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
सङ्कर्षणो महामना: प्रणतं तम् उपगुह्य पाणिना पाणी गृहीत्वा, अनुजेन सह तं गृहम् अनयत्।
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.