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