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
El magnánimo Saṅkarṣaṇa (Balarāma) abrazó a Akrūra, que estaba inclinado, tomó sus manos juntas y, junto con Śrī Kṛṣṇa, lo condujo a Su casa.
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.