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This is the beautiful story of Yashoda and Krishna, one of the most loved mother-son relationships in history. It shows Yashoda’s endless love, Krishna’s playful mischief, and their deep bond that lasts across lifetimes.
Characters in the story:
Lord Krishna: Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and revered deities in Hinduism. He is worshiped as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu and is known for his divine teachings in the Bhagavad Gita and for his role in the epic Mahabharata.
Mata Yashodha: Mata Yashodha is a prominent figure in Hindu scriptures and is known as the foster mother of Lord Krishna. She is celebrated for her devotion and unconditional love towards Krishna during his childhood.
Nanda: Nanda is most commonly known as the foster father of the god Krishna. He was a cowherd and a loyal follower of the god, and played a significant role in Krishna’s childhood and upbringing.
Lord Vishnu: Lord Vishnu is one of the three major deities in Hinduism, known as the preserver of the universe and the protector of dharma (righteousness). He is often depicted with four arms holding a conch shell, a discus, a mace, and a lotus flower.
The relationship between Yashoda and Krishna is one of the most beautiful and celebrated mother-son bonds in history. Yashoda’s boundless love for Krishna has inspired countless works of art and continues to touch hearts to this day. She played an essential role in Krishna’s childhood, witnessing His enchanting leelas (divine playful acts).
One day, Rishi Narada visited the home of Nanda and Yashoda, only to witness an extraordinary moment. Little Krishna, ever the mischievous child, had been tied to a grinding stone by Yashoda as punishment for His naughtiness. Narada, awestruck by this divine scene, exclaimed, “Enna Thavam Saidhanai, Yashoda,” which means, “What great penance have you performed, Yashoda, to be granted the power to chastise the Supreme Being?” Here was Lord Narayana Himself—the Creator, Sustainer, and Destroyer of the universe—humbly allowing His foster mother to scold and discipline Him like an ordinary child.
Krishna was a playful and mischievous child who loved to have fun. Whether it was stealing butter or playing with His friends, Krishna always found ways to make Yashoda smile. Even when He was being naughty, Yashoda responded with love and patience, understanding that His playfulness was an inseparable part of who He was.
Why Was Yashoda Chosen to Be Krishna’s Foster Mother?
Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva, but destiny chose Yashoda and Nanda to raise Him. It was Yashoda, not Devaki, who experienced the joy of watching Krishna’s playful childhood and witnessed His divine leelas. While Devaki gave Him life, Yashoda gave Him her heart and soul.
A famous story captures the depth of their bond. One day, little Krishna, while playing, put sand into His mouth. Concerned, Yashoda asked Him to open His mouth. What she saw left her speechless—the entire universe was inside! She saw the multiple galaxies, and Lord Narayana resting on the divine serpent Adishesha, with Goddess Mahalakshmi by His side.
This extraordinary bond was no accident. According to Hindu scriptures, in their previous birth, Yashoda and Nanda had performed intense penance to please Lord Vishnu. When He appeared before them, they made a heartfelt request—to have the privilege of raising Him as their child. Lord Vishnu, moved by their devotion, granted their wish, even though He, the Creator, had never before known the depth of a mother’s love. Thus, in His Krishna avatar, it was Yashoda who was chosen to be His foster mother.
A Mother’s Unfulfilled Wish and Her Second Chance
When Krishna left Mathura, Yashoda never saw Him again. Years later, on her deathbed, she finally reunited with Him. While overjoyed to see her son, she expressed a deep regret—she had never witnessed His marriages. Krishna, understanding her sorrow, promised that her wish would be fulfilled in her next life. He assured her that when He took His next avatar as Lord Venkateshwara, she would once again be His mother, this time as Vakula Devi.
Yashoda as Vakula Devi
In the Kali Yuga, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Venkateswara. True to His promise, Yashoda was reborn as Vakula Devi, His foster mother. Vakula Devi played a pivotal role in arranging His marriage to Padmavati, the daughter of King Akasa Raja. This time, she had the joy of seeing her son’s wedding, fulfilling her long-cherished dream.
Around 300 years ago, a temple dedicated to Vakula Devi was built on the Perurubanda hillock near the scenic Perur village. The idol of Vakula Devi faces the Seven Hills, the sacred abode of her beloved son, Lord Venkateswara.
A Bond Beyond Time
The love between Yashoda and Krishna transcends the boundaries of a mother-son relationship. Yashoda’s tender care and affection for Krishna blossomed into a deep devotion, known as Vatsalya Bhakti—a mother’s love that transforms into unwavering faith. Her story reminds us of the divine beauty of selfless love, a love so pure that even the Supreme Being cherishes and honors it.
