Devaki - divine glorious pious, heavenly, godly, celestial

Now we come to the name of another great and divine lady who was Lord Krishna's mother. Her life was one of sacrifice in order to bring this great avatar into the world. She was of royal birth and cousin of King Kamsa. When she got married a divine voice told Kamsa that Devaki's eighth son would kill him. Kamsa wanted to kill Devaki but her young husband, Vasudeva, pleaded for her life saying that they would hand over their children to Kamsa.

Kamsa was a wicked man. He imprisoned Devaki and Vasudava as well his old father who was very attached to Devaki and had himself crowned King. However, despite his evil plans, Lord Vishnu incarnated in the womb of Devaki and escaped the murderous Kamsa, who was eventually killed by Lord Krishna. Yet the noble Devaki had to bear the death of seven of her children at the hands of Kamsa before giving the great gift of Lord Krishna to the world. Such forbearance and strength gives us greater understanding of the name of Devaki. It means divine, glorious and pious. It is the name of one who surrenders to the divine will for the good of all. Devaki also means one who attains the heavenly, godly and celestial. In many bhajans you will find the words Devakinandana which is one of the names of Lord Vishnu and means "the supreme joy of Devaki."