Infant Krishna’s Ceremonial Ritual

Srimad Bhagavatam - Infant Krishna’s Ceremonial Ritual and Utkaca's Liberation 

Yasoda desired to perform a ceremonial ablution to her son to commemorate His turning on the bed which coincided with Janma nakshatra (Rohini Star). 

Women were playing musical instruments, some singing songs, and a few others chanting sacred texts. Brahmanas blessed the child and were honoured with clothes, food articles and meals. They were even asked to take away a cow and its calf of their choice.

The infant felt ‘drowsy’ and Yasoda gently put Him to sleep on a cradle underneath a cart undisturbed by others.

For a while, Yasoda was busy honouring her guests and did not hear the cry of her hungry son. Waiting for a suck, He tossed up His feet in an angry mood.

Hit by His tiny feet, the cart turned upside down. The heavy vessels/jars that were filled with milk, ghee, and curd got scattered, and the vessels broke. The wheels of the cart broke open, axle was cut, making a huge noise.

 

Yasoda, Nanda, and Gopikas, who had assembled there, were shocked and couldn't comprehend the situation. Gopalas who were playing there told that the cart was knocked down by the infant while crying. However, the elders did not accept it, as such an effect cannot be caused by an infant. 

Utkaca, a demon, was sent by Kamsa to kill Krishna. He entered the cart in body less form. When the cart was turned upside down, he was crushed by the weight of metal jars and wheels of the cart. 

Utkaca, in his previous birth, was born to Hiranyaksha. He was well built and powerful. He did not harm anyone but crushed trees at Sage Lomasa's hermitage. The Sage cursed him to be body-less, and hence, Utkaca had to survive on air. 

On seeking pardon, the Sage said Srihari would descend in Dwaparyug as Srikrishna, and by the touch of His feet, he would be liberated. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Putana's End and Protection Rituals to the Lord

Srimad Bhagavatam - Putana's End and Protection Rituals to the Lord 

Putana, a demon with a cruel heart, had a tendency to kill babies. Otherwise, she wasn't brave enough. On being instructed by Kamsa, she started searching for newborn babies in every city, village, hamlet in, and around Mathura. 

Camouflage in beautiful dresses, she would get access to newborn babies and would kill them through breastfeed. She wouldn't dare to go near yagna, yaga, and where prayers are conducted to Sriman Narayana.

Demon Putana was moving around in the sky and had a glance at Gokulam. She felt someone was performing a ‘Jatakarma' function, and immediately she landed there. She converted herself into a beautiful woman and entered Nanda's house. 

None stopped her, though she was a stranger. Probably her appearance and beauty befooled everyone. She saw the Lord (baby Krishna) and decided to finish Him. 

The Lord was hiding his prowess, and hence, Putana was not afraid of Him. He recognized Putana even by closing His eyes. He looked innocent. 

Putana took Him on her lap just like a mad person disturbing a python, thinking it as a rope. Breast feeding Him, she planned to inject poison. Yasoda and Rohini and none others suspected her motive. 

The Lord kept His hand on her breast, and in no time, He sucked her life. When it became unbearable, she cried “Stop, Stop”. Her eyes became big, she stretched her legs away and started sweating. In one go, she suffered all the children crying whom she killed.

People around were afraid as she felt dead in demonic form. The Lord was lying safely on her body. With the presence of mind, Yasoda and Rohini ran to take the baby to safety. 

To avoid evil effects on the baby, Yasoda and other Gopicas did “Drshti” rituals. It began with ‘gomutra’ wash to the baby. 

On completion of this ritual, their anxiety came down a bit but were not fully convinced. Gopikas did another ritual called Beejanyasa (while reciting God’s name, touching their body parts and touching the child's similar body part one after the other).

In this way, Yasoda and others sought protection for the child from Sriman Narayana, ‘Who is the protector of all’. 

Nanda and his retinue were returning back to Vraja and were astonished to see the huge body of Putana. They cut the body into small pieces and cremated them. To the surprise of all there came a sweet fragrance. Coming home, they were told the whole incident. Nanda hugged his son and kissed on his forehead (a sort of blessing for long life). 

Putana, in her previous birth, was the daughter of pious King Bali by name Rathnamala. However, her samskara was different from that of her parents. Putana saw Vamana and had a desire that had she been her son, she would have breastfed him. This small desire was fulfilled by Srihari in Dwaparyug and was equally punished for her wrongdoings.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana

Vasudeva Meets Nanda

Srimad Bhagavatam - Vasudeva Meets Nanda

Brindavan, is a part of Gokulam, where Rohini, one of the wives of Vasudeva, lived safely, unknown to Kamsa. Just a few days before Krishna's descent, Rohini gave birth to Sankarshana (Adishesha's descent). 

Gokulam became prosperous and wealthy in Srihari's presence. Nanda, the head of the village, had to visit Mathura to pay annual taxes to the king. Before leaving, he made all arrangements for the protection of his family members and the people.

When Vasudeva was informed about Nanda's visit to Mathura, he went to meet him. Vasudeva was eager to hear the safety and welfare of his sons, Krishna and Sankarshana.

Vasudeva hugged Nanda with love, exchanged warm words, and enquired about people's welfare. He asked, “How is your son (deemed) and my son (Sankarshana)”?

An emotionally disturbed Vasudeva said, “You are fortunate. Though aged (crossed the prime age), you have finally got one. There is no limit to this fortune. 

(Here, the ultimate truth is different. Nanda and Yasoda are guardians and not parents of Krishna).

Vasudeva is grieving for not being fortunate to see his dear divine son. Due to fear of Kamsa, he is prevented from telling this truth to Nanda. 

Vasudeva reveals his inner pain subtly, “We don't get what we desire for various reasons. It is unfortunate to be not with whom we desire, though we like each other.

In the cycle of life, one meeting another is like rebirth (referring to his meeting Nanda after a long period of imprisonment). 

During the rainy season, when water flows, dry leaves, weeds, and sticks come together and move out. They may again join sometime elsewhere. 

What is the use of dharma, artha (wealth) and kama (desires) if people dear to us are unhappy”.

Nanda thought Vasudeva was grieving for his dead sons and said “ Brother, life is based on luck, and happiness depends on luck. The soul has no birth or death. In materialistic life, luck is ultimate”.

Vasudeva enquired Nanda whether tax had been paid and duly informed to the King. 

He subtly warned Nanda about impending danger and asked him to go back to Gokulam without any delay. Accordingly, Nanda and his team went back to Gokulam. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

 

Celebrations at Nanda's Vraja

Srimad Bhagavatam - Celebrations at Nanda's Vraja 

Vasudeva took Krishna to Vraja and placed Him beside Yasoda and, in turn, took her daughter, Yogamaya. Due to the effects of Yogamaya, everyone was put into a deep sleep. 

Yasoda's husband Nanda, unaware of any of these happenings, was overjoyed to hear the birth of a son. 

Nanda, who was fully aware of vedic rituals, immediately called Brahmanas to conduct “Jatakarma”. (It's a ritual that has to be conducted after the umbilical cord is cut and before breast milk is fed to the baby). Soon after the said period restrictions begin (called Purudu). 

The ceremony was done in a hurry. It was followed by tarpana to pitru devatas, devata aradane (worship to Gods) and donations.

Nanda donated 2,00,000 cows to Brahmanas each decorated with gold ornaments. He also donated food articles and clothes in large quantities. News spread quickly about the birth of a son to Nanda and Yasoda.

Gokulam (alias Vraja) was in a festive mood. Each household was cleaned, decorated and displayed art work. Streets were decorated with flowers, colorful clothes and mango leaves.

Cows and calves were cleaned with turmeric paste and were decorated with gold chains. Cowherds too wore colorful dresses and ornaments. 

Women too dressed up well and were eager to see the new born baby and Yasoda. The entire village came to see the baby leaving their jobs. They blessed the child and prayed to Brahma for protection of the child. 

Some sang bhajans, songs and hymns, and few others played instruments. It turned into a sort of Utsav. 

On a question why such a celebration, Sage Sukamuni said Srihari steals the heart of the people. When Srihari Himself has descended, why shouldn't it happen.  

Indeed, there was no regular supply of milk, curd, butter or ghee to neighborhood villages. Milk, curd butter was generously donated. Nanda was very happy and donated cows, clothes to all the guests.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Kamsa Apologizes to Devaki and Vasudeva

Srimad Bhagavatam - Kamsa Apologizes to Devaki and Vasudeva 

Yogamaya slipped away from Kamsa and warned that the divine child is growing elsewhere and his whereabouts are not known to her. Fear overtook Kamsa, and he immediately freed Devaki and Vasudeva. 

He said, “ I am a sinner. I have killed all your children one after the other by hitting them on the floor. Indeed, I had no option. I behaved as if I had no relations. I will have to go to hell for committing Brahmahatya. I don't deserve to live. 

Actually, the divine voice that echoed on that day is responsible for these acts. I never thought devatas utter lies. I believed those words and committed crimes. I am extremely sorry.   

You both are highly revered souls. Each one of us has to bear the fruit of their action. Your children also had to undergo their sufferings. So, don't feel sad.

All living beings have to die one day or the other or move from one place to another. Nothing is permanent. Do not get worried. The soul has no death. I may have attacked the body but not the soul. Even if you feel I have killed your children, it is because of their karmic deeds.

Because of ignorance, one gets misery or gives misery to others. Forgive me as your child, you good hearted souls”.  

He shed tears and fell on her feet. Realizing they were chained, he instructed the guards to remove them. They were asked to go back to their home. 

Devaki, due to her brotherly affection ends her anger. Vasudeva sarcastically said, “ What you said is true. Ignorance is the root cause of sorrow. Beda drishti (differentiation - that I am different from you) leads to sorrow, happiness, greed, emotions, ego, etc. Hence, one attacks another, and people don't recognize the ill effects of it. They always look external”.

Vasudeva, who knew the secret birth of the Lord, brushed aside his talk and went away.

Kamsa felt happy that Devaki and Vasudeva were not angry at him. Going back to his palace, Kamsa called his ministers and detailed them, particularly on Yogamaya's warning.

Upon pondering, they decided to attack Vedas, Yagnas and Yagas, Brahmanas, Cows - all that provide strength to devastas and Srihari.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Yogamaya Warns Kamsa

Srimad Bhagavatam - Yogamaya Warns Kamsa

No sooner Kamsa heard the news of the birth of a baby girl, he quickly got up from his bed and rushed towards the prison where Devaki and Vasudeva were confined. 

Kamsa wasn't even concerned about his physical attire required for a king. With unkempt hair and a bare forehead, he almost ran towards the prison.He approached Devaki to hand over the baby. 

Devaki, who was feeling pity and helpless, said, “It's a baby girl. She is your niece and hence don't kill her. You shouldn't kill girls or women. When you killed my six other babies, I thought it's God's play and remained silent. At least leave this girl baby as I don't think I shall have another one anymore”. 

She held the baby tightly to escape from the clutches of Kamsa. Though Devaki was fully aware of divine intervention, she expressed her sorrow by crying loudly.  

Yet, Kamsa was least perturbed and grabbed the baby and, holding its legs, threw it on the floor with full strength. Selfishness overtook him, and hence, he behaved like a demon.

Before being hit, Yogamaya swiftly moved out and appeared as a Goddess with 8 shoulders. Each arm carried different armaments. She wore divine garland and divine clothes. 

She said,” O fool, what will you get by killing me. The one who is destined to kill you is already born. In your last birth (as Demon Kalanemi), too, he killed you. Do not waste time and accumulate sins by killing innocent children.” Saying so, she disappeared. 

As promised by Srihari, Yogamaya is worshipped at various places under various names.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Srikrishna is Shifted to Nanda's Vraja

Srimad Bhagavatam - Srikrishna is shifted to Nanda's Vraja

Krishna reveals His identity to Vasudeva and Devaki, and thereupon assumes the form of a baby. Vasudeva, wasting no time, placed Him in a bamboo basket covered with soft linen.    

Gate-keepers were deprived of all their cognitive faculties, and the citizens too slept by Yogamaya's power. Prison gates were open by themselves. 

Vasudeva carried Lord Krishna on his head. Clouds rained mildly while Sesa (serpent) followed Him, giving protection. 

Yamuna river afforded passage to divine Krishna. Reaching Nanda's Vraja and finding cowherds buried in sleep, Vasudeva placed his son beside Yasoda and returned to the palace, taking with him Yogamaya, her divine daughter. Yasoda, fully exhausted, was in deep sleep from the effects of Yogamaya.   

Laying the divine baby girl on Devaki’s bed, Vasudeva put on the chains and stood confined as before.

Everything went back to normalcy. Locks were keyed, and guards woke up when they heard the baby's cry. Yogamaya's effect ended by then. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana