Mantralaya-1091
(Narashima Jayanti, Shodasha Bahu Narasimha Devaru and Sri VibudhendraTheertharu)
Date : May 22, 2024
Background
Dear Devotees : Namaskara.
| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||
SATYAMEVA JAYATI NA ANRUTA
Background
Narashima Jayanti, Shodasha Bahu Narasimha Devaru and Sri VibudhendraTheertharu described in Mantralaya (1091).
Meaning
On
May 21, 2024, we marked Narasimha Jayanti. It's an especially cherished
festival at Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt because of the presence of
Shodasha Bahu Narasimha Devaru, the 16-armed Narasimha bestowed by the
Lord to Sri VibhudendraTeertharu.
In this series, let's explore the identity of Sri VibudhendraTheertharu and the origins of Shodasha Bahu Narasimha Devaru.
The
name Sri VibudhendraTheertharu resonates with unparalleled reverence
and positive energy among scholars across India. Known as the
Commander-in-Chief of Dvaita philosophy, he was instrumental in
protecting, nurturing, and spreading its teachings far and wide across
the Indian subcontinent. As the 11th Peetadhipathi of Sriman
Madhwacharya Moola Mahasamsthana Sri Raghavendra Swamy mutt.His
contributions to the Dvaita tradition remain monumental and enduring.
Sri
VibudhendraTheertharu's purva ashrama name is Sri Raghunatha
Bhatta, emerged as a luminary figure in the realms of philosophy and
spirituality during ancient India. Under the tutelage of Sri Rajendra
Theertharu , Raghunatha Bhatta's intellectual prowess blossomed,
mastering the intricacies of Vedic wisdom, Shastras, and the Dvaita
philosophy.
Driven by a vision to propagate Madhwa Siddhanta in
the intellectually vibrant eastern regions of India, Sri
RajendraTheertharu assembled a team of exceptional scholars, including
Sri Raghunatha Bhatta. Their mission: to engage in scholarly debates
and establish the supremacy of Dvaita philosophy. Sri Raghunatha Bhatta
emerged as a key figure in this endeavor, leading the charge to
disseminate Madhwa Siddhanta in regions like Navadweepa, akin to the
intellectual prowess of Kashi.
The meeting between Sri
RamachandraTeertharu and Sri VibudhendraTeertharu was a momentous
occasion that changed the course of history. Recognizing Vibudhendra's
exceptional knowledge and spiritual wisdom, RamachandraTeertharu
appointed him as his successor and was charged with the important
responsibility of preserving and promoting Madhwa Siddhanta. With
steadfast dedication, Sri Vibudhendraru embarked on a mission to uphold
the principles of Dvaita philosophy, ensuring its continuity and
dissemination to future generations.
Sri Vibudhendra Theertha's
tenure was characterized by extensive travels and rigorous
philosophical debates. He ventured across the Vijayanagara Empire,
engaging scholars of diverse philosophies and emerging victorious, thus
cementing the superiority of Dvaita philosophy. His commitment to
defending Madhwa Siddhanta was unwavering, even abstaining from alms
until he had proven the supremacy of his beliefs.
Sri
VibudhendraTheertharu's contributions extended far beyond philosophical
debates. He established a university in Thirunalveli, serving as a
beacon of Dvaita scholarship. His teachings nurtured several prominent
scholars, including Sri Lakshminarayana Muni, known as Sreepadaraja.
Sri VibudhendraTheertharu's legacy endured through his disciples, who
carried forth the torch of Dvaita philosophy, ensuring its perpetuation
and growth for generations to come.
Allow me to weave the
captivating narrative of Shodasha Babhu Narasimha Devaru, an icon
cherished and venerated for countless generations within the sacred
confines of Sri Rayaru Mutt.
As a fervent devotee of Lord
Narasimha, Sri VibhudendraTeertharu dedicated many years to worshipping
the deity in Ahobila. One night, VibhudendraTeertharu was blessed with
a divine dream where Lord Narasimha appeared before him, adorned with
sixteen arms, bestowing his divine blessings upon Sri
VibhudendraTeertharu.
The following day, as Sri
VibhudendraTeertharu performed his morning rituals by the Bhavanaashini
river, VibhudendraTeertharu stumbled upon a sight straight from his
dream—a magnificent and exceedingly rare icon of Narasimha with sixteen
arms. The awe-inspiring deity held various weapons in fourteen hands,
while in the remaining two, Narasimha gripped the demon Hiranyakashipu,
ready to vanquish him. The intensity of the divine fury mirrored the
abject terror on Hiranyakashipu's face, capturing the moment of
impending doom.
Mesmerized by the majestic theme portrayed in
the icon, Sri Vibhudendra Teertha worshipped it fervently until his
final days. With reverence, he passed the sacred duty to his disciple
Sri Jitamitra Teertha, who, in turn, continued the tradition. Through
generations, this divine idol has been worshipped, cherished, and
passed down. Sri Raghavendra Teertha, among others, offered his
devotion to the Shodashabhau Narasimha Devaru, and today, it is revered
by Sri SubhudendraTeertharu, continuing the sacred legacy.
In
the Rayara Sri Mutt, the Shodasha-bahu Narasimha icon is worshipped
following the principles set forth by Acharya Madhva in his work
‘Tantra Sara Sangraha’. Madhva stipulated that icons larger than a
human palm require special rituals, including nyAsa, which are
time-consuming. Consequently, the principal icons of the Matha,
including Sri Moola Rama and Shodasha-bahu Narasimha, receive
full-fledged worship, including abhishekha, only once or twice a year
on very special occasions.
One such special occasion is Vaishaka
Shukla Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day in the bright half of the Hindu
lunar month of Vaishakha, commemorating the incarnation of Lord
Narasimha. On this auspicious day, the Shodasha-bahu Narasimha icon is
offered full-fledged worship, including abhishekha, honoring the
significance of the Lord's incarnation.
On May 21st, 2024 like
every year, a joyous festivity came alive as Peethadhipati Sri Sri
SubhudendraTeertharu chose to honor Narashima Jayanti in a truly
splendid manner.The atmosphere was transformed into a realm of beauty,
with vibrant flowers adorning every corner, their colors dancing in the
gentle breeze. As the sun began to rise, casting its golden glow over
the gathering, the air became filled with the melodious chants of
ancient Vedic hymns, their sacred verses weaving a tapestry of divine
energy. It was a scene of awe and reverence, as devotees gathered to
witness the grandeur of the occasion, feeling their spirits uplifted by
the palpable sense of devotion that permeated the air.
Sri
SubhudendraTeertharu began the day with a sankalpa for the abhisheka to
Lord Narasimha. As soon as SubhudendraTeertharu revealed the
Shodasha-bahu icon from its enclosure, an overpowering wave of
devotion, awe, and ecstasy swept through the gathered devotees. The
assembly of devotees began chanting the Sri Shodashabahu Nrusimhastaka,
composed by Sri VijayeendraTeertharu.
To the accompaniment of
Vedic chants, Swamiji performed the abhisheka of Lord Narasimha with
meticulous adherence to prescribed rituals. The icon was then anointed
with specially prepared sandalwood paste, completing the main portion
of the abhisheka. Following this, Srigalu performed the pooja for Sri
Moola Rama Devaru. Finally, the Shodasha-bahu Narasimha icon was
ceremonially returned to its enclosure.
The splendor and
magnificence of the ceremony, coupled with the profound joy that fills
the hearts of devotees, are beyond the reach of words. This
extraordinary event must be experienced to be truly comprehended.
We
stand in profound reverence as we witness the sacred ritual of worship
performed by Sri SubhudendraTeertharu, honoring Shodasha Bahu Narasimha
Devaru. Our heads bow in awe and gratitude to Sri VibudendraTeertharu
and the illustrious lineage of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt.
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||