Antecedents: Vishnu – Brahma – Atri – Chandra – Budha – Pururavas – Aayus – Nahusha – Yayati – Yadu (as per Agnipurana, Chapter 12) Yadu -Sahasrajit – Shathajit – Hehaya – Dharma – Kunti – Bhadrasena – Dhanaka – Kritavirya – Kartaviryarjuna – Madhu – Vrishni (as per bhagavata Navamaskanda Chapter 23) Vrishni (from whom Vrishnivansha starts) – Yudhajit – Shini – Satyaka – Satyaki – Jaya – Kuni – Anamitra – Prishni – Shwapalka – Akrura (as per bhagavata Navamaskanda Chapter 24)

Birth: Shwalpaka, who elonged to the Vrishnivansha married Nandini, the princess of Kashi. Akrura was born to them. He was Krishna’s maternal uncle, and was also his devotee. As per Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 220, he was the commander of the Yadava army. According to Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 185, verse 18, he was also present at Panchali’s swayamvar. As per Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 218, verse 10, when Subhadra eloped with Arjuna, there was a festival in the Raivatha mountains, which Akrura attended. According to Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 220, verse 29, Akrura accompanied Krishna to deliver Subhadra’s dowry. As per Mahabharata Virataparva Chapter 72, verse 22, Akrura arrived at a town called Upaplavya for Abhimanyu’s wedding. According to Mahabharata Shantiparva Chapter 81, verse 9-11, Akrura and Aahuka quarreled continuously on who was Krishna’s real ally.

In order to kill Krishna and Balabhadrarama, Kamsa used the pretext of a Chapapuja that he organised. He sent Akrura to fetch them from Ambadi. Akrura, being a Krishna devotee, warned Krishna and advised him to kill Kamsa. Akrura also fought at Krishna’s side during his battle with Jarasandha. Once Akrura was also sent to Hastinapura by Krishna, Balarama and Udhava to inquire about Kunti and the Pandavas. There, he spent time with his sister Kunti and Dhritarashtra, before returning to Dwaraka. (all as per Bhagavatha Dashamaskanda) Akrura also went to Hastinapura later as Krishna’s envoy. (check Krishna)

Akrura married Sutanu, the daughter of Ahuka and Devaka and Upadevaka were born to them, as per Bhagavatha Dashamaskanda. For Akrura and the Syamantaka gem, check Kritavarma.