Mantralaya-2052
(Part 1 of the 354th Mantralaya Rayaru Aradhana - Goddess Manchelamma)
Date : July 24, 2025
Dear Devotees : Namaskara.
| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||
Background
Part
1 of the 354th Mantralaya Rayaru Aradhana series, describing how
Goddess Manchelamma, also known as Sri Mantralayambike, came to reside
in Mantralaya, is described in Mantralaya (2052).
Meaning
As
we draw near to the 354th Aradhana Mahotsavam of Kaliyuga Kamadhenu and
Kalpavriksha, Sri Raghavendra Swamy, to be observed on August 10th,
11th, and 12th, 2025, my heart overflows with devotion and gratitude.
In
honor of Sri Rayaru’s infinite compassion, I humbly offer my prayers to
Sri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhoumaru through this and the forthcoming
series of articles. May these writings serve as a small token of my
love and reverence for an offering at the divine lotus feet of Rayaru,
who continues to guide, protect, and uplift millions across the world.
As
we step into the sacred season of Chaturmasya, let us journey back in
time to the spiritually vibrant year of 1593, in the Salivahana
era, of the year Virodhikrit. It was during this auspicious time
that Sri Raghavendra Swami, the beacon of dharma and compassion, chose
to observe the Chaturmasya Vrata in the divine presence of Lord Sri
Venkateswara at Mantralaya.
The temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara
in Mantralaya stood serene and radiant, its sanctity deepened by the
divine hands of Sri Raghavendra Teertharu, who had personally
consecrated the idol with heartfelt devotion and powerful mantras. From
that moment, the temple was no longer just a place of worship, it
became a vibrant center of spiritual energy, glowing with the presence
of Lord Hari and the blessings of Hari Vayu.
As the auspicious
period of Chaturmasya approached, Sri Rayaru, sensing the spiritual
potency of this sacred spot, chose to observe his Vrata right there in
the divine presence of Lord Venkateswara. It was a time of stillness,
introspection and tapasya.By Sri Rayaru’s side stood his devoted
disciple, Sri YogindraTeertharu, ever ready to serve his Guru and
absorb the stream of divine knowledge that flowed from him. Together,
Guru and Shishya immersed themselves in a rhythm of sacred routine,
meditation, scriptural contemplation, worship, and unwavering
dedication to dharma.
Together, Guru and Shishya immersed
themselves in daily worship, study of sacred scriptures, and selfless
service to the path of righteousness. Their days were filled with
prayers, contemplation and unwavering commitment to uphold Sanatana
Dharma. Their mission was clear: to uplift the virtuous, dispel
ignorance, and illuminate the world with divine wisdom.
This
Chaturmasya marked not just a period of personal sadhana but a turning
point in the spiritual destiny of Mantralaya, a place that would soon
witness divine revelations and miracles for generations to come.
One
serene morning, as dawn gently unfolded over the sacred land of
Mantralaya, the golden rays of the rising sun spread like divine
blessings across the earth. Birds chirped softly as if singing praises
to the Lord and a hushed sanctity filled the air. In this tranquil
atmosphere, Sri Raghavendra Swami, lovingly called Sri Rayaru,
completed his nitya anushtana, his daily sacred bath, silent japa of
Lord Hari’s names and deep meditation that connected him to the Supreme.
Emerging
from his inner stillness, Rayaru rose. Sri Rayaru was draped in simple
yet radiant attire. Rayaru’s form glowed with spiritual effulgence.
With calm resolve, Rayaru began walking toward the Prahlada Yajna
Kunda. That sacred site was soaked in divine energy and carried a
profound spiritual legacy.
As Sri Rayaru’s feet touched the holy
soil, his heart turned inward. He remembered, with deep reverence, the
exalted devotion of Bhakta Prahlada, his own earlier incarnation. It
was here, at this very yajna kunda, that the fearless and divine
Prahlada once performed grand yajnas to Lord Sri Hari. With unshakable
faith, Prahlada stood firm in dharma.The air still echoed with the
sounds of ancient Vedic chants and the vibrations of those offerings
still lingered, subtle yet powerful.
That memory stirred a deep
sense of awe and surrender in Sri Rayaru’s soul. Each step Rayaru took
felt like a journey through time. It was as though he was walking in
the very footprints of his own past life. Rayaru wasn’t merely
returning to a physical place, he was returning to a sacred vow. Sri
Rayaru’s mind became a river of devotion, flowing once more toward the
Lotus Feet of Lord Narayana. The sanctity of that place, combined with
the unbroken thread of devotion that spanned lifetimes, filled Rayaru
with divine emotion, Rayaru’s every breath becoming an offering at the
altar of eternity.
A humble doorkeeper quietly accompanied Sri
Rayaru. As they neared the yajna kunda, Rayaru softly instructed him to
remain at a distance, saying, “This is a moment of quiet communion.”
The doorkeeper respectfully stepped back.
Now alone, with Sri
Rayaru’s mind immersed in divine contemplation, Sri Rayaru approached
the sacred yajna kunda. The atmosphere was still, charged with unseen
energy. Bowing low, Rayaru offered heartfelt prayers at the holy site.
With deep reverence, Rayaru worshiped Sri Durga Devi. Durga Devi was
the revered Kula Devata of Bhakta Prahlada. She, who stood as the
divine protector and spiritual force of the yajna kunda, was present
here as Sri Mantralayambike. In Mantralaya, she was venerated as the
ever watchful guardian, blessing the land with her unseen grace.
In
that moment of pure devotion, the air around the kunda shimmered
gently, as if responding to the love and surrender of one of Lord
Hari’s dearest servants.
With deep emotion, Sri Rayaru began to
praise Durga Devi, Mantralayambike. “O Divine Mother, giver of
blessings, your form is dark like Krishna and radiant like the early
morning light. Your face shines like the full moon. You are ever
graceful, always with Lord Narayana. You move across the skies, pure
and powerful. Your vow of chastity sanctified the three worlds. Even
the gods bow to you. You destroyed the demon Mahishasura to protect the
world. Be kind and show your mercy. Those who worship you at sunrise
lack nothing in life. You are known as Durga because you rescue us from
danger. You are strength, wealth, wisdom and compassion. You are night
and light, courage and kindness. O Mother with lotus eyes, give us your
protection. We meditate on you, Mahalakshmi, the consort of Vishnu. We
surrender to you, O radiant one, swift in showering grace.”
As
these sincere prayers flowed from the heart of Sri Raghavendraru,
something wonderful happened. The Goddess Mantralayambike, moved by Sri
Rayaru’s devotion, appeared before Rayaru. Goddess Sri Mantralayambike
looked like the soft morning light, seated on a lion, adorned with
divine ornaments. Her smile was gentle like blooming jasmine flowers.
Her eyes were filled with motherly love. With a kind and calm voice,
she spoke to him.“My dear child, you have finally remembered your
mother. Why did you call me after so long? I have come to you as soon
as you called me. I am here to protect and love you. Tell me what you
desire.”
Seeing the Divine Mother, Sri Rayaru’s eyes filled with
tears of joy. Rayaru’s voice shook with emotion as he replied “O
Mother, you are the protector of my lineage. You are loved by Lord
Narayana. The gods worship you. You fulfill the wishes of your
devotees. You are the joy of those who surrender to you. You were
always with me”
Then Rayaru bowed fully and made his request “O
Divine Mother, by the will of your Lord, allow me to stay here at this
holy place for seven hundred years. Let me perform penance here in
Brindavana to serve my Lord. Through me, bless all the devotees who
come seeking help. Grant them righteousness, wealth, desires, and
liberation. Whenever I pray to you, please be pleased and bless them
through me. Out of your boundless mercy, grant me this one wish.”
The
Goddess smiled, her face glowing like a lotus in full bloom. With
infinite tenderness, she placed her hand upon Sri Raghavendra Swami’s
head and said softly , "My son, so be it. Let your wish be fulfilled.
How can a mother ever deny the request of her beloved child?In your
previous birth, you worshipped me as your family deity—continue that
devotion even now. I will be your protector, your guide, your
strength.When dharma is threatened, I shall return by the command of
Lord Hari to restore it. Until then, the sacred duty of upholding
righteousness rests with you. Our purposes are one and the same.With
the grace of Sri Hari, the power of my compassion, and the mighty
support of Vayu Deva, you will accomplish great and noble deeds."
Her
voice, now filled with divine authority and love, carried a promise
meant for the ages."I shall dwell eternally before your Brindavana,
guarding you and your devotees.As a mark of my presence, have rams’
heads carved in stone on the inner side of your Brindavana’s entrance.
This shall be my symbol, one that wards off evil and protects all who
seek your shelter.Your abode shall be known as Mantra Siddhi Kshetra, a
land of spiritual power, a sanctuary of grace and miracles. It will
shine as a beacon of hope in this age of Kali, drawing seekers from all
directions.Through you, the hearts of thousands will be lifted.You
shall be known as the Guru of the Universe, forever revered as the
guardian of Vedic truth and Vaishnava dharma. Let blessings flow
endlessly from this sacred place.Blessings to you, my dearest child."
Goddess
Mantralayambike then walked gracefully to the very spot where her
temple now stands. There, she bestowed her blessings once again. With
divine intent, she took the form of a stone idol, choosing to stay
forever in Mantralaya for the welfare of devotees. From that sacred day
onward, she came to be worshipped as Sri Mantralayambike, the guardian
goddess of the kshetra.Over time, in the hearts and voices of the
people, Sri Mantralayambike lovingly came to be known as Manchelamma.
Overwhelmed
with divine joy after the sacred vision of Goddess Mantralayambike, Sri
Raghavendra Swami’s heart overflowed with devotion and gratitude. To
honor the divine mother, he chose the first Friday of the auspicious
month of Shravana, a day celebrated as Vara Mahalakshmi Vratam, to
offer her a special puja.
On that blessed morning, the entire
atmosphere around Mantralaya was filled with sacred energy. The air was
fragrant with sandalwood, incense, and fresh flowers. Devotees gathered
in reverence, sensing that something extraordinary was unfolding.Sri
Raghavendra Swami personally led the worship, beginning with a
ceremonial abhisheka, offering sacred baths to the deity using pure
water, milk, honey, turmeric, and fragrant oils. Rayaru lovingly
adorned the Goddess with fresh garlands, silk vastras, and shining
ornaments, treating her not just as a divine power but as a loving
mother who had personally come to bless him.Rayaru offered a variety of
naivedya with heartfelt prayers. The rituals culminated in a
magnificent arati, where lamps were waved in rhythmic circles to the
accompaniment of conch, bells, and Vedic chants. The glow of the lamps
reflected the joy in Sri Rayaru’s eyes, this was not just a puja, it
was a celebration of the living presence of the Goddess.
From
that day onward, the worship of Goddess Mantralayambike became an
integral part of the daily rituals at Mantralaya, and the bond between
the divine mother and Sri Raghavendra Swami was forever etched in the
hearts of devotees.
The news soon spread everywhere. It was
announced that Sri Raghavendra Swami would enter the Brindavana alive
on the second day of Shravana. Thousands of devotees, scholars, and
seekers made their way to Mantralaya to witness this most sacred and
historic moment.
After blessing Sri Raghavendra Swami with her
divine presence, Goddess Mantralayambike later appeared in a dream to
Sri SuyamindraTeertharu, a devoted disciple deeply loved by Sri
Raghavendra. In the dream, the Goddess spoke with affection: “O great
saint, I revealed myself to my beloved devotee, Guru Raja, and gave him
permission to remain here. You are his faithful follower, and that
makes you dear to me as well.I now bless you with a place here too. See
to it that I am worshipped with special care at this sacred place,
always.”
Moved by this divine command, Sri SuyamindraTeertharu
made special arrangements for the regular worship of the Goddess. He
ensured grand celebrations during Navaratri, Durgashtami, on Fridays
and Tuesdays, and especially in the holy month of Shravana.
Sri
SuyamindraTeertharu also built a beautiful temple in her honor.He
introduced a sacred custom that continues even today: Before the
evening arati (Sayandipa) is offered to Sri Raghavendra Swami, priests
must first offer darshan, worship, and arati to Goddess Mantralayambike.
Since
then, this tradition has been followed with devotion. Every day,
thousands of devotees worship the Goddess and receive her blessings
before visiting Sri Raghavendra Swami’s Brindavana.
Under the
divine leadership of the present Peethadhipathi, Sri Subhudendra
Teertharu, the sacred kshetra of Mantralaya has entered a glorious new
chapter. With unwavering devotion and visionary dedication, His
Holiness has uplifted the spiritual aura of both Sri Raghavendra
Swamy’s Brindavana and the temple of Sri Mantralayambike, also revered
as Manchelamma.The temple of Sri Mantralayambike, which once stood in
humble form, has now been transformed into a magnificent abode of
divinity—graced with elegant architecture, exquisite floral
decorations, and an atmosphere saturated with devotion. The shrine now
shines like a spiritual jewel in Mantralaya, drawing thousands of
devotees into Her compassionate embrace.Each day, Sri Subhudendra
Teertharu himself performs personal pooja to the Divine Mother. With
deep bhakti and sincerity, he seeks Her blessings—not for himself, but
for the welfare, protection, and upliftment of all devotees who come
seeking grace at Mantralaya. His daily worship is not just a ritual,
but a living bond of love and surrender between the Guru and the
Goddess, carried out with the same spiritual fervor as Sri Rayaru
himself.
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||