Devaki

In Hinduism, Devaki (देवकी) is one of the daughters of Devak. She married Vasudeva [1] and mothered Krishna [2] as specified in the ancient Mahabharata (Book 6, section 123 p. 311) [3]

This article is about the mother of Krishna. For other uses, see Devaki (disambiguation).

Devaki
Krishna and Balarama meet their parents (Painting by Raja Ravi Varma)
TextsBhagavat Purana, Mahabharata
Personal information
ParentsDevak (father)
SiblingsKamsa (Cousin)
SpouseVasudeva
ChildrenKrishna

Marriage
Vasudeva and Devaki traveling in a carriage

After the marriage ceremony, Kansa volunteered to escort the newly-weds to Mathura and drove their chariot. A celestial voice proclaims that "The eighth child of this Devaki that you are ferrying shall become your death!" Angered, Kansa rises to kill Devaki but is stopped by Vasudeva who promises to deliver each child to Kansa.[4][5][6]

Imprisonment
Birth and escape of Krishna.

Devaki and Vasudeva Anakadundubhi were imprisoned by Kansa due to a delusion caused by Narada in Kansa's mind.[7][8] Her six children were killed, while the seventh Balarama appeared [9][10][11]

Devaki's six dead sons were named Kírttimat, Sushena, Udayin, Bhadrasena, Rijudasa, and Bhadradeha.[2]

Devaki soon gave birth to Balarama through Rohini as surrogate and Krishna and the babies were Seshanaga and Vishnu[12][13] She protests against the killing of daughter of Nanda and Yashoda but Kansa hurls her on a rock. Yashoda's daughter transforms into an eight-armed goddess says, "Fool your destroyer has already been born elsewhere." And vanishes into the heavens.[12]

Devaki and Vasudeva's imprisonment came to an end after Kansa's death.[14]

Salvation to the Sadgarbhas

Devaki upon hearing how Krishna restored his Guru Sandipani's son wishes to see her own children.[15] Krishna accedes her request and brings the children to Devaki from Patala.[15][16] She nurses them with her milk and they attain heaven.[16]

Death

After the passing of Vasudeva after the Yadu massacre, Devaki cremates herself on Vasudeva's pyre along with his other wives Rohini, Bhadra and Madira.[17]

Devaki temples
A painting of Devaki with Krishna

In the state of Goa, Devaki Krishna Sansthan temple is a unique temple, perhaps is the only temple in India where Lord Krishna is worshiped alongside mother Devaki. The main Deity Devakikrishna and affiliate deities of Bhumika Devi, Laxmi Ravalnath, Mallinath, Katyayani, Chodaneshwar and Dhada Shankar were originally located at Choodamani island (Chorão island of today). To avoid persecution during the Goa Inquisition they were taken to Mayem in Bicholim and from there shifted to the present location at Mashel. The Garbha Griha (inner sanctum) of the temple has the beautiful idol of Devaki and Lord Krishna. The idol of Devaki is in standing posture holding baby Krishna with her left hand.[18]

See also

References
  1. "XIV". The Vishnu Purana: Book IV. Sacred-texts.com. p. 435.
  2. "XV". The Vishnu Purana: Book IV. p. 438.
  3. "123". The Mahabharata: Book VI. Sacred-texts.com. p. 311.
  4. "1". Srimad Bhagavatam: Canto 10. Bhagavata.org.
  5. "1". Srimad Bhagavatam: Canto 10. Bhagavata.org.
  6. "1". Srimad Bhagavatam: Canto 10. Bhagavata.org.
  7. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 25 April 2015. Retrieved 23 December 2016.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. "1". Srimad Bhagavatam: Canto 10. Bhagavata.org.
  9. "2". Srimad Bhagavatam: Canto 10. Bhagavata.org.
  10. "2". Srimad Bhagavatam: Canto 10. Bhagavata.org.
  11. "I". The Vishnu Purana: Book V. pp. 490–491.
  12. "III". The Vishnu Purana: Book V. p. 502.
  13. "3". Srimad Bhagavatam: Canto 10. Bhagavata.org.
  14. "44". Srimad Bhagavatam: Canto 10. Bhagavata.org.
  15. "85". SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM: CANTO 10. Bhagavata.org.
  16. "85". SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM: CANTO 10. Bhagavata.org.
  17. The Mahabharata, Book 16: Mausala Parva: Section 7.
  18. "Devkikrishna Temple, Marcel". www.goatourism.gov.in. Govt of Goa. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
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