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Birth of Lord Krishna
She said, “O fool! What benefit are you going to derive by killing me? He who is going to take your life is born elsewhere. He is your old enemy. Do not hurt in vain these helpless persons, Devaki, Vasudeva and other children.
Kamsa was struck with wonder when he heard the words of the child. He released Devaki and Vasudeva and told them in humility, “O blessed souls! Though I have killed your children, do not be afflicted at heart. People reap the fruits of their Karmas in spite of themselves. I do not know what fate awaits me after death.” He released them from their fetters.
Kamsa called his counsellors and told them all that Goddess Maya had spoken. The Ministers said, “If it be so, O king of Bhoja, we will kill all children whether ten days old or not, whether found in towns, villages or pastime grounds. Vishnu is the root of the Devas. The roots of Dharma are the Vedas, cows, the Brahmanas, Tapas and Yajna. Therefore by all means we shall kill the Veda-knowing, Yajna-performing and ascetic Brahmanas, and cows that supply the sacrificial ghee. Brahmanas, Vedas, asceticism, truth, restraint of the senses, restraint of the mind, faith, kindness, forbearance and sacrifices—these are the parts of the body of Vishnu. Therefore the best way to kill him is to kill these.” Kamsa ordered the demons to do havoc in all places and repaired to his palace.
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