Sura Sena,âgavataPurâ the chief of the Yadus, ruled over the town of Mathurâ. Hence it became the chief seat of the Yadu kings. It is a sacred town, the constant seat of Hari.
Once upon a time, at Mathurâ. Vâsudeva drove in his chariot with his newly married wife Devaki. The marriage presents were innumerable. Kansa, the son of Ugrasena, held the reins of the horses himself, so eager was he to please his sister Devaki.
On the way, an incorporeal voice, addressing Kansa, said: --
"O ignorant one! the eighth child of her whom thou art now driving shall be thy slayer."
The cruel Kansa instantly took sword in hand and caught Devaki by her hair.
Vâsudeva pacified him with these words: --
"Thy virtues are well known. Why shouldst thou kill a female, thine own sister, at marriage. Death is certain, this day or a hundred years hence. Man takes body after body under the action of Karma, as he takes step after step in walking, or even as the leech takes blade after blade of grass in moving.
"As in dream there is a reflex perception of what is seen and heard in waking, and as in that perception the man forgets his former self and becomes a reflex of that self, so a man gives up his former body and becomes forgetful of it.
"To whatever body the mind is drawn by fruit -- bearing Karma, the Jiva assumes that body as its own.
"The wind shakes the water and the Son or moon, reflected on its bosom, appears as if shaken. So by ascription, the Purusha has the attributes of the body. He who does evil to another has to fear evil from others.
"This girl, thy younger sister, is motionless with fear. Thou art not entitled to kill her."
But persuasion was of no avail, as Kansa was under the influence of the Daityas.
Vâsudeva then thought how he could ward off the present danger, leaving the future to take care of itself.
"But, O King, thon hast no fear from her: Surely I would make over to thee her sons, from whom thou hast fear." Kansa desisted from his cruel act and Vâsudeva went home with his bride, pleased for the time being.
In time Devaki brought forth eight sons and one daughter.
The truthful Vâsudeva presented his first son Kirtimat to Kansa. The king admired the firmness of his brother-in-law and smilingly said: -- "Take back this child. I have no fear from him. From your eighth born my death is ordained." "So let it be" exclaimed Vâsudeva, and he took back his son. But he had very little faith in the words of Kansa.