The Thieves Bring Nimai Home

Illustration 1. One day little Nimai played near His home. Golden ornaments jingled softly on His arms and feet.

Illustration 2. Two thieves noticed the jewels. They decided to carry the child to a quiet place.

Illustration 3. One thief called sweetly to Nimai and offered Him a treat. The other placed the boy on his shoulders.

Illustration 4. Nimai calmly watched the streets from above. He allowed the thieves to carry Him wherever He Himself wished to go.

Illustration 5. The thieves thought they were walking toward their hideout. Yet every familiar lane quietly turned them back.

Illustration 6. They passed trees, houses, and bathing ghats. All the while, they believed they had chosen the right road.

Illustration 7. Meanwhile, Sachi could not find her son in the courtyard. His parents and neighbors rushed through Navadvipa searching for Him.

Illustration 8. People called, “Nimai! Nimai!” Sachi prayed to Krishna and did not give up hope.

Illustration 9. At last the thieves reached a house. They were certain it was their own courtyard.

Illustration 10. “We are here!” they said, lowering Nimai to the ground. The boy ran straight to His mother.

Illustration 11. The thieves saw Nimai’s family and neighbors. Only then did they realize that they had brought Him home.

Illustration 12. Frightened, they ran away without taking a single ornament. Their bad plan had not harmed the child.

Illustration 13. Sachi held her son close to her heart. Jagannatha Mishra thanked Krishna for protecting Him.

Illustration 14. The Lord can guide even someone on a wrong path back toward goodness. That day the thieves returned Nimai to His family with their own hands.

Illustration 15. By evening, the house was peaceful again. Nimai smiled, surrounded by His family’s love.

Authoritative sources

The story and its short spiritual teaching were checked against these editions of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books:

• Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 14.38
• Bhagavad-gītā As It Is 18.66