A story of Dvapara Yuga in Prose :

A story of Dvapara Yuga in Prose:
( part-3 )

By Lokanath Mishra

Once, with the intention of surveying his kingdom, Kansa set out to tour its various regions. In due course, he reached a mountain near Gopapura, where the sage Gomata was engaged in deep penance. But Kansa, by nature wicked, mocked the sage and said:

“This entire region, including Gopapura, is under my rule. To establish an ashram and practice penance here, you ought to have sought my permission. Do you not know that austerities are forbidden in my kingdom? Leave this place at once! Let me not find you again anywhere in Gopapura. Otherwise, I shall have you executed and destroy the village that has sheltered you.”

At this insult, Sage Gomata flared like fire. He cursed Kansa, saying:

“Arrogant Kansa! You take great delight in insulting sages and ascetics, do you not? Your empire, your might, your pride as an emperor—I shatter it with this curse. You may rule vast lands, yet this small kingdom of Gopapura shall mock you all your life. Depart from this place at once. If ever in the future you attempt to climb this mountain or cross it to enter Gopapura, you will fall dead.”

Though Kansa often ridiculed ascetics, he still feared their curses. Controlling his desire to advance, he returned to Mathura.
Kansa’s royal court now consisted mainly of demons. Though a few Yadava nobles were present, Kansa had fallen into the habit of opposing whatever they said. One day, Minister Akrura put forth a proposal. Pretending to be a well-wisher of the king, he said:

“Your Majesty, in my opinion, it would be wise to confine Vasudeva and Devaki in separate places. That way, there will be no question of childbirth, and there will be no danger to your life.”

Kansa burst into mocking laughter.
“Fear? Kansa, afraid? I had thought you were wise, Akrura, but it seems your judgment has deserted you. Why should I destroy their married life? Kansa is not so cruel. They are not my enemies. Only one child born of Devaki is destined to kill me. Let that child come! Be it the eighth or the first—I am no coward. I want to see what form my slayer will take. As soon as it is born, I shall kill it, and prove the divine prophecy false!”

At this, Keshi said:
“Yes, my friend, there is a unique delight in slaying infants. Do you think a Yadava child could ever become your destroyer? Impossible!”

The demons present in the assembly rejoiced at the thought of infant-killing. Their collective uproar filled the hall with demonic glee.
Time passed. Devaki conceived. When her ninth month was complete, the demoness who brought them food quickly carried the news to King Kansa. He had been waiting, eager to test whether his father Ugrasena would fulfill his duty and whether his brother-in-law Vasudeva would keep his word. Despite his anguish, Ugrasena promptly reported the matter.

The time of delivery arrived. Devaki endured two agonies at once—one physical, of childbirth, and another mental, the torment of knowing the newborn would be taken from her. A child was born. Her cries, along with the wails of the newborn, reached Kansa’s ears through the midwives, prison guards, and spies.

By Kansa’s command, Vasudeva’s chains were temporarily loosened. Wrapping the infant in cloth and pressing it to his chest, Vasudeva prepared to hand it over to Kansa. Devaki, however, overwhelmed with grief, clasped her husband’s feet and pleaded:

“Will you not let me look once upon its face? Will you not tell me whether it is a son or a daughter?”

Vasudeva replied:
“Beloved, I share your pain. But do not grow so attached to one who is not truly yours. Remember the Lord, Devaki—only He can free you from this sorrow. What use is there in seeing the child’s face, only to deepen your grief?”

As the delay grew, Kansa lost patience and appeared at the prison door himself. Before he could seize the child, Vasudeva raised it with his own hands and offered it.

Kansa let out a terrible laugh. Looking at the infant’s face, he sneered:
“So you are the one who will kill me? You will slay Kansa? Ha! Ha! Ha!”

Grabbing the baby by its legs, he swung it round and dashed it against a stone slab in the prison courtyard. A piercing cry rose—one from the dying infant, and one from Devaki, the grieving mother. Vasudeva shut his eyes tightly and pressed his ears with both hands, unable to bear the horror.

⸻(to be continued)

A Story of Dvapara Yuga in Prose:( part-1)