मायापूतन जीवितापहरणं गोवर्धनोद्धारणम् ।
कंसच्छेदन कौरवादि हननं कुंतीसुतां पालनं
एतद् भागवतं पुराणकथितं श्रीकृष्ण लीलामृतम् ।।
māyāpūtana jīvitāpaharaṇaṃ govardhanoddhāraṇam .
kaṃsacchedana kauravādi hananaṃ kuṃtīsutāṃ pālanaṃ
etad bhāgavataṃ purāṇakathitaṃ śrīkṛṣṇa līlāmṛtam ..
Commencing with birth from Devaki, growing in the house of gopis, taking away the life of Poothana, lifting the Govardhana, killing Kamsa, annihilating the Kauravas, protecting the sons of Kunti, this is the traditionally related Bhagavata – the nectar of the wonderful and pleasing acts of Sri Krishna.
Detailed Explanation:
The Adau Devaki Devi shlokam is a beautiful summary of the divine deeds (leelas) of Lord Krishna as described in the Bhagavata Purana. Let’s dive into its meaning and significance:
Adau Devaki Devi Garbha Jananam (आदौ देवकि देवि गर्भ जननं):
This line refers to the miraculous birth of Lord Krishna to Devaki, the wife of Vasudeva. It symbolises the beginning of the divine play (leela) of Krishna on Earth. This event is described elaborately in the Bhagavata Purana in the 10th Canto which starts with śrīkṛṣṇāvatāropakramaḥ.
Gopigrihe Vardhanam (गोपीगृहे वर्धनं):
After his birth, Lord Krishna was raised by Nanda baba and Yashoda mata in Gokul. Here, he grew up amidst the love and care and performed various childhood plays (Balaleelas) that endeared him to the hearts of the residents of Vrindavan.
Mayaputana Jivitapaharanam (मायापूतन जीवितापहरणं):
This refers to the incident where Lord Krishna, as an infant, suckled the life out of the demoness Putana who was sent by the evil king Kansa. Krishna’s divine nature is showcased here, as he effortlessly vanquishes the demoness and protects the inhabitants of Vrindavan.
Govardhanodharanam (गोवर्धनोद्धारणम्):
Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan parvat (hill) on his little finger to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra. This act symbolises Krishna’s compassion and his ability to protect his devotees from any adversity.
Kamsa Chedana Kauravadi Hananam (कंसच्छेदन कौरवादि हननं):
Krishna’s slaying of the tyrant King Kansa and his subsequent role in the Mahabharata war, where he serves as a charioteer for Arjuna, symbolises his role as a protector of Dharma and the vanquisher of evil forces. Because Krishna has promised this in Geeta:
Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya Glanirbhavati Bharata
Abhythanamadharmasya Tadatmanam Srijamyaham
– chapter 4, verse: 7-8
Kuntisutam Palanam (कुंतीसुतां पालनं):
Krishna’s protection and guidance to the sons of Kunti, the Pandavas, throughout their trials and tribulations in the Mahabharata war underscore his role as a friend, philosopher, and guide to his devotees.
