Mantralaya-1098

(Sri Vijayeendrateertharu - 1)

Date : July 11, 2024

Background

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

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

Background

Sri Vijayeendrateertharu. Transformation of Sri Vibudhendrateertharu into Sri Vitthalacharyaru and subsequently into VishnuTeertharu is described in Mantralaya(1098).

Meaning

Recently, Sri SubhudendraTeertharu led a grand celebration for the Ardhaanavotsava of Sri Vijayeendrateertharu in Kumbhakonam. This significant event attracted many devotees who gathered to witness the remarkable occasion. Joining the festivities was Sode Mutt Swamiji, Sri Vishwavakkabha Teertharu, whose presence added to the spiritual atmosphere.

The celebration was marked by a deep sense of devotion and reverence. Both Swamijis performed the Moola Mahasamsthana pooja together, creating a unique and powerful spiritual experience for all present. The synchronized rituals and prayers by the two revered Swamijis highlighted the unity and continuity of the Dvaita Vedanta tradition.

Devotees were overwhelmed by the opportunity to witness this rare and auspicious event. The celebrations included various religious activities, discourses, and community gatherings, all contributing to a profound sense of spiritual fulfillment and joy. The event not only honored the memory and teachings of Sri Vijayeendrateertharu but also reinforced the enduring legacy of devotion and scholarship within the community.

I would like to share with our devotees the details of the revered Pontiff Sri Vijayeendrateertharu of Kumbhakonam. Sri Vijayeendrateertharu is the Guru of Sri Sudheendrateertharu, who is the Guru of Rayaru. The Brindavana of Sri Vijayeendrateertharu is situated in Kumbhakonam, on the banks of the sacred Kaveri River. This temple town, blessed with abundant natural beauty, has become a place of great sanctity.

Sri Vijayeendrateertharu, a devout follower of Lord Hari, worshipped Sri Moola Rama Devaru with immense devotion. During the pooja of Sri Moola Rama Devaru, he would become so absorbed in his worship that he would forget the world around him. A great scholar, he is remembered with reverence at all times (Treekaala Smaraneeya).

Sri VijayeendraTeertharu is the fifteenth Pontiff (Yati) in the revered lineage of the Sri Madhwacharya Peetha Parampara. A profound scholar and stalwart, he was well-versed in the Vedas and Shastras, embodying completeness in every sense. The phrase "Poornat Poorna Midam- Poorna Muchyatae" reflects his embodiment of completeness, and he was proficient in all the 64 traditional arts (Kalas).

Sri VijayeendraTeertharu's life, spanning a meaningful and fulfilling 97 years, serves as a model and mirror to the entire world, exemplifying the ideals of our Rayara Matha. His deep and cordial relationship with Sri Moola Rama Devaru, along with details of his previous birth (Poorva Janma Vivara), further highlight his spiritual significance and profound legacy.

Today, as Sri Vijayeendrateertharu resides in Brindavana, he is greatly pleased to witness the progress and golden age of Rayara Matha, particularly its growth and flourishing in Mantralaya.

Let’s go back to origin of Sri Sri VijayeendraTeertharu


After Sri Madhwaacharya

Sri Padmanaabhateertharu
Sri Narahariteertharu
Sri Madhavateertharu
Sri Akshobhyateertharu
Sri Jayateertharu
Sri Vidyadhirajateertharu
Sri Kaveendrateertharu
Sri Vaageeshateertharu
Sri Ramachandrateertharu

have worshipped Sri Moola Rama Devaru and have attained abundant Punya.

Sri Ramachandrateertharu, with all the sacred idols and Sri Moola Rama Devaru, possessed a grand worship box (Pooja Pettige). Performing Pooja with devotion is a matter of great pride and honor. Sri Ramachandrateertharu carried this responsibility with utmost dedication.

Sri Ramachandrateertharu, desiring to entrust the sacred idols and Sri Moola Rama Devaru to safe hands, found an able, sober, wise, and well-read devotee in Sri Raghunathabhattaru. Sri Ramachandrateertharu was pleased and satisfied with Sri Raghunathabhattaru, appointing him as his successor and naming him Sri Vibudhendrateertharu.

Sri Vibudhendrateertharu, the eleventh Pontiff of Sri Madhwacharya Peetha, was a highly cultured and divine personality who lived up to his name in our Sri Madhwacharya Parampara. We are deeply grateful to Sri Ramachandrateertharu and Sri Vibudhendrateertharu for their invaluable contributions.

Sri Vibudhendrateertharu worshipped Sri Moola Ramadevaru with great devotion. After completing his worship, he dedicated himself to propagating the teachings of Sri Anandateertharu. The mission of the Yatis is to spread the philosophy of Sri Anandateertharu worldwide, establishing the knowledge and wisdom of Sri Hari Bhakti. Sri Vibudhendrateertharu believed this to be the most cherished work for his Guru.

Wherever Sri Vibudhendrateertharu went, he received a warm welcome, and many righteous individuals were drawn to the teachings of Sri Harisarvottamatva, becoming his followers. He was gifted land, villages, and wealth by his devotees. In debates on Dvaita and Advaita philosophies, Sri Vibudhendrateertharu was unparalleled. His popularity grew immensely as he imparted profound knowledge of the Vedas, Shastras, Tatvas, and the essence of Sri Madhwacharya's philosophy

Sri Rayara Mutt worships the Shodasha Bahu Narasimha Devaru, a deity with sixteen arms. This idol was revealed to Sri VibudendraTirtharu in a dream. During a visit to Ahobala to worship Narasimha Devaru, Sri VibudendraTirtharu dreamt of Narasimha Devaru with sixteen hands on the riverbank. The following day, his dream came true when he discovered the same idol. This sacred vigraha is still worshipped in the Rayara Mutt tradition today.

Sri Vibudhendrateertharu, before deciding to enter Brindavana, prayed to Sri Hari with a wish to continue performing Sri Moola Rama Devara pooja in his next birth as well. His Moola Brindavana is situated on a raised platform, directly in front of the Sri Theerthakarai Srinivasa Perumal Temple, almost in the midst of the famous river Thamaraparani in Tirunelveli.

As per the wish of Sri Vibudhendrateertharu, Sri Hari granted his request for his next birth. Thus, Sri Vibudhendrateertharu was reborn as Sri Vitthalacharyaru.

In a serene village steeped in faith, an elderly couple held steadfast to their devotion. Seeking solace and hope, they approached Sri Vyasarajaru, a revered sage/saint known for his profound wisdom and spiritual grace. Moved by their sincerity, Sri Vyasarajaru blessed them with a heartfelt prophecy: they would be blessed with two children.

The elderly couple, initially astonished by the prospect of parenthood in their advanced years, embraced the Sri Vyasarajaru’s words with awe and reverence. With unwavering faith, they awaited the fulfillment of this divine promise. True to the Sri Vyasarajaru’s blessing, in due course, their humble abode echoed with the joyous cries of newborns: a son named "Vittalacharya" and "Guruprasada".

Their village buzzed with the miraculous fulfillment of Sri Vyasarajaru's prophecy, and the couple's home blossomed with laughter, love, and the innocence of childhood once more. This blessed beginning marked the dawn of an extraordinary journey, destined to shape the spiritual heritage for generations to come.

Sri Vyasarajaru took it upon himself to arrange the sacred ceremonies of "Choula" and "Upanayanam" for young Vittalacharya, marking his initiation into the paths of learning and spirituality. Under the Sri Vyasarajaru’s guidance, Vittalacharya delved deep into the studies of Tarka, Meemaamsa, and Vedanta Shastra, absorbing knowledge like a sponge and displaying a remarkable intellect.Sri Vysa Rajaru had Vitthalacharya as his close disciple and groomed him into a master of Vedavedanga, Nyaya, Ithihasa, Meemamsa and all other shastras.

Vyas Rajaru's joy knew no bounds as he watched Vitthalacharya evolve into a brilliant scholar. The young boy's journey from a promising student to a master of ancient wisdom was nothing short of inspiring, a testament to his dedication and the profound guidance of his guru.

At the age of 8, impressed by the child's profound sense of renunciation (Vairagya), Sri Vyasarajaru initiated him into Sanyasashrama and bestowed upon him the name "Vishnu Tirtha."

In the current episode, we explored the transformation of Sri Vibudhendrateertharu into Sri Vitthalacharyaru and subsequently into VishnuTeertharu. In the next episode, we will delve into the journey of VishnuTeertharu as he evolves into Sri Vijayeendrateertharu.

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||