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Exceptional devotion

CHENNAI: The mark of consummate devotion to God is a mind centred on Him totally, which is an end in itself. Such devotees consider it a blessing whenever they get an opportunity to behold Him, listen to His glory and engage in acts of service to Him that further their devotion. Akrura was an exemplary devotee who considered it an honour when Kamsa despatched him to bring Krishna and Balarama to Mathura with an invitation to participate in the bow sacrifice. One can imagine Akrura’s state of mind then. He was at once beside himself with joy that he was being given a chance to meet the Lord but at the same time the intention with which Kamsa was sending him (to kill Krishna) was not at all to his liking. But wise as he was, he told Kamsa he would do his bidding warning that Providence would prevail.

In his Harikatha, Kalyanapuram Sri R.Aravamudachariar said Akrura set off the next morning to Gokul and throughout the way his mind contemplated in anticipation about his meeting with Krishna and how He would receive Him. That he considered it his greatest fortune to meet the Lord is evident for he thought, “What noble act has been performed, nay, what supreme austerity has been gone through or again what gift has been bestowed on a worthy recipient by me, by virtue of which, I am going to behold Sri Krishna… Kamsa has done me a great favour today…”

Then Akrura let his imagination run riot savouring every detail of their meeting, how Krishna would address him as His uncle, embrace him and extend a ceremonial reception to him. He also consoled himself that Krishna would not entertain any ill-feeling towards him even though he was Kamsa’s messenger as the omniscient Lord would know he was His devotee. His mind thus preoccupied with the Lord, Akrura arrived in Vraja at sunset and to his delight beheld footprints of Krishna on the ground with auspicious signs in them. His eyes blinded with tears of ecstasy, he at once jumped down from his chariot and rolled in the dust of His feet considering himself blessed. And to his great joy Krishna smiled and hugged Akrura to Himself exactly as he had anticipated.

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