The people of Mathura suffered greatly under Kansa’s cruel rule. His soldiers took money and grain from their homes. Anyone who protested was imprisoned.

Kansa’s soldiers watched the streets of Mathura day and night. People were afraid to speak freely, even inside their homes. No one knew who would suffer next.

After the heavenly announcement (Akashvani) Kansa began to suspect every Yadava. He ordered his soldiers to watch their families closely. Many Yadavas were forced to leave Mathura.

Vasudeva became worried about the safety of his other wife, Rohini. He feared that Kansa might imprison her as well. He decided to send her away from Mathura.

Akrura was wise, calm and deeply devoted to Narayana. He remained steady even during dangerous times. Therefore, Vasudeva trusted him completely.

Vasudeva secretly called Akrura and said, “Rohini must be taken safely out of Mathura.” Akrura understood the danger. He respectfully accepted the responsibility.

Vasudeva’s dear friend Nanda Baba lived in Gokul. It was a peaceful village where Kansa’s soldiers rarely came. It was the safest place for Rohini.

Akrura arranged a safe route for Rohini’s journey. She wore simple clothes so that no one would recognise her. Every detail was planned carefully.

Late at night, Rohini left Mathura in a covered bullock cart. The city slowly disappeared behind her. Yet her heart remained with Devaki and Vasudeva.

While crossing the Yamuna, Rohini folded her hands and prayed to Narayana. She asked the Lord to protect Devaki and Vasudeva. Her heart held both fear and faith.

Nanda Baba and Yashoda Maiya welcomed Rohini lovingly. Yashoda said, “This is your own home.” Tears of gratitude filled Rohini’s eyes.

After some time, Devaki gave birth to a beautiful son named Kirtiman. Holding the child in their arms filled Devaki and Vasudeva’s hearts with joy.

Vasudeva remembered the promise he had made to Kansa. With a heavy heart, he carried Kirtiman before him. It was a painful test for a father.

Kansa said, “The heavenly voice spoke of the eighth son. I have nothing to fear from the first.” He allowed Vasudeva to take Kirtiman back.

Seeing Kirtiman safe, Devaki held him close to her heart. She hoped that Kansa might spare her other children as well. For a short time, hope returned to the prison

One day, Devarshi Narada entered Kansa’s palace while playing his veena. Kansa welcomed him respectfully. Narada had come to reveal a hidden divine plan.

Narada said, “Many divine beings have taken birth among the Yadavas and Vrishnis. They will assist Lord Vishnu in His sacred mission.” Kansa’s fear began to grow.

Narada lifted a lotus with eight petals. He explained, “Whichever petal you count first becomes the first, and any petal may become the eighth.” Kansa began to fear every child.

Narada revealed that Kansa had been the demon Kalanemi in his previous life. Lord Vishnu had destroyed him then as well. Kansa’s fear quickly turned into anger.

Narada did not desire the death of the children. He knew that when Kansa’s sins reached their limit, his downfall would come closer. However, Kansa alone chose the path of evil.

Devaki’s six sons had once been the sons of Marichi. An ancient curse destined them to die through the family of Kalanemi. In this life, Kalanemi had been born as Kansa.

Kansa changed his earlier decision and ordered Kirtiman to be brought before him. Devaki folded her hands and begged for mercy. But Kansa killed their first son.

In time, Devaki gave birth to her second son, Sushena. His parents held him lovingly against their hearts. But Kansa took the innocent child away.

The birth of the third son, Bhadrasena, brought a small hope into the prison. Devaki lovingly gazed at his tiny face. Soon, Kansa’s soldiers took him away as well.

The fourth son was named Riju. His tiny smile brought light to Devaki’s sorrowful face. But Kansa cruelly took that happiness away.

When the fifth son, Sammardana, was born, every sound frightened Devaki. She held him tightly against her heart. Yet Kansa did not allow the child to live.

When her sixth son, Bhadra, was born, Devaki tried desperately to stop Kansa. As soon as he entered the prison, she pleaded through her tears, “Brother, this is an innocent child. Please spare his life.” But the hard-hearted Kansa paid no attention to her sorrowful plea.

After losing her six sons, Devaki was completely broken. Vasudeva was also deeply sorrowful, yet he comforted her and asked her to keep faith in God.

That night, the prison remained as dark as before, yet an unknown peace entered Devaki’s heart. It felt as though a small lamp of hope had been lit somewhere far away. The sorrow had not ended, but a new dawn was quietly drawing near.