Shri Guru Raghavendra Thirtharu

RADHE KRISHNA 28-10-2011 Sri Guru Raghavendra (Mantralaya) Sri Raghavendra Teertharu Sri Sushameendra Teertharu Sri Suyateendra Teertharu http://www.gururaghavendra1.org/ LIFE HISTORY OF GURU RAGHAVENDRA pUjyAya rAghavendrAya satyadharmaratAya chabhajatAM kalpavR^ixAya namatAM kAmadhenavedurvAdidhvAntaravaye vaishhNavIndIvarIndaveshrI rAghavendragurave namo.atyantadayALuve (I worship as the Kalpa-vrksha, and salute as the kAmadhenu the esteemed RaghavEndra who is always engrossed in the true dharma;. He is a brilliant sun who destroys the false arguer, and a moon that casts a mellow light upon the ViShNu bhaktas; salutations to that Guru ShrI RAghavEndra; salutations to the one of extremely kind disposition.) Introduction Antecedents: It is popular belief, based on testimonials from aparOxa gyAnis, that the incarnations of rAyaru are as follows - Sankukarna – PrahlAda – bAhlIka – vyAsa tIrtha –Guru rAyaru (Guru Raghavendra). Let us take a closer look at each person in the lineage. Sankukarna was a karmaja dEvata assisting chaturmukha brahma in the pUja of the Lord. One day, he was a little late in bringing flowers for the pooja and brahma cursed him to be born on the earth. Obviously this was a pretense since brahma is beyond flaws like anger, greed etc. The real intention of brahma was to pave the way for the incarnation of narasimha and also to show the world the greatness of sankukarna. The story of prahlAda is very well known and needs no further elaboration. BAhlIka was a very pious king in dvApara yuga. He was a great devotee of Lord Krishna, but due to circumstances beyond his control he ended up fighting against the pAnDavas. He wanted to die at the hands of bhIma and so challanged him to a fight, but bhIma was reluctant to hurt a devotee of the Lord. BAhLika begged him to kill him so that he could take future births and serve him (bhIma or madhvAchArya) with devotion. BhIma agreed to do that provided bAhlika hit the first blow. When bAhlika did as directed, bhIma hit him gently with his formidable mace. Thus bAhlIka got the death he wanted, a heart full of devotion towards Krishna, and the divine sight of Krishna and bhIma at the time of his death. BAhlIka was reborn as vyAsa tIrtha, one of the most revered mAdhva saints. He was an excellent writer with several great works to his credit, the chief ones being tAtparya chandrika, tarka tAnDava and nyAyamruta. He was the revered rAjaguru who helped king krishnadEvarAya through several major crisis in his life. He was the jeweler who gave us precious gems like purandara dAsaru and kanakadAsaru, and did invaluable service to the cause of haridAsa sAhitya. Above all, he was a very great devotee of hari and vAyu, who established over 732 hanumanta icons including the famous yantrodhdhAraka temple in hampi, personally worshipped Lord Venkateshwara in tirupati for over 12 years and composed hundreds of devotional songs. vyAsa tIrtha was reborn as venkaTanAtha (who later became rAyaru), with the special grace of hari and vAyu dEvaru. This belief is based on the testimonial of aparOxa gyAnis and has never been questioned. ShrI vijaEndra tIrtha and sudhIndra tIrtha: shrI vyAsa tIrtha had many illustrious disciples, but shri vijayIndra tIrtha was his favorite. VyAsarAyaru was grooming him to be his successor, but destiny willed otherwise. vijayIndraru was handed over to shrI surEndra tIrtharu of vibhudEndra maTha (as it was known then). Birth and childhood The fall of the vijayanagar kingdom had an adverse effect on many scholars who depended on royal patronage. Most of them moved south with their families, finding refuge with southern kings and chieftains. One such scholar was Thimmanna Bhatta, grandson of Krishnabhatta, who had tutored King Krishnadevaraya in the veena. Thimmanna belonged to the gautama gOtra and was married to GopikAmba. Initially, this couple had 2 children – GururAja and VenkATamba. Later in 1595, by the grace of Lord Venkateshwara, a third son was born to this couple. They named him VenkaTanAtha (some books refer to him as Venkanna bhatta). Education VenkaTanAtha proved to be a very brilliant scholar. This greatness was visible even he was a child. For example, he is supposed to have questioned his father as to how a small object like ‘Om’ could capture the infinite greatness of god. However, his father did not live long enough to see the greatness of his son, he passed away when VenkaTanAtha was still at a very young age. VenkaTanAtha’s brother took care of his upbringing. The initial portion of his education was under his brother-in-law LakshmInarasimhAchArya of Madurai. Married life along with continued education Upon returning from Madurai, VenkaTanAtha was married to Saraswati, who was from a noble family. The Shastras say that for one who has control of his senses, wedded life does not hamper learning. For VenkaTanAtha, most of his learning occurred after marrying Saraswati, through the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. So VenkaTanAtha went to Kumbhakonam, the seat of learning at the time. There he studied dvaita vEdanta, advanced works on grammer and other sastras under sudhIndra tIrtha. He used to stay awake past midnight to write his own comments and notes on the lessons that had been done. He engaged in debate and defeated several scholars of opposing doctrines; one of them was Venkatesvara dIkshita, a famous scholar of the Tanjore court in 1620. Though his victory was not unexpected sudhIndra tIrtha was surprised at his scholarship in grammar, profound knowledge and rare debating skill, and called him "MahAbhAshya VenkaTanAthAchArya". Similarly he explained the significance of taptamudra dhAraNa quoting several smR^iti-s that the opponents had to accept his arguments were irrefutable. Married Life - utter, dire poverty haunts venkaTanAtha VenkaTanAtha’s brother arranged for his marriage with saraswathi, a lady from a good family. Saraswathi proved to be an ideal wife to VenkaTanAtha, and the couple had a son whom they named lakshmInArAyaNa. VenkaTanAtha was a skilled musician and a great scholar, but he never demanded any money for his services and accepted whatever was offered to him. Since this happened very rarely, he had little or no means to support his family and had to endure a life of utter, dire poverty. A description of the hardhips faced by him will melt anybody’s heart. If other families observed EkAdashi twice a month, VenkaTanAtha’s family did that several times in a week. His poverty was so stark that he could not afford a drop of oil to take an oil-bath on a festival day like dIpAvali. His family did not see new clothes for years. Inspite of all this, he never lost his equanimity or wavered in his faith towards the Lord. He continued his self-study, and free teachings, determined to live by whatever came to him unsought and unasked. Playing with fire - disrespecting a true hari bhakta VenkaTanAtha once attended a wedding. Since he was poor and not well dressed, the hosts did not treat him well. They thought that he had come for the free food and wanted him to earn his meal. To this end, they asked him to grind sandalwood and generate the paste, to which he readily agreed. Out of habit, he started reciting vedic sUktas while grinding. Soon, the task was done and the paste was handed over to the Brahmins attending the function. When they applied the paste to their bodies, they experienced a strong burning sensation. On further enquiry it was found that unknowingly VenkaTanAtha had recited agni sUkta while grinding the paste. The Brahmins immediately understood that the VenkaTanAtha was a divine personality and his recitation of agni sUkta had invoked the presence of agni in the paste. The host begged VenkaTanAtha for forgiveness and asked him to generate some paste while reciting varuna sUkta. When this paste was applied, the burning subsided. Such was the potency of mantras recited by VenkaTanAtha. The point to note is that he did not deliberately do this out of anger or sorrow at the host’s disgusting behavior. He took everything with equanimity and did what came naturally to him – pray to the Lord through vedic hymns. It was Divine will that the world at large should learn about the greatness of VenkaTanAtha, and that’s why he ended up reciting agni sUkta. Return to sudhIndra tIrtha’s care To add insult to injury, thieves raided VenkaTanAtha’s house one day and looted whatever little he had in terms of vessels, clothes. After this, he decided to seek refuge in shrI sudhIndra tIrtha as there was absolutely no way of maintaining his family. Entry into asceticism shrI sudhIndra tIrtha was on the lookout for a suitable successor to carry on the glorious tradition of his maTha. The more he saw of VenkaTanAtha, the greater was his conviction that he was the right successor. One day, he received an indication in his dream that VenkaTanAtha would be the most ideal successor he could get. He was overjoyed and immediately acted upon this suggestion. He communicated his desire to VenkaTanAtha. VenkaTanAtha was on the horns of a dilemma since he was torn between 2 powerful forces – his respect for sudhIndra tIrtha’s words and his responsibilities as a householder. Finally, after great deliberation, he told sudhIndra tIrtha that he could not take up this responsibility as he had a young wife and a son who was yet to undergo upanayanam. sudhIndra tIrtha was disappointed but not disheartened as he knew ultimately Divine will would prevail and VenkaTanAtha would accede to his request. Becomes sanyAsi after vidyA lakshmi requests him That night VenkaTanAtha had a very strange dream. Vidya Lakshmi Herself appeared before him and told him, “After feasting on the intellectual treats provided by ShrI MadhvAchArya, jaya tIrtha, vyAsa tIrtha, vAdirAja and others, I am once again starving. The light of tattvavAda created by your beloved shrImadAchArya will be extinguished by the darkness of other philosophies. To prevent this from happening, noble souls like you should shed their material bondage and dedicate themselves to the cause of hari and vAyu. This is both your duty and your destiny. You are a great soul, destined to provide solace and succor to millions of needy people. Accept sudhIndra tIrtha’s request and take up sanyAsa. You are shrI hari’s beloved devotee and this is what He expects from you”. VenkaTanAtha woke up with a start. His dilemmas were resolved and he was sure where his responsibilities lay. He convinced his wife and communicated his assent to sudhIndra tIrtha. Within a short time, his son LakshmInArAyaNa’s upanayana was performed and everything was set for his entry into asceticism. Wife becomes ghost, obtains liberation: The Sanyasa ordination was arranged to take place on the second day of the bright half of PAlguNa mAsa in the year durmati corresponding to the year 1621. The spot chosen was Tanjore, in order to avoid hurting the feelings of VenkaTanAtha’s young wife Saraswati. Finally, the grand day when VenkaTanAtha would relinquish his life as a householder and become a sanyAsi arrived. Saraswathi was required to stay home. However, at the last minute she was seized by a desire to see her husband’s face for the last time before he became totally inaccessible to her. With this feeling, she ran towards the maTha throwing caution to the winds. Unfortunately, she did not see an old and unused well on the way, and fell into it. She died instantly, but because her death was an untimely one, she became a ghost. Even as a ghost, her only desire was to see her husband and so she went to the maTha. By the time she arrived, the function was over and venkaTanAtha had become a sanyAsi with the AshramanAma of rAghavEndra tIrtha, the only solace for the downtrodden, the last resort for those without hope, the only court where every petitioner is guaranteed to get a patient and understanding hearing, the ocean of mercy that will never deny a deserving plea for help. With his divine perception, rAyaru sensed saraswati’s presence, even though she was a ghost not visible to human eyes. His heart full of mercy, he sprinkled water from his kamanDala on her. The power of his penance was such that she was immediately granted moksha or liberation from the cycle of births and deaths. This was her reward for a lifetime of dedicated and selfless service to a noble soul. Ascension as pIThAdhipati (throne of Asecitic) Around 1623 sudhIndra tIrtha shed his mortal coils at AnEgondi. His brindavan was consecrated there and rAyaru became the Head of the maTha. Yadavendra, a senior disciple of sudhIndra tIrtha disputed this, but his claims were set aside by the Ruler of Tanjore, in favor of rAyaru. RAyaru started his services by teaching all the works of shrImadAchArya to his disciples. He propagated right knowledge and vanquished several opponents. Apart from imparting knowledge and guiding his disciples,he composed works for the benefit of future generations Pilgrimages Soon after becoming the pIThAdipati, he began a series of piligrimages that took him to several places. Throughout his life, he kept visiting different centers of learning and religion inspite of the difficulties involved. Consider some of the odds he faced – lack of roads, lack of transportation means (other than palanquins), political problems (since there were so many different kings, some of the muslims, inimical to hinduism), hot weather, lack of maps etc. Inspite of all these difficulties, he covered a vast area geographically. Some of the places he visited are Rameshvaram, Madurai, Srirangam, Vishnumangala (where Trivikrama PanditAchArya had debated MadhvAchArya for fifteen days), Subramanya, Udupi, Bidarahalli, Pandarapur, Kohlapur, Bijapur, Malkhed, Tirupati, Srisailam, Kumbakonam, and Kanchi. Wherever he went, his agenda was simple – spreading the message of shrImadAchArya, defeating scholars of opposing doctrines, converting deserving people to dvaita, continuing to write commentaries and notes, teaching shAstras to enthusiastic students, and encouraging local scholars. Examples of such events are provided. He visited Rameshvaram and Madurai. Madurai was the seat of learning in those days, and one of the experts there was Neelakanta Dikshit. After seeing the lucid yet powerful style with which rAyaru debated, he was convinced that rAyaru’s master was really pUrNaprajna. When Neelakanta tried testing him on various sutras, rAyaru showed him the work he had just finished-Bhatta Sangraha. Neelakanta was so thrilled by the depth of this work and how well it propounded shrImadAchArya's philosophy, that he had it placed on an elephant and taken on a ceremonial procession. At Bidarahalli he met ShrInivasAchArya who was a unique householder. The glosses that he had written were already well known. RAyaru examined his works and was filled with admiration for ShrInivasAchArya, who, though being a householder, dedicated himself completely to the spreading of knowledge and learning. RAyaru bestowed upon him the name shrInivAsa tIrtha, as a mark of his high learning. He took a vow to write Tippanis for all the Tikas of shrI jayatIrtha. When he had completed tippanis for 17 of the 18 Tikas of ShrI JayatIrtha, his disciple LakshmInArAyaNAchArya showed him his work on Rig Bhashya. The great saint felt that his disciple's teaching should be shown to the rest of the world, so instead of writing a Tippani, he wrote a Rigartha Manjari, a vivritti, which gives the meaning of the first 40 suktas Even though he undertook extensive tours, he did not stop teaching his devotees or stop writing books. Power to revive the dead On a hot summer day, rAyaru was on his way home from a pilgrimage. He decided to rest in the shade of a tree at Krishnapuram (near Hubli). While there, he saw the Nawab (Muslim king) of the are walking towards him, with a sad demeanor. The Nawab had heard of his miracles and had come to him as a last resort. He stated that his young son had died from a poisonous snakebite and been buried in a tomb close by. After hearing this, rAyaru contemplated silently for a few moments and then asked the king to take the body out of the tomb. When the puzzled Nawab did as he was asked, rAyaru sprinkled holy water from his kamanDala and prayed to his ArAdhya mUrthy (favorite form of the Lord). Lo behold, the young boy woke up as though he was getting up from sleep. The Nawab was beside himself with joy. (Editor’s note: There are some very important points to note in this episode. Our shAstras talk about the concept of "Ayushya", defined as the total amount of time that a being is allowed to live on earth, in a particular body. Any death that happens before this time is untimely and is called "apamRutyu". Our shAstras say that once "Ayushya" is over death cannot be prevented, since that is Divine Will. However, "apamRutyu" is a different aspect altogether. Life-histories of oursaints and other great souls are replete with instances where they warded off untimely death in deserving cases. In this case, since the child had suffered apamRutyu, rAyaru used his divine powers to revive it.) He did a similar thing in another instance. He was visiting the house of a village chieftain (called Desai). Hundreds of people had assembled for the occasion. As part of the food served to the guests, seekaraNe (a thick form of mango juice) was being prepared in a huge vessel. Unfortunately, when nobody was watching him, the Desai’s son fell into this vessel and drowned. When the Desai and his wife came to know about it, they were totally devastated. However, they wanted to hide the news because they did not want to inconvenience everybody who had assembled there. Being an aparOxa gyani, RAyaru sensed the tragedy and asked the grief stricken couple to bring the dead boy before him. When this was done, he sprinkled water from his kamanDala and revived the boy. The joy of the ecstatic parents knew no bounds. Those who came to humiliate end up being humiliated There were some evil people who were jealous of the greatness of rAyaru and were always looking for opportunities to humiliate him. When some of them heard of the above incidents, they conspired to come up with a plan to humble rAyaru. They chose a location that was very close to rAyaru’s location that day and asked a person to pretend to be dead. They covered his face and sat by his side wailing as if he was really dead. When rAyaru passed by, some of them approached him and entreated him to revive this “dead” man. RAyaru looked at the body and said “I cannot revive him since his Ayushya is over”. This was what the evil persons wanted to hear. They immediately started condemning him and trumpeted to the world at large “Look at this charltan. He does not know the difference between a living and a dead person. Our friend is pretending to be dead. He is now going to get up and denounce this fraud”. Nothing happened. Then they tried to wake him up, thinking that he was asleep. None of their efforts were successful as the person was truly dead! They realized their mistake and begged rAyaru to revive the person, but he pleaded his helplessness since the person’s Ayushya was really over. The men who came to humble rAyaru were themselves humbled and his greatness became even more enhanced. A point to note is that rAyaru did not curse the man to die or punish the evildoers. It was again Divine will that the conspirators chose a person whose Ayushya was really over and the timing was perfect to humiliate them. The Lord well and truly protects His beloved devotees. Three forecasts for the one who took three avatAras Three famous astrologers, known for their ability to predict the future with unerring accuracy, once came to cast the horoscope of rAyaru. They did it separately and came with 3 totally startingly different numbers – 100, 300 and 700! Each was positive about his calculation, but could not explain the difference. When rAyaru heard about this, he laughed and said “They are predicting 3 different entities. One is predicting the lifespan of my body, another my tenure in the brindAvana and the third the influence of my granthAs (literary works). Personality that influences even inanimate objects Once some famous scholars came to meet with rAyaru. One the way they got lost and wanted to ask for directions. They noticed a washerman walking with his load on his head, but before asking him a question, they debated amongst themselves in Sanskrit if it was worthwhile asking somebody who looked like an ignoramus. Imagine their surprise, when the washerman interrupted their discussion by saying in chaste sanskrit “If all that you want to know is directions to meet rAyaru then I should be able to help you”. He then gave directions in chaste sanskrit to the embrassed scholars, and proceeded on his way. The scholars rested for a while and then proceeded to the river for their afternoon sandhya. They saw the washerman sitting on the bank. They politely asked him in sanskrit if it was okay to perform sandhyAvandana there. He gave them a blank look and told them rather crudely in the local language “Look, if you want to speak with me, then use a language I can understand”. Even from his tone and grammar it was obvious that he was an illiterate with little or no command over any language. The scholars were surprised since he had spoken to them in Sanskrit a few moments ago! They dismissed him as a madman and proceeded with their task. The washerman left with his load and started walking back slowly. After a while, the scholars passed him again on the road. This time, he politely asked them in chaste sanskrit if they had had any difficulty in locating the road and if they needed any help. The scholars were totally baffled and practically ran away from there. When they reached the maTha, they spoke to a knowledgeable person and explained the curious phenomenon they had observed. The person laughed and said “Did the washerman have his load on his head when he spoke to you?” When the scholars nodded in reply, he continued “It was not the washerman talking to you. It was the clothes. He was carrying the clothes that our rAyaru had discarded. As long as he had the load on his head, he was a totally different person. Once the load was discarded he became his normal self”. Such was the power of rAyaru’s personality that even the clothes that he had discarded carried mystical powers. Village bumpkin becomes prime minister! Venkanna was a brahmin boy in a small village under the sovereignty of the Nawab of Adoni. Due to family problems, he was not tutored or taught any useful skills. He was assigned to the task of tending the family’s herd of cows, and thus used to spend his entire days in the countryside watching over the cows. He had heard of the greatness of rAyaru and was eager to meet him and seek his blessings. His prayers were heard because one day the retinue of rAyaru passed close by. He immediately ran to the palanquin that rAyaru was travelling in and prostrated before it. RAyaru looked at him and inquired about his antecedents. Venkanna explained his plight and stood with outstretched palms. RAyaru took pity on the boy and gave him some (mantrAkshate) consecrated rice and told him “When you are in real distress and need my help, put this on your head and think of me”. The palanquin moved on. Venkanna tied the precious rice into a bundle and always carried it with him. One day, Venkanna was relaxing under the shade of a tree when he saw a noble man get down from a horse and rest under the shade of another tree close by. Curious, he watched him closely and immediately realized that the noble man was none other than the Nawab himself! Even as this realization dawned on him, he saw another man on horseback approaching the Nawab. The new person got down from the horse, prostrated in front of the Nawab and handed him a written scroll. Now, both the Nawab and the rider were illiterate and needed somebody to help them. When the Nawab looked around, he saw Venkanna. He also saw Venkanna’s tuft and his sacred thread and concluded that this was a brahmin. Since brahmins are usually literate, he felt that his problem was solved. He beckoned Venkanna and handing him the scroll, commanded him to read. Poor Venkanna was in a dilemma since he was also illiterate. He could not refuse a direct order of the Nawab since that would mean immediate death, nor could he tell the truth that he was illiterate because the Nawab would not believe him and would think that Venkanna was trying fool him. Caught in this deadly trap, he suddenly remembered the kind guru who had promised to help him in his hour of need. He took the consecrated rice and put it on his head. With this mind full of devotion towards rAyaru and his lips secretly muttering “rAghavEndra, rAghavEndra”, he boldly opened the scroll. Lo behold, the characters on the scroll began to make sense and he could read! It was actually a piece of good news, informing the Nawab that his wife had delivered a baby boy, thus making him a father, something that he was passionately yearning for. When he heard the news, he was overjoyed and immediately took out a pearl necklace from his neck and gave it to Venkanna. However, rAyaru sitting in Venkanna’s mind did not allow him to be satisfied with this. He boldly prostrated before the Nawab and told him “If your Highness is really happy with me, then please give me a good job in your administration. I will serve you faithfully and honestly to the best of my ability”. The Nawab was pleased with this answer and accordingly gave him a good job. Through hard work and diligence, Venkanna worked his way up the ranks and in a short time became the Nawab’s trusted divan. Thus a chance encounter with rAyaru transformed Venkanna’s entire life into a bed of roses! Nawab tests rAyaru and loses Once rAyaru visited Adoni and accepted Venkanna’s invitation to stay with him. Venkanna waxed eloquent about rAyaru’s prowess to his Nawab and forced him to visit rAyaru to pay his respects. Now the Nawab was skeptical about rAyaru and did not accept any authority other than Allah and his devotees. He wanted to expose rAyaru and score a point on Venkanna. He secretly ordered for three silver plates, full of meat, but totally covered with silken cloth to be prepared. He took this with him and accompanied Venkanna to the pUja. Along with the offering brought by Venkanna, he also offered his covered plates as naivedya for mUla rAma. RAyaru saw through his guile and sprinkled water from his kamanDala on the plates. Later, he ordered the clothes to be removed. The Nawab was waiting for this moment with bated breath. He was licking his lips in anticipation of unmasking this brahmin swAmiji. When the clothes were removed, they revealed 3 plates full of fresh fruits and flowers! The Nawab was astounded and instantly realized the greatness of rAyaru, and the great sin he had committed by testing this man of god. He immediately prostrated before rAyaru and with tears in his eyes begged his forgiveness. The kind and ever merciful rAyaru forgave him gladly. However, the Nawab was not satisfied, he begged rAyaru to accept some offering from him. rAyaru initially refused saying that he was a sanyAsi who had no desire for worldly things, but the Nawab kept on begging him, so finally he had to agree. He asked for the Nawab to give him the village of manchAle on the banks of the tungabhadra. The Nawab was surprised since that was barren land, yielding no crops or revenue. He tried to talk rAyaru into accepting more fertile land, but rAyaru would not accept anything other than manchAle. The Nawab immediately gifted that village to rAyaru. Two – two – two to enter brindAvana RAyaru summoned his closest disciples and divan Venkanna and told them of his intention to enter a brindAvana live. The devotees were devastated but they could not change his decision since it was Divine will. They wanted to know when he would do so, but he told them that they would find out at the appropriate time. One day, rAyaru was sitting outside under a tree, conducting a shAstra pATha for this disciples. He suddenly stood up, looked up at the sky and folded his hands in reverence. His disciples were surprised by this, but they also stood up and did exactly as he was doing. Within a moment, a fragrant tulsi garland fell around rAyaru’s neck. When they pressed him for an explanation, he told them “I just saw Krishna Dvaipayana going in a heavenly chariot to vaikunTha. I asked him when my turn would come and he held up his Index and middle finger three times. He finally blessed me by throwing this mAla on me”. The disciples were greatly intrigued by this and wanted to know the significance of this two-two-two. Rayaru smiled and told them “It means that I have 2 years, 2 months and 2 days left before entering the brindAvana!” The disciples calculated the date and concluded that it would be Virodhikruth Samvatsara, Shravana krishna paksha dwitiya (second day in the dark half of the moon, in the Hindu year Virodhikruth). RAyaru select manchAle for his brindAvana RAyaru summoned his closest disciples and announced his choice of manchAle as the spot for his brindAvana live in mantrAlaya. They wanted to know what was special about that spot. RAyaru explained the spiritual significance of manchAle as follows: In one of his earlier incarnation, rAyaru as prahlAda had performed a large yagna in that spot, sanctifying it forever. When arjuna was on his victorious journey in connection with the rAjasUya yAga being conducted by dharmarAja he fought with a local king at this spot. Since the king’s chariot was positioned over that spot, he was invincible. In panic, Arjuna prayed to Krishna for guidance. Krishna appeared before him and told him to move his chariot a little backwards. The local king also foolishly moved his chariot forward and lost the battle immediately. Such was the power of the spot on which prahlAda had performed his yAga. Venkanna had a beautiful brindAvana be built for rAyaru. But rAyaru did not want to use that and asked him to reserve it for a future personality. He then took Venkanna to a remote spot and showed a black rock. He wanted his brindAvana to be built using the rock. When venkanna wanted to know what was special about that rock, rAyaru explained “While searching for sIta, Lord rama came here. He rested on this rock for a while. Since it has been sanctified by His touch, this rock is the one I want”. The brindAvana built under Venkanna’s guidance was used for shrI vAdIndara tIrtha at a later date. Visits manchAlAmma and obtains permission Before entering the brindAvana in manchAle, RAyaru decided to seek the persmission of manchAlamma, the presiding deity of manchAle. Accordingly, he went to her temple and prayed to her. She immediately appeared before him in person and encouraged him to ask her for a boon. RAyaru stated his desire. The dEvi replied “Once your brindAvana is established here, millions will visit manchAle to seek your blessings. I will be totally forgotten and nobody will associate this place with me! My temple will fall destitute without anybody to care for it”. Rayaru replied “I will not let this happen. Here is my promise. If my devotees visit my brindAvana directly, without going to your temple first, then I will not help them. So, if they need my grace, they have to visit your temple first”. When manchAlamma heard this, she was pleased and immediately granted him permission to enter the brindAvAna in manchAle. ShrAvana bahula bidige On the day chosen (Virodhikruth Samvatsara Shravana krishna paksha dwitiya - 1671 A.D.), thousands of people had congregated in manchAle to see this rare event of a person entering a brindAvana alive. It had been done before only once – by vAdirAja tIrtha. As usual, rAyaru got up before dawn, meditating on ShrI Hari and finished his bath during the early hours itself. After his japa and dhyana he gave a discourse on ShrIimadAchArya’s works to his fortunate disciples for the last time. His disciples were grief stricken at the thought that this was going to be their master's last discourse. The master was filled with an overwhelming desire to teach as much as possible and the disciples were anxious and eager to absorb everything. The subject matter was as usual ShrImadAchArya's Bhashya and ShrI JayatIrtha's commentary for it. That day's discourse was the culmination of his life's mission. For the thousands that had gathered there the realisation that they would not see such a treasure house of knowledge hereafter filled them with pain and agony. The discourse came to an end. After bathing once again he started the puja of ShrI Rama and other icons of the samsthan. After going through all the details of the puja he blessed the entire gathering with tIrtha, prasad and phalamantrakshata. As the appointed time was nearing he went to the spot that was already chosen and sat in padmAsana. He had his japa mala in his right hand and in front of him were all the moola granthas, sarva moola, tikas and tippanis on the vyasa peetha. For a while he was lost in contemplation; then he started his soul-stirring speech. The last speech of rAyaru Please check the following Link RAyaru enters brindAvana RAyaru then took up his veena and started to sing in Bhairavi raaga the famous song,"Indu Enege Govinda" where he extols the Lord as His only Saviour and that he should be pardoned for having led an irreligious life without singing his glories. He ends the song with His mudrika "Dheera Venugopaala Bhaara Kaaniso Hariye". Just as in His previous avatAra as VyAsaraja in this avatara also the blue darling of brindAvan in the form of an icon danced to the melodious of his darling who was going to enter the brindAvan. After this rAyaru began reciting the pranava mantra. In a very short time he was lost in meditation. He reached the highest point in mediation. His face was serene. He was shining with a rare brilliance. At one stage the japamala in the master's hand became still. Venkanna and other disciples who understood this sign started arranging the slabs around him. They arranged the slabs upto his head and then as per his earlier instructions they placed a copper box containing one thousand two hundred LakshmInArAyaNa shaligramas that had been specially brought from Gandaki river. Then they placed the covering slab over it and filled it with earth. They poured twelve thousand varahas (abhisheka) over the brindavan that they had built. A grand feast was hosted to commemorate this glorious event. SAkshI haya syOtra hi AppanAchArya was rAyaru’s beloved disciple. Most of the sanskrit hymns that we chant today in honor of rAyaru – rAghavEndra stOtra, mangaLAshTaka, danDaka etc – are his compositions. On the day rAyaru was entering the brindAvana, he was on the other side of the tungabhadra river since he had forgotten about the event. When he was reminded of it, he was aghast at his mistake and ran towards manchAle. As he was running, he was composing the famous rAghavEndra stotra (“shrI pUrNabOdha guru tIrtha payobdhi pAra …”). When he reached the river it was in full spate but he did not care and rushed headlong. The power of his devotion was so great that the river parted for him and he reached manchAle quickly. But even this was too late. Just as he came in front of the brindAvana, the last slab had been laid and his beloved guru had vanished from his sight forever. Tears started to gush from his eyes and his voice choked. The stotra had reached its final stanza “ kirtir divijita vibhutiratula ..” but he could not continue further. Suddenly, a voice rang out from the brindAvana "sAkshi haya syOtra hI" (meaning that Lord hayagrIva is the witness to the statements made by appanAchArya in his stOtra, and that He would make them all come true). Even today, anybody reciting this stotra with full faith and devotion gets all the grace of rAyaru. Last shloka of RaghavendraVijayam. Santam shrIramaNa priyam yativaram vyAsasya bhAvebrishan DurvArAmitamAyi bhikshutimire paryasya chandram bhuvi/ Satsandasthutamishta dakshitiruham vandAruvi prAshrayam Tam NatvA sakalo durUhasudrasham samyAti vidyAdikam// Those people who bow to Shri Raghavendra, the beloved of the Lord of Lakshmi, who is a venerable yati (saint), who meticulously follows the words of VEda VyAsa, who dispels the unbearable, boundless darkness of ignorance caused by illusionist sanyasis just as the moon dispels the darkness, who is always praised by the noble people, who is verily the wishing tree which satiates all our wishes and who is always with devout brahmins will their material wants satisfied be endowed with spiritual wisdom, and ultimately get aparoksha JnAna. (Supreme Knowledge) RAyaru’s literary works There is a hidden side to the moon that most humans never see or know about. We have a similar side to rAyaru. Most of us know him only as the kind, merciful guru who is always forthcoming in our times of need. There are very, very few people who have not benefitted from his benevolence. One haridAsa says “dhareyoLu gurugaLa more iDalAgada narEre pApigaLella! (those who cannot or do not seek refuge in guru are truly sinners)”. This is the side that is well known. However, there is another side known only to scholars – the writer par excellence who gave us literary gems that would dazzle with their scholastic brilliance. Like the legendary bhagIrtatha maharAja who brought the holy ganga down to earth, rAyaru has made it possible, with his commentaries and notes, for ordinary people to partake of the ambrosia called madhva shAstra. That is why knowledgeable people call him as the “madhva matAmbOdhi chandra” (Moon of the ocean called madhva shAstra). Over 40 works have been attributed to rAyaru. Most of these are commentaries on the works of shrI MadhvAchArya, jayatIrtha and vyAsatIrtha. The rest include a couple of original works and direct commentaries on the Upanisads and other works. Most of the works are available today, but some are not, and we know of them only through oral tradition i.e., some work or some stOtra mentions a work by rAyaru that is otherwise unknown. ShrI Rayaru s works are characterized by remarkable clarity of thought, simplicity of expression and compactness. He has brought even very abstruse works of dvaita within the understanding of an average student of the shAstras. This is where the greatness of his success and fame and the universal popularity of his works lies. The volume of his output is greater. And he brings to bear on the exposition of these texts a profound learning in different shAstras, a clear and simple style and a very lucid way of presenting even the most technical points. It may be no exaggeration to consider him as the foremost among the major nonpolemical writers of the Post vyAsa tIrtha period. Work Notes Tippani on dasha prakaraNa-s Glosses on six out of the ten Prakaranas of madhvAchArya, omitting the four already commented upon by VyAsa tIrtha PrameyadIpikA Commentary on madhvAchArya’s gIta BhAshya NyAyadIpikA Not available. Supposed to be a commentary on madhvAchArya’s gIta tAtparya GitArthasangraha More popularly known as gIta-vivrutti, a lucid original commentary on the gIta GIthArthamanjari Not available. NyAyamuktAvaLI Brief exposition of the adhikaraNashariiras of the Brahma-Sutra NyAyasudhA-parimaLa Parimala one of the most popular commentaries on Nyayasudha of ShrI JayatIrtha. It is because of this that Rayaru is called ParimalAchArya PrakASha Commentary on the tAtparya chandrikA of VyAsa tIrtha Tattvamanjari A detailed exposition of the AnubhAshya of MadhvAchArya TantradIpikA A learned Vrtti on the Brahma Sutras, explaining earlier works like nyAyasudha, chandrika etc. BhAvadIpika Exposition on TatvaprakAshika, Jayatiirtha’s commentary on the viShNu-tattva-vinirNaya MantrArthamanjari A commentary on the first 3 Adhyayas (40 Suktas) of the Rig vEda, the same ones covered by MadhvAchArya’s Rg Bhasya KhanDArthas Lucid expositions on 9 out of 10 Upanishads commented upon by MadhvAchArya (except aitareya Upanishad). He was about to write one for the aitareya, as well, but he wanted to give the honor to his disciple, Smrutimuktavali KrishnAchArya, who had already completed the work. So he wrote a gloss on only the mantra part of the Upanishad - aitareya mantraartha sangraha Other works: Commentaries on PramANa Paddhati and VAdavali of ShrI JayatIrtha Commentary on TarkatAnDava of ShrI VyAsa tIrtha Not available. Supposed to be a commentary on aNumadhvavijaya of ShrI NarayanapanditAchArya Bhattasangraha : Commentary on the MimAmsa Sutras of Jaimini following the Bhatta school. One of the very few works written by Dvaitins on other systems of thought. Commentaries on the Rg, Yajus and Sama Vedas and short glosses on certain Suktas, like the Purusasukta, Gharma, Samudra, Pavamana, Hiranyagarbha and Ambhrni. The works are not available and there is only an oral tradition that he wrote these. Ramamrtamanjari, Krishnacharitramanjari, nadi tAratamya stotra PrAtah sankalpa gadya, sarva samarpaNa gadya, Mahabharata tAtparya nirNaya bhAva sangraha – a short summary of the Mahabharata tAtparya nirNaya by madhvAchArya. “indu yenage govinda” a soul stirring kannada song The Brindavana Pravesha of Mantralaya Sri Raghavendrateertharu and The Final Address of Sri Raghavendrateertharu To his Devotees The Brindavana Pravesha of Mantralaya Sri Raghavendrateertharu and The Final Address of Sri Raghavendrateertharu To his Devotees pUjyAya rAghavendrAya satyadharmaratAya chabhajatAM kalpavR^ixAya namatAM kAmadhenavedurvAdidhvAntaravaye vaishhNavIndIvarIndaveshrI rAghavendragurave namo.atyantadayALuve (I worship as the Kalpa-vrksha, and salute as the kAmadhenu the esteemed RaghavEndra who is always engrossed in the true dharma;. He is a brilliant sun who destroys the false arguer, and a moon that casts a mellow light upon the ViShNu bhaktas; salutations to that Guru ShrI RAghavEndra; salutations to the one of extremely kind disposition.) Sri Raghavendrateertharu lived in Kumbhakonam on the sacred bank of Kaveri, the center of creativity, divinity of our great Sri Vijayeendrateertharu and Sri Sudheendrateertharu. Bhuvanagiri, Kumbhakonam, Tanjore ( previously called as Tanjapura) were the Holy places where our Adhi Daiva Sri Raghavendrateertharu, a great Sri Hari Bhakta who has upheld the noble philosophy of our Sri Madhwacharyaru, composed books, held abundant religious discourses. During the debate Vaada Gururaya did not hurt the feelings of others nor insulted any body. On the contrary the defeated personalities in Vaada had become the true beloved shishyas of Rayaru and had accepted the suzerainty of SriManNarayana – Sri Vishnu – Sri Hari and the greatness of Sri Vayudevaru. After travelling a lot during Sanchara the most merciful kind Sri Raghavendrateertharu thought that Manchali – Mantralaya is the best and the most holy place to stay for a long period of seven hundred years through Yoga and to indulge in Tapa of Sri Hari. As Rayaru knew the importance of Manchali. Thinking all this Sri Raghavendrateertharu sent a message to his beloved Bhakta Diwan Venkannapant that he is coming to Adoni along with his VidyaMutt paraphernalia from Kumbhakonam. The joy and the happiness of Diwan Venkanna cannot be described in words. He was simply anxiously waiting to be surrendered to the sacred feet of Rayau. Nawab SiddiMasood khan was highly impressed by the noble and the divine personality of our Gururayaru and presented Manchali. Diwan Venkanna tried his level best and succeeded in handing over Manchali to Rayaru. Ever since Sri Raghavendrateertharu came to Mantralaya a new era of devotion has begun. Visited the sacred near by places from Adoni and came into contact with Sri Appanacharya a great devotee, gnyani,chaturveda Pandit and who was running a Gurukula in Bhikshaalaya – Bichali at the Japadakatti. Sri Appanacharya did not allow our Gururaya to go from Bichali and requested Rayaru to stay in Bichali for a long period. Rayaru liked very much the kind selfless seva of Appanacharya and stayed for thirteen years in Bichali. Residing in Bichali asked Diwan Venkanna to set up the Brahmin houses and all the arrangements for the Brindavana. The knowledge, affection, devotion, sincerity and the faith of Sri Appanacharya towards Rayaru cannot be described in words. As the days passed on they both became close and thick friends. The relationship of Sri Raghavendrateertha and Sri Appanacharya was like the mother and the child, showered abundant affection to this great personality. The friendship of Guru and Shishya is a model to this universe. Bichali situated on the sacred bank of Tungabhadra became very dear and near to Sri Raghavendrateertha.Aparokshagnyani knew the importance of Japadakatti in Bichali and spent the major time of the day there only and stayed in Bichali along with Appanacharya. Rayaru was residing in the house of Sri Appanacharya, the most affectionate soothing massage of legs by Appanacharya in the house and the offering of the delicious dishes Appi Paayasa and Dal chatni by Appanacharya Rayaru liked very much and has no words to express the satisfaction and the contentment he attained in Bichali. But as the days passed on Rayaru came to know that he should disappear from this world and sit in Brindavana in the Japa of Sri Hari. The first work Rayaru did was the dismantling of the snake bill which was in the back yard of Appanacharya’ house. A snake - serpent was daily accepting the milk offered by Rayaru after the pooja of Sri Moola Ramadevaru. Serpent was in the snake bill. Rayaru prayed to Sri Sheshadevaru and dismantled the snake bill, this made Sri Appanacharya to think more, why his Guru has dismantled the snake bill when Sri Sheshadevaru was daily coming from that and drinking the milk. Rayaru thought that the people will be frightened to see the serpent after his going from this place. So dismantled the snake bill. Please see what an amount of care and concern our Rayaru is having towards his devotees. It is quite interesting to know that Diwan Venkanna and the Nawab of Adoni Siddimasoodkhan from Adoni came to Manchali. They have to cross the river Tungabhadra in Manchali. So from Manchali by boat (Harigolu – Naada Doni we say in kannada) they reached Chikka Manchali via Gaanadhal Panchamukhi arrived to Bichali and took the darshana of Rayaru.Venkanna detailed the progress about the construction of Brahmin houses and the temple of Rayaru’s Kulaswami Lord Sri Venkateshwara in Manchali. Rayaru decided the day and date of Brindavana pravesha but did not reveal because of Appanacharya. On the contrary asked Appanacharya to go for Madhwa Sanchara. Obeyed the order of his Guru and was thinking that why Rayaru is sending me alone when others are there. Purposely sent Appanacharya as he could not tolerate the scene of entering the Brindavana and more over he will not allow to enter the Brindavana, as Appanacharya completely knew the great personality of Rayaru. So after the departure of Appanachary, Rayaru left Bichali and went to Mantralaya and stayed in the Sri Venkateshwara Temple. Called Diwan Venkanna and Rayaru asked him to announce the day and the date of Brindavana Pravesha to the devotees i.e. Shraavana Bahula Bidige(Dwiteeya), Friday Shaalivahana shaka 1593 Virodhikrutnaama Samavatsara August 11th.1671 AD. Called all the near and the dears from Kumbhkonam and Madhurai. Decided to make his successor Sri Venkannacharya , the grandson of Sri Gururajacharya, the elder brother of Rayaru’s poorvashrama and the son of Venkatanarayanacharya. Named as SriYogeendrateertharu. Rayaru said this is the sankalpa and the will of Sri Hari. As per the traditional rituals Sri Yogeendrateertharu was sworn in as the successor of Sri Raghavendrateertharu.Sri Raghavendrateertharu and Sri Yogeendrateertharu both stayed in the Temple of Sri Venkateshwara in Manchali to observe the most sacred Chaturmaasa. With Devotion Rayaru prayed and praised Sri Manchalemma: NamostuVaradeKrishneKoumariBrahmacharini BaalarkaSadrushaakaayePurnachandraNibhaanane YamKaamayeTamTamugramKrunomi TamBrhamanaamTamrushimTam Sumedhaam Devi was highly pleased and Blessed Rayaru and asked him to stay here only as she was the Kuladevata of Sri Prahladarajaru. Sri Raghavendrateertharu and Diwan Venkanna together walked on bank of the Tungabhadra and showed the Holy and the Siddhi Place, where Rayaru is going to settle there for seven hundred years. Asked the shishyas to dig there, they found the Yagna Kunda there. Rayaru said this the Yaaga was performed in the Prahlada Avatara, Here on this spot only Sri Vibhudendrateertharu the pioneer and the founder of Vidya Mutt Rayara Mutt.performed the Tapasya. So Rayaru asked Venkanna to construct a Garbhaalaya on the Yaaga Kunda, the size of the Garbhaalaya should be 6x6, on Friday Shraavana Bahula Dwiteeya I will sit Chanting OM Sri Hari Om and you have to drag the slab consisting of Koormaasana. Then install the Brindavana, do the pratishthaapana with seven hundred Laxminarayana Saaligraamas in the Brindavana and place a silver square plate and then fill the Mruttika. First Diwan Venkanna prepared a Brindavana for Rayaru, but Rayaru did not accept the Brindavana and said let it be here .It will be for the next yatis. Sri Raghavendrateertharu desired to go to Madhavaram and asked Venkanna to accompany. After going there Rayaru pointed out a particular stone and said this stone is required for my Brindavana, please use this. As Sri Ramachandra and Laxmana have sat on this stone during the Vanavaasa. Venkanna agreed and within no time arranged the whole thing. Perhaps this is the Last Sanchara of our Sri RaghavendrateerthaGurusarvabhoumaru Remembering this our eyes fill with tears. As already announced Diwan Venkanna the day and the date of Brindavana Pravesha to the devotees of the world: Shraavana Bahula Dwiteeya Friday Shaalivaahana Shake 1593, Virodhikrutnaama Samavatsara i.e. August 11th.1671, the devotees and sajjanas rushed to Mantralaya, they came in streams and streams. On Thursday Shraavana Bahula Pratipada Rayaru performed the Pooja of Sri Moola Ramadevarau, held discussions pertaining to the Acharya Tatva had bhikshaa. Rayaru was quite happy, never perturbed. On the contrary gave all the instructions of the next day of Brindavana Pravesha. Early morning of Shraavana Bahula Bidige i.e Dwiteeya Rayaru woke up at the Brahmi Muhurta performed the Aahneeka, Japa, Namaskara to Sri MoolaRamadevaru, Mangalarati to Kulaswami Sri Srinivasa,Tulasi Vandana, Go Vatsa pooja Go graasa Paatha Pravachana to the shishyas. Though it was too early morning large number of Devotees,Pandits,Scholars,Saints,all dignitaries from all walks of life gathered there. They were amazed to see the Divya Kalaa, the glittering and the shining bliss of Rayaru. All the relatives, Shreepadaputra Sri Laxminarayanacharya, nephew Sri Narayanacharya, devotees,Diwan Venkanna were filled with grief, tears rolling from their eyes.Venkanna told Gurudeva everything is ready as per your Aadesha.Holding the hand of Sri Yogeendrateertharu Rayaru came out of Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Already the elephant of the Mutt Maahendra was waiting before the temple. Rayaru holding Danda Kamandalu Pooja Pettige of Aaraadhya Sri Moola Ramadevaru sat on the elephant,decorated with golden Ambaari. Thousands were shouting : Rajadhiraja Paramahamsa Yatisarvabhouma Gurusarvabhouma Sri MadRaghavendrateertha KarunaaSamudra Ughe Ughe Jaya Jaya. The procession paased through the main gate (agasi) and the chaavadi of Manchali. Various types of Vaadyas, musical instruments were playing, Dasas were singing. But the atmosphere was completely grief striken. The procession concluded on the bank of Tungabhadra near the Garbhaalaya. Opposite of Garbhaalaya already Sri Praandevaru was ready for installation by the successor of Rayaru Sri Yogeendrateertharu. Owing to the Shraavanmaasa Tungabhadra was flowing in full spate touching the bank on both the sides. Even the river Tungabhadra also joined with deep sorrow of the devotees in Mantralaya. A large gathering of devotees were simply looking at Rayaru. A dumb youth by seeing Rayaru at that time came running near to Rayaru praising Rayaru, as he immediately attained the power of Speech by the Krupa Karuna Drushti of Rayaru. A lame man also got his legs to walk properly by the Anugraha of Rayaru. At that time a dalit woman came praying to Rayaru that her eight years old son is suffering from leprosy, kindly cure this disease. Soon Rayaru listened her request and cured. All these Miracles happened before entering the Brindavana Pravesha. All the satvikas, sajjanas and the devotees of Rayaru were simply worrying, that from tomorrow onwards we cannot see Gururaya, as we are seeing now. The beloved cows of Sri Mutt were simply shedding the tears and gazing Rayaru with deep concern. Even the Elephant kid Laxmi of the Vidya Mutt, though offering chaamara seva to Rayaru, was weeping and weeping. The whole atmosphere was murmuring Raghavendra Raghavendra. Seeing the great personality of Rayaru with Gandha, Tulasi Maala the gathered mass had no words to describe! A few minutes were left to Rayaru to enter the Brindavana, Rayaru seeing the devotees, smiling raised the hands and blessed them. Looked at the devotees with immense affection and love. Rayaru offered the Padukas to Sri Yogeendrateertharu and asked him to continue the Mutt in the same traditional style:Paatha,Pravachana, Grantha Rachana and Bhakta’s Uddhaara. Dear Devotees the day has come that I have to disappear from your sight. From tomorrow you cannot see me like this. At the sametime I am not giving up my body(Deha Tyaaga), I will not be away from my body and at the same time I am obeying the Sankalpa of Sri Hari and the prerana of Sri Vayudevaru, so entering the Brindavana today Sa Shareera and stay there for sevenhundred years to Bless the Devotees of the world. As per the order of Sri Hari and Sri Vayudevaru and the opinion of the great Yatis to whom I respect and regard them as guru. They will be always blessing me while sitting in the Brindavana. Do not feel sorry that I am disappearing from your vision.As per the sankalpa of Sri Hari and the blessings of Praanadevaru I will be quite comfortable in the Neela Brindavana. Devotees I assure you that Sri Hari is too kind towards me that Sri Hari will take care of me in the Neela Brindavana when I will be inside with yoga. Do not feel agony. I am with you always here in M,antralaya. When ever you call me I will immediately listen and solve your problems whether it is small or big. The Brindavana stones are very sacred and most holy. My successor Sri Yogeendrateertharu will look after the Mutt Vidya Mutt and the same tradition of Paatha Pravachana Grantha Rachana Bhakta’s Uddhaara will be continued. You all have to obey him as you were regarding and respecting towards me. The Punya will be distributed to the devotees by the Anugraha of Sri Hari. Do not feel sorry for my absence. I will be in Mantralaya Neela Brindavana. Sri Narasimhadevaru, Rama, Krishna, Vedavyasadevaru, Jeevottama Vayudevaru’s have ordered me to stay at this Brindavana in the Mantralaya for the uddhaara of the devotees. Mantralaya will be the most sacred place Pavitra Yaatra Sthhala Devotees will acquire all the required chaturvidha purushaartha. Not only Indian devotees, but also the devotees of the world who are living across the sea. My Sri Hari is sarvaswa for me, Sri Hari has provided broad outlook, universal affection to all. Devotees respect and regard the Vedas,upanishadas,Geeta, Brahmasutra and the philosophy of our Sri SriMadacharyaru. Our Culture, universal mankind always throbs for the welfare of all the chetanas, jeevas as per their ability and nature. We have to worship SriManNarayana.He is the only God who can free from all these births and deaths and impart Moksha to us: Narayanosow Paramo Vichintayaha Mumukhshubhi Karama Paashaadmushmaat. Our divine shruti says this.Sri Hari is the only God to bestow permanent happiness i. e. Moksha. Sri Hari has to Bless all of us, so I am entering Brindavana sitting with padmaasana in the japa of Sri Hari always. So I am concluding my avatara today on this shraavana bahula bidige. From this day onwards till seven hundred years I will be in the Brindavana as per the adesha of Sri Hari. The accumulated punya and the punya acquired in the japa in the Brindavana is completely reserved for all the devotees of the world, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and nation. Dear Devotees, please do not have hatred towards other religions and sects. Other caste people they may offer the Naivedya in their own way and style. But our Sri Hari will accept the things which are dear to him in his own form of purity and sanctity. Sri Hari is the only God who can impart Moksha to the able jeevas.Shruti is describing that Sarvottama Sri Hari Narayana is the only God to relieve us from all the sorrows and miseries and take us to Permanent happiness i. e. Moksha: Narayanosow Paramo Vichintyaha Mumkshubhihi KarmaPaashad Mushmaat. Devotees in order to fulfill the will and the Desire of Sri Hari, today I am concluding my avatara and stay in the Brindavana for seven hundred years and always engage myself in the Japa of Sri Hari. For this noble task I am entering Brindavana Sa Shareera. As per the Manudharma love and respect your own religious formalities and the traditions with unalterable faith and devotion .Live with peace and harmony. Be kind and courteous to others feelings and ideas. Do not hurt the feelings of others. Don’t be proud, be away from egoism. Think about others act softly, be selfless, polite and kind. We are all the servants of Sri Hari. Always speak true, Universal affection and love of mankind one should have in his life. Respect and regard the elders Stottamaru and Swaottamaru. Repentance feeling one should have when ever he does some mistakes. Be kind towards all the living animals, creatures, maintain good character and always be in touch of noble philosophy of Sri Madhwacharya which inculcates the real values of life and become a reader of Sadgranthas. Though I enter Brindavana the Granthas of Sri Madacharya,The Teekas of Malkheda Sri Jaiteertharu and the granthas composed by me are all here, read them, follow them and act accordingly. Dear Devotees today I wish to say that Strong faith belief and devotion towards Sri Hari is the only way to liberate from all the sorrows and worries. Sri Hari is the only omnipotent and omniscient who can impart Chaturvidha Purushaartha to us. YOU ALL MUST LEAD A HAPPY LIFE THAT IS THE ONLY INTENTION FOR THIS I AM GOING TO BE HERE IN THE NEELA BRINDAVANA FOR A LONG JAPA OF SRI HARI: Samaayaat Samaayaat Purushaarthhino Janaaha SamaashrayadhvamasmachreeHrutpadmasthalam Ramaapatim Devotees you are all desirous of Dharma Artha Kaama Moksha, So pray him,worship him, Ramaapati Laxmipati Sri ManNarayana is in my heart. You will really acquire all the good things in your lifetime. SARVAE JANAAHA SUKHINO BHAVANTU SAMASTU SANMANGALAANI BHAVANTU. So Mantralaya Sri Raghavendrateertharu with great concern and affection addressed in Mantralaya to the gathered mass on that day of Shraavana Bahula Dwiteeya. With smile raised his hands towards the devotees Blessed and gave Abhaya to all. Then Rayaru climbed the steps of Garbhaalaya one by one while entered the 6x6 square Antarguha, Rayaru holding the hand to Sri Yogeendrateertharu, bade farewell with a smile. spread the krishnajina sat in Padmaasana with Danda Kamandalu and Japamaala. At that moment there are no words to describe shining face of Rayaru with Divine Bliss. Completely involved in the world of Sri Moola Rama,Narahari,Rama,Krishna, Vedavyasa and egaged in the JAPA : OM OM OM OM OM OM holding the Japamaala in the hand. All took the Divya Darshana of Gururayaru. The Omkaara filled the whole universe at that time. Devotees with emotion cried with loud voice: From now on wards we cannot see you,you will be in this Brindavana, this is your last Darshana: GURUSARVABHOUMA DAYAAGHANA BHAKTAVATSALA KALIYUGA KAMADHENU KALPAVRUKSHA NAMO NAMO The Divine Pontiff Mantralaya Sri Raghavendrateertharu disappeared from our sight, became permanent in the Brindavana of Siddhi Kshetra Mantralaya. Bichali Sri Appanacharya Priya Mantralaya Sri Raghavendrateertha Gurubhyo Namaha. Written by Sri Raghavendra Patwari VISIT MANTRALAYAM TODAY A View of Mantralayam SRS Mutt Map of Mantralayam Mantralayam is situated in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh,in India. Various Buses ply from Madras, Mumbai,Banglore,Hyderabadetc. It is 595 Km from Madras and 690 km from Mumbai and around 360 Km from Hyderabad. It has many tourist facilities for pilgrims to stay. It is situated on the banks of river Thungabadhra. It can also be reached by train. It is on the train route between Mumbai-Madras , Delhi-Banglore , Hyderbad-Tirupathi. The station name is "Mantralayam Road", it is 16 Kms from Mantralayam. You can travel to Mantralayam from Mantralayam Road station by private Jeeps, taxis, autorickshaws or public bus. Approximate cost of travel per person is Rs.50 for private transport and Rs.4 for Public Bus. Genrally,the temple is open between 06:00 and 14:00 and 16:00 to 21:00 (IST). Few years back the golden chariot was added and is an splendour to watch it come round the prahara. Silver and Ordinary Chariots are also there and is a divine feeling to watch it roll round the temple's prahara. The Mutt also has accomadation available at low costs kindly contact the mutt Manager for reservations and check out the Room Rates Links too. The Mutt also serves one meal between 11-3 pm (as Prasadam) free everyday (except Ekadasi). However if you would prefer luxurious stay with Cable Tv and other facilities kindly check out the links page for other hotels. We wish you the best, for your visit to Mantralayam! For any queries contact the webmaster about suggested travel plans. Please remember that Mobile phones dont work in mantralayam and mantralayam is also well connected by phones, however you cannot make direct international calls through IDD, you can make international calls only by trunk call booking for an additional charge. There is also an internet parlour started recently near Hotel Guru Brindavan, which could be used to check personal emails(however remember the connection speed is very very slow). Most People in Mantralayam speak Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi , but English and Tamil are spoken very rarely by people. Click on the Following Links Seva Rates at Mantralayam CONTACT:- Shri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Mantralayam, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh - 518345, INDIA. Phone- (91)-(8512)-279429, 279459 Email-info@srsmutt.org Our Branches 01.Sri Bhuvanendra Teertha Vrindavana Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matha RAJOLI Dist. Mahaboob Nagar PH : 02. Sri Mangaraya Anjaneya Swamy Temple Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, ADONI – 518 301 PH : 08512 – 252505 03. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matha Rao Tularam Marg, Near Motibagh Fly over Sector 12, RK Puram NEW DELHI PH : 011 – 26172892 04. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt BADEPALLY 509 301 Dist: Mahaboob Nagar PH : 05. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Barkat Pura HYDERABAD PH : 040 – 27560170 06. Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Fort KURNOOL PH : 08518 – 244498 07. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt 18, RS Gardens TIRUPATHI 517 507 PH : 0877 – 2230338 08 .Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt State Bank of India Colony DHARMAVARAM 515 671 Dist : Anantapur PH : 08554 – 22744 09. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Matham Street PENUKONDA Dist: Anantapur PH : 924760516210Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt 3-12-3/HC, Ganesh Nagar Ramantapur HYDERABAD – 27 PH : 040 – 27039146 10. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Sri Venkateswara Nagar Malkajgiri SECUNDERABAD – 47 PH : 040 – 27052697 11.Sri Yadavendra Teerthara Brindavana Sri Raghavendra Sawmy Matha MUDUMALA Dist: Mahaboob Nagar PH : 13. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Brahmin Street RAYACHOTI Dist: Kadapa PH : 14.Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Near Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple Brahmin Street KADIRI PH : 08494 – 222189 15.Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Raghavendra Nagar, Morarjipet SOLAPUR – 400 102 PH : 0217 – 2727345 16. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Near Oshivara Bridge Gulshan Nagar, Jogewari (w) MUMBAI – 400 102 PH : 022 – 26785678 17. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Parimalagiri Colony Vaddepally Mandal PO : Hanmakonda : Dist: Warangal PH : 0870 – 252849 18. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Sri Sugunendra Teerthara Moola Vrindavana Sannidhana Greamspet, Brahmin Street CHITTORE – 517 001 PH 19 .Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Rajaveedhi GADWAL Dist: Mahaboob Nagar PH : 08546 – 274442 20. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Motidonger Gomanchal Colony MARGOA PH : 0832 – 2736063 21 .Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Parimalagiri MAHABOOB NAGAR 509 022 PH : 08542 - 242034 23. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Railway Station Road TUNGA BHADRA 518 397 (Anu Mantralaya) Dist: Kurnool PH : 08512 – 259808 24. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Medar Mitta, Ring Road TIRUMALA HILLS – 517 504 Ph : 0877 – 2277302 PH : 08554 – 271447 25. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt R.E. Mada Street, TIRUPATI PH : 26. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Mahadvara Road KOLHAPUR PH : 27.Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Near Brahma Kapal BADRINATH DHAM Uttaranchal PH : 28. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Railway Colony SOLAPUR PH :