Story Summary
Discover the miraculous story of The Birth of Krishna, where divine intervention saves a child from a tyrant king to restore peace and dharma to the world.
In the kingdom of Mathura, the tyrant King Kamsa ruled with an iron fist. On the wedding day of his sister Devaki to Vasudeva, a celestial voice prophesied that her eighth son would be Kamsa's slayer. Terrified, Kamsa imprisoned the couple and killed their first seven children. When the eighth child, Krishna, was born at midnight under a stormy sky, the prison doors miraculously swung open and the guards fell into a deep sleep. Following divine instructions, Vasudeva carried the infant in a basket across the raging Yamuna River. The Great Serpent Sheshnag rose to shield the baby from the torrential rain. Vasudeva reached the village of Gokul, exchanged Krishna with the newborn daughter of Nanda and Yashoda, and returned to the cell. When Kamsa attempted to kill the girl, she transformed into the Goddess Durga, warning him that his nemesis was already safe elsewhere. Krishna grew up in Gokul, destined to end Kamsa's reign of terror.
The Moral
No matter how powerful evil may seem, divine justice will always prevail to protect the righteous and restore balance.
“Whenever there is a decline in righteousness, I manifest myself to protect the good.”
Fun Fact
The birth of Krishna is celebrated during the Hindu month of Shravana, and it is estimated by some traditional scholars to have occurred over 5,000 years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Birth of Krishna?
The story teaches that truth and righteousness (Dharma) are invincible. Even against the most powerful tyrants, divine providence ensures that justice is eventually served.
Why did King Kamsa imprison Devaki and Vasudeva?
Kamsa was told by a divine prophecy that the eighth child of his sister Devaki would be the cause of his death. To prevent this fate, he locked them in a dungeon and killed their children.
How did Vasudeva cross the flooded Yamuna river?
As Vasudeva stepped into the raging river with baby Krishna, the waters parted to make a path. The great serpent Sheshnag also appeared to protect the infant from the heavy monsoon rain.
What is Janmashtami?
Janmashtami is the annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna. It is observed with prayers, fasting, devotional songs, and the reenactment of Krishna's life stories.
Who were Krishna's foster parents?
Krishna was raised by Nanda and Yashoda in the village of Gokul. Vasudeva secretly swapped Krishna with their newborn daughter to keep him safe from King Kamsa's reach.
What happened to the eighth child Kamsa tried to kill?
The child Kamsa tried to kill was actually an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She slipped from his hands, rose into the sky, and told him that the one destined to kill him had already been born.