Mantralaya-1095

(The miracle of the compassionate Guru Sri Rayaru)

Date : Jun 20, 2024

Background

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

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

Background

The miracle of the compassionate Guru Sri Rayaru underscores the belief that we should cultivate, as described in Mantralaya (1095).

Meaning

In the sacred  Mantralaya, on the serene banks of the Tungabhadra River, stands the Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. Here, our beloved Sri RaghavendraTeertharu is in a state of eternal meditation on Sri Hari, alive with his physical body. The revered saint, known for his unparalleled compassion and divine grace, continues to bless his devotees from his holy shrine.

Sri Appanacharyaru, in his Gurustotra, beautifully encapsulates the essence of Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s benevolence and miraculous powers with the verse:

"Aparoksheekritashreeshaha samupekshitabhaavajaha |
Apekshitapradaataanyo raaghavendraanna vidyate"

This translates to, "There is no other giver of desired things (fulfiller of wishes) like Raghavendra." Such a profound statement reflects the boundless reverence held for Raghavendra Swamy, acknowledging his unmatched ability to fulfill the desires and wishes of his devotees.

Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s miracles are beyond human comprehension, and his ways of protecting and blessing those who surrender to Sri Hari are both mysterious and magnificent. Sri Rayaru is revered as the most compassionate Guru and God. Let us delve into two miracles that vividly illustrate the truth of Sri Appanacharyaru's words, "Apekshita Pradaataanyo Raaghavendraanna Vidyate."

Long ago, in a time when travel to Mantralaya was fraught with difficulties due to undeveloped roads and transportation, a poor Brahmin, driven by unwavering devotion, made his way to this holy place. Despite the challenges, he reached Mantralaya and began performing seva (service) to Sri Raghavendra Swamy with great fervor.

Each day, the Brahmin would immerse himself in the pristine waters of the Tungabhadra River, purifying his body and soul before engaging in his daily rituals. With unwavering devotion, he would perform Pradakshina/circumambulation around Sri Rayara Brindavana, all the while chanting the sacred verses of the Sri Guru Stotra, invoking the divine blessings of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. After his devotional service, he would partake in the wholesome meal served at Mantralaya, which included the revered Hastodaka, the food offerings blessed by Sri Rayaru. Weeks turned into months as he continued his dedicated service, his heart brimming with faith and anticipation, hoping for a divine intervention to transform his life.

One night, Sri Raghavendra Swamy appeared in the Brahmin’s dream. The saint spoke, "I know you came here seeking wealth. Tomorrow, at the early morning opening of the Brindavana sacrum, you shall be present. Whatever you spot there, you may take it home, and your poverty will vanish. Inform the mutt officials and archakas/priests."

The next morning, the Brahmin shared his dream with the mutt officials and priests.They decided to honor the words of Sri Rayaru and instructed the Brahmin to come early the next morning.

That night, as they did every evening, the priests carefully locked away all valuable items near the door and stored them in a safe place. The following morning, at 3:00 AM, the Brahmin arrived with great expectations. The priests opened the door, and the Brahmin eagerly looked around but saw nothing of value.

Disappointed, the poor Brahmin continued to search until his eyes fell upon two holes in the floor. Suddenly, a snake emerged from one of the holes. The priests, recalling the divine instructions, urgently urged the Brahmin to seize the snake, wrapping it in his Shesha Vastra (upper garment). The Brahmin hesitated, his heart pounding with fear and uncertainty. But the priests insisted, their voices filled with conviction, urging him to place his trust in Sri Rayaru's words.

The snake began to retreat into the other hole, leaving only its tail visible. The priests, with fervent voices, again urged the Brahmin to trust in Sri Rayaru’s words. Summoning all his courage, the Brahmin reached out and grasped the snake's tail. To his astonishment, the tail broke off in his hand and, in a miraculous transformation, turned into solid gold.

With tears of joy and overwhelming gratitude, the Brahmin chanted, "Om Sri Raghavendraya Namaha." The priests stood in awe, witnessing the divine miracle unfold before their eyes. As the Brahmin held the golden tail, he reflected on his partial trust and realized with a profound sense of humility that if he had fully trusted Sri Rayaru, the entire snake would have transformed into gold.

Nonetheless, Sri Rayaru had bestowed upon the Brahmin what he deserved—a golden tail. This miracle underscored the saint’s boundless compassion and the profound importance of unwavering faith in his divine promises.

Clutching the precious golden tail, the Brahmin prostrated before Sri Rayaru in a heartfelt Shastanga Namaskara. With renewed faith and gratitude, he began his journey home. The golden tail brought him substantial wealth, erasing his poverty completely. His life was transformed, and he lived in prosperity, continuously chanting the name of Sri Raghavendra Swamy with every breath.

Through this miraculous incident, Sri Rayaru demonstrated his role as the supreme giver of desired things, fulfilling the wishes of those who seek his blessings with genuine faith and devotion. The poor Brahmin's life became a testament to the divine grace and miraculous powers of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, powerfully reaffirming the truth of the verse, "Apekshita Pradaataanyo Raaghavendraanna Vidyate."

Thus, the legacy of Sri Raghavendra Swamy continues to inspire and uplift countless devotees, reminding them of the boundless compassion and divine miracles bestowed by this revered saint. His Brindavana in Mantralaya remains a sanctuary of peace, faith, and miraculous blessings, eternally guiding and protecting those who seek his divine grace. Sri Rayaru bestows upon us whatever we are eligible for, and we must have complete faith in his ability to take care of us. Our duty is to put forth our best efforts, leaving the results to Krishna and Rayaru, as they understand our needs and the weight of our karma from past and present lives, far beyond our comprehension.

We all face challenges in life, and no one is exempt from problems. In these moments, we should pray to Sri Rayaru and Krishna for the strength to handle our situations and trust that they will take care of us completely. We must accept whatever Rayaru and Krishna bestow upon us with happiness, as it reflects what we are truly qualified to receive. Let us not waste time comparing ourselves to others or lamenting our circumstances. Instead, let us have unwavering faith in their divine wisdom and grace, knowing they understand our needs and karma far better than we ever could.

Let us draw inspiration from nature and cultivate unwavering conviction that everything that happens to us is ultimately for our own good. With Sri Rayaru and Krishna by our side, why should we ever worry? Just as a tree atop a mountain stands steadfast through heavy rain and scorching sun, and animals in the jungle navigate harsh conditions without anxiety, so too should we hold the belief that God will always take care of us.

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||