Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 37
Akrūra’s Journey to Vraja and His Devotional Vision of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma
सङ्कर्षणश्च प्रणतमुपगुह्य महामना: । गृहीत्वा पाणिना पाणी अनत्सानुजो गृहम् ॥ ३७ ॥ पृष्ट्वाथ स्वागतं तस्मै निवेद्य च वरासनम् । प्रक्षाल्य विधिवत् पादौ मधुपर्कार्हणमाहरत् ॥ ३८ ॥
saṅkarṣaṇaś ca praṇatam upaguhya mahā-manāḥ gṛhītvā pāṇinā pāṇī anayat sānujo gṛham
As Akrūra stood with his head bowed, Lord Saṅkarṣaṇa [Balarāma] grasped his joined hands, and then Balarāma took him to His house in the company of Lord Kṛṣṇa. After inquiring from Akrūra whether his trip had been comfortable, Balarāma offered him a first-class seat, bathed his feet in accordance with the injunctions of scripture and respectfully served him milk with honey.
FAQs
This verse shows Lord Balarāma personally embracing the bowed guest and leading him inside by the hand—illustrating affectionate, respectful reception as a devotional virtue.
Because the visitor approached with humility (praṇata), and Balarāma, being great-hearted, responded with intimate kindness—embracing him as a mark of honor and affection.
Receive guests with warmth and dignity—acknowledge humility with kindness, and offer personal attention rather than mere formality.