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Lord Nityänanda Delivers the Thieves at the House of Hiraëya Paëòita
thieves armed themselves again with various weapons. They wore dark-blue garments, like a band of warriors. In the dead of night, when all were sleeping, the thieves surrounded the Lord’s house. Then, from a distance, the thieves saw that many huge guards surrounded the Lord’s house. They were armed with fierce weapons and were loudly chanting the holy names of Lord Hari. They were very strongly built and decorated with garlands and sandalwood paste. The thieves understood that only one guard could kill hundreds of thieves like them without strain. Lord Nityänanda slept peacefully within the house while these guards chanted the holy name of Kåñëa on all sides. The thieves were astonished. They gave up the idea of invading the house and retreated a short distance to decide upon what should be done. One thief said, “Where did these guards come from?” Another said, “I guess that somehow or other Nityänanda Avadhüta came to know of our plans and so He hired these guards.” “Brothers, I have often heard people say that this Avadhüta is a very learned scholar,” another thief said. “This Avadhüta Mahäçaya is certainly a wise fellow. Just see how he has protected himself. The guards that we saw do not appear to be ordinary human beings. Because of His extraordinary powers, people address Him as Gosäi, or Lord.” “Oh, keep quiet!” another thief retorted. “How can He be a Gosäi when He eats such opulent food and wears such extravagant clothes?” Then the sinful brähmaëa commander-in-chief of the thieves then began to speak: “I know the reason for these guards’ presence. Many people come from distant places to see this avadhüta. I would guess that a very wealthy person has come here and these are his guards. The guards are very emotional and constantly chant the holy names of Lord Hari. Even though He has these guards today, how long can He go on avoiding us? Let us go home today. We will patiently wait for ten days to pass.” The thieves returned home while Avadhüta Nityänanda peacefully enjoyed His sleep. After some time, the sinful thieves planned another raid to steal Nityänanda Prabhu’s ornaments.
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