Mantralaya-1081
(Sri Raghavendra Swamy 403rd Pattahbisheka Utsava)
Date : March 13, 2024
Background
Dear Devotees : Namaskara.
| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||
SATYAMEVA JAYATI NA ANRUTA
Background
Sri Raghavendra Swamy 403rd Pattahbisheka Utsava described in Mantralaya(1081) .
Meaning
The
Phalguna Shukla Dwiteeya of 1621 CE holds profound significance for the
devotees of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Teertharu. It marks the indelible
occasion of Pattabhishekam, Coronation Ceremony when Sri Venkatanatharu
was initiated into Sannyasa (Oath of Celibacy) by his Guru Sri
SudheendraTeertha, thus assuming the divine persona of Sri Raghavendra
Swamy, bestowing blessings upon devotees. This celebration, also known
as Sri Raghavendra Guru Vaibhavotsava, takes place at Mantralaya.
Let's
journey back to the past and witness the remarkable events surrounding
Sri Venkatanatharu. Sri SudheendraTeertharu, adorned with Rudra Amsha,
served as the Swamiji or the Vedic Verse, propagating the teachings of
VedaVyasaru, MadhwaCharyaru, Jayatheertharu, and others. Observing Sri
Venkatanatharu in his childhood, Sri SudheendraTeertharu discerned the
remarkable potential within him to lead this kingdom of Vedic Verse.
Recognizing the divine essence within Venkatanatharu, Sri
SSudheendraTeertharu perceived the presence of Vayu Devaru and Shesha
Devaru within SudheendraTeertharu, understanding that Prahalad had
reincarnated for the betterment of humanity in the era of Kaliyuga.
Sri
Venkatanatharu learned a lot from Sri SudheendraTeertharu and wrote
many books that were way ahead of what people his age usually write.
Venkatanatharu lived happily with his wife and son.
One day,
Lord Sri Ramachandra appeared in Sri SudheendraTeertharu’s dream and
told him to make his devotee, Prahalad, also known as Sri
Venkatanatharu, a monk. Ramachandra said, "I want Sri Venkatanatharu to
be called Sri RaghavendraTeertharu and perform my Rama Devara Samsthana
pooja every day. Sri RaghavendraTeertharu will be a guiding light in
this dark Kaliyuga."
Following the orders of Sri Moola
Ramachandra Murthy, Sri SudheendraTeertharu decided to bestow
sanyasashrama upon the esteemed and capable Sri Venkatanatha to lead
the Vedanta samrajya. Sri Sudeendra Tirtha blessed him, saying, "May
this Sri Raghavendra, who excels among ascetics, flourish with the
penance of Sri Surendra Tirtha, the wealth and renown of Sri Vijayindra
Tirtha, and my own fame in dialectical skill."
In a dream filled
with celestial radiance, Sri Venkatanatharu found himself in the
presence of Vidya Lakshmi and Saraswati, embodiments of knowledge and
prosperity. Sri Vidya Devi, adorned with wisdom, appeared and spoke
with authority. "It is ordained by Sri Vedavyasa that only sannyasis
are worthy to worship Sri Moola Rama Deva," she declared. "You, Sri
Venkatanatharu, are blessed by Sri Vedavyasa himself. Embrace sanyasa,
and fear not, for I and all our Ashta Lakshmis shall forever be by your
side."
Struck by the divine assurance of Sri Vidya Lakshmi, Sri
Venkatanatharu felt a surge of determination. With a heart filled with
reverence and courage, he accepted sanyasa, knowing that he was chosen
to safeguard the sacred tradition of Vaishnava Madhwa Mata. Thus,
guided by the blessings of the divine, Sri Venkatanatharu embarked on a
path destined for greatness, ready to fulfill his sacred duty.
Guru
Sri Sudheendrateertharu felt immense joy flood his heart as his dearest
Shishya, Sri Venkatanatharu, agreed to shoulder the greatest
responsibility—to become his successor. With pride and contentment, Sri
Sudheendrateertharu recognized the unwavering dedication and readiness
of Sri Venkatanatharu to carry forward the sacred lineage. It was a
moment of profound satisfaction, knowing that the legacy of wisdom and
enlightenment would be entrusted to such a deserving disciple.
The
ceremonies of Pattabhishekha unfolded in Vadavur, as requested by the
Nayak king of Tanjavur in Tamil Nadu. This very place holds
significance as Sri Raghavendra Swamy devotedly practiced penance for
twelve years. Following this period of intense spiritual discipline,
Rayaru embarked on a journey to spread the teachings of Dwaita
Philosophy far and wide across the nation.
During a time of dire
famine, it was Sri Raghavendra Teertha who came to the aid of the king,
offering his invaluable assistance. As a tribute to his legacy, a
Brindavan named Sarpapeeta Brindavanam now stands as a testament to his
enduring presence and benevolence in Vadavur.King Raghunatha Bhoopaala
overflowed with joy and meticulously arranged grand festivities in
Tanjore. Sri Venkatamatharu, esteemed among scholars, poets, and
pandits, was warmly received with devout reverence and opulent
splendor. The royal court of Tanjore brimmed with the presence of
virtuous souls, scholars, and poets, all gathered to witness the
grandeur of the Pattabhishekotsava.
As praises and titles rained
down upon Sri Venkatamatharu, the atmosphere was imbued with boundless
joy and happiness, transcending all bounds of expression. On this
auspicious occasion, Sri Narayanacharyaru, the illustrious author of
Sri Raghavendra Vijaya Mahakavya, felt compelled to share a shloka.
Having known Sri Venkatamatharu intimately since
childhood—Venkatamatharu's mother, Venkatamba, being the youngest
brother of Sri Venkatabhattaru—Sri Narayanacharyaru stood amidst the
illustrious assembly of Tanjore's royal court.
With deep reverence,
respect, devotion, and affection, Sri Narayanacharyaru raised his right
hand, adorned with a golden kankana, and recited the shloka loudly and
spontaneously. His voice trembled with emotion, and tears of devotional
ecstasy welled up in his eyes as he extolled the extraordinary
brilliance and knowledge of Sri Raghavendrateertharu.
On the
auspicious day of Pattabhishekam on March 12, 2024, Sri
SubhdendraTeertharu orchestrated a magnificent celebration to honor
this significant event. Drawing inspiration from the story of Bharata
in the Ramayana, who placed Sri Rama's Paduke on the throne to
symbolize his reign, a similar scenario unfolded with Sri
RaghavendraTeertharu's successor, Sri YogindraTeertharu. Initially
reluctant to part ways with Rayaru, Sri YogindraTeertharu was reassured
by Rayaru himself, who promised to reside in Brindavana while
continuing to bless devotees with his physical presence for many years
to come. Rayaru entrusted his Paduke to Sri YogindraTeertharu, who
faithfully worshipped it every day. This tradition, initiated by
YogindraTeertharu, saw Sri SubhudendraTeertharu continuing the legacy
by worshipping the holy Paduke after performing the Moola Rama Devara
Samsthana Pooja.
During the Pattabhishekam ceremony, Sri
SubhudendraTeertharu placed the Paduke on a golden chair, the
Shimhasana, and reverently worshipped Sri Rayaru's Paduke with profound
devotion. The air resonated with the chanting of "Om Sri RaghavendraYa
Namaha," infusing the atmosphere with powerful vibrations that purified
the hearts and souls of all those present to witness this grand
ceremony.
It's truly remarkable to witness the sacred tradition
of Sri Moola Rama idol, crafted by Brahma himself, being meticulously
preserved and passed down through generations at Sri Rayaru Mutta. Sri
RaghavendraTeertharu's incarnation as Prahalad holds a profound
significance in this context. Despite being offered liberation by Sri
Hari, Sri RaghavendraTeertharu humbly declined, choosing instead to be
born in Kaliyuga. Rayaru’s noble decision reflects his selfless
dedication to uplifting and guiding people like us along the right path.
|| Yae nityam gururaghavendra charanambhojam bhajante aadaraat
tatkaarunyabharena sarvasukalaapaareenataam mangam
vaade vairi sudheejayam shrutimatotkarshanedishnataam
modantebhuvane sukeertilasitaaste avaapta kaamadhruvam ||
The meaning of above Shloka is
It
is an undeniable truth that those devout souls who wholeheartedly
believe in and surrender to the divine lotus feet of Rayaru, faithfully
invoking his presence through daily prayers filled with unwavering
devotion and reverence, are destined to receive the boundless grace and
blessings of Rayaru in their entirety. Such devotees shall ascend to
heights of unparalleled excellence, mastering every domain of knowledge
with unparalleled proficiency and skill. Auspiciousness shall permeate
every facet of their lives, illuminating their path with the radiant
wisdom of the Vedas, Shastras, and sacred scriptures. They shall
effortlessly reap the fruits of their endeavors, attaining fulfillment
and success at every turn. Through the divine grace and compassionate
blessings of our revered Sri Raghavendrateertha Gurusarvabhoumaru,
their fame and renown shall resound far and wide, adorning them with
the divine jewels of Anugraha and Karunaabharana for all eternity.
The devotion towards
Sri Raghavendrateertharu is the ultimate truth and is the most simple
and effective way to reach Sri Hari - "NAMBI KETTAVARILLAVO EE
GURUGALA"! “Those who have complete faith in this Guru will never be
disappointed.”
|| BICHALI JAPADAKATTI SRI APPANACHARYA PRIYA MANTRALAYA
SRI RAGHAVENDRATEERTHA GURUBHYO NAMAHA||