Within Hindu devotional literature, the Chaurastakam shines as a precious gem, crafted by Bilvamangala Thakur, a devout follower of Lord Krishna. This beautiful hymn, often sung during the sacred Purushottam Masa month, expresses deep love and devotion. It delves into the charm of Krishna’s playful thievery and its profound effect on his devoted followers.
Chaurastakam Lyrics
vraje prasiddhaḿ navanīta-cauraḿ
gopāńganānāḿ ca dukūla-cauram
aneka-janmārjita-pāpa-cauraḿ
caurāgragaṇyaḿ puruṣaḿ namāmi
(2)
śrī rādhikāyā hṛdayasya cauraḿ
navāmbuda-śyāmala-kānti-cauram
padāśritānāḿ ca samasta-cauraḿ
caurāgragaṇyaḿ puruṣaḿ namāmi
(3)
akiñcanī-kṛtya padāśritaḿ yaḥ
karoti bhikṣuḿ pathi geha-hīnam
kenāpy aho bhīṣaṇa-caura īdṛg
dṛṣṭaḥ-śruto vā na jagat-traye ’pi
(4)
yadīya nāmāpi haraty aśeṣaḿ
giri-prasārān api pāpa-rāśīn
āścarya-rūpo nanu caura īdṛg
dṛṣṭaḥ śruto vā na mayā kadāpi
(5)
dhanaḿ ca mānaḿ ca tathendriyāṇi
prāṇāḿś ca hṛtvā mama sarvam eva
palāyase kutra dhṛto ’dya caura
tvaḿ bhakti-dāmnāsi mayā niruddhaḥ
(6)
chinatsi ghoraḿ yama-pāśa-bandhaḿ
bhinatsi bhīmaḿ bhava-pāśa-bandham
chinatsi sarvasya samasta-bandhaḿ
naivātmano bhakta-kṛtaḿ tu bandham
(7)
man-mānase tāmasa-rāśi-ghore
kārāgṛhe duḥkha-maye nibaddhaḥ
labhasva he caura! hare! cirāya
sva-caurya-doṣocitam eva daṇḍam
(8)
kārāgṛhe vasa sadā hṛdaye madīye
mad-bhakti-pāśa-dṛḍha-bandhana-niścalaḥ san
tvāḿ kṛṣṇa he! pralaya-koṭi-śatāntare ’pi
sarvasva-caura! hṛdayān na hi mocayāmi
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the four verses of the Chaurastakam:
- Verse 1: This verse describes Krishna as the thief of butter, milk, and other dairy products. It also mentions his stealing of the hearts of the gopis.
- Verse 2: This verse describes Krishna as the thief of the minds of his devotees. It also mentions his stealing of their material possessions, such as wealth and jewelry.
- Verse 3: This verse describes Krishna as the thief of the senses of his devotees. It also mentions his stealing of their ego and their sense of self.
- Verse 4: This verse describes Krishna as the thief of the very lives of his devotees. It also mentions his stealing of their fear of death and their attachment to this world.
The Chaurastakam is a powerful hymn that can help devotees cultivate a deep and abiding love for Krishna. It can also help them to surrender their hearts and minds to him, and to experience the joy of pure devotion.