The Prophecy and the Tyrant
The day Kamsa drove his newlywed sister Devaki home in her wedding chariot, a heavenly voice spoke: "Kamsa, the eighth child of this woman you celebrate will kill you."
Kamsa drew his sword to kill Devaki on the spot. Her husband Vasudeva begged for her life. Kamsa imprisoned them both. Each time a child was born, he came and killed it.
Six children died this way.
The Invitation
When Krishna had grown to adolescence, Kamsa — who had heard of the remarkable young man in Vrindavana — arranged a great festival and wrestling tournament in Mathura, inviting Krishna and his brother Balarama.
It was not really an invitation. It was a trap. Kamsa had arranged for a wild elephant to kill them at the city gates, and after that, his two greatest wrestlers to finish them.
The Festival
Krishna and Balarama entered Mathura. The elephant charged. Krishna caught it, wrestled it, and killed it. The wrestlers entered the arena. Balarama killed one; Krishna killed the other.
The crowd was split — some terrified, some roaring with approval.
Then Krishna climbed the royal dais where Kamsa sat.
Kamsa drew his weapon. Krishna caught him by the hair, pulled him from his throne, and threw him to the arena floor. He jumped on Kamsa's chest.
Kamsa died.
The Liberation
The *Bhagavata* records something remarkable: Kamsa's mind had been fixed on Krishna from the moment of the prophecy. For years he had been obsessed with this child — fearing him, planning against him, sending assassins to kill him.
This constant meditation on Krishna, however hostile, was still meditation on the Lord.
Kamsa was liberated at the moment of his death.
Krishna himself freed his parents from their chains. Ugrasena was restored to his throne. Devaki, who had spent so many years in imprisonment, wept with joy to embrace the son she had been separated from since his birth.