Mantralaya-2051

(The miracle of Sri Raghavendra Swamy and the blooming twig)

Date : July 17, 2025

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

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

Background

The miracle of Sri Raghavendra Swamy and the blooming twig, an inspiring account of faith and compassion, is described in Mantralaya (2051).

Meaning

Think back to the travels of Sri RaghavendraTeertharu. Wherever Sri Rayaru went, he was a wish giving Kalpavriksha and a sacred Kamadhenu, ready to help anyone in need. Sadness left every place Sri Rayaru visited. In the Desai’s house he brought the Desai’s dead child back to life, showing the power Moola Rama. In another incident, which we will cover later, Sri Rayaru also raised the Nawab’s son after the boy had been buried.

Sri Rayaru’s name shone like a bright star. His heart stayed fixed on God, and he never chased fame. The strength of his mantras, forged through years of devotion, could not remain hidden. He used this power only to help others. By the Lord’s grace he vowed to keep his gifts pure, calling on them only to lift those in need.

Yet sometimes the world itself asked him to use those gifts, not for fame, but to stir new faith in God, the Vedas, and Sanatana Dharma. One such moment arrived as Sri Rayaru was about to leave Hubballi.

A group of Brahmins from the village of Sirasangi arrived, their faces etched with sorrow and concern.They bowed humbly before the revered Guru.Their leader stepped forward, his voice quivering with emotion.“Maha Swami,” he began, “we come to you burdened with despair.A shadow of doubt has fallen over our village.The Jagirdar, our feudal lord, openly mocks the power of the Vedas and sacred mantras.He claims they are nothing more than stories, crafted by Brahmins to earn a living.In earlier times, his noble ancestors gifted us land an offering to the Divine, meant to support our spiritual service and daily rituals.Today, this very Jagirdar seeks to take it all back, plunging us into hardship.He has thrown a challenge before us: to prove the truth of the scriptures.Only then, he says, will he consider restoring what was once granted in dharma.Swami, we have no one else to turn to. You alone are our refuge. We beg you please protect us.”

Sri Rayaru’s heart melted at their earnest plea. Sri Rayaru’s eyes, brimming with compassion, met theirs as he spoke softly, “Do not fear. The Supreme Lord hears every sincere prayer. I shall speak with the Jagirdar and seek justice on your behalf.” With these reassuring words, Sri Rayaru blessed the Brahmins and sent them back to their village. Soon after, Sri Rayaru set out for Navilugunda and took residence in a nearby temple, preparing to fulfill his promise.

Word of Sri Rayaru’s arrival spread, and soon he was carried in a palanquin to the Jagirdar’s home. The Jagirdar, curious and bold, stepped forward with a few trusted men. As Sri Rayaru stepped down, Rayaru asked calmly, “Who is the Desai of Sirasangi? I wish to meet him.”.

“I am the Desai,” the Jagirdar replied, joining his palms. “What brings you here, Swami? What do you want from me?”.

Sri Rayaru smiled. “Desai, I seek nothing for myself. I come on behalf of the Brahmins of your village. They suffer because you’ve taken the land your ancestors gifted them. Is this just?”

Desai laughed sharply. “Swami, you speak for those who chant empty mantras to earn a living? I’ve heard their claims about the Vedas, but I see no truth in them. If their scriptures are real, let them prove it! Only then will I consider their pleas. Tell me, what’s their grievance?”

Sri Rayaru’s voice was calm yet resolute. “Desai, despite your words, I sense that faith still dwells within you. Your ancestors, guided by righteousness, gifted that land to the Brahmins not out of obligation, but out of deep reverence for dharma. In doing so, they honored both their beliefs and yours. To now reclaim what was once offered in faith is not just an injustice; it is a serious transgression.”

Sri Rayaru paused briefly, then continued with gentle firmness. “Lord Krishna declares in the Bhagavad Gita, ‘It is better to die upholding one’s own dharma than to follow another’s.’ Your ancestors lived by this truth. They treated all, whether Brahmin or Veerashaiva, with respect and fairness. Their way was the way of dharma.”

Looking directly at the Desai, Sri Rayaru added, “True peace comes from harmony among people, regardless of their faith. Division and conflict only bring suffering. I urge you to walk the path of your forefathers. Act with justice. Restore the land to the Brahmins. Let your name be remembered not for power, but for compassion and righteousness.”

Desai let out a mocking laugh, his voice thick with disbelief. “Swami, you speak so earnestly of righteousness, but I say the Vedas and mantras are nothing but empty words. Tools used by idle men to deceive and profit. I even gave those Brahmins a chance to prove their claims, and they failed. So tell me, where is my fault?”

Sri Rayaru’s eyes glowed with quiet assurance. “Desai, the Vedas are not false, nor is the presence of God a matter of doubt. These are eternal truths, upheld across ages. But questioning or testing the Divine is not the path to understanding.”

Desai stepped forward, voice rising with defiance. “Then prove it, Swami. If what you say is true, let me witness this divine power you speak of. Let your mantras show their strength.”

Sri Rayaru offered a gentle smile. “Nothing is beyond reach when Moola Rama's grace is upon it.”

Desai's expression hardened. “Very well, Swami. Prove to me that God’s grace is with you.”

“Name your test,” Sri Rayaru replied, his tone steady and composed.

The Desai looked around, then pointed to a dry, brittle twig lying on the ground. “If your Vedas and mantras hold true power, let that lifeless twig sprout and bloom. Do that, and I will return the land to the Brahmins without delay.”

Sri Rayaru nodded with calm conviction. “Such a task is not beyond the Divine. Send the twig to the temple where I reside. Appoint four of your most trusted men to guard it day and night. Give me seven days. By God’s grace, your demand shall be fulfilled.”

With that, Sri Rayaru returned to the temple, his presence peaceful and full of grace. The Desai, though impressed by the Guru’s calm strength, refused to let go of his pride. He gave the twig to four trusted servants and ordered them to guard it day and night.

News of the challenge spread quickly, stirring hearts far and wide. People began to gather near the temple, filled with hope and wonder, waiting to witness a miracle. Each morning, after offering his prayers, Sri Rayaru would sit beside the dry twig on a sacred deerskin seat. With deep devotion, he chanted the powerful Vedic mantras and gently sprinkled holy water from his kamandalu, his face glowing with divine peace.Rayaru turned to the Desai’s men and said with quiet calmness, “Do not lay a hand on the twig. Guard it carefully. I will return tomorrow.”

By the second day, the dry twig began to turn green. Whispers of wonder rippled through the crowd. On the third day, it thickened. On the fourth, a tiny sprout emerged. By the fifth, it stood a foot tall. On the sixth, lush green leaves unfurled from what was once a withered mango stick. And on the seventh day, it bloomed with vibrant flowers.

The crowd erupted in awe, chanting, “Victory to Raghavendra Gururaja! Restorer of Vedic glory!”

Desai, hearing of this, rushed to the temple. His eyes widened at the sight of the blossoming twig. Fear gripped him. “What a fool I was to test such a saint!” he thought, trembling at the thought of divine wrath.He fell at Sri Rayaru’s feet, his voice shaking. “Maha Swami, you are a true Mahatma! The Vedas and mantras are real, the supreme truth! Because of saints like you, the world is blessed. Forgive me for doubting you. I bow to your greatness.”

Sri Rayaru’s smile was gentle and full of compassion. “Desai, your words bring me great joy. The Vedas are as real and eternal as the sun and moon. It is true that not everyone who chants them can unlock their full power, but their truth remains untouched. Your challenge was not in vain. Through it, the world has once again witnessed the glory of God and the sanctity of the Vedas.”

Sri Rayaru paused, his eyes kind yet firm. “I see the spark of faith in your heart, and today it shines brighter than ever. Let that faith lead you toward righteousness and compassion. But remember this: never test others as you tested me. The truth of God and the path of Dharma do not rely on proving themselves through trials. That is my humble guidance to you.”

Tears welled in Desai's eyes. “Swami, I understand now. I will return the Brahmins’ land and add more as a gesture of goodwill.” Turning to the Brahmins, he said, “Your lands are yours again. Tomorrow, I will grant you more. Live in peace and joy.”

Sri Rayaru nodded. “Desai, our work here is done. We will depart soon.”But the Desai pleaded, “Guruvarya, please stay! Let me serve you before you go.”

“Very well,” Sri Rayaru replied. “Tomorrow, we will accept your hospitality in the name of Sri Moolarama.”

The next day, Desai served with devotion, offering food and reverence. After partaking in the sacred meal, Sri Rayaru blessed him. As Sri Rayaru prepared to leave, the Desai bowed low. “Guruvarya, forgive my mistakes. Bless my family with prosperity.”

Sri Rayaru’s voice was warm. “You are now among our devotees. No offense was taken. Soon, you will hear good news about your lineage.”

At that moment, a horseman galloped up, breathless. “Dhaniyare!(Sir) Your daughter has given birth to a son! The young master sends this joyful news!”

Desai’s face lit with joy. “Swami, your words are true! You are a Mahatma of divine wisdom!” He bowed deeply, overwhelmed.

Sri Rayaru smiled, blessed him with sacred rice, and continued his journey. With his disciples, he traveled toward Bhagyanagara, spreading blessings and wisdom. In time, he reached Jitamitragadde, where he worshipped at the sacred tree of Shri Jitamitra Tirtharu, performed rituals, and continued his divine mission to Raichur, his heart ever fixed on the Lord.

This incident beautifully reflects Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s divine compassion, his unwavering care for the oppressed, and the true greatness of a saint who lived only to serve, not to shine. Sri Rayaru possessed immense spiritual power. Sri Rayaru gained it through years of intense tapas, deep devotion, and complete surrender to Lord Moola Rama. Yet, Sri Rayaru never used that power for personal glory, fame, or recognition. Instead, Sri Rayaru used every ounce of his divine strength to protect the weak, uphold dharma, and restore people’s faith in Sri Hari.

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||