Mantralaya-2004

(353rd Aradhana Mahotsav of Sri Raghavendra Swami - Part 3:

Recollecting the day of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Brindavana Pravesh)

Date : Aug 22, 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 3: Recollecting the day of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Brindavana Pravesh on August 11th, 1671 AD is described in Mantralaya(2004)
.

Meaning

I am drawing from the insightful writings of my father, Sri Raghvendra Patwari, to beautifully recount the sacred day of Sri Raghavendra Swamy's Brindavana Pravesha. Through his words, I hope to capture the profound spiritual significance of this divine event. Although this article is a bit lengthy, it offers a deeply moving portrayal of a moment that continues to resonate in the hearts of devotees.

Let us journey back to Friday, August 11th, 1671 AD, in the Shaalivahana Shaka year 1593, Virodhikritnaama Samvatsara—the momentous day when Sri Raghavendra Teertharu, with divine foresight, chose the precise date and time for his Brindavana Pravesha, entering the sacred Brindavana alive with his physical body. This significant event marks a profound chapter in the spiritual history , underscoring Rayaru’s enduring divine presence and miraculous powers.

During Sri Raghavendra Swamy previous incarnation as Sri Prahlada, Sri Raghavendra Swamy received the divine blessing from Lord Narasimha that the supreme Lord Sri Hari would always be with him. Lord Narasimha was deeply pleased when Prahlada, instead of choosing to ascend to Vaikunta, expressed his desire to stay in the world during Kaliyuga to help and guide people on the path of righteousness.

Goddess Durga, revered as Maha Lakshmi and the Grama Devata (Village Goddess) of Manchali Village, appeared before Sri Raghavendra Teertharu and blessed him with her divine presence. She assured Sri Rayaru that she would dwell with him in the Brindavana. Goddess Durga revealed that Lord Narayana, along with Brahma, Shiva, and their divine consorts and children, would also reside in the Brindavana. Additionally, all the Acharyas and Dasaru would be present in the Brindavana, enriching it with their spiritual energy and blessings.

Sri Raghavendra Teertharu chose his successor with divine foresight, appointing Sri Venkannacharya, the grandson of Sri Gururajacharya (Rayaru's elder brother in his Poorvashrama) and the son of Venkatanarayanacharya, as his spiritual heir. Rayaru bestowed upon him the title of Sri Yogeendrateertharu, declaring that this was the divine will and sankalpa of Sri Hari. Following traditional rituals, Sri Yogeendrateertharu was formally initiated as the successor of Sri Raghavendra Teertharu. Together, they observed the sacred Chaturmaasa in the temple of Sri Venkateshwara in Manchali, marking a period of deep spiritual significance.

Sri RaghavendraTeertharu and Diwan Venkanna walked together along the banks of the Tungabhadra River, where Sri Rayaru revealed the sacred and auspicious spot where he would remain for seven hundred years. Rayaru instructed his disciples to dig at this location, where they discovered an ancient Yagna Kunda. Sri Rayaru explained that this Yagna had been performed during his Prahlada Avatara. It was on this very spot that Sri Vibhudendrateertharu, the esteemed pioneer and founder of the Vidya Mutt (Rayaru Mutt), had once performed his tapasya.

Sri Rayaru expounded on the profound sanctity of Mantralaya, revealing what imbues this place with its exceptional divine essence. The holiness of Mantralaya transcends the ages, extending from Treta Yuga and Dwapara Yuga into the present Kali Yuga. This sacred site has been graced by the presence and divine interventions of numerous deities and incarnations throughout history, making it a timeless beacon of spiritual significance.

In the ancient Treta Yuga, Mantralaya was sanctified by the deep meditation and grand Yagnya performed by the great devotee Sri Prahalad Rajaru. His unwavering devotion and selfless worship pleased Lord Narasimha and Goddess Durga, who graced him with their divine Darshan. It was through this sacred encounter that the sanctity of Mantralaya was firmly established, as the divine presence of Lord Narasimha and Goddess Durga permeated the very essence of this holy land.

During this same Treta Yuga, Lord Sri Rama Chandra visited Mantralaya, taking respite in its serene environment. Sri Rama spoke to Lakshmana, narrating the extraordinary devotion and Yagna performed by his devoted follower, Sri Prahalad Rajaru. The echoes of their devotion and spiritual power reverberated through Mantralaya, further sanctifying this blessed land.

In the Dwapara Yuga, Mantralaya once again became the stage for divine events. When the valiant Arjuna engaged in the Ashwamedha Yaga, he encountered the formidable King Anushwala at Mantralaya. Lord Krishna, serving as Arjuna’s charioteer, witnessed the intense battle unfold. Despite Arjuna’s valor, Anushwala repeatedly defeated him, standing invincible. Bewildered, Arjuna turned to Lord Krishna for answers. With a gentle smile, Lord Krishna revealed that Anushwala had positioned his chariot on the very spot where Sri Prahalad Rajaru had performed his Yagna, infusing the land with immense spiritual power. Even Lord Krishna could not overcome Anushwala’s strength at that sacred spot. Following Krishna's guidance, Arjuna compelled Anushwala to move his chariot the next day, leading to his eventual victory. This divine episode underscores the magnificence, glory, and unparalleled spiritual power that resides within Mantralaya.

After elucidating the profound sanctity of the chosen spot where he would reside, Sri Rayaru instructed Venkanna to construct a Garbhaalaya on the Yagna Kunda. The Garbhaalaya was to be six by six feet in size. Sri Rayaru specified that on Friday, during Shraavana Bahula Dwiteeya, he would sit and chant "OM Sri Hari Om," while Venkanna should then move the slab containing the Koormaasana. Following this, the Brindavana was to be installed, consecrated with the Pratishthaapana of seven hundred Laxminarayana Saaligraamas, and a silver square plate was to be placed before filling the Brindavana with sacred Mruttika.

Sri Raghavendra Swamy instructed Venkanna to prepare the Brindavana from a specific type of rock. When Venkanna presented the beautifully crafted Brindavana, Sri Rayaru reviewed it and said it did not meet his expectations. He then directed Venkanna to select a rock from the spot where Lord Rama had rested during his time in Mantralaya.

Venkanna agreed and prepared to discard the Brindavana he had initially made. However, Sri Rayaru, with a gentle smile, advised him against it, explaining that there was a significant purpose for this Brindavana. Rayaru revealed that in the year 1750, seventy years in the future, his great-grandson from his purvashrama would become the fifth pontiff after him, known as Sri VadeendraTeertharu. This future pontiff would enter this very Brindavana. Hence, Rayaru instructed Venkanna to preserve it carefully.This foresight into the future and the deep significance attributed to the Brindavana truly astonished all, showcasing the remarkable vision and divine planning of Sri Rayaru.
Sri Raghavendra Teertharu anticipated the challenge of performing the Brindavana Pravesha in the presence of his revered Appanacharyaru, who would have opposed such an act. To circumvent this, Sri Rayaru intentionally sent Appanacharya away from Mantralaya on a mission for the propagation of Madhwa Sanchara (the dissemination of knowledge).

Following Rayaru’s instructions, Diwan Venkanna announced the day and date for the Brindavana Pravesha to devotees worldwide: Friday, Shraavana Bahula Dwiteeya, in the Shaalivahana Shaka year 1593, Virodhikritnaama Samvatsara, which corresponds to August 11th, 1671. Devotees flocked to Mantralaya in vast numbers, arriving in streams and crowds.

On the preceding Thursday, Shraavana Bahula Pratipada, Sri Rayaru performed the pooja of Sri Moola Ramadevarau, engaged in scholarly discussions on Acharya Tatva (the essence of the teacher’s teachings), and partook in bhikshaa (alms). Sri Rayaru remained serene and content, meticulously providing instructions for the following day’s Brindavana Pravesha, reflecting his unwavering calm and meticulous preparation.
On the early morning of Shraavana Bahula Bidige, Dwiteeya, Sri Rayaru arose at Brahmi Muhurta and began his sacred rituals with meticulous devotion. He performed the Aahneeka, engaged in Japa and Namaskara to Sri Moola Ramadevaru, and offered Mangalarati to Kulaswami Sri Srinivasa. Following this, he conducted Tulasi Vandana, the Go Vatsa Pooja, and Go Graasa Paatha Pravachana for his disciples.

Though it was still early, a multitude of devotees, Pandits, scholars, saints, and dignitaries from various backgrounds had assembled. They were spellbound by the divine aura and radiant splendor of Sri Rayaru, captivated by the sacred grace and the shimmering bliss that enveloped the sacred morning.

All the relatives, including Shree padaputra Sri Laxminarayanacharya, his nephew Sri Narayanacharya, and the devoted Diwan Venkanna, were overwhelmed with grief, their eyes brimming with tears. Venkanna, choked with emotion, assured Gurudeva, "Everything is prepared as per your instructions."

Holding the hand of Sri Yogeendrateertharu, Sri Rayaru emerged from the Sri Venkateshwara Temple. Awaiting him outside was the majestic Mutt elephant, Maahendra, adorned in a resplendent golden Ambaari. Rayaru, bearing the Danda, Kamandalu, and Pooja Pettige of the revered Sri Moola Ramadevaru, ascended the elephant.

As the elephant began its procession, thousands of voices rose in a fervent chant: "Rajadhiraja Paramahamsa Yatisarvabhouma Gurusarvabhouma Sri Mad Raghavendra Teertha Karunaa Samudra Ughe Ughe Jaya Jaya!" The crowd's exuberant praises and the divine atmosphere echoed with the deep reverence and celebration of Sri Rayaru's presence.
The grand procession moved solemnly through the main gate (agasi) and the chaavadi of Manchali, accompanied by the resonant sounds of various musical instruments and the soulful singing of the Dasas. Despite the festive music, the atmosphere was laden with profound grief.
The procession reached its destination on the banks of the Tungabhadra, near the Garbhaalaya. Opposite the Garbhaalaya, Sri Praandevaru awaited installation by Sri Yogeendrateertharu, the successor to Sri Rayaru. During the Shraavana Maasa, the Tungabhadra River flowed fiercely, its waters touching both banks, mirroring the deep sorrow of the devotees gathered at Mantralaya.The crowd of devotees stood in reverent silence, their eyes fixed on Sri Rayaru. Amidst this poignant scene, several miracles unfolded. A mute youth, seeing Sri Rayaru, rushed towards him and was immediately blessed with the power of speech through Rayaru’s compassionate glance. A lame man was also restored to health and began to walk properly, thanks to Rayaru’s divine grace.A woman approached with a heartfelt plea, seeking relief for her eight-year-old son who suffered from leprosy. In response to her earnest prayer, Rayaru's divine intervention cured the child. These miraculous events occurred just before Sri Rayaru's Brindavana Pravesha, further attesting to his boundless compassion and divine presence.

All the satvikas, sajjanas, and devotees of Rayaru were overcome with profound sorrow, dreading the moment when they would no longer see their beloved Gururaya as they had until now. The cherished cows of the Sri Mutt were visibly distraught, their eyes brimming with tears as they gazed at Rayaru with deep concern. Even Laxmi, the young elephant of the Vidya Mutt, though engaged in offering chaamara seva, was overwhelmed with grief and wept continuously.

The entire atmosphere resonated with the somber murmurs of "Raghavendra, Raghavendra," as the crowd stood in reverent awe. The sight of Rayaru adorned with sacred Gandha and Tulasi Maala left the assembled devotees speechless, unable to fully articulate their emotions in the presence of such a divine and revered figure.

As the moment drew near for Rayaru to enter the Brindavana, he gazed upon his devoted followers with a serene smile, raising his hands in a final blessing. His eyes, filled with boundless affection and love, conveyed a deep connection with each devotee.
Rayaru then presented his sacred Padukas to Sri Yogeendrateertharu, entrusting him with the responsibility of continuing the Mutt’s venerable traditions. He instructed him to uphold the practices of Paatha, Pravachana, Grantha Rachana, and the upliftment of devotees, ensuring the Mutt's enduring legacy and spiritual mission.

Sri Rayaru addressed the gathering with a heavy heart: “Dear devotees, the time has come for me to withdraw from your sight. From tomorrow, you will no longer see me as you do now. However, I am not abandoning my body; rather, I am fulfilling the divine Sankalpa of Sri Hari and the guidance of Sri Vayudevaru by entering the Brindavana today. I will remain here in my physical form for seven hundred years to bless all the devotees of the world.

Following the will of Sri Hari, Sri Vayudevaru, and the esteemed Yatis whom I hold in great reverence, I will be eternally blessed by their presence while residing in the Brindavana. Do not mourn my physical departure. As per the Sankalpa of Sri Hari and the blessings of Praanadevaru, I will be perfectly at peace in the Neela Brindavana. Rest assured that Sri Hari, who is infinitely kind, will care for me within the Brindavana through my spiritual practice.

I am with you always in Mantralaya. Whenever you call upon me, I will hear and address your needs, whether large or small. The stones of the Brindavana are profoundly sacred and holy.

My successor, Sri Yogeendrateertharu, will continue to uphold the traditions of the Mutt—Paatha, Pravachana, Grantha Rachana, and the upliftment of devotees. You are to honor and respect him as you have me. The merit accumulated through his guidance will be distributed to devotees by the grace of Sri Hari. Do not grieve my absence. I will remain in the Neela Brindavana at Mantralaya, as directed by Sri Narasimhadevaru, Rama, Krishna, Vedavyasa, and Jeevottama Vayudevaru, for the spiritual benefit of devotees.
Mantralaya will remain a sacred pilgrimage site, offering the chaturvidha purushaartha to all who come, whether they are from India or beyond the seas. Sri Hari is my everything, and His universal affection extends to all.

Respect and honor the Vedas, Upanishads, Geeta, Brahmasutras, and the teachings of our revered Sri Madacharyaru. Our culture and universal mankind are dedicated to the welfare of all living beings. Worship Sri ManNarayana, the only deity who can liberate us from the cycle of birth and death, granting Moksha.

Our divine scriptures affirm that Sri Hari is the sole source of eternal happiness and liberation.
To fulfill Sri Hari’s will, I am concluding my earthly presence and will reside in the Brindavana for seven hundred years, continually engaged in the japa of Sri Hari. From this day forward, the accumulated and reserved merit will benefit all devotees, regardless of caste, creed, or nation.

Dear devotees, please embrace all religions and sects with respect. Each may offer Naivedya in their own manner, but Sri Hari accepts offerings made with purity and devotion. Sri Hari alone can bestow Moksha upon deserving souls. Our scriptures declare that Sri Hari Narayana is the ultimate refuge from all sorrows, leading us to everlasting happiness:
Narayanosow Paramah Vichintayaha Mumukhshubhi Karama Paashaad Mushmaat.

May you live with unwavering faith and devotion towards Sri Hari, which is the true path to liberation from all sorrows. Respect your own religious traditions and practices, live in peace and harmony, and be kind and courteous to others. Maintain humility, think of others with compassion, and follow the noble teachings of Sri Madhwacharya. Even as I enter the Brindavana, the sacred texts of Sri Madacharya, the Teekas of Malkheda Sri Jaiteertharu, and the works composed by me will remain here for you to read, follow, and act upon.
Dear devotees, strong faith and devotion towards Sri Hari are the keys to liberation from all troubles. Sri Hari, the omnipotent and omniscient, is the sole source of the chaturvidha purushaartha for all.”
"Sarvae Janaah Sukhino Bhavantu, Samastu Sanmangalani Bhavantu."

On that poignant day of Shraavana Bahula Dwiteeya, Sri Raghavendrateertharu addressed the gathered assembly in Mantralaya with deep concern and affection. With a serene smile, he raised his hands towards the devotees, offering them his blessings and Abhaya. His gesture was a profound expression of his boundless compassion and his wish for the well-being and happiness of all.
Rayaru ascended the steps of the Garbhaalaya one by one, entering the 6x6 square Antarguha. Holding the hand of Sri Yogeendrateertharu, he bid farewell with a gentle smile. Settling into Padmaasana with his Danda Kamandalu and Japamaala, Rayaru spread the Krishna-jina over himself. At that moment, his face radiated a divine bliss beyond description. Immersed in the world of Sri Moola Rama, Narahari, Rama, Krishna, and Vedavyasa, he engaged in Japa, chanting "OM OM OM OM OM OM" with his Japamaala. The entire universe seemed to be filled with the sacred sound of Omkaara.

The devotees, deeply moved, wept loudly:
"From now on, we will no longer see you; you will remain in this Brindavana. This is our final darshana: “Gurusarvabhouma, Dayaghana, Bhaktavatsala, Kaliyuga Kamadhenu, Kalpavruksha, Namo Namo."
The revered devotee of Rayaru, Sri Appanacharyaru, was at Bichali, on the far side of the sacred Tungabhadra River, when news of the Brindavana Pravesha reached him. The news spread swiftly and intensely, and overwhelmed by the divine tidings, Sri Appanacharyaru rushed to cross the river from Japadakatti, fervently longing to witness the final moments of his beloved Guru.
With tears of devotion streaming down his face, he chanted the Gurustotra, remembering his cherished Guru with deep reverence and heartfelt sorrow. He knew Rayaru intimately, and his prayers flowed with unwavering faith.
Yet, by the time Sri Appanacharyaru arrived at Mantralaya, the final slab had already been placed, and he could no longer behold his beloved Rayaru. Stricken by grief, he could speak no more.

From within the Brindavana, Rayaru, immersed in divine bliss, heard the entire Gurustotra and completed it with the sacred words "SAAKSHIHAYASTOTRAHI." As Rayaru chanted the Hayagreeva Mantra, he affirmed that Hayagreeva Roopi Sri Hari stood as the eternal witness to the devotion and praise expressed in the stotra.

This divine occurrence was the first of many miracles that Sri Raghavendra Teertharu manifested, revealing to the world the enduring presence and divine grace of Rayaru in the Brindavana.
Sri Raghavendra Swamy, affectionately known as Rayaru, has been a beacon of compassion and spiritual guidance from the time of his physical presence to the present day.

It has been 353 years since the sacred moment when Sri Raghavendra Teertharu entered the Brindavana.As a compassionate Guru, he fulfills the diverse desires of his devotees, ranging from material needs to deep spiritual aspirations. By addressing their worldly concerns, Rayaru encourages his followers to walk the path of righteousness and devotion. In this modern age, many see Sri Raghavendra Swamy as a steadfast hope, guiding them through life's challenges and leading them towards spiritual growth and fulfillment. His presence, especially at Mantralayam, continues to be a source of comfort, miracles, and unwavering support for all who seek his blessings.


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||