Mantralaya-2003
(353rd Aradhana Mahotsav of Sri Raghavendra Swami - Part 2)
Date : Aug 15, 2024
Background
Dear Devotees : Namaskara.
| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||
SATYAMEVA JAYATI NA ANRUTA
Background
353rd Aradhana Mahotsav of Sri Raghavendra Swami - Part 2: The Miracle of Sri Rayaru is described in Mantralaya (2003).
Meaning
We
are now just one week away from the 353rd Aradhana Mahotsav of the
revered Sri Raghavendra Swami. This sacred event offers us a profound
opportunity to honor and connect with our most compassionate Guru, who
has guided countless devotees with wisdom and grace. As we approach
this auspicious occasion, let us prepare our hearts and minds by
immersing ourselves in prayer, devotion, and reflection. Through these
practices, we can deepen our spiritual connection and draw closer to
the divine teachings of Sri Raghavendra Swami, who continues to inspire
and bless us all.
Let us reflect on another miraculous event
that reveals the boundless compassion of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. This
miracle demonstrates that Rayaru is in physical form, he continues to
reside in Yoga Nidra within the sacred Brindavana, guiding and
protecting his devotees for 700 years. This profound truth reminds us
that Sri Raghavendra Swamy's divine presence remains ever-present,
offering us his grace and blessings across the ages.
In 1996, there
lived a devoted couple who were ardent followers of Sri Raghavendra
Swamy. They had one child, and soon after, the mother began
experiencing stomach and uterine issues. Concerned, they sought medical
advice, and the doctor assured them that these problems would naturally
resolve if she gave birth to a second child.
The mother and father,
filled with hope and devotion, traveled to Mantralaya, the sacred abode
of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. There, they performed Sri Rayaru Seva with
unwavering faith, pouring out their hearts in prayer. They earnestly
asked Rayaru to bless them with a second child and restore the mother's
health. Her devotion was pure, and she had complete trust in Rayaru's
divine grace, believing that Rayaru would answer their prayers and
bring them the blessings they so deeply sought.
After spending
several days in Mantralaya, the couple returned home, and soon, the
mother became pregnant with their second child. Despite her excitement,
she remained apprehensive due to her previous stomach issues,
frequently praying to Sri Raghavendra Swamy whenever she experienced
pain.
One night, as she slept, Sri Raghavendra Swamy appeared in her
dream. He reassured her, saying, “My child, do not worry. You will have
a smooth delivery of a baby girl on a Thursday at 3:30 a.m. I will be
with you on that day, even though there will be no one else present
during your delivery. Once the child is born, name her after my mother,
Gopikamba.”
Upon waking, the mother felt a deep sense of
happiness and reassurance. Sri Raghavendra Swamy's comforting words in
her dream gave her complete confidence that she would be well cared for
during her delivery. With renewed faith and tranquility, she prepared
for the arrival of her baby, knowing that her beloved Guru would be
with her every step of the way.
As the delivery date approached,
the mother began experiencing severe stomach pain. Concerned, they
contacted the doctor, who noted that the delivery was still weeks away
and advised taking medication for the pain. However, the medication did
not alleviate her discomfort.
Feeling distressed, the mother
reached out to her own mother, who suggested that her two brothers, who
were arriving soon, accompany her to the hospital for a check-up. That
night, her husband, mother, and two brothers took her to a small
nursing home where the doctor examined her at midnight. The doctor
informed them that delivery would likely occur the following day and
advised her to stay in the hospital, suggesting she eat something since
it was already 10:00 p.m.With this advice, everyone left the hospital.
Her brothers, husband, and mother went out to have dinner and planned
to return with food for her around 2:00 a.m.
Around 3:00 a.m.,
the mother’s pain intensified, and she began to cry out in distress.
With no one else present, she noticed a nurse nearby. The nurse
reassured her, explaining that she was in labor and that the delivery
would happen soon. Although the doctor had been informed, the nurse
mentioned that he might not arrive in time. Drawing on her experience
with many deliveries, the nurse offered to assist her with care.
The
nurse guided the mother through the delivery, which proceeded smoothly.
When the mother checked the time, it was exactly 3:30 a.m., just as Sri
Raghavendra Swamy had predicted in her dream. Overwhelmed with
gratitude, the mother thanked the nurse profusely.
When the
doctor arrived early in the morning, he was surprised to find both the
mother and the newborn already well and cared for. Doctor inquired how
the delivery had occurred so promptly. The mother explained that the
nurse had assisted her with the delivery. When the doctor asked, "Which
nurse?" she pointed to the nurse and said, "She helped me." The doctor
was astonished and revealed, "This nurse was not on duty last night;
she just arrived with me.". Tears welled up in the mother’s eyes as she
recalled the dream where Sri Raghavendra Swamy had promised his
presence during her delivery. The realization struck her deeply—Sri
Raghavendra Swamy had come in the form of the nurse to fulfill his
promise. With great devotion, the entire family, including the doctor,
chanted the name of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, giving thanks for his
miraculous presence and support.
Following the miraculous
delivery, the family named the baby girl Gopikamba, just as Sri
Raghavendra Swamy had instructed in the dream. The couple, filled with
immense gratitude and joy, continued to live happily, deeply devoted to
Sri Raghavendra Swamy. Their faith was reaffirmed, and they cherished
the blessings and guidance of their beloved Guru throughout their lives.
We
are indeed blessed to be born in an era where we have the opportunity
to learn about the great devotee of Sri Hari, Sri Raghavendra
Teertharu, who embodies the divine energies of Vayu and Shesha.
Throughout his many lifetimes, he has been a faithful servant of Sri
Hari, accumulating immense positive karma.From his previous births as
Shanku Karna, the devoted servant in Vaikunta and Brahma Loka, to his
incarnation as Prahlad, Bhalika, Vysa Rajaru, and finally as Sri
Raghavendra Swamy, his life has been marked by overflowing Punya
(merit). In each of these incarnations, his devotion and righteous
deeds have been exemplary.Sri Raghavendra Swamy chose to remain on this
earth to share his accumulated Punya with all of us. Through his divine
presence, he guides and supports us in walking the righteous path,
ensuring that we too can benefit from his boundless grace and wisdom.
Sri
Raghavendra Swamy bestows both spiritual and material blessings upon
his devotees, understanding that fulfillment in both aspects is
essential for a balanced and fulfilling life. By granting material
needs and desires, Rayaru ensures that his devotees can live
comfortably and without hindrance while walking on righteous path.
Simultaneously, through his spiritual guidance and blessings, Rayaru
inspires and supports them in their journey toward higher consciousness
and ultimate spiritual fulfillment. Rayaru’s divine grace helps us
achieve happiness in this world while steadily guiding us towards the
path of spirituality.
We really need to pray Sri Raghavendra Swamy every day that
Paapeenaam Agraganyoham
Dayaloonaam Tvamaagraneehi
Tvaam Vinaa Nahi Jaanena Anyam
Maama Adya Uddhaara Kaaranam
Paapeenaam Agraganyoham: "I am the foremost among sinners."
Dayaloonaam Tvamaagraneehi: "You are the greatest among the compassionate."
Tvaam Vinaa Nahi Jaanena Anyam: "Without you, I do not know anyone else."
Maama Adya Uddhaara Kaaranam: "Who can be my savior today."
"I am the greatest of sinners, and you are the most compassionate of all. Without you, I know no other who can save me today."
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||