From a satsang with Pt. Umadutt Maharaj, Spiritual Leader, SWAHA Bhakti Jyoti Mandali
In the annals of spiritual tradition, the power of genuine prayer and the concept of sharanaagati, or self-surrender, stand as profound pillars of faith, leading to the miraculous interventions of the Lord. The story of the Devas and their appeal to Lord Vishnu illustrates this beautifully.
When the earth was deeply distressed by the atrocities of King Kansa, the Devas turned to Lord Vishnu, the remover of all negativities, the eternal one without beginning, middle or end. The earth, burdened by unrighteousness, cried out for relief. The Devas knew that only the Lord could alleviate the sufferings of His devotees. Their prayers, filled with genuine devotion, reached the Lord, who alone understands the hearts of His devotees and responds to their calls for help.
As devotees, we embrace the concept of sharanaagati, self-surrender. In this state of complete surrender, we adhere to divine injunctions, avoid prohibitions and pour our hearts out at the feet of the Lord. “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya,” we chant, seeking His divine shelter. It is through this act of self-surrender that we invite the miracles of the Lord into our lives.
The miraculous events that followed were a tribute to the power of genuine prayer and self-surrender. Lord Vishnu, in His infinite compassion, manifested Himself once again to rid the earth of its burdens, bringing relief to devotees. True to His promise, He incarnated to destroy evil and re-establish dharma, righteousness.
As King Kansa’s atrocities grew, the Lord’s divine plan unfolded. In the eighth pregnancy of Vasudeva and Devaki, Krishna Bhagavan was born. Manifesting Himself as Viraj Swarupa, the all-pervading form of Vishnu Bhagavan, He appeared in their cell. Kansa, in his fear, had doubled the chains and guards. Yet, Vishnuji chose to appear as an ordinary child to fulfil His divine purpose. He instructed Vasudeva and Devaki to carry Him to Nanda in Vraj and then he transformed into His baby form so that his play on earth could be manifested.
Vasudeva, with Shree Krishna in a basket, faced a torrential downpour. Yet the miraculous intervention continued: all the guards fell asleep, the gate opened and Vasudeva walked to the Yamuna river. Even Sheshnaga, the thousand-headed serpent on which Vishnu Bhagavan rests, appeared to shelter the divine child. Vasudeva crossed the raging river safely, guided by Yogamaya’s divine play. All were asleep in the village of Vraj and he exchanged Nanda’s baby girl with Shree Krishna, ensuring the Lord’s safety.
Kansa, upon hearing of the birth, rushed to the cell. Devaki pleaded for mercy, holding the baby girl. Kanas, believing the prophecy to be false, laughed. But Narad Muni reminded him that the eighth saviour was still alive and would bring about his downfall. Enraged, Kansa attempted to kill the child, but she slipped from his grip, transforming into Devi. She warned him that the true saviour lived and would be his end.
This profound narrative underscores the miracles that genuine prayer and self-surrender to the Lord can bring. It reminds us that in our moments of happiness or despair, turning to the Lord with a sincere heart and complete surrender invites divine intervention and the restoration of righteousness.
