Kamsa’s Frustration

Chapter 4

When Kamsa heard about the birth he rushed in and picked up the baby girl to kill her. Just then, she slipped out of his hands, appeared as the eight-armed goddess Durga, and informed him that Krishna had already taken birth elsewhere. His plans thwarted, Kamsa apologised to Vasudeva and Devaki, and set them free. Ironically, he even spoke eloquent philosophy to comfort them in the midst of such tragic events. Vasudeva and Devaki patiently listened, and were so saintly that they held no grudge whatsoever, ready and willing to forgive the evil King despite his atrocities.

Unfortunately, Kamsa’s heart hadn’t changed. After being incited by his devious ministers, he enlisted the help of various demons to kill all the children born in the recent past, and thus began a fresh campaign of cruelty. While on their rampage, nobody was spared, and even the demigods, saintly persons, cows and brahmanas were violently persecuted.