Sir Thomas Manroe

Gurugalu blessed many of their devotess from Brindavana itself. Some blessed ones have seen Gurugalu in the Brindavana. They were quite lucky, in fact they were born lucky !!! One such lucky person was Sir Thomas Manroe who have seen Gurugalu in the Brindavana and spoke to them too !!! Gurugalu bless the pure and blemishless souls, regardless of caste, creed, country or for that sake any anything. 

Gurugalu called that foreigner to their presence in a matter related to temple properties. In 1812 AD, East India Company passed a  decree that the temple properties whose owner was not alive would be seized by the government. Then Sir Thomas Manroe were the district collector of Ballary and they observed that Mantralayam was one such temple whose owner was not alive. In 1820, they came to Adoni and asked the sub-divisional incharge of Adoni about the same. 

They both went together to Mantralayam. They approached the Mutt officials and explained them the decree. The officials were not worried. They knew that nothing could go wrong in regards to Gurugalu's property. They were so confident and had complete faith in Gurugalu. 

Sir Thomas Manroe, the collector, left his footwear outside the temple and went in to have a look at the Brindavana. He took of his cap and stood in front of Brindavana. The stone built Brindavana became transparent and the collector was able to see Gurugalu clearly. Gurugalu were in bright saffron clothes, sat in yogasana and were shining with glow. Gurugalu asked collector the reason for his visit. Manroe explained the purpose. Wonder ! They both conversed in English ! Gurugalu are omniscient. How could language be a barrier for them? Since Monroe could direclty see the owner of the properties with their own eyes, he could not pass the orders. Monroe explained his experience to the Mutt officials after a satisfactory conversation with Gurugalu. The officials were very happy for Monroe and expressed that he was very fortunate. 

The devotess around could only view the Brindavana and Monroe talking to Brindavana. They could not witness Gurugalu with their naked eyes ! But they were surprised to see Monroe talking to Brindavana in English. Monroe explained to the devotees about Gurugalu's appearance like this - "What a glow in their eyes ! What a stature ! What a commanding yet sweet voice ! What a fluency in English ! What a grip on language ! One would definitely wish to prostrate before them." Listening to this, the devotees were moved emotionally and could not express their feelings. 

Explaining this incident, Monroe sent a report to the Governor, which declared that the Mutt belongs to Jagirdars of Mantralayam. Soon after this incident, he was promoted to Governor's post and he himself had to approve his report ! He thought his new post to be the blessings of Gurugalu and prayed to Gurugalu in his heart. 

This incident was preserved as a note in the Madras Gazetteer. It can be seen in letter format:

"Extract from Madras District Gazetteer" by W. Francis Esq ICS

Volume No 1 Bellary Reprint 1916 by the Superintendent Govt. Press, Madras.

Chapter XV - Adoni Taluk, Page no 213, Manchala(Mantralayam)

A short-term village with a population of 1212 on the bank of Tungabhadra in the extreme North of Taluk. The village is widely known as containing the tomb of the Madhwa Saint Sri Raghavendra Swamy. The Annual festival in August with which is attended by large number of pilgrims including even the Lingayats from Bombay, Nizams' dominions and even Mysore. The tomb itself is not of interest. The grant of the landed endowment attached to it is said in one of the mackengic to have been made by Venkanna Pant, the well known dewan of Siddi Masud Khan, Governor of Adoni from 1662 to 1687. A quaint story of Sir Thomas Manroe is said about the place. The endowment being threatened with resumption, came to make enquiries after removing his boots and taking off his hat, he approached the grave. The saint there upon emerged from his tomb and met him. They conversed together for sometime regarding the resumption, but since the saint was visible and audible to Monroe - who was himself, the people declare, semidivine, none of the others who were there could either see or hear what he said. The discusson ended. Monroe returned to his tent and quashed the proposal to resume the endowment. Being offered some consecreated rice, he accepted it and ordered it to be used in the preparation of his meals for that day ! 

 --- Madras review VII -- 280             

Sri Raghavendraya Namaha !!!