Devki

People in Shastras

Devki was the wife of Vasudev and mother to Krishna Bhagwan. When Kansa was leading the marriage procession of Vasudev and Devki through Mathurā, God spoke from the sky and said, “Devki’s eighth child will slay you.” Nāradji added, “How will you know which of the eight children will kill you? Kill all of her eight children.” Kansa killed six of Devki’s children. When the seventh child was born, Yogmāyā used her powers and transferred Devki’s unborn child to Rohini’s womb. When Devki was carrying her eighth child, Kansa tightened the security. On the night of Shrāvan vad 8, Krishna was born to Devki. That same night, Yashodā gave birth to a daughter. Vasudev carried Krishna overnight to Yashodā and swapped the infants. Kansa killed Yashodā’s daughter, who was actually Yogmāyā. Krishna grew up with Yashodā. Years later, Krishna killed Kansa, relocated to Dwarkā and married 16,108 queens. Though they saw happier days, Vasudev’s and Devki’s tears never dried up - meaning, they never got to experience the happiness of raising their son.