Prayers at Dusk !

At dusk, as the Sun set, Gurugalu took bath, wore yet another fresh pair of saffron clothes and applied the Narayana Mudra with Gopi Chandana. Then Gurugalu set for the evening prayers to Sri Moola Rama devaru. Meditated for sometime, then decorated Sri Moola Rama devaru with beautiful flower garlands and performed archane with variety of flowers. Fruits were offered to the Lord followed by aarthi(lighted camphor). 

Gurugalu prostrated before the Lord and as a sign of devotion wore few flowers on the head. And Gurugalu praised Sri Moola Rama Devaru several times. Then all the devotees were offered the aarthi and prasada. 

Then as students and devotees accompanied, Gurugalu moved to the Mani Peetam to rest. 

Sri Raghavendraya Namaha !!!   

Sri Moola Rama Archana !

One of the astrologers of the court approached Gurugalu and informed that it was time for Sri Moola Rama Archana. So Gurugalu took bath in the nearby pond, wore a fresh set of saffron clothes and set to begin the puja. 

Prior to Sri Moola Rama puja, Gurugalu worhipped the Kalasa(water pot - Kalasaaradhana) with fresh lotuses. Then abishekam was done to Sri Moola Rama devaru with Saaligraama containing the waters of river Kaveri. After which, the idols were worshipped with fresh flowers and precious stones. And then Shodasa Upachara puja was performed with various holy waters. 

HH 108 Sri Sushameendra Theerthagalu(right) performing Sri Moola Rama Puja 

Gurugalu took the waters, which were used for abhishekam, in a conch, sprinkled some on their head and consumed some. These waters are very sacred and holy as they were used in the abhishekam of Lord Sri Rama. Sprinkling this holy water on one's head yeilds a result that's equivalent to the fruits of performing an Ashwa Medha Yaga(One of the greatest sacrifices). And consuming these waters is equivalent to the fruits of performing a Raja Suya Yaga. 

 

Gurugalu prostrated before the Lord with utmost devotion. The devotees were offered the sacred waters and Mantraakshata. Then Guruagalu had their lunch and took rest for sometime. Mean while the devotees and students too had their lunch. Post lunch, usually Gurugalu would be involved in meetings with devotees who came from far off places. They would discuss about scriptures and books compiled by the predecessors. Sometimes Gurugalu spent their time on Music too though most of the time was spent on meditaion.

Sri Raghavendraya Namaha !!!      

(Picture courtesy - www.gururaghavendra.org)

Spiritual Meetings

After entering the monastery, Gurugalu sat for a discussion with students. All the students gathered around to start the debate. Some students were for Dvaitha philosophy while some were for Advaitha philosophy. So the debate had started and the topic was about "Jeevatma and Paramaatma". 

A hot debate was going on and Gurugalu was listening silently as to how the students were arguing. Dvaita students argued that one cannot attain salvation or reach Paramaatma by doing good deads or reading scriptures but only can goto heaven. While the Advaitha students argued that Paramaatma can be achieved by doing good deeds. So this went on for quite a long time after which Gurugalu interfered and said - 

"Paramaatma exists in the Jeevaatma but Paramaatma and Jeevaatma are different. He is Omnipresent and Omnipotent ! Paramaatma is the Supreme being and the one who understands the difference between Jeevaatma and Paramaatma will attain salvation." 

On hearing this, the students understood their level of knowledge. They stood dumbfounded. Had nothing more to ask as their doubts got cleared in minutes. That's the reason why a Guru is essential, to make us walk in the right path. 

Sri Raghavendraya Namaha !!!    

At Dawn !

Kumbhakonam regained its past glory on the return of Gurugalu. Poeple of Kumbhakonam were blessed and fortunate to have witnessed the Kamadhenu. They praised Gurugalu, proclaimed that Gurugalu was yet another Vyasa Raya Theertha and Srimad Aananda Theertha(Sri Madhva Charya). 

The Eastern horizon was set to give birth to the Sun. The sky was pleasant with shades of saffron and yellow. The birds chirped, flowers bloomed, grass was covered with the dew, the river abated its roar and clouds floated silently indicating the dawn. 

Brahmins uttered sacred hymns to awake Gurugalu. Gurugalu took their blessings and went towards the sacred Tulasi plant to have a darshana of Sri Maha Lakshmi. Then Gurugalu walked towards the Vayuputra Hanuman temple to offer early morning prayers. And progressed towards the river in a palanquin to have bath.

Gurugalu first offered salutations to the river Kaveri, stepped into the waters, washed face and legs and then brushed their teeth. Then took bath with the Mrittika(called as Mrittika Snana). On every dip Gurugalu uttered the sacred Astaakshari, Dwaadasakshari and Shadakshari Mantras. And offered waters to the Lord by meditating in the heart. Then Gurugalu came out of the waters, wore clean saffron clothes and applied the Narayana Mudra with Gopi Chandana on the forehead. 

It was time for Sandhyavandane. Gurugalu sat in for the same and recited the Gayatri Mantra in the heart. The trees swayed down to offer their salutations to the Lord who was in deep meditation and the river flowed silently. 

After Sandhyavandane, Gurugalu marched towards a garden where there was an idol of Sri Veda Vyasa that was worshipped by Sri Madhva Charyaru. They offered their salutations and then attended a discourse by the brahmins on the Bhagavatha. There was a Brindavana of Sri Vijayeendra Theertharu in the same garden where Gurugalu offered prayers and walked towards the monastery. On the way to the monastery Gurugalu visited the temple of Sri Kumbheshwara Swamy(Lord Siva) and offered prayers. 

Sri Raghavendraya Namaha !!!

            

Back to Kumbhakonam !

After a very long time, the people of Kumbhakonam were delighted to see their Kalpavriksha, Sri Raghavendra Guru Sarva Bhoumulu, back in their town. As Gurugalu, who turned lean and feeble due to the long tours and meditations, entered the town along with the idols of Sri Moola Rama devaru, it seemed as if Bharata, debilitated for spending 14 long years in meditation, was entering Ayodhya to see his brother, Sri Rama ascend the throne. 

On the main street of Kumbhakonam, there was a temple of Lord Hanuman, the idol being installed by Sri Vyasa Raya Theertharu. Gurugalu visited the temple first and worshipped before entering the monastery. 

The streets were all decorated and people of all castes and creed stood on the streets to welcome their Lord. Conches blown, musical instruments played, flowers showered to welcome Sri Parimala Charya ! The happiness of the people knew no bounds ! 

Grand old ladies(husbands still alive, aka Muttaiduvu) offered lighted camphor(Haarati) and amidst sacred hymns(Veda Mantra Ghosha) and auspicious music, Gurugalu entered the Mata(Monastery). 

Sri Raghavendraya Namaha !!!   

Theerthayatra !

Sri Raghavendra Theertharu started with teertha yatra, a country-wide journey of visiting temples and shrines, along with His students. The journey started with Lord Sri Hari's temple in Dyupuri and Sri Maha Lakshmi's shrine in Devanagari. On the way to temples, the students were given religious discourses on various scriptures. From Devanagari, they visited Rameshwaram. There they worshipped the Siva Linga that was worshipped by Lord Sri Rama before waging a war on Ravana. There, Gurugalu spent a lot of time meditating Lord Sri Rama Chandra. 

From Rameshwaram, they moved on to the Thoyadri mountains, where Lord Sri Maha Vishnu could be seen resting on the Adi Sesha. Here Lord Vishnu is referred as "Sundaravara". From here they moved to Anantha Sayanam(now Thirvananthapuram, Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple) and worshipped Sri Padmanabha Swamy. Next they visited the temple of Sri Janardhana in Tamraparni and praised the 9 deities. Then it was Madhura Nagaram on the banks of Kruthamaala, a temple of Lord Sri Hari. From here they travelled to Sri Rangam, the abode of Sri Ranganayaka Swamy. Here it is said that Gurugalu got an indication from Sri Ranganayaka Swamy to move in North direction. So they travelled in North direction. The following temples were visited in this order:

Nammakkal, Namagiri - Sri Nrusimha Swamy Temple

Vishnu Mangalam - Sri Maha Vishnu

Panduru - Kumara Swamy Temple

Udipi - Sri Krishna Temple

In Udipi, Lord Sri Krishna is seen as a small boy. The idol here was installed by Sri Madhva Charyaru. Lord Sri Krishna gave darshana to Sri Purandara Dasa and Sri Kanaka Dasa, the devotees of Sri Krishna. He also gave darshana to Sri Vyasa Raya Theertha. People living in the vicinity of Udipi were the followers of Dvaitha Philosophy and there were around 8 Dvaitha Monasteries in and around Udipi. All the heads along with their pupils of the 8 monateries welcomed Gurugalu with utmost reverence and arranged for their stay. 

  

Sri Kanaka Dasa Sri Purandara Dasa

The daily routine of Sri Gurugalu was to perform Sri Moola Rama puja in Anantheshwara Swamy temple that was exactly opppsite to the main temple of Lord Sri Krishna, give spiritual discourses, dedicate songs in praise of the Lord through playing Veena. As a part of religious discourses, Sri Vyasa Raya Theertha's "Chandrika" was discussed. And many of the devotees raised many doubts and were unclear about the scripture. So Sri Raghavendra Theertharu composed a glossary called "Thaatparya Chandrika". And at the same time another literary work was penned, called "Nyaya Muktavali-Thantra Deepam". One day, Gurugalu displayed two books to his pupils and said that they were in store for Sri Sumatheendra Theertharu who would be his successor in future. And as He said, Sri Sumatheendra Theertharu was Gurugalu's third successor ! The people of Udipi enjoyed Gurugalu's presence and Sri Moola Rama puja for one long year. When it was time to move from Udipi, the devotees couldn't control themselves from weeping. And thousands of people thronged to give send-off to their God. 

 

Udipi Sri Krishna Sri Madhva Charya worshipping Sri Krishna  

The next destination of Gurugalu was Pandaripuram in Maharashtra. On their way, Gurugalu came across people from different backgrounds, knew about their well-being and consoled the wretched. Sri Moola Rama puja was performed where ever an ideal place was found and the Lord was served with various fruits and flowers. And during the Chaturamasya(a four month period from October to January), special pujas were performed. 

They reached Pandaripuram and worshipped Lord Vittala. From there they moved to Kolhapuram - Sri Maha Lakshmi temple. Gurugalu preached Dvaitha Philosophy to many and moved on to Vijayapuri crossing Bijapur and Ramnathapur. Here Gurugalu composed a glossary for Sri Jaya Theertha's "Tatvarta Prakasika" and wrote "Tatva Manjari" which was a glossary for Sri Madhva Charya's "Anu Bhashyani". 

   

Pandaripuram Vittala Tirupathi Venkanna

Now they again started travelling towards the South. They visited many temples across the banks of Tungabhadra river. Gurugalu discovered that the place was very peaceful. This was once a forest called the Dandakaaranya. This could be the reason for the peacefulness and pleasant atmosphere. In the village of Kandanathi, Gurugalu advised a poor brahmin, Venkanna, with a Mantra. Later they moved in the North direction again, they visited Sri Sailam, the temple of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy(Lord Siva). They spent a day there and moved to the abode of Sri Venkateshwara Swamy, Tirupathi. Worshipped Lord Sri Venkatachalapathi by singing songs and hymns. Next place visited was Kanchipuram. Worshipped Sri Varada Raja Swamy in Vishnu Kanchi and Sri Ekambareshwara Swamy in Siva Kanchi. 

Then they visited and worshipped Sri Arunachaleshwara Swamy in Arunachalam, Lord Rudra in Vrudhachalam and Sri Varaha Swamy in Sri Mushnam. And finally came back to Kumbhakonam after a very long and successful journey. 

Sri Raghavendraya Namaha !!!

Assuming Sanyasa !

The event of assuming sanyasam was planned in Tanjore which was the capital of the Chola dynasty. Knowing that Sri Sudheendra Theertharu arrived along with his pupils in Tanjore, the King Raghunatha Raya recieved them with reverence. He arranged grandly for the function as per the order of Theertharu. 

Many great scholars had arrived at Tanjore to witness this function. As Sri Yadavendra Theertharu was on a country-wide tour, he was not able to make up for the function. But he had sent his blessings and good-wishes to Venkatanatha. King Raghunatha Raya attended the function. 

Guru Raja Charya and Nrusimha Charya took Saraswathi and Lakshmi Narayana from Kumbhakonam to their place. But Saraswathi committed suicide by jumping into a well as she was unable live without her husband. However, she was blessed by Venkatanatha(Sri Raghavendra Swamy) to attain salvation. 

While at Tanjore, Venkatantha dedicated his heart and soul completely to the Almighty. When the auspicious time had come, Venkatanatha was advised with Mantra(Brahma Upadesham) by Sri Sudheendra Theertharu. And now it was time to name Venkatanatha(Aashrama Nama). As Lord Sri Rama had suggested Sri Sudheendra Theertharu in his dream, Venkatanatha was named "Sri Raghavendra Theertharu". Amidst of the court hall, Sri Raghavendra Theertharu was blessed and presented idols of Sri Moola Rama and Sri Veda Vyasa along with various scriptures, a white umbrella and a golden plate by Sri Sudheendra Theertharu. The function ended grandly.

After Sri Sudheendra Theertharu handed over his responsibility of the Peetam and its welfare to Sri Raghavendra Theertharu, he moved over to the banks of Tungabhadra river near Hampi. He spent the rest of his life meditating. He attained salvation through meditation and a Brindavana was built which still exists at the banks of Tungabhadra. 

Sri Raghavendra Theertharu was always engaged in either Sri Moola Rama puja or meditation. And with His presence the Sarvagna Peetam illuminated again. 

Sri Yaadavendra Theertharu came back from his tour to witness the Peetam's progress and was happy to see it in a spendid state under Sri Raghavendra Theertharu. He blessed all the pupils present there and modestly took the blessings of Sri Gurugalu. Then he again continued with his tour and on his way visited the Brindavana of Sri Sudheendra Theertharu at Hampi. 

At the same time, Sri Raghavendra Theertharu involved in writing the "Parimala", a write-up based on Nyaya Sudha, along with glossary for Sri Vyasa Raya's "Chandrika", etc. His pen knew no halts and it went on and on, elucidating the Dvaitha Philosophy. 

Sri Raghavendraya Namaha !!!