THE LIVING ARCHIVE
About Akrura
The family genealogy places him among the sons of Shvaphalka and names Devavan and Upadeva as his own sons. His place within the Yadava network gives him access to Mathura’s ruler and to the relatives living under Nanda’s care, while his inner allegiance rests with Krishna.
Kamsa orders him to bring the brothers to Mathura under the invitation to a festival. Akrura accepts the commission, but does not conceal its danger from them. Once received in Vraja, he describes the king’s hostility and the murderous purpose beneath the proposed wrestling event.
AT A GLANCE
Identity & Context
- Identity
- Epic Figure
- Form
- Yadava elder / household figure
- Tradition
- Vaishnava · Puranic · Mahabharata
- World & Associations
- Vraja; Mathura; Dvaraka
Family & Relationships
- AllyKrishna
Family Context
These relationships follow the traditions described here. Some details remain uncertain and should not be treated as a single universal genealogy.
THE STORY
Life & Stories
Story Connections
- Journey to Mathura
- Vision in the river
ROLE & ESSENCE
Attributes & Significance
Akrura carries out the journey while making clear that he does not share Kamsa’s murderous purpose. He tells the brothers what the king intends. His mission moves the narrative from the household world of Vraja toward the confrontation that will free their relatives in Mathura.
TRADITION & MEANING
Traditions & Interpretations
Akrura sees the brothers in the river and then still seated on the chariot. The repeated looking explains his astonishment: familiar companions remain physically present while the vision discloses a divine reality he had not previously seen in that way.
The gopis call Akrura cruel because he takes Krishna away from them. Their words express the pain of separation, while his own thoughts express devotion. The narrative allows these different experiences of the same departure to remain visible.
From the Sacred Texts
Explore the sacred texts behind these stories in the Suvarnaveda library.
Artwork & Archive Notes
Objects & Emblems
No named weapon or artifact is specified in this profile’s reference record. This does not establish that the figure never used one.
Visual Identity
Where artwork is shown, it is a contemporary illustrative interpretation. This reference record does not establish a fixed portrait, colour scheme, or complete set of iconographic attributes for this figure.
Tradition Note
The accounts belong to Vaishnava / Puranic / Mahabharata. Genealogy, theological interpretation, and portrayal can differ between texts and regional retellings.
FOLLOW THE THREADS
Connected Cards
8 connected profiles. Every path leads to an original record.
The Sacred Library3
Artifacts, Divine Treasures & Relics1
Akrura displays the jewel and is allowed to keep it safely.
Characters & Cosmic Entities4
Akrura brings Krishna from Vraja and receives a divine vision.
Balarama accompanies Krishna in Akrura’s chariot.
Akrura accepts the invitation mission but reveals the plot.
Nanda honours Akrura during the visit.