Narada Sows Doubts in Kamsa's Mind: Episode 17

A Divine Warning

The conversation in Vaikuntha continues. Vishnu sits in serene yogic rest upon Adisesha, but His gaze is alert. Bhoodevi and Sridevi worry aloud about the growing suffering on earth. In response, Vishnu calls Brahma to appear before them.

Brahma explains the rising darkness in Mathura under Kamsa’s rule, and another tide of adharma stirring far away at Hastinapura—where a powerful yet misguided heir will be born, leading to conflict between Kauravas and Pandavas. Whenever adharma ascends the throne, Vishnu must descend.

Bhoodevi and Sridevi now understand that even they will take birth on earth to accompany Him when the moment comes.

Side Note:

Rukmini is traditionally considered the incarnation of Sridevi (Lakshmi), representing devotion, grace, and prosperity as Krishna’s chief queen. Satyabhama is considered the incarnation of Bhudevi, reflecting courage, will, and earthly power; she often accompanies Krishna in battles as an active warrior.

Mathura Under Shadow

In Mathura, King Ugrasena — ruler of the Yadavas and father of Kamsa — meets the respected noble Akrura, a wise and loyal commander known for his devotion to the divine. Ugrasena is restless.

“If we keep silent, Kamsa will turn Mathura into ashes,” he says. “Every atrocity he commits weighs on my throne.”

Akrura counsels caution. Princess Devaki’s wedding had been arranged, and he urges Ugrasena not to provoke conflict before the marriage.
“Let this pass peacefully. Then we act.”

The Loving Brother and the Terrible Prophecy

Devaki, preparing to leave her childhood home, is emotional. Kamsa, unusually gentle, serves her food himself and insists on feeding her like a doting parent.

Akrura points this out quietly to Ugrasena. “People see only his rage. But he loves Devaki more than his own life.”

The marriage takes place. When Devaki departs with her husband Vasudeva, Kamsa himself drives the chariot — until an ominous voice echoes from the heavens, prophesying that Devaki’s eighth child will kill him.

The affection vanishes. Enraged and terrified, Kamsa seizes Devaki’s hair, raising his sword. Vasudeva steps forward:
“Spare her. I will surrender every child she bears.”

Kamsa agrees, but keeps them under watch inside Mathura.

The First Child

Devaki gives birth to a son. Vasudeva, holding the newborn close, takes him to Kamsa as promised. Kamsa rushes forward with his sword, only to stop at the last moment — impressed by Vasudeva’s sincerity.
“Only the eighth child matters. Take this one back.”

Bhoodevi and Sridevi rejoice from Vaikuntha, believing fate has been kind — until Narada appears suddenly. Their nervous defensiveness only fuels his curiosity.

Hearing that Devaki’s child lives, he departs in urgency.

Narada Plants a Seed of Doubt

Narada appears in Ugrasena’s court, loudly praising Kamsa, pretending to have come solely to meet the prince. His playful remarks irritate Ugrasena and intrigue Kamsa.

Narada praises Kamsa’s supposed compassion: “You know Devaki’s child will end your life and yet you spared him? What renunciation!”

Kamsa snaps: “Only the eighth child will kill me. There's no need to kill the rest.”

Narada smiles.

Narada

: What you say is true, and I understand. But how do you know which is the eighth child? Can you explain to me how you would find that?

Kamsa

: Isn't that simple? Eighth child is the one born the eighth time!

Narada

: That's your opinion, and I have a doubt in that assertion. Can you clarify?

Narada then produces a lotus and asks him if he can specify which is the first and which is the eighth. Kamsa is confused. Then Narada asks him to call eight soldiers to present themselves. Eight soldiers pile in to the hall from the right and the left. Narada asks Kamsa to order the eighth soldier to present himself. Two soldiers, one from either side, come forward and Kamsa looks bewildered. Then Narada says that the exact order of birth is known only to Brahma. After all, an embryo in the uterus can dissolve or can disintegrate under different circumstances and it is difficult to come to a conclusion on the order of their creation.

Having confused Kamsa, Narada leaves the palace, satisfied that his mission is accomplished. Kamsa hesitates, suddenly unsure.