Among the vast ocean of Vedic scriptures, the Srimad Bhagavatam shines as one of the most profound and spiritually rich texts. The Srimad Bhagavatam is a divine narrative that unfolds the glories, pastimes, and essence of the Divine. At the heart of this divine scripture lies the miraculous birth and life of Shree Krishna, whose divine pastimes are both sweet and profound. Among these, the events surrounding His birth are especially captivating. Kansa, the tyrant ruler and brother of Devaki, had been warned through a celestial prophecy that Devaki’s eighth child would be the cause of his death. This blog details the divine sequence of events surrounding Shree Krishna’s birth, who was the cause of his death. It explores the divine planning, Shree Krishna’s glorious appearance, and the miraculous exchange between Mathura and Gokul that sets the divine plan into motion.
What Events Preceded the Appearance of Shree Krishna?
Unsettled by the prophecy of his doom, Kansa ruthlessly killed each of Devaki’s newborns and imprisoned the couple to stop it from coming true. The seventh child of Devaki, Balram, was originally conceived in her womb, but Lord Vishnu, through the power of Yogmaya, commanded a divine exchange. This child, an incarnation of Ananta Shesh—the eternal serpent who serves the Supreme Lord—was transferred to the womb of Rohini, Vasudev's other wife living peacefully in Braj. This led Kansa to believe the child had mysteriously vanished, leaving him confused but still on high alert.
As the days passed and Devaki conceived her eighth child, Kansa, fearing that this child would be his killer, declared an emergency, canceling all leaves and ordering constant surveillance. During the month of Bhadrapada, particularly on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha, the divine event unfolded.
Lesson
A key lesson from these events is that fear and attempts to control fate, like Kansa’s ruthless actions, cannot stop the divine plan from unfolding. Despite his efforts to prevent the prophecy, God works through unexpected means to ensure that destiny is fulfilled. This teaches us to trust in the divine, even when faced with adversity or uncertainty.
How Did Shree Krishna Appear in All His Divine Glory at Birth?
At the stroke of midnight, a divine transformation unfolded. Devaki’s womb became empty, and before her stood Shree Krishna in a radiant four-armed form, unmistakably revealing His divine identity. This was no ordinary birth. As described in the Srimad Bhagavatam, God first entered the mind of Vasudev and was then transferred to the heart of Devaki through Yogmaya—not as a physical fetus, but as a divine presence. Yogmaya created the illusion of pregnancy by developing the womb and its sensations, allowing Devaki to experience motherhood. At the appointed time, the Shree Krishna appeared directly.
Recognizing His true identity, Devaki offered a heartfelt prayer, acknowledging that He was not merely her child but the Supreme Lord, who resides in all beings. She recalled a boon from her past life in which she had asked Shree Krishna to be born as her son. Yet, overwhelmed by His majestic form, she lovingly requested Him to conceal His divinity and begin His earthly pastimes, so she could experience the joy of motherly affection.
Shree Krishna assured Devaki that He would but first instructed Vasudev on what to do. He revealed that the prison gates would open and directed Vasudev to carry Him to the house of Nanda Baba in Braj, where a baby girl would be found; Vasudev was to bring her back in His place. Before departing, Bhagavan used His Yogmaya Shakti to transform from His four-armed divine form into a newborn child.
Lesson
A profound lesson from this divine appearance is that God’s birth transcends ordinary physical processes, emphasizing His spiritual nature and the power of divine illusion (Yogmaya). God first dwells within the hearts of pure devotees before revealing Himself outwardly, teaching us that spiritual realization begins internally. Additionally, the Leela (divine pastime) shows the loving relationship between the divine and devotee—God willingly conceals His majesty to engage in worldly pastimes, allowing devotees to connect with Him intimately and experience divine love.
How Did the Divine Exchange Between Mathura and Gokul Unfold?
Following Shree Krishna’s instructions, Vasudev prepared to carry the infant Shree Krishna to the safety of Gokul. What followed was a series of breathtaking events. The prison guards fell into deep sleep, the locked doors swung open, and Vasudev, carrying Shree Krishna in a basket, stepped into the night. The monsoon rains fell gently as he reached the banks of the Yamuna River.
There, the river's waters began rising. It was not a natural occurrence, but an act of devotion from Yamuna Devi, a divine being and eternal consort of Shree Krishna. Longing for her first darshan of the divine in His infant form, she rose to touch His feet. Responding, baby Shree Krishna extended His lotus feet, which Yamuna Devi lovingly embraced before receding. Ananta Shesh, ever devoted, manifested below the surface to support Vasudev’s journey, preventing him from being submerged.
In the dead of night, Vasudev quietly arrived at Nanda and Yashoda’s house, where the villagers of Braj were asleep. He found a newborn baby girl beside Yashoda, placed Shree Krishna there, took the baby girl in exchange, and began his return journey. Crossing the Yamuna, he reached the prison just as the gates closed behind him, and the guards regained consciousness, realizing the eighth child had been born.
Lesson
A key lesson from the Divine Exchange is that when one is guided by divine will and faith, even seemingly impossible obstacles—locked gates, rising rivers, and hostile surroundings—can be overcome through grace and protection. The Leela highlights the power of devotion, as divine forces like Yamuna Devi and Ananta Shesh actively support the divine plan, teaching us that sincere faith invites divine help and ensures the fulfillment of destiny.
How Did Kansa React to the Divine Warning About His Fate?
When the guards informed Kansa that Devaki had given birth, he rushed to the prison, determined to kill the child he believed was destined to end his life. But upon arrival, he was shocked to find a baby girl instead of a boy. Frustrated and confused, he attempted to kill the infant by hurling her to the ground. However, the baby slipped from his hands and transformed into the ten-armed Goddess Durga, who appeared in the sky and revealed that the one fated to kill him had already been born elsewhere—in Braj. Overcome with fear and remorse, Kansa fell at the feet of Devaki and Vasudev, begging for forgiveness for the atrocities he had committed, including the murder of their innocent children. In a rare moment of repentance, he released them from prison.
However, Kansa’s transformation was fleeting. Back in his court, his demonic ministers—Aghasura, Bakasura, Dhenukasura, and others—quickly poisoned his mind, rekindling his fear and hatred toward Vishnu. Swayed by their words, Kansa dismissed his earlier regret and re-imprisoned Devaki and Vasudev. This turn of events sets the stage for the divine pastimes of Shree Krishna to unfold in the peaceful village of Gokul.
Lesson
This event teaches a profound lesson on the power of satsang (good company) versus kusang (bad company). Even a moment of genuine remorse, as shown by Kansa, can be completely undone when one is surrounded by negative influences. Just as Kansa’s ministers fueled his fear and ego, leading him back into darkness, we too are shaped by the company we keep. True transformation requires not just inner change, but also the courage to distance ourselves from those who mislead us.
Conclusion
The miraculous birth of Shree Krishna is not merely an event in history; it is a living lesson in faith, surrender, and divine orchestration. Each element—from the divine planning and Yogmaya’s interventions to Yamuna Devi’s devotion—reveals how the conditions change to fulfill the divine will when fueled by love and righteousness. These sacred events are not just stories to be heard, but truths to be lived and meditated upon.
Spiritual hearing unfolds in two powerful forms: Shravan of Tattva Gyan, which enlightens the intellect with divine knowledge, and Shravan of Leela, which deepens our Roop Dhyan, the meditative absorption in the Lord’s form. Swami Mukundananda reminds us that hearing Krishna’s divine pastimes is not mere storytelling but a sacred meditation that brings God alive in our hearts. When such Leelas are absorbed deeply, they create a vivid inner vision, turning remembrance into direct experience. As stated in the Bhagavad Gita (4.9):
"Those who understand the divine nature of My birth and activities, O Arjun, upon leaving the body, do not have to take birth again, but come to My eternal abode."
This is the true purpose of devotion—not just to know about God, but to realize and experience Him fully within.
Call to Action
Immerse yourself in the divine wisdom and nectar of Shree Krishna's pastimes by listening to Swami Mukundananda’s Srimad Bhagavatam discourses on YouTube.
You are invited to the JKYog Life Transformation Program with Swami Mukundananda from June 11–14, 2025, in Connecticut, for an uplifting spiritual experience. This event features enlightening discourses, guided meditations, morning walks, devotional chanting, and a special meet-and-greet with Swami ji. Designed to bring inner peace, clarity, and joy, it is a unique opportunity to transform your life through timeless wisdom and practical tools for well-being. Register now to reserve your spot!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Shree Krishna first appear in a four-armed form?
To reveal His divine identity to Devaki and Vasudev and reassure them that He was not an ordinary child, but the Supreme Lord.
2. How did Yogmaya assist in Shree Krishna’s birth?
She transferred Balram to Rohini’s womb, caused the guards to sleep, opened the prison doors, and took form as the girl swapped with Shree Krishna.
3. What is the significance of Yamuna Devi touching Shree Krishna's feet?
It signifies divine longing and the fulfillment of devotion. Yamuna, an eternal devotee, experienced her first darshan of the Lord.
4. What does the switching of babies symbolize?
It represents divine protection and illusion. The switch fooled Kansa and ensured Shree Krishna's safety, underlining Yogmaya’s power.
Resources
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How Did the Prophecy of Shree Krishna’s Birth Shake a Mighty King?
