Garga Bhagavatham : Golok khanda - Chapter 9
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Devaki's Wedding to Vasudeva conducted by King Devak under the guidance of Sage Garga; Kamsa attacking Devaki upon hearing the Akashavani (Divine prophecy) ; Vasudeva pacifying Kamsa with a promise
Sri Narada says :- King! Once Sage Garga arrived at a wonderful
palace in the lovely Mathura city. He was a renowned scholar of astrological
science. He was made the priest in the palace at the behest of the best yadava
king, Shurasena. In the palace of Mathura, the doors were made of gold and they
were embedded with precious green gemstones. At the main entrance of the
palace, huge elephants roamed around, flocks of bees were flying around the
heads of the elephants. The bees were buzzing around the large ears of the
elephants creating sweet humming noise. In this way, the main entrance was
filled with the sound of the humming bees. The group of enchanting "mantapas"(d0mes) was enhancing the beauty of the palace. Well-built soldiers
wearing armor, bows, swords, and other weapons were guarding the palace.
Chariots, elephants, horses, and soldiers on foot were also guarding the
palace. These four kinds of guards safeguarded the palace.
Sage
Garga entered the palace and saw king Ugrasena seated on a tall throne, just like the great Indra.
The king was looking majestic with all his adornments. Akrura, Devak, and Kamsa
were standing by to serve him. Seeing the sage, the king immediately got down
from his throne and stood. The king, along with all the other yadavas (people
of Yadu clan), prostrated before the sage. They seated him on a suitable
pedestal. They prayed to him and circled (parikrama) around him with due
reverence and stood before him respectfully.
Sage
Garga blessed the king and asked about the well-being of the royal family. Then
he said to the best of the Yadu clan and ethicist Devak.
Sri Garg said :- I researched for many days and concluded that, there is no one
more suitable than Vasudeva in this whole universe to marry your daughter, Devaki. Hence give Devaki in hand to Vasudev.
Narada says :- King of Mithila! Accepting the advice of sage Garga implicitly,
Devak arranged for the betrothal of Devaki and Vasudev and sent areca nuts and
betel leaves as per wedding traditions. As per the instructions of sage Garga, he performed all rituals
and conducted the marriage of Devaki and Vasudev. After the wedding, Vasudev
ascended the chariot with the bride, who was the daughter of Devak. Devaki was
bedecked with golden ornaments embedded with the rarest gems.
Kamsa
was very cordial with Vasudev and was very kind towards him. To show his love
for his sister, Kamsa himself took the horses' reins and guided the chariot.
Devak
gave his daughter one thousand maids, ten thousand elephants, ten lakh horses,
one lakh chariots, and two lakh cows as wedding gifts. At the time of
departure, there was great fanfare created by different kinds of drums, veenas,
flutes, and other types of musical instruments. Together with the voices of
many yadavas accompanying them, melodious songs were being sung. Holy hymns were
recited. And while they were proceeding, a heavenly voice told Kamsa,
"Kamsa, you fool! The eighth child of the girl, whom you are taking along
in the chariot so lovingly, is going to kill you very easily and you do not know
this" Kamsa, who always associated with wicked people was very
cruel by nature. He never felt ashamed of his deeds. He picked up a sharp sword, caught
hold of his sister by her hair, and decided to kill her. At that time all the
musicians stopped playing, and those who were going in front were shocked and
looked back. All their faces wore a frightful look. At this juncture, the best
of all good-natured men, Vasudev, spoke to Kamsa thus.
Vasudeva said :- Great One! You are the one who will spread the fame of your
lineage. Bhasmasura, Jarasandha, Bakasura, and Banasura, came to the
battlefield to fight with you, but they could only praise you. Being so great,
how can you be influenced to kill your sister? Even when Bakasura's sister
Poothana came to fight with you, you did not fight with her because it was
unethical to fight a woman. You also adopted her as your sister for the sake of
peace. Then how can you kill your own sister? This girl is newly married, and
she is your younger sister. Hence it is not right of you to kill her. Your
mindset is always to help the poor and needy.
Narada said :- Even after listening to Vasudeva's words, Kamsa did not change
his mind. Vasudeva thought this was the wish of God, and it was fate. He
surrendered to God and spoke again to Kamsa.
Vasudeva said :- King! There is no danger to you from Devaki. Please listen
to my opinion about the voice from heaven ("Akaash vani"). I will
give you all the babies born out of her to you, because you are afraid, they
will cause you harm. Hence do not worry.
Narada says :- King of Mithila! Kamsa believed the promise made by Vasudeva.
Then after praising him, he went back to his house. Vasudeva, feeling
frightened, went to his abode along with Devaki.
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