Krishna the supreme entity

Krishna the supreme entity

1.The tears of mother earth

Five thousand years ago the world was overburdened by the vast armies of many demons who were posing themselves as kings. At that time the whole world become disturbed and mother earth,or bhumi as she is also called,took the form of a cow and with tears in her eyes approached lord Brahma the lord of creation . Bhumi describe the terrible position of the earth, lord Brahma became much distressed and at once set out for the ocean of milk , accompanied by bhumi and all the devatas the gods , to seek the help of lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu assured Brahma that he would soon personally appear on earth in his original form as Sri Krishna,in order to destroy all the demons and protect his devotees.He told lord Brahma and all the gods ,that before he made his divine appearance as the son of vasudeva ,they should all take birth in pious families on earth in order to assist him . This the stage was set for a huge battle between the forces of good and evil that would eventually lead to the great battle of kurukshetra.

2.

"I knew you'd like it," chuckled the powerful King Kamsa as he saw his sister Devaki's expression. I had it built especially for your wedding. Just see how it is encrusted with the most valuable gems, and look at those horses, finest stallions in the world. Come on, climb aboard, and you too Vasudeva: don't keep your new bride waiting

Devaki smiled appreciatively as she climbed up into the fabulous, golden chariot with her husband, cheered by thousands of admiring onlookers who thronged the decorated streets, throwing flower petals and scented water.

"Kamsa, please let me take the reins," insisted Vasudeva "The king should never have to drive a chariot "But it is tradition; the brother must drive his newly wedded

sister to her home. I insist Vasudeva, it is my great pleasure, so please sit and enjoy the procession." With that Kamsa shook the reins with his powerful arms and whipped the horses into motion. They set off along the main street of Mathura accompanied by thousands of soldiers, elephants and horses, their armour glinting in the bright sunlight. Amongst the jubilant crowd were many musicians playing conch-shells, bugles and kettledrums, all in glorification of the royal occasion. Kamsa laughed as he stood waving to his citizens, while Vasudeva and Devaki sat at the back of the open chariot smiling at the adoring crowd and each other. All at once the sky darkened, and a deep rumbling sound made all the horses rear up in fear. The smile on Kamsa's face vanished as he looked up al a strange glow in the

heavens. Then a booming voice filled the air "Kamsa, you are such a fool! You do not know that the eighth child of your sister will kill you."

On hearing the prophecy from the sky Kamsa immediately caught hold of Devaki's hair, his large black moustache

twitching with rage. "What is this, your child will kill me? Come here Devaki." Kamsa drew his sword to slit his sister's throat. The crowd

gasped as Vasudeva leapt forward to hold his arm.

"My dear brother-in-law, do not kill your own sister. Vasudeva pleaded, "Kamsa, you are the most famous king of the Bhoja dynasty, how can you kill a woman at this auspicious time of her marriage? Why should you be so afraid of death? Death is already born along with your birth. Please put down your sword, I beg of you."

"Your child... will kill me?" Kamsa rasped in disbelief.

"Kamsa, this situation is so delicate, don't you see," Vasudeva shouted, as he struggled to hold back Kamsa's razor sharp blade, "if you kill her, it will ruin your reputation What will people say of the king who murdered his own sister on the day of her marriage?"

kamsa took no notice;he was intent on ending his sister's life then and there.

" listen to me ,please",yelled vasudeva,"you are in no danger now since we have no children. I promise that if we have any sons I shall present all of them to you to do with as you wish".

His chest heaving with anger ,kamsa slowly lowered his sword

"You would do that bring me any children born to Devaki?

"Yes, I give you my solemn oath." Vasudeva replied Kamsa knew the value of Vasudeva's word of honour and so was convinced by his argument. He decided that for the time being at least, his sister's life would be spared "Good. Very well, then let the royal procession corona At this command, Kamsa yanked the reins and the carriage lurched forward. But the young couple at the back were no longer smiling and waving, they sat in solemn sacrifice

When Devaki gave birth to their first son, Vasudeva kept his promise and promptly brought the baby before Kamsa.

"I am so pleased you have kept your word." said Kamsa as Vasudeva stood before him cradling the infant Vasudeva held the child out for Kamsa to take. Kamsa looked at the child, then up at the sad face of its father His eyes softened.

"My dear Vasudeva, I am not in any danger from this child. It is your eighth son who is destined to kill, You can take him back."

With tears of relief, Vasudeva returned home to Devaki though in his heart he knew he could not trust Kamsa.

3.A Visit from Narada Muni

"Your majesty the great sage Narada Muni requests an audience with you."

Kamsa stood from his throne at this news from one of his servants.

Show him in immediately; offer hin all respects",said Kamsa urgently

As the great doors opened, the palace fIlled with the enchanting sound of Narada Muni's voice as he sang the name of Narayana accompanied by his melodious vina. He seemed to float through the air as he entered Kamsa's chambers.

"It is a great honour that you have come, please be seated Kamsa gestured to a large throne near to his, "So, what has brought you here?"

Kamsa, I have grave news for you," said Narada Muni, as he placed his vina down gently by his side. "I hear that you have spared the life of Devaki's first born child.

That is correct, he was of no threat to me Kamsa replied, generously.

Kamsa, do you realize that many devatas have descended from their heavenly abodes to take birth here on Earth just to assist Lord Krishna in your destruction?"

"Have they?" Kamsa said, surprised.

Therefore any one of Devaki's children could be your mortal enemy, not just the eighth," warned Narada Muni What...?

"Did you know that in your previous birth you were a demon named Kalanemi, and that you met your death at the hands of Lord Vishnu?"

Kamsa was now extremely concerned since he knew that Vishnu was none other than Lord Krishna.

"You took birth in the Bhoja dynasty, and by your activites have made the Yadu dynasty your enemy. It is in the Yadu dynasty that Lord Krishna, the cause of all causes, the origin of all incarnations, will make His divine appearance. That is why I felt I should warn you, oh great one."

"But why are you helping me?your advice has convinced me of only one thing, that all devaki's children must be killed.Why woul you, a saintly brahmana, want that?" The more atrocities you perform," answered the sage,

"the faster my Lord will appear here in this world to destroy all miscreants such as yourself. Now I bid your leave.

Saying that, Narada Muni left, once more chanting the name of Narayana. Kamsa sat, stony faced, thinking to himself: "So, the devatas think they can get the better of me do they? I'll see about that." He then called for his Chief Minister.

"I want my father, Ugrasena, thrown in prison within the hour."

"The emperor!" asked the minister in disbelief.

"His armies are loyal to me, they will obey my order. I need him put away so I can also imprison Vasudeva and Devaki," answered Kamsa.

"Yes my lord, I understand," said the minister. "I cannot afford to be lenient any longer," said Kamsa, clenching the handle of his sword.

4.The Divine Plan Unfolds

Very soon Kamaa had imprisoned his father sister and brother-in-law King Kamsa also made alliance with every other demoniac king on the face of the Earth. Atter making many such allies, he boldly declared himself the suprem ruler of the world, and began to attack the Yadu dynasty, into which Krishna and His devotees were meant to take birth. In this way he did everything within his power to secure his own safety.

Within the fortress prison, shackled in heavy, Iron chains. Vasudeva and Devaki gave birth to male children year after year, and Kamsa, thinking each to be his enemy, killed them all one after another. Then, by Krishna's arrangement, His expansion known as Balarama appeared within Devaki's womb as her seventh child. Devaki was overwhelmed with both joy and sadness. She was blissful since she knew that Lord Vishnu had taken shelter within her womb, but at the same time she was sorry because as soon as her child was born, Kamsa would kill Him. At that time the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, ordered the appearance of Yogamaya, His internal potency, and He instructed her thus:

"I want you to transfer the child in Devaki's womb to the womb of Rohini, one of the wives of Vasudeva, after which | shall personally appear in the womb of Devaki with My full potencies. I also want you to appear as the daughter of Nanda and Yashoda in Vrindavan Krishna instructed .After Yogamaya took Balaram from the womb of devaki Kamsa thought har seventh pregnancy had been a miscarriage. Krishna then mystically entered the mind of Vasudeva and was then transferred to the heart of Devaki When Krishna entered the heart of Devaki she became very beautiful and effulgent.

"Are you sure she is pregnant your majesty? Asked Kamsa's Chief Minister.

"Of course I'm sure, have you not seen her? She practically glows! She has never looked more radiant. This is the eighth child she carries, the one who is destined to kill me. What is to be done with Devaki? Krishna has come to carry out the mission of the devatas. And even if I immediately kill Devaki His mission cannot be stopped

Kamsa wrung his hands as he spoke.

"I say we kill her now your majesty, the minister advised.

"But if I kill Devaki, Krishna will simply enforce His supreme will even more strongly. To kill Devaki now would be a most abominable act. My reputation would be ruined. Devaki is a woman, she is under my shelter and she is pregnant. If I kill her the results of all my pious activities.

along with my duration of life, will be finished." "You must act in self defense my lord, pleaded the minister.

"A person who is too cruel is as good as dead, even in this lifetime, And after death he is sent down to the darkest regions of hell."

With all these considerations Kamsa finally decided not to kill Devaki right away, but to wait for the child to be born,thinking that he could kill His just so he had done previously with the others. He began to think of Krishna or Vishnu constantly, day and night. He could not get Krishna out of his mind.

At this time, many devatas including Lord Brahama and Lord Shiva, accompanied by great sages like Narada Muni, appeared invisibly in the prison house of Kamsa. They began to pray to the Supreme Personality of Godhead

"Our dear Lord, people are puzzled that the eternal form of Krishna has two hands, two legs and moves among human beings exactly like one of them. This eternal, divine form of Your Lordship gives ever-increasing transcendental pleasure to the devotees, but for the non-devotees it is most dangerous. Dear Lord, when You appear in Your different incarnations, You take different names and forms according to different situations. Lord Krishna is Your original and form, and this name indicates Your all- attractive nature."

After worshiping the transcendental form of the Lord, all the devatas and sages departed for their heavenly abodes, leaving Vasudeva and Devaki with the ecstasy of the Lord's presence.

5.The Birth of Lord Krishna

When the time came for the Lord's appearance, the positions of all the planets became particularly favour Auspicious stars were visible in the sky, and in all towns villages and pasturing grounds and within the minde of everyone there were signs of good fortune. In all directions there was an atmosphere of peace and prosperity. The rivere were flowing with crystal clear waters, and the lakes were fragrant decorated with lotus flowers. The forests were full of beautiful birds which began to sing with sweet voices, while the peacocks danced and sang with their consorts. The wind blew pleasantly, carrying the aroma of different flowers, and the sensation of bodily touch became most pleasing. The demoniac kings had tried to stop all Vedic sacrifices, preventing the brahmanas from holding fire ceremonies in their own houses; but now all such difficulties eased. Once more the brahmanas found their homes quite to make and their minds became full of joy when they heard transcendental vibrations in the sky announcing the appearance of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In the heavenly planets, the angels along with their wives began to dance. The great sages and devatas, being pleased, began to shower flowers. The seashore was splashed by gentle waves, and above the sea, clouds began to thunder most pleasingly.

Then, the Earth was ready, Lord Vishnu appeared as a child in the darkness of night before Vasudeva and Devaki. They saw His wonderful, effulgent four-armed form, His hands holding a conch shell, club, disc and lotus flower, He was decorated with the mark of shrivastav, wearing the jewelled necklace of the kaustubha stone, dressed in yellow silk, appearing dazzling like a bright blackish cloud, wearing a helmet bedecked with the vaidurya stone, valuable bracelets, earrings and similar other ornaments all over His body and an abundance of raven black hair on His head Due to the extraordinary features of the child, Vasudeva was struck with wonder.

"Generally, when a male child is born," he thought, "people observe the occasion with jubilant celebrations, but what can I do imprisoned here like this?"

Since he could not physically do anything, within his mind Vasudeva gave thousands of cows to the brahmanas. When Vasudeva was convinced that the newborn child was the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself, he bowed down with folded hands:

"My dear Lord," Vasudeva began to pray, "I can understand You are the original source of the material energy. just as the sun is the source of the sunshine. I understand that have appeared in order to kill the uncivilized Kamsa and his followers. But as soon as he hears about it, he will immediately appear with all kinds of weapons to kill You."

After Vasudeva's prayer, Devaki, the mother of Krishna, offered her prayers too:

"My dear Lord, I request You to save me from the cruel hands of the son of Ugrasena, Kamsa, Dear Lord, I am afraid because as soon as Kamsa understands that You have appeared, he might try to barmhas. So request turk time being You become invisible to our maturity then Kamisa will not be able to hun you. On hearing the prayers of Devaki, the Lord replied

"My dear mother, long ago both you and your husband performed severe austerities for twelve thousand years the devatha, desining some wonderful benediction from Me I was most pleased with you and at that time I also appeare before you in this form and granted you any wish you might have. At that time you asked for Me to be born as your son and I gave you the benediction that I would do so three times The first time I was known as Prishnigarbha, born of Prishni and Sutapa, the next birth I was Vamanadeva, bom of Aditi and Kashyapa, and now for the third time I am born as Krishna for you. My dear father and mother, you have therefore raised Me many times as your child with great affection and love, and I am therefore very pleased and obliged th to you. I assure you that this time you shall go back home, back to Godhead, on account of your perfection in your mission. I know you are concerned about Me and afraid of Kamsa. Therefore I order you to take Me immediately to Gokula and exchange Me with the daughter who has just been bom to Yashoda."

The Lord then Himself into a beautiful baby boy, and remained silent. At the same time Yogamaya was born to Nanda and Yashoda. By Her mystical influence all the residents of Kamsa's palace, especially the doorkeepers were overwhelmed with deep sleep, and all the palace doors opened on their own, even though they were barred and shackled with iron chains. The night was dark, but as soon as Vasudeva stepped outside with Kristine, he could see everything just as in the sunlight. At the same fame thong was thunder in the sky and severe rainfall!!

While Vasudeva was carrying his son Krishna in the falling rain, Lord Sesha (who is actually Balarama) in the shape of a many-headed serpent, spread His hood over the head of Vasudeva like an umbrella so he would not be hampered by the rain. Vasudeva came to the bank of the river Yamura and saw that its waters were roaring with high waves and foam. Somehow the river opened up and allowed Vasudeva to cross easily, just as the great Indian Ocean gave a path to Lord Rama. On the other side, he headed towards Gokula, where he saw that all the cowherd men were fast asleep Silently he entered the house of Nanda and Yashoda and exchanged his son with the newly born baby girl. Then he returned to the prison of Kamsa and silently put the girl on the lap of Devaki. He again clamped the shackles on his limbs in order to fool Kamsa's guards.

Mother Yashoda knew she had given birth to a baby, but because she was so tired from the labour, she fell fast asleep. When she awoke, she could not remember whether she had given birth to a boy or a girl.

6.Goddess Durga

The gatekeepers awake to the sound of the newborn child crying

"Your majesty, please wake up." the cheef minister shook Kamsa as he lay in his bed, it has happened my lord, the child is born." Kamsa shot up like a bolt from his bed

"Then we must go to the prison house," he said throwing on some robes and strapping on his sword, "now the cruel death of my life is born!"

On seeing her brother approaching through the prison doors, Devaki prayed meekly.

"Oh dear brother, I know you are afraid, but please do not kill this female child."

"Female child?" said Kamsa, confused.

"It is just a little girl," said Devaki, hoping her brother would take pity this time.

"It is a trick my lord, whatever it is, kill it," urged the minister.

"Kamsa, I promise that this child will be the wife of your son; don't kill her."

"Give us the child," Kamsa's jail keeper.

"Kamsa, the prophecy said you are to be killed by a male child, not a girl, so please do not kill her. My dear brother. you have killed so many of my new born children. I do not blame you for this," said Devaki, looking at his minister. "you have been advised by demoniac friends."

"Just hand over the child, demanded Kamsa, losing patience.Vasudeva watched in horror, has arms chained helplessly to the wall

I beg you to leave me this one child, please! Let her live as my daughter! pleaded Devaki

"Give it to me now," yelled Kamsa as he forcibly grabbed the newborn child and attempted to dash her mercilessly or the stone floor

But the baby slipped out of his hands, flew up into the sky and then appeared with eight arms holding a bow, lance arrows, sword, conch shell, disc, club and shield. The was Krishna's servant, Yogamaya, in the form of the Goddess Durga and she was decorated with attractive garments flower garlands and ornaments. Kamsa gasped as he looked up at the amazing personality. From above, the goddess called down to Kamsa:

"Kamsa! You rascal, how could you ever kill me? The child who will destroy you is already safely born and is somewhere in this world. Don't be so cruel to your poor sister.

After hearing these words, Kamsa became overwhelmed with fear. Out of pity, and panic, he released Vasudeva and Devaki from their shackles and spoke to them politely:

"My dear sister and brother-in-law, I have just like a demon in killing my own nephews-your children. I do not know what will be the result of these envious acts. Probably I shall be sent to the hell where the killers of brahmanas go I surprised, however, that the celestial prophecy has nol come true. I see it is not only in human society that false p********a is found. Now it appears that even the celestia denizens speak lies. I committed so many sins because

7.kamsa's change of heart

The next day kamsa called all his counsellors together and boastfully narrated to them all the incidents of the previous night.

"So it the prophecy was false .As you can all see Iam alive and well forgiven by both my sister brother in law who are now perfectly happy, and living in their home However, Kamsa's counsellors did not shares glowing optimism

"Did not the goddess Durge simply re-confirm prophecy my lord?" Asked one, awkwardly

"Is it not also a fact that this Krishna could be anywhere for all we know, just waiting to strike?" asked another "Well He did not strike. As you see, I stand here before you safe and sound," but Kamsa's confident mood was starting to slip away. In desperation he turned to his most trusted adviser for his opinion.

"Your majesty, we must now make immediate arrangement to kill all children born within the last ten days in all towns countries, villages and pasturing grounds. Let us execute the plan with all the force at our disposal." A buzz of approval met the minister's words.

"Kill all the children, what about Goddess Durga and the other devatas?" Kamsa spluttered.

"The devatas are always afraid of fighting with us my lord, they will not dare try to stop us. They may shout curses from the sky if they like, but they fear your immeasurable strength. We have nothing to worry about. They are proud of being great fighters in peacetime outside the field of war, but they flee like cowards in the lace of a real fight."

"But why take the risk of confronting Vishnu and His her supporters?" Kamsa argued as another minister stood to the speak

there is some disease in the body which is neglected. Bel it worsens and becomes incurable. Therefore, your In majesty, we must now be very careful of the devatas in case they do become too strong for us to subdue. The ing devatas strength comes from Lord Vishnu, and His biggest supporters are the brahmanas. So, I suggest we begin by The killing all the brahmanas and the great sages who are in charge of performing Vedic sacrifices. And above all let us kill all the cows, which are the source of butter, so necessary for performing sacrifices to Vishnu, Killing the bre sages, brahmanas and cows is the same as killing Lord Vishnu in my opinion.

"Please give us your permission to kill all these creatures," pleaded yet another minister.

"Very well, yes, these are all good suggestions. I am fortunate to be blessed with such trustworthy and wise counsel. Thank you all. We shall put these plans into immediate effect," said Kamsa, convinced by the arguments of all his demoniac ministers.

8.The Meeting of Nanda Maharaja and Vasudeva

The next day, in the village of Vrindavan, it was declared that a male child had been born to Yashoda M assembled and began chanting auspicious mantras, accompanied by people singing songs, and playin bugles and kettledrums, while astrologers performed the bo ceremony. Nanda Maharaja distributed 200,000 cows charity to the brahmanas, all gorgeously decorated with c and ornaments, along with hills of grain

When all the ecstatic cowherd men and women hear tha Nanda Maharaja, the father of Krishna, was celebrating the birth ceremony of his son, they became instantly joyful They dressed themselves with costly garments an ornamented their bodies with different kinds of earrings an necklaces. The men wore great turbans on their heads. The women decorated their ears with pearl rings, their neck with jewel lockets, their lips and eyes with different kinds lipstick and ointment and their hands large golde bangles. As they hastily passed over the stone road, the flower garlands decorating their bodies fell to the ground and it appeared a shower of flowers was falling fro the sky. They approached the house of Nanda Maharaj all sorts of gifts and blessed the child:

"Dear child. You will live long just to protect us." While the cowherd women or gopis, as they are called,

were blessing baby Krishna this way, they offered a mixture of turmeric powder. oil, yogurt, milk and water. They sprinkled this mixture not only on the body of Krishna, bulon everyone elisa 100

When the cowherd men saw the offerings of the cowherd women, they became even more joyful, and in response they began to throw yogurt, milk, clarified butter and water on the gopis Then both parties began to throw butter on each other Nanda Maharaja was also very happy to see the pastimes of the cowherd men and women. He gave charity to the different singers who were assembled there, some of whom were reciting important verses from the Upanishads and Puranas, some who were glorifying family ancestors, and some who were singing sweet songs. While Nanda Maharaja was worshiping Lord Vishnu, his only desire was that his newborn child, Krishna, should be happy and safe. But Nanda Maharaja did not realise that this child was the origin of the very same Vishnu he was praying to in order to protect his

Rohini Devi, the mother of Balarama, was the most fortunate wife of Vasudeva. She was away from her husband. yet when she heard of the birth of Krishna she dressed herself beautifully, just to congratulate Maharaja Nanda.

After the birth ceremony, Nanda Maharaja decided to go to Mathura to pay the annual tax to the government of Kamsa Before he called for the able cowherd men of the village and asked them to take care of Vrindavana in his absence. Maharaja arrived in Mathura, and when Vasudeva got the news he came straight away to where Nanda was staying to warmly congratulate his friend.Anxious about his two sons, Krishna and balrama ,who had been put under th protection Nanda Maharaja .Krishna was personally delivered to Yashoda on that stormy night and exchange with her daughter, who then later appeared as the Goddess Durga before Kamsa Although Nanda Maharaj knew that Balarama was the son of Vasudeva, he did not know the Krishna was also Vasudeva's son. But Vasudeve was aware of this fact, and hence his interest in both boys

"My dear friend. Vasudeva said to Nanda, "I hope Krishna and Balarama are well. You know it is difficult for friends any Ne family members to always live together. We are just like plants and creepers floating on the waves of the ocean. Sometimes they come together, and sometimes they separate forever one plant goes one way, and another plant goes another Similarly, our families may be happy whilst living together but in the course of the waves of time, we must become prepared. Even as Vasudeva spoke he knew he could not reveal the whole situation. Please tell me about the welfare of Vrindavana," he enquired, "I feel sorry that I am not ab to give protection to my own sons born of Devaki Sometime I feel all my good fortune is lost

"My dear Vasudeva, Nanda Maharaja replied, "I know how aggrieved you are by the actions of your brother-in- the cruel king Kamse, who has killed all your sone bom Devaki. Do not be upset: everyone is subject to his par deeds, and one who knows about the philosophy of karma , action and reaction, is a man in knowledge.such a person will not be disturbed by an incident, happy or miserable,since he knows it is a direct result of whatever he has done in the past".

Vasudeva was greatful to hear his friends advice,but he had some urgent advice to give too.

" My dear Nanda", Vasudeva said,"If you have already paid the government your taxes,then I advise you to return quickly to your home.I think there may soon be some disturbance in Gokul".

After saying this vasudeva started out for his home.Nanda maharaja bade him farewell,paid his taxes and then set out for home with the other cowherd men.As Nanda Maharaj was returning to Gokul,he thought carefully about vasudeva 's warning.

"There is some truth in it",he thought. Then out of fear he began to pray to the supreme personality of godhead.

whereas other side Radha was born to Vrishbhanu, a ruler of Barsana and to his wife Kirti Da. Her birthplace is Raval which is a small town near Gokul she was the soulmate of Krishna she borned