Chaurashtakam is a very beautiful composition of Shri Bilva Mangal Thakurji, who was a passionate saint of Vrindavan.
God has been called a thief in Chaurashtakam. What kind of thief? The one who steals everyone’s sins, the one who steals the mind, the one who steals the heart, the one who steals the sins of many births, the one who steals the clothes of the gopis, He has been requested here to steal our hearts too.
Grant us your devotion and so forth have been requested.
Chaurashtakam starts from here:
vraje prasiddham navanita-chauram
gopangananam ca dukula-chauram
aneka-janmarjita-papa-chauram
chauragraganyam purusham namami
I propose pranama to the most notorious thief, known in Vraja as the butterthief and the one who robs gopis of their clothing. He also steals the sins that have accumulated over many incarnations for those who seek refuge in Him.
shri radhikaya hridayasya chauram
navambuda-shyamala-kanti-chauram
padashritanam ca samasta-chauram
churagraganyam purusham namami
I bow down to the greatest thief, who also takes Shrimati Radhika’s heart, the ominous sheen of a new raincloud, and all the sins and afflictions of those who seek refuge at His feet.
akincani-kritya padashritam yah
karoti bhikshum pathi geha-hinam
kenapy aho bhishana-chaura idrig
drishtah-shruto va na jagat-traye ’pi
Aho! Such a terrifying robber has never been seen or heard about in all three realms. He converts His surrendered believers into paupers and wandering, destitute beggars.
yadiya namapi haraty ashesham
giri-prasaran api papa-rashin
ashcharya-rupo nanu chaura idrig
drishtah shruto va na maya kadapi
Such a remarkable thief I have never seen or heard of anywhere purges one of a mountain of sins with the simple invocation of His name!
dhanam cha manam cha tathendriyani
pranamsh cha hritva mama sarvam eva
palayase kutra dhrito ’dya chaura
tvam bhakti-damnasi maya niruddhah
Ah, thief! Where can You flee after stealing all of my possessions, including my money, honor, senses, and life? With the rope of my affection, I have you in my grasp.
chinatsi ghoram yama-pasha-bandham
bhinatsi bhimam bhava-pasha-bandham
chinatsi sarvasya samasta-bandham
naivatmano bhakta-kritam tu bandham
You break free from Yamaraja’s horrible rope, you cut free from the terrible noose of material life, and you break free from everyone’s material bondage, yet You are powerless to break the knot that Your own devoted followers have tied around You.
man-manase tamasa-rashi-ghore
karagrihe duhkha-maye nibaddhah
labhasva he chaura! hare! chiraya
sva-chaurya-doshochitam eva dandam
O thief of all that I own! Ah, thief! I have imprisoned You today in the wretched prison-house of my heart, which is filled with terror because of the horrible darkness of my ignorance. You will stay there for a very long time, getting the just penalty for Your theft crimes!
karagrihe vasa sada hridaye madiye
mad-bhakti-pasha-dridha-bandhana-nishchalah san
tvam krishna he! pralaya-koti-shatantare ’pi
sarvasva-chaura! hridayan na hi mochayami
O Krishna, my entire world is stolen! You will stay in the prison-house of my heart as long as I have my undying affection, because I will not free You for millions of aeons. (This ashtaka is recited in the “Upajati” poetic meter.)
Conclusion
In its entirety, the “Chaurashtakam” stands as a testament to the transcendent nature of divine love and the indomitable spirit of devotion, emphasizing the deep, unbreakable bond between the divine and the devotee.
The “Chaurashtakam” is an evocative composition by Shri Bilva Mangal Thakurji, which beautifully captures the essence of devotion and love towards God. In a unique portrayal, God is depicted as a thief, but not one who steals worldly possessions. Instead, this divine thief steals sins, afflictions, and the darkness of ignorance, offering solace and enlightenment to the devotees.
We are grateful that you have taken the time to read the divine lines of the “Chaurashtakam” on Vrindavanrasamrit.in. You don’t have to end your spiritual journey here. We cordially encourage you to peruse further captivating stutis and ashtakams on our website, each resonating with the ageless narratives and devotional lessons.
Explore the sublime more by reading our articles on the mystic charm of Vrindavan, the profound “Bhagwat Ke 7 Geet & Vishnu Sahasranamam” and Lord Krishna. Allow the nectar of Vrindavan’s rasamrit to satiate your soul and lead you along a route of unending love and pleasure.
Visit our exclusive gallery of Radha-Krishna images here, where each capture is a verse of their eternal love story.
