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The Past Life of Vasudeva
In his past life, Vasudeva was a Brahmin, Nand e a. After his parents' death, his family members threw him out of the house. After he was thrown out of his house he was brought up and cared for by a gardener. The gardener had assured him he would marry one of his daughters to him. He was hurt to know that not even one of them liked him and so went to the forest to commit suicide. There a monk saw him and stopped him from doing so. Listening to the monk's discourse he took initiation and began to lead a life of restraint, and austerities. To make his condemnable life fruitful, he made a resolve that whenever he got news of any sick monk, he would first serve him and only then accept food. On account of severe penance he got many attainments (labdhi) so that whatever medicine he required for a diseased monk, he was able to acquire it. Because of this selfless service he became very popular and accumulated great merit (pu ya). He was unable to forget the insult meted out to him by the gardener's daughters, hence he decided that if his penance bears fruit, in the next birth he would like to be loved by women. After death, because of his penance, he obtained to the realm of gods and after completing his life there he was born as Vasudeva at Amdhakavi's house.
Vasudeva and Kamsa
Vasudeva's childhood passed off happily. He was sent to able teachers for appropriate education. When Vasudeva was studying, one day a merchant came with his son to him and said, “This child, Kamsa, will serve you, please keep him with you." Vasudeva agreed to the merchant's request. Kamsa served him and also started learning at the same time.
One day, Jar samdha sent a messenger to Samudravijaya and said, “Whosoever will capture the rebellious king Simharatha of Simhapura, I shall marry my daughter to him and also give a city as a gift.” When Vasudeva got the message, he requested Samudravijaya that he may be permitted to capture Simharatha and present him. Samudravijaya heeded Vasudeva's request and sent him off with a strong army to fight. Simharatha faced Vasudeva. After a fierce battle, Vasudeva's army was weakened. Seeing this Vasudeva instructed his charioteer Kamsa to take
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