*SHRI KRISHNA
Key ideas: Hinduism, Krishna, Janmashtami, Bravery
Most of you celebrate your birthdays. Do you know that many children in India still celebrate the birthday of a boy who was born nearly 5,000 years ago? He was born in a prison in Mathura.
His uncle Kaunsa was the king of Mathura. His mother's name was Devki. It was said by the wise men that Kaunsa would be killed by a child of his sister Devki. Kaunsa was afraid of this; he kept his sister and her husband Vasudeva in the prison. This cruel king then killed, one by one, seven children of Devki and Vasudeva. When the eighth child was born at midnight, there was a miracle. The guards slept, and Vasudeva put his new-born son in a basket. He crossed the Yamuna river and came to the village named Gokul.
Vasudeva left his son with his friend Nanda and his wife Jashoda. These faithful friends gave their own new-born daughter to Vasudeva, who returned with her to the prison.
When king Kaunsa heard of the child's birth in prison, he killed the baby, but Devki's son was safe at Gokula. This was Krishna.
Everyone in Gokul loved Krishna very much. As he grew up, he played with cow‑herds and teased the milkmaids. He ate away their curds and broke their pots. They complained to Jashoda, yet they loved him. He played the flute and its sweet music made them forget everything else.
Even as a boy Krishna was very brave. He fought against the deadly snake called Kali, who troubled the people of the village.
News of this brave young boy reached his cruel uncle Kaunsa. He felt sure that this lad was his own nephew. He feared that Krishna would one day kill him. He made many plans to kill Krishna, but without success.
At last, Kaunsa invited Krishna to attend a grand feast at Mathura. His plan was to kill Krishna but it was Krishna who killed Kaunsa. The words of the wise men came true. Cruel Kaunsa met his death at the hands of Devki's son. Krishna then set his parents free from the prison.
It is his birthday that is still celebrated by millions of Hindus wherever they are. This day is known as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokul Ashtami.
From: Religion in the Multi-Faith School
Ed. W. Owen Cole