Chapter 74 - Kaṃsa takes steps to ward off his danger

Vyāsa said:

1. Distressed in mind (due to this) Kaṃsa called all Asuras, Pralamba, Keśin and others and spoke to them thus:

Kaṃsa said:

2. O Pralamba of great arms, O Keśin, O Dhenuka, O Pūtanā, may my words be heard by Ariṣṭa and others.

3. It seems attempt is made by the wicked immortal beings, to kill me. Of course they are scorched by my prowess. I do not consider them heroic.

Indra’s younger brother (i.e. Viṣṇu) has been sent by Devas due to the words of the Earth. O my heroic friends, he is already scorched by my valour. I do not mind him at all.

4. O leading Daityas, I am surprised at what is mentioned by that girl. O my heroic friends, the fact that they are straining themselves provokes only my laughter.

5. Still O leading Asuras I have to exert myself to harm those wicked ones, more than what those evil ones may do.

6. “The lord of the past, present and future is born to bring about my death”, So says the girl born of the womb of Devakī.

7. Hence, we have to endeavour very much in regard to boys on the Earth. If any extraordinary strength is visible in any boy he should be killed assiduously.

Vyāsa said:

8. After commanding the Asuras thus Kaṃsa came back to his abode. Without any ill will unto them he spoke to Vasudeva and Devakī.

Kaṃsa said:

9. It was in vain that all your children were killed by me. An entirely different boy has been born to bring about my death.

10. Hence grieve not for what has happened. Who is not killed when his span of life comes to a close? Moreover, it is certain that more sons will be born to you two.

Vyāsa said:

11. O excellent brahmins, after consoling them thus, Kaṃsa delighted them by releasing them. Thereupon, he entered his inner apartment.