One day, Sage Garg, the chief priest of the Yadu dynasty, went to the court of King Ugrasena and suggested the hand of Devaki in marriage to King Vasudeva, to be sought from her father, King Devaka, in the presence of Kamsa. (King Devaka was the younger brother of Ugrasena, and thus Devaki was Kamsa's cousin.) King Devaka agreed and gave Devaki in marriage to King Vasudeva on an auspicious day.
As a gesture of affection and great love toward his sister, Kamsa took the reins of the chariot on which King Vasudeva and Devaki were seated and began to drive it. Suddenly, a voice from the sky proclaimed that Kamsa would be killed by the eighth son of Devaki.
Upon hearing this prophecy, Kamsa’s affection turned into rage. He grabbed Devaki by her hair and was about to kill her with his sword. All were stunned with horror. Then, King Vasudeva intervened and implored Kamsa not to kill her, reminding him of the code of chivalry—that she was both a woman and his sister. However, these kind words had no effect on Kamsa.
At last, King Vasudeva promised Kamsa that he would hand over to him every child born from Devaki's womb. Satisfied with this promise, Kamsa spared Devaki and returned to Mathura. Though frightened, King Vasudeva also took Devaki home.
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