Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.1.34
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesThe Omen and Devakī’s Joy
“While Kaṁsa, controlling the reins of the horses, was driving the chariot along the way, an unembodied voice addressed him, “You foolish rascal, the eighth child of the woman you are carrying will kill you!””
What the purport teaches
- An unembodied voice warned Kaṁsa that Devakī’s eighth child would kill him. The wording referred to the eighth pregnancy without specifying a son or daughter.
- The purport explains that the unseen demigods encouraged Kaṁsa to offend Devakī. The six sons of Marīci, cursed to be born from her womb, would be delivered upon being killed by Kaṁsa.
- Devakī felt great joy when she understood that the Supreme Personality of Godhead would appear from her womb and kill Kaṁsa.
Try this today
Pause for a moment to reflect on Devakī’s joy at the Supreme Personality of Godhead appearing from her womb.
Ask yourself
What does Devakī’s joy reveal about her response to the Lord’s promised appearance?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.