Mantralaya-1076

(The remarkable compassion and miraculous intervention of Sri RaghavendraTeertharu)

Date : Feb 7, 2024

Background

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||
SATYAMEVA   JAYATI NA ANRUTA


Background

The remarkable compassion and miraculous intervention of Sri RaghavendraTeertharu towards a devotee are vividly recounted in Mantralaya(1076).

Meaning

In earlier Mantralaya articles, we learned about Sri Raghavendra Teertharu, the embodiment of Sri Prahlada and Vyas Rajaru, possessing the Vayu and Shesha Amsha, residing in Brindavana, deeply engaged in Sri Hari meditation, sustaining his physical form for 700 years to come. Additionally, we explored the scientific principles behind respiration and its implications for human longevity in one of the articles.

In the divine wonders, Sri RaghavendraTeertharu shines as a symbol of endless kindness. Rayaru is known for helping those in need with a gentle touch that calms their troubles. People often recount the miraculous interventions of Sri Rayaru, where he responds to prayers with divine grace. Devotees like Hari Dasaru, including Vijaya Dasaru and Gopala Dasaru, alongside the entire Dasara lineage, have crafted countless compositions extolling Rayaru's benevolent nature. Hari Dasa’s have sung with profound devotion, emphasizing Sri Rayaru's generous spirit, often likening him to the wish-fulfilling cow, Kamadhenu, and the divine wish-fulfilling tree, Kalpavruksha, of the Kali Yuga era.

Let's delve into one of the many acts of kindness shown by Sri Rayaru through a miraculous incident involving Sri Hanumanth of Bijapur.

Sri Hanumanthraya, once a respected kulkarni, faced a sudden loss of vision in his mid-life. Advised by someone to seek solace in Mantralaya, he embarked on a journey to the sacred place and dedicated himself to serving there. However, in a dream, Sri Rayaru directed him to travel to Bangalore.

Interpreting this as a sign to seek medical help, Hanumanthraya journeyed to Bangalore and consulted with doctors, hoping for a cure. Sadly, the diagnosis was disheartening; the doctors informed him that his vision could not be restored through surgery or any other treatment. Disheartened by the bleak prognosis from the doctors, Hanumanthraya found himself overwhelmed with despair. Feeling lost and unsure of his future as a visually impaired person, he sought guidance from those around him. It was then that someone suggested he seek refuge and solace at the SeethaPati Agrahara Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Bangalore, assuring him that by dedicating himself to service there, all his needs would be provided for.

With unwavering devotion and a glimmer of hope, Hanumanthraya made his way to the SeethaPati Agrahara Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt. There, he poured out his heart to the manager, sharing his tale of sorrow and uncertainty. He expressed his dire circumstances, explaining that he lacked even the means to secure a single meal each day. Touched by his plight, the manager compassionately agreed to accommodate him at the Mutt and offered him the opportunity to serve.

Grateful for the refuge and sustenance provided by the Mutt, Hanumanthraya embraced his daily duties with fervent dedication, finding solace in his acts of service and in the nourishment of his soul through devotion. Despite the challenges posed by his blindness, Hanumanthraya faced the daunting task of bathing and circumambulating the Brindavana with unwavering determination and devotion. Every day, he persevered through these rituals, relying solely on the strength of his faith. With reverence, he applied Padodaka, the sacred water from Sri Raghavendra Swamy's Jala Abhisheka, and dutifully made offerings by donating whatever little he received to the Hundi, embodying the essence of selflessness and devotion in his every action.

After six months of dedicated service, Hanumanthraya's unwavering commitment caught the attention of a person one day. This person presented him with a precious gemstone and advised him to dip it in the Padodaka and apply it to his eyes. Trusting in the suggestion, Hanumanthraya followed the instructions diligently, applying the Padodaka to his eyes through the precious stone as directed.. As the days went by, one auspicious Thursday during Maha Mangalauti, a miraculous sight unfolded before Hanumanthraya's eyes. Suddenly, he found himself beholding the sacred Brindavana of Sri Rayaru. Overwhelmed with astonishment and gratitude, he exclaimed with joy, "I can see, I can see!" “ Sri Rayaru gave the gift of my sight”. With tears of joy streaming down his face, Hanumanthraya fervently chanted, "Om Sri Raghavendraya Namaha," in profound reverence and gratitude for the divine intervention that had transformed his life.

On that night, within the realm of dreams, Sri Raghavendra Teertharu manifested before Hanumanthraya. With divine compassion, Sri Rayaru conveyed, "I have granted you the gift of one eye. However, it is not within your karma for me to bestow the other. Therefore, do not linger here to seek it. Instead, return to your hometown tomorrow and embrace a life of happiness." Understanding the divine will, Hanumanthraya accepted Sri Rayaru's guidance gratefully, ready to embark on the next chapter of his journey with newfound clarity and contentment.

Waking up with a happy heart, Hanumanthraya was ready to follow Sri Rayaru's advice and head back to Bijapur. But he faced a problem - he didn't have money for the journey. Thankfully, the Mutt manager came forward and gave him the money, saying it was on Sri Rayaru's instructions. With gratitude in his heart, Hanumanthraya accepted the assistance, feeling blessed by the divine providence that continued to guide his path.

With tears of joy, Hanumanthraya couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by Sri Rayaru's incredible kindness. Even though he was just a poor man, Sri Rayaru had taken care of him, given him back his sight, and now provided him with money for his journey home. With a heart full of gratitude, Hanumanthraya set off, singing "NAMBI KETTAVARILLAVO EE GURUGALA," believing strongly that those who trust in their Guru will never be let down. Throughout his journey, this belief gave him strength and reassurance.

In Sri Raghavendra Guru Stora , Sri Appanacharya

||Aparoksheekritashreeshaha Samupekshitabhaavajaha |
   Apekshitapradaataanyo Raaghavendraanna Vidyate ||

Overall, the verse emphasizes Sri Guru Raghavendra's extraordinary capacity to anticipate and fulfill the desires of his devotees without them needing to articulate their wishes explicitly. It highlights his unparalleled role as a provider of blessings and boons.

My father has deeply rooted in me the belief that when all worldly doors seem closed, there's always the open door of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, ready to welcome you. Sri RaghavendraTeertharu's unwavering devotion to Sri Hari ensures that Sri Hari listens to him directly, leading to the ongoing miracles that occur through the grace of Sri Rayaru, a tradition expected to endure indefinitely.

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||