Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 11
Kṛṣṇa Enters Mathurā: City Splendor, Devotees’ Reception, and the Washerman’s Fate
श्रीअक्रूर उवाच नाहं भवद्भ्यां रहित: प्रवेक्ष्ये मथुरां प्रभो । त्यक्तुं नार्हसि मां नाथ भक्तं ते भक्तवत्सल ॥ ११ ॥
śrī-akrūra uvāca nāhaṁ bhavadbhyāṁ rahitaḥ pravekṣye mathurāṁ prabho tyaktuṁ nārhasi māṁ nātha bhaktaṁ te bhakta-vatsala
Śrī Akrūra said: O master, without the two of You I shall not enter Mathurā. I am Your devotee, O Lord, so it is not fair for You to abandon me, since You are always affectionate to Your devotees.
FAQs
In this verse Akrūra addresses Kṛṣṇa as “bhakta-vatsala,” affirming that the Lord is especially affectionate to His devotees and does not neglect their dependence on Him.
Akrūra’s devotion is such that he sees no value in Mathurā—or any duty—if it requires separation from Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma; he pleads to remain in their company.
Like Akrūra, a devotee can place spiritual relationship first—seeking divine guidance in major decisions, praying for steadiness, and avoiding choices that weaken one’s connection to sincere devotion.