Akrura Arrives at Vrindavan

Akrura Arrives at Vrindavan

by Fattu. Bhagwat Puran Series.
Kangra School. Mid-18th century AD.

           Krishna's days at Vrindavan were coming to an end. Akrura had arrived at Vrindavan to take Krishna and Balrama to Mathura as Raja Kansa had called them. Akrura  has arrived in the morning when the village is just getting up. The cows are still in the shed; the women are gossiping in the veranda; the calf is running to its mother; the Gopas are reaching Krishna's house for taking the herd of cows for grazing. Akrura  informs the aged Nanda and Yashoda about the invitation. The old milkman, who has just heard the news, is wonder struck. But the terrible news is yet to travel through the village. The royal chariot awaits to take Krishna and Balaram to Mathura.
          Fattu is very subtle in creating suspense, and in capturing the brewing tension. If Raja Kansa has 'invited' Krishna nad Balaram, either they will be killed or imprisoned. Vrindavan would lose its heros.  Yet we all know that Raja Kansa was inviting his own death.
        At times what may appear to be a disaster,  ends up being a blessing in disguise. Reality can be tricky. We react to situations; we need to respond to it after taking all the relevant factors into account.  Surely Raja Kansa could not kill a divinity like Krishna. The battle between good and evil has just begun.