Yashoda facts for kids
Yashoda (Sanskrit: यशोदा) is a very important person in the ancient stories of Hinduism. She was the wife of Nanda, who was the chief of a cow-herding village called Gokul. Yashoda is most famous for being the foster mother of Krishna, one of the most beloved gods in Hinduism.
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Who Was Yashoda?
Yashoda lived in a village named Gokul. She was known for her kindness and love. She and her husband, Nanda, wished for a child of their own. Their story is mainly told in the ancient Hindu text called the Bhagavata Purana.
Yashoda and Baby Krishna
One day, the god Vishnu was born as a baby named Krishna. He was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in a prison. To protect baby Krishna from his evil uncle Kamsa, Vasudeva secretly brought Krishna to Gokul. He swapped Krishna with Yashoda's newborn baby girl.
Yashoda then raised Krishna as her own son. She loved him deeply and cared for him with all her heart. Krishna was a very playful and sometimes mischievous child. Yashoda often had to scold him or try to keep him out of trouble.
Krishna's Childhood Pranks
Krishna was known for his fun pranks. He would often steal butter from the pots in the village. Yashoda would try to catch him, but he was very clever. One famous story tells how Yashoda tied Krishna to a grinding stone. This was to stop him from causing more mischief. Even then, Krishna used his divine power to pull down two trees.
Yashoda saw many amazing things while raising Krishna. She sometimes saw glimpses of his divine nature. Once, when Krishna ate some dirt, Yashoda asked him to open his mouth. Inside his mouth, she saw the entire universe. This showed her that Krishna was no ordinary child.
Yashoda's Importance
Yashoda is seen as a symbol of pure motherly love. She represents the deep bond between a mother and her child. Her love for Krishna was unconditional. She cared for him, protected him, and taught him. Even though she was not his birth mother, she was his true mother in every way that mattered.
Her story teaches us about devotion and selfless love. She is honored in many Hindu traditions. People remember her for her role in Krishna's life. She helped him grow up strong and ready for his important tasks.
Images for kids
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Yashoda bathing the child Krishna. An illustration from a Bhagavata Purana manuscript, around 1500 AD.
See also
In Spanish: Iashodá para niños
