Akrura was an important member of the Yadava dynasty. He was considered as the paternal uncle of Shri Krishna. His wife was Ugraseni, the sister of Kamsa. Akrura was a member of Kamsa’s royal court.

Akrura was one of Krishna's greatest devotees. He is often mentioned as an example of Vandana Bhakti among the nine forms of devotion.

When Kamsa failed to kill Krishna through various means, he devised a cunning plan. He organized a martial arts competition called Dhanur Yajna in Mathura. He invited Krishna and Balarama to participate, intending to have them killed by wrestlers. Kamsa entrusted Akrura with the task of bringing Krishna and Balarama from Gokula to Mathura with respect and honor.

Akrura always longed to see Bhagavan. This opportunity, though orchestrated by Kamsa, was granted by Bhagavan himself. One can only approach Bhagavan with His permission.

Akrura set out early in the morning from Mathura to Nandgaon with his chariot, thinking, “Today, I will see the beautiful form of my Bhagavan with my own eyes. Krishna will come running to me and lovingly talk to me.”

When he reached Vrajabhumi, he saw Krishna’s footprints. Overwhelmed with joy, Akrura jumped off the chariot, rolled on the ground, and immersed himself in the dust of Bhagavan's feet.

Upon reaching Gokula, Krishna and Balarama embraced Akrura and took him to their home. The next day, the three set out for Mathura. On the way, Akrura stopped by the Yamuna for his daily rituals. As he entered the river, he saw Bhagavan’s reflection in the water. When he turned back, Bhagavan was still seated on the chariot. When he looked into the water again, he saw Bhagavan’s form there too. Akrura realized that Shri Krishna was the omnipresent Supreme Soul.

The place where this divine vision occurred is known as Akrura Ghat, located between Mathura and Vrindavan.

After reaching Mathura, Akrura invited Krishna and Balarama to his house. Krishna told him that he had come to end Kamsa's life and would visit him afterward. After killing Kamsa, Krishna visited Akrura’s house, where he was worshipped and honored. Krishna then instructed Akrura to go to Hastinapura and gather information about the Pandavas.

When Krishna and the Yadavas moved to Dwarka, Akrura accompanied them. It is said that no drought, famine, or hardship would occur wherever Akrura resided. Once, when Akrura left Dwarka for some time, the people suffered greatly. Krishna promptly summoned Akrura back to Dwarka.

Finally, Akrura attained Bhagavan’s divine abode.

Knowledge Bank

Sri Aurobindo about bhakti

Bhakti is not a matter of intellect but of the heart; it is the soul’s yearning for the Divine.

Ashtavakra – The Sage with Eight Deformities

age Ashtavakra, known for his profound teachings on Advaita Vedanta, had eight physical deformities since birth. Despite this, he was a revered scholar and spiritual master. His teachings, compiled in the Ashtavakra Gita, emphasize the non-dual nature of existence.