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INTRODUCTION
the slaying of Kamsa by Kṛṣṇa who is now adorning the settlement of cowherds as a son of Yasoda and attracting the attention of affectionate Gopis (1-2).
xxvii
One evening Akrūra comes to Gokula; he has the rare opportunity of having an audience with Krsna; and he is plunged in joy at the vision of the divinity (i. 3-8). Kṛṣṇa received him affectionately, inquired about his welfare, treated him with dainty dishes, and expressed joy at his arrival. Akrūra draws the attention of Balarama and Krsna to the fact how, despite their potent valour, Kamsa is waxing strong; and their parents are pining in the prison house. Krsna offers an apologetic explanation that their attachment for their fosterparents is too deep, and then inquires of Akrūra about the special purpose of his arrival (i. 9-14). Akrūra adds in reply that Kamsa, as a rule, does not like anybody going to them; but that he is lucky that Kamsa has sent him to invite Balarama and Kṛṣṇa to Mathura to attend the Bow-festival which, really speaking, is an open pretext to conceal his motive of killing them. Thus Akrūra delivers the royal invitation, indicates Kamsa's intention, and requests the brothers to see whether they would or would not attend the bow-festival at Mathura (i. 16-26). Balarama is in a mood of hesitation, but Kṛṣṇa fearlessly decides that he should start with his party with which his brother agrees; and all of them start for Mathura next morning (i. 27-34).
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Krṣṇa was the very life of Gopis; his departure brings on them deep pangs of separation; they curse Akrūra who took Kṛṣṇa to Mathura; and all of them begin to lament in various ways recollecting the image of Kṛṣṇa and their sports with him in Vṛndāvana (i. 35-55). On the instructions of Krsna Akrüra consoled them requesting them to put up with this temporary separation because Krsna was going out on an important mission (i. 56-60).
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