The story begins when Kans, son of Ugrasen (ruler of Mathura), was personally escorting his newly wedded dearest cousin Devki and her husband Vasudev, after their wedding to her in-laws. On his way, Kans was startled to hear thunder and than a divine voice, which said, “O cruel king! The eighth son of this very cousin of yours will be your killer.” After having heard the divine words, Kans felt worried and at the same time he flew into a rage. Though his love for his cousin, Devki, was immense, yet he now considered her to be his murderer's birth-giver. So, he made up his mind to kill Devki instantly. Having resolved to put Devki to death, Kans drew out his sword and thundered, “I will put an end to Devki's life. Where from, then, will my murderer be born? When the tree is not there, there can't be any fruit.”

Vasudev being an old friend of Kans, requested the king with folded hands, “Friend! What are you up to? Devki is your cousin and she is female and to kill female is a sin according to vedic dharma. I think that you want the divine prophecy not to come true. So, I give a solemn word to hand over each and every baby to you as soon as it is born to us.”

Kans agreed to what his friend had offered. He said, “All right! I will not kill Devki but must keep you imprisoned here at Mathura. I won't let you go to your own place. Kans returned to Mathura along with Devki and Vasudev. He took them as prisoners near his palace. At the same time, he imprisoned his old father, King Ugrasen, so that he might seize the throne and declare himself king of Mathura. He was sure that his father, if allowed to continue as king, would not let him kill the babies born Devki.

Coming up next

Devika's first child is born and taken to kans as per the promise of Vasudev.

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