निधिवनमाहात्म्यम् Nidhi Vana Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

Once, in the city of Alakā, Kubera, the foremost of Yakṣas, the king Vaiśravaṇa, shone forth, served by his nine treasures (Nidhis).

śrīsadgururuvāca

kadācidalakāpuryāṃ kubero yakṣapuṅgavaḥ

navabhirnidhibhiḥ sevyo rājā vaiśravaṇo babhau

कदाचित् · kadācit — once

अलकापुर्याम् · alakāpuryām — in the city of Alakā

कुबेरः · kuberaḥ — Kubera

यक्षपुङ्गवः · yakṣapuṅgavaḥ — the foremost of the Yakṣas

नवभिः · navabhiḥ — by nine

निधिभिः · nidhibhiḥ — treasures

सेव्यः · sevyaḥ — served

राजा · rājā — king

वैश्रवणः · vaiśravaṇaḥ — Vaiśravaṇa

बभौ · babhau — shone

कदाचित् अलकापुर्यां नवभिः निधिभिः सेव्यः यक्षपुङ्गवः राजा वैश्रवणः कुबेरः बभौ।

once · in the city of Alakā · Kubera · the foremost of the Yakṣas · by nine · treasures · served · king · Vaiśravaṇa · shone

This verse introduces the protagonist, Kubera, establishing his status as the wealthy king of the Yakṣas to set the stage for his subsequent fall due to pride.

Gods, Siddhas, Gandharvas, Yakṣas, Vidyādharas, as well as Kinnaras and Apsarases, served that king.

devāśca siddhā gandharvā yakṣā vidyādharāstathā |

kinnarāścāpsarasastaṃ rājānaṃ taṃ siṣevire

देवाः · devāḥ — gods

सिद्धाः · siddhāḥ — perfected beings

गन्धर्वाः · gandharvāḥ — celestial musicians

यक्षाः · yakṣāḥ — Yakṣas

विद्याधराः · vidyādharāḥ — Vidyādharas

तथा · tathā — and also

किन्नराः · kinnarāḥ — Kinnaras

अप्सरसः · apsarasaḥ — nymphs

तं राजानम् · taṃ rājānam — that king

सिषेविरे · siṣevire — served

देवाः सिद्धाः गन्धर्वाः यक्षाः विद्याधराः तथा किन्नराः अप्सरसः च तं राजानं सिषेविरे।

gods · perfected beings · celestial musicians · Yakṣas · Vidyādharas · and also · Kinnaras · nymphs · that king · served

This verse illustrates the grandeur of Kubera’s court, emphasizing that he was surrounded by divine beings, which naturally leads to the pride that causes his downfall.

The lord of wealth, his eyes bewildered with intoxication after drinking Vāruṇī liquor, sported in the Saugandhika forest with beautiful women.

saugandhikavane reme sundarībhirdhaneśvaraḥ

vāruṇīṃ madirāṃ pītvā madākulavilocanaḥ

सौगन्धिकवने · saugandhikavane — in the Saugandhika forest

रेमे · reme — he sported

सुन्दरीभिः · sundarībhiḥ — with beautiful women

धनेश्वरः · dhaneśvaraḥ — the lord of wealth

वारुणीम् · vāruṇīm — Vāruṇī liquor

मदिराम् · madirām — intoxicating drink

पीत्वा · pītvā — having drunk

मदाकुलविलोचनः · madākulavilocanaḥ — with eyes bewildered by intoxication

धनेश्वरः वारुणीं मदिरां पीत्वा मदाकुलविलोचनः सन् सौगन्धिकवने सुन्दरीभिः रेमे।

in the Saugandhika forest · he sported · with beautiful women · the lord of wealth · Vāruṇī liquor · intoxicating drink · having drunk · with eyes bewildered by intoxication

This verse depicts the sensory indulgence of Kubera, highlighting how his intoxication and attachment to worldly pleasure blinded him to the presence of the divine sage.

Having gone to the peak of Kailāsa and had the darśana of Śiva, he was returning, when at that very moment, the divine sage Durvāsā arrived there.

gatvā kailāsaśikharaṃ kṛtvā ca śivadarśanam |

āyayau ca tadā tatra durvāsā bhagavānmuniḥ

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

कैलासशिखरम् · kailāsaśikharam — to the peak of Kailāsa

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having done

शिवदर्शनम् · śivadarśanam — the sight of Śiva

आययौ · āyayau — arrived

तदा · tadā — then

तत्र · tatra — there

दुर्वासा · durvāsā — Durvāsā

भगवान् · bhagavān — the divine

मुनिः · muniḥ — sage

कैलासशिखरं गत्वा शिवदर्शनं कृत्वा तदा तत्र भगवान् मुनिः दुर्वासा आययौ।

having gone · to the peak of Kailāsa · having done · the sight of Śiva · arrived · then · there · Durvāsā · the divine · sage

This verse sets the scene for the conflict by bringing the divine sage Durvāsā into the proximity of the arrogant Kubera, creating the catalyst for the curse.

Thinking himself a wealthy man, the arrogant chief of the Yakṣas neither worshipped him nor offered words of welcome.

naiva taṃ pūjayāmāsa na ca svāgatamabravīt|

ātmānaṃ dhanikaṃ matvā garvito yakṣapuṅgavaḥ

नैव · naiva — not at all

तं · taṃ — him

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

न · na — nor

स्वागतम् · svāgatam — welcome

अब्रवीत् · abravīt — spoke

आत्मानम् · ātmānam — himself

धनिकम् · dhanikam — wealthy

मत्वा · matvā — thinking

गर्वितः · garvitaḥ — arrogant

यक्षपुङ्गवः · yakṣapuṅgavaḥ — the chief of the Yakṣas

गर्वितः यक्षपुङ्गवः आत्मानं धनिकं मत्वा तं न एव पूजयामास न च स्वागतम् अब्रवीत्।

not at all · him · worshipped · nor · welcome · spoke · himself · wealthy · thinking · arrogant · the chief of the Yakṣas

This verse explicitly identifies the cause of the curse: Kubera's pride in his wealth, which led him to ignore the basic etiquette of honoring a sage.

The best of sages, his eyes red with anger, cursed him. Though forgiving by nature, he did so to teach that Yakṣa a lesson, not otherwise.

śaśāpa taṃ muniśreṣṭhaḥ kopāruṇavilocanaḥ|

śikṣārthaṃ tasya yakṣasya kṣamāvānapi nānyathā

शशाप · śaśāpa — cursed

तम् · taṃ — him

मुनिश्रेष्ठः · muniśreṣṭhaḥ — the best of sages

कोपारुणविलोचनः · kopāruṇavilocanaḥ — with eyes red with anger

शिक्षार्थम् · śikṣārtham — for the purpose of teaching

तस्य · tasya — of him

यक्षस्य · yakṣasya — of the Yakṣa

क्षमावान् · kṣamāvān — forgiving

अपि · api — even though

न · na — not

अन्यथा · anyathā — otherwise

कोपारुणविलोचनः मुनिश्रेष्ठः क्षमावान् अपि तस्य यक्षस्य शिक्षार्थं तं शशाप, न अन्यथा।

cursed · him · the best of sages · with eyes red with anger · for the purpose of teaching · of him · of the Yakṣa · forgiving · even though · not · otherwise

This verse clarifies the nature of Durvāsā's curse, emphasizing that it was an act of compassion intended to correct Kubera's pride rather than an act of malice.

Durvāsā spoke:

The God of gods, the Lord Vāsudeva, the husband of Śrī, though humble, always serves the Brahmins who are masters of the Vedas.

durvāsā uvāca

devādhidevo bhagavān vāsudevaḥ śriyaḥ patiḥ |

brāhmaṇān sevate nityaṃ vinīto vedapāragān

देवाधिदेवः · devādhidevaḥ — God of gods

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

वासुदेवः · vāsudevaḥ — Vāsudeva

श्रियः पतिः · śriyaḥ patiḥ — husband of Śrī

ब्राह्मणान् · brāhmaṇān — Brahmins

सेवते · sevate — serves

नित्यम् · nityam — always

विनीतः · vinītaḥ — humble

वेदपारगान् · vedapāragān — masters of the Vedas

देवाधिदेवः भगवान् श्रियः पतिः वासुदेवः विनीतः सन् नित्यं वेदपारगान् ब्राह्मणान् सेवते।

God of gods · the Lord · Vāsudeva · husband of Śrī · Brahmins · serves · always · humble · masters of the Vedas

Durvāsā begins his discourse by contrasting Kubera's arrogance with the humility of the Supreme Lord, establishing the standard of conduct for the wise.

She, by a mere fraction of whose glance a poor man becomes wealthy—that same Lakṣmī constantly serves the lotus feet of Viṣṇu.

yasyāḥ kaṭākṣaleśena daridro dhaniko bhavet |

sā lakṣmīḥ sevate nityaṃ viṣṇoścaraṇapaṅkajam

यस्याः · yasyāḥ — whose

कटाक्षलेशेन · kaṭākṣaleśena — by a fraction of a glance

दरिद्रः · daridro — a poor man

धनिकः · dhaniko — wealthy

भवेत् · bhavet — becomes

सा · sā — she

लक्ष्मीः · lakṣmīḥ — Lakṣmī

सेवते · sevate — serves

नित्यम् · nityam — always

विष्णोः · viṣṇoḥ — of Viṣṇu

चरणपङ्कजम् · caraṇapaṅkajam — lotus feet

यस्याः कटाक्षलेशेन दरिद्रः धनिकः भवेत्, सा लक्ष्मीः नित्यं विष्णोः चरणपङ्कजं सेवते।

whose · by a fraction of a glance · a poor man · wealthy · becomes · she · Lakṣmī · serves · always · of Viṣṇu · lotus feet

This verse highlights the irony of Kubera's pride by noting that even Lakṣmī, the source of all wealth, serves the Lord, thereby diminishing the value of wealth itself.

You all have been appointed as world-protectors in your respective domains, but indeed, Govinda is the controller, the Supreme Lord of all.

sve sve'dhikāre nirṇītā yūyaṃ lokeśvarāḥ khalu |

niyāmako hi govindaḥ sarveṣāṃ parameśvaraḥ

स्वे स्वे · sve sve — in their respective

अधिकार · adhikāre — domain

निर्णीताः · nirṇītāḥ — appointed

यूयम् · yūyaṃ — you all

लोकेश्वराः · lokeśvarāḥ — world-protectors

खलु · khalu — indeed

नियामकः · niyāmako — controller

हि · hi — certainly

गोविन्दः · govindaḥ — Govinda

सर्वेषाम् · sarveṣāṃ — of all

परमेश्वरः · parameśvaraḥ — Supreme Lord

यूयं स्वे स्वे अधिकारे निर्णीताः लोकेश्वराः खलु, हि गोविन्दः सर्वेषां परमेश्वरः नियामकः।

in their respective · domain · appointed · you all · world-protectors · indeed · controller · certainly · Govinda · of all · Supreme Lord

Durvāsā reminds the Yakṣas that their authority is delegated, pointing to Govinda as the ultimate controller to humble their sense of independent power.

Unfortunate souls, even after attaining a high position through prior penance, fall again from heaven due to pride, just as Nahuṣa did.

nāpi pūrvatapasā sthānaṃ prāpyāpi durbhagāḥ |

punaḥ patanti garveṇa svargāt nahuṣo yathā

नापि · nāpi — not even

पूर्वतपसा · pūrvatapasā — by prior penance

स्थानम् · sthānaṃ — position

प्राप्यापि · prāpyāpi — even after attaining

दुर्भगाः · durbhagāḥ — unfortunate ones

पुनः · punaḥ — again

पतन्ति · patanti — fall

गर्वेण · garveṇa — due to pride

स्वर्गात् · svargāt — from heaven

नहुषः · nahuṣo — Nahuṣa

यथा · yathā — just as

पूर्वतपसा स्थानं प्राप्यापि दुर्भगाः गर्वेण स्वर्गात् पुनः पतन्ति, यथा नहुषः।

not even · by prior penance · position · even after attaining · unfortunate ones · again · fall · due to pride · from heaven · Nahuṣa · just as

This verse serves as a warning, using the historical example of Nahuṣa to illustrate how pride causes even the most accomplished beings to fall from their exalted positions.

Pride is the greatest fault; humility is the highest virtue. He who is discontent is a miser; he who is rich in virtues is truly called rich.

garvo hi paramo doṣo vinayaḥ paramo guṇaḥ

kṛpaṇo yastvasantuṣṭo guṇāḍhyo hyāḍhya ucyate

गर्वः · garvaḥ — pride

हि · hi — indeed

परमः · paramaḥ — the greatest

दोषः · doṣaḥ — fault

विनयः · vinayaḥ — humility

गुणः · guṇaḥ — virtue

कृपणः · kṛpaṇaḥ — miser

असन्तुष्टः · asantuṣṭaḥ — discontent

गुणाढ्यः · guṇāḍhyaḥ — rich in virtues

आढ्यः · āḍhyaḥ — truly wealthy

गर्वः हि परमः दोषः, विनयः परमः गुणः। यः असन्तुष्टः सः कृपणः, यः गुणाढ्यः सः आढ्यः उच्यते।

pride · indeed · the greatest · fault · humility · virtue · miser · discontent · rich in virtues · truly wealthy

This verse establishes the philosophical foundation for Durvāsā's curse, contrasting the transient nature of material wealth with the enduring value of character. It serves as a moral pivot, shifting the focus from external status to internal virtue.

For one devoid of virtue, all wealth will surely be lost. But a virtuous man, even without wealth, lives happily in every way.

guṇahīnasya nikhilaṃ dhanaṃ naṣṭaṃ bhaved dhruvam |

dhanahīno'pi guṇavān sukhaṃ jīvati sarvathā

गुणहीनस्य · guṇahīnasya — of one devoid of virtue

निखिलं · nikhilaṃ — all

धनं · dhanaṃ — wealth

नष्टं · naṣṭaṃ — lost

भवेत् · bhavet — becomes

ध्रुवं · dhruvam — certainly

धनहीनः · dhanahīnaḥ — one without wealth

अपि · api — even

गुणवान् · guṇavān — virtuous person

सुखं · sukhaṃ — happily

जीवति · jīvati — lives

गुणहीनस्य निखिलं धनं ध्रुवं नष्टं भवेत्। धनहीनः अपि गुणवान् सर्वथा सुखं जीवति।

of one devoid of virtue · all · wealth · lost · becomes · certainly · one without wealth · even · virtuous person · happily · lives

Durvāsā emphasizes that wealth without virtue is inherently unstable and destined for loss. This reinforces the idea that true security lies in moral integrity rather than material accumulation.

Through wealth, all vices come to a man on their own. Therefore, a wise person should renounce wealth and acquire virtues.

dhanena sarve doṣāśca svayamāyānti mānavam |

tasmāddhanaṃ parityajya guṇān saṃpādayet sudhīḥ

धनेन · dhanena — by wealth

सर्वे · sarve — all

दोषाः · doṣāḥ — vices

स्वयं · svayam — on their own

आयान्ति · āyānti — come

मानवम् · mānavam — to a man

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

धनं · dhanaṃ — wealth

परित्यज्य · parityajya — renouncing

गुणान् · guṇān — virtues

संपादयेत् · saṃpādayet — should acquire

सुधीः · sudhīḥ — a wise person

धनेन सर्वे दोषाः मानवं स्वयं आयान्ति। तस्मात् सुधीः धनं परित्यज्य गुणान् संपादयेत्।

by wealth · all · vices · on their own · come · to a man · therefore · wealth · renouncing · virtues · should acquire · a wise person

This verse acts as the concluding advice of the sage, warning that wealth acts as a magnet for vice. It justifies the necessity of the upcoming curse as a corrective measure for the Yakṣa's own spiritual benefit.

Since you, intoxicated with wealth, have shown disrespect, may you therefore become poor, so that humility may arise on its own.

yasmāddhanena mattastvamavajñāṃ kṛtavānasi |

tasmāddaridro bhūyāstvaṃ vinayastu svayaṃ yataḥ

यस्मात् · yasmāt — because

धनेन · dhanena — by wealth

मत्तः · mattaḥ — intoxicated

त्वं · tvaṃ — you

अवज्ञां · avajñāṃ — disrespect

कृतवान् · kṛtavān — have done

असि · asi — are

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

दरिद्रः · daridraḥ — poor

भूयाः · bhūyāḥ — may you become

विनयः · vinayaḥ — humility

स्वयं · svayam — on its own

यतः · yataḥ — so that

यस्मात् त्वं धनेन मत्तः अवज्ञां कृतवान् असि, तस्मात् त्वं दरिद्रः भूयाः, यतः विनयः स्वयं आगच्छेत्।

because · by wealth · intoxicated · you · disrespect · have done · are · therefore · poor · may you become · humility · on its own · so that

The curse is explicitly pronounced here, framing poverty not as a punishment but as a pedagogical tool to cultivate the humility Kubera currently lacks.

The Blessed Guru spoke:

Thus cursed by the sage who had arrived by chance, the king of the Yakṣas was astonished and, out of fear, folded his hands in supplication.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ śapto yakṣarājo muninaiva yadṛcchayā |

babhūva vismitastatra bhayena vihitāñjaliḥ

एवं · evaṃ — thus

शप्तः · śaptaḥ — cursed

यक्षराजः · yakṣarājaḥ — king of Yakṣas

मुनिना · muninā — by the sage

यदृच्छया · yadṛcchayā — by chance

बभूव · babhūva — became

विस्मितः · vismitaḥ — astonished

तत्र · tatra — there

भयेन · bhayena — out of fear

विहिताञ्जलिः · vihitāñjaliḥ — with folded hands

यदृच्छया मुनिना एवं शप्तः यक्षराजः तत्र विस्मितः बभूव, भयेन विहिताञ्जलिः च अभवत्।

thus · cursed · king of Yakṣas · by the sage · by chance · became · astonished · there · out of fear · with folded hands

This verse transitions from the sage's speech back to the narrative, showing the immediate psychological impact of the curse on Kubera, marking his transformation from arrogance to fear.

He was unable to pacify the extremely wrathful sage. Considering the fault to be his own, the lord stood there, filled with shame.

na śaśāka samādhātuṃ muniṃ paramakopanam|

taṃ doṣamātmano matvā tasthau lajjānvitaḥ prabhuḥ

न · na — not

शशाक · śaśāka — was able

समाधातुं · samādhātuṃ — to pacify

मुनिं · muniṃ — the sage

परमकोपनम् · paramakopanam — extremely wrathful

तं · taṃ — that

दोषम् · doṣam — fault

आत्मनः · ātmanaḥ — of himself

मत्वा · matvā — considering

तस्थौ · tasthau — stood

लज्जान्वितः · lajjānvitaḥ — filled with shame

प्रभुः · prabhuḥ — the lord

सः परमकोपनं मुनिं समाधातुं न शशाक। प्रभुः तं दोषम् आत्मनः मत्वा लज्जान्वितः तस्थौ।

not · was able · to pacify · the sage · extremely wrathful · that · fault · of himself · considering · stood · filled with shame · the lord

Kubera's realization of his own fault is the first step toward his redemption, shifting the tone from external conflict to internal introspection.

From that time onwards, the nine treasures, abandoning Kubera, went to a forest on the bank of the Tāmraparṇī river and began to worship Viṣṇu.

tadāprabhṛti taṃ tyaktvā kuberaṃ nidhayo nava

tāmraparṇītaṭe viṣṇuṃ bhajanti sma vanāntare

तदाप्रभृति · tadāprabhṛti — from that time

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — abandoning

कुबेरं · kuberaṃ — Kubera

निधयः · nidhayaḥ — treasures

नव · nava — nine

ताम्रपर्पपर्णीतटे · tāmraparṇītaṭe — on the bank of Tāmraparṇī

विष्णुं · viṣṇuṃ — Viṣṇu

भजन्ति · bhajanti — worship

स्म · sma — did

वनान्तरे · vanāntare — in the forest

तदाप्रभृति नव निधयः कुबेरं त्यक्त्वा ताम्रपर्णीतटे वनान्तरे विष्णुं भजन्ति स्म।

from that time · abandoning · Kubera · treasures · nine · on the bank of Tāmraparṇī · Viṣṇu · worship · did · in the forest

This verse explains the physical manifestation of the curse: the departure of the treasures, which forces Kubera to seek a higher spiritual refuge, setting the stage for the Nidhivana pilgrimage.

Kubera, having become a wretched and greatly afflicted man in the world, went to the peak of Kailāsa and submitted his plight to Śaṅkara.

kuberaḥ kṛpaṇo bhūtvā bhuvane bahu duḥkhitaḥ |

kailāsaśikharaṃ gatvā śaṅkarāya nyavedayat

कुबेरः · kuberaḥ — Kubera

कृपणः · kṛpaṇaḥ — wretched

भूत्वा · bhūtvā — having become

भुवने · bhuvane — in the world

बहु · bahu — greatly

दुःखितः · duḥkhitaḥ — afflicted

कैलासशिखरं · kailāsaśikharaṃ — peak of Kailāsa

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

शङ्कराय · śaṅkarāya — to Śaṅkara

न्यवेदयत् · nyavedayat — submitted

कुबेरः कृपणः भूत्वा भुवने बहु दुःखितः अभवत्। सः कैलासशिखरं गत्वा शङ्कराय न्यवेदयत्।

Kubera · wretched · having become · in the world · greatly · afflicted · peak of Kailāsa · having gone · to Śaṅkara · submitted

Kubera's descent into misery is necessary to break his pride, leading him to seek the help of Śiva, who will eventually guide him to the true source of wealth.

Kubera spoke:

Be pleased, Lord Śambhu! Be pleased, Supreme Lord! O Śrīkaṇṭha, Śiva, Lord of the worlds, destroy my poverty!

kubera uvāca

prasīda bhagavan śambho prasīda parameśvara |

śrīkaṇṭha śiva lokeśa dāridryaṃ me vināśaya

प्रसीद · prasīda — be pleased

भगवन् · bhagavan — O Lord

शम्भो · śambho — O Śambhu

परमेश्वर · parameśvara — Supreme Lord

श्रीकण्ठ · śrīkaṇṭha — O Śrīkaṇṭha

शिव · śiva — O Śiva

लोकेश · lokeśa — Lord of worlds

दारिद्र्यं · dāridryaṃ — poverty

मे · me — my

विनाशय · vināśaya — destroy

भगवन् शम्भो प्रसीद, परमेश्वर प्रसीद। श्रीकण्ठ शिव लोकेश, मे दारिद्र्यं विनाशय।

be pleased · O Lord · O Śambhu · Supreme Lord · O Śrīkaṇṭha · O Śiva · Lord of worlds · poverty · my · destroy

Kubera's prayer to Śiva highlights the desperation of his state, framing his poverty as a spiritual crisis that requires divine intervention to resolve.

It was by the power of your worship that I obtained supreme wealth and, ever honored by the gods, I lived in the city of Alakā.

tava pūjāprabhāveṇa labdhvā'haṃ paramaṃ dhanam

devaiḥ saṃmānito nityamavasaṃ hyalakāpure

तव · tava — your

पूजाप्रभावेण · pūjāprabhāveṇa — by the power of worship

लब्ध्वा · labdhvā — having obtained

अहं · ahaṃ — I

परमं · paramaṃ — supreme

धनं · dhanam — wealth

देवैः · devaiḥ — by gods

संमानितः · saṃmānitaḥ — honored

नित्यं · nityam — always

अवसं · avasam — lived

अलकापुरे · alakāpure — in Alakāpuri

अहं तव पूजाप्रभावेण परमं धनं लब्ध्वा, देवैः नित्यं संमानितः अलकापुरे अवसम्।

your · by the power of worship · having obtained · I · supreme · wealth · by gods · honored · always · lived · in Alakāpuri

Kubera recounts his former glory to emphasize the magnitude of his fall, establishing the contrast between his past reliance on Śiva's favor and his current state of abandonment.

By the curse of Durvāsā, who had arrived by chance, I have obtained the misery of poverty and am now suffering, O Lord with the bull banner!

śāpena durvāsaso'hamāgatasya yadṛcchayā

saṃprāpya duḥkhaṃ dāridryaṃ sīdāmi vṛṣabhadhvaja

शापेन · śāpena — by the curse

दुर्वाससः · durvāsasaḥ — of Durvāsā

अहम् · aham — I

आगतस्य · āgatasya — who arrived

यदृच्छया · yadṛcchayā — by chance

संप्राप्य · saṃprāpya — having obtained

दुःखम् · duḥkham — misery

दारिद्र्यम् · dāridryam — poverty

सीदामि · sīdāmi — I am suffering

वृषभध्वज · vṛṣabhadhvaja — O Lord with the bull banner

हे वृषभध्वज! अहं यदृच्छया आगतस्य दुर्वाससः शापेन दारिद्र्यं दुःखं संप्राप्य सीदामि।

by the curse · of Durvāsā · I · who arrived · by chance · having obtained · misery · poverty · I am suffering · O Lord with the bull banner

Kubera explains the cause of his current misery, identifying the curse of Durvāsā as the catalyst for his downfall. This verse establishes the urgency of his plea to Śiva.

In this world, no one honors a man without wealth. His wife does not attend to him, nor does his son serve him.

dhanahīnaṃ janaṃ loke pūjayanti na kecana

śuśrūṣate naiva bhāryā na putraḥ sevate ca tam

धनहीनम् · dhanahīnam — wealthless

जनम् · janam — person

लोके · loke — in the world

पूजयन्ति · pūjayanti — they honor

न · na — not

केचन · kecana — anyone

शुश्रूषते · śuśrūṣate — attends to

नैव · naiva — not even

भार्या · bhāryā — wife

न · na — nor

पुत्रः · putraḥ — son

सेवते · sevate — serves

लोके धनहीनं जनं केचन न पूजयन्ति। भार्या नैव शुश्रूषते, पुत्रः च न सेवते।

wealthless · person · in the world · they honor · not · anyone · attends to · not even · wife · nor · son · serves

Kubera laments the social reality of poverty, highlighting how wealth is the primary factor in receiving respect and familial affection. This sets the stage for his desperate request for restoration.

All his relatives condemn and laugh at a man without wealth. Righteous conduct comes from wealth; a happy life comes from wealth.

nindanti bāndhavāḥ sarve dhanahīnaṃ hasanti ca |

dhanena dharmācaraṇaṃ dhanena sukhajīvanam

निन्दन्ति · nindanti — they condemn

बान्धवाः · bāndhavāḥ — relatives

सर्वे · sarve — all

धनहीनम् · dhanahīnam — wealthless

हसन्ति · hasanti — they laugh

च · ca — and

धनेन · dhanena — by wealth

धर्माचरणम् · dharmācaraṇam — practice of dharma

सुखजीवनम् · sukhajīvanam — happy life

सर्वे बान्धवाः धनहीनं निन्दन्ति हसन्ति च। धनेन धर्माचरणं भवति, धनेन सुखजीवनं च भवति।

they condemn · relatives · all · wealthless · they laugh · and · by wealth · practice of dharma · happy life

This verse expands on the social isolation of the poor, while introducing the philosophical justification for wealth as a tool for dharma and happiness.

All kinsmen come from wealth; supreme fame comes from wealth. For a man without wealth, his entire life becomes sorrowful.

dhanena bāndhavāḥ sarve dhanena paramaṃ yaśaḥ |

dhanahīnasya nikhilaṃ jīvanaṃ duḥkhadaṃ bhavet

धनेन · dhanena — by wealth

बान्धवाः · bāndhavāḥ — relatives

सर्वे · sarve — all

परमम् · paramaṃ — supreme

यशः · yaśaḥ — fame

धनहीनस्य · dhanahīnasya — of the wealthless

निखिलम् · nikhilam — entire

जीवनम् · jīvanam — life

दुःखदम् · duḥkhadam — sorrowful

भवेत् · bhavet — becomes

धनेन सर्वे बान्धवाः भवन्ति, धनेन परमं यशः च भवति। धनहीनस्य निखिलं जीवनं दुःखदं भवेत्।

by wealth · relatives · all · supreme · fame · of the wealthless · entire · life · sorrowful · becomes

Kubera concludes his argument on the necessity of wealth, framing it as the root of all social and personal success, thereby justifying his desire to regain his treasures.

Therefore, a householder should always strive to acquire wealth. O Maheśvara, O Śiva, please kindly tell me the way to regain my nine lost treasures.

prayatnena gṛhī nityaṃ tasmātsaṃpādayeddhanam

navānāṃ ca nidhīnāṃ tvaṃ vinaṣṭānāṃ maheśvara |

punarlābhāya me mārgaṃ vada tvaṃ kṛpayā śiva

प्रयत्नेन · prayatnena — with effort

गृही · gṛhī — householder

नित्यम् · nityam — always

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

संपादयेत् · saṃpādayet — should acquire

धनम् · dhanam — wealth

नवानाम् · navānām — of the nine

निधीनाम् · nidhīnām — treasures

विनष्टानाम् · vinaṣṭānām — lost

महेश्वर · maheśvara — O Maheśvara

पुनर्लाभाय · punarlābhāya — for regaining

मार्गम् · mārgam — way

वद · vada — tell

कृपया · kṛpayā — kindly

शिव · śiva — O Śiva

तस्मात् गृही नित्यं प्रयत्नेन धनं संपादयेत्। हे महेश्वर! विनष्टानां नवानां निधीनां पुनर्लाभाय मे मार्गं कृपया वद।

with effort · householder · always · therefore · should acquire · wealth · of the nine · treasures · lost · O Maheśvara · for regaining · way · tell · kindly · O Śiva

Kubera formally requests Śiva's guidance, establishing the transition from his lamentation to seeking a spiritual solution for his material loss.

Śiva spoke:

Welcome to you, great king! Do not grieve, O wise one. Listen carefully to my words, O leader of the Yakṣas.

śiva uvāca

svāgataṃ te mahārāja mā viṣīda mahāmate |

vacanaṃ sāvadhānaṃ me śṛṇu tvaṃ yakṣanāyaka

स्वागतम् · svāgatam — welcome

ते · te — to you

महाराज · mahārāja — great king

मा · mā — do not

विषीद · viṣīda — grieve

महामते · mahāmate — O wise one

वचनम् · vacanam — words

सावधानम् · sāvadhānam — carefully

मे · me — my

शृणु · śṛṇu — listen

यक्षनायक · yakṣanāyaka — O leader of the Yakṣas

हे महाराज! ते स्वागतम्। हे महामते! मा विषीद। हे यक्षनायक! मे सावधानं वचनं शृणु।

welcome · to you · great king · do not · grieve · O wise one · words · carefully · my · listen · O leader of the Yakṣas

Śiva begins his response with compassion, reassuring the distressed Kubera and setting a tone of divine authority and grace.

One should accomplish Dharma with wealth; one should accomplish Kāma with wealth. Therefore, the purpose of wealth is for this; otherwise, it is indeed a calamity.

arthena sādhayeddharmaṃ kāmamarthena sādhayet

tasmādarthatvamarthasya hyanyathā'narthameva tat

अर्थेन · arthena — by wealth

साधयेत् · sādhayet — should accomplish

धर्मम् · dharmam — dharma

कामम् · kāmam — desire

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

अर्थत्वम् · arthatvam — purpose

अर्थस्य · arthasya — of wealth

अन्यथा · anyathā — otherwise

अनर्थम् · anartham — calamity

एव · eva — indeed

अर्थेन धर्मं साधयेत्, अर्थेन कामं साधयेत्। तस्मात् अर्थस्य अर्थत्वम् एतत्, अन्यथा अनर्थम् एव।

by wealth · should accomplish · dharma · desire · therefore · purpose · of wealth · otherwise · calamity · indeed

Śiva provides the philosophical framework for wealth, emphasizing that its true purpose is the fulfillment of dharma and kama, rather than mere accumulation.

Wealth, on its own, indifferently abandons one who is devoid of righteous conduct, who is greedy, lustful, and of bad character.

dharmācāravihīnaṃ tu lobhinaṃ kāminaṃ tathā|

durācāraṃ svayaṃ tyaktvā dhanaṃ gacchatyupekṣayā

धर्माचारविहीनम् · dharmācāravihīnam — devoid of righteous conduct

लोभिनम् · lobhinam — greedy

कामिनम् · kāminam — lustful

तथा · tathā — and

दुराचारम् · durācāram — bad character

स्वयम् · svayam — on its own

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — abandoning

धनम् · dhanam — wealth

गच्छति · gacchati — goes

उपेक्षया · upekṣayā — indifferently

धनं धर्माचारविहीनं लोभिनं कामिनं तथा दुराचारं नरं स्वयम् उपेक्षया त्यक्त्वा गच्छति।

devoid of righteous conduct · greedy · lustful · and · bad character · on its own · abandoning · wealth · goes · indifferently

Śiva explains the moral conditions under which wealth departs, serving as a corrective lesson for Kubera's past pride.

Great wealth, on its own, goes to a man who is endowed with learning and humility, who is devoted to his own dharma, and who is enthusiastic and diligent.

vidyā vinayasaṃpannaṃ svadharmanirataṃ naram|

utsāhavantamudyuktaṃ svayaṃ yāti dhanaṃ mahat

विद्या · vidyā — learning

विनयसंपन्नम् · vinayasaṃpannam — endowed with humility

स्वधर्मनिरतम् · svadharmaniratam — devoted to own dharma

नरम् · naram — man

उत्साहवन्तम् · utsāhavantam — enthusiastic

उद्युक्तम् · udyuktam — diligent

स्वयम् · svayam — on its own

याति · yāti — goes

धनम् · dhanam — wealth

महत् · mahat — great

महत् धनं विद्याविनयसंपन्नं स्वधर्मनिरतं नरं तथा उत्साहवन्तम् उद्युक्तं नरं स्वयम् याति।

learning · endowed with humility · devoted to own dharma · man · enthusiastic · diligent · on its own · goes · wealth · great

Contrasting the previous verse, Śiva outlines the virtues that attract wealth, providing a roadmap for Kubera's redemption.

On the bank of the river Tāmraparṇī, there is an excellent sacred place. There, the nine treasures are worshipping Hari Viṣṇu.

tāmraparṇīnadītīre vartate kṣetramuttamam|

upāsate tatra viṣṇuṃ navāpi nidhayo harim

ताम्रपर्णीनदीतीरे · tāmraparṇīnadītīre — on the bank of Tāmraparṇī

वर्तते · vartate — exists

क्षेत्रम् · kṣetram — sacred place

उत्तमम् · uttamam — excellent

उपासते · upāsate — are worshipping

तत्र · tatra — there

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Viṣṇu

नवापि · navāpi — all nine

निधयः · nidhayaḥ — treasures

हरिम् · harim — Hari

ताम्रपर्णीनदीतीरे उत्तमं क्षेत्रं वर्तते। तत्र नवापि निधयः विष्णुं हरिम् उपासते।

on the bank of Tāmraparṇī · exists · sacred place · excellent · are worshipping · there · Viṣṇu · all nine · treasures · Hari

Śiva directs Kubera to the specific location of his treasures, revealing that they are currently engaged in the worship of Viṣṇu, thereby linking material wealth to divine devotion.

Know that very Viṣṇu to be the supreme hidden treasure. By taking refuge in Him alone, a poor man will quickly become wealthy.

tameva viṣṇuṃ jānīhi nikṣiptanidhimuttamam |

tamevāśritya sahasā daridro dhaniko bhavet

तमेव · tameva — Him alone

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Lord Viṣṇu

जानीहि · jānīhi — know

निक्षिप्तनिधिम् · nikṣiptanidhim — the hidden treasure

उत्तमम् · uttamam — the supreme

तमेव · tameva — Him alone

आश्रित्य · āśritya — having taken refuge

सहसा · sahasā — quickly

दरिद्रः · daridraḥ — a poor person

धनिकः · dhanikaḥ — wealthy

भवेत् · bhavet — becomes

त्वं तमेव विष्णुं उत्तमं निक्षिप्तनिधिं जानीहि। तमेव आश्रित्य दरिद्रः सहसा धनिकः भवेत्।

Him alone · Lord Viṣṇu · know · the hidden treasure · the supreme · Him alone · having taken refuge · quickly · a poor person · wealthy · becomes

Śiva identifies the true source of all prosperity, redirecting Kubera from material attachment to the spiritual reality of Viṣṇu. This verse serves as the pivot point where the narrative shifts from worldly loss to divine acquisition.

Go there, see Govinda, and worship Him according to the prescribed rites. You will regain your wealth, and your poverty will be destroyed.

tvaṃ tatra dṛṣṭvā govindamabhyarcya vidhipūrvakam |

prāpsyasi tvaṃ dhanaṃ bhūyo dāridryaṃ te vinaṅkṣyati

त्वम् · tvam — you

तत्र · tatra — there

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

गोविन्दम् · govindam — Lord Govinda

अभ्यर्च्य · abhyarcya — having worshipped

विधिपूर्वकम् · vidhipūrvakam — according to rites

प्राप्स्यसि · prāpsyasi — you will obtain

धनम् · dhanam — wealth

भूयः · bhūyaḥ — again

दारिद्र्यम् · dāridryam — poverty

ते · te — your

विनङ्क्ष्यति · vinaṅkṣyati — will be destroyed

त्वं तत्र गोविन्दं दृष्ट्वा विधिपूर्वकम् अभ्यर्च्य धनं प्राप्स्यसि। ते दारिद्र्यं भूयः विनङ्क्ष्यति।

you · there · having seen · Lord Govinda · having worshipped · according to rites · you will obtain · wealth · again · poverty · your · will be destroyed

Śiva provides the specific instruction for the pilgrimage, establishing the ritualistic framework for Kubera's transformation. It emphasizes that divine grace is accessed through prescribed devotion.

The Blessed Guru spoke:

Thus instructed by Śambhu, the Yakṣa went to the bank of the Tāmravatī (Tāmraparṇī). Going to Nidhivana, he saw the Lord Hari there.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktaḥ śambhunā yakṣo gatvā tāmravatītaṭam |

gatvā nidhivanaṃ tatra dadarśa harimīśvaram

इत्युक्तः · ityuktaḥ — thus addressed

शम्भुना · śambhunā — by Śambhu

यक्षः · yakṣaḥ — the Yakṣa

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

ताम्रवतीतटम् · tāmravatītaṭam — to the bank of Tāmravatī

निधिवनम् · nidhivanam — to Nidhivana

तत्र · tatra — there

ददर्श · dadarśa — he saw

हरिम् · harim — Lord Hari

ईश्वरम् · īśvaram — the Supreme Lord

शम्भुना इत्युक्तः यक्षः ताम्रवतीतटं गत्वा, तत्र निधिवनं गत्वा ईश्वरं हरिं ददर्श।

thus addressed · by Śambhu · the Yakṣa · having gone · to the bank of Tāmravatī · to Nidhivana · there · he saw · Lord Hari · the Supreme Lord

This verse marks the transition of the narrative to the physical location of Nidhivana, confirming the efficacy of the Guru's (Śiva's) instructions. It sets the scene for the direct encounter with the Divine.

He saw Govinda reclining on the serpent couch, radiant as a sapphire, with arms reaching his knees, and adorned with all ornaments.

śayānaṃ śeṣaparyaṅke śakranīlamaṇiprabham

ājānubāhuṃ govindaṃ sarvābharaṇabhūṣitam

शयानम् · śayānam — reclining

शेषपर्यङ्के · śeṣaparyaṅke — on the serpent couch

शक्रनीलमणिप्रभम् · śakranīlamaṇiprabham — radiant like a sapphire

आजानुबाहुम् · ājānubāhum — with arms reaching knees

गोविन्दम् · govindam — Lord Govinda

सर्वाभरणभूषितम् · sarvābharaṇabhūṣitam — adorned with all ornaments

शेषपर्यङ्के शयानं, शक्रनीलमणिप्रभं, आजानुबाहुं, सर्वाभरणभूषितं गोविन्दं (सः ददर्श)।

reclining · on the serpent couch · radiant like a sapphire · with arms reaching knees · Lord Govinda · adorned with all ornaments

The verse provides a vivid dhyana-sloka style description of the Lord, establishing the bhava of awe and reverence necessary for Kubera's prayer. It highlights the majesty of the reclining form of the Lord.

Hari, who bore the Śrīvatsa and the Kaustubha gem, who was clad in yellow silk, whose lotus eyes were serene, and whose lotus face bore a gentle smile.

śrīvatsakaustubhadharaṃ pītāmbaradharaṃ harim |

prasannaṃ puṇḍarīkākṣaṃ mandasmitamukhāmbujam

श्रीवत्सकौस्तुभधरम् · śrīvatsakaustubhadharam — bearing Śrīvatsa and Kaustubha

पीताम्बरधरम् · pītāmbaradharam — clad in yellow silk

हरिम् · harim — Lord Hari

प्रसन्नम् · prasannam — serene

पुण्डरीकाक्षम् · puṇḍarīkākṣam — lotus-eyed

मन्दस्मितमुखाम्बुजम् · mandasmitamukhāmbujam — with a smiling lotus-face

श्रीवत्सकौस्तुभधरं, पीताम्बरधरं, प्रसन्नं, पुण्डरीकाक्षं, मन्दस्मितमुखाम्बुजं हरिं (सः ददर्श)।

bearing Śrīvatsa and Kaustubha · clad in yellow silk · Lord Hari · serene · lotus-eyed · with a smiling lotus-face

This verse continues the visual meditation on the Lord's auspicious marks, emphasizing His grace and accessibility. The mention of the smile and lotus eyes serves to comfort the distressed Kubera.

His lotus feet were being joyfully caressed by Śrī and Bhūmi. He was being served by the best of gods, their hands folded in reverence above their heads.

śriyā bhūmyā ca sānandaṃ saṃlālitapadāmbujam |

mūrdhnibaddhāñjalipuṭaiḥ sevitaṃ surasattamaiḥ

श्रिया · śriyā — by Śrī

भूम्या · bhūmyā — by Bhūmi

सानन्दम् · sānandam — joyfully

संलालितपदाम्बुजम् · saṃlālitapadāmbujam — whose lotus feet are caressed

मूर्ध्निबद्धाञ्जलिपुटैः · mūrdhnibaddhāñjalipuṭaiḥ — with folded hands on heads

सेवितम् · sevitam — served

सुरसत्तमैः · surasattamaiḥ — by the best of gods

श्रिया भूम्या च सानन्दं संलालितपदाम्बुजं, सुरसत्तमैः मूर्ध्निबद्धाञ्जलिपुटैः सेवितं (हरिं सः ददर्श)।

by Śrī · by Bhūmi · joyfully · whose lotus feet are caressed · with folded hands on heads · served · by the best of gods

By describing the Lord being served by the Divine Consorts and the gods, the verse establishes the supreme status of the Lord, which contrasts with Kubera's current state of poverty and humility.

Seeing the Primeval Person, his eyes moist with tears, the humble Kubera, with folded hands, began to pray.

purāṇapuruṣaṃ dṛṣṭvā bāṣpasnigdhavilocanaḥ|

kuberaḥ prārthayāmāsa vinīto vihitāñjaliḥ

पुराणपुरुषम् · purāṇapuruṣam — the Primeval Person

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

बाष्पस्निग्धविलोचनः · bāṣpasnigdhavilocanaḥ — with eyes moist with tears

कुबेरः · kuberaḥ — Kubera

प्रार्थयामास · prārthayāmāsa — began to pray

विनीतः · vinītaḥ — humble

विहिताञ्जलिः · vihitāñjaliḥ — with folded hands

पुराणपुरुषं दृष्ट्वा, बाष्पस्निग्धविलोचनः विनीतः कुबेरः विहिताञ्जलिः प्रार्थयामास।

the Primeval Person · having seen · with eyes moist with tears · Kubera · began to pray · humble · with folded hands

This verse captures the emotional response of Kubera, signaling his transformation from pride to genuine devotion. The tears and folded hands indicate the softening of his heart.

Kubera spoke:

O Lord, it is by Your grace alone that the hosts of gods, led by Brahmā, remain in their positions and carry out Your commands. This world, protected by those servants of Yours, is sustained, and they too are happy due to the sidelong glance of Kamalā (Lakṣmī).

kubera uvāca

brahmādidevanikarāḥ kṛpayā tavaiva

sthāne sthitāstava vahanti nideśamīśa |

taiḥ pālitaṃ jagadidaṃ satataṃ tvadīyaiḥ

te cāpi santi sukhinaḥ kamalākaṭākṣāt

ब्रह्मादिदेवनिकराः · brahmādidevanikarāḥ — hosts of gods led by Brahmā

कृपया · kṛpayā — by grace

तवैव · tavaiva — of Yours alone

स्थाने · sthāne — in their positions

स्थिताः · sthitāḥ — remain

वहन्ति · vahanti — carry out

निदेशम् · nideśam — commands

ईश · īśa — O Lord

पालितम् · pālitaṃ — protected

जगत् · jagat — the world

कमलाकटाक्षात् · kamalākaṭākṣāt — from the glance of Kamalā

ईश, ब्रह्मादिदेवनिकराः तवैव कृपया स्थाने स्थिताः निदेशं वहन्ति। त्वदीयैः पालितं इदं जगत् सततं कमलाकटाक्षात् सुखिनः सन्ति।

hosts of gods led by Brahmā · by grace · of Yours alone · in their positions · remain · carry out · commands · O Lord · protected · the world · from the glance of Kamalā

Kubera begins his prayer by acknowledging the Lord's supreme sovereignty, establishing the theological foundation that all worldly power is derived from the Lord's grace.

That Kamalā, who resides on Your chest, though ever fickle, never leaves You, O Lotus-Eyed One! Therefore, by Your grace alone, through being seen by Ramā (Lakṣmī), even the wretched in this world become wealthy.

vakṣaḥsthale vasati sā kamalā tavaiva

nityaṃ calāpi na calatyaravindanetra |

tasmāttavaiva kṛpayā kṛpaṇāśca loke

āḍhyā bhavanti ramayā kila vīkṣamāṇāḥ

वक्षःस्थले · vakṣaḥsthale — on the chest

वसति · vasati — resides

सा · sā — she

कमला · kamalā — Lakṣmī

तवैव · tavaiva — of Yours alone

नित्यम् · nityam — always

चलापि · calāpi — though fickle

न चलति · na calati — does not leave

अरविन्दनेत्र · aravindanetra — O Lotus-Eyed One

कृपया · kṛpayā — by grace

कृपणाः · kṛpaṇāḥ — the wretched

आढ्याः · āḍhyāḥ — wealthy

अरविन्दनेत्र, सा कमला तवैव वक्षःस्थले वसति, नित्यं चलापि न चलति। तस्मात् तवैव कृपया लोके कृपणाः अपि रमया वीक्षमाणाः आढ्याः भवन्ति।

on the chest · resides · she · Lakṣmī · of Yours alone · always · though fickle · does not leave · O Lotus-Eyed One · by grace · the wretched · wealthy

Kubera highlights the inseparable nature of Lakṣmī and Viṣṇu, emphasizing that wealth is a manifestation of her grace, which is only available through devotion to the Lord.

That very Lakṣmī, by relying on whose glance even the hosts of gods led by Śakra obtain wealth, she herself, ever-constant, worships only You, the sinless one. Who else in this world is a greater lord and more magnanimous than You?

yasyāḥ kaṭākṣamavalambya dhanaṃ labhante

śakrādayaḥ suragaṇā api sā tu lakṣmīḥ

tvāmeva nityamanaghaṃ bhajate sthiraiva

tvatto'pi kaḥ prabhurihāsti mahāvadānyaḥ

यस्याः · yasyāḥ — whose

कटाक्षम् · kaṭākṣam — glance

अवलम्ब्य · avalambya — relying on

धनम् · dhanam — wealth

लभन्ते · labhante — obtain

शक्रादयः · śakrādayaḥ — Indra and others

सुरगणाः · suragaṇāḥ — hosts of gods

लक्ष्मीः · lakṣmīḥ — Lakṣmī

त्वामेव · tvāmeva — You alone

अनघम् · anagham — the sinless one

भजते · bhajate — worships

प्रभुः · prabhuḥ — lord

महावदान्यः · mahāvadānyaḥ — magnanimous

यस्याः कटाक्षम् अवलम्ब्य शक्रादयः सुरगणाः अपि धनं लभन्ते, सा लक्ष्मीः स्थिरैव त्वाम् अनघं भजते। इह त्वत्तः अपि कः प्रभुः महावदान्यः अस्ति?

whose · glance · relying on · wealth · obtain · Indra and others · hosts of gods · Lakṣmī · You alone · the sinless one · worships · lord · magnanimous

Kubera concludes his initial praise by rhetorically asking who else could be more magnanimous, thereby positioning the Lord as the ultimate object of worship for both wealth and liberation.

O poets, abandoning You—the wealthy one, the refuge of the afflicted, an ocean of compassion, the giver, a wish-fulfilling tree for Your dependents, the infallible Lord, who stands nearby with a smiling face and speaks softly—they serve those who are blinded by the wicked pride of wealth!

śrīmantamārtaśaraṇaṃ karuṇāmburāśim

dātāramāśritasuradrumamamoghamīśam |

pārśve sthitaṃ smitamukhaṃ mṛdubhāṣiṇaṃ tvāṃ

tyaktvā bhajanti kavayo dhanadurmadāndhān

श्रीमन्तम् · śrīmantam — the possessor of wealth

आर्तशरणम् · ārtaśaraṇam — refuge of the distressed

करुणाम्बुराशिम् · karuṇāmburāśim — ocean of compassion

दातारम् · dātāram — the giver

आश्रितसुरद्रुमम् · āśritasuradrumam — wish-fulfilling tree for dependents

अमोघम् · amogham — infallible

ईशम् · īśam — the Lord

पार्श्वे · pārśve — nearby

स्थितम् · sthitam — standing

स्मितमुखम् · smitamukham — smiling-faced

मृदुभाषिणम् · mṛdubhāṣiṇam — soft-spoken

त्वाम् · tvām — You

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

भजन्ति · bhajanti — they serve

कवयः · kavayaḥ — poets

धनदुर्मदान्धान् · dhanadurmadāndhān — those blinded by the pride of wealth

कवयः श्रीमन्तम् आर्तशरणम् करुणाम्बुराशिम् दातारम् आश्रितसुरद्रुमम् अमोघम् ईशम् पार्श्वे स्थितम् स्मितमुखम् मृदुभाषिणम् त्वाम् त्यक्त्वा धनदुर्मदान्धान् भजन्ति।

the possessor of wealth · refuge of the distressed · ocean of compassion · the giver · wish-fulfilling tree for dependents · infallible · the Lord · nearby · standing · smiling-faced · soft-spoken · You · having abandoned · they serve · poets · those blinded by the pride of wealth

Kubera contrasts the foolishness of poets who praise wealthy mortals blinded by pride with the supreme glory of the Lord, who is the true source of all auspiciousness. This highlights the misplaced values of the world compared to the divine reality.

Those who know in their hearts that You alone are the eternal wealth, ever-present, bestower of good, and destroyer of fear and sorrow—they are truly rich. They find contentment and attain peace. Others wander the world for the sake of acquiring wealth.

tvāmeva śāśvatadhanaṃ hṛdi ye vidanti

nityaṃ sthitaṃ śubhakaraṃ bhayaśokanāśam |

āḍhyā hi te tu viramanti bhajanti śāntim

anye bhramanti bhuvane hi dhanārjanāya

त्वामेव · tvāmeva — You alone

शाश्वतधनम् · śāśvatadhanam — eternal wealth

हृदि · hṛdi — in the heart

ये · ye — those who

विदन्ति · vidanti — know

नित्यं स्थितम् · nityaṃ sthitam — ever-present

शुभकरम् · śubhakaram — bestower of good

भयशोकनाशम् · bhayaśokanāśam — destroyer of fear and sorrow

आढ्याः · āḍhyāḥ — wealthy

हि · hi — indeed

ते · te — they

तु · tu — but

विरमन्ति · viramanti — find contentment

भजन्ति शान्तिम् · bhajanti śāntim — attain peace

अन्ये · anye — others

भ्रमन्ति · bhramanti — wander

भुवने · bhuvane — in the world

धनार्जनाय · dhanārjanāya — for the sake of acquiring wealth

ये त्वाम् एव शाश्वतधनम् नित्यं स्थितम् शुभकरम् भयशोकनाशम् हृदि विदन्ति ते हि आढ्याः, ते तु विरमन्ति शान्तिम् भजन्ति। अन्ये भुवने धनार्जनाय भ्रमन्ति।

You alone · eternal wealth · in the heart · those who · know · ever-present · bestower of good · destroyer of fear and sorrow · wealthy · indeed · they · but · find contentment · attain peace · others · wander · in the world · for the sake of acquiring wealth

Kubera defines the truly wealthy as those who recognize the Lord as the eternal treasure, distinguishing them from the worldly who wander in search of material gain. This serves as a spiritual pivot for his own realization.

I, whose mind is veiled by Your Māyā in this world, having attained You who are easily accessible to Your servants, a true friend, and grateful—am now shamelessly praying for that very thing (wealth). O Lord, grant it to me at once, O Deva!

tvanmāyayā''vṛtamatirbhuvane tathā'haṃ

tvāmeva bhṛtyasulabhaṃ suhṛdaṃ kṛtajñam |

saṃprāpya cārthamadhikaṃ bhagavan vilajjaḥ

saṃprārthaye sapadi dehi tameva deva

त्वन्मायया · tvanmāyayā — by Your illusion

आवृतमतिः · āvṛtamatiḥ — one whose mind is veiled

भुवने · bhuvane — in the world

तथा · tathā — thus

अहम् · aham — I

त्वामेव · tvāmeva — You alone

भृत्यसुलभम् · bhṛtyasulabham — easily accessible to servants

सुहृदम् · suhṛdam — true friend

कृतज्ञम् · kṛtajñam — grateful

संप्राप्य · saṃprāpya — having attained

च · ca — and

अर्थम् · artham — wealth

अधिकम् · adhikam — more

भगवन् · bhagavan — O Lord

विलज्जः · vilajjaḥ — shameless

संप्रार्थये · saṃprārthaye — I pray

सपदि · sapadi — at once

देहि · dehi — give

तमेव · tameva — that very thing

देव · deva — O God

त्वन्मायया आवृतमतिः अहम् भुवने त्वाम् एव भृत्यसुलभम् सुहृदम् कृतज्ञम् संप्राप्य, हे भगवन्, विलज्जः अधिकम् अर्थम् संप्रार्थये। हे देव, तमेव सपदि देहि।

by Your illusion · one whose mind is veiled · in the world · thus · I · You alone · easily accessible to servants · true friend · grateful · having attained · and · wealth · more · O Lord · shameless · I pray · at once · give · that very thing · O God

Kubera admits his own delusion, acknowledging that despite knowing the Lord's greatness, he is still bound by the desire for material wealth. This confession demonstrates his humility and sincerity before the Divine.

You know my heart, O Acyuta, Lord of the worlds! O Master, forgive this offense of mine. O merciful one, remember in Your heart this poor soul, who has come to this place which is the final resort for devotees who desire wealth.

jānāsi me hṛdayamacyuta lokanātha

svāmin madīyamaparādhamimaṃ kṣamasva |

arthārthibhaktacaramāvadhideśasaṃsthaṃ

citte tava smara kṛpākara dīnamenam

जानासि · jānāsi — You know

मे · me — my

हृदयम् · hṛdayam — heart

अच्युत · acyuta — O Acyuta

लोकनाथ · lokanātha — Lord of the worlds

स्वामिन् · svāmin — O Master

मदीयम् · madīyam — my

अपराधम् · aparādham — offense

इमम् · imam — this

क्षमस्व · kṣamasva — forgive

अर्थार्थिभक्त · arthārthibhaktacaramāvadhideśasaṃstham — residing in the final resort for devotees desiring wealth

चित्ते · citte — in the heart

तव · tava — Your

स्मर · smara — remember

कृपाकर · kṛpākara — O merciful one

दीनम् · dīnam — poor soul

एनम् · enam — this

हे अच्युत लोकनाथ, मे हृदयम् जानासि। हे स्वामिन्, मदीयम् इमम् अपराधम् क्षमस्व। हे कृपाकर, अर्थार्थिभक्तचरमावधिदेशसंस्थम् एनम् दीनम् तव चित्ते स्मर।

You know · my · heart · O Acyuta · Lord of the worlds · O Master · my · offense · this · forgive · residing in the final resort for devotees desiring wealth · in the heart · Your · remember · O merciful one · poor soul · this

Kubera seeks forgiveness for his past arrogance and requests the Lord to remember him, identifying Nidhivana as the ultimate refuge for those seeking both material and spiritual grace.

O Lord of the afflicted, having obtained the status of the Lord of Wealth in the presence of You, the Blessed Lord of the Universe, whose glory is natural, boundless, and immeasurable, I have become poor. Bestow Your glance upon me always.

svābhāvikānavadhikāmitavaibhavasya

te sannidhau bhagavato jagadīśvarasya |

vitteśvaratvamupalabhya ca dīnanātha

dīno'smyahaṃ mayi sadā kuru te kaṭākṣam

स्वाभाविकानवधिकामितवैभवस्य · svābhāvikānavadhikāmitavaibhavasya — of one whose glory is natural, boundless, and immeasurable

ते · te — Your

सन्निधौ · sannidhau — in the presence

भगवतः · bhagavataḥ — of the Blessed Lord

जगदीश्वरस्य · jagadīśvarasya — of the Lord of the Universe

वित्तेश्वरत्वम् · vitteśvaratvam — status of Lord of Wealth

उपलभ्य · upalabhya — having obtained

च · ca — and

दीननाथ · dīnanātha — O Lord of the afflicted

दीनः · dīnaḥ — poor

अस्मि · asmi — I am

अहम् · aham — I

मयि · mayi — upon me

सदा · sadā — always

कुरु · kuru — bestow

ते · te — Your

कटाक्षम् · kaṭākṣam — glance

हे दीननाथ, स्वाभाविकानवधिकामितवैभवस्य ते भगवतः जगदीश्वरस्य सन्निधौ वित्तेश्वरत्वम् उपलभ्य अहम् दीनः अस्मि। मयि सदा ते कटाक्षम् कुरु।

of one whose glory is natural, boundless, and immeasurable · Your · in the presence · of the Blessed Lord · of the Lord of the Universe · status of Lord of Wealth · having obtained · and · O Lord of the afflicted · poor · I am · I · upon me · always · bestow · Your · glance

Kubera expresses the paradox of being the 'Lord of Wealth' who has become poor, and he begs for the Lord's glance to restore his true state, acknowledging the Lord's boundless glory.

The Supreme Lord spoke:

Fear not, O king of Yakṣas! Go to your city of Alakā. The nine treasures will come to you there, there is no doubt.

śrībhagavānuvāca

abhayaṃ yakṣarājendra gaccha tvamalakāpurīm |

navāpi nidhayastatra tvāṃ labheran na saṃśayaḥ

अभयम् · abhayam — fearlessness

यक्षराजेन्द्र · yakṣarājendra — O king of Yakṣas

गच्छ · gaccha — go

त्वम् · tvam — you

अलकापुरीम् · alakāpurīm — to the city of Alakā

नवापि · navāpi — the nine

निधयः · nidhayaḥ — treasures

तत्र · tatra — there

त्वाम् · tvām — you

लभेरन् · labheran — will reach

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

हे यक्षराजेन्द्र, अभयम्। त्वम् अलकापुरीम् गच्छ। तत्र नवापि निधयः त्वाम् लभेरन्, न संशयः।

fearlessness · O king of Yakṣas · go · you · to the city of Alakā · the nine · treasures · there · you · will reach · not · doubt

The Lord grants Kubera's request, assuring him that his treasures will return, thereby demonstrating His role as the ultimate dispenser of fortune and the remover of fear.

O master of treasures, if pride arises in anyone's mind because of wealth, I take away both his wealth and his pride.

vittena yasya citte tu garvaḥ sañjāyate tadā |

harāmi tasya vittaṃ ca garvañca nidhināyaka

वित्तेन · vittena — by wealth

यस्य · yasya — whose

चित्ते · citte — in the mind

तु · tu — indeed

गर्वः · garvaḥ — pride

सञ्जायते · sañjāyate — arises

तदा · tadā — then

हरामि · harāmi — I take away

तस्य · tasya — his

वित्तम् · vittam — wealth

च · ca — and

गर्वम् · garvam — pride

निधिनायक · nidhināyaka — O master of treasures

हे निधिनायक, वित्तेन यस्य चित्ते तु गर्वः सञ्जायते, तदा तस्य वित्तम् गर्वम् च हरामि।

by wealth · whose · in the mind · indeed · pride · arises · then · I take away · his · wealth · and · pride · O master of treasures

The Lord provides a moral lesson, explaining that He removes wealth and pride when they become obstacles to devotion, reinforcing the necessity of humility for a true leader.

O wise one, you are the lord of the nine treasures. Being humble, enjoy worldly pleasures and perform your dharma with faith.

navānāṃ ca nidhīnāṃ tvamīśvaro'si mahāmate |

vinīto viṣayān bhuktvā śraddhayā dharmamācara

नवानाम् · navānām — of the nine

निधीनाम् · nidhīnām — treasures

त्वम् · tvam — you

ईश्वरः · īśvaraḥ — lord

असि · asi — are

महामते · mahāmate — O wise one

विनीतः · vinītaḥ — being humble

विषयान् · viṣayān — worldly pleasures

भुक्त्वा · bhuktvā — having enjoyed

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

धर्मम् · dharmam — righteousness

आचर · ācara — perform

हे महामते, त्वम् नवानाम् निधीनाम् ईश्वरः असि। विनीतः विषयान् भुक्त्वा श्रद्धया धर्मम् आचर।

of the nine · treasures · you · lord · are · O wise one · being humble · worldly pleasures · having enjoyed · with faith · righteousness · perform

The Lord instructs Kubera to perform his duties with humility and faith, establishing that worldly enjoyment is acceptable only when accompanied by righteous conduct and devotion.

The Blessed Guru spoke:

Thus addressed by Viṣṇu, the Yakṣa, upon reaching his city again, was at once regained by the nine treasures.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityukto viṣṇunā yakṣaḥ punaḥ prāpya purīṃ svakām |

tameva lebhire bhūyaḥ sahasā nidhayo nava

इत्युक्तः · ityuktaḥ — thus addressed

विष्णुना · viṣṇunā — by Viṣṇu

यक्षः · yakṣaḥ — the Yakṣa

पुनः · punaḥ — again

प्राप्य · prāpya — having reached

पुरीम् · purīm — city

स्वकाम् · svakām — his own

तमेव · tameva — that very

लेभिरे · lebhire — regained

भूयः · bhūyaḥ — again

सहसा · sahasā — at once

निधयः · nidhayaḥ — treasures

नव · nava — nine

विष्णुना इत्युक्तः यक्षः पुनः स्वकाम् पुरीम् प्राप्य, सहसा तमेव नव निधयः भूयः लेभिरे।

thus addressed · by Viṣṇu · the Yakṣa · again · having reached · city · his own · that very · regained · again · at once · treasures · nine

The narrative concludes with the restoration of Kubera's treasures, confirming the efficacy of the Lord's words and the immediate result of seeking His grace in Nidhivana.

For those who behold the Lord of Ramā, the repository of compassion, in this sacred place, their wealth is not diminished; indeed, it is only their debt that is diminished.

Here ends the sixteenth chapter, titled "The Glory of Nidhivana," in the Fifth Part of the "Divyadeśavaibhavam," composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

asmin kṣetre ramānāthaṃ ye paśyanti kṛpānidhim |

teṣāṃ na kṣīyate vittaṃ kṣīyate ṛṇameva hi

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

क्षेत्रे · kṣetre — sacred place

रमानाथम् · ramānātham — Lord of Ramā

ये · ye — those who

पश्यन्ति · paśyanti — behold

कृपानिधिम् · kṛpānidhim — repository of compassion

तेषाम् · teṣām — their

न · na — not

क्षीयते · kṣīyate — diminished

वित्तम् · vittam — wealth

ऋणमेव · ṛṇameva — only debt

हि · hi — indeed

ये अस्मिन् क्षेत्रे रमानाथम् कृपानिधिम् पश्यन्ति, तेषाम् वित्तम् न क्षीयते, ऋणमेव हि क्षीयते।

in this · sacred place · Lord of Ramā · those who · behold · repository of compassion · their · not · diminished · wealth · only debt · indeed

The final verse serves as a phala-śruti, promising that those who visit Nidhivana and behold the Lord will find their spiritual and material debts cleared, emphasizing the transformative power of the sacred site.