Mantralaya-1099

(Sri Vijayeendrateertharu - 2, Transformation of Sri VishnuTeertharu into Sri Vijayeendrateertharu)

Date : July 18, 2024

Background

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

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

Background

Sri Vijayeendrateertharu Part 2. Transformation of Sri VishnuTeertharu into Sri Vijayeendrateertharu is described in Mantralaya(1099).

Meaning

In the previous series, we saw that Sri VibhudendraTeertharu expressed his desire to be reborn to worship Sri Moola Rama Devaru. Sri Hari fulfilling this wish, Sri VibhudendraTeertharu took birth as Vitthalacharya. Sri Vyasaraja accepted Vitthalacharya as his disciple and renamed him Sri VishnuTeertharu.

Now, let's uncover the journey of how Sri Vishnu Teertharu transforms into Sri Vijayeendra Teertharu. This article is a bit lengthy, so please bear with me as I've condensed it as much as possible.

Sri Surendrateertharu, a revered Pontiff of Rayara Matha, was a remarkable scholar, gnyaani, and a figure of immense virtue. He possessed extraordinary qualities that made him a blessing to his devotees. Having earned the complete affection of Sri Madacharya, Sri Surendrateertharu was well-versed, efficient, and expert in all the shastras, vedas, and vedaangas

Sri Surendrateertharu traveled extensively across the country, fervently advocating the Tatvas of our revered Acharya, Sri Harisarvottama and Vayujeevottama. During his journeys, he arrived at the banks of the Tungabhadra River in Anegondi-Vijayanagara-Hampi, Karnataka. After taking a holy dip in the sacred Tungabhadra, he found a spacious rocky bed on the bank. There, he opened the sacred pooja box of Sri Moola Rama Devaru and commenced performing the pooja.

In Hampi, Sri VysaRajaru was about to perform the grand Sri Krishna Maha Pooja. Esteemed figures such as Sri Purandara Dasaru, Kanaka Dasaru, and Sri Vadirajaru were eagerly awaiting the ceremony. Sri Vadirajaru, a saint deeply revered by Lord Krishna and Sri Madhwacharyaru, will be covered in detail in a separate article. The combined presence of Sri Vyasarajaru, Sri Vadirajaru, Sri Purandara Dasaru, and Kanaka Dasaru generated an extraordinary and vibrant spiritual energy.

As Sri Vyasarajaru began the pooja, he took the plate of Tulsi leaves and questioned his disciple, "Why have you brought Tulsi that has already been used (Nirmalya)?" The disciple responded, "No, your Holiness, we went to the outskirts to pluck them." However, Vyas Rajaru insisted that the Tulsi was used.

At that moment, Sri Vyasarajaru, Sri Vadirajaru, Sri Purandara Dasaru, and Kanaka Dasaru closed their eyes and meditated. Smiling with joy, they saw a vision of Sri Surendrateertharu. Sri Vyas Rajaru then explained to everyone that the Tulsi had been used because Sri Surendrateertharu, who was on the bank of the Tungabhadra, had offered the entire Tulsi garden to Sri Moola Rama Devaru, thus sanctifying it as Nirmalya.

Sri Vyasarajaru Rajaru exclaimed, "Ah! Meeting such a divine soul is a great fortune!" With this in mind, he quickly concluded his pooja. Accompanied by a band of musicians and adorned in full regalia, Sri Vyasarajaru set off to the outskirts to meet Sri Surendrateertharu, who was camped in the Tulsi garden. He earnestly invited him to visit the city.

Sri Krishnadevaraya, the esteemed emperor of Karnataka and the main disciple of Vyasarajaru, was awestruck by his guru's reverence and was filled with divine enthusiasm. Sri Vyas Rajaru warmly welcomed Sri Surendrateertharu and invited him to Hampi. Sri Surendrateertharu gladly accepted the invitation and embraced Vyas Rajaru heartily. It was a grand spectacle, with the gathering perceiving it as the divine union of Lord Varaha and Lord Srinivasa. The swamiji entered the city amid great celebratory gaiety, leaving the onlookers delighted.

The city of Hampi, renowned for its abundance and splendor that left foreign visitors in awe, was governed by the unparalleled Emperor Krishnadevaraya, a conqueror of the Bahamani and Kalinga kings. At the intellectual heart of this empire was Jagadguru Sri Vyasaraja, a vast repository of profound knowledge. He had established numerous learning centers across India, with the Vijayanagar University serving as the nucleus of this scholarly network. Under his mentorship were ten thousand students and a cadre of twenty-four Madhwa saints, including eminent figures such as Keshava and Narayana.Amidst such illustrious company, the visit of Sri Surendrateertharu was a moment of immense significance. The honor bestowed upon him by this noble assembly highlighted the city's exceptional stature. Envisioning such a convergence of spiritual and intellectual greatness is indeed exhilarating, reflecting the unparalleled glory of that era.

Sri Vyasarajaru arranged for Sri Surendrateertharu to stay in his Mutt. Later, Emperor Krishnadevaraya met with Vyasaraja in solitude and asked, "Your Holiness, who is this Sri Surendrateertharu? Please tell me about him." With a charismatic smile, Vyasarajaru replied, "King Krishnadeva, your curiosity is natural. This sacred soul is the pontiff of the main Mutt of Sri Madhwacharya. He worships the lotus feet of Moolarama, is a greatly learned and erudite scholar, and an ascetic of great attainment. His worship through his inner soul is unique and sterling. He has circumambulated the country thrice on a fasting vow. Your noble deeds have brought him here, ensuring the well-being of your state and its subjects. You are very fortunate."

The king Krishnadevaraya was filled with boundless joy. "Isn’t this a rare opportunity, the result of my surrendering at the feet of the uniquely illumining Vyasarajaru ! Whenever one seeks companionship, it should be with the noble. I am greatly ennobled as Lord Venkatesha has placed me among such sacred souls," he exclaimed with exhilaration.

Sri Vyasarajaru had Sri Surendrateertharu stay in Hampi for an extended period as his honored guest. The convergence of these two immensely learned individuals was a magnificent event. Each morning, after completing his Ahneeka, Vyasarajaru would go to the Vidyapeetha to teach lessons from Sudha and other revered texts to Sri Vadirajaru, Vishnutheertharu, Narayanatheertharu, and other yathis. Sri Surendrateertharu, sitting in their company, would relish listening to the discourse.Among the disciples, the profound scholarship and radiant countenance of Vishnutheertharu particularly impressed Surendrateertharu, fostering a deep affinity for him. Thus, the days passed in Hampi, as blissfully as they would in heaven.

One day, Vyasarajaru pleaded with Surendrateertharu, "Today, you must accept my offering."Surendrateertharu replied with a gentle smile, "I receive your offerings daily. What more could I ask for? You are a king, a mentor to kings! Would a day pass without your patronage for me?"Vyasaraja insisted, "Not that. Today, my request must be honored.""Very well," replied Surendrateertharu, "To witness Gopalakrishna honoring Moolarama is indeed my great fortune."

Under Vyasarajaru's careful oversight, preparations for the special day proceeded smoothly. King Krishnadevaraya stood respectfully with folded hands, observing the events unfold with curiosity. The purpose of this occasion remained a closely guarded secret.

Vyasarajaru held a deep affection for Vishnutheertharu among his disciples, treating him as if he were his own son. Vishnutheertharu, unaware of the occasion's significance, had been instructed by his guru to remain prepared and delay his studies until the following day. Complying faithfully with his guru's instructions, Vishnutheertha stayed close by Vyasaraja's side, ready for whatever awaited him.

After completing their poojas, both swamijis prepared for the occasion. Since Surendrateertharu was the honored guest, Vyasaraja, before performing the ceremonial Hastodaka, called Vishnutheertha forward. Placing Vishnutheertha's hands into Surendrateertharu's, Vyasaraja uttered 'Krishnarpana' while pouring the holy water, a gesture filled with profound meaning. The scene unfolded dramatically, leaving everyone deeply moved and struggling to grasp its significance.

For Vishnutheertharu, it was as if the ground had shifted beneath him when his beloved guru, Vyasaraja, symbolically handed him over to Surendrateertharu. He felt a mix of emotions—surprise, confusion, and a profound sense of loss—as he tried to understand the hidden message behind Vyasarajaru's poignant gesture.

Surendrateertharu felt as though he had stepped into a sacred and mysterious realm, deeply touched by the profound spiritual experience unfolding before him. His presence alongside Vyasarajaru stirred whispers of astonishment among those gathered, yet the atmosphere remained tranquil and charged with anticipation.

With a gentle smile that belied the gravity of his words, Vyasarajaru spoke in his resonant voice, addressing Surendrateertharu, "Learned Surendrateertha, this may seem unusual to you, but it is not without significance. My Krishna has directed me to entrust Vishnutheertha to you. Vishnutheertha belongs under your care. He is blessed to have been born to lead Mahasamsthana. I have nurtured him with utmost devotion. Among all my disciples, none shines as brightly or possesses the intellect, scholarly acumen, and talent that Vishnutheertha embodies. He is dearer to me than any other, not solely due to his deeds in this lifetime. Vishnutheertha's brilliance today is a reflection of his illustrious past, where he was a guiding force in Mahasamsthana. It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that Vishnutheertha's very purpose in this birth is to perform the sacred pooja of Moolarama."

Sri Surendrateertharu, overwhelmed by the depth of Vyasaraja's words and the profound responsibility entrusted to him, felt a surge of emotion. It was a moment of divine revelation, where the threads of destiny and spiritual duty intertwined, leaving an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.

Then Vyasarajaru added with heartfelt sincerity, "I too have a deep longing to worship Moolarama. If it is the divine will, perhaps in my next birth, I may find myself in your esteemed tradition." Vyasarajaru hinted at his future incarnation as Sri Raghavendra Teertharu, foreseeing a continuation of their spiritual lineage.

Surendrateertharu was overjoyed beyond measure. He had always held great affection for Vishnutheertharu, and now, he felt that he had received the greatest gift imaginable. Believing it to be the blessings of Lord Hari, Surendrateertharu wholeheartedly accepted Vishnutheertharu under his guidance.

Witnessing this unexpected transfer of discipleship, those gathered for the occasion were utterly astounded. "The seers' prophecies have converged today. Who can fathom its true meaning! Today, we feel liberated from the burden of our sins. To have witnessed such a divine moment is our greatest fortune," they exclaimed amid shouts of joy and deep reverence.

On one hand, Vishnutheertharu felt sorrow at parting from the company of his beloved guru. Yet, he was also filled with profound happiness that Vyasaraja had blessed him with the opportunity to ascend the throne of Mahasamsthana, enabling him to perform daily worship of Moolarama—an extraordinary blessing indeed!On the other hand, Vishnutheertharu held immense reverence for a saintly soul like Surendrateertharu, who had now become his spiritual guide. These conflicting emotions left him speechless, overwhelmed by the divine orchestration of events. Resigned to the belief that everything had unfolded as ordained by Lord Hari, he silently obeyed Vyasarajaru's instructions, trusting in the path laid out before him.

Sri Surendrateertharu guided his disciple Vishnutheertha through the rituals, overseeing the change of the holy sceptre in accordance with tradition. He administered the sacred mantras, formally initiating Vishnutheertha into his spiritual lineage. In a solemn ceremony, Surendrateertharu coronated Vishnutheertha within his Samsthana, presenting him with the idol of Moolarama on that very day for his personal worship. In a gesture of profound significance, Surendrateertharu bestowed upon Vishnutheertha the name 'Sri VijayeendraTeertharu', marking his new identity within the spiritual order.

Having Sri Vijayeendraru under his guidance was a rare blessing for Sri Surendrateertharu, akin to possessing the mythical Kamadhenu itself. He believed this was the result of his guru's benevolent influence and the fruits of his own virtuous deeds. Surendrateertharu felt a profound sense of relief, as if he had unburdened himself from a weighty responsibility.

When Sri VijayeendraTeertharu was preparing to depart with Sri Surendrateertharu, having completed his instruction in all sixty-four arts, Vyasarajaru called him aside for private counsel

"Dear son, you are blessed. The merits of your virtuous deeds in your past lives have guided you to the throne of this Mahasamsthana. You have also been instructed in all sixty-four arts. There is nothing more for you to learn now. It is time for you to elevate your life. You have the eternal divine blessings of Lord Gopalakrishna and Lord Moolarama," Vyasarajaru spoke, invoking blessings of success and prosperity upon Vijayeendra Teertharu.

After this significant event, close friends Sri Vyasaraja, Sri Purandara Dasaru, Kanaka Dasaru, and Sri Vadirajaru gathered together after the pooja. Kanaka Dasaru inquired, "Guru Vyasaraja, during Vijayeendra Teertha's coronation, you mentioned your desire to worship Moola Rama. What does that entail?" Vyasaraja smiled and responded, "If I am reborn, will Kanaka be with me?" Kanaka Dasaru assured him, saying, "Yes, for sure."Sri Purandara Dasaru and Sri Vadirajaru jokingly remarked, "You two enjoy your time in the next birth; we are done and won't be born again."

In this way, Sri Vysarajaru proclaimed that he would be reborn as Sri RaghavendraTeertharu, dedicated to worshiping Sri Moola Rama Devaru. He also foresaw that Kanaka Dasaru would take rebirth around the same time.

It's unimaginable—Sri Vyasaraja, Sri Purandara Dasaru, Kanaka Dasaru, Sri Vadirajaru, Sri Surendrateertharu, and Sri Vijayeendra Teertharu—all gathered in one place. Each of them has beheld the physical presence of Sri Hari in the forms of Sri Krishna and Sri Rama, alongside Vayu Devaru. The vibrant energy pulsating in Vijayanagara at that time defies imagination.

In the next episode, we will witness the remarkable journey of Sri Vijayeendra Teertharu..

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||