श्रीवैकुण्ठक्षेत्रमाहात्म्यम् Śrī Vaikuṇṭha Kṣetra Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

The great river Tāmraparṇī, born from the Malaya mountain, by drinking even a drop of whose water, devotion to Hari arises.

śrīsadgururuvāca

malayācalasaṃbhūtā tāmraparṇī mahānadī

yadvārikaṇikāṃ pītvā haribhaktiḥ prajāyate

मलयाचलसंभूता · malayācalasaṃbhūtā — born from the Malaya mountain

ताम्रपर्णी · tāmraparṇī — the Tāmraparṇī river

महानदी · mahānadī — the great river

यद्वारिकणिकां · yadvārikaṇikāṃ — a drop of whose water

पीत्वा · pītvā — having drunk

हरिभक्तिः · haribhaktiḥ — devotion to Hari

प्रजायते · prajāyate — is born/arises

मलयाचलसंभूता ताम्रपर्णी महानदी अस्ति। यस्याः वारिकणिकां पीत्वा हरिभक्तिः प्रजायते।

born from the Malaya mountain · the Tāmraparṇī river · the great river · a drop of whose water · having drunk · devotion to Hari · is born/arises

This verse introduces the Tāmraparṇī river as the sacred setting for the narrative, establishing the spiritual atmosphere where devotion to Hari naturally manifests. It serves as the geographical foundation for the subsequent description of the Divya Deśas.

It is filled with various trees, flanked by two banks, and adorned with temples of Śiva, Viṣṇu, Guha and others.

nānāvṛkṣasamākīrṇā taṭadvayasamanvitā|

śivaviṣṇuguhādīnāmālayaiḥ samalaṅkṛtā

नानावृक्षसमाकीर्णा · nānāvṛkṣasamākīrṇā — filled with various trees

तटद्वयसमन्विता · taṭadvayasamanvitā — flanked by two banks

शिवविष्णुगुहादीनाम् · śivaviṣṇuguhādīnām — of Śiva, Viṣṇu, Guha, etc.

आलयैः · ālayaiḥ — by temples

समलङ्कृता · samalaṅkṛtā — well-adorned

सा नदी नानावृक्षसमाकीर्णा तटद्वयसमन्विता च अस्ति। सा शिवविष्णुगुहादीनाम् आलयैः समलङ्कृता वर्तते।

filled with various trees · flanked by two banks · of Śiva, Viṣṇu, Guha, etc. · by temples · well-adorned

This verse describes the scenic and spiritual beauty of the riverbanks, highlighting the presence of various deities, which establishes the sanctity of the region.

It enhances the rice fields with canals equal to itself, and is graced by the *agrahāras* (Brahmin settlements) of Brāhmaṇas learned in the Vedas.

kulyābhirnijatulyābhiḥ śālivāṭīvivardhinī |

viprāṇāṃ vedaviduṣāmagrahārairvirājitā

कुल्याभिः · kulyābhiḥ — by canals

निजतुल्याभिः · nijatulyābhiḥ — equal to itself

शालिवाटीविवर्धिनी · śālivāṭīvivardhinī — enhancing the rice fields

विप्राणाम् · viprāṇām — of the Brāhmaṇas

वेदविदुषाम् · vedaviduṣām — learned in the Vedas

अग्रहारैः · agrahārair — by the settlements

विराजिता · virājitā — is graced

सा नदी निजतुल्याभिः कुल्याभिः शालिवाटीविवर्धिनी अस्ति। वेदविदुषां विप्राणाम् अग्रहारैः सा विराजिता।

by canals · equal to itself · enhancing the rice fields · of the Brāhmaṇas · learned in the Vedas · by the settlements · is graced

The verse emphasizes the prosperity and Vedic culture of the region, connecting the river's physical utility to the spiritual life of the learned Brāhmaṇas.

It is furnished with bathing pavilions (*maṇṭapas*), enclosed by jeweled steps, and possesses shining banks graced by the lotus feet of Vaiṣṇavas.

snānamaṇṭapasaṃyuktā maṇisopānasaṃvṛtā

vaiṣṇavāṅghrisarojātarājatpulinasaṃyutā

स्नानमण्टपसंयुक्ता · snānamaṇṭapasaṃyuktā — furnished with bathing pavilions

मणिसोपानसंवृता · maṇisopānasaṃvṛtā — enclosed by jeweled steps

वैष्णवाङ्घ्रिसरोजात · vaiṣṇavāṅghrisarojāta — by the lotus feet of Vaiṣṇavas

राजत्पुलिनसंयुता · rājatpulinasaṃyutā — possessing shining banks

सा नदी स्नानमण्टपसंयुक्ता मणिसोपानसंवृता च अस्ति। वैष्णवाङ्घ्रिसरोजातैः राजत्पुलिनसंयुता सा वर्तते।

furnished with bathing pavilions · enclosed by jeweled steps · by the lotus feet of Vaiṣṇavas · possessing shining banks

This verse focuses on the devotional infrastructure of the banks, specifically mentioning the presence of Vaiṣṇavas, which prepares the reader for the upcoming story of a devotee.

It is served by circles of sages engaged in various disciplines, and has a sweet sound from the waves of its great current.

**6-7.** Its water is clear as crystal, and it is enlivened by the play of fish. On its bank are nine sacred and great sites of the great Viṣṇu, the God of gods, the wielder of the discus. I shall narrate their glory, which destroys all sins, by the mere hearing of which one attains all auspiciousness.

nānāniyamasaṃyuktamunimaṇḍalasevitā

mahāpravāhasaṃyuktataraṅgamadhurasvanā

नानानियमसंयुक्त · nānāniyamasaṃyukta — engaged in various disciplines

मुनिमण्डलसेविता · munimaṇḍalasevitā — served by circles of sages

महाप्रवाहसंयुक्त · mahāpravāhasaṃyukta — with a great current

तरङ्गमधुरस्वना · taraṅgamadhurasvanā — having sweet sound from waves

सा नदी नानानियमसंयुक्तमुनिमण्डलसेविता अस्ति। महाप्रवाहसंयुक्ततरङ्गाणां मधुरस्वना च सा वर्तते।

engaged in various disciplines · served by circles of sages · with a great current · having sweet sound from waves

The verse describes the meditative environment created by the sages and the natural music of the river, underscoring the spiritual depth of the location.

svacchasphaṭikapānīyā matsyakelivivardhinī |

tasyāstīre mahāviṣṇordevadevasya cakriṇaḥ

स्वच्छस्फटिकपानीया · svacchasphaṭikapānīyā — with crystal-clear water

मत्स्यकेलिविवर्धिनी · matsyakelivivardhinī — enlivened by fish play

तस्यास्तीरे · tasyāstīre — on its bank

महाविष्णोः · mahāviṣṇor — of the great Viṣṇu

देवदेवस्य · devadevasya — of the God of gods

चक्रिणः · cakriṇaḥ — of the wielder of the discus

तस्याः तीरे स्वच्छस्फटिकपानीया मत्स्यकेलिविवर्धिनी नदी अस्ति। तत्र देवदेवस्य चक्रिणः महाविष्णोः क्षेत्राणि सन्ति।

with crystal-clear water · enlivened by fish play · on its bank · of the great Viṣṇu · of the God of gods · of the wielder of the discus

This verse transitions from the general description of the river to the specific sacred sites (Divya Deśas) located along its banks, setting the stage for the narrative of the Lord of Vaikuṇṭha.

nava kṣetrāṇi vartante pāvanāni mahānti ca |

teṣāṃ māhātmyamākhyāsye sarvapāpavināśanam |

yasya śravaṇamātreṇa sarvamaṅgalamāpnuyāt

नव क्षेत्राणि · nava kṣetrāṇi — nine sacred sites

वर्तन्ते · vartante — exist

पावनानि · pāvanāni — purifying

महान्ति · mahānti — great

माहात्म्यम् · māhātmyam — glory

आख्यास्ये · ākhyāsye — I shall narrate

सर्वपापविनाशनम् · sarvapāpavināśanam — destroyer of all sins

श्रवणमात्रेण · śravaṇamātreṇa — by mere hearing

सर्वमङ्गलम् · sarvamaṅgalam — all auspiciousness

आप्नुयात् · āpnuyāt — one attains

तत्र नव पावनानि महान्ति क्षेत्राणि वर्तन्ते। अहं तेषां सर्वपापविनाशनं माहात्म्यम् आख्यास्ये, यस्य श्रवणमात्रेण जनः सर्वमङ्गलम् आप्नुयात्।

nine sacred sites · exist · purifying · great · glory · I shall narrate · destroyer of all sins · by mere hearing · all auspiciousness · one attains

This verse explicitly states the purpose of the chapter: to narrate the glory of the nine sacred sites, promising spiritual benefits to those who hear it.

There was a certain king of thieves named Kāladūṣaka, of great strength, great courage, a great soul, and a protector of the distressed.

āsīt kaściccorarājaḥ kāladūṣakanāmakaḥ |

mahābalo mahādhīro mahātmā dīnarakṣakaḥ

आसीत् · āsīt — there was

चोरराजः · corarājaḥ — king of thieves

कालदूषकनामकः · kāladūṣakanāmakaḥ — named Kāladūṣaka

महाबलः · mahābalaḥ — of great strength

महाधीरो · mahādhīro — of great courage

महात्मा · mahātmā — great soul

दीनरक्षकः · dīnarakṣakaḥ — protector of the distressed

कालदूषकनामकः कश्चित् चोरराजः आसीत्। सः महाबलः, महाधीरो, महात्मा, दीनरक्षकः च आसीत्।

there was · king of thieves · named Kāladūṣaka · of great strength · of great courage · great soul · protector of the distressed

This verse introduces the protagonist, Kāladūṣaka, establishing his dual nature as a thief and a man of noble qualities, which is essential for the subsequent theological discussion on dharma.

He was the lord of a thousand thieves, frequenting mountains and forests. Coming to the city at night, he regularly committed theft.

nāthaścorasahasrāṇāṃ girikānanagocaraḥ|

rātrau nagaramāgatya cauryaṃ nityaṃ cakāra saḥ

नाथः · nāthaḥ — lord

चोरसहस्राणाम् · corasahasrāṇām — of a thousand thieves

गिरिकाननगोचरः · girikānanagocaraḥ — frequenting mountains and forests

रात्रौ · rātrau — at night

नगरमागत्य · nagaramāgatya — having come to the city

चौर्यम् · cauryam — theft

नित्यं · nityam — daily

चकार · cakāra — did

सः चोरसहस्राणां नाथः गिरिकाननगोचरः आसीत्। सः रात्रौ नगरम् आगत्य नित्यं चौर्यं चकार।

lord · of a thousand thieves · frequenting mountains and forests · at night · having come to the city · theft · daily · did

This verse details the lifestyle of the thief, framing his actions within the context of his profession while preparing the reader for his unique devotional routine.

On the way, that thief would see Lord Acyuta at Vaikuṇṭha on the bank of the Tāmraparṇī, pray to him daily, and then commit his theft.

**11-12.** Dividing the acquired wealth into four parts, he worshipped Viṣṇu with one, and the Vaiṣṇavas with the second. With the third he practiced dharma, and the fourth he took for himself. He would commit theft in the houses of greedy rich people, but never in the houses of the poor or the righteous.

madhyemārgaṃ tāmraparṇītaṭe vaikuṇṭhamacyutam

vilokya prārthayan nityaṃ cakre cauryaṃ sa taskaraḥ

मध्येमार्गम् · madhyemārgam — on the way

ताम्रपर्णीतटे · tāmraparṇītaṭe — on the bank of Tāmraparṇī

वैकुण्ठम् · vaikuṇṭham — at Vaikuṇṭha

अच्युतम् · acyutam — Lord Acyuta

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

प्रार्थयन् · prārthayan — praying

नित्यम् · nityam — daily

चक्रे · cakre — did

चौर्यम् · cauryam — theft

स तस्करः · sa taskaraḥ — that thief

सः तस्करः मध्येमार्गं ताम्रपर्णीतटे वैकुण्ठम् अच्युतं विलोक्य नित्यं प्रार्थयन् चौर्यं चक्रे।

on the way · on the bank of Tāmraparṇī · at Vaikuṇṭha · Lord Acyuta · having seen · praying · daily · did · theft · that thief

This verse reveals the secret of the thief's success and his spiritual orientation, showing that even his criminal acts are performed with a sense of divine connection.

saṃpāditasya vittasya bhāgaṃ kṛtvā caturvidham |

ekena viṣṇumārādhya dvitīyena ca vaiṣṇavān

सम्पादितस्य · saṃpāditasya — of that which was acquired

वित्तस्य · vittasya — of the wealth

भागम् · bhāgaṃ — portion

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having made

चतुर्विधम् · caturvidham — four-fold

एकेन · ekena — by the first

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Lord Vishnu

आराध्य · ārādhya — having worshipped

द्वितीयेन · dvitīyena — by the second

च · ca — and

वैष्णवान् · vaiṣṇavān — the devotees of Vishnu

सम्पादितस्य वित्तस्य चतुर्विधं भागं कृत्वा, एकेन विष्णुम् आराध्य, द्वितीयेन वैष्णवान् (आराध्य) ।

of that which was acquired · of the wealth · portion · having made · four-fold · by the first · Lord Vishnu · having worshipped · by the second · and · the devotees of Vishnu

This verse establishes the thief's unique moral code, showing that even his criminal acts were structured around devotional service. It highlights his transformation of illicit gain into a sanctified offering.

tṛtīyena caran dharmaṃ caturthañcātmane'grahīt |

lobhināṃ dhanikānāṃ tu gṛhe cauryaṃ karoti saḥ |

na kadāpi daridrāṇāṃ gṛhe dharmātmanāmapi

तृतीयेन · tṛtīyena — by the third

चरन् · caran — practicing

धर्मम् · dharmaṃ — righteousness

चतुर्थञ्च · caturthañca — and the fourth

आत्मने · ātmane — for himself

अग्रहीत् · agrahīt — he took

लोभिनाम् · lobhināṃ — of the greedy

धनिकानाम् · dhanikānāṃ — of the wealthy

तु · tu — but

गृहे · gṛhe — in the house

चौर्यम् · cauryaṃ — theft

करोति · karoti — he does

सः · saḥ — he

न · na — not

कदापि · kadāpi — ever

दरिद्राणाम् · daridrāṇām — of the poor

तृतीयेन धर्मं चरन् चतुर्थं च आत्मने अग्रहीत्। सः लोभिनां धनिकानां गृहे एव चौर्यं करोति, दरिद्राणां धर्मात्मनां गृहे कदापि न।

by the third · practicing · righteousness · and the fourth · for himself · he took · of the greedy · of the wealthy · but · in the house · theft · he does · he · not · ever · of the poor

This verse delineates the thief's ethical boundaries, clarifying that his actions were not indiscriminate but targeted at the greedy, thereby framing his 'theft' as a form of social and spiritual correction.

Viṣṇu, the knower of feelings, the knower of the essence of dharma, and ever intent on uplifting His devotees, was favorable to that king of thieves.

anukūlo'bhavadviṣṇuścorarājasya tasya ca |

bhāvajño dharmasārajño bhaktoddhāraṇatatparaḥ

अनुकूलः · anukūlo — favorable

अभवत् · abhavad — became

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Lord Vishnu

चोरराजस्य · corarājasya — of the king of thieves

तस्य · tasya — his

च · ca — and

भावज्ञः · bhāvajño — knower of inner feelings

धर्मसारज्ञः · dharmasārajño — knower of the essence of dharma

भक्तोद्धारणतत्परः · bhaktoddhāraṇatatparaḥ — intent on uplifting devotees

भावज्ञः धर्मसारज्ञः भक्तोद्धारणतत्परः विष्णुः तस्य चोरराजस्य अनुकूलः अभवत्।

favorable · became · Lord Vishnu · of the king of thieves · his · and · knower of inner feelings · knower of the essence of dharma · intent on uplifting devotees

This verse reveals the divine perspective, explaining why the Lord, who is the ultimate judge of dharma, would favor a thief: because He values the heart's devotion and the intent behind actions over external labels.

Once, that king of thieves went to the great royal palace and, with his followers, stole all the gold and ornaments.

sa kadāciccorarājo gatvā rājagṛhaṃ mahat |

suvarṇabhūṣaṇaṃ sarvaṃ jahāra nijapārṣadaiḥ

सः · saḥ — he

कदाचित् · kadācit — once

चोरराजः · corarājaḥ — the king of thieves

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

राजगृहम् · rājagṛhaṃ — royal palace

महत् · mahat — great

सुवर्णभूषणम् · suvarṇabhūṣaṇaṃ — gold and ornaments

सर्वम् · sarvaṃ — all

जहार · jahāra — stole

निजपार्षदैः · nijapārṣadaiḥ — with his own followers

सः चोरराजः कदाचित् महत् राजगृहं गत्वा निजपार्षदैः सह सर्वं सुवर्णभूषणं जहार।

he · once · the king of thieves · having gone · royal palace · great · gold and ornaments · all · stole · with his own followers

This verse marks the turning point in the narrative where the thief's activities bring him into direct conflict with the worldly authority of the king, setting the stage for the divine intervention.

The king's servants, dispatched by the king, searched here and there for the king of thieves and captured him as he stood fearlessly.

rājñā pracoditāḥ sarve rājabhṛtyāstatastataḥ

vicinvantaścorarājaṃ jagṛhurnirbhayaṃ sthitam

राज्ञा · rājñā — by the king

प्रचोदिताः · pracoditāḥ — urged/dispatched

सर्वे · sarve — all

राजभृत्याः · rājabhṛtyāḥ — royal servants

ततस्ततः · tatastataḥ — here and there

विचिन्वन्तः · vicinvantaḥ — searching

चोरराजम् · corarājam — the king of thieves

जगृहुः · jagṛhuḥ — captured

निर्भयम् · nirbhayaṃ — fearless

स्थितम् · sthitam — standing

राज्ञा प्रचोदिताः सर्वे राजभृत्याः ततस्ततः विचिन्वन्तः निर्भयं स्थितं चोरराजं जगृहुः।

by the king · urged/dispatched · all · royal servants · here and there · searching · the king of thieves · captured · fearless · standing

This verse describes the capture of the thief, emphasizing his state of fearlessness, which serves as a foreshadowing of his spiritual protection by the Lord.

The king, with eyes red with anger, questioned that thief, having resolved to punish him, like Dharma-rāja (Yama) himself.

papraccha rājā taṃ coraṃ kupitāruṇalocanaḥ

niścitya taṃ śikṣayituṃ dharmarāja iva svayam

पप्रच्छ · papraccha — asked

राजा · rājā — the king

तम् · taṃ — him

चोरम् · coraṃ — the thief

कुपितारुणलोचनः · kupitāruṇalocanaḥ — with eyes red from anger

निश्चित्य · niścitya — having resolved

तम् · taṃ — him

शिक्षयितुम् · śikṣayituṃ — to punish

धर्मराजः · dharmarāja — Yama/Dharma-raja

इव · iva — like

स्वयम् · svayam — himself

कुपितारुणलोचनः राजा, तं शिक्षयितुं निश्चित्य, धर्मराज इव स्वयं तं चोरं पप्रच्छ।

asked · the king · him · the thief · with eyes red from anger · having resolved · him · to punish · Yama/Dharma-raja · like · himself

The king's comparison to Yama establishes the gravity of the situation and the impending trial, highlighting the conflict between human justice and divine grace.

The King said:

Who are you, fool? Where is your abode? And who are your followers? Since you have committed this theft, you shall certainly be punished by me.

rājovāca

kastvaṃ mūrkha kva vāsaste tava ke pārṣadāstathā |

kiṃ tvayā racitaṃ cauryaṃ daṇḍyo'si tvaṃ mayā khalu

कः · kaḥ — who

त्वम् · tvam — you

मूर्ख · mūrkha — fool

क्व · kva — where

वासः · vāsaste — your dwelling

ते · te — your

के · ke — who

पार्षदाः · pārṣadāstathā — followers

किम् · kiṃ — what

त्वया · tvayā — by you

रचितम् · racitaṃ — done/committed

चौर्यम् · cauryaṃ — theft

दण्ड्यः · daṇḍyo'si — punishable

मया · mayā — by me

त्वं कः मूर्ख? ते वासः क्व? तव पार्षदाः के? त्वया चौर्यं रचितं, अतः त्वं मया दण्ड्यः खलु।

who · you · fool · where · your dwelling · your · who · followers · what · by you · done/committed · theft · punishable · by me

The king's interrogation serves to highlight the thief's social isolation and his criminal status, providing a stark contrast to the divine relationship he actually maintains.

The Thief said:

I am the lord of thieves, Kāladūṣaka by name. I live with my kinsmen in the forest on the bank of the Tāmraparṇī.

cora uvāca

taskarāṇāmadhipatirnāmnā'haṃ kāladūṣakaḥ |

vasāmi bandhubhiḥ sākaṃ tāmraparṇītaṭe vane

तस्कराणाम् · taskarāṇām — of thieves

अधिपतिः · adhipatir — lord

नाम्ना · nāmnā — by name

अहम् · ahaṃ — I

कालदूषकः · kāladūṣakaḥ — Kaladushaka

वसामि · vasāmi — I reside

बन्धुभिः · bandhubhiḥ — with kinsmen

साकम् · sākaṃ — together

ताम्रपर्णीतटे · tāmraparṇītaṭe — on the bank of Tamraparni

वने · vane — in the forest

अहं नाम्ना कालदूषकः तस्कराणाम् अधिपतिः। अहं बन्धुभिः साकं ताम्रपर्णीतटे वने वसामि।

of thieves · lord · by name · I · Kaladushaka · I reside · with kinsmen · together · on the bank of Tamraparni · in the forest

The thief's response is remarkably calm and honest, demonstrating that his devotion has removed all worldly fear, even in the face of death or punishment.

Thievery is indeed my profession; therefore, O King, I have done this. I desire the punishment given by you; I have no fear.

cauryaṃ hi mama vṛttistu tasmādevaṃ kṛtaṃ nṛpa|

tvayā dattaṃ daṇḍamahaṃ kāmaye na hi me bhayam

चौर्यम् · cauryaṃ — theft

हि · hi — indeed

मम · mama — my

वृत्तिः · vṛttistu — profession

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

एवम् · evaṃ — thus

कृतम् · kṛtaṃ — done

नृप · nṛpa — O King

त्वया · tvayā — by you

दत्तम् · dattaṃ — given

दण्डम् · daṇḍam — punishment

अहम् · ahaṃ — I

कामये · kāmaye — desire/welcome

न · na — not

भयम् · bhayam — fear

नृप, चौर्यं हि मम वृत्तिः, तस्मात् एवम् कृतम्। त्वया दत्तं दण्डम् अहं कामये, मे भयं न हि।

theft · indeed · my · profession · therefore · thus · done · O King · by you · given · punishment · I · desire/welcome · not · fear

This verse underscores the thief's acceptance of his karma and his lack of attachment to the outcome, reflecting the detachment of a true devotee.

I am not the only thief; my God is also a thief. Our share of the stolen wealth is equal, O King.

na kevalaṃ taskaro'haṃ mama devo'pi taskaraḥ |

samo'yamāvayorbhāgo cauryavittasya bhūpate

न · na — not

केवलम् · kevalaṃ — only

तस्करः · taskaro'haṃ — thief

मम · mama — my

देवः · devo'pi — God also

तस्करः · taskaraḥ — is a thief

समः · samo'yam — equal

आवयोः · āvayorbhāgo — of us both

भागः · bhāgo — share

चौर्यवित्तस्य · cauryavittasya — of the stolen wealth

भूपते · bhūpate — O King

भूपते, अहं केवलं तस्करः न, मम देवः अपि तस्करः। आवयोः चौर्यवित्तस्य भागः समः।

not · only · thief · my · God also · is a thief · equal · of us both · share · of the stolen wealth · O King

This is the theological climax of the thief's defense, where he equates his own actions with the Lord's, thereby challenging the king's authority and asserting the supremacy of divine will.

Therefore, O Lord, give punishment also to the Lord of Vaikuṇṭha. With His favor alone was everything stolen, there is no doubt.

tasmādvaikuṇṭhanāthāya dehi daṇḍamapi prabho

ānukūlyena tasyaiva hṛtaṃ sarvaṃ na saṃśayaḥ

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

वैकुण्ठनाथाय · vaikuṇṭhanāthāya — to the Lord of Vaikuntha

देहि · dehi — give/inflict

दण्डम् · daṇḍam — punishment

अपि · api — also

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord

आनुकूल्येन · ānukūlyena — by the favor/grace

तस्य · tasya — of Him

एव · eva — only

हृतम् · hṛtam — stolen

सर्वम् · sarvam — everything

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

प्रभो! तस्मात् वैकुण्ठनाथाय अपि दण्डं देहि। तस्य आनुकूल्येन एव सर्वं हृतं, अत्र संशयः न।

therefore · to the Lord of Vaikuntha · give/inflict · punishment · also · O Lord · by the favor/grace · of Him · only · stolen · everything · not · doubt

The thief shifts the moral burden to the Lord, asserting that his actions were divine service. This highlights the unconventional relationship between the devotee and the Lord of Vaikuntha.

The Sadguru said:

As the chief of thieves spoke thus, the king was astonished, seeing his firm courage and pure devotion to Viṣṇu.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ vadati coreśe vismito'bhūnmahīpatiḥ |

tasya dṛṣṭvā dṛḍhaṃ dhairyaṃ viṣṇubhaktiṃ ca nirmalām

एवम् · evam — thus

वदति · vadati — speaking

चोरेशे · coreśe — when the thief-chief was

विस्मितः · vismitaḥ — astonished

अभूत् · abhūt — became

महीपतिः · mahīpatiḥ — the king

तस्य · tasya — his

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

दृढम् · dṛḍham — firm

धैर्यम् · dhairyam — courage

विष्णुभक्तिम् · viṣṇubhaktim — devotion to Vishnu

च · ca — and

निर्मलाम् · nirmalām — pure

चोरेशे एवं वदति सति महीपतिः विस्मितः अभूत्। तस्य दृढं धैर्यं निर्मलां विष्णुभक्तिं च दृष्ट्वा (सः विस्मितः अभूत्)।

thus · speaking · when the thief-chief was · astonished · became · the king · his · having seen · firm · courage · devotion to Vishnu · and · pure

The king's astonishment serves as a bridge between the thief's bold claim and the intervention of the divine, setting the stage for the Brahmana's arrival.

Then, there came into the middle of the assembly a certain Brāhmaṇa, advanced in wisdom and age, a knower of the Vedas, eloquent, tall, and the best among the radiant.

tadā''gamat sabhāmadhyaṃ kaścid jñānavayo'dhikaḥ |

brāhmaṇo vedavidvāgmī prāṃśustejasvināṃ varaḥ

तदा · tadā — then

आगमत् · āgamat — came

सभामध्यम् · sabhāmadhyam — into the middle of the assembly

कश्चित् · kaścid — a certain

ज्ञानवयोऽधिकः · jñānavayo'dhikaḥ — advanced in wisdom and age

ब्राह्मणः · brāhmaṇaḥ — Brahmana

वेदवित् · vedavit — knower of Vedas

वाग्मी · vāgmī — eloquent

प्रांशुः · prāṃśuḥ — tall

तेजस्विनाम् · tejasvinām — of the radiant

वरः · varaḥ — best

तदा ज्ञानवयोऽधिकः, वेदवित्, वाग्मी, प्रांशुः, तेजस्विनां वरः कश्चित् ब्राह्मणः सभामध्यम् आगमत्।

then · came · into the middle of the assembly · a certain · advanced in wisdom and age · Brahmana · knower of Vedas · eloquent · tall · of the radiant · best

The arrival of the Brahmana introduces a voice of wisdom that challenges the king's conventional understanding of justice and theft.

The king worshipped him and inquired of his well-being. The Brāhmaṇa then stated the reason for his arrival.

pūjayāmāsa taṃ rājā papraccha kuśalaṃ tathā|

avocadbrāhmaṇastatra nijāgamanakāraṇam

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

तम् · tam — him

राजा · rājā — the king

पप्रच्छ · papraccha — asked

कुशलम् · kuśalam — well-being

तथा · tathā — also

अवोचत् · avocat — spoke/stated

ब्राह्मणः · brāhmaṇaḥ — the Brahmana

तत्र · tatra — there

निजागमनकारणम् · nijāgamanakāraṇam — the reason for his arrival

राजा तं पूजयामास, तथा कुशलं पप्रच्छ। तत्र ब्राह्मणः निजागमनकारणम् अवोचत्।

worshipped · him · the king · asked · well-being · also · spoke/stated · the Brahmana · there · the reason for his arrival

The king's respectful behavior towards the Brahmana highlights the social hierarchy and the gravity of the situation, preparing the audience for the Brahmana's defense.

The Brāhmaṇa said:

I know this great-souled chief of thieves, Kāladūṣaka. He is righteous, true to his word, and dedicated to protecting the distressed.

brāhmaṇa uvāca

ahaṃ vedmi mahātmānaṃ coreśaṃ kāladūṣakam|

dharmātmā satyasandho'yaṃ dīnarakṣaṇatatparaḥ

अहम् · aham — I

वेद्मि · vedmi — know

महात्मानम् · mahātmānam — great-souled

चोरेशम् · coreśam — chief of thieves

कालदूषकम् · kāladūṣakam — Kaladushaka

धर्मात्मा · dharmātmā — righteous

सत्यसन्धः · satyasandhaḥ — true to his word

अयम् · ayam — this

दीनरक्षणतत्परः · dīnarakṣaṇatatparaḥ — dedicated to protecting the distressed

अहं महात्मानं चोरेशं कालदूषकं वेद्मि। अयम् धर्मात्मा, सत्यसन्धः, दीनरक्षणतत्परः च अस्ति।

I · know · great-souled · chief of thieves · Kaladushaka · righteous · true to his word · this · dedicated to protecting the distressed

The Brahmana provides a moral testimonial for the thief, establishing the 'dharmic' justification for his actions, which is central to the chapter's theme.

For the service of Viṣṇu and the Vaiṣṇavas, and for the protection of the poor, he constantly steals the wealth of greedy rich men, O King.

viṣṇuvaiṣṇavasevāyai dīnānāṃ rakṣaṇāya ca |

lobhināṃ dhanināṃ vittaṃ nityaṃ harati bhūpate

विष्णुवैष्णवसेवायै · viṣṇuvaiṣṇavasevāyai — for service to Vishnu and Vaishnavas

दीनानाम् · dīnānām — of the poor

रक्षणाय · rakṣaṇāya — for protection

च · ca — and

लोभिनाम् · lobhinām — of the greedy

धनिनाम् · dhaninām — of the rich

वित्तम् · vittam — wealth

नित्यम् · nityam — constantly

हरति · harati — steals

भूपते · bhūpate — O King

भूपते! अयम् विष्णुवैष्णवसेवायै दीनानां रक्षणाय च लोभिनां धनिनां वित्तं नित्यं हरति।

for service to Vishnu and Vaishnavas · of the poor · for protection · and · of the greedy · of the rich · wealth · constantly · steals · O King

This verse clarifies the thief's motivation, framing his criminal activity as a form of redistribution of wealth for spiritual and social welfare.

The King said:

Be that as it may, theft is a great sin indeed. Therefore, he must be punished and is not to be pitied in any way.

rājovāca

yathā tathā vā bhavatu cauryaṃ pāpaṃ mahat khalu |

tasmādayaṃ daṇḍya eva dayanīyo na hi kvacit

यथा · yathā — however

तथा · tathā — in that way

वा · vā — or

भवतु · bhavatu — let it be

चौर्यम् · cauryam — theft

पापम् · pāpam — sin

महत् · mahat — great

खलु · khalu — indeed

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

अयम् · ayam — he

दण्ड्यः · daṇḍyaḥ — punishable

एव · eva — only

दयनीयः · dayanīyaḥ — pitiable

न · na — not

हि · hi — indeed

क्वचित् · kvacit — at all

यथा तथा वा भवतु, चौर्यं महत् पापं खलु। तस्मात् अयम् दण्ड्यः एव, क्वचित् अपि न दयनीयः।

however · in that way · or · let it be · theft · sin · great · indeed · therefore · he · punishable · only · pitiable · not · indeed · at all

The king represents the rigid adherence to law, creating a conflict between legalistic justice and the higher moral truth presented by the Brahmana.

The Brāhmaṇa said:

Not all thieves are thieves; the greedy alone are the thieves—those who hoard wealth meant for dharma, all in vain.

brāhmaṇa uvāca

corāḥ sarve naiva corāścorā lobhina eva hi |

dharmayogyaṃ dhanaṃ ye ye saṃgṛhṇanti vṛthaiva hi

चोराः · corāḥ — thieves

सर्वे · sarve — all

नैव · naiva — are not

चोराः · corāḥ — thieves

लोभिनः · lobhinaḥ — the greedy

एव · eva — only

हि · hi — indeed

धर्मयोग्यम् · dharmayogyam — meant for dharma

धनम् · dhanam — wealth

ये · ye — those who

संगृह्णन्ति · saṃgṛhṇanti — hoard

वृथा · vṛthā — in vain

एव · eva — only

सर्वे चोराः चोराः न एव। लोभिनः एव चोराः हि। ये धर्मयोग्यं धनं वृथा एव संगृह्णन्ति (ते चोराः)।

thieves · all · are not · thieves · the greedy · only · indeed · meant for dharma · wealth · those who · hoard · in vain · only

The Brahmana redefines 'thief' based on dharma, shifting the focus from the act of taking to the intent of hoarding, which is the core philosophical argument of the chapter.

He who, upon seeing the distressed and the greatly afflicted, is devoid of even a trace of compassion and thinks highly of himself—that thief deserves punishment.

dīnān suduḥkhitān dṛṣṭvā karuṇāleśavarjitaḥ |

adhikaṃ yo'bhimanyeta sa steno daṇḍamarhati

दीनान् · dīnān — the distressed

सुदुःखितान् · suduḥkhitān — the greatly afflicted

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

करुणालेशवर्जितः · karuṇāleśavarjitaḥ — devoid of even a trace of compassion

अधिकम् · adhikam — highly

यः · yaḥ — he who

अभिमन्येत · abhimanyeta — thinks of himself

सः · saḥ — he

स्तेनः · stenaḥ — thief

दण्डम् · daṇḍam — punishment

अर्हति · arhati — deserves

दीनान् सुदुःखितान् दृष्ट्वा यः करुणालेशवर्जितः (सन्) अधिकम् अभिमन्येत, सः स्तेनः दण्डम् अर्हति।

the distressed · the greatly afflicted · having seen · devoid of even a trace of compassion · highly · he who · thinks of himself · he · thief · punishment · deserves

This verse emphasizes compassion as the ultimate metric of dharma, condemning those who are indifferent to suffering, thereby justifying the thief's actions.

Many people perform actions for the welfare of the world. He who eats daily while being lazy is the foremost among sinners.

lokakṣemāya kurvanti karmāṇi bahavo janāḥ

yo bhuṅkte nityamalasaḥ sa evāghavatāṃ varaḥ

लोकक्षेमाय · lokakṣemāya — for the welfare of the world

कुर्वन्ति · kurvanti — perform

कर्माणि · karmāṇi — actions

बहवः · bahavaḥ — many

जनाः · janāḥ — people

यः · yaḥ — he who

भुङ्क्ते · bhuṅkte — eats

नित्यम् · nityam — daily

अलसः · alasaḥ — lazy

सः · saḥ — he

एव · eva — only

अघवताम् · aghavatām — among sinners

वरः · varaḥ — foremost

बहवः जनाः लोकक्षेमाय कर्माणि कुर्वन्ति। यः अलसः (सन्) नित्यं भुङ्क्ते, सः एव अघवतां वरः।

for the welfare of the world · perform · actions · many · people · he who · eats · daily · lazy · he · only · among sinners · foremost

The Brahmana expands the definition of a sinner to include the lazy, reinforcing the idea that active contribution to the world's welfare is a moral imperative.

Knowing this subtlety of dharma, do what must be done, O Lord. As for me, I, a Brāhmaṇa, am also an accomplice of the king of thieves.

dharmasūkṣmamimaṃ jñātvā yatkartavyaṃ kuru prabho

ahaṃ tu corarājasya brāhmaṇo'pi sahāyakaḥ

धर्मसूक्ष्मम् · dharmasūkṣmam — the subtle essence of dharma

इमम् · imam — this

ज्ञात्वा · jñātvā — having known

यत् · yat — whatever

कर्तव्यम् · kartavyam — is to be done

कुरु · kuru — do

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord/King

अहम् · aham — I

तु · tu — indeed

चोरराजस्य · corarājasya — of the king of thieves

ब्राह्मणः · brāhmaṇaḥ — a brahmana

अपि · api — also

सहायकः · sahāyakaḥ — an accomplice

प्रभो! इमं धर्मसूक्ष्मं ज्ञात्वा यत् कर्तव्यं तत् कुरु। अहं तु चोरराजस्य सहायकः ब्राह्मणः अपि अस्मि।

the subtle essence of dharma · this · having known · whatever · is to be done · do · O Lord/King · I · indeed · of the king of thieves · a brahmana · also · an accomplice

The Brahmana concludes his argument by placing the moral burden on the King, while simultaneously revealing his own identity as a participant in the thief's mission. This serves as the climax of the debate, forcing the King to confront the divine nature of the thief's actions.

The Sadguru said:

Having said this, that Brāhmaṇa, the accomplice of the king of thieves, immediately deluded the king with his *māyā* and disappeared.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktvā brāhmaṇaḥ sadyo rājānaṃ nijamāyayā |

antardadhe mohayitvā corarājasahāyakaḥ

इत्युक्त्वा · ityuktvā — having said thus

ब्राह्मणः · brāhmaṇaḥ — the brahmana

सद्यः · sadyaḥ — immediately

राजानम् · rājānam — the king

निजमायया · nijamāyayā — by his own divine illusion

अन्तर्दधे · antardadhe — disappeared

मोहयित्वा · mohayitvā — having deluded

चोरराजसहायकः · corarājasahāyakaḥ — the accomplice of the thief king

इति उक्त्वा चोरराजसहायकः सः ब्राह्मणः निजमायया राजानं मोहयित्वा सद्यः अन्तर्दधे।

having said thus · the brahmana · immediately · the king · by his own divine illusion · disappeared · having deluded · the accomplice of the thief king

This verse marks the transition from the philosophical debate to the miraculous revelation, as the Brahmana uses his divine power to vanish, leaving the King in a state of realization.

The king, realizing that the magical Brāhmaṇa was the Lord of Vaikuṇṭha Himself, released His devotee, the king of thieves.

māyāvinaṃ brāhmaṇaṃ taṃ jñātvā vaikuṇṭhanāyakam |

tadbhaktaṃ corarājaṃ ca vimumoca mahīpatiḥ

मायाविनम् · māyāvinam — the possessor of illusion

ब्राह्मणम् · brāhmaṇam — the brahmana

तम् · tam — him

ज्ञात्वा · jñātvā — having known

वैकुण्ठनायकम् · vaikuṇṭhanāyakam — the Lord of Vaikuntha

तद्भक्तम् · tadbhaktam — His devotee

चोरराजम् · corarājam — the king of thieves

च · ca — and

विमुमोच · vimumoca — released

महीपतिः · mahīpatiḥ — the king

महीपतिः तं मायाविनं ब्राह्मणं वैकुण्ठनायकं ज्ञात्वा, तद्भक्तं चोरराजं च विमुमोच।

the possessor of illusion · the brahmana · him · having known · the Lord of Vaikuntha · His devotee · the king of thieves · and · released · the king

The King's realization that the Brahmana was the Lord Himself validates the thief's devotion and resolves the conflict, leading to the release of the devotee.

From that time onwards, the king also repeatedly made the greedy rich people perform acts of dharma and became a friend of the king of thieves.

tadāprabhṛti rājā'pi lobhino dhanikānmuhuḥ |

kārayāmāsa dharmāṃśca corarājasakho'bhavat

तदाप्रभृति · tadāprabhṛti — from that time onwards

राजा · rājā — the king

अपि · api — also

लोभिनः · lobhinaḥ — the greedy

धनिकान् · dhanikān — the wealthy

मुहुः · muhuḥ — repeatedly

कारयामास · kārayāmāsa — made them perform

धर्मांश्च · dharmāṃśca — acts of dharma and

चोरराजसखः · corarājasakhaḥ — friend of the thief king

अभवत् · abhavat — became

तदाप्रभृति राजा अपि लोभिनः धनिकान् मुहुः धर्मांश्च कारयामास, चोरराजसखः च अभवत्।

from that time onwards · the king · also · the greedy · the wealthy · repeatedly · made them perform · acts of dharma and · friend of the thief king · became

This verse illustrates the transformative power of divine grace, as the King shifts from a punisher to a patron of dharma, influenced by the thief's example.

The Lord of Vaikuṇṭha, Bhagavān, thus became the Lord of the Thief (Coranātha). The thief too, abandoning thievery, shone as a supreme devotee of the Lord (*Bhāgavatottama*).

vaikuṇṭhanātho bhagavān coranātho'bhavattathā

coro'pi cauryaṃ santyajya babhau bhāgavatottamaḥ

वैकुण्ठनाथः · vaikuṇṭhanāthaḥ — the Lord of Vaikuntha

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Supreme Lord

चोरनाथः · coranāthaḥ — the Lord of the thief

अभवत् · abhavat — became

तथा · tathā — thus

चोरः · coraḥ — the thief

अपि · api — also

चौर्यम् · cauryam — thievery

सन्त्यज्य · santyajya — having abandoned

बभौ · babhau — shone

भागवतोत्तमः · bhāgavatottamaḥ — as a supreme devotee

वैकुण्ठनाथः भगवान् तथा चोरनाथः अभवत्। चोरः अपि चौर्यं सन्त्यज्य भागवतोत्तमः बभौ।

the Lord of Vaikuntha · the Supreme Lord · the Lord of the thief · became · thus · the thief · also · thievery · having abandoned · shone · as a supreme devotee

The verse formalizes the Lord's new title, 'Coranatha', and confirms the thief's spiritual elevation, cementing the core theme of the chapter.

Those who, having come to Śrīvaikuṇṭha, worship the Lord of the Thief, have no fear from kings, nor do they have fear from thieves.

Thus ends the eleventh chapter, named 'The Glory of the Sacred Site of Śrīvaikuṇṭha', in the fifth part of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

śrīvaikuṇṭhamupāgatya coranāthaṃ bhajanti ye

teṣāṃ rājabhayaṃ nāsti nāsti corabhayaṃ tathā

श्रीवैकुण्ठम् · śrīvaikuṇṭham — to Srivaikuntha

उपागत्य · upāgatya — having come

चोरनाथम् · coranātham — the Lord of the thief

भजन्ति · bhajanti — worship

ये · ye — those who

तेषाम् · teṣām — for them

राजभयम् · rājabhayam — fear from kings

न · na — not

अस्ति · asti — exists

चोरभयम् · corabhayam — fear from thieves

तथा · tathā — likewise

ये श्रीवैकुण्ठम् उपागत्य चोरनाथं भजन्ति, तेषां राजभयं न अस्ति, तथा चोरभयं न अस्ति।

to Srivaikuntha · having come · the Lord of the thief · worship · those who · for them · fear from kings · not · exists · fear from thieves · likewise

The concluding verse provides the phala-shruti (fruit of hearing/worshipping), promising protection and fearlessness to those who seek the Lord at this sacred site.