Once Shree Hari thought that the Gopis loved him because of his presence there with them. They remembered him because he was with them. Shree Hari then thought to test them to see whether they would remember him even when separated. He then made up his mind to leave for Mathura.
The pot of Kansa’s sins was almost full. Kansa desired to organise ‘Dhanuryagna’ as a conspiracy to kill Shree Krishna. He said, “O Akrura! You go and invite Shree Krishna and Balram from Gokul to participate in the holy fire ceremony.” Akrura rode a golden chariot and came to Gokul to invite Lord Krishna and Balram. He recalled the divine leelas of Shree Krishna during the journey and forgot to drive his chariot. His mind and soul were merged in devotion to Shree Krishna.
Remember God while you walk
People are in habit of looking at the outfits of others whilst walking. They look here and there unsteadily like a stranger. Such look or gaze yields nothing. The scenes fixed in the mind may harm or pollute the mind. A polluted mind cannot be cured easily. It would therefore be better to remember God during walk or travel. Each of our steps in such memory will yield virtuous rewards of Pradakshina. Akruraji teaches us the right way of travelling.
A sinner commits a sin, when he walks. He looks here and there with dirt in his mind. A virtuous soul engages himself in virtuous acts while he walks or travels. He looks at others with kindness and selfless love. Remember God in each step taken. It is a form of devotion. It is not important how much and how long we have lived but what matters is the quality of life that we have lived.
Life improves for the better, if we think good thoughts and act virtuously whilst walking. Such thoughts and acts purify our mind and soul. It encourages the soul to act virtuously. Akrura thought himself to be a humble servant of Lord Shree Krishna. In terms of family relations, he was a friend of Vasudeva’s and also his cousin. Therefore, as per householder relationships, he was the uncle of Shree Krishna. He thought Shree Krishna would not address him by his first name, as he was senior in age and relationship. He would therefore say, “O uncle! Please come and sit beside me.” He thought to himself that this would fulfil his life. Akrura desired earnestly to establish warm relations with Shree Krishna. He thought further and constantly about the various aspects of his meeting with Shree Krishna. The horses and chariot halted midway due to the mental concentration of Akrura. Akrura had travelled from Mathura early in the morning, but not reached Gokul till late in the evening, despite a short distance between the two places.
Akrura saw on his way the signs of Shree Krishna. He saw the sacred footprints of Shree Krishna. He came down from his chariot and did darshan of the sacred footprints. He saw the auspicious marks of divine lotus, flag, goad and others, adorning the footprints. He paid obeisance by placing the dust of Vraj upon his head. He saluted the sacred footprints and the land of Vraj. At late evening, he finally arrived at the house of Nandrai:
(He stopped the chariot at the courtyard of Nand Bhavan. The Gopis rushed to the house of Nandrai and thought amongst themselves about the newcomer and his chariot)
Lord Shree Krishna was serving the cows in the goshala. Akrura ran to him and saluted him by spreading his body on the earth. He soaked the lotus feet of Shree Krishna with the tears flowing from his eyes. Lord Shree Krishna conveyed his blessings by placing his palm on the head of Akrura.
Akrura wished in his heart that Krishna would address him as uncle; he would place, in amnesty, his palm upon his head and would embrace him with love and affection. All knower Shree Krishna looked affectionately at his uncle and said, “O Uncle! You are most welcome. Please hug me with your loving embrace.” Shree Krishna hugged happily his uncle.
There was no limit to the devotional pleasure of Akrurji. Tears of blissful pleasure rolled from the eyes of Akrura. Lord Shree Krishna had granted his wishes and prayers. Akrura received love and respect from Lord Shree Krishna. Worldly respect holds no value against the love and respect granted by God.
Nandrai offered a grand feast to his cousin brother – Akrura. Akrura said, “O Nandrai! Kamsa has organised a magnificent Dhanuryagya in the capital city of Mathura. He has sent me here to invite Krishna and Balram and escort them to the festivities. Kansa has sent with me a golden chariot for Shree Krishna and Balram.
The Gopis saw the majestic chariot of Gold and they rushed to the palace of Nandrai to inquire about the royal vehicle and royal visitor. When they saw the chariot, they thought, “Who could he be? Why has that old man come here?” They consulted among themselves and desired to know from him the aim of his visit. They thought to take him to some lonely corner to probe his intentions. Akrura was like an enemy to them. Was he here to take Shree Krishna away with him?
(The Gopis thought amongst themselves to hide Shree Krishna somewhere so that the visitor could not find him)
The Gopis desired to hide Shree Krishna in the same way as we hide things of our precious liking to protect and save it from the eyes of others. Those that are dear should be protected well with good care. Lord Shree Krishna was very dear to the Gopis.
Another Gopi said, “Our life would be like hell, if we lost him.” A third Gopi said, “The old man has come with a chariot. We should ask him what his name is and what he has come here for?”