Akrura’s Mission

Chapter 38, 39, 40

Akrura’s Arrival: Akrura, enlisted with Kamsa’s orders, was overjoyed to visit Vrindavana, and eagerly anticipated his meeting with Krishna. When he arrived in Gokula at sunset, he stepped off the chariot and immediately rolled in the dust of Krishna’s footprints. He continued to Vrindavana, where he finally saw Krishna and Balarama, throwing him into eruptions of ecstasy. The brothers greeted him and washed his feet, while Nanda Maharaja served him a feast.

Akrura’s Proposal: Akrura reported on Kamsa’s atrocities and his latest plan to kill Krishna and Balarama by summoning Them to Mathura. The two brothers chuckled at Kamsa’s antics and happily agreed to go. The gopis, however, couldn’t bear the thought of separation, fearing Krishna may never return. They severely berated Akrura for taking Krishna away, and tried to stop the chariot, crying out “O Govinda! O Damodara! O Madhava!” Krishna consoled them with a simple message: “I will return.” The gopis were stunned as the chariot pulled away into the distance - their lives rested on that rope of hope that Krishna may well return one day. Krishna, accompanied by a convoy led by Nanda Maharaja, thus travelled towards the city of Mathura.

Akrura’s Vision: When Akrura halted the chariot at the Yamuna, Krishna touched the water for purification and returned. Akrura then went to take his bath and saw Krishna and Balarama in the river! When he returned to the chariot he saw Them sitting there! When Akrura went back to the river again he saw the four- armed form of the Lord being worshipped by eminent personalities! The whole incident completely baffled him.

Akrura’s Prayers: Having witnessed this inconceivable sequence of events, Akrura offered a series of prayers to the Lord. He glorified the various incarnations of Krishna, who periodically appear to drive away the unhappiness of those who joyfully engage in the process of devotional service.