Shreemad Bhagavat Mahapuran- Canto: 10, Chapters: 38-39
Shree Shukadevji tells Parikshit that Akrurji set out from Mathura early in the morning on his chariot for Braj. As he travelled, he became deeply absorbed in love and devotion, imagining the blessed moment when he would behold Bhagwan Shree Krishna. Considering himself unworthy, he marvelled at his great fortune, for on that very day he would receive the darshan of those divine feet upon which even great yogis and devtas meditate.
Akrurji reflected that Kans, by sending him, had unknowingly bestowed great mercy upon him, because it was only through this pretext that he would attain the darshan of Bhagwan. Remembering Bhagwan’s divine form, beauty, compassion, and glory, his heart overflowed with devotion. He resolved that the moment he saw Shree Krishna and Balram, he would immediately descend from his chariot, fall at Their feet, and clasp Them in surrender.
For a moment, a doubt arose in his heart, since he was coming as Kans’s messenger, perhaps Bhagwan might see him as an enemy. But at once he consoled himself, knowing that Bhagwan is omniscient, equal to all, and full of compassion. Surely, He would accept him with love. He hoped that Bhagwan would embrace him, place His hand upon his head, and destroy all his sins and karmic bondage.
Filled with faith and eager anticipation, Akrurji felt that his life would attain fulfilment that very day, for he would receive the darshan, touch, and loving grace of Shree Krishna and Balram. Immersed in these thoughts, he reached Nand-gaon by evening, just as the sun was setting.
When Akrurji entered Braj, he saw the sacred footprints of Bhagwan Shree Krishna imprinted upon the earth. At once, divine ecstasy filled his heart. Unable to control himself, tears streamed from his eyes. He descended from the chariot and rolled in that dust, crying out in devotion, “This is the dust of my Prabhu’s lotus feet.”
As he entered further, he saw Shree Krishna and Balram seated near the place where the cows were being milked. Shree Krishna was dressed in yellow garments, and Balram in blue. Their eyes were as beautiful as fully blossomed lotuses. They were in Their charming youth, radiant beyond description. The earth itself seemed beautified by the marks of Their feet, and Their faces shone with sweet smiles.
Recognising Them as the Supreme Bhagwan who had descended to protect the world, Akrurji fell flat at Their feet. Overwhelmed with love and joy, his eyes filled with tears, and he could not speak a word.
Understanding his devotion, Shree Krishna lovingly lifted him and embraced him. Balramji also embraced him with affection. The two brothers then took him to Their home. There, Bhagwan honoured him with great respect. He offered him a proper seat, washed his feet, and received him with loving hospitality. He was served food and given rest, and Balramji honoured him with betel leaves and a garland.
Then Nandbaba affectionately asked him, “How are you all living under Kans’s rule? He is cruel and merciless. How can anyone remain happy in his kingdom?”
Receiving such love and honour, Akrurji’s fatigue vanished, and his heart overflowed with joy. Later in the evening, Shree Krishna approached him and inquired about His relatives and Kans’s actions and intentions.
Bhagwan Shree Krishna said, “Uncle, your heart is pure. I hope your journey was comfortable. Are our relatives and the Yadus in Mathura safe and well? Our uncle Kans has become a great calamity for our family. As long as he lives, how can our family remain in peace?
It pains Me deeply that My parents have suffered so much because of Me. They were imprisoned, and their children were killed. I have long desired to see you all. Today, seeing you, My wish is fulfilled. Please tell Me now, for what purpose have you come?”
In response, Akrurji said, “Kans bears deep enmity toward the Yadu dynasty. He intends to kill Vasudevji. He has sent me to bring You and Balramji to Mathura. Naradji has revealed to him that You are the sons of Vasudevji. Therefore, he plans to call You there and have You killed.”
Hearing this, Shree Krishna and Balramji smiled calmly. They then informed Nandbaba. Nandbaba called all the gopas and said, “Gather milk, curd, and ghee. Prepare offerings and decorate the carts. Tomorrow morning, we shall go to Mathura. We will present our offerings to King Kans and witness the festival.”
The Lament of the Gopis Upon Hearing of Shree Krishna’s Departure to Mathura
Shree Shukadevji tells Parikshit that when the gopis heard that Akrurji had come to take Shree Krishna and Balramji to Mathura, their hearts were struck with deep sorrow. They became intensely distressed. Such was their pain that they began to breathe heavily, and their faces withered in grief. Some gopis became so overwhelmed that they lost all awareness of their clothes, ornaments, and even their own bodies.
Some gopis became completely absorbed in meditation upon Shree Krishna. Losing all awareness of the world, they remembered His graceful walk, His gentle smile, His loving glances, and His divine leelas, and began to weep. Tears flowed continuously from their eyes.
Gathering together, they spoke among themselves, “O Creator, how cruel you are! First you unite us with Shree Krishna, and when our love for Him has fully blossomed, you take Him away from us. This is great injustice. You allowed us to behold His beautiful face, and now you are separating Him from us. This pain is unbearable.
Now the women of Mathura will surely be most fortunate. They will see Shree Krishna and relish His sweet beauty. Perhaps He will remain there and never return to us. And look at this Akrur, how hard-hearted he is. He is taking our beloved Krishna away from us without offering even a word of consolation.
And see, Shree Krishna has already seated Himself upon the chariot. The gopas, too, are preparing to go with Him. Today it seems that fate itself has turned against us.”
The gopis said to one another, “Come, sakhis, let us go and stop our beloved Shyamsundar ourselves. We no longer fear anyone. We cannot live even for a moment without Him.
We spent those divine nights of Raas with Him. His sweet smile, His gentle words, and His loving behaviour made even the longest nights pass like a moment. How shall we now endure this agony of separation?
Every evening He returned from the forest with Balramji and the gopas, after tending the cows. His curly locks and flower garlands were covered with the dust raised by the cows. Playing His flute and casting His loving glances, He filled our hearts with joy. How shall we live without Him now?”
Shree Shukadevji says that although the gopis spoke these words outwardly, within their hearts, there was only Shree Krishna. Overwhelmed by the unbearable pain of separation, they abandoned all shyness and began to cry out loudly, “He Govinda! He Damodar! He Madhav!”
Na jaao, mathura! praanaadhaar
jaani jaani anjaan banahu jani, priyatam Nandakumar
gopin gopan godhan ke ik, tumhin praan saakaar
tumhin bataao tum binu puni kat, rahe praan tanudhaar
ur prateeti na aavati jo kah, aihoun din gaye chaar
kah Kripalu puni Kans nrishansahun, ur dar baarambaar
The gopis continued to weep, and in this way, the entire night passed in tears. With the rising of the morning sun, Akrurji completed his daily duties, mounted the chariot, and began the journey toward Mathura. Nandbaba and the other gopas followed behind on their bullock carts, carrying pots filled with milk, curd, butter, and ghee, along with offerings for the king.
At that moment, the gopis, completely absorbed in love, came near Shree Krishna. Seeing His sweet smile and loving glances, their hearts found a moment’s relief. Yet they remained standing there, unable to move, longing to hear some final words from their beloved.
Bhagwan Shree Krishna saw how deeply distressed they were by His departure. Out of compassion, He sent them a message through His messenger, “I will return again.” These words gave the gopis a small measure of hope and strength.
As long as the flag of the chariot and the dust rising from its wheels remained visible, the gopis stood there motionless, like painted figures. Their bodies remained in Braj, but their hearts had already gone with Shree Krishna.
They held on to the hope that perhaps He might return. But when He did not come back, they slowly returned to their homes, burdened with sorrow. From that day onward, they spent their days and nights singing His divine leelas, enduring the pain of separation, and keeping Him alive within their hearts through remembrance and love.
Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Shreemad Bhagavat Katha [Hindi]- 27.02.2026
