Akrūra’s Journey to Vraja and His Devotional Vision of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma
पप्रच्छ सत्कृतं नन्द: कथं स्थ निरनुग्रहे । कंसे जीवति दाशार्ह सौनपाला इवावय: ॥ ४१ ॥
papraccha sat-kṛtaṁ nandaḥ kathaṁ stha niranugrahe kaṁse jīvati dāśārha sauna-pālā ivāvayaḥ
ナンダ王はアクルーラに尋ねました。「ダシャールハの子孫よ、あの無慈悲なカンサが生きている間、あなた方はどうやって暮らしているのですか。あなた方はまるで屠殺者に飼われている羊のようだ。」
This verse portrays the insecurity felt by the righteous when a cruel, unmerciful ruler remains in power—life feels as vulnerable as “sheep with a butcher,” highlighting the need for divine protection and dharmic relief.
Akrūra had come from Mathurā, where Kaṁsa ruled. Nanda, after receiving him respectfully, naturally asked about the welfare of the Yādavas living under Kaṁsa’s hostile regime.
Nanda’s words teach empathy and responsible leadership—true devotees and guardians worry about others’ safety under injustice, while remembering that real protection ultimately rests with the Lord.