In the ancient city of Mathura, there was a cruel king named Kansa. Despite being a powerful ruler, Kansa lived in constant fear because a prophecy foretold that his sister Devaki’s eighth son would be his doom. Terrified by this prophecy, Kansa imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband, Vasudeva, determined to kill any child they bore.
One by one, Kansa ruthlessly killed their first six children. However, the seventh child, miraculously, was transferred to the womb of Vasudeva's other wife, Rohini. This child was born as Balarama, who would later become Lord Krishna's elder brother.
Then came the time for the birth of the eighth child. On a stormy night, in the prison where Devaki and Vasudeva were held captive, Lord Krishna was born. The prison was illuminated by a divine light as the newborn Krishna, with a radiant smile and a celestial aura, brought hope to his parents.
The shackles that bound Vasudeva miraculously fell off, and the prison doors opened by divine intervention. With the storm raging outside, Vasudeva knew he had to protect his son from Kansa’s wrath. Carrying the infant Krishna in a basket, he set off towards the village of Gokul, crossing the tumultuous Yamuna River. The river parted, making way for Vasudeva, who walked with the divine child through the water.
Upon reaching Gokul, Vasudeva exchanged the newborn Krishna with the daughter of Nanda and Yashoda, who were unaware of the divine events taking place. As soon as he returned to Mathura with the baby girl, the prison doors closed, and the chains locked themselves around Vasudeva.
When Kansa came to know about the birth, he stormed into the prison to kill the child. But as soon as he tried to strike, the baby girl slipped from his hands and transformed into Goddess Durga. She warned Kansa that his destroyer was already born and was safe, beyond his reach.
Kansa was filled with dread, but he could do nothing to stop the prophecy. Meanwhile, Krishna grew up in Gokul under the loving care of Nanda and Yashoda. As a child, Krishna became famous for his mischievous acts, his love for butter, and his incredible feats of strength and wisdom. Eventually, he fulfilled the prophecy by returning to Mathura, overthrowing Kansa, and freeing the people from his tyranny.
Janmashtami is celebrated with great joy and devotion, marking the divine birth of Krishna, who symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the power of love and righteousness.