Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 45
Parīkṣit’s Questions and the Prelude to Kṛṣṇa’s Advent
Earth’s Burden, Viṣṇu’s Order, and Kaṁsa’s Fear
एषा तवानुजा बाला कृपणा पुत्रिकोपमा । हन्तुं नार्हसि कल्याणीमिमां त्वं दीनवत्सल: ॥ ४५ ॥
eṣā tavānujā bālā kṛpaṇā putrikopamā hantuṁ nārhasi kalyāṇīm imāṁ tvaṁ dīna-vatsalaḥ
As your younger sister, this poor girl Devakī is like your own daughter and deserves to be affectionately maintained. You are merciful, and therefore you should not kill her. Indeed, she deserves your affection.
FAQs
In 10.1.45, Vasudeva argues that Devakī is a helpless young woman and should not be killed, appealing to dharma and compassion toward the innocent.
Kaṁsa was about to kill Devakī after hearing the prophecy about his death; Vasudeva tried to stop him by reminding him she was his own sister and by appealing to his reputation as compassionate.
It teaches restraint and moral courage—protecting vulnerable persons and refusing to justify cruelty, even when fear, anger, or self-interest pressures one to act violently.