लक्ष्मीस्थलमाहात्म्यम् Lakṣmī Sthala Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

Formerly, in a village named Lakṣmīsthāna, there was a very wealthy merchant renowned as Dhanapāla, who was the foremost among the greedy.

śrīsadgururuvāca

dhanapāla iti khyātaḥ śreṣṭhī pūrvaṃ mahādhanaḥ

lakṣmīsthānābhidhe grāme vartako lobhināṃ varaḥ

धनपालः · dhanapālaḥ — the merchant named Dhanapāla

इति · iti — thus/named

ख्यातः · khyātaḥ — renowned

श्रेष्ठी · śreṣṭhī — merchant

पूर्वम् · pūrvaṃ — formerly

महाधनः · mahādhanaḥ — very wealthy

लक्ष्मीस्थानाभिधे · lakṣmīsthānābhidhe — in the village named Lakṣmīsthāna

ग्रामे · grāme — in the village

वर्तकः · vartakaḥ — merchant/trader

लोभिनां · lobhināṃ — of the greedy

वरः · varaḥ — the best/foremost

पूर्वं लक्ष्मीस्थानाभिधे ग्रामे धनपाल इति ख्यातः महाधनः श्रेष्ठी वर्तकः आसीत्। सः लोभिनां वरः च।

the merchant named Dhanapāla · thus/named · renowned · merchant · formerly · very wealthy · in the village named Lakṣmīsthāna · in the village · merchant/trader · of the greedy · the best/foremost

This verse introduces the protagonist, Dhanapāla, establishing his character as a wealthy but greedy merchant to set the stage for his eventual downfall and spiritual lesson.

He never gave alms to the poor. Though censured by his relatives, he did not understand the suffering of others.

dānaṃ dīnajanebhyaśca na karoti kadācana

garhito bandhubhiścāpi paraduḥkhaṃ na veda saḥ

दानम् · dānaṃ — charity/alms

दीनजनेभ्यः · dīnajanebhyaḥ — to the poor people

च · ca — and

न · na — not

करोति · karoti — does

कदाचन · kadācana — ever

गर्हितः · garhitaḥ — censured/criticized

बन्धुभिः · bandhubhiḥ — by relatives

अपि · api — even

परदुःखम् · paraduḥkhaṃ — others' suffering

न · na — not

वेद · veda — knows/understands

सः · saḥ — he

सः दीनजनेभ्यः दानं कदाचन न करोति। बन्धुभिः गर्हितः अपि सः परदुःखं न वेद।

charity/alms · to the poor people · and · not · does · ever · censured/criticized · by relatives · even · others' suffering · not · knows/understands · he

This verse illustrates Dhanapāla's lack of compassion, which serves as the primary moral failing that leads to the loss of his fortune.

Fearing the loss of his wealth, he did not even desire his own comfort. Constantly increasing his riches, he guarded them like a Yakṣa.

vittanāśabhayādeṣa na svasaukhyaṃ ca vāñchati

dhanaṃ sadā vardhayaṃśca pālayatyeva yakṣavat

वित्तनाशभयात् · vittanāśabhayāt — from fear of wealth loss

एषः · eṣaḥ — he

न · na — not

स्वसौख्यम् · svasaukhyaṃ — his own comfort

वाञ्छति · vāñchati — desires

धनम् · dhanaṃ — wealth

सदा · sadā — always

वर्धयन् · vardhayan — increasing

पालयति · pālayati — guards

एव · eva — indeed

यक्षवत् · yakṣavat — like a Yakṣa

एषः वित्तनाशभयात् स्वसौख्यं न वाञ्छति। सः सदा धनं वर्धयन् यक्षवत् पालयति एव।

from fear of wealth loss · he · not · his own comfort · desires · wealth · always · increasing · guards · indeed · like a Yakṣa

This verse highlights the irony of his miserliness; he hoards wealth to the point of self-deprivation, acting more like a guardian of treasure than a master of it.

Lakṣmī has no fixed abode; she is fickle by nature. Therefore, in this world, neither poverty nor wealth is permanent.

sthiravāso nāsti lakṣmyāścalā saiṣā svabhāvataḥ |

dāridryaṃ dhanikatvaṃ ca na sthiraṃ bhuvane tataḥ

स्थिरवासः · sthiravāsaḥ — fixed abode

न · na — not

अस्ति · asti — is

लक्ष्म्याः · lakṣmyāḥ — of Lakṣmī

चला · calā — fickle/moving

सा · sā — she

एषा · eṣā — this

स्वभावतः · svabhāvataḥ — by nature

दारिद्र्यम् · dāridryaṃ — poverty

धनिकत्वम् · dhanikatvaṃ — wealth

न · na — not

स्थिरम् · sthiram — permanent

भुवने · bhuvane — in the world

लक्ष्म्याः स्थिरवासः नास्ति, सा स्वभावतः चला। ततः भुवने दारिद्र्यं धनिकत्वं च स्थिरं न।

fixed abode · not · is · of Lakṣmī · fickle/moving · she · this · by nature · poverty · wealth · not · permanent · in the world

The Sadguru introduces a philosophical reflection on the nature of Lakṣmī, explaining that wealth is transient, which serves as the foundational lesson for Dhanapāla's transformation.

A rich man may become poor, and a poor man may become rich. This is the way of the world; therefore, one should practice Dharma.

dhaniko'pi daridraḥ syāddaridro dhaniko bhavet

eṣā hi laukikīrītistasmāddharmaṃ samācaret

धनिकः · dhanikaḥ — a rich man

अपि · api — even

दरिद्रः · daridraḥ — poor

स्यात् · syāt — may become

दरिद्रः · daridro — a poor man

धनिकः · dhaniko — rich

भवेत् · bhavet — may become

एषा · eṣā — this

हि · hi — indeed

लौकिकी · laukikī — worldly

रीतिः · rītiḥ — way/custom

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

धर्मम् · dharmaṃ — Dharma

समाचरेत् · samācaret — should practice

धनिकः अपि दरिद्रः स्यात्, दरिद्रः धनिकः भवेत्। एषा हि लौकिकी रीतिः, तस्मात् धर्मं समाचरेत्।

a rich man · even · poor · may become · a poor man · rich · may become · this · indeed · worldly · way/custom · therefore · Dharma · should practice

This verse provides the practical application of the previous philosophical point, urging the reader to prioritize Dharma over the accumulation of transient wealth.

Gradually, all the wealth of that merchant was taken away by his brothers, relatives, thieves, wives, sons, and kings.

**7. Pained by the loss of his fortune, he was constantly worried. He started various businesses again and again.

bhrātṛbhirbandhubhiścorairdāraiḥ putraiśca rājabhiḥ |

hṛtaṃ sarvaṃ dhanaṃ tasya śreṣṭhinastu śanaiḥ śanaiḥ

भ्रातृभिः · bhrātṛbhiḥ — by brothers

बन्धुभिः · bandhubhiḥ — by relatives

चोरैः · coraiḥ — by thieves

दारैः · dāraiḥ — by wives

पुत्रैः · putraiḥ — by sons

राजभिः · rājabhiḥ — by kings

हृतम् · hṛtaṃ — taken away

सर्वम् · sarvaṃ — all

धनम् · dhanaṃ — wealth

तस्य · tasya — his

श्रेष्ठिनः · śreṣṭhinaḥ — of the merchant

शनैः शनैः · śanaiḥ śanaiḥ — gradually

शनैः शनैः तस्य श्रेष्ठिनः सर्वं धनं भ्रातृभिः बन्धुभिः चोरैः दारैः पुत्रैः राजभिः च हृतम्।

by brothers · by relatives · by thieves · by wives · by sons · by kings · taken away · all · wealth · his · of the merchant · gradually

This verse depicts the inevitable loss of Dhanapāla's wealth, illustrating the consequences of his attachment and lack of Dharma.

santataṃ cintayāmāsa vittanāśena duḥkhitaḥ

vārtāvṛttiṃ ca vividhāṃ prārebhe sa punaḥ punaḥ

सन्ततम् · santataṃ — constantly

चिन्तयामास · cintayāmāsa — worried/thought

वित्तनाशेन · vittanāśena — due to loss of wealth

दुःखितः · duḥkhitaḥ — pained/distraught

वार्तावृत्तिम् · vārtāvṛttiṃ — business/livelihood

विविधाम् · vividhām — various

प्रारेभे · prārebhe — started

सः · saḥ — he

पुनः पुनः · punaḥ punaḥ — again and again

सः वित्तनाशेन दुःखितः सन्ततं चिन्तयामास। सः विविधां वार्तावृत्तिं पुनः पुनः प्रारेभे।

constantly · worried/thought · due to loss of wealth · pained/distraught · business/livelihood · various · started · he · again and again

This verse captures the merchant's psychological state of distress, showing how his obsession with wealth leads to a cycle of anxiety and futile effort.

There too, his wealth was lost time and again. Having fallen into debt, he attained sorrow and was condemned by his relatives.

tatrāpi naṣṭamevābhūddhanaṃ tasya muhurmuhuḥ

ṛṇī bhūtvā śucaṃ prāpa bandhubhiścāpi ninditaḥ

तत्रापि · tatrāpi — there too

नष्टम् · naṣṭam — lost

एव · eva — indeed

अभूत् · abhūt — became

धनम् · dhanaṃ — wealth

तस्य · tasya — his

मुहुर्मुहुः · muhurmuhuḥ — again and again

ऋणी · ṛṇī — in debt

भूत्वा · bhūtvā — having become

शुचम् · śucam — sorrow

प्राप · prāpa — attained

बन्धुभिः · bandhubhiḥ — by relatives

अपि · api — also

निन्दितः · ninditaḥ — condemned

तत्रापि तस्य धनं मुहुर्मुहुः नष्टमेवाभूत्। सः ऋणी भूत्वा शुचं प्राप, बन्धुभिः अपि निन्दितः च।

there too · lost · indeed · became · wealth · his · again and again · in debt · having become · sorrow · attained · by relatives · also · condemned

The culmination of his worldly failures is presented here, as the merchant falls into debt and social disgrace, setting the stage for his spiritual seeking.

All kinsmen exist through wealth, and so do friends. A wife and sons exist through wealth, and a happy home exists through wealth alone.

arthena bāndhavāḥ sarve hyarthena suhṛdastathā

arthena bhāryāputrau ca hyarthenaiva gṛhaṃ sukham

अर्थेन · arthena — by wealth

बान्धवाः · bāndhavāḥ — kinsmen

सर्वे · sarve — all

हि · hi — indeed

सुहृदः · suhṛdastathā — and friends

भार्यापुत्रौ · bhāryāputrau — wife and sons

च · ca — and

एव · eva — only

गृहम् · gṛhaṃ — home

सुखम् · sukham — happy

सर्वे बान्धवाः अर्थेन हि, तथा सुहृदः अर्थेन। भार्यापुत्रौ च अर्थेन, गृहं च अर्थेन एव सुखम्।

by wealth · kinsmen · all · indeed · and friends · wife and sons · and · only · home · happy

This verse reflects the cynical worldly wisdom that Dhanapāla has acquired, where human relationships are viewed through the lens of material utility.

In this world, one is respected because of wealth; one without wealth is contemptible. In this world, a wealthy man is a scholar; one without wealth is considered a fool.

arthena pūjyo loke'smin garhaṇīyo'rthavarjitaḥ|

arthavān paṇḍito loke hyarthahīno jaḍaḥ smṛtaḥ

अर्थेन · arthena — by wealth

पूज्यः · pūjyo — respected

लोकेऽस्मिन् · loke'smin — in this world

गर्हणीयः · garhaṇīyo — contemptible

अर्थवर्जितः · arthavarjitaḥ — devoid of wealth

अर्थवान् · arthavān — wealthy man

पण्डितः · paṇḍito — scholar

लोके · loke — in the world

अर्थहीनः · arthahīno — wealthless

जडः · jaḍaḥ — fool

स्मृतः · smṛtaḥ — considered

अस्मिन् लोके अर्थेन पूज्यः, अर्थवर्जितः गर्हणीयः। लोके अर्थवान् पण्डितः, अर्थहीनः जडः स्मृतः।

by wealth · respected · in this world · contemptible · devoid of wealth · wealthy man · scholar · in the world · wealthless · fool · considered

This verse concludes the merchant's lament, highlighting how society equates wealth with virtue and intellect, reinforcing his sense of social alienation.

Dhanapāla, having lost his wealth, was abandoned by all his relatives. He went to his family priest, a Brahmin, and narrated his sorrow.

dhanapālo hyarthahīnastyaktaḥ sarvaiśca bandhubhiḥ|

gatvā purohitaṃ vipraṃ nijaduḥkhaṃ nyavedayat

धनपालः · dhanapālaḥ — Dhanapala

हि · hi — indeed

अर्थहीनः · arthahīnaḥ — devoid of wealth

त्यक्तः · tyaktaḥ — abandoned

सर्वैः · sarvaiḥ — by all

बन्धुभिः · bandhubhiḥ — by relatives

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

पुरोहितं · purohitaṃ — to the priest

विप्रं · vipraṃ — the Brahmin

निजदुःखं · nijaduḥkhaṃ — his own sorrow

न्यवेदयत् · nyavedayat — narrated

धनपालः अर्थहीनः सन् सर्वैः बन्धुभिः त्यक्तः । सः पुरोहितं विप्रं गत्वा निजदुःखं न्यवेदयत् ।

Dhanapala · indeed · devoid of wealth · abandoned · by all · by relatives · having gone · to the priest · the Brahmin · his own sorrow · narrated

This verse marks the turning point where Dhanapāla, having hit rock bottom, seeks spiritual guidance. It sets the stage for the priest's intervention, shifting the narrative from worldly suffering to divine wisdom.

The priest, a virtuous soul, consoling the merchant, then narrated a sacred account, an ancient historical tale.

purohitaḥ puṇyaśīlaḥ śreṣṭhinaṃ sāntvayaṃstadā

uvāca puṇyamākhyānamitihāsaṃ purātanam

पुरोहितः · purohitaḥ — the priest

पुण्यशीलः · puṇyaśīlaḥ — virtuous soul

श्रेष्ठिनं · śreṣṭhinaṃ — the merchant

सान्त्वयन् · sāntvayan — consoling

तदा · tadā — then

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

पुण्यम् · puṇyam — sacred

आख्यानम् · ākhyānam — account

इतिहासम् · itihāsam — history

पुरातनम् · purātanam — ancient

तदा पुण्यशीलः पुरोहितः श्रेष्ठिनं सान्त्वयन् पुण्यम् आख्यानं पुरातनम् इतिहासम् उवाच ।

the priest · virtuous soul · the merchant · consoling · then · spoke · sacred · account · history · ancient

The priest's role as a spiritual mentor is established here. By narrating an ancient historical account, he elevates the merchant's personal crisis into a universal lesson on the nature of Lakṣmī.

The Priest said:

Once, Kṛṣṇa, the Lord of Dvārakā and son of Devakī, along with his wife Satyā (Satyabhāmā), was worshipping Śrī (Lakṣmī).

purohita uvāca

kadācid dvārakādhīśaḥ kṛṣṇo devakinandanaḥ

satyayā bhāryayā sākaṃ pūjayāmāsa ca śriyam

कदाचित् · kadācit — once

द्वारकाधीशः · dvārakādhīśaḥ — Lord of Dwaraka

कृष्णः · kṛṣṇaḥ — Krishna

देवकिनन्दनः · devakinandanaḥ — son of Devaki

सत्यया · satyayā — with Satya

भार्यया · bhāryayā — with his wife

साकं · sākaṃ — together

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

श्रियम् · śriyam — Sri/Lakshmi

कदाचित् द्वारकाधीशः देवकिनन्दनः कृष्णः सत्यया भार्यया साकं श्रियं पूजयामास ।

once · Lord of Dwaraka · Krishna · son of Devaki · with Satya · with his wife · together · worshipped · Sri/Lakshmi

This verse transitions to the divine dialogue, establishing the authority of the narrative. By invoking Kṛṣṇa and Satyabhāmā, the text frames the following discourse on wealth as a divine instruction.

Śrīdevī, seated on a lotus, granted her divine vision. Then, Govinda asked Kamalā, the Mother of the worlds.

śrīdevī padmapīṭhasthā dadau ca nijadarśanam

tadā papraccha govindaḥ kamalāṃ lokamātaram

श्रीदेवी · śrīdevī — Goddess Sri

पद्मपीठस्था · padmapīṭhasthā — seated on a lotus

ददौ · dadau — gave/granted

निजदर्शनम् · nijadarśanam — her own vision

तदा · tadā — then

पप्रच्छ · papraccha — asked

गोविन्दः · govindaḥ — Govinda

कमलां · kamalāṃ — Kamala

लोकमातरम् · lokamātaram — Mother of the worlds

पद्मपीठस्था श्रीदेवी निजदर्शनं ददौ । तदा गोविन्दः लोकमातरं कमलां पप्रच्छ ।

Goddess Sri · seated on a lotus · gave/granted · her own vision · then · asked · Govinda · Kamala · Mother of the worlds

This verse sets the scene for the divine interaction. The appearance of Lakṣmī on a lotus symbolizes her grace, prompting the Lord to initiate the inquiry that forms the core of the chapter.

"O Devī, why are you always fickle? You have no fixed abode anywhere. Indeed, the people abandoned by you attain only sorrow."

kiṃ calā'si sadā devi sthiravāso na te kvacit |

tyaktāstvayā manuṣyāstu duḥkhameva bhajanti hi

किं · kiṃ — why

चला · calā — fickle

असि · asi — are you

सदा · sadā — always

देवि · devi — O Goddess

स्थिरवासः · sthiravāsaḥ — fixed abode

न · na — not

ते · te — your

क्वचित् · kvacit — anywhere

त्यक्ताः · tyaktāḥ — abandoned

त्वया · tvayā — by you

मनुष्याः · manuṣyāḥ — humans

दुःखम् · duḥkham — sorrow

भजन्ति · bhajanti — attain

देवि! त्वं सदा किं चला असि? ते क्वचित् स्थिरवासः न अस्ति । त्वया त्यक्ताः मनुष्याः दुःखम् एव भजन्ति ।

why · fickle · are you · always · O Goddess · fixed abode · not · your · anywhere · abandoned · by you · humans · sorrow · attain

The Lord's question serves as a rhetorical device to highlight the fickle nature of wealth. It prepares the reader for the definition of true prosperity, which is not merely material but moral.

Thus questioned by Mādhava, Lakṣmī, the lotus-dweller, whose beautiful face was adorned with a gentle smile, spoke these sweet words.

evaṃ pṛṣṭā mādhavena lakṣmīḥ kamalavāsinī

uvāca madhuraṃ vākyaṃ mandasmitavarānanā

एवं · evaṃ — thus

पृष्टा · pṛṣṭā — asked

माधवेन · mādhavena — by Madhava

लक्ष्मीः · lakṣmīḥ — Lakshmi

कमलवासिनी · kamalavāsinī — lotus-dweller

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

मधुरं · madhuraṃ — sweet

वाक्यं · vākyaṃ — words

मन्दस्मितवरानना · mandasmitavarānanā — with a gentle smile on her beautiful face

माधवेन एवं पृष्टा कमलवासिनी लक्ष्मीः मन्दस्मितवरानना सती मधुरं वाक्यम् उवाच ।

thus · asked · by Madhava · Lakshmi · lotus-dweller · spoke · sweet · words · with a gentle smile on her beautiful face

This verse describes the grace with which Lakṣmī responds, emphasizing that her wisdom is as beautiful as her form. It establishes the tone of the following discourse as one of divine compassion.

Śrīdevī said:

I myself choose people in order to make them perform charity and Dharma. Abandoning those devoid of charity and Dharma, I move elsewhere.

śrīdevyuvāca

dānaṃ dharmaṃ kārayituṃ vṛṇomi manujān svayam |

dānahīnān dharmahīnān tyaktvā'nyatra calāmyaham

दानं · dānaṃ — charity

धर्मं · dharmaṃ — righteousness

कारयितुं · kārayituṃ — to cause to perform

वृणोमि · vṛṇomi — I choose

मनुजान् · manujān — humans

स्वयम् · svayam — myself

दानहीनान् · dānahīnān — devoid of charity

धर्महीनान् · dharmahīnān — devoid of dharma

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

अन्यत्र · anyatra — elsewhere

चलामि · calāmi — I move

अहम् · aham — I

अहं दानं धर्मं च कारयितुं मनुजान् स्वयम् वृणोमि । दानहीनान् धर्महीनान् त्यक्त्वा अहम् अन्यत्र चलामि ।

charity · righteousness · to cause to perform · I choose · humans · myself · devoid of charity · devoid of dharma · having abandoned · elsewhere · I move · I

Lakṣmī clarifies her purpose: she is not merely wealth, but a catalyst for Dharma. This verse redefines the merchant's previous failure as a lack of alignment with these higher values.

I abandon those fools who are addicted to gambling, given to drinking liquor, and intent on harming living beings, and I move elsewhere.

akṣakeliratān mūḍhān madhupānaparāyaṇān

prāṇihiṃsāparānevaṃ tyaktvā'nyatra calāmyaham

अक्षकेलिरतान् · akṣakeliratān — addicted to gambling

मूढान् · mūḍhān — fools

मधुपानपरायणान् · madhupānaparāyaṇān — addicted to liquor

प्राणिहिंसापरान् · prāṇihiṃsāparān — intent on harming beings

एवं · evaṃ — thus

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

अन्यत्र · anyatra — elsewhere

चलामि · calāmi — I move

अहम् · aham — I

अक्षकेलिरतान् मूढान् मधुपानपरायणान् प्राणिहिंसापरान् एवं जनान् त्यक्त्वा अहम् अन्यत्र चलामि ।

addicted to gambling · fools · addicted to liquor · intent on harming beings · thus · having abandoned · elsewhere · I move · I

Lakṣmī explicitly lists the vices that cause her to depart. This serves as a moral checklist for the reader, contrasting the merchant's previous behavior with the conduct required for divine presence.

I abandon those who delight in the company of courtesans, who speak untruth even when giving testimony, and who are greedy and filled with anger, and I move elsewhere.

veśyāsaṅgamasaṃhṛṣṭān sākṣye'pyanṛtabhāṣiṇaḥ

lobhinaḥ krodhasaṃpannān tyaktvā'nyatra calāmyaham

वेश्यासङ्गमसंहृष्टान् · veśyāsaṅgamasaṃhṛṣṭān — delighting in courtesans

साक्ष्ये · sākṣye — in testimony

अपि · api — even

अनृतभाषिणः · anṛtabhāṣiṇaḥ — liars

लोभिनः · lobhinaḥ — greedy

क्रोधसंपन्नान् · krodhasaṃpannān — filled with anger

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

अन्यत्र · anyatra — elsewhere

चलामि · calāmi — I move

अहम् · aham — I

वेश्यासङ्गमसंहृष्टान् साक्ष्ये अपि अनृतभाषिणः लोभिनः क्रोधसंपन्नान् च त्यक्त्वा अहम् अन्यत्र चलामि ।

delighting in courtesans · in testimony · even · liars · greedy · filled with anger · having abandoned · elsewhere · I move · I

This verse continues the list of disqualifying traits. By focusing on social and ethical failures like dishonesty and greed, it deepens the philosophical argument that wealth is a responsibility, not a possession.

I abandon those who spend in improper places out of a desire to seize others' wealth, and who are always given to envy, and I move elsewhere.

anītisthale vyayakarān paravittajihīrṣayā |

asūyātatparānnityaṃ tyaktvā'nyatra calāmyaham

अनीतिस्थले · anītisthale — in improper places

व्ययकरान् · vyayakarān — those who spend

परवित्तजिहीर्षया · paravittajihīrṣayā — with desire to seize others' wealth

असूयातत्परान् · asūyātatparān — devoted to envy

नित्यं · nityaṃ — always

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

अन्यत्र · anyatra — elsewhere

चलामि · calāmi — I move

अहम् · aham — I

अनीतिस्थले व्ययकरान् परवित्तजिहीर्षया नित्यम् असूयातत्परान् च त्यक्त्वा अहम् अन्यत्र चलामि ।

in improper places · those who spend · with desire to seize others' wealth · devoted to envy · always · having abandoned · elsewhere · I move · I

This verse concludes the negative criteria by highlighting the misuse of wealth and the poison of envy. It reinforces the theme that Lakṣmī's presence is conditional upon the purity of one's intentions.

I abandon those who rejoice in the poverty of others, who are excessively proud of their own wealth, and who are engaged in self-praise, and I move elsewhere.

paradāridryasaṃhṛṣṭān nijāḍhyatvasugarvitān |

ātmapraśaṃsāsaṃyuktān tyaktvā'nyatra calāmyaham

परदारिद्र्यसंहृष्टान् · paradāridryasaṃhṛṣṭān — those who rejoice in others' poverty

निजाढ्यत्वसुगर्वितान् · nijāḍhyatvasugarvitān — those excessively proud of their own wealth

आत्मप्रशंसासंयुक्तान् · ātmapraśaṃsāsaṃyuktān — those engaged in self-praise

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

अन्यत्र · anyatra — elsewhere

चलामि · calāmi — I move

अहम् · aham — I

अहं परदारिद्र्यसंहृष्टान् निजाढ्यत्वसुगर्वितान् आत्मप्रशंसासंयुक्तान् त्यक्त्वा अन्यत्र चलामि।

those who rejoice in others' poverty · those excessively proud of their own wealth · those engaged in self-praise · having abandoned · elsewhere · I move · I

This verse delineates the specific negative character traits that cause Lakṣmī to depart from a household. It emphasizes that pride and lack of empathy are direct barriers to divine grace.

I abandon those fools who bestow gifts on the unworthy but are miserly when a worthy recipient appears, and who are averse to cows, Brahmins, and the Devas, and I move elsewhere.

apātravarṣiṇo mūḍhān prāpte pātre ca lobhinaḥ |

govipradevavimukhān tyaktvā'nyatra calāmyaham

अपात्रवर्षिणः · apātravarṣiṇaḥ — those who give to the unworthy

मूढान् · mūḍhān — fools

प्राप्ते · prāpte — when arrived

पात्रे · pātre — a worthy recipient

च · ca — and

लोभिनः · lobhinaḥ — miserly ones

गोविप्रदेवविमुखान् · govipradevavimukhān — those averse to cows, Brahmins, and Devas

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

अन्यत्र · anyatra — elsewhere

चलामि · calāmi — I move

अहम् · aham — I

अहं अपात्रवर्षिणः मूढान् प्राप्ते पात्रे लोभिनः गोविप्रदेवविमुखान् च त्यक्त्वा अन्यत्र चलामि।

those who give to the unworthy · fools · when arrived · a worthy recipient · and · miserly ones · those averse to cows, Brahmins, and Devas · having abandoned · elsewhere · I move · I

The verse highlights the importance of discerning charity and respect for the sacred. Misusing wealth by ignoring the deserving while favoring the unworthy is a cause for the Goddess's withdrawal.

I abandon those mortals who are lazy, atheistic, devoid of cleanliness and proper conduct, and deluded by despair, and I move elsewhere.

alasān nāstikāṃścaiva śaucācāravivarjitān |

nirvedamohitānmartyān tyaktvā'nyatra calāmyaham

अलसान् · alasān — lazy ones

नास्तिकांश्च · nāstikāṃśca — and atheists

एव · eva — indeed

शौचाचारविवर्जितान् · śaucācāravivarjitān — devoid of cleanliness and conduct

निर्वेदमोहितान् · nirvedamohitān — deluded by despair

मर्त्यान् · martyān — mortals

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

अन्यत्र · anyatra — elsewhere

चलामि · calāmi — I move

अहम् · aham — I

अहं अलसान् नास्तिकांश्चैव शौचाचारविवर्जितान् निर्वेदमोहितान् मर्त्यान् त्यक्त्वा अन्यत्र चलामि।

lazy ones · and atheists · indeed · devoid of cleanliness and conduct · deluded by despair · mortals · having abandoned · elsewhere · I move · I

This verse addresses the internal state of the individual, noting that lack of discipline, faith, and cleanliness repels prosperity. Despair is identified as a form of delusion that drives away the Goddess.

Moreover, what more is there to say? I abandon those men who are intent on hating Viṣṇu and those filled with hatred for Vaiṣṇavas, and I move elsewhere.

athāpi vā kiṃ bahunā viṣṇudveṣaparānnarān|

vaiṣṇavadveṣayuktāṃśca tyaktvā'nyatra calāmyaham

अथापि · athāpi — moreover

वा · vā — or

किं · kiṃ — what

बहुना · bahunā — by much (to say)

विष्णुद्वेषपरान् · viṣṇudveṣaparān — intent on hating Viṣṇu

नरान् · narān — men

वैष्णवद्वेषयुक्तांश्च · vaiṣṇavadveṣayuktāṃśca — and those filled with hatred for Vaiṣṇavas

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

अन्यत्र · anyatra — elsewhere

चलामि · calāmi — I move

अहम् · aham — I

अथापि वा किं बहुना, अहं विष्णुद्वेषपरान् नरान् वैष्णवद्वेषयुक्तांश्च त्यक्त्वा अन्यत्र चलामि।

moreover · or · what · by much (to say) · intent on hating Viṣṇu · men · and those filled with hatred for Vaiṣṇavas · having abandoned · elsewhere · I move · I

This verse serves as the climax of the list of prohibitions, identifying hatred toward Viṣṇu and his devotees as the ultimate cause for the loss of Lakṣmī's presence.

The Lord said:

Your words are indeed appropriate, O Kamalā, O Lotus-Seated One! Tell me, O beloved of Viṣṇu, where is your permanent abode?

śrībhagavānuvāca

ucitaṃ tava vākyaṃ hi kamale kamalāsane|

sthiravāsaḥ kva te nityaṃ vada me viṣṇuvallabhe

उचितम् · ucitam — appropriate

तव · tava — your

वाक्यम् · vākyaṃ — words

हि · hi — indeed

कमले · kamale — O Kamalā

कमलासने · kamalāsane — O Lotus-seated one

स्थिरवासः · sthiravāsaḥ — permanent abode

क्व · kva — where

ते · te — your

नित्यम् · nityam — always

वद · vada — tell

मे · me — to me

विष्णुवल्लभे · viṣṇuvallabhe — O beloved of Viṣṇu

हे कमले कमलासने, तव वाक्यं उचितं हि। हे विष्णुवल्लभे, ते स्थिरवासः नित्यं क्व अस्ति? मे वद।

appropriate · your · words · indeed · O Kamalā · O Lotus-seated one · permanent abode · where · your · always · tell · to me · O beloved of Viṣṇu

Lord Kṛṣṇa acknowledges the truth of Lakṣmī's words and pivots the conversation to a positive inquiry, asking where she does choose to dwell permanently.

Śrīdevī said:

I reside eternally in a house that is endowed with good conduct, devoted to charity and Dharma, intent on serving saints, and pure.

śrīdevyuvāca

sadācāreṇa saṃyukte dānadharmaparāyaṇe

sādhusevāpare śuddhe gṛhe nityaṃ vasāmyaham

सदाचारेण · sadācāreṇa — with good conduct

संयुक्ते · saṃyukte — endowed

दानधर्मपरायणे · dānadharmaparāyaṇe — devoted to charity and dharma

साधुसेवापरे · sādhusevāpare — intent on serving saints

शुद्धे · śuddhe — pure

गृहे · gṛhe — in a house

नित्यम् · nityam — eternally

वसामि · vasāmi — I reside

अहम् · aham — I

अहं सदाचारेण संयुक्ते दानधर्मपरायणे साधुसेवापरे शुद्धे गृहे नित्यं वसामि।

with good conduct · endowed · devoted to charity and dharma · intent on serving saints · pure · in a house · eternally · I reside · I

Śrīdevī begins her response by defining the moral and spiritual prerequisites for her presence: good conduct, charity, and service to the saints.

I reside eternally in a house that is smeared with cow dung, adorned with Raṅgavalī and other decorations, and graced with Tulasī and Bilva plants.

gomayena vilipte ca raṅgavalyādyalaṅkṛte

tulasī bilvasaṃyukte gṛhe nityaṃ vasāmyaham

गोमयेन · gomayena — with cow dung

विलिप्ते · vilipte — smeared

च · ca — and

रङ्गवल्याद्यलङ्कृते · raṅgavalyādyalaṅkṛte — adorned with Rangavali and other decorations

तुलसी · tulasī — Tulasi plant

बिल्वसंयुक्ते · bilvasaṃyukte — graced with Bilva

गृहे · gṛhe — in a house

नित्यम् · nityam — eternally

वसामि · vasāmi — I reside

अहम् · aham — I

अहं गोमयेन विलिप्ते रङ्गवल्याद्यलङ्कृते तुलसी बिल्वसंयुक्ते गृहे नित्यं वसामि।

with cow dung · smeared · and · adorned with Rangavali and other decorations · Tulasi plant · graced with Bilva · in a house · eternally · I reside · I

This verse shifts from internal virtues to external auspiciousness, detailing the physical environment that invites the Goddess's grace.

I reside eternally in a house that is always illuminated by a lamp, especially in the evening, and is filled with happily married women (suvāsinīs).

dīpena bhāsite nityaṃ sāyaṅkāle viśeṣataḥ

suvāsinībhiḥ saṅkīrṇe gṛhe nityaṃ vasāmyaham

दीपेन · dīpena — by a lamp

भासिते · bhāsite — illuminated

नित्यम् · nityam — always

सायङ्काले · sāyaṅkāle — in the evening

विशेषतः · viśeṣataḥ — especially

सुवासिनीभिः · suvāsinībhiḥ — by happily married women

सङ्कीर्णे · saṅkīrṇe — filled with

गृहे · gṛhe — in a house

नित्यम् · nityam — eternally

वसामि · vasāmi — I reside

अहम् · aham — I

अहं दीपेन भासिते, विशेषतः सायङ्काले सुवासिनीभिः सङ्कीर्णे गृहे नित्यं वसामि।

by a lamp · illuminated · always · in the evening · especially · by happily married women · filled with · in a house · eternally · I reside · I

The presence of light and the auspicious company of married women are identified as markers of a home where Lakṣmī chooses to dwell.

I reside eternally in a house filled with the sounds of the conch and bell, resplendent with the worship of Viṣṇu, and frequented by Vaiṣṇavas and saints.

śaṅkhaghaṇṭānādayukte viṣṇupūjāvirājite

vaiṣṇavaiḥ sādhubhiḥ sevye gṛhe nityaṃ vasāmyaham

शङ्खघण्टानादयुक्ते · śaṅkhaghaṇṭānādayukte — filled with conch and bell sounds

विष्णुपूजाविराजिते · viṣṇupūjāvirājite — resplendent with Viṣṇu worship

वैष्णवैः · vaiṣṇavaiḥ — by Vaiṣṇavas

साधुभिः · sādhubhiḥ — by saints

सेव्ये · sevye — frequented/served

गृहे · gṛhe — in a house

नित्यम् · nityam — eternally

वसामि · vasāmi — I reside

अहम् · aham — I

अहं शङ्खघण्टानादयुक्ते विष्णुपूजाविराजिते वैष्णवैः साधुभिः सेव्ये गृहे नित्यं वसामि।

filled with conch and bell sounds · resplendent with Viṣṇu worship · by Vaiṣṇavas · by saints · frequented/served · in a house · eternally · I reside · I

This verse emphasizes the devotional atmosphere, where the sound of sacred instruments and the presence of Vaiṣṇavas create a sanctuary for the Goddess.

I reside eternally in a house filled with the chanting of the Vedas, accompanied by the recitation of hymns, and occupied by humble people.

vedaghoṣeṇa saṃyukte stotrapāṭhasamanvite

vinītaiśca janairyukte gṛhe nityaṃ vasāmyaham

वेदघोषेण · vedaghoṣeṇa — with Vedic chanting

संयुक्ते · saṃyukte — endowed

स्तोत्रपाठसमन्विते · stotrapāṭhasamanvite — accompanied by hymn recitation

विनीतैः · vinītaiḥ — by humble people

जनैर्युक्ते · janairyukte — occupied by people

गृहे · gṛhe — in a house

नित्यम् · nityam — eternally

वसामि · vasāmi — I reside

अहम् · aham — I

अहं वेदघोषेण संयुक्ते स्तोत्रपाठसमन्विते विनीतैः जनैर्युक्ते गृहे नित्यं वसामि।

with Vedic chanting · endowed · accompanied by hymn recitation · by humble people · occupied by people · in a house · eternally · I reside · I

The focus here is on the intellectual and social environment—Vedic chanting and humility—which are essential for maintaining a divine atmosphere in the home.

I reside eternally in a house adorned with relatives who are full of mutual love and are free from envy and anger.

parasparaṃ premayuktairbandhubhiḥ paribhūṣite

asūyākrodharahitairgṛhe nityaṃ vasāmyaham

परस्परम् · parasparam — mutual

प्रेमयुक्तैः · premayuktair — filled with love

बन्धुभिः · bandhubhiḥ — by relatives

परिभूषिते · paribhūṣite — adorned

असूया · asūyā — envy

क्रोध · krodha — anger

रहितैः · rahitair — devoid of

गृहे · gṛhe — in the house

नित्यम् · nityam — eternally

वसामि · vasāmi — I reside

अहम् · aham — I

अहं परस्परं प्रेमयुक्तैः असूयाक्रोधरहितैः बन्धुभिः परिभूषिते गृहे नित्यं वसामि।

mutual · filled with love · by relatives · adorned · envy · anger · devoid of · in the house · eternally · I reside · I

This verse concludes the description of the ideal home where Lakṣmī resides, emphasizing that internal harmony among family members is as essential as external cleanliness.

I reside eternally in that house where there is never any shouting, quarreling, sorrow, harming of others, or weeping.

ākrośaḥ kalaho duḥkhaṃ parapīḍā ca rodanam

yatra nāsti kvacittasmin gṛhe nityaṃ vasāmyaham

आक्रोशः · ākrośaḥ — shouting

कलहः · kalaho — quarreling

दुःखम् · duḥkham — sorrow

परपीडा · parapīḍā — harming others

च · ca — and

रोदनम् · rodanam — weeping

यत्र · yatra — where

नास्ति · nāsti — is not

क्वचित् · kvacit — at all

तस्मिन् · tasmin — in that

गृहे · gṛhe — house

नित्यम् · nityam — eternally

वसामि · vasāmi — I reside

अहम् · aham — I

यत्र आक्रोशः कलहो दुःखं परपीडा रोदनं च क्वचित् नास्ति, तस्मिन् गृहे अहं नित्यं वसामि।

shouting · quarreling · sorrow · harming others · and · weeping · where · is not · at all · in that · house · eternally · I reside · I

The Goddess defines her presence by the absence of negativity, establishing that a peaceful atmosphere is a prerequisite for divine grace.

Moreover, what more is there to say? I reside eternally in that house where the worship of Viṣṇu takes place day after day.

athāpi vā kiṃ bahunā viṣṇupūjā dine dine

pravartate yatra tasmin gṛhe nityaṃ vasāmyaham

अथापि · athāpi — moreover

वा · vā — or

किम् · kim — what

बहुना · bahunā — by much

विष्णुपूजा · viṣṇupūjā — worship of Vishnu

दिने · dine — day

दिने · dine — day

प्रवर्तते · pravartate — takes place

यत्र · yatra — where

तस्मिन् · tasmin — in that

गृहे · gṛhe — house

नित्यम् · nityam — eternally

वसामि · vasāmi — I reside

अहम् · aham — I

अथापि किं बहुना, यत्र दिने दिने विष्णुपूजा प्रवर्तते, तस्मिन् गृहे अहं नित्यं वसामि।

moreover · or · what · by much · worship of Vishnu · day · day · takes place · where · in that · house · eternally · I reside · I

This verse serves as the climax of the Goddess's discourse, identifying the worship of Viṣṇu as the ultimate anchor for her presence.

The Priest said:

Having spoken thus, the Goddess, the Mother of the Universe who resides on Viṣṇu's chest, disappeared as Vāsudeva watched.

purohita uvāca

evamuktvā tadā devī vāsudevasya paśyataḥ

antardadhe jaganmātā viṣṇuvakṣaḥsthalasthitā

एवम् · evam — thus

उक्त्वा · uktvā — having spoken

तदा · tadā — then

देवी · devī — the Goddess

वासुदेवस्य · vāsudevasya — of Vasudeva

पश्यतः · paśyataḥ — while watching

अन्तर्दधे · antardadhe — disappeared

जगन्माता · jaganmātā — Mother of the universe

विष्णुवक्षःस्थलस्थिता · viṣṇuvakṣaḥsthalasthitā — residing on Vishnu's chest

एवमुक्त्वा तदा विष्णुवक्षःस्थलस्थिता जगन्माता देवी वासुदेवस्य पश्यतः सती अन्तर्दधे।

thus · having spoken · then · the Goddess · of Vasudeva · while watching · disappeared · Mother of the universe · residing on Vishnu's chest

The disappearance of the Goddess after her revelation underscores the sacred and ephemeral nature of divine instruction.

The son of Yadu (Kṛṣṇa), after showing the reason for Padmā's permanent residence to Satyabhāmā, instructed her again.

padmāyāḥ sthiravāsasya kāraṇaṃ yadunandanaḥ

satyabhāmāṃ darśayitvā bodhayāmāsa tāṃ punaḥ

पद्मायाः · padmāyāḥ — of Padma/Lakshmi

स्थिरवासस्य · sthiravāsasya — of permanent residence

कारणम् · kāraṇaṃ — the reason

यदुनन्दनः · yadunandanaḥ — the son of Yadu

सत्यभामाम् · satyabhāmāṃ — to Satyabhama

दर्शयित्वा · darśayitvā — having shown

बोधयामास · bodhayāmāsa — instructed

ताम् · tām — her

पुनः · punaḥ — again

यदुनन्दनः पद्मायाः स्थिरवासस्य कारणं सत्यभामां दर्शयित्वा तां पुनः बोधयामास।

of Padma/Lakshmi · of permanent residence · the reason · the son of Yadu · to Satyabhama · having shown · instructed · her · again

Kṛṣṇa's action of instructing Satyabhāmā bridges the divine revelation with the practical application required for the merchant's redemption.

Therefore, O Dhanapāla of great intellect, you too should understand this. It is because of your own fault of greed that Kamalā has left you.

tasmāttvamapi jānīhi dhanapāla mahāmate

tavaiva lobhadoṣeṇa tvāṃ tyaktvā kamalā gatā

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

त्वम् · tvam — you

अपि · api — also

जानीहि · jānīhi — know/understand

धनपाल · dhanapāla — O Dhanapala

महामते · mahāmate — O wise one

तव · tava — your

एव · eva — only

लोभदोषेण · lobhadoṣeṇa — by the fault of greed

त्वाम् · tvām — you

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

कमला · kamalā — Kamala/Lakshmi

गता · gatā — has gone

तस्मात् हे महामते धनपाल, त्वमपि जानीहि यत् तवैव लोभदोषेण कमला त्वां त्यक्त्वा गता।

therefore · you · also · know/understand · O Dhanapala · O wise one · your · only · by the fault of greed · you · having abandoned · Kamala/Lakshmi · has gone

The priest directly applies the divine logic to Dhanapāla, shifting the focus from external misfortune to internal moral failing.

In the great holy place of Lakṣmīsthāna, worship the God Hari, the husband of Lakṣmī, along with Śrī, and you shall obtain wealth again.

lakṣmīsthāne mahākṣetre devaṃ lakṣmīpatiṃ harim

pūjayitvā śriyā sārdhaṃ tvaṃ prāpnuhi dhanaṃ punaḥ

लक्ष्मीस्थाने · lakṣmīsthāne — in Lakshmisthana

महाक्षेत्रे · mahākṣetre — in the great holy place

देवम् · devaṃ — the God

लक्ष्मीपतिम् · lakṣmīpatiṃ — the husband of Lakshmi

हरिम् · harim — Hari

पूजयित्वा · pūjayitvā — having worshipped

श्रिया · śriyā — with Sri/Lakshmi

सार्धम् · sārdhaṃ — along with

त्वम् · tvaṃ — you

प्राप्नुहि · prāpnuhi — obtain

धनम् · dhanaṃ — wealth

पुनः · punaḥ — again

त्वं महाक्षेत्रे लक्ष्मीस्थाने श्रिया सार्धं लक्ष्मीपतिं देवं हरिं पूजयित्वा पुनः धनं प्राप्नुहि।

in Lakshmisthana · in the great holy place · the God · the husband of Lakshmi · Hari · having worshipped · with Sri/Lakshmi · along with · you · obtain · wealth · again

This verse provides the specific remedy for the merchant, linking the holy place of Lakṣmīsthāna to the restoration of his prosperity.

O best of merchants, by the mere sight of Lakṣmīsthāna, your business will surely prosper again by a mere glance from Lakṣmī.

vārtāvṛttiśca te śreṣṭhin lakṣmīsthānasya darśanāt |

lakṣmīkaṭākṣamātreṇa nūnaṃ vardhiṣyate punaḥ

वार्तावृत्तिः · vārtāvṛttiś — business/livelihood

च · ca — and

ते · te — your

श्रेष्ठिन् · śreṣṭhin — O merchant

लक्ष्मीस्थानस्य · lakṣmīsthānasya — of Lakshmisthana

दर्शनात् · darśanāt — by the sight of

लक्ष्मीकटाक्षमात्रेण · lakṣmīkaṭākṣamātreṇa — by the mere glance of Lakshmi

नूनम् · nūnaṃ — surely

वर्धिष्यते · vardhiṣyate — will prosper

पुनः · punaḥ — again

हे श्रेष्ठिन्, लक्ष्मीस्थानस्य दर्शनात् ते वार्तावृत्तिः लक्ष्मीकटाक्षमात्रेण नूनं पुनः वर्धिष्यते।

business/livelihood · and · your · O merchant · of Lakshmisthana · by the sight of · by the mere glance of Lakshmi · surely · will prosper · again

The promise of prosperity through the 'glance of Lakṣmī' emphasizes that grace is the ultimate source of all material and spiritual success.

The Sadguru said:

Thus instructed by the Brahmin, Dhanapāla, firm in his resolve, worshipped the Goddess Śrī in Lakṣmīsthāna on a Friday.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evamukto brāhmaṇena dhanapālo dṛḍhavrataḥ

lakṣmīsthāne śriyaṃ devīṃ śukravāre'bhyapūjayat

एवम् · evam — thus

उक्तः · ukto — instructed

ब्राह्मणेन · brāhmaṇena — by the Brahmin

धनपालः · dhanapālo — Dhanapala

दृढव्रतः · dṛḍhavrataḥ — firm in resolve

लक्ष्मीस्थाने · lakṣmīsthāne — in Lakshmisthana

श्रियम् · śriyaṃ — Sri/Lakshmi

देवीम् · devīṃ — the Goddess

शुक्रवारे · śukravāre — on Friday

अभ्यपूजयत् · abhyapūjayat — worshipped

एवम् ब्राह्मणेन उक्तः दृढव्रतः धनपालः लक्ष्मीस्थाने शुक्रवारे श्रियं देवीं अभ्यपूजयत्।

thus · instructed · by the Brahmin · Dhanapala · firm in resolve · in Lakshmisthana · Sri/Lakshmi · the Goddess · on Friday · worshipped

Dhanapāla's immediate action demonstrates the efficacy of faith and the power of following the Sadguru's or a virtuous Brahmin's guidance.

Regaining the growth of his business and the acquisition of wealth as before, he indeed performed charity and Dharma with faith.

vārtāvṛttyāśca vṛddhiṃ ca dhanalābhaṃ yathā purā

saṃprāpya dānaṃ dharmañca cakāra śraddhayā khalu

वार्तावृत्त्याः · vārtāvṛttyāś — of business

च · ca — and

वृद्धिम् · vṛddhiṃ — growth

च · ca — and

धनलाभम् · dhanalābhaṃ — acquisition of wealth

यथा · yathā — as

पुरा · purā — before

संप्राप्य · saṃprāpya — having obtained

दानम् · dānaṃ — charity

धर्मञ्च · dharmañca — and Dharma

चकार · cakāra — performed

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

खलु · khalu — indeed

सः यथा पुरा वार्तावृत्त्याः वृद्धिं धनलाभं च संप्राप्य श्रद्धया दानं धर्मञ्च खलु चकार।

of business · and · growth · and · acquisition of wealth · as · before · having obtained · charity · and Dharma · performed · with faith · indeed

This verse highlights the transformation of the merchant, showing that true wealth is accompanied by the performance of Dharma and charity.

Honored once again by his relatives and having attained a happy life, he developed constant devotion to the Lord, who is the very life of devotees.

bandhubhirmānito bhūyaḥ saṃprāpya sukhajīvanam

bhagavatyakarodbhaktiṃ santataṃ bhaktajīvane

बन्धुभिः · bandhubhiḥ — by his relatives

मानितः · mānitaḥ — honored

भूयः · bhūyaḥ — again

संप्राप्य · saṃprāpya — having attained

सुखजीवनम् · sukhajīvanam — a happy life

भगवति · bhagavati — in the Lord

अकरोत् · akarot — he performed

भक्तिम् · bhaktim — devotion

सन्ततम् · santatam — constant

भक्तजीवने · bhaktajīvane — in the life of devotees

सः बन्धुभिः भूयः मानितः सुखजीवनं संप्राप्य भक्तजीवने भगवति सन्ततं भक्तिम् अकरोत्।

by his relatives · honored · again · having attained · a happy life · in the Lord · he performed · devotion · constant · in the life of devotees

This verse concludes the narrative arc of Dhanapāla, showing the transformation from a greedy merchant to a devoted soul. It highlights that true prosperity is not just wealth, but the restoration of social harmony and the attainment of devotion to the Lord.

Those devoted people who worship Jagannātha, Govinda, the life of devotees, in this holy place, their life is indeed happy.

asmin kṣetre jagannāthaṃ govindaṃ bhaktajīvanam

ye bhajante janā bhaktāsteṣāṃ hi sukhajīvanam

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

क्षेत्रे · kṣetre — holy place

जगन्नाथम् · jagannātham — the Lord of the world

गोविन्दम् · govindam — Govinda

भक्तजीवनम् · bhaktajīvanam — the life of devotees

ये · ye — those

भजन्ते · bhajante — worship

जनाः · janāḥ — people

भक्ताः · bhaktāḥ — devoted ones

तेषाम् · teṣām — their

हि · hi — indeed

सुखजीवनम् · sukhajīvanam — happy life

ये भक्ताः जनाः अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे जगन्नाथं गोविन्दं भक्तजीवनं भजन्ते, तेषां जीवनं हि सुखजीवनं भवति।

in this · holy place · the Lord of the world · Govinda · the life of devotees · those · worship · people · devoted ones · their · indeed · happy life

The author shifts from the individual example of Dhanapāla to a general blessing for all pilgrims. It establishes the spiritual efficacy of the holy site of Lakṣmīsthāna for any devotee.

Mahālakṣmī, the Mother of the Universe, the deity of all auspiciousness, always desires a permanent residence in the homes of the righteous.

sthiravāsaṃ kāmayate dhārmikānāṃ gṛhe sadā

mahālakṣmīrjaganmātā sarvamaṅgaladevatā

स्थिरवासम् · sthiravāsam — permanent residence

कामयते · kāmayate — desires

धार्मिकानाम् · dhārmikānām — of the righteous

गृहे · gṛhe — in the home

सदा · sadā — always

महालक्ष्मीः · mahālakṣmīḥ — Mahālakṣmī

जगन्माता · jaganmātā — Mother of the Universe

सर्वमङ्गलदेवता · sarvamaṅgaladevatā — deity of all auspiciousness

जगन्माता सर्वमङ्गलदेवता महालक्ष्मीः सदा धार्मिकानां गृहे स्थिरवासं कामयते।

permanent residence · desires · of the righteous · in the home · always · Mahālakṣmī · Mother of the Universe · deity of all auspiciousness

This verse provides the theological justification for why Lakṣmī stays in specific places, linking her presence directly to the ethical conduct of the inhabitants.

In this city, all people are devoted to charity and Dharma. Due to the permanent residence of Lakṣmī, this city is called Lakṣmīsthāna.

Here ends the seventeenth chapter, titled "The Glory of Lakṣmīsthala," in the Second Part of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

asmin pure janāḥ sarve dānadharmaparāyaṇāḥ|

lakṣmyāstu sthiravāsena lakṣmīsthānamidaṃ puram

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

पुरे · pure — city

जनाः · janāḥ — people

सर्वे · sarve — all

दानधर्मपरायणाः · dānadharmaparāyaṇāḥ — devoted to charity and dharma

लक्ष्म्याः · lakṣmyāḥ — of Lakṣmī

तु · tu — indeed

स्थिरवासेन · sthiravāsena — by the permanent residence

लक्ष्मीस्थानम् · lakṣmīsthānam — Lakṣmīsthāna

इदम् · idam — this

पुरम् · puram — city

अस्मिन् पुरे सर्वे जनाः दानधर्मपरायणाः सन्ति। लक्ष्म्याः स्थिरवासेन इदं पुरं लक्ष्मीस्थानम् इति कथ्यते।

in this · city · people · all · devoted to charity and dharma · of Lakṣmī · indeed · by the permanent residence · Lakṣmīsthāna · this · city

This final verse serves as the etymological and spiritual conclusion, explaining the name of the city 'Lakṣmīsthāna' as a direct consequence of the Goddess's permanent residence there.