The text describes a dramatic scene from the life of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. The protagonist, Krishna's mother Devaki, is pregnant with her eighth child, a boy who is prophesied to kill Kansa, the ruler of Mathura. However, Kansa, fearing the prophecy, imprisons Devaki and her husband Vasudev in a dungeon.
In the dungeon, Devaki gives birth to a girl, which initially confuses Vasudev and Kansa. However, they soon realize that Devaki has given birth to a boy, who secretly replaces his sister in the dungeon. The boy is then smuggled out of the dungeon and raised in the village of Gokul.
The text ends with Kansa, now aware that Devaki has given birth to a boy, planning to kill the prophesied eighth son. This sets the stage for Krishna's future roles as a protector and liberator.
1. The birth of Devaki's first son is imminent, signaling Kansa's impending death and Mathura's freedom.
2. Devaki is aware of her son's significance but her tears have clouded her perspective.
3. The speaker has two forms: darkness and light, symbolizing the dual nature of existence.
4. Kansa is in denial of his impending doom due to his arrogance and pride.
5. The speaker is not a guard but a representative of Kansa's fate.
6. Devaki refuses to give her son to Kansa's representative, leading to a confrontation.
7. The speaker reveals that the child in Devaki's womb is Brahma's first arrow aimed at Kansa.
8. The speaker believes in the prophecy and assures Devaki that the eighth son will be born.
9. The child's birth is a moment of supreme test and joy for Devaki and the speaker.
10. The speaker comforts Devaki during her sorrow, urging her to be patient and courageous.
11. Devaki's son is born and the speaker assures her that she has fulfilled her duty.
12. The speaker advises Devaki to leave the house with her son, as Kansa might come after hearing the news.
13. Yashoda, a friend of Devaki, secretly gives birth to a girl to deceive Kansa, who believes Devaki has given birth to a boy.
14. Kansa, upon hearing the news, is overjoyed, believing that he is now immortal.
15. Kansa's joy is short-lived as he is informed that Devaki has given birth to a boy, not a girl.
16. Kansa realizes his mistake and plans to kill the sage who predicted the birth of Devaki's eighth son.
17. The speaker reassures Kansa that his fate is sealed and he will be killed by his own atrocities.