Nand, the
foster father of Lord Krishna, the entire village called
Gokul were joyous that a male child heir was born. He and
his wife Yashoda were childless for a long time and had
became old and this was a boon for them. They did not know
that the baby was not theirs but the real parents were
Vasudeva and Devaki. The entire village celebrated the birth
in grand style and money was spent lavishly in giving gifts
of grains, cows etc., to poor, Brahmins etc.,
It must also
be remembered that Vasudeva's other wife Rohini was under
Nand's protection and she had also delivered a male child,
who would be called Balarama, elder brother of Lord Krishna.
This baby, seventh in line, was transferred from the womb of
Devaki. Lord Krishna was the eighth baby. Earlier six babies
were killed by Kamsa. Both Lord Balarama and Lord Krishna
are half brothers, the mothers are different.
Nand had to
pay annual taxes to Kamsa, who was based in Mathura. He took
the taxes in various forms to Mathura and paid his dues. He
was called upon by Vasudeva anxious to know about the
welfare of both his children. Vasudeva knew that both his
children were under Nand's protection and that Nand's
daughter had disappeared in the heavens. Obviously he could
not inform Nand of that, at that moment.
Vasudeva knew
that Kamsa had ordered killing of all babies born within 10
days. He was anxious about his children and enquired about
the welfare to Nand. Nand knew that all the babies of
Vasudeva were killed and that the last baby, a girl, had
disappeared in the heavens. Nand consoled Vasudeva after
assuring that his own children were safe at Gokul. He did
not know that Kamsa had sent his various agents to kill the
new born babies in the last 10 days, all over the land.
Vasudeva after getting assured that all was well told Nand
to return home quickly, as there might be trouble and
disturbances in his village. Nand always respected Vasudeva
for his wisdom and sagacity and planned to return to his
village at the earliest.
End of
Chapter 4
Written
by Madhavan Gopalachary
