Who were the six sons of Devaki killed by Kamsa in their previous lives?

Our scriptures are replete with stories that blend divinity, karma, and rebirth. Among these, the story of the six sons of Devaki, who were killed by Kamsa, stands out due to its profound karmic implications. These six sons, known as the Shadgarbhas, had a significant past that led to their tragic deaths and eventual liberation. This article delves into the intricate narrative of their previous lives, the curses they endured, and the divine intervention that ultimately freed them.

The Shadgarbhas: A Brief Overview

Who were the Shadgarbhas?

The Shadgarbhas were six illustrious Munis (sages) from the Swayambhuva Manvantara, the first Manvantara of this Kalpa. They were the sons of Mareechi, one of the ten ManasaPutras (mind-born sons) of Brahma. Known for their wisdom and scholarship, their story took a tragic turn due to a moment of disrespect towards Brahma.

The Curse of Brahma

The Offense and Its Consequence

One day, the Shadgarbhas laughed at Brahma, the creator, for reasons that remain unspecified in most texts. This act of disrespect angered Brahma, who cursed them to be reborn as the sons of an Asura (demon) named Kalanemi.

Rebirth as Sons of Hiranyakashipu

From Asuras to Tapasvis

The Shadgarbhas were reborn as the sons of Hiranyakashipu, a powerful demon king. Despite their demonic birth, they retained a faint memory of their divine origins and sought to propitiate Brahma to lift the curse. Their penance pleased Brahma, who granted them a boon of near-immortality, making them invincible to Devas (gods), Gandharvas (celestial beings), and other Asuras.

Hiranyakashipu’s Curse

A Father’s Fury

When Hiranyakashipu discovered his sons had sought blessings from Brahma, he was enraged. Viewing Brahma and the Devas as enemies, he cursed his sons to be banished to Pathala (the netherworld) and to sleep there for hundreds of thousands of years.

The Role of Kalanemi Reborn as Kamsa

The Cycle of Rebirth

In a later life, Kalanemi was reborn as Kamsa, the tyrant ruler of Mathura. According to the divine plan, the Shadgarbhas were to be reborn as the sons of Devaki and Vasudeva, only to be killed by Kamsa, their former father in an earlier life.

The Divine Plan and Narada’s Role

Narada’s Intervention

Narada, known for his complex role in many myths, played a crucial part in ensuring the Shadgarbhas’ curse was lifted. When Kamsa was initially indifferent to the birth of Devaki’s first six sons, Narada reminded him of the prophecy and instigated him to kill them. This act was not out of malice but was intended to release the Shadgarbhas from their curse.

Unraveling the Karma

Understanding the Divine Interlink

The events surrounding the births and deaths of the Shadgarbhas are a testament to the interconnectedness of karma and divine will. Each action, curse, and rebirth served a greater cosmic purpose, often misunderstood when viewed in isolation.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi