Mantralaya-1092

(The incident involving Udupi Swamiji and the boundless compassion of Sri Raghavendra Teerthaaru)

Date : May 29, 2024

Background

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||
SATYAMEVA   JAYATI NA ANRUTA

Background

The incident involving Udupi Swamiji and the boundless compassion of Sri Raghavendra Teertha Gurusarvabhoumaru is described in Mantralaya (1092).

Meaning

Today, we delve into the boundless compassion of Sri Raghavendra Teertha Gurusarvabhouma.

Let's reflect on an inspiring incident, beautifully narrated by Dr. Bannanje Govindacharya, that exemplifies Sri Rayaru’s profound empathy and kindness.

The revered Udupi Swamiji felt a deep calling to visit the sacred land of Mantralaya, where he sought to experience the divine darshana of Sri Rayara Brindavana.

Mantralaya, a place graced by the divine touch of Sri Rama and Sri Krishna, is a realm where spirituality and devotion flourish. It is a land where countless sages, Avadhuta, Hari Dasaru, and devotees have found their spiritual engagement, and where poojas, Vedic chants, studies, and the noble act of Anna Dana (free food donation) exponentially increase each year. The atmosphere is thick with the reverence of these righteous works and rituals.This holy land holds a unique place in the hearts of devotees. Visionaries like Vijaya Dasaru and Gopala Dasaru once stood before Sri Raghavendra Swamy's Brindavana, their hearts overflowing with devotion, and they glimpsed the future splendor of Mantralaya. They saw a future where the spiritual and charitable activities would continue to grow, blessing all who came to seek solace and wisdom.

With this sacred vision in mind, Udupi Swamiji embarked on his pilgrimage. As he arrived in Mantralaya, the air seemed to shimmer with a special kind of energy. The chants of the Vedas and the hum of prayers created an aura of peace and sanctity that enveloped him. Swamiji's heart was filled with awe and reverence as he approached Mantralaya.The Swamiji's visit to Mantralaya was not just a journey, but a spiritual awakening. He felt the presence of all the great souls who had walked this sacred ground before him. The divine atmosphere, charged with centuries of devotion and wisdom, left an indelible mark on his soul.

Swamiji began his sacred journey by bathing in the pure waters of the Tunga Bhadra River, whose life-giving flow nurtures many cities in South India. Feeling the river's spiritual essence wash over him, he then visited Machalema, Sri Prana Devaru and offered his prayers. Each step brought him closer to the heart of his pilgrimage: the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Brindavana.

As Udupi Swamiji approached the Brindavana, a wave of devotion swept over him. The atmosphere was charged with sanctity, and Swamiji felt a profound connection to the divine. He prepared to perform the Shastanga Namaskara, a deep and reverent act of complete surrender to the saint. Just as he was about to prostrate himself fully, a moment of ego clouded his mind.

He hesitated because he remembered that he became a monk before marriage, unlike Rayaru who became a monk after marriage. This made him question if he should fully surrender with the ultimate act of respect.

Shastanga Namaskara is a profound and ancient gesture of supreme reverence and devotion in Hinduism, embodying the essence of complete surrender and humility before the divine, a guru, or a revered elder. It involves eight points of contact with the ground: the forehead, chest, hands, knees, and feet. This powerful act of devotion entails:

Forehead: Bowing the mind and ego in absolute submission.
Chest: Offering the heart, the seat of pure devotion and love.
Hands: Surrendering all actions and services to the divine.
Knees: Demonstrating profound humility and respect.
Feet: Grounding one's entire being and life's journey in devotion.

Shastanga Namaskara transcends a mere physical act; it is a spiritual declaration of total surrender, humility, and unwavering devotion. It is a powerful and transformative gesture, encapsulating the highest ideals of spiritual humility and dedication.

In that instant of doubt, instead of performing the Shastanga Namaskara, Swamiji simply bowed his head to the Brindavana. The act was a nod of respect but lacked the depth of full surrender. It was a subtle acknowledgment of his inner struggle, a moment where ego briefly overshadowed humility. Yet, even in this gesture, there was a recognition of the greatness of Sri Raghavendra Swamy and the path of true devotion that demands the surrender of all pride and ego

Swamiji unknowingly made a serious mistake by not performing the Shastanga Namaskara at Sri Raghavendra Swamy's Brindavana. After only bowing his head, he returned to his room in Mantralaya. That night, a hall filled with devotees echoed with prayers while Swamiji slept nearby.

At around 4:00 AM, the quiet was broken by the cries of a devotee in pain, shouting, "Om Sri Raghavendraya Namaha." Udupi Swamiji rushed to the hall to see what was happening. He found the devotee crying and chanting "Om Sri Raghavendraya Namaha." The devotee, filled with emotion, did a Shastanga Namaskara to Swamiji and said, "You are Sri Raghavendra Swamy!" Swamiji was confused. "What happened?" he asked.The devotee explained, "I lost my eyesight a year ago. I came to Mantralaya and prayed to Sri Rayaru to restore my vision. Tonight, while I was sleeping, Sri Rayaru appeared and started operating on my eyes. He wore a saffron robe. When I opened my eyes, I could see again, and the first thing I saw was you, wearing the same saffron dress. You are Sri Raghavendra Swamy, and I offer you my Shastanga Namaskara."

Swamiji recalled that he had refused to do the Shastanga Namaskara. He realized that Sri Rayaru, with his boundless compassion, not only restored the devotee's eyesight but also opened Swamiji's inner eye. This miraculous event reminded him of the importance of humility and true devotion. It was a clear sign of Sri Raghavendra Swamy's presence and grace in Mantralaya, a lesson Swamiji would never forget.

Swamiji, realizing his mistake, rushed to the Tungabhadra River. He took a purifying bath and then ran to Sri Raghavendra Swamy's Brindavana. Entering the sanctum, Swamiji immediately fell to the ground, performing a heartfelt Shastanga Namaskara, begging for forgiveness. He had not realized the sanctity of Sri Rayaru's Brindavana, a place where all Gods reside and which is akin to Vaikunta.

Sri Raghavendra Swamy, living within the Brindavana with his physical body for 700 years, continuously blesses his devotees. With tears in his eyes, Swamiji meditated deeply upon Sri Raghavendra Swamy after his prostration. He sought forgiveness for his earlier oversight and acknowledged the immense power and presence of Sri Rayaru.

In that moment of deep introspection, Swamiji felt the weight of Sri Rayaru's grace enveloping him. He realized the magnitude of his mistake and the boundless compassion of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. With renewed determination, Swamiji immersed himself in meditation, seeking solace and redemption in the divine presence.

As the echoes of his prayers reverberated through the sanctum, Swamiji witnessed the majestic pooja of Sri Moola Rama Devaru, a testament to the divine splendor that surrounded him. With each ritual performed, Swamiji's soul soared higher, his faith strengthened by the profound experience.Leaving the Brindavana, Swamiji carried with him a newfound sense of purpose. From that day forth, he dedicated his life to the unwavering devotion of Sri Rayaru, his every breath a testament to the transformative power of divine forgiveness and grace.

In the profound tale of Udupi Swamiji's awakening at Sri Rayaru's Brindavana, we are reminded of the boundless compassion and wisdom embodied by the revered Guru Sri Raghavendra Swami. By granting the devotee's heartfelt wish for eyesight, Sri Rayaru not only restored his physical vision but also illuminated the depths of Udupi Swamiji's soul.

Through this transformative experience, Sri Rayaru taught us the importance of humility and surrender.With Sri Rayaru's divine intervention, Udupi Swamiji discovered the true essence of spiritual awakening.

In bowing to Sri Rayaru's boundless compassion, we acknowledge the profound impact of his grace in our lives. Sri Rayaru's ability to fulfill the desires of his devotees, coupled with his unwavering guidance, earns him the title of the most compassionate Guru.

We hold in deep reverence the words of Sri Yogindra Teertharu:

"|| Sri Raghavendra Guruve Namo Atyanta Dayaluve ||"

Sri Raghavendra Teerthru, the epitome of compassion, resides in the Brindavana, tirelessly working for the upliftment of humanity.

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||