Mother Earth Seeks Refuge

 64. Srimad Bhagavatam - Mother Earth Seeks Refuge and Vasudeva Weds Devaki

King Parikshit was eager to know more about Srikrishna, the one who saved his life when he was in his mother's womb, and who guided his grandfather and grand uncles.

He requested Suka Muni to detail Srikrishna’s life on why he was born in the Yadu dynasty, who is the mother of Balarama - Devaki or Rohini, and why he killed kamsa, his own maternal uncle?   

Suka Muni was pleased and said, “Oppressed with adharma, Mother Earth in cow form with wet tears sought Lord Brahma intervention. Daityas, disguised as humans, became rulers and nurtured adharma.

Brahma, along with Mother Earth, Lord Shiva, and devatas proceeded to Vaikunta, the adore of Lord Srihari to seek his intervention. Brahma recited his prayer (Purusha Sukta) and awaited the Lord's response.

A divine voice was heard to Brahma, giving directions for the future course of action. Thereafter, Brahma told devatas to immediately be born as Yadus or send their form to the earth and await Srihari's appearance. The Lord will walk on earth and will do the needful to reduce the burden of Mother Earth. 

Lord Adishesha, a part manifestation of Lord Srihari, will precede Him as His elder brother. The divine Maya (potency) of Lord Srihari will also be born to assist Him”. Having instructed, Brahma returned to His abode.

Vasudeva Weds Devaki 

Mathura is the capital city of the Yadava kings, and Surasena, chief of Yadavas, was residing in that city. Vasudeva, son of Surasena, married Devaki and was on the way home on a chariot.  

Prince Kamsa, son of King Ugrasena and cousin of Devaki, offered to become a charioteer. The procession started in a grand manner with conch, clay TomTom, and kettledrum sounds.

Just then, an ethereal voice from the sky was heard warning Kamsa that the eighth child of Devaki would slay him. Kamsa grew ferocious, seized his cousin Devaki by hair, and with sword in hand proceeded to kill her.

The highly blessed Vasudeva pleaded hard to convince kamsa to desist from such action.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana