Mantralaya-1045
(Miracles of Sri RaghavendraTeertharu encompass a vast spectrum) Date
: July 6, 2023
Background
Dear Devotees : Namaskara.
| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||
SATYAMEVA JAYATI NA ANRUTA
Miracles
of Sri RaghavendraTeertharu encompass a vast spectrum, spanning from
the simple wonders of everyday life to the profound attainment of
Moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death are described in
Mantralaya(1045).
Meaning
In
the mystical realm of Mantralaya Rayaru, we bear witness to the
boundless kindness and divine presence of Sri RaghavendraTeertharu, the
universal Guru capable of dispelling our misfortunes and granting our
deepest desires. Within this sacred realm, we are privileged to witness
two extraordinary miracles that span the spectrum of human existence -
one addressing our daily needs and the other offering a glimpse of the
path to attaining Moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
In
a tale of unwavering devotion, a sincere devotee embarked on a long and
arduous journey to Mantralaya, the sacred abode of Sri Raghavendra
Teertharu. However, by the time the devotee arrived, it was already
3:00 PM, and the temple activities, including the worship, offering of
Naivedya (sacred food), Hastodaka and lunch, had concluded. Hunger
gnawed at the devotee's stomach, and a fervent desire arose within his
heart to have arrived earlier and partaken in the divine feast at
Rayaru's blessed abode, alongside the revered Hastotaka. Driven by his
religious principles, the devotee resisted the temptation to dine at
restaurants, especially considering that most restaurant establishments
in Mantralaya closed during that time.Seeking solace, the devotee made
a conscious decision to visit the sacred Tungabhadra River, intending
to cleanse himself through a purifying bath and satiate his hunger by
drinking a glass of Thunga water as a symbolic lunch.
In a state
of unwavering devotion, the devotee immersed himself in the sacred
waters of the Tungabhadra River, purifying both body and soul. Filled
with reverence, he carefully collected a glass of the blessed water,
chanting the Guru Stotra, and seeking divine blessings. Suddenly, an
elderly priest approached with an air of urgency, searching for the
devotee. Breathless, he exclaimed, "I have been looking for you! You
arrived near the temple, weary and hungry. One of our priests noticed
your plight and sent this food for you. Please accept it." With great
humility, the old priest presented a simple yet profound offering,
placing banana leaves before the devotee and went away. Overwhelmed
with gratitude, the devotee commenced his meal, savoring each morsel
while pouring out his heart in prayer to Sri Raghavendra Teertharu, the
object of his utmost devotion. In that serene setting, at the banks of
the Tungabhadra, the devotee experienced a profound connection with the
divine, finding solace and nourishment for both body and soul.
Upon
finishing the meal, the devotee prepared to discard the banana leaf.
However, as he lifted the leaf, he was taken aback to discover a heavy
silver plate resting beneath it. Overwhelmed by astonishment, the
devotee surmised that the plate must belong to the Sri Mutt, and he
resolved to return it to them. With a heart full of gratitude and a
sense of duty, he cleansed the silver plate in the river and hurriedly
made his way to the Mutt.
Arriving at the Mutt office, the
devotee handed the silver plate to one of the priests, eagerly
recounting the extraordinary turn of events. To his bewilderment, the
Mutt officer and priests denied the presence of the person he
described, insisting that no such priest was employed at the temple.
Nevertheless, the Mutt official examined the silver plate closely and
exclaimed, "This is our cherished Hastotaka silver plate, used daily to
offer Naivedya Hastotaka to Sri Raghavendra Swamy!"
The Mutt
officials, overwhelmed with astonishment, urgently called upon the
kitchen staff and pleaded with them to locate the silver Hastotaka
plate. To their complete amazement, despite thorough searching, the
plate could not be found in the storage box where it was usually kept
after being washed. Overwhelmed by a profound sense of devotion, the
priests and officials were moved to tears. They shared with the devotee
the astonishing realization that Sri Raghavendra Swamy himself had come
to him, bearing the silver plate and offering food when he was hungry.
They assured him that he was truly blessed, as Rayaru had personally
extended his divine presence to him.
Overwhelmed by a flood of
devotion and joy, the devotee could not contain his tears. The Mutt
officials, priests, and fellow devotees stood in awe, witnessing the
remarkable power of Sri Rayaru, who listens attentively to the smallest
day-to-day desires of people. This extraordinary incident served as a
profound testament to the truth behind the words of Sri Yogindra
Teertharu, who revered Rayaru as "|| ಶ್ರೀರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರಗುರವೇ ನಮೋತ್ಯಂತದಯಾಳವೇ.
Sri Raghavendra Gurave Namotyantadayalave." ||
Behold another wondrous miracle of Sri RaghavendraTeertharu, transcending the realm of materialistic desires.
During
Sri RaghavendraTeertharu’s spiritual journey, Sri Rayaru traveled to
the north and arrived at a place called Chitradurga in Karnataka. This
town held both historical and sacred significance, as it had been
visited by the Pandavas. It was believed that a hill named Shri Gopala
Krishna had been blessed by a revered king named Janamejaya. At the
foot of the hill, there was a revered Hanuman idol with five bells,
which had been worshiped by the Pandavas. Intrigued by the holy
atmosphere, Sri Raghavendra Swami decided to stay there for a while.
Among
the devotees serving Sri Raghavendraru, there was a man named Venkanna,
whose job was to provide water to Sri Rayaru. Venkanna was always lost
in deep thoughts and contemplation. Sri Raghavendra noticed his
introspective nature and observed him closely every day. One day,
Venkanna humbly approached Sri Raghavendra and shared his heartfelt
longing for liberation, known as Sadgathi or Moksha. In response, Sri
Rayaru smiled and reassured Venkanna that it was ultimately in the
hands of the Supreme Lord, Sri Hari. Sri Rayaru promised to make a
fervent appeal to the divine to fulfill Venkanna's earnest plea.
After
a few days had passed, Sri Rayaru, having completed his meditation,
called upon Venkanna. With a gentle smile, Sri Rayaru asked, "Are you
ready to embark on the path to Moksha?" Filled with joy and gratitude,
Venkanna replied, "Yes, my revered Guru Raghavendra, I am ready." Sri
Rayaru then imparted his instructions, assuring Venkanna that by
faithfully following them, he would attain liberation. Overwhelmed with
happiness, Venkanna eagerly embraced Sri Raghavendra's guidance,
considering it a profound blessing. He diligently prepared himself for
the transformative journey, bathing, performing his daily rituals, and
seeking the divine blessings of Sri Raghavendra, who recited sacred
mantras to sanctify the path ahead.
A pyre made of wood was
prepared, and Sri Raghavendra asked Venkanna to enter the fire. With a
serene smile on his face, a light heart, and a calm mind, Venkanna
humbly touched the feet of Sri Rayaru, placed it on his head as a mark
of devotion, and willingly jumped into the blazing flames.
Some
onlookers criticized Sri Raghavendraru, believing it unjust to
sacrifice an innocent person for his own pleasure in the name of
liberation.However, Sri Raghavendra, who possessed the ability to read
minds, understood their thoughts. Sri Rayaru called them closer and
asked them to listen attentively to the sound of the bells ringing as
Venkanna departed to the heavenly realm. To their astonishment, they
heard the celestial chimes. Some fortunate souls even saw the divine
realm where Venkanna sat in the company of celestial beings and
deities. The doubters were silenced and overwhelmed with shame. They
prostrated before Sri Raghavendra, seeking forgiveness for their doubts
and misunderstandings.
Let us humbly surrender to the
immeasurable glory and boundless compassion of Sri Rayaru, whose divine
act bestowed liberation upon Venkanna. Words fail to capture the
magnificence of Sri Rayaru, for his grace transcends human
comprehension. Rayaru, the compassionate bestower of blessings,
unfailingly grants what is truly beneficial to his devoted souls,
guided by the karmic journey they tread.
Those who place
unwavering faith in Sri Rayaru like Venkanna find themselves enveloped
in his divine embrace, safeguarded not only in this present life but
also in countless lives to come. Oh, how fortunate are those who
wholeheartedly surrender to his divine presence! Sri Rayaru, the
embodiment of divine love, compassionately ensures their well-being and
spiritual progression, guiding them on the righteous path that leads to
eternal bliss.
Let us offer our prayers to Sri Raghavendra
Swamy, beseeching him to bless us with a mind that incessantly
contemplates his divine form and engages in righteous deeds. May our
hearts overflow with love and devotion, resonating with the sacred
chants that extol the glory of Sri Rayaru. In his divine radiance, may
we find solace and strength, traversing life's trials and tribulations
with unwavering faith and gratitude.
Sri Rayaru, the ocean of
compassion and mercy, we prostrate before you, seeking refuge in your
divine grace. May our lives be sanctified by your presence, and may we
forever remain under your benevolent protection. Guide us, dear Guru
Raya, in every step we take, so that our thoughts, words, and actions
are aligned with your divine will. Shower your blessings upon us,
enveloping us in the warmth of your divine love, and grant us the
supreme gift of eternal devotion. || Om Sri Raghavendraya Namaha ||
The devotion towards Sri Raghavendrateertharu is
the ultimate truth and is the most simple and effective way to reach to
Sri Hari - "NAMBI KETTAVARILLAVO EE GURUGALA"!
|| BICHALI JAPADAKATTI SRI APPANACHARYA PRIYA MANTRALAYA
SRI RAGHAVENDRATEERTHA GURUBHYO NAMAHA||