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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Singular devotion to the Lord

 

CHENNAI, SEPT. 1. Devotion to God is an end in itself and not

just a means to liberation. Devotees who have by dint of their

love and faith in the Supreme Being attained this acme of

devotion are rare and they are dear to the Lord because they

revel in Him and in activities concerning Him only. The cowherd

maidens of Gokul and Akrura distinguished themselves as such

sterling devotees.

 

Kamsa sent Akrura to Brindavan to fetch Krishna and Balarama to

set the elephant Kuvalayapida on them as he increasingly became

paranoid about the threat to his life after listening to the

miraculous deeds of Krishna and wanted to finish Him off. Though

Akrura did not like the nature of his mission, in his heart of

hearts he was overjoyed that he would be meeting Krishna.

 

Throughout the journey he ruminated over the impending meeting

visualising in his mind Krishna's adorable form and wondered,

``What noble act has been performed by me, what supreme austerity

has been gone through by virtue of which I am going to behold Sri

Krishna? My birth has become fruitful in that I shall bow to the

lotus feet of the Almighty Lord that are fit to be meditated upon

by Yogis.''

 

Contemplating on Krishna all the way Akrura arrived in Vraja and

saw the footprints of the Lord, the sacred dust of whose feet is

borne on their heads by His devotees. Jumping down from the

chariot with tears of joy brimming in his eyes he rolled on the

footprints exclaiming that this was the end to be attained by

only the fortunate, said Sri Jayarama Sarma in his discourse.

 

Soon he saw the two brothers and his joy knew no bounds. He was

welcomed warmly in Nanda's house and Krishna and Balarama waited

upon him personally. Thus Akrura realised more than he had hoped

for and apprised them about his mission. The news that Krishna

and Balarama would be leaving for Mathura spread like wild fire

in the cowherd community and naturally the Gopis directed their

ire at Akrura.

 

Afflicted at the very thought of separation from Krishna and

bemoaning their lot as they woke up to the reality that Akrura

would take Him away anyhow, they remarked snidely that Akrura

(one who is not cruel) should not have been the name of such a

ruthless fellow who was extremely hardhearted in that he was

going to take Krishna, who was dearer than life, not caring to

comfort them who were sorely distressed. These Gopis had because

of their single-minded devotion been favoured by the Lord during

the ``Rasakrida'' and Akrura also was bestowed with the vision of

His cosmic form while accompanying Krishna to Mathura.

 

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