Story Summary
Experience the miraculous journey of Krishna's Escape from Kamsa. Discover how baby Krishna crossed the Yamuna to Gokul to fulfill his divine destiny.
In the dark dungeons of Mathura, the tyrant King Kamsa lived in constant fear of a prophecy: the eighth child of his sister Devaki would be his slayer. To thwart destiny, he imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudeva, killing their first six infants as soon as they were born. When the eighth child, Krishna, was born on a tempestuous midnight, the universe conspired to protect him. Suddenly, the prison guards fell into a supernatural slumber, and the heavy iron shackles fell from Vasudeva’s wrists. The massive gates swung open on their own. Vasudeva placed the divine infant in a wicker basket and stepped out into a raging storm. As he reached the flooded Yamuna River, the waters miraculously parted to create a path, while the multi-headed serpent Shesha Naga rose from the depths to shield the baby from the rain with his enormous hoods. Upon reaching the village of Gokul, Vasudeva swapped Krishna with the newborn daughter of his friend Nanda and Yashoda. He returned to the prison just as the gates locked behind him. When Kamsa arrived to kill the child, the infant girl transformed into the powerful Goddess Durga, laughing as she told the trembling king that his nemesis was already safe and far beyond his reach.
The Moral
Divine providence ensures that righteousness will always triumph over even the most powerful tyranny, as destiny cannot be changed by ego or cruelty.
“The one who will bring your end is already born, and he is safe beyond your reach.”
Fun Fact
This miraculous escape is the central theme of Janmashtami, a major Hindu festival where devotees recreate the journey by carrying Krishna idols across water in decorated baskets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Krishna's Escape from Kamsa?
The story teaches that no amount of mortal power can stop divine destiny. It highlights that righteousness and truth will always find a way to overcome evil and tyranny, regardless of the obstacles.
Who carried Krishna across the river?
Krishna's father, Vasudeva, carried him across the Yamuna River in a basket. He was guided by divine intervention to take the baby from the prison in Mathura to the safety of Gokul.
How did the river Yamuna help Vasudeva?
The Yamuna was in full flood due to the torrential storm, but as soon as the river touched the feet of the infant Krishna, the waters receded and parted, allowing Vasudeva to cross safely.
Who protected Krishna from the rain during the escape?
Shesha Naga, the celestial multi-headed serpent and devotee of Lord Vishnu, emerged from the river and used his massive hoods as a canopy to keep the baby Krishna dry during the storm.
What happened to the baby girl Kamsa tried to kill?
The baby girl was an incarnation of Goddess Durga (Yogamaya). When Kamsa tried to strike her, she transformed into her divine form and warned him that his destroyer had already been born elsewhere.
Why did Kamsa want to kill Krishna?
Kamsa was a cruel ruler who had been told by a divine voice from the sky that the eighth son of his sister Devaki would grow up to kill him and end his reign of terror.