Mantralaya-2007

(A day at Mantralaya)

Date : Sep 12, 2024

Background

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

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

A day at Mantralaya is described in Mantralaya (2007).


Meaning

A few days ago, I had the immense privilege of visiting the sacred land of Mantralaya for Chaturmasya. The experience was nothing short of divine, and today, I wish to take you all on a spiritual journey through a day at Mantralaya. Let me guide you through the serene atmosphere, the sacred rituals, and the profound sense of peace that envelops every corner of this holy place.

Mantralaya is celebrating Chaturmasya with grandeur, filled with sacred poojas, homas, and teachings, all aimed at praying for the well-being of the world. But what is Chaturmasya?

Chaturmasya, a divinely auspicious period blessed by Lord Narayana Himself, holds immense spiritual significance as beautifully narrated in the Varaha Purana. In a captivating conversation between Lord Varaha and Goddess Dharani Devi, the sanctity of Chaturmasya is unveiled. Goddess Dharani Devi, concerned for the people of Kaliyuga entangled in worldly pursuits, asked Lord Varaha how they could attain maximum spiritual benefit with minimal effort. Lord Varaha, with great serenity and joy, explained that during the four months of Chaturmasya, any virtuous act, no matter how small, carries the potential for immense blessings. This sacred time provides a unique opportunity for the people of Kaliyuga to accumulate spiritual merit with minimal effort, elevating them spiritually and drawing them closer to divine grace.

Mantralaya, a Siddhi Kshetra, holds profound spiritual significance that transcends time, with divine interventions spanning from Treta Yuga, through Dwapara Yuga, to the present Kali Yuga. In Treta Yuga, Sri Prahalad Rajaru's deep meditation and grand Yagnya at this sacred place pleased Lord Narasimha and Goddess Durga, affirming the sanctity of Mantralaya. The place was further sanctified by the visit of Lord Sri Rama, who spoke of Prahalad Rajaru's devotion.In Dwapara Yuga, during Arjuna's Ashwamedha Yaga, Lord Krishna revealed the spiritual power of Mantralaya, where King Anushwala, empowered by the Yagnya performed by Sri Prahalad Rajaru, repeatedly defeated Arjuna. Following Lord Krishna's advice, Arjuna eventually overcame Anushwala by moving him from the sacred spot. Sri Raghavendra Teertharu later chose this spiritually charged location for his Brindavana, marking it as a divine site of immense power and devotion.

As you approach Mantralaya, the sacred presence of the Tunga Bhadra River greets you with a wave of divine energy. Today, the river is brimming, its full expanse shimmering with spiritual vitality. Each glistening drop of water seems to whisper, "Om Sri Raghavendraya Namaha," filling the air with a profound sense of reverence and connection.

As you approach Mantralaya, you are greeted by a grand and exquisitely adorned archway that marks the entrance to the revered Sri Raghavendra Swamy Temple. To the right of this majestic arch stands a large, silver/brass iidol of Sri Ramachandra, radiating blessings upon Sri Raghavendra Swamy, with intricate decorations designed to reflect the divine essence of the temple. As you pass through the arch, your gaze is drawn to stunning carvings that showcase the grandeur of India's most sacred temples, each accompanied by detailed explanations. To your left, vivid depictions from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata, and other Puranas come alive, offering a captivating visual feast for young visitors and their families. Parents lovingly share the stories behind each carving, enhancing the experience for their children. This visually rich path, stretching over approximately 2 kilometers, leads you to the main temple. You can also admire carvings of India’s sacred rivers. As night falls, these artworks are beautifully illuminated, casting a celestial glow that adds to the divine ambiance of the journey.

Each morning at Mantralaya, as dawn breaks, the Archakas commence the sacred Nirmalaya Abhishekam ritual, honoring Sri Pranadevaru, Sri Rayaru, and Sri Vadendra Teertharu. This is followed by the veneration of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Padodaka, meaning "water from the holy feet." This revered Padodaka is celebrated for its profound spiritual potency and miraculous healing properties. It  possesses the power to cure ailments and dispel negative energies such as Bhuta (spirits) and Preta (ghosts), earning its reputation as a divine elixir or Sanjivini, bestowing blessings and protection upon all who receive it.

According to the revered Hari Dasaru, the Brindavana of Sri Rayaru transcends being merely a stone structure; it is a sacred sanctum where Sri Hari manifests in four divine forms: Sri Narasimha, Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, and Sri Vedavyasa. Here, Sri Hari resides alongside his divine consort Sri Maha Lakshmi, Vayu Devaru, and a host of other devatas (deities) and Yatis (saints), enveloping the Brindavana in a rich aura of spiritual energy. During the Padodaka offering, the water is first presented to Sri Rayaru, who then conveys it to Sri Hari, Sri Maha Lakshmi, Vayu Devaru, and all the divine beings within the Brindavana. This process infuses the Padodaka with a divine essence and blessings. The sacred Padodaka, blessed by this celestial presence, has been the source of countless miracles experienced by devotees.

After the Nirmalya and Panchamutra Abhisheka rituals, a deeply sacred part of the daily worship at Mantralaya is the Sankalapa of those who have booked the Seva. Sankalapa, a profound ritual, involves identifying oneself and the nature of the offerings being made. This act of Sankalapa is much more than a formality; it is a sacred declaration of devotion and intention.The Sankalapa Mantra, which I will explore in a separate article, holds esoteric secrets relating to the time cycles of Earth and the celestial influences of other planets. This mantra provides a cosmic context to our earthly actions, grounding the ritual in a broader spiritual framework.

Following the Sankalapa, the revered Prahalad Rajaru Pada Pooja is performed, an offering honoring the sacred feet of the great devotee Prahalad Rajaru. This is followed by the Golden Cradle Seva for Sri Raghavendra Swamy. The Golden Cradle Seva is a ceremony of deep devotion, where Sri Raghavendra Swamy is ceremoniously placed in a beautifully adorned golden cradle, symbolizing his divine presence and nurturing care for his devotees. The entire sequence of rituals, from Sankalapa to the Golden Cradle Seva, embodies a rich tapestry of spiritual tradition and personal devotion, infusing the atmosphere with profound reverence and divine energy.

After this Sri SubhudendraTeertharu current pontiff of Mantralaya Sri Mutt blesses devotees with Phala (Fruits), Mantrakshete (Rice that is mixed with kumkum) followed by Mudra. The ritual of giving Mudra at the Mantralaya Mutt is a sacred practice in the Dvaita Vedanta tradition, symbolizing a devotee's surrender and devotion to Lord Vishnu. During the ceremony, heated metallic stamps of the Shankha (conch) and Chakra (discus) are applied to the forearm, marking the devotee with divine symbols. This act represents spiritual purification, protection from negative forces, and a deepening of the devotee's connection to Vishnu and the teachings of Madhvacharya. The ritual, accompanied by prayers and mantras, reinforces the devotee's commitment to the spiritual path and devotion to the divine.

After these, we enter into the sacred Mantralaya Samsthana Pooja, specifically the Pooja of Sri Lord Moola Rama Devaru performed by Sri Subhudendra Teertha Swamiji. This ritual, infused with unwavering devotion, is carried out every day with profound care and reverence.
The Mantralaya Sri Raghavendra Mutt is home to six sacred idols—Sri Moola Rama Devaru, DigVijaya Rama Devaru, Sri JayaRama Devaru, Santana GopalaKrishna, Sri Vyakhunta Vasu Devaru, and Sri VenuGopal Devaru—each worshipped with profound devotion by Sri SubhudendraTeertharu, the present pontiff. These idols hold immense spiritual significance, having been revered by great sages and divine figures over centuries. The daily pooja performed by Sri SubhudendraTeertharu is not just a ritual, but a deeply sacred ceremony that invokes divine presence and spiritual energy. This tradition, filled with ancient Vedic chants and reverence, creates a divine atmosphere, bringing blessings to all who witness it.
Sri Moola Rama Devaru: This idol was originally crafted by Vishwakarma, the divine architect, under the guidance of Lord Brahma. It is believed that Lord Brahma worshipped this idol for many years, infusing it with divine energy through mantra chanting. The idol was later passed down through the Suryavamsha (Solar Dynasty), where kings like Raghuraja, Dasharatha, and even Lord Rama himself worshipped it. Sri Madhwacharyaru, recognized as an incarnation of Hanuman and Bhima, brought this idol into the Dvaita tradition, where it has been continuously worshipped by the pontiffs of the Raghavendra Mutt.

DigVijaya Rama Devaru: This idol, revered by Sri Madhwacharyaru, features intricate carvings of the Dasha Avataras (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) on both the head and feet, along with Sudarshana. It was worshipped by great sages and spiritual leaders like Sri Jayateertharu and Sri RaghavendraTeertharu. The tradition of daily worship of this idol has been preserved up to the current pontiff, Sri SubhudendraTeertharu.

Sri JayaRama Devaru: This idol was worshipped by Sri Jayatheertharu, a prominent Guru in the Sri Raghavendra Mutt lineage. It continues to be revered and worshipped by every succeeding pontiff, including the present one.

Santana GopalaKrishna: This idol was crafted under the divine guidance of Lord Krishna, who appeared in a vision to Sri Raghavendra Swamy while he was in Udupi. Sri Raghavendra Swamy, inspired by this encounter, had the idol of GopalaKrishna crafted and consecrated. The idol has been revered ever since, with the Mutt offering powerful Yantras (sacred symbols) related to this idol to devotees seeking various blessings.

Sri Vyakhunta Vasu Devaru: This idol is associated with Neela Devi, one of the consorts of Lord Vishnu during his incarnation as Krishna. It is believed that Neela Devi worshipped this idol, and the tradition has been passed down through sages and pontiffs, continuing to this day in Mantralaya.

Sri VenuGopal Devaru: The most recent addition, this idol was crafted by Sri SubhudendraTeertharu himself during the Chandrika Mangala ceremony. It represents Lord VenuGopal, the four-armed form of Krishna, holding a flute, and is worshipped with great reverence by the current pontiff.

Each of these idols carries the divine energy of the sages, kings, and deities who have worshipped them over the millennia. Through the daily pooja, this spiritual power is continuously renewed, creating a sacred environment in the Mantralaya Mutt, filled with positive vibrations and divine grace.

After the Mantralaya Samsthana Pooja of Sri Moola Rama Devaru, Sri SubhudendraTeertharu offers his heartfelt prayers to Sri Manchalema. Manchalema, adorned in a stunning saree and surrounded by vibrant flowers, radiates a divine glow as she bestows her blessings upon all the devotees.

Then, Sri SubhudendraTeertharu proceeds to the sacred Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. Here, he performs the revered Hastodaka ritual, where freshly prepared food is offered with deep respect and devotion. This food is sacred, symbolizes an offering of love and reverence.Sri Raghavendra Swamy, along with all the Yatis and deities, receives this offering spiritually, honoring the meal in a divine and transcendent manner.

After the sacred Hastodaka ritual, Sri SubhudendraTeertharu proceeds with the Padoka Pooja of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. This revered Padoka, a symbol of divine grace, was originally given by Sri Raghavendra Swamy to Sri YogindraTeertharu, who had expressed his desire to honor it as a representation of the saint. This tradition has been cherished and maintained through generations, embodying a deep spiritual legacy.During the Padoka Pooja, Sri SubhudendraTeertharu reverently offers the sacred Padoka, which holds the divine essence of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. Following this, the blessed Teertha, infused with the spiritual grace of Sri Hari, Vayu Devaru, and Sri Rayaru, is distributed to the devotees. This Teertha, imbued with sacred blessings, serves to purify both the mind and body of those who receive it, offering them profound spiritual upliftment and peace.

After these sacred rituals, the day culminates in a sumptuous lunch feast, where every dish is imbued with the blessings of Sri Raghavendra Teertharu. Served on a wide banana leaf, the meal features a lavish spread of five to six courses, each item rich in both nutrition and divine grace.

Remarkably, this generous distribution of food occurs daily for over 100,000 people across various Mantralaya Sree Mutts throughout the country, and all without any charge. This selfless tradition, rooted in the time before Sri Raghavendra Swamy, continues to be a cornerstone of Mantralaya Mutt's service. The Mutt, adhering to its principles of humility and devotion, does not publicize this immense act of charity. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mantralaya Sree Mutt extended its generosity even further, providing free meals to countless villages for months, exemplifying their unwavering commitment to selfless service and community welfare.
As evening falls , the atmosphere at Mantralaya comes alive with devotion and celebration. The air fills with the sounds of musical instruments as various Sevas are performed, showcasing Sri Prahala Rayaru in a series of beautifully decorated chariots.
In the evening, a beautiful procession takes place where Sri Prahala Rayaru is placed in ornate chariots, each adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors. As these chariots glide around the Brindavana of Sri Rayaru, they are accompanied by traditional music that fills the air with a festive and divine ambiance. The entire scene becomes a sensory feast, celebrating Sri Prahala Rayaru’s presence with great joy and reverence, leaving you with a sense of peace and wonder.

The sound of mantras and devotional chants echoes through the air, creating a serene and uplifting experience. Devotees feel a deep sense of peace and release from their everyday concerns, as the spiritual energy of the celebration surrounds them. The evening becomes a magical blend of faith and festivity, where the divine and earthly realms come together in harmony.

After this swasti Vachana or Ashta Avadhaan Pooja at Mantralaya is a deeply reverent and elaborate ritual encompassing the recitation of sacred Vedic hymns from the Rigveda, Yajurveda, and other texts. It features devotional singing and readings from the Raghavendra Gadhya and Raghavendra Mangalashloka, alongside astrology insights from Jyotish Shastra. The ceremony also includes the Lali Seva, a ritual of adorning and revering the deity with great devotion. This comprehensive ritual integrates Vedic chants, astrological wisdom, and devotional practices to create a spiritually elevated atmosphere, reflecting the profound reverence and rich spiritual heritage of Mantralaya.
As the day draws to a close, the sacred atmosphere of Mantralaya is enriched by the culmination of the day's rituals with the grand Maha Mangalaruti. This evening ceremony honors Sri Prana Devaru, Sri Raghavendra Swamy, and Sri Vadeendra Teertharu with a series of elaborate Aratis, each accompanied by harmonious and uplifting music that resonates throughout the temple. The air is filled with the melodious echoes of the sacred chant, “Rajadi Raj Gurusarva Bhoma Govinda Govinda,” as the rhythmic sounds of bells and drums blend with the heartfelt prayers of devotees.

Sri SubhudendraTeertharu leads this divine moment with profound devotion, his prayers echoing the deep reverence and commitment to the spiritual path. With unwavering faith, he beseeches Sri Rayaru for the well-being of society, imploring divine blessings for all to tread the path of righteousness and virtue. The serene and powerful ambiance of this ritual, enriched by the collective devotion of the gathered devotees, creates a spiritually uplifting end to a day filled with sacred activities and divine grace.

As the evening's sacred rituals conclude, devotees are treated to a breathtaking display of illuminated lights and intricate decorations adorning the temple’s exterior. The night sky comes alive with a dazzling array of colors, as the vibrant lights cast a magical glow over the surroundings. Each corner of the temple is adorned with sparkling lights and ornate decorations, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that enchants the eyes and soothes the soul. The festive ambiance is a visual feast, reflecting the divine spirit of the day and inviting everyone to bask in the beauty and serenity of this sacred place.

Under the visionary guidance of Sri SubhudendraTeertharu, Mantralaya has blossomed into a beacon of spiritual and educational excellence. The introduction of a Vedic library, Vedic schools, a Vedic Museum, and numerous facilities for devotees has significantly enriched the spiritual landscape. These additions, offered generously and often free of charge, ensure that the sacred wisdom of the Vedas is accessible to all. Remarkably, even young children as young as six years old are welcomed into these Vedic schools, where they receive a comprehensive education without any financial burden. These young scholars are not only nurturing their own spiritual growth but also carrying forward the essence of Vedic wisdom, sharing its profound nectar with the world. The transformation at Mantralaya under Sri Subhudendra Teertharu’s leadership stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of knowledge and compassion.

I encourage all devotees to visit Mantralaya regularly, as these sacred visits provide a rejuvenating boost in our fast-paced lives. For those who cannot visit Mantralaya due to various circumstances, visualizing these sacred experiences in the mind and praying to Rayaru can also be a meaningful way to connect.

I would like to end this article with a quote found as you enter the sanctum of Brindavana. It beautifully captures the essence of faith: “Don’t tell your problems to Rayaru; instead, tell your problems that Sri Rayaru is with you.” This reminder embodies the deep, unwavering assurance of divine presence and support, guiding us to face our challenges with confidence and spiritual grace.

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||