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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 10: Chapter 1: Verses 23-39
Lord Visnu Himself (the glorious Supreme Person) will be manifested in the house of Vasudeva; let celestial women (also therefore) be born for His pleasure. With intent to 'do what pleases Sri Hari, the thousand-headed and self-effulgent Lord Ananta (the serpent-god Sesa), a part manifestation of Lord Vasudeva, will precede Him (as His elder brother). Commanded by the Lord, the Divine Maya (enchanting potency) of Lord Visnu, by whom the (whole) universe stands bewitched, will (also) be born in part manifestation for the purpose of doing His work." Sri Suka resumed : Having thus directed the hosts of gods and reassured Mother Earth with His (comforting) words, Brahma (the supreme lord), the ruler of Prajapatis (lords of created beings). returned to his exalted abode. Of yore Surasena, the chief of the Yadus, ruled the principalities of Mathura and Surasena, (himself) residing in the city of Mathura (his capital).
Since then the said Mathura, in which Lord Sri Hari is ever present, continued to be the capital of all Yadava kings. Having gone through his wedding ceremony indeed in that city, one day, Vasudeva, son of Sura (a noble man of the kingdom of Mathura), mounted the chariot alongwith his newly wedded wife, Devaki, while departing (for his home). Surrounded by hundreds of chariots plated with gold, Prince Kamsa, the (eldest) son of King Ugrasena (the then ruler of Mathura) held the reins of the horses (assumed the role of a charioteer) in order to oblige his cousin (Devaki). At the time of their departure Devaka (the younger brother of Ugrasena), who was (so) fond of his daughter gave away to his daughter by way of dowry four hundred elephants decked with necklaces of gold, fifteen thousand horses, eighteen hundred chariots and two hundred graceful servant-maids profusely adorned. As the procession of the bride and the bridegroom was just going to start, conchs, clarinets, clay tom-toms and kettledrums sounded all at once in a most auspicious manner. Addressing Kamsa, who held the reins while on the way, an incorporeal voice said, "0 foolish one! the eighth child of this girl, whom you are (now) conducting, will slay you."Told thus, that wicked and sinful fellow, the disgrace of the Bhojas, seized his cousin by the hair, sword in hand, and proceeded to kill her.
The highly blessed Vasudeva pleaded with that hard-hearted and shameless fellow of detestable deeds, trying to appease him (as follows). Vasudeva said : You are possessed of virtues worthy of being extolled by heroes and are the glory of the Bhojas. As such how can you slay your (own) cousin, a woman, on the festive occasion of her wedding ? The death of those that are born is ordained along with their birth, 0 valiant prince! Death is indeed inevitable to (all) living beings (no matter) whether it comes this (very) day or at the end of a hundred years. When the body is about to expire (lit., to be dissolved into its five constituent elements, viz., earth, water, fire, air and ether), the soul (tenanting it), following (the course of) its destiny, helplessly quits the former body on (mentally) obtaining another corporeal form.
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