Mantralaya-2019

(Sri VadirajaTeertharu’s life story part 2)

Date : Dec 4, 2024


Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||


Background

Continuation of  Sri VadirajaTeertharu’s life story is described in Mantralaya (2019).

Meaning

In the earlier article on Mantralaya (2018), we delved into the miraculous birth of Sri Vadirajaru and the spiritual evolution that transformed him into one of the most revered saints in the Madhva lineage. His life was a divine tapestry woven with unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu, unparalleled intellect, and an unyielding commitment to spreading the teachings of Tattvavada (Dvaita philosophy).

Now, we continue exploring the luminous path of his divine journey, one that not only elevated his own soul but also left an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape for generations to come.

During his sacred travels, the venerable Sri Vadirajaru, a beacon of spiritual wisdom and devotion, chose to observe Chaturmasya in Pune. Chaturmasya, a period of spiritual retreat and discipline, was an opportunity for him to delve deeper into scriptural study and meditation on Lord Krishna’s glory. Pune, a city vibrant with intellectual and devotional pursuits, became the stage for an extraordinary episode that showcased Sri Vadirajaru’s unparalleled scholarship and devotion.

During a prestigious Vidwat Sabha, an esteemed conclave of scholars deliberating the greatest mahakavya (epic poem) in Sanskrit literature, the consensus leaned towards Magha’s Sisupala-vadha. Renowned for its intricate verses and literary brilliance, the work celebrated the demise of Sisupala at Lord Krishna’s hands. However, when Sri Vadirajaru learned of their decision, he felt a divine duty to offer a higher perspective. While acknowledging the literary merit of Sisupala-vadha, he was concerned that its theme—focusing on destruction—failed to fully glorify Lord Krishna’s transcendental greatness. With humility, he informed the Sabha of his own work, a scripturally aligned composition exalting Krishna’s virtues, and requested three weeks to retrieve the manuscript. Moved by his reasoning and devotion, the scholars agreed, eagerly anticipating his contribution.

Unbeknownst to the Sabha, Sri Vadirajaru had no such manuscript and instead composed one in just 19 days, trusting in divine grace. His epic, Rukminisa Vijaya, celebrated Krishna’s rescue of Rukmini, blending poetic brilliance with deep spiritual insights rooted in Dvaita philosophy. When he presented it to the Sabha, its grandeur, scriptural adherence, and artistic excellence astounded the scholars, who unanimously declared it the greatest mahakavya. The astonishing speed of its creation only heightened their admiration. To honor this literary and spiritual triumph, the manuscript was paraded through the streets of Pune atop a grandly adorned elephant, marking not only a celebration of Vadirajaru’s genius but also a testament to his unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna.

Today, Rukminisa Vijaya remains a shining example of what can be achieved when faith, intellect, and devotion come together. It is not just an epic but a testament to the power of unwavering trust in the divine and the brilliance it can inspire.

From Pune, Sri Vadirajaru resumed his pilgrimage, his heart ever brimming with devotion, and soon arrived at the sacred town of Pandharapura, home to the beloved Lord Vittala. Immersed in worship, he spent weeks in dedicated service, his days filled with prayer, teaching, and uplifting those who sought his wisdom.

One day, a distressed farmer approached  Sri Vadirajaru with a peculiar complaint. The man accused  Sri Vadirajaru of owning a white horse that grazed on his crops daily, leaving the fields barren. The farmer claimed the horse always disappeared near the temple, leading him to believe it belonged to  Sri Vadirajaru’s matha. Calm and compassionate,  Sri Vadirajaru assured the man that no horse resided in the matha but promised to investigate the matter.

Accompanying the farmer to his field, they discovered an astonishing sight: golden ears of corn had sprouted wherever the mysterious horse had grazed.  Sri Vadirajaru, his eyes filled with divine understanding, gently explained that the "horse" was none other than Lord Hayagriva, a celestial form of the Lord, blessing the farmer with abundance. Overwhelmed by this revelation, the farmer, now filled with gratitude and faith, surrendered his land to the matha, seeing it as a divine offering to the Lord.

Inspired by this miraculous event, Sri Vadirajaru composed the Dasavatara Stuti, a hymn extolling the ten incarnations of the Lord. The verses were set to a unique rhythm known as asvadhati, mirroring the majestic gait of a horse. Through this melody,  Sri Vadirajaru sought to capture the grace and divine presence of Lord Hayagriva, evoking the miracle for generations to come.

Sri Vadirajaru’s devotion to Lord Hayagriva extended beyond hymns to a unique form of naivedya (offering). With meticulous care and love,  Sri Vadirajaru prepared a sweet dish made of jaggery, almonds, ghee, and bengal gram. This dish, later known as Hayagriva Maddi, became his sacred offering. After prayer,  Sri Vadirajaru would hold the dish above his head in deep meditation. Miraculously, Lord Hayagriva, appearing as a radiant white horse, would descend, rest His forelegs on Vadirajaru’s shoulders, and consume the offering, leaving a small portion as prasada for his devotee.

On one fateful occasion, envious individuals sought to discredit  Sri Vadirajaru’s devotion. They maliciously added poison to the naivedya, intending to expose him as insincere. Unmoved by their schemes,  Sri Vadirajaru offered the dish with unwavering faith. To everyone’s astonishment, Lord Hayagriva consumed the entire dish, leaving nothing behind. The Lord then revealed the presence of poison, a bluish-green hue appearing on His divine icon as evidence. This act of protection silenced the doubters and reaffirmed the Lord’s unshakable bond with His devotee.To atone for the attempt to harm the Lord,  Sri Vadirajaru began offering the Sri Vadirajaru Gulla, a unique variety of eggplant. This continued until the discoloration on the icon faded, leaving only a subtle green streak on the neck—a timeless reminder of the Lord’s compassion and protection.

Today Vadiraja Gulla, also known as Mattu Gulla, is available in the Udupi area. This unique variety of brinjal (eggplant) is primarily cultivated in and around the village of Mattu, located approximately 10 kilometers from Udupi. The cultivation of Mattu Gulla is a tradition that dates back over 400 years, with its origins linked to the above incident. In Udupi cuisine, Mattu Gulla holds a special place and is widely used in dishes such as sambar, curries, and fritters. Its significance is further highlighted during the biennial Paryaya festival at the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, where dishes prepared from this brinjal variety are traditionally served.

At Udupi, Sri Vadirajaru’s vision extended to administrative reforms in Udupi. The original system allotted two-month periods for each of the eight mathas to manage the Krishna temple. While functional, it presented challenges like festival inequities and administrative inefficiencies.In 1532, Sri Vadirajaru restructured the system, granting each matha a two-year tenure. This allowed for equitable festival participation, efficient governance, and sufficient time for pilgrimage and outreach. The reforms revitalized the temple administration and continue to govern Udupi’s spiritual legacy.

Sri Vadirajru, a towering figure in the Madhva tradition, is celebrated for his unparalleled devotion, scholarship, and miraculous deeds that left an indelible mark on spiritual and cultural history. His life was a confluence of divine grace, compassion, and transformative acts. Here is a beautifully detailed account of some of his extraordinary contributions.

The Divine Rescuer - Sri Vadirajru once saved the life of a bridegroom by invoking the grace of the Lord through his poetic brilliance. He composed the Lakshmi Shobhane, a masterpiece in Kannada that glorified the divine wedding of Goddess Lakshmi. The composition not only brought divine blessings but also established itself as a treasured piece of devotional literature.

Miracles at Belur - In Belur, Sri Vadirajru performed a remarkable act when the chariot of Lord Chennakeshava, which had been immovable, was miraculously made to move with ease through his prayers and blessings. His divine intervention reaffirmed his spiritual stature and the Lord's grace.

Blessings to Vaikuntadasa - While staying in Belur, Sri Vadirajru bestowed a divine vision upon the devotee Vaikuntadasa. He revealed Lord Krishna in his infant form, joyfully playing nearby, leaving Vaikuntadasa overwhelmed with bliss and devotion.

Transforming Dharmasthala - At Dharmasthala, Sri Vadirajru installed a Shivalinga and consecrated it with a sacred Narasimha Saligrama. This act harmonized the worship of both Shaivites and Vaishnavites, transforming Dharmasthala into a revered center of devotion and unity.

Resolving Brahminical Discord - Sri Vadirajru played a pivotal role in resolving conflicts among the Brahmins of Kota and Koteshwara. He granted Vaishnava initiation (Vaishnavadiksha) to the Koteshwara Brahmins, accepting them as his disciples and fostering unity. Similarly, he restored the dignity of the excommunicated Brahmins of Mattu village, bringing them back into the spiritual fold.

Transforming Idols - In Mudabidare, Sri Vadirajru used his mystic powers to transform a Buddha idol into a form of Lord Vitthala. He worshipped this icon daily, infusing the region with Krishna Bhakti and redefining the spiritual landscape.

Elevating Bhutaraja - Sri Vadirajru resolved the effects of a curse that afflicted Sri Bhutaraja, blessing him with immense occult powers. Since then, Bhutaraja became the saint’s devoted attendant (Mukhyakinkara), serving him with unwavering loyalty.

Treasures of Tretayuga - During a financial crisis faced by Vijayanagara rulers Krishnadevaraya and Achyutadevaraya, Sri Vadirajru blessed them with a treasure from the Tretayuga, resolving their struggles. He also cured Achyutadevaraya of a severe illness, demonstrating his compassion and miraculous powers.

Rebuilding Udupi’s Heritage - Sri Vadiraja renovated the temples of Ananteshwara, Chandramouleshwara, and Sri Krishna in Udupi. He also established eight mutts (Ashta Mathas) around the car street, creating a lasting spiritual legacy for the region.

Recognition of Disciples - Sri Vadirajru initiated a celibate disciple into the monastic order, naming him Sri Vedavedyatirtha, thus ensuring the continuation of the Dvaita tradition.

Divine Interventions - Sri Vadirajru’s compassion extended even to Akbar, the Mughal prince, whom he saved from untimely death. He also recognized Kanakadasa’s pure devotion to Krishna and blessed him with divine grace.

Offerings to Lord Venkateshwara - Sri Vadiraja offered a garland of Saligramas to Lord Venkateshwara at Tirumala. In return, he received a divine icon of the Lord with Sri and Bhu devis, symbolizing the Lord’s blessings and favor.

The Icon of Trivikrama - Sri Vadirajru installed the Trivikrama idol in a temple he built in Sonda near Sirsi. The idol, blessed by Lord Vedavyasa and Sri Madhvacharya, was carried to Sonda by Bhutaraja. The worship of Trivikrama, particularly prescribed for Ruju souls in shastra, underscored Vadirajru’s elevated spiritual status as a Ruju.

Royal Honors - Sri Vadirajru was honored with the title Prasangabharanatirtha by King Veeravenkatapatiraya of the Vijayanagara dynasty in Penugonda in 1585 CE. He was also bestowed with the titles Sarvajnakalpam (akin to omniscience), Shattarkashanmukha (master of sixfold logic), and Jagadekamallavadi (unique among scholars).

In the picturesque landscapes of Dakshina Kannada, where the rivers Netravati and Kumaradhara converge, lies a place of divine wonder called Kati-Shivalaya. This sacred site is renowned for its natural rock formations, hundreds of which resemble Shiva lingas. Surrounded by lush greenery and serene vistas, the place has been a magnet for pilgrims drawn to its spiritual charm.

When Sri Vadirajaru visited Kati-Shivalaya with his retinue, his arrival drew throngs of people from nearby villages. The assembled devotees, eager to honor the naturally occurring lingas, yearned to perform abhisheka (ritual bathing). However, the rivers were nearly dry, and the lack of water made such a large-scale offering impossible.When this dilemma reached Sri Vadirajaru, his compassionate heart moved swiftly to address the issue. Taking his danda (staff), Sri Vadirajaru drew a line in the sandy terrain and prayed fervently to the Lord. In an awe-inspiring miracle, water began to spring forth from the very line he had drawn, forming a large, flowing stream.The gathered devotees were overwhelmed with joy and reverence. With newfound abundance, they performed abhisheka to their hearts' content, offering their gratitude to both Lord Shiva and Sri Vadirajaru for this divine blessing. The miracle of the water stream, flowing to this day, immortalized the event in local lore. The stream came to be known as Danda Teertha, a sacred site that continues to draw pilgrims who marvel at its divine origin and serene beauty.

Sri Vadirajru life exemplifies a harmonious blend of scholarship, devotion, and divine grace. His legacy remains an eternal source of inspiration for devotees, scholars, and seekers on the path of Dharma.

In next series we will continue about Sri VadirajaTeertharu.

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||