Reading Notes: Shri Krishna of Dwarka, Part A

This is a summarization of the Shri Krishna of Dwarka stories regarding Part A. Part A focuses on the birth of Krishna and the many different trials he faces in relation to Kansas many attempts to kill him. 

Krishna's birth. Web Source: Wikimedia Commons

Chapter 1: The Coming of Krishna

Many hundreds of years ago, several demons had come to harass mankind. The earth took the form of a cow and went to Mount Meru to ask for the aid of Brahma Deva. Deva went with the god Shiva to the Lord Vishnu and repeated the story, urging him to be born again in human form and rid the world of demons. The Lord Vishnu pulled out two of his hairs, one black, and one white.  The white hair was born as Balarama and the incarnation of the serpent Shesa, while the black hair was his incarnation born as Krishna. His mission was to slay Kansa and his alliance. At the dowry of Devaki, Kansa hears a loud booming voice inform him he would be slain by the eighth child of Vasudeva and Devaki. Kansa becomes angry and charges at his cousin, bur Vasudeva tells him it is her 8th child who would kill him. Devaki swore he would bring his children to be killed by Kansa. The Vishnu Naranda told Kansa that Lord Vishnu would be born as his cousin's son and come to slay Kansa. This angered Kansa very much, so as Vasudev and Devaki gave birth to their children, Kansa slew six of their children and took over the throne. He locked his cousin in jail, but little does he know the seventh child born is placed in the womb of Rohini and Kansa is told it is a miscarriage. Their eighth son eventually is born as Lord Vishnu and Kansa is tricked into thinking he has taken him when in reality it was the daughter of Yashoda.

Chapter 2: The Childhood of Krishna

Krishna grows up with the nourishment of Yashoda taking him as her own. Kansa realizes he has been deceived and releases Vasudeva and Devaki from prison while calling together the counsel of demons. He sent his alliance to go into the city of Mathura and the surrounding country and slay every male child. A terrible massacre ensued and Prince Vasudeva urged Nanda to flee so his son would not be slain. So Nanda took Balarama from Rohini and fled with Yashoda to take care of Krishna and Balarama. When Kansa was satisfied with his killing of male youth, he summoned the demon Putana to help him kill the male children outside his borders. She eventually reached Nanda and Yashoda, winning over their hearts with her kindness and looks. She asked permission to nurse Krishna and immediately after her screams were heard throughout. Krishna had sucked the life out of her. Kansa heard of what happened and knew it had to have been that of Vishnu's incarnation Krishna. He sent out another demon who created a whirlwind destroying most of the village. Krishna's presence attracted many demons to come, forcing the villagers to relocate.

Chapter 3: The Boyhood of Krishna

The villagers of Gokula wander for several days along the banks of the Yamuna. They finally found a cool and wooded spot and thus emerged the village of Vrindavan. Krishna and Balarama grew to become boys who fed cattle, wrestled with the other village boys, and sling stones at wild birds. Kansa finds Krishna and Balarama have moved to Vrindavan and called two demon brothers to his aid. The brothers turned themselves into a giant crane and one a serpent. Krishna managed to defeat them both. However, the serpents life was spared in exchange to leave the village and never come back.

Chapter 4: The Youth of Krishna

Kansa continuously tried to hurt Kansa and his family, but he failed every single time. So he thought up a plan to kill Balarama in hopes of weakening Krishna. He sent another demon who took the form of an ass to guard an orchard tree. When Dhenuka tried to attack Balarama, Balarama mustered up his own might and beat the ass and his allies until they were no more and the orchard tree was theirs to enjoy. Kansa sent another demon to try and continue the plan he had put in motion to kill Balarama. While playing a game, the demon ran off with Balarama in fear. Krishna urged him to bash him in order to save his life. Balarama used all his strength and the demon was no more. King Kansa does not attempt another plan for a while. Later down in the story, Krishna tells the villagers to sacrifice to Govardhan mountain instead of Indra. Indra becomes angered and sends down a large hailstorm, but Krishna is able to protect the villagers from his wrath. Indra was impressed and anointed him as the god of cows. 

Chapter 5: The Manhood of Krishna


Kansa hopes that Krishna has forgotten about him and that he might be able to escape death by him. Narada reminded him of all his failures trying to get ride of Krishna anyway he could. This angered Kansa to the point he almost slew Narada, but Narada was able to soothe him by informing him that killing him would decrease his chances of capturing the two sons. Hearing Narada's words inspired him to give it one last try. He gathered the counsel of demons to discuss how he would end the two sons. Kansa had Akrura go to Gokula to announce he was having a great passage of arms to honor youth. Akrura was fond of Kansa, so before they reached Kansa he told him the truth about the event. Kansa had sent demon after demon upon Krishna and Balarama, but they were no match for the strength of the sons. They fought to the death and Kansa was left alone in the middle of the arena. Kansa took the opportunity to end his life with a blow to the face.

Chapter 6: Krishna Founds Dwarka

Krishna and Balarama free Vasudeva and Devaki from prison and inform Kansas father that he is now ruler. But suddenly one of Kansas familial allies raises a countless army and marches against Mathura. Krishna looked around him seeing very few men of Mathura remained and suggested they begin to build a new city. Everyone agrees and the new city of Dwarka is flourishing and prosperous. Jarasandha is angered and equips a plan to bring the new city to ruin. Krishna remembers an old mighty giant and devises a plan to get rid of the army and Kala-Yavana. He succeeds and returns to his beautiful new city.

Chapter 7: Rukmani 

Balarama and Krishna grow to become men who are ready to wed. Balarama marries Revati and Krishna was madly in love with Rukmani. They had both heard great and appealing things about one another, that they vowed to wed one another. She writes him a letter and reveals that she already has a fixed marriage and he cannot ask for her father's permission due to this. She urges him to act swiftly and carry her off from her pilgrimage to the shrine of Ambika when she is either returning or leaving. So Krishna sets out to do as she wishes and they return to Dwarka as prince and princess. They are joyfully greeted and live happily ever after.


Shri Krishna of Dwarka and Other Stories
Author: C.A. Kincaid
Web Source: Shri Krishna of Dwarka Part A