Mantralaya-2015

(An incident that underscores the compassion of Sri Raghavendra Swamy )

Date : Nov 6, 2024


Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

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

Background

An incident that underscores the compassion of Sri Raghavendra Swamy and the power of faith is described in Mantralaya (2015).

Meaning

This week, I will share a real incident that beautifully exemplifies the unwavering faith, mantra siddhi, and divine power of our compassionate Mantralaya Rayaru.

Once, a family deeply devoted to Sri Raghavendra Swamy came to Mantralaya, seeking divine guidance to resolve some longstanding challenges affecting their home. They all lived together under one roof, yet each was burdened by their own heartfelt concerns. For one family member, the path to marriage seemed fraught with obstacles, with each proposal mysteriously slipping away. For another, the blessing of children remained an unfulfilled dream, with every hope turning into disappointment.

With unwavering faith, the family turned to the sacred presence of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, trusting that his blessings and compassion would help them find a way forward.

They took a holy dip in the Tungabhadra River, a sacred act symbolizing purification and renewal. The Tungabhadra holds deep spiritual significance, flowing with a purity revered for generations. Originating in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, the Tunga and Bhadra rivers start their journeys separately, eventually merging at Koodli near Shivamogga to form the Tungabhadra. From this confluence, this river flows eastward through Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, blessing many holy sites along its way before reaching the revered town of Mantralaya.

The Tungabhadra River is cherished not only for its life-giving waters but also for its sanctity; it is often regarded as a source of pure, nourishing water. Pilgrims believe that a holy dip here washes away burdens and renews the soul, making it an essential part of any visit to the Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra Swamy.

After taking a sacred dip in the Tungabhadra River, the family, feeling renewed, proceeded to offer heartfelt prayers to Manchalemma and Hanumantha Devaru. Filled with faith, they then approached the Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, laying their problems at his feet and praying for his guidance and blessings.

Following the Darshana, they were granted an audience with the presiding Swamiji. They humbly explained their troubles, seeking his guidance. Swamiji listened with compassion, then asked his assistant to bring a small box, carefully sealed and containing holy Mrutika and an idol. Holding this box reverently, Swamiji chanted the Sri Raghavendra Gurustotra with deep devotion, invoking Rayaru’s blessings for the family.

With his prayer complete, Swamiji handed the box to the family, instructing them to keep it in their pooja room as a sacred presence. Swamiji gently advised them not to open the box, but simply to worship it daily with trust in Rayaru’s grace. With these blessings, the family left with renewed hope and faith that their prayers would soon be answered.

The family returned to their hometown, carrying with them the blessings and sacred box given by Swamiji. Following his instructions, they placed the box in their pooja room and worshiped it daily with devotion and unwavering faith in Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s grace.

As the days passed, they began to see positive changes unfold in their lives. The one longing for a life partner found a wonderful match, and soon they were blessed with a joyous marriage. The family member who had yearned for children was blessed as well, welcoming the warmth of a child into their lives. The home, once burdened with worry, now echoed with laughter, joy, and gratitude.

Each of their challenges had gently resolved, leaving them in awe of the grace and protection of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. Filled with happiness and gratitude, they continued their prayers with renewed faith, grateful for the divine presence that had blessed their family so abundantly.

One day, as they gathered in the pooja room, a curiosity began to stir within them—a desire to open the box and see the Mrutika and the idol inside. Though the elderly family member reminded everyone of Swamiji’s instruction not to open it, the others couldn’t resist their urge to witness the sacred contents.

Carefully, they lifted the lid. But to their astonishment, the box was empty. There was no Mrutika, no idol—just an unexplainable void. Silence fell over them as they realized the profound significance of what had happened.

This unexpected revelation raised several questions. If the box was empty, then what was the source of the miraculous blessings that had transformed their lives? And why had Swamiji given them an empty box?

Here’s what truly happened: when Swamiji requested the box, his assistant, who usually prepared these blessed offerings, had accidentally forgotten to place the Mrutika and idol inside. Yet, the power of Swamiji’s mantra siddhi—the spiritual mastery and divine connection he held with Sri Rayaru—ensured that the blessings would reach this family regardless.

Though the box was empty in a physical sense, Swamiji’s faith and powerful prayers had invoked Rayaru’s divine presence, infusing it with the sacred energy as if the Mrutika were indeed there. Sri Raghavendra Swamy, in his boundless compassion, had listened to Swamiji’s heartfelt invocation and blessed the family, demonstrating that faith and devotion transcend the physical—divine grace needs no physical form to manifest.

This experience beautifully illustrated the profound power of faith that the family held for Sri Raghavendra Swamy. In that moment of revelation, they realized that faith isn’t merely about what we can see with our eyes; it’s about the deep belief that dwells within our hearts. The divine presence of Rayaru had touched their lives, showering them with blessings and joy that were beyond measure.

With a newfound understanding, they closed the empty box, embracing the invaluable lesson of trust and surrender that Sri Raghavendra Swamy had imparted to them. They recognized that even in the absence of physical evidence, their unwavering faith could attract divine grace and miracles. This journey not only strengthened their devotion but also deepened their connection with Rayaru, reminding them that true spirituality is rooted in belief, love, and surrender to the divine will.

This remarkable incident underscores the profound mantra siddhi of Swamiji and his unwavering faith in Sri Raghavendra Swamy. As Swamiji chanted the Sri Gurustotra over the empty box, invoking the sacred energies through his heartfelt prayers, a divine connection was established. In that sacred moment, Sri Rayaru smiled down upon Swamiji, bestowing his blessings upon him and the family.

Though the box appeared empty, it was filled with the divine energy that Rayaru imparted, a testament to the strength of belief and devotion. The family, touched by this miraculous blessing, understood that true spiritual power transcends physical forms. It was a beautiful reminder that, when anchored in faith, one can invoke the presence of the divine, and that miracles often manifest in the most unexpected ways.

This is why Sri Yogindra Teertharu lovingly referred to Sri Raghavendra Swamy as "Namo Atyanta Dayaluve," the One of boundless compassion.


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||