Shloka 10
Kṛṣṇa Enters Mathurā: City Splendor, Devotees’ Reception, and the Washerman’s Fate
भवान् प्रविशतामग्रे सहयान: पुरीं गृहम् । वयं त्विहावमुच्याथ ततो द्रक्ष्यामहे पुरीम् ॥ १० ॥
bhavān praviśatām agre saha-yānaḥ purīṁ gṛham vayaṁ tv ihāvamucyātha tato drakṣyāmahe purīm
君は車を取り、われらより先に都へ入って家へ帰りなさい。われらはここでしばらく休み、その後に都を見に行こう。
FAQs
This verse shows Kṛṣṇa’s deliberate, composed entry into Mathurā—sending Akrūra ahead while He and Balarāma pause, then proceed to observe the city, setting the stage for the Mathurā līlā and the end of Kaṁsa’s tyranny.
Akrūra was a respected Yādava elder and host/contact in Mathurā; Kṛṣṇa courteously asks him to enter first with his companions, while Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma remain briefly and then tour the city, moving thoughtfully within Kaṁsa’s domain.
Kṛṣṇa models respectful etiquette and strategic calm: honor others’ roles, avoid haste, and observe a situation clearly before acting—especially when entering challenging environments.