Mantralaya-2039

(The compassion and kindness of Sri Raghavendra Swamy)

Date : April 24, 2025

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||

Background

The compassion and kindness of Sri Raghavendra Swamy are described in Mantralaya (2039).

Meaning

Among the countless divine souls who have graced this earth, Sri Raghavendra Swamy stands as a boundless ocean of compassion and selfless love. Sri Rayaru is not merely a saint, but a living embodiment of divine mercy, tirelessly working for the upliftment of humanity, even in this dense and troubled age of Kali Yuga.

Sri Raghavendra Swamy, the beacon of devotion and righteousness, holds within himself the vast reservoir of Punya, the spiritual merit accumulated not just over one lifetime, but across several divine incarnations. Sri Rayaru does not hold this punya for himself; instead, like a compassionate king distributing his treasures to the needy, Sri Rayaru lovingly shares it for the welfare of all beings.

Just like a wealthy benefactor who uses his fortune to provide education, food, and healing to the poor, a divine saint who is close to Sri Hari has the unique ability to "donate" the fruits of his spiritual merit. Sri Raghavendra Swamy is such a sage/saint/God. Sri Rayaru offers his punya to relieve us from the deep sorrows of worldly life so that we, in turn, can lift our gaze toward the divine feet of Sri Hari.

This ocean of merit began long ago. Sri Raghavendra Swamy's journey is not limited to his present incarnation. Sri Rayaru has lived through multiple divine births, as Shankukarna, the divine attendant of Lord Brahma who used to bring tulasi and flowers for Sri Hari's worship; then as Prahalada Rajaru, the great bhakta who remained fearless in the face of adharma; later as Bhaleeka, a noble soul from the Mahabharata; and as Sri Vyasa Rajaru, the powerful Rajaguru of Krishnadevaraya. All these births were dedicated to Hari Bhakti, the service of truth, and the guidance of humanity. And now, he shines as Sri Raghavendra Swamy, the very Kalpavriksha of the Kali Yuga.

Among all these incarnations, one of the most touching is his avatara as Sri Prahalada Rajaru. At the time when Prahalada was offered the boon of liberation and residence in Vaikuntha by Lord Narasimha himself, Prahalada made a divine request: "O Lord, please allow me to stay on earth through all the Yugas, especially Kali Yuga, so I may continue serving you by guiding those who have lost their way." This unique and divine prayer was accepted, and thus Sri Raghavendra Swamy continues to reside with us to this day, performing his eternal seva.

During the time of Hiranyakashipu, when the path of dharma was being trampled under the boots of fear and ignorance, Prahalada Rajaru stood tall like a mountain of faith. Prahaladaru was not content with being saved alone; he strived to inject Hari Bhakti into the hearts of the asuras who blindly followed Hiranyakashipu. Prahaladaru’s mission was not revenge but reformation. Prahaladaru turned enemies into devotees, demons into seekers. Even then, he had a divine vision , of a time to come: Kali Yuga, where the demons would not be outside, but inside the minds of people.

Prahaladaru saw how even the gentle and the pure would be clouded by evil, how falsehood would parade as truth, and how people would forget the Lord. That is why, with great foresight and love, he desired to continue his work through the Yugas. That ocean of punya he accumulated, through unshakable tapas, unwavering faith, and tireless service, he decided to offer it freely to humanity, to help them turn toward Sri Hari.

For this reason, we must be ever grateful to Sri Hari, who has given us such a merciful saint in the form of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. In Mantralaya, the air itself breathes divinity. In every Raghavendra Swamy mutt across the globe, you will hear people of all faiths and backgrounds narrate miraculous experiences. Their lives changed, burdens lifted, desires fulfilled — all by the unseen hand of Sri Rayaru.

What makes it even more divine is this: Sri Raghavendra Swamy mutt never asks for anything in return. The mutt in Mantralaya does not demand offerings. You can come as you are – take darshana of the Brindavana, offer your seva, speak your wish in silence, partake in the free meals (prasada), and lose yourself in the aura of positivity and compassion that surrounds the sacred place.

Sri Raghavendra Swamy did not leave his body in the ordinary sense. He entered Jeeva Samadhi with full consciousness, promising to remain alive in his physical body for 700 years, engaged in deep meditation and eternal service. Sri Rayaru is not just present spiritually, Rayaru is truly alive in that Brindavana and thousands have witnessed his living presence through dreams, visions, and miracles.

What is even more breathtaking is that Sri Hari himself resides within the Brindavana in four divine forms along with the entire family.

At the front, as Sri Narasimha Devaru, who removes evil spirits and negative energies.

- On the right, as Sri Rama, the giver of victory, protection, and dharmic success.
- On the back, as Sri Krishna, who grants joy, children, and loving relationships.
- On the left, as Sri Veda Vyasa, who blesses seekers with knowledge, devotion, and liberation.

Many enlightened saints, including Sri Vijaya Dasaru, have been blessed with divine darshana of these four sacred forms of Sri Hari within the Brindavana. Countless compositions by the Haridasas beautifully describe the divine presence of Sri Hari, various devatas, and revered saints residing within the sanctified space of Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s Brindavana.

Whenever someone makes a sincere request at the Rayaru, Sri Rayaru hears it and channels it to the form of Hari that is most appropriate. The Lord, ever pleased with Rayaru, immediately fulfills those prayers because they come from the lips of his most beloved devotee.

- Sri Narasimha: Destroys fear, dark forces, and internal negativities.
- Sri Rama: Grants success, dharma, protection, and royal grace.
- Sri Krishna: Blesses with happiness, unity, and progeny.
- Sri Veda Vyasa: Uplifts the soul with jnana, bhakti, and finally, mukti.

In countless homes across India, from the gentle lullabies of mothers to the sacred chants of grandfathers, the very first shloka taught to children is often:

|| Pujaya Raghavendraya Sathya Dharma Rathaya cha |
   Bhajatam Kalpavrksaya Namatam Kamadhenave ||

This is not just a verse , it is a sacred assurance whispered into the ears of young hearts, a shield of divine grace lovingly wrapped around the soul. It is a prayer uttered with deep faith, believing that Sri Raghavendra Swamy will guard the child as a mother guards her infant, with vigilance, compassion, and unconditional love.

Across India and the world, the Aradhana Mahotsava of Sri Rayaru is celebrated with unmatched devotion. Whether in a bustling metropolis or a remote village, the rhythm of bhajans, the fragrance of tulasi and sandal, and the echo of Rayaru's glories resound every year. This global wave of reverence speaks of one thing: the unshakable trust that devotees place in Sri Raghavendra Swamy, their divine protector, guide, and well-wisher.

Life is not a constant flow of joy. It moves like the ocean, sometimes calm, sometimes stormy. In those times when despair settles in, when every path seems blocked, and when the world feels like it’s turning away  there is one door that never closes, one light that never fades: The doors of Sri Raghavendra Swamy.

When the heart is heavy, when tears come uninvited and when hope seems distant , pack your bags not with burdens but with faith and go to Mantralaya. Step into that sacred soil where silence speaks, where the breeze carries blessings and where thousands of devotees have found solace over centuries.There, stand before the sacred Brindavana, where Rayaru remains alive in Jeeva Samadhi, radiating compassion. Offer your prayers, and then walk to the sannidhana of Sri VadeendraTeertharu, the blessed disciple, and whisper your wishes. Bow your head not with demand, but with surrender  and you will feel it. The weight begins to lift, and the first rays of hope will touch your soul.Rayaru’s grace has no condition, no delay. His ocean of punya flows constantly toward the devotee who comes with even a little faith. Your dark days will dissolve. Your burdens will become bearable. And your heart will begin to smile again.

But let us not visit Mantralaya only in sorrow. When life is kind, when success smiles and when you are filled with joy, return to Mantralaya not with tears but with laughter, gratitude, and reverence.Stand again before that sacred Brindavana, and say:“Rayare, thank you for this moment. Thank you for the strength, the opportunities, and the blessings. Please stay with me always, and never let this success cloud my humility.”

Sri Raghavendra Swamy is not a memory from the past. Sri Rayaru is alive, present, and active a nitya karma yogi in Jeeva Samadhi, ever engaged in the service of Lord Hari and the welfare of humanity.

In Mantralaya and places wherever you pray Sri Rayaru, his presence can be felt in the air, in the hearts of devotees, and in the miraculous moments that unfold daily. Even today, people of all backgrounds  across religions, languages, and cultures  come to Mantralaya. Some with nothing but pain. Some with everything but peace. All return with something divine , a touch of Sri Rayaru’s grace.

So, whether you are walking through a valley or standing atop a mountain, remember:

There is one divine hand that is always extended. One door that is always open. One heart that is always listening. That is the heart of Sri Raghavendra Swamy.

May we always hold the lotus feet of Sri Rayaru in our hearts. May his grace wash over our ignorance, our doubts, our fears, and lead us to the eternal joy of Hari Bhakti..

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||