38 / Akrira’s Return Journey and His Visiting
of Visnuloka Within the Yamuna River

Akrira was warmly received by Lord Krsna and Nanda Maharaja and
offered a resting place for the night. In the meantime, the two brothers
Balarama and Krsna went to take Their supper. Akrira sat on his bed and
began to reflect that all the desires which he had anticipated while coming
from Mathura to Vrndavana had been fulfilled. Lord Krsna is the husband
of the goddess of fortune; being pleased with His pure devotee, He can
offer whatever the devotee desires. But the pure devotee does not ask
anything from the Lord for his personal benefit.

After taking Their supper, Krsna and Balarama came to bid goodnight
to Akrara. Krsna asked about His maternal uncle, Kamsa, “How is he
dealing with his friends?” And He asked, “How are my relatives?” He also
inquired into Kamsa’s plans. The Supreme Personality of Godhead then
informed Akrira that his presence was very much welcome. He inquired
from him whether all his relatives and friends were well and free from all
kinds of ailments. Krsna stated that He was very sorry that His maternal
uncle Kamsa was the head of the kingdom; He said that Kamsa was the
greatest anachronism in the whole system of government and that they
could not expect any welfare for the citizens while he ruled. Then Krsna
said, ‘“‘My father has undergone much tribulation simply from My being
his son. For this reason also he has lost many other sons. I think
Myself so fortunate that you have come as My friend and relative. My good
friend Akrira, please tell me the purpose of your coming to Vrndavana.”

After this inquiry, Akrira, who belonged to the dynasty of Yadu,
explained the recent events in Mathura, including Kamsa’s attempt to kill
Vasudeva, the father of Krsna. He related the things which happened after
the disclosure by Narada that Krsna was the son of Vasudeva. Sitting by
Him in the house of Nanda Maharaja, Akrira narrated all the stories
regarding Kamsa. He told how Narada met Kamsa and how he himself was
deputed by Kamsa to come to Vrndavana. Akriira explained to Krsna that

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