Akrura was mightily pleased that he would see the lotus feet of Rama and
Krishna. His devotion to Krishna knew no bounds and he knew full well
that, whatever his mission might be, the Lord would find out his inward
devotion. At sunset he reached Gokula and, on seeing Rama and Krishna,
fell down at their feet. They duly honored him. Nanda also shewed every
respect to Akrura. At night Akrura made a clean breast of everything to
Rama and Krishna, telling how Kansa oppressed the Yadus, how Narada
informed him of their presence in Vraja and who they were, how he
planned their death, and the mission on which he sent him. Rama and
Krishna only laughed. The next morning they informed Nanda about the
command of the king. Nanda asked the Gopas to prepare themselves with
presents.
And the Gopa girls? Who could measure the depth of their sorrow? Their
plaintive strains were most heart-rending. They wept They followed the
chariot carrying Rama and Krishna. Krishna to console them sent word
that he would come back. At last the chariot became invisible and the
Gopis went back to their homes.
On reaching the banks of the Yamuna the brothers took their bath in the
river and refreshed themselves with its water. They took their seat
again in the chariot. Akrura asked their permission and went to bathe.
He plunged himself in the waters and duly performed the ablution
ceremonies. He made a _japa_ (repeated recital) of Veda Mantras. But lo!
he found before him Rama and Krishna. They were in the chariot. How
could they appear then? He rose and saw the boys were really seated in
the chariot. He plunged himself once more and saw in the waters the
serpent king Ananta, with a thousand heads and a thousand crowns,
dressed in blue clothes, white in body, adored by Siddhas, Charanas,
Gandhavas, and Asuras. Embraced by him was the dark Purusha, dressed in
yellow clothes, with four hands, adored by the Rishis.
Akrura made salutations and adored the Purusha with folded hands.
Krishna then withdrew his form, as a play is withdrawn from the stage.
Akrura got up and took his seat in the chariot.
Krishna said: -- "Akrura, you look as if you have seen something
unusual." Akrura replied: -- "What is there in the universe that is not
in thee. When I have seen thee, I have seen everything." They drove on
again and at last reached Mathura.