O wise one, listen to the wondrous tale as it unfolded. The gods, in reverent praise, addressed the divine goddess: “You are the very womb from which planets, stars, and constellations arise, upheld by the vastness of the sky itself. These are but a few of your countless powers, O goddess, for thousands more dwell within you. O sustainer of the worlds, all manner of adornments—oceans, mountains, islands, forests, and cities—lie within your womb. Every village, hamlet, and settlement, O auspicious one, the entire earth, all fires, waters, and each breath of wind are contained within you. The sky, adorned with the marvels of planets, stars, and hundreds of celestial vehicles, provides space for all existence. Earth, atmosphere, heaven, and the higher realms—Mahar, Jana, Tapas, and Brahma—O auspicious one, the entire universe is encompassed within you. Within this universe dwell gods and demons, gandharvas, charanas, mighty serpents, yakshas, rakshasas, spirits, and hidden beings. O illustrious one, all humans, animals, and every living creature—within and without them—abides the infinite Lord, the creator and sustainer of all. He, whose forms and deeds defy definition, whose measures are all things, O Vishnu, dwells within your womb. You are the ether, you are svadhā, knowledge, nectar, and the radiant light in the sky; you are svāhā and svadhā, descending to earth for the protection of all worlds. Be gracious, O goddess. Bestow auspiciousness and peace upon the world. With loving care, you sustain the Lord by whose power the universe endures.” Thus praised by the gods, the goddess bore within her womb the lotus-eyed One, the very cause of the world’s protection. Then, in the stillness of early dawn, to awaken the slumbering world, the great-souled Acyuta appeared before Devakī. The day of his birth overflowed with extraordinary joy and delight in all directions, as moonlight gladdens the world. The virtuous felt their hearts swell with contentment; fierce winds grew gentle; wild animals became calm and peaceful upon Janārdana’s birth. Rivers played melodious tunes, the Gandharva lords sang, and the Apsarases danced in celebration. Gods in heaven and on earth showered flowers, and the sacred fires blazed with tranquil brilliance as Janārdana entered the world. At midnight, when the support of all was born, clouds rumbled softly and rained flowers from the sky. Vasudeva beheld the child, radiant as a blossoming blue lotus petal, with four arms and the Śrīvatsa mark upon his chest. Overwhelmed, Vasudeva praised him, worshipping him with words and a heart full of delight. Yet, mindful of Kamsa’s threat, Vasudeva spoke with humility and concern: “O Lord of gods, bearer of conch, discus, and mace, withdraw this divine form by your grace. Today, Kamsa seeks to kill me, knowing you have descended and are here in my house. You, of infinite form, who holds the worlds within your very being—may you, Lord of gods, manifest as a simple child, and be gracious. Withdraw, O soul of all, this four-armed form so that Kamsa, the wicked son of Diti, does not discover your descent. What you promised me before, desiring a son, is now fulfilled, O goddess; I am born from your womb.” Having spoken, the Blessed One fell silent. Then, Vasudeva, wise and resolute, took up the child during the night and left his house. The guards, their senses overcome by Yogamaya’s sleep, did not perceive Anakadundubhi as he departed from Mathura. That night, as clouds unleashed a heavy rain, Shesha followed Vasudeva, sheltering him with his mighty hood. Carrying Vishnu, Vasudeva entered the deep and swirling Yamuna, the waters rising only to his knees as he crossed. On the far bank, after paying Kamsa’s tax, he saw Nanda and the cowherds who had come from Mathura. At that very moment, Yashoda, overcome by Yogamaya’s sleep, gave birth to a daughter, while all around her remained spellbound. Vasudeva gently placed the boy beside Yashoda and took up the newborn girl, returning quietly to Devakī’s bed. When Yashoda awoke, she beheld her son, dark as a blue lotus petal, and joy filled her heart. Vasudeva, meanwhile, placed the girl upon Devakī’s bed, just as before. Soon, the guards, startled by the child’s cries, awoke and rushed to inform Kamsa of Devakī’s delivery. Kamsa hurried there, seized the girl, but as Devakī, her voice choked with grief, pleaded, “Let her go, let her go,” he was momentarily restrained. Nevertheless, he hurled the child upon a stone slab. Yet, as she was thrown, she remained suspended in the air, assuming a great and wondrous form—armed, radiant, and with eight mighty arms. She laughed aloud, her voice thundering with anger, and addressed Kamsa: “Fool! What will you gain by throwing me? The one who will be your death is already born. He who was once the death of all beings and the gods has now become your doom. Consider this well and quickly act for your own good.” Having spoken, the goddess departed, adorned with divine weapons, fragrances, and ornaments, praised by the Siddhas as she vanished into the heavens before the eyes of the king of the Bhojas. Then Kamsa, his mind deeply disturbed, summoned all the great asuras, led by Pralamba and Keshi, and addressed the foremost among them, preparing for the next fateful turn in this divine play.