Chapter summary
चोरपुरवैभवम् Cora Pura Vaibhavam
The Glory of Chorapuram
**Śrī Sadguru said:**
On the banks of the Nityapushkarini lake, a place frequented by the most eminent sages, stands a magnificent Ashvattha tree, lush with countless leaves. There, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in His Varaha incarnation draws the reverence of great souls, devout Vaishnavas, and the foremost among Vedic scholars. At the very base of this sacred Ashvattha tree reside the finest Vedic Brahmins, deeply absorbed in penance, scriptural study, and unwavering devotion to Vishnu. (v.1-3)
Indeed, this king of Ashvattha trees is none other than Lord Nārāyaṇa Himself, and any meritorious deed performed at its base is swiftly brought to fruition. Married women, too, approach this auspicious king of trees with devotion, adorning it with turmeric, *kumkuma*, *akṣata* (sacred rice), and fragrant flowers. They perform circumambulations daily in the morning, with particular emphasis on Mondays that coincide with a new moon. Through the grace of this king of trees, married women undoubtedly attain the blessing of a son, for faith alone is the true means to achieve such fruit. (v.4-7)
From the town of Chorapuram, a virtuous married woman named Sumati (meaning 'Good-minded') faithfully performed these circumambulations of the king of trees each day. Alas, her husband, Durmati (meaning 'Wicked-minded'), had fallen under the sway of a courtesan, abandoning his blameless wife. This foolish and wicked man, living as a thief, stole wealth to lavish upon the courtesan, with whom he sported day and night. Addicted to liquor and intent on consuming meat, he was forsaken by friends and relatives, choosing to live solely with the courtesan. Despite having such a husband, Sumati, her heart heavy with anxiety, continued her daily worship of the Ashvattha tree with unwavering faith. (v.8-12)
With eyes brimming with tears, the beautiful Sumati bowed before Bhūvarāha [Lord Varaha, the Boar Incarnation of Vishnu, worshipped on earth] and prayed, "Grant good sense to my husband." One morning, after completing her circumambulation of the Ashvattha tree, she offered the consecrated *kṛsara* (a dish of rice and lentils) to a *Brahmachari* [a celibate student]. A twelve-year-old *Brahmachari* boy appeared, uttered the blessing, "May a son like me be born to you," and then vanished. With a heart filled with joy, Sumati then worshipped Varaha with devotion and proceeded towards her home. (v.13-16)
Trusting the words associated with the king of trees, Sumati remained in her home, ever wishing for her husband's good sense, awaiting his return. Then, the beautiful woman heard the distressing news: "The thief Durmati has been seized by the king's servants and is being taken to prison!" Casting aside all shame and fear, the virtuous woman ran in haste, weeping, to the king's presence, desiring to free her husband. There, seeing the king and her own husband standing before him, Sumati implored, "Grant me the alms of my husband's life!" (v.17-20)
**The King said:**
"In a fit of anger provoked by the courtesan, your husband murdered a wealthy man and stole all his possessions during the night. He is to be executed by my decree, O virtuous one. Therefore, return to your home. Dharma indeed slays the killer; Dharma protects those who protect it." (v.21-22)
**Śrī Sadguru said:**
Thus addressed, Sumati sought refuge with the king of trees, the giver of shelter, desiring the boon of a son. Thereupon, Lord Varaha, entreated by the king of trees, Himself became a witness. Vishnu immediately manifested in the king's court. Seeing the radiant and profoundly peaceful Brahmin, the king bowed with devotion and inquired about the reason for his arrival. (v.23-25)
**The Brahmin said:**
"I reside daily in Chorapuram, having mastered the Vedas, O king. My name is Bhūvarāhāchārya. Know that Sumati, who has come here, is my own daughter, and her husband Durmati has been imprisoned by you. It was the courtesan herself who killed the wealthy man at night and falsely laid the blame upon Durmati, who was at home. Having considered this properly, may the punishment be given by you." Having spoken thus, the Brahmin, who was none other than Vishnu, the foremost among illusionists, departed. (v.26-29)
The king, having duly considered the matter and pondered the words of Bhūvarāha, understood it to be the divine play of the Lord and released Durmati. Filled with profound repentance, Durmati transformed into Sumati (good-minded) and faithfully performed the rites of atonement. Endowed with good conduct, he, alongside Sumati, respectfully worshipped the Ashvattha tree and the merciful Varaha. To that Brahmin couple, a son was indeed born, and all the good deeds performed by Sumati bore their desired fruit. Thus, by the mere sight of Varaha and by the circumambulation of the king of trees, all married women undoubtedly obtain progeny. (v.30-34)
Here ends the thirteenth chapter, named 'The Glory of Chorapuram', in the Second Part of the 'Divyadesavaibhavam' composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.
Thus ends Chapter 13, named "Cora Pura Vaibhavam", in Dvitīya Bhāge, in the Divya Deśa Vaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.
