. That is impossible. I will never let you do this. Will you hand this milk-fed baby over to that demon? Will you watch your own child die with your own eyes? No, no. I will never let that happen. Never. I am his mother. I will protect him."

"Do not be impatient, Devaki," Vasudeva said. "I must keep my promise. Place this child in my hands."

"What? Is your promise worth more than this child’s life? He is your son. Why are you being so cruel to him? Why? Why?"

"Be calm, be calm, Devaki. There are guards all around us. If someone hears your words, there will be even greater danger. Do not forget that."

"Tell me then," she cried, "if I do not tell anyone myself, will Kansa not know about this child?"

"He will get the news from these guards. Then all my children will fall into the hands of that demon and be destroyed. Even as a mother, my lap will remain empty."

"Why did you give Kansa such a promise?"

"Because otherwise you could not have been saved. That very day Kansa would have killed you on that chariot. Have you forgotten?"

Devaki wept. "It would have been far better to die that day at Kansa’s hands. You cannot understand what pain it is to live like this. If you understood, you would not push our child into the mouth of death like this."

"No, Devaki," Vasudeva said in a low voice. "It is very important that both you and I stay alive. If one of us dies, how will that great moment come? Your eighth womb, our eighth child, must come into this world."

She looked at him through tears. "Have you believed that divine voice?"

"Why?" he asked. "Have you not?"

"I do not know. I feel such fear. It all seems like a dream. Can such a thing really happen? Will a cruel demon like Kansa truly be destroyed? Will a child from my womb do such an impossible thing? Can it really be?"

"Who can say for certain what can happen and what cannot?" Vasudeva answered. "The answer to your question is hidden in the womb of time, Devaki. For now, we have no choice but to wait."

"But who will it be? Who can have enough strength to punish such a cruel tyrant? This cannot be the work of an ordinary man. Then, then..."

"No, Devaki. Not ordinary. Can you not hear the footsteps of the Infinite? I can hear them, I can hear them, Devaki. Listen, place your ear on my heart and listen."

Then, with folded hands, Devaki whispered, "Can you hear it, Princess? O Lord, O Imperishable One, O Knower of all hearts, can this also be possible? Show your grace, Lord, show your grace."

"Have patience, Devaki, have patience. Give the child into my arms. If I do not go to Kansa at once, who knows what destruction that wicked man may begin."

Holding the newborn in his arms, Vasudeva walked toward Kansa’s palace.

Whoever saw him on the way cried out in sorrow. The women of Mathura mourned as if they were losing their own children.

But Vasudeva did not look back. This was not the time to grow weak. He walked with a stone on his heart. No one who saw him could imagine what storm raged inside him.

Driven by the hard duty of keeping his word, he stood before Kansa. The milk-fed baby slept peacefully in his father’s arms.

"Maharaja Kansa," Vasudeva said, "I have brought Devaki’s first child to you. I had given you my word. Today I am keeping that truth. Here, this newborn is under your authority alone."

Kansa looked at him for a long moment. "You are indeed truthful, Vasudeva. Trusting you, I did not kill Devaki that day. You know how to keep a promise. I am pleased by your conduct."

"Prince, now please let me leave, Maharaja," Vasudeva said. "I cannot bear to see any harm come to my own child with my own eyes."

To his surprise, Kansa said, "Do not fear, Vasudeva. This child is not my enemy. According to the divine voice, Devaki’s eighth child will be the cause of my destruction. Then why should I punish this one? Take the child home, Vasudeva. I have no fear from him."

Vasudeva bowed slightly. "Very well, so it shall be."

So the child remained alive in Devaki’s lap.

When Vasudeva returned home and told her everything, Devaki felt relieved. Wiping away her tears, she held her son close to her chest.

But the cloud of worry did not leave Vasudeva’s face. He could not trust Kansa’s sudden kindness. It might be some trick of that wicked man. Though he said nothing to Devaki, fear slowly tightened within him.

Kansa had not the slightest fear of Devaki’s first child. After letting Vasudeva go, he sat in his royal court.

Just then Devarshi Narada arrived.

"Narayana, Narayana. Are you well, Maharaja Kansa? Is everything good with you?"

Kansa looked at him sharply. "What is the matter, Devarshi Narada? Have you lost your way? Gods do not come often to my palace. So what message have you brought this time, Devarshi?"

Narada smiled. "Maharaja Kansa, even if gods do not stay in your palace, heaven itself has now descended into your kingdom. Do you know that?"

Kansa frowned. "What are you saying, Devarshi? I do not understand this riddle at all."

"The gods of heaven have all taken birth in the Yadu and Vrishni clans," Narada said. "King Vasudeva, Devaki, and all their relatives are one god or another. Their friends too are all divine beings. Nanda of Braj, his wife Yashoda, and the cowherd men and women there have also come from heaven. And those loyal subjects who live in Mathura under you, they too are all gods."

Kansa stared at him. "What are you saying, Devarshi? I see nothing like that. And why would the dwellers of heaven come to Mathura? I truly understand nothing."

"It is because the gods have come that even a sage of heaven has come to see them, King. Otherwise, why would I come to your palace? Yes, I have come to give you the news of this divine arrival."

"But you have not said why they have come, Devarshi. Why have they entered my kingdom?"

Narada’s voice grew grave. "Because the vessel of sin on earth is now full. Who but the gods will destroy that sin, King? Yes, to lighten the burden of the earth, the gods have appeared, Maharaja. They are all gathered around you."

Kansa felt his heart pound.

The gods have come to destroy sin? They are gathered around me? Of whose destruction had Narada spoken? Then who was coming in Devaki’s eighth womb? Vishnu? Could it be Vishnu?

From the moment Narada left, Kansa became wild with fear and excitement. He could not sit still upon the throne. Returning to his room, he paced restlessly, thinking and thinking. He found no answer. Yet he could not disbelieve Narada’s words.

The very word "god" began to haunt him.

The more he thought of Narada’s words, the more he remembered Devaki’s eighth child.

At last, lost in anger, excitement, and fear, he shouted, "City guard! City guard! Come here at once."

A guard ran in and bowed. "Command me, Maharaja."

"Take the guards and go at once to the house of Vasudeva. Bring Devaki, Vasudeva, and their child here as prisoners. Let there be no failure in carrying out my order. If anyone tries to stop you, kill him there on the spot. Do you understand?"

"It shall be done, Maharaja. Do not worry. I am going right now to bring them as prisoners."

When the guard left, Kansa muttered fiercely, "Gods! No god has yet been born who can frighten Maharaja Kansa. No more pity can be shown to Devaki and Vasudeva. I will kill their children with my own hands. Yes, yes, with my own hands."

By Kansa’s order, the city guard came with many soldiers and stood before Vasudeva’s door. Respectfully he said, "Prince Vasudeva of the Vrishni line, Princess Devaki, and your child, all three of you have been ordered to be taken as prisoners by Maharaja Kansa. Come, please come with me."

Devaki cried out, "You have come to arrest us? But why? Maharaja himself had freed my infant son. He said so with his own mouth."

The guard bowed his head. "I am only carrying out the order given to me. I know nothing more than that, Princess."

Vasudeva said quietly, "Do not protest, Devaki. There will be no gain in it. I had already guessed that something like this would happen. Come, this is our fate."

Devaki could not understand the reason for Kansa’s sudden order. Holding Vasudeva’s hand and carrying her baby in her arms, the captive princess went with the city guard.

By Kansa’s command, the guards brought them to a dark pit-like prison. They put chains on the feet of Vasudeva and Devaki and locked them in that dark jail.

In spite of all Devaki’s resistance, the guards snatched the baby from her lap and carried him to Kansa.

In deep sorrow and hopelessness, Devaki fell upon the ground of that dark cell and fainted.

Then, from far away, came the desperate cry of a child.

She awoke in terror. "What happened? What was that sound? My child, where is my child? Whose crying did I hear? Tell me. Did you hear nothing? Tell me."

"Devaki, Devaki, be quiet," Vasudeva whispered. "Calm yourself. There is no use becoming so restless, Devaki. What must happen will happen. Control yourself. We must be patient."

"Patience, patience. I can bear no more. I can bear no more."

"Do not say so, Devaki. Only after seven more children will that blessed time come. Till then we must endure this torture. There is no other path, Devaki."

In that dark pit of Kansa’s prison, very little daylight entered. Day and night, red-eyed guards stood watch all around. The one who came with food and water could not even be seen clearly.

Fearing that someone might help them in some way, Kansa had placed his most trusted men over the prison.

There were no chains upon the bodies of Vasudeva and Devaki. Only heavy iron chains were tied to both their feet. They could move about only a little. They had to speak to each other in very low voices. If Kansa heard, who knew what greater danger might come?

Every year Devaki gave birth to one child, and at once the news reached Kansa. Kansa himself came and snatched the newborn from Devaki’s lap. He had only one fear in his heart: perhaps this child was Vishnu’s incarnation.

Devaki and Vasudeva knew what fate was coming to that child. They had no choice but to watch in silence.

King Parikshit asked, "Did the others of the Yadu line accept this treatment of Vasudeva and Devaki by Kansa, O sage?"

Shukadeva answered, "No, they did not. The Andhaka, Bhoja, and Vrishni clans were in fierce enmity with him. All of them hated Kansa. But they were very afraid of the united power of Magadha and Mathura. So no one dared oppose Kansa."

Parikshit asked again, "Why was Kansa so afraid of Lord Vishnu, Acharyadev?"

Shukadeva said, "Then let me tell you a story, King. Kansa knew of his own past birth. In a former life he had been the demon Kalanemi, son of Hiranyaksha. Kalanemi was killed by Vishnu in the war between gods and demons. So again and again he knew Vishnu as his killer. Therefore, even after being born as Kansa, Vishnu remained his chief enemy."

"Did Kansa truly believe that Vishnu would kill him?"

"Not openly. But fear of death was Kansa’s greatest weakness, King. Even without this, by making enemies of the Yadavas, Kansa was never truly safe. He always felt that someone might kill him at any moment. Even in sleep he would wake in fright. To protect himself, Kansa asked Jarasandha for help."

Some terrible demons of Mathura, such as Arishtasura, Putana, Keshi, and Dhenuka, were loyal to Kansa. Now Mustika and Chanura also joined their side. They served as bodyguards to Jarasandha. Not only in Magadha, but in the whole world, Mustika and Chanura were the greatest wrestlers. God, demon, asura, or man—none was as strong as they were.

Parikshit asked, "Tell me, did Mustika and Chanura also oppress others like Kansa, Acharyadev?"

"Yes," said Shukadeva. "They too were cruel oppressors. Seeing them, the Yadavas of Mathura were terrified. In fear many began to flee Mathura. First there was Kansa’s cruelty, and then the great power of these two demons. To save their lives, the Yadavas of Mathura began to settle in the kingdoms of Kuru, Panchala, Kekaya, Salva, Vidarbha, Videha, Koshala, and others. And those who could not flee were forced to accept Kansa’s rule. Like machines, they silently suffered all the oppression. And in their hearts they waited for Devaki’s eighth child."

Parikshit asked, "How many of Devaki’s children did Kansa kill?"

"Six," said Shukadeva. "For six years he killed Devaki’s babies with his own hands. As time passed, Kansa’s behavior became even more mad. The people of Mathura waited for the terrible curse that would surely follow such dreadful killing of children."

"Who were the six children of Devaki who died, O sage? In the womb where Narayana himself would be born, no ordinary person could be born."

"You are right, Parikshit. None of these children were ordinary humans. They were fallen divine sons who had been born as the sons of the demon Kalanemi. Their grandfather was Hiranyaksha. Without telling their father and grandfather, they had performed penance to Prajapati Brahma. Pleased with their hard penance, Brahma granted that they would regain their divine state. But when Hiranyaksha heard of this act of Kalanemi’s sons, he became very angry. He cursed them that in their next birth, for the offense of worshipping Brahma, they would be killed by their own father’s hands. And I have already told you, Parikshit, that Kalanemi is Kansa in this birth. And Devaki’s six sons were those same six sons of Kalanemi."

Parikshit asked, "What happened to those six then, O sage?"

"After death, Devaki’s six sons went to Sutala, the nether kingdom of King Bali. Later Lord Shri Krishna rescued them and brought them back. But that is a story for much later. Before that, I will tell you of Devaki’s seventh child, Parikshit."

"I too am eager to hear that story, Acharyadev."

As the time of the seventh pregnancy came near, signs of joy began to appear in Devaki’s body and mind. The dark clouds of sadness, worry, fear, and sorrow slowly began to lift.

Parikshit asked in wonder, "How could such a strange thing happen, O sage? How could Devaki find joy in that dark prison?"

Shukadeva replied, "That is the Lord’s play. For in this very womb of Devaki, the footsteps of the incarnation were first heard."

"But Narayana was to be born as her eighth child."

"In truth, the work of preparing the great picture began from Devaki’s seventh womb. Before the Lord himself descended, his shadow companion, his closest support, Shesha Naga, came to earth. In the Treta age he had come as Lakshmana in the incarnation of Rama. And in the Krishna incarnation he came as Balarama. In the Rama incarnation he was the younger brother. But in the Krishna play of the Dvapara age, Shesha Naga became the elder brother."

Parikshit asked, "Was there really some reason for this change, Acharyadev?"

"Certainly there was a deep reason, Maharaja. As Lakshmana in the Rama incarnation, Shesha Naga was younger in age. So he had to obey his elder brother. That is why he could not stop Rama’s exile to the forest. This sorrow never let him be happy. Now, when the coming of the Lord in Krishna’s form became certain, Shesha Naga came as the elder brother, so that Narayana would not have to suffer sorrow on earth. For in human play, even the Lord would be bound to obey his elder brother."

Parikshit said softly, "Truly, what wonderful love. Every part of this divine play feels like nectar."

"The stories of Hari’s play are the sweetest of all," Shukadeva said. "Whoever drinks this sweetness finds Hari, Maharaja. Once one truly finds Hari, there is no more fear of death. He is coming now to rescue all from fear."

Then Shukadeva said, "Now I will tell you the story of this great birth, Parikshit."

Parikshit bowed his head. "I am very eager to hear about Shesha Naga, Lord. Please tell me of him. Who is Shesha Naga? Who is he?"

"Shesha Naga was the son of Sage Kashyapa and Kadru. He is also called Anantadeva. Among the thousand serpent sons of Kashyapa and Kadru, Shesha Naga was the eldest. He had a thousand hoods, a vast body, and endless strength. By worshipping Prajapati Brahma, Shesha gained endless life. When Shri Hari rests in yogic sleep upon the Milk Ocean, Shesha Naga gives him support. Narayana lies upon the coiled body of Shesha Naga."

Parikshit asked, "But how did Shesha Naga gain the strength to hold Narayana, Acharyadev? Did he become so powerful only by Brahma’s blessing?"

Shukadeva replied, "No, Maharaja. Such strength does not come only through penance. Shesha Naga is the king of the serpent world. He is a part of Vishnu himself. Otherwise how could he support the Supreme Lord? Another son of Kadru, Vasuki Naga, also carries the power of Narayana. He is the king of the nether world. By Brahma’s command, he holds this whole earth upon his head from below. Because he holds it, the earth remains steady. Otherwise it would always be restless."

"Who is stronger, Shesha Naga or Vasuki, O sage?"

"Their strength cannot be measured in that way, King. Both are strong by the power of Lord Vishnu. But do you know, perhaps Ananta Naga and Vasuki are not different."

"What?"

"They may in truth be one form. Can anyone fully understand the ways of the Lord of will? When Ananta Naga stays in the nether world, perhaps then he is Vasuki. Who knows?"

"Please tell me more, Acharyadev, about that great soul who was born as the elder brother of Shri Hari."

Shukadeva continued, "When Shesha Naga remains coiled, creation too longs in stillness. Then all is motionless, without form, without place or time. But when he slowly spreads his hoods and expands himself, creation begins. So he is himself the symbol of creation, preservation, and destruction. That Shesha Naga, full of endless power, now entered Devaki’s womb as an incarnation. Then Ananta Naga became the form of bliss. All sorrow disappears near him. So as soon as Devaki became pregnant for the seventh time, a feeling of joy appeared within her too. On her face now played a divine glow."

Devaki slowly became more peaceful.

From the outside there was no reason anywhere for joy. Pain gnawed at them at every step. Even so, Devaki had become strangely cheerful. Vasudeva could not understand it. Devaki herself did not know. But from signs and guesses, Vasudeva understood that the blessed time was not far. The one whose coming they awaited was now on the way.

So Vasudeva became even more careful. He guarded Devaki even more closely.

Several days passed. Now the signs of pregnancy began to show clearly in Devaki. Hope and fear both stirred in Vasudeva’s heart.

Seeing the lines of worry on her husband’s face, Devaki said, "Listen, we have no more fear now. No more worry. Deep inside I feel a strange peace. Surely, surely something miraculous will happen this time."

"Softly, Devaki, softly," Vasudeva warned. "If anyone hears this, there will be no safety left. You are pregnant for the seventh time. And only one pregnancy remains after this. Kansa will become even more cruel now. If he harms you in any way..."

"No, no, no. Kansa will not be able to harm me. I understand that very clearly. How I am finding so much strength and courage within myself, I do not know. I do not even recognize myself anymore. Then has it come one womb earlier..."

"Hush, hush, Devaki. Do not say one more word. Stay completely, completely silent. Let no word go outside. No one must hear."

"But, but can you save this child like this? Tell me. Tell me. Even if I say nothing, I cannot hide my womb. And how will I hide the child’s birth? The sinner Kansa will surely know. Were you able to save the last six? Were you?"

"No, Devaki, I could not. But, but something will happen this time, Devaki. My heart tells me so. I do not know what will happen, but this time things are not exactly as before, Devaki."

"I believe that too."

"But hush, hush. Be completely quiet. Someone is coming this way. Be careful."

A voice rang out from outside, "The emperor of Mathura, conqueror of lands, great hero, just Maharaja Kansa is coming."

Vasudeva whispered, "Did I not tell you, Devi? This matter will not remain hidden."

Devaki answered, "Do not be afraid. God is there. He will protect us."

Kansa came to the prison and said coldly, "Word has reached me that Devaki is pregnant for the seventh time. Do not try any trick, Vasudeva. You know very well what happens if you try to deceive Kansa."

Vasudeva bowed slightly. "Till today I have never deceived you, Maharaja."

"No, you have not. But if the gods come and try to cause some strange event, then you will have to bear the blame. Remember that, Vasudeva."

"We are very small people. Why would the gods come to us? We do not have such great fortune, Maharaja. Do not worry. Just as you get news every time, this time too the news will reach you at the proper moment, Maharaja."

Kansa looked at him for a moment and then said, "Very well, this time too I trust you, Vasudeva."

He went away. The iron door of the prison was locked again.

At that very moment a deep sleep came over the eyes of Devaki and Vasudeva. Never before had such a heavy sleep fallen upon them. They became completely tired. They sank into a deep sleep.

Then a gentle light appeared upon the iron wall of the prison.

Slowly that light moved toward Devaki. It seemed to touch her with peace. Even in sleep, Devaki slowly began to shine more brightly.

By Narayana’s command from Vaikuntha, Yogamaya stood before her.

And there, within Kansa’s prison, by a divine wonder, Devaki’s seventh child vanished into emptiness.

Vasudeva and Devaki were stunned in amazement.

Kansa burst with rage and disbelief.