Śrī Kṛṣṇa's Līlās – The Birth of Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa
Background
In the land of Mathurā, wicked King Kaṁsa ruled with fear. He imprisoned his own sister Devakī and her husband Vasudeva, because a prophecy said Devakī's eighth child would destroy him. Though Kaṁsa killed her first six babies, he could not stop destiny. The Supreme Lord Himself chose to take birth to protect the world and to bring joy to His devotees.
The Night the World Stood Still
It was the darkest night in Mathurā, yet something wondrous was happening. Across the universe, a deep peace spread.
The stars sparkled gently, led by the constellation Rohiṇī. Rivers flowed clear, their waters shining. Birds and bees sang softly in the forests. A pure breeze carried the fragrance of flowers. Sacred fires burned steadily, untouched by wind.
Saints and brāhmaṇas felt a sudden calm, as if the very heart of the world had become light. The heavens sounded with kettledrums, announcing that the birthless Lord was about to appear. The Devas sang and danced. Flowers rained from the sky. Even the clouds gave a low, gentle rumble—like the sea greeting the moon.
In the prison of Kaṁsa, Devakī and Vasudeva sat in chains, but their hearts were filled with devotion and surrender.
The Appearance of the Lord
Then, like the full moon rising on the eastern horizon, the Supreme Personality of Godhead appeared from Devakī's heart into the world. He did not appear like an ordinary baby. He shone in the form of Lord Viṣṇu:
- Four arms holding śaṅkha, cakra, gadā, padma
- Eyes like lotus petals
- A chest marked with Śrīvatsa
- The Kaustubha gem glowing on His neck
- Yellow silk shining like sunlight
- A complexion deep and dark like monsoon clouds
- A crown, bracelets, anklets, and ornaments sparkling with divine light
Vasudeva gazed upon his newborn son and was struck with wonder.
He felt joy so great that he mentally donated ten thousand cows in celebration. He bowed with folded hands and prayed.
Vasudeva's Devotional Realization
"My Lord," he said, "You are Parabrahman, the Supreme Person. You are the cause of all causes, untouched by material nature.
Though You appear in this world, You remain beyond it. You are the soul of all beings, the light within every atom."
He understood that the same Lord who creates, maintains, and withdraws the universe had now become his son.
Devakī's Prayer of Love and Fear
Devakī also offered her prayers.
She knew her child was the Supreme Lord, the very source of all the Vedas.
"My Lord," she said, "You are the essence of all existence. Yet I am afraid for You. Kaṁsa will come to harm You. Please hide Your divine form.
Become like an ordinary human child."
Her prayer was not out of doubt, but motherly love—the sweetest devotion.
The Lord Speaks
The Lord smiled and reminded them:
In another age, they were Pṛśni and Sutapā, and He appeared as Pṛśnigarbha. Later, as Aditi and Kaśyapa, He was born to them as Vāmanadeva. Now, for the third time, He was granting their desire — to have the Supreme Lord as their own son.
He blessed them:
"Always think of Me with love, as your child. By this devotion, you will return to Me." Then, by His own will, the Lord withdrew His four-armed form and appeared as a beautiful two-armed baby, dark as a raincloud, enchanting even to the gods. The Lord was ready for His earthly līlās.
The Meaning for Devotees
- Kṛṣṇa does not take birth—He appears. His birth is divine.
- Devakī and Vasudeva's devotion earned them the Lord as their son across three lifetimes.
- The Lord showed His Viṣṇu form to teach that He is Bhagavān, yet He prefers to be loved personally.
- By becoming a child, He shows the beauty of bhakti—love beyond fear and awe.
- Even in prison, Devakī and Vasudeva felt peace, showing that the Lord's presence removes all fear.