The Thief’s Plan
In Navadvipa, a brahmana’s son known for his expertise in thievery, led a band of thieves. This brahmana was a thief in name only, his heart filled with evil and devoid of mercy. He and his band were constantly on the lookout for valuables. Seeing Lord Nityananda adorned with gold, pearls, and coral, the brahmana thief coveted the ornaments. Concealing his intentions, he stayed close to Lord Nityananda.
Lord Nityananda’s Residence
Lord Nityananda, omniscient and aware of the thief’s wickedness, was residing with Hiraṇya Pandita, a devout and humble brahmana. Hiraṇya Pandita’s house was devoid of material wealth, but Lord Nityananda chose to stay there, blessing him with His divine presence.
The Plot to Rob Lord Nityananda
The brahmana thief conspired with other thieves, planning to rob Lord Nityananda of His valuable ornaments. They decided to attack at night. As they waited for everyone to fall asleep, they sat under a tree, discussing how they would divide the spoils. They imagined taking gold bracelets, pearl necklaces, gold necklaces, silver anklets, and more. Their minds were completely absorbed in these thoughts.
Divine Intervention
By Lord Nityananda’s divine will, the goddess of sleep enveloped the thieves, causing them to fall into a deep slumber. They slept through the night, missing their opportunity to rob the Lord. The next morning, they awoke to the sound of crows, realizing that they had slept through the night. Filled with disappointment, they argued among themselves, blaming each other for the failure.
The Thieves’ Second Attempt
Determined to succeed, the thieves decided to worship Goddess Durga with offerings of meat and wine, seeking her blessings for their endeavor. That night, dressed in black and armed with weapons, they set out to rob Lord Nityananda again. However, they were met with an unexpected sight: giant, powerful guards surrounding the house, chanting the holy names of Lord Hari. The guards, adorned with flower garlands and armed with weapons, seemed invincible. The thieves, realizing the futility of their plan, retreated.
The Third Attempt and Suffering
Refusing to give up, the thieves planned another attack. This time, as they approached the house, a blinding darkness enveloped them, and they were struck with blindness. Each thief faced terrible suffering, falling into ditches, garbage pits, thorny bushes, and canals, and being bitten by mosquitoes, leeches, and scorpions. A fierce rainstorm and hailstones added to their misery. Recognizing their mistake, the leader of the thieves finally realized Lord Nityananda’s divine nature and sought His mercy.
The Thieves’ Surrender
The brahmana thief, now filled with realization, prayed for forgiveness and surrendered to Lord Nityananda. The calamities ceased, and their vision was restored. The brahmana, along with the other thieves, went to Lord Nityananda, begging for mercy. The brahmana confessed his sins and acknowledged Lord Nityananda’s divine power.
Lord Nityananda’s Mercy
Moved by their sincere repentance, Lord Nityananda forgave the thieves and accepted them. He instructed them to abandon their sinful ways and follow the path of devotion to Lord Caitanya. He placed His garland on the brahmana’s neck, signifying his acceptance. The thieves, now transformed, renounced their violent ways and became devotees, chanting the holy names of Lord Hari.
Conclusion
Through Lord Nityananda’s mercy, even the most fallen souls can attain redemption. This story exemplifies the transformative power of divine grace and the importance of sincere repentance and devotion. Lord Nityananda’s boundless compassion and mercy can deliver even the greatest sinners, guiding them to a path of righteousness and devotion.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
PS: I humbly request all devotees to please forward and share these moral/instructive stories they hear so that everyone can be benefitted by hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
