Sri Raghavendrateertharu lived in
Kumbhakonam on the sacred bank of Kaveri, the center of creativity,
divinity of our great Sri Vijayeendrateertharu and Sri
Sudheendrateertharu. Bhuvanagiri, Kumbhakonam, Tanjore ( previously
called as Tanjapura) were the Holy places where our Adhi Daiva Sri
Raghavendrateertharu, a great Sri Hari Bhakta who has upheld the
noble philosophy of our Sri Madhwacharyaru, composed books, held
abundant religious discourses. During the debate Vaada Gururaya did
not hurt the feelings of others nor insulted any body. On the
contrary the defeated personalities in Vaada had become the true
beloved shishyas of Rayaru and had accepted the suzerainty of
SriManNarayana – Sri Vishnu – Sri Hari and the greatness of Sri
Vayudevaru. After travelling a lot during Sanchara the most merciful
kind Sri Raghavendrateertharu thought that Manchali – Mantralaya is
the best and the most holy place to stay for a long period
of seven hundred years through Yoga and to indulge in Tapa of Sri
Hari. As Rayaru knew the importance of Manchali. Thinking all this
Sri Raghavendrateertharu sent a message to his beloved Bhakta Diwan
Venkannapant that he is coming to Adoni along with his VidyaMutt
paraphernalia from Kumbhakonam.
The joy and the happiness of Diwan Venkanna cannot be described in
words. He was simply anxiously waiting to be surrendered to the
sacred feet of Rayau. Nawab SiddiMasood khan was highly impressed by
the noble and the divine personality of our Gururayaru and presented
Manchali. Diwan Venkanna tried his level best and succeeded in
handing over Manchali to Rayaru.
Ever since Sri Raghavendrateertharu came to Mantralaya a new era of
devotion has begun. Visited the sacred near by places from Adoni and
came into contact with Sri Appanacharya a great devotee,
gnyani,chaturveda Pandit and who was running a Gurukula in
Bhikshaalaya – Bichali at the Japadakatti. Sri Appanacharya did not
allow our Gururaya to go from Bichali and requested Rayaru to stay
in Bichali for a long period. Rayaru liked very much the kind
selfless seva of Appanacharya and stayed for thirteen years in
Bichali. Residing in Bichali asked Diwan Venkanna to set up the
Brahmin houses and all the arrangements for the Brindavana. The
knowledge, affection, devotion, sincerity and the faith of Sri
Appanacharya towards Rayaru cannot be described in words. As the
days passed on they both became close and thick friends. The
relationship of Sri Raghavendrateertha and Sri Appanacharya was like
the mother and the child, showered abundant affection
to this great personality. The friendship of Guru and Shishya is a
model to this universe.
Bichali situated on the sacred bank of Tungabhadra became very dear
and near to Sri Raghavendrateertha.Aparokshagnyani knew the
importance of Japadakatti in Bichali and spent the major time of the
day there only and stayed in Bichali along with Appanacharya. Rayaru
was residing in the house of Sri Appanacharya, the most affectionate
soothing massage of legs by Appanacharya in the house and the
offering of the delicious dishes Appi Paayasa and Dal chatni by
Appanacharya Rayaru liked very much and has no words to express the
satisfaction and the contentment he attained in Bichali. But as the
days passed on Rayaru came to know that he should disappear from
this world and sit in Brindavana in the Japa of Sri Hari. The first
work Rayaru did was the dismantling of the snake bill which was in
the back yard of Appanacharya’ house. A snake - serpent was daily
accepting the milk offered by Rayaru after the pooja of Sri Moola
Ramadevaru. Serpent
was in the snake bill. Rayaru prayed to Sri Sheshadevaru and
dismantled the snake bill, this made Sri Appanacharya to think more,
why his Guru has dismantled the snake bill when Sri Sheshadevaru was
daily coming from that and drinking the milk. Rayaru thought that
the people will be frightened to see the serpent after his going
from this place. So dismantled the snake bill. Please see what an
amount of care and concern our Rayaru is having towards his
devotees.
It is quite interesting to know that Diwan Venkanna and the Nawab of
Adoni Siddimasoodkhan from Adoni came to Manchali. They have to
cross the river Tungabhadra in Manchali. So from Manchali by boat (Harigolu
– Naada Doni we say in kannada) they reached Chikka Manchali via
Gaanadhal Panchamukhi arrived to Bichali and took the darshana of
Rayaru.Venkanna detailed the progress about the construction of
Brahmin houses and the temple of Rayaru’s Kulaswami Lord Sri
Venkateshwara in Manchali. Rayaru decided the day and date of
Brindavana pravesha but did not reveal because of Appanacharya. On
the contrary asked Appanacharya to go for Madhwa Sanchara. Obeyed
the order of his Guru and was thinking that why Rayaru is sending me
alone when others are there. Purposely sent Appanacharya as he could
not tolerate the scene of entering the Brindavana and more over he
will not allow to enter the Brindavana, as Appanacharya completely
knew the great
personality of Rayaru. So after the departure of Appanachary, Rayaru
left Bichali and went to Mantralaya and stayed in the Sri
Venkateshwara Temple.
Called Diwan Venkanna and Rayaru asked him to announce the day and
the date of Brindavana Pravesha to the devotees i.e. Shraavana
Bahula Bidige(Dwiteeya), Friday Shaalivahana shaka 1593
Virodhikrutnaama Samavatsara August 11th.1671 AD. Called all the
near and the dears from Kumbhkonam and Madhurai. Decided to make his
successor Sri Venkannacharya , the grandson of Sri Gururajacharya,
the elder brother of Rayaru’s poorvashrama and the son of
Venkatanarayanacharya.
Named as SriYogeendrateertharu. Rayaru said this is the sankalpa and
the will of Sri Hari. As per the traditional rituals Sri
Yogeendrateertharu was sworn in as the successor of Sri
Raghavendrateertharu.Sri Raghavendrateertharu and Sri
Yogeendrateertharu both stayed in the Temple of Sri Venkateshwara in
Manchali to observe the most sacred Chaturmaasa.
With Devotion Rayaru prayed and praised Sri Manchalemma:
NamostuVaradeKrishneKoumariBrahmacharini
BaalarkaSadrushaakaayePurnachandraNibhaanane
YamKaamayeTamTamugramKrunomi
TamBrhamanaamTamrushimTam Sumedhaam
Devi was highly pleased and Blessed Rayaru and asked him to stay
here only as she was the Kuladevata of Sri Prahladarajaru.
Sri Raghavendrateertharu and Diwan Venkanna together walked on bank
of the Tungabhadra and showed the Holy and the Siddhi Place, where
Rayaru is going to settle there for seven hundred years. Asked the
shishyas to dig there, they found the Yagna Kunda there. Rayaru said
this the Yaaga was performed in the Prahlada Avatara, Here on this
spot only Sri Vibhudendrateertharu the pioneer and the founder of
Vidya Mutt Rayara Mutt.performed the Tapasya. So Rayaru asked
Venkanna to construct a Garbhaalaya on the Yaaga Kunda, the size of
the Garbhaalaya should be 6x6, on Friday Shraavana Bahula Dwiteeya I
will sit Chanting OM Sri Hari Om and you have to drag the slab
consisting of Koormaasana. Then install the Brindavana, do the
pratishthaapana with seven hundred Laxminarayana Saaligraamas in the
Brindavana and place a silver square plate and then fill the
Mruttika. First Diwan Venkanna prepared a Brindavana for Rayaru, but
Rayaru did not accept
the Brindavana and said let it be here .It will be for the next
yatis. Sri Raghavendrateertharu desired to go to Madhavaram and
asked Venkanna to accompany. After going there Rayaru pointed out a
particular stone and said this stone is required for my Brindavana,
please use this. As Sri Ramachandra and Laxmana have sat on this
stone during the Vanavaasa. Venkanna agreed and within no time
arranged the whole thing. Perhaps this is the Last Sanchara of our
Sri RaghavendrateerthaGurusarvabhoumaru Remembering this our eyes
fill with tears.
As already announced Diwan Venkanna the day and the date of
Brindavana Pravesha to the devotees of the world: Shraavana Bahula
Dwiteeya Friday Shaalivaahana Shake 1593, Virodhikrutnaama
Samavatsara i.e. August 11th.1671, the devotees and sajjanas rushed
to Mantralaya, they came in streams and streams. On Thursday
Shraavana Bahula Pratipada Rayaru performed the Pooja of Sri Moola
Ramadevarau, held discussions pertaining to the Acharya Tatva had
bhikshaa. Rayaru was quite happy, never perturbed. On the contrary
gave all the instructions of the next day of Brindavana Pravesha.
Early morning of Shraavana Bahula Bidige i.e Dwiteeya Rayaru woke up
at the Brahmi Muhurta performed the Aahneeka, Japa, Namaskara to Sri
MoolaRamadevaru, Mangalarati to Kulaswami Sri Srinivasa,Tulasi
Vandana, Go Vatsa pooja Go graasa Paatha Pravachana to the shishyas.
Though it was too early morning large number of
Devotees,Pandits,Scholars,Saints,all dignitaries from all walks of
life gathered there. They were amazed to see the Divya Kalaa, the
glittering and the shining bliss of Rayaru.
All the relatives, Shreepadaputra Sri Laxminarayanacharya, nephew
Sri Narayanacharya, devotees,Diwan Venkanna were filled with grief,
tears rolling from their eyes.Venkanna told Gurudeva everything is
ready as per your Aadesha.Holding the hand of Sri Yogeendrateertharu
Rayaru came out of Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Already the elephant of
the Mutt Maahendra was waiting before the temple. Rayaru holding
Danda Kamandalu Pooja Pettige of Aaraadhya Sri Moola Ramadevaru sat
on the elephant,decorated with golden Ambaari. Thousands were
shouting :
Rajadhiraja Paramahamsa Yatisarvabhouma Gurusarvabhouma Sri
MadRaghavendrateertha KarunaaSamudra Ughe Ughe Jaya Jaya.
The procession paased through the main gate (agasi) and the chaavadi
of Manchali. Various types of Vaadyas, musical instruments were
playing, Dasas were singing. But the atmosphere was completely grief
striken. The procession concluded on the bank of Tungabhadra near
the Garbhaalaya. Opposite of Garbhaalaya already Sri Praandevaru was
ready for installation by the successor of Rayaru Sri
Yogeendrateertharu. Owing to the Shraavanmaasa Tungabhadra was
flowing in full spate touching the bank on both the sides. Even the
river Tungabhadra also joined with deep sorrow of the devotees in
Mantralaya. A large gathering of devotees were simply looking at
Rayaru. A dumb youth by seeing Rayaru at that time came running near
to Rayaru praising Rayaru, as he immediately attained the power of
Speech by the Krupa Karuna Drushti of Rayaru. A lame man also got
his legs to walk properly by the Anugraha of Rayaru. At that time a
dalit woman came praying to Rayaru that
her eight years old son is suffering from leprosy, kindly cure this
disease. Soon Rayaru listened her request and cured. All these
Miracles happened before entering the Brindavana Pravesha.
All the satvikas, sajjanas and the devotees of Rayaru were simply
worrying, that from tomorrow onwards we cannot see Gururaya, as we
are seeing now. The beloved cows of Sri Mutt were simply shedding
the tears and gazing Rayaru with deep concern. Even the Elephant kid
Laxmi of the Vidya Mutt, though offering chaamara seva to Rayaru,
was weeping and weeping. The whole atmosphere was murmuring
Raghavendra Raghavendra. Seeing the great personality of Rayaru with
Gandha, Tulasi Maala the gathered mass had no words to describe!
A few minutes were left to Rayaru to enter the Brindavana, Rayaru
seeing the devotees, smiling raised the hands and blessed them.
Looked at the devotees with immense affection and love. Rayaru
offered the Padukas to Sri Yogeendrateertharu and asked him to
continue the Mutt in the same traditional style:Paatha,Pravachana,
Grantha Rachana and Bhakta’s Uddhaara.
Dear Devotees the day has come that I have to disappear from your
sight. From tomorrow you cannot see me like this. At the sametime I
am not giving up my body(Deha Tyaaga), I will not be away from my
body and at the same time I am obeying the Sankalpa of Sri Hari and
the prerana of Sri Vayudevaru, so entering the Brindavana today Sa
Shareera and stay there for sevenhundred years to Bless the Devotees
of the world. As per the order of Sri Hari and Sri Vayudevaru and
the opinion of the great Yatis to whom I respect and regard them as
guru. They will be always blessing me while sitting in the
Brindavana. Do not feel sorry that I am disappearing from your
vision.As per the sankalpa of Sri Hari and the blessings of
Praanadevaru I will be quite comfortable in the Neela Brindavana.
Devotees I assure you that Sri Hari is too kind towards me that Sri
Hari will take care of me in the Neela Brindavana when I will be
inside with yoga. Do not feel agony. I
am with you always here in M,antralaya. When ever you call me I will
immediately listen and solve your problems whether it is small or
big. The Brindavana stones are very sacred and most holy.
My successor Sri Yogeendrateertharu will look after the Mutt Vidya
Mutt and the same tradition of Paatha Pravachana Grantha Rachana
Bhakta’s Uddhaara will be continued. You all have to obey him as you
were regarding and respecting towards me. The Punya will be
distributed to the devotees by the Anugraha of Sri Hari. Do not feel
sorry for my absence. I will be in Mantralaya Neela Brindavana. Sri
Narasimhadevaru, Rama, Krishna, Vedavyasadevaru, Jeevottama
Vayudevaru’s have ordered me to stay at this Brindavana in the
Mantralaya for the uddhaara of the devotees. Mantralaya will be the
most sacred place Pavitra Yaatra Sthhala Devotees will acquire all
the required chaturvidha purushaartha. Not only Indian devotees, but
also the devotees of the world who are living across the sea. My Sri
Hari is sarvaswa for me, Sri Hari has provided broad outlook,
universal affection to all.
Devotees respect and regard the Vedas,upanishadas,Geeta, Brahmasutra
and the philosophy of our Sri SriMadacharyaru. Our Culture,
universal mankind always throbs for the welfare of all the chetanas,
jeevas as per their ability and nature. We have to worship
SriManNarayana.He is the only God who can free from all these births
and deaths and impart Moksha to us:
NarayanosowParamoVichintayahaMumukhshubhiKaramaPaashaadmushmaat.
Our divine shruti says this.Sri Hari is the only God to bestow
permanent happiness i. e. Moksha.
Sri Hari has to Bless all of us, so I am entering Brindavana sitting
with padmaasana in the japa of Sri Hari always. So I am concluding
my avatara today on this shraavana bahula bidige. From this day
onwards till seven hundred years I will be in the Brindavana as per
the adesha of Sri Hari. The accumulated punya and the punya acquired
in the japa in the Brindavana is completely reserved for all the
devotees of the world, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and
nation.
Dear Devotees, please do not have hatred towards other religions and
sects. Other caste people they may offer the Naivedya in their own
way and style. But our Sri Hari will accept the things which are
dear to him in his own form of purity and sanctity. Sri Hari is the
only God who can impart Moksha to the able jeevas.Shruti is
describing that Sarvottama Sri Hari Narayana is the only God to
relieve us from all the sorrows and miseries and take us to
Permanent happiness i. e. Moksha:
Narayanosow Paramo Vichintyaha Mumkshubhihi KarmaPaashad Mushmaat.
Devotees in order to fulfill the will and the Desire of Sri Hari,
today I am concluding my avatara and stay in the Brindavana for
seven hundred years and always engage myself in the Japa of Sri Hari.
For this noble task I am entering Brindavana Sa Shareera. As per the
Manudharma love and respect your own religious formalities and the
traditions with unalterable faith and devotion .Live with peace and
harmony. Be kind and courteous to others feelings and ideas. Do not
hurt the feelings of others. Don’t be proud, be away from egoism.
Think about others act softly, be selfless, polite and kind. We are
all the servants of Sri Hari. Always speak true, Universal affection
and love of mankind one should have in his life. Respect and regard
the elders Stottamaru and Swaottamaru. Repentance feeling one should
have when ever he does some mistakes. Be kind towards all the living
animals, creatures, maintain good character and always be in touch
of noble philosophy of Sri Madhwacharya which inculcates the real
values of life and become a reader of Sadgranthas. Though I enter
Brindavana the Granthas of Sri Madacharya,The Teekas of Malkheda Sri
Jaiteertharu and the granthas composed by me are all here, read
them, follow them and act accordingly.
Dear Devotees today I wish to say that Strong faith belief and
devotion towards Sri Hari is the only way to liberate from all the
sorrows and worries. Sri Hari is the only omnipotent and omniscient
who can impart Chaturvidha Purushaartha to us.
YOU ALL MUST LEAD A HAPPY LIFE THAT IS THE ONLY INTENTION FOR THIS I
AM GOING TO BE HERE IN THE NEELA BRINDAVANA FOR A LONG JAPA OF SRI
HARI:
Samaayaat Samaayaat Purushaarthhino Janaaha
SamaashrayadhvamasmachreeHrutpadmasthalam Ramaapatim
Devotees you are all desirous of Dharma Artha Kaama Moksha, So pray
him,worship him, Ramaapati Laxmipati Sri ManNarayana is in my heart.
You will really acquire all the good things in your lifetime.
SARVAE JANAAHA SUKHINO BHAVANTU SAMASTU SANMANGALAANI BHAVANTU.
So Mantralaya Sri Raghavendrateertharu with great concern and
affection addressed in Mantralaya to the gathered mass on that day
of Shraavana Bahula Dwiteeya. With smile raised his hands towards
the devotees Blessed and gave Abhaya to all.
Then Rayaru climbed the steps of Garbhaalaya one by one while
entered the 6x6 square Antarguha, Rayaru holding the hand to Sri
Yogeendrateertharu, bade farewell with a smile. spread the
krishnajina sat in Padmaasana with Danda Kamandalu and Japamaala. At
that moment there are no words to describe shining face of Rayaru
with Divine Bliss. Completely involved in the world of Sri Moola
Rama,Narahari,Rama,Krishna, Vedavyasa and egaged in the JAPA : OM OM
OM OM OM OM holding the Japamaala in the hand. All took the Divya
Darshana of Gururayaru. The Omkaara filled the whole universe at
that time. Devotees with emotion cried with loud voice:
From now on wards we cannot see you,you will be in this Brindavana,
this is your last Darshana:
GURUSARVABHOUMA DAYAAGHANA BHAKTAVATSALA KALIYUGA KAMADHENU
KALPAVRUKSHA NAMO NAMO
The Divine Pontiff Mantralaya Sri Raghavendrateertharu disappeared
from our sight, became permanent in the Brindavana of Siddhi Kshetra
Mantralaya.
Bichali Sri Appanacharya Priya Mantralaya Sri Raghavendrateertha
Gurubhyo Namaha.Written
by Sri Raghavendra Patwari
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