Srimad Bhagavatam – day 771
The beauty of Mathura
Krishna Narayana
Akrūra said,
Yatrādbhutāni sarvāṇi bhūmau viyati vā jale
taḿ tvānupaśyato brahman kiḿ me dṛṣṭam ihādbhutam
O Supreme Lord, all marvellous phenomena exist within You alone. When I have this opportunity to directly look at You, there can be nothing more astonishing in the skies, on earth or in waters. All novelty exists within You alone”.
Having said this, Akrūra, the son of Gādini, continued to drive the chariot. As they passed by the villages, in great delight people thronged to catch a glimpse of Vasudeva’s sons. The villagers, who had been deeply longing to see the brothers, were captivated by them and could not even take their gaze away from them. By sunset the chariot reached Mathura.
Meanwhile, Nanda and other cowherds who had set off on their bullock carts reached Mathura and having camped in a garden were awaiting the arrival of Krishna and Balarama. Krishna arrived there and met them all. Akrūra humbly stood beside them with his head bent low.
Krishna clasped Akrura’s hand and then, with a charming laugh said to him, “Mount your chariot and proceed to your home. We shall unpack our baggage and then proceed to tour the city”.
Akrūra replied, “O Lord, you have limitless love towards your devotees. You both are my protectors. Without you I shall not step into the city of Mathura. I cannot drive this chariot without you both seated in it. Is it right on your part to abandon me?
O Srikrishna! Your form is beyond the reach of the senses. You are the Lord who bestows the ultimate auspiciousness i.e. liberation. Along with Your elder brother Balarama and Your kith and kin who have accompanied You from Brindavan, kindly step into our home and bless us all.
Punīhi pāda-rajasā gṛhān no gṛha-medhinām
Yac-chaucenānu-tṛpyanti pitaraḥ sāgnayaḥ surāḥ
With the dust of Your lotus feet please render pure our house, which is that of a house-holder. Every moment the fore-fathers, Devatas and the sacred fires derive contentment only with such sacred water that has washed Your feet. It was due to washing Your holy feet that Emperor Bali obtained great renown in the past. Furthermore, he was also blessed with unparalleled prosperity and that ultimate state of oneness (sayuja) with You, which is obtainable only by supreme, pure devotees.
O Lord, the sacred water with which Your feet have been washed have rendered purity to all the three worlds. Lord Shiva reverentially holds such water on His head. These waters enabled the 60,000 sons of Emperor Sagara to be freed from their curse and they reached heavens.
Deva-deva jagan-nātha puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtana
Yadūttamottamaḥ-śloka nārāyaṇa namo ‘stu te
O Nārayana! You, who are the Lord of all Lords, are the protector of this universe. Listening to Your transcendental glories and by singing them, the human being obtains purity. O Lord of Yadavas, Your renown is unsurpassed. To You I offer obeisance.”
Krishna replied, “Together with my elder brother I shall visit your home. I shall kill Kamsa, the wrong-doer who has harmed the members of Yadu lineage and shall bring joy to all my friends”.
Although he was unhappy to leave Krishna, Akrura abided by His words and proceeded towards the city. Having appraised Kamsa of the completion of the task assigned to him, he left for his home.
Desirous of exploring the city of Mathura, that evening Krishna set foot into it accompanied by elder brother Balarama and the other cowherd boys. He minutely observed the city which had high arches and domes made of crystals and rubies. This stunning city was made of precious gems and stones. The outer most gates of this city were made of gold. Encircling the arcades made of copper and brass were huge moats making it impossible to enter into them without permissions. Within the city were huge forests and lovely gardens which were enhancing the splendour of the city.
The cross roads, buildings and mansions in the city were surrounded by huge gardens rendering them inaccessible. In every way, the city was designed to prevent easy entry for enemies. Meeting halls and other buildings were made of gold adding magnificence to the city.
The motifs on the arches, rest houses and platforms, the windows and the stony pavements were inlaid with cat’s eye, emerald, blue sapphires, diamonds, crystals, pearls and corals. Pigeons and peacocks were perched on the window sills.
The royal paths, the cross roads and market places were all sprinkled with water and decorated with flowers that were strewn all over. Rice and parched paddy was sprinkled everywhere signalling auspiciousness.
On either side of the main-entrances to the houses there were pots filled with water. Curd and sandal paste had been sprinkled on these pots and they were decorated with flower garlands and rows of lamps. The base of the pots were covered with silken cloth. The top of the pot was decorated with tender shoots, bunches of bananas and betel nut. Beside these pots were flags.
Together with their friends, Balarama and Krishna, the sons of Vasudeva, entered the city from the royal path.”
Krishna Vāsudeva Narayana