Akrura was a kind hearted man, full of devotion to the Lord. Although he did not relish the prospect of going to Balarama and Krishna to bring them to Mathura, he could not disobey his master s orders. (SSS Vol.24, p. 123)
Such a sattvika person was Akrura. Akrura had persevered for countless lives to achieve Divinity. He had waited patiently for the right time and the right place to meet God. He knew that Narayana had incarnated in Brindavan and was playing there as a cowherd boy. But for every desired objective, the factors of time, cause, and karma must unite. It takes time for a fruit to ripen and detach from its branch. Akrura was a man of great wisdom and looked forward to the right moment to meet Lord Narayana.
The very next day, Akrura proceeded to Brindavan in his chariot. Akrura was a great devotee. “No matter how demonic Kamsa may be, he granted me this chance of meeting the Divine Krishna. I am grateful to Kamsa,” thought Akrura to himself. Akrura entertained pure feelings even toward demons. He reached Brindavan at dusk. His chariot came to a halt in front of Nanda’s house. He went inside but found that Balarama and Krishna were not home. They had gone to the forest with their cows.
Balarama and Krishna returned in a few minutes. Arura’s eyes rested on them. He was spellbound. This was his first time seeing them. He was mesmerized by their brilliance, lotus eyes, and bewitching smiles. He felt an instant attraction to them. He contemplated on Narayana within himself and couldn’t find words to greet Krishna. Krishna, the all-knowing One, asked him many times, “Akrura, O Akrura! For what reason have you come?”
Akrura said, “Krishna! Kamsa has initiated a yaga called Dhanur Yaga. He has sent me to fetch You. This is the partial truth. To speak the whole truth in front of God is my bounden duty. Dhanur Yaga is an excuse for Kamsa to summon You to Mathura. Kamsa plans to kill You there and rule undisputed forever after. Each person has a different feeling toward You.”
The saint Annamacharya sang, Enta Maatramuna Evaru Talachira Anta Maatrame Neevu—Whatever form and attitude You are pictured with, You assume that form. “If people think of You as a man, You behave as a man. If they consider You divine, You appear as God. This multiplicity is not in You but in human attitudes. Krishna, get ready to go to Mathura.” Then Akrura turned to Nanda and invited him also. Kamsa had invited Nanda and other village chiefs for the Dhanur Yaga also.
Some texts say that Nanda and Yashoda were fearful about sending Krishna to Mathura. This is not true. Nanda and Yashoda had witnessed countless instances of Krishna’s Divinity. They had seen Krishna destroy Kamsa’s mighty demons. They were present when He danced on the hood of the serpent Kaliya and subdued it. They knew that Balarama and Krishna could never face danger. All victories wed only God, and they knew Krishna was God.
Nanda had an announcement made in Brindavan that evening: “King Kamsa is conducting a Dhanur Yaga in Mathura. Those who wish to witness the festivities may accompany me.” Many families got ready with chariots, horses and carts, as per their capacity. It was a joyous occasion for everyone—everyone except the gopikas. (SSB 1995, pp. 168-171)
Gopikas appeal to Krishna not to leave them The gopikas got wind of this and immediately rushed to Yashoda s house and asked: "Who is this Krura (cruel fellow) who has come here? He has been named Akrura (a man without cruelty) by mistake, Are Balarama and Krishna to be entrusted to such a cruel person?" They decided to ignore Akrura and appeal directly to Balarama and Krishna not to go with Akrura. However, the main purpose of Balarama s and Krishna s advent was to destroy Kamsa. This task had to be accomplished. Therefore, they could not agree to the gopikas appeal. They got into Akrura s chariot. (SSS Vol.24, p. 123)
Akrura experiences Krishna’s omnipresence
By dusk they reached the banks of River Yamuna. Akrura had to perform Sandhya Vandanam. He instructed Balarama and Krishna to wait in the chariot and went to the river. While praying, when Akrura dipped his head into the water, he saw a vision of Lord Narayana reclining on Adisesha. He perceived the forms of Krishna and Balarama as Narayana and Adisesha. He was confused and lifted his head out of the water.
Krishna and Balarama were in the chariot, conversing animatedly. Akrura told himself, “What a fool I am! How can I limit the Lord? Is He not everywhere?” This was the Grace earned by him. Until the devotee reaches a lofty state, he cannot appreciate God’s omnipresence.
Akrura silently returned to the chariot and took his place. Krishna asked him most unassumingly, “Akrura, your face is so radiant! What happened? Did you see or experience anything extraordinary? Tell us!” Akrura said, “Krishna, My Lord, don’t You know? I saw You.” Krishna casually responded, “I see, you have recognized Me at least now,” and instructed that the chariot proceed to Mathura.
They reached Mathura at night. Balarama and Krishna told Akrura, “Tomorrow is the Dhanur Yaga. So we will not come to your house tonight.” Akrura pleaded, “Where else will
you spend the night, Swami? Please be gracious enough to accept my invitation.” Krishna said, “It is not right for us to come now. You are the messenger of Kamsa today. It is not proper for Me to accept the hospitality of a messenger. This is contrary to the guidelines of diplomacy.”
Akrura’s devotion After Kamsa’s death, Krishna went to Akrura’s house. He had given His word. The Lord never goes back on His promise. Akrura told Krishna, “Swami! I doubted if You had pity on me. You killed Kamsa without any leniency, although he was Your uncle. You have no trace of attachment. We are attached to You, but You are attached to no one. All are equal to You, all are Your relatives. I have recognized this truth about You today. You killed Tataki, although she was a woman. You asked King Bali6 for alms. He surrendered everything to You. And look what You did. You pressed him into the nether worlds with Your Feet! My mind was confused. How could such a strict Lord ever feel kindness and pity toward me? After all, who am I?”
In this manner, Akrura ran to Krishna and embraced Him tightly as soon as He entered his house. Akrura was a highly purified soul. He was completely sattvika in character. Kamsa also knew this truth. That is why Kamsa hand-picked Akrura for the task of inviting Krishna to Mathura. Kamsa realized that Krishna and Balarama would never come to Mathura if they were invited by anyone besides Akrura. Akrura’s heart was so pure that God could never refuse him anything. People who are not familiar with the Bhagavatam consider Akrura to be an ordinary man, or a cruel man. No, no.
Akrura was the embodiment of purity. He had no bodily attachment. He considered everything as God’s property and acted as per the Divine command. He had no trace of attachment, even to his wife and children. He contemplated incessantly on Lord Narayana. Understand the character of such pure devotees and acquire their qualities. (SSB 1995, pp. 173-174/ 181-182)