Mantralaya-2020

(Sri VadirajaTeertharu’s life story part 2)

Date : Dec 11, 2024


Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

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


Background

The conclusion of Part 3 of Sri VadirajaTeertharu’s life, is described in Mantralaya (2020).

Meaning

In the last two Mantralaya series, we explored the divine birth and illustrious life of Sri Vadirajaru, delving into his spiritual achievements, devotion, and contributions to Dvaita philosophy. In this series, we will shift our focus to the final days of Sri Vadirajaru. These moments reflect the sanctity, wisdom, and transcendence of a life wholly dedicated to the service of Lord Vishnu and the upliftment of humanity. Through this, we will witness how Sri Vadirajaru's spiritual legacy continues to inspire devotees.

As the illustrious life of Sri Vadirajaru drew to its conclusion,  Sri Vadirajaru fulfilled all the divine mandates entrusted to him by Lord Vedavyasa. He had accomplished every task he had promised: dispelling doubts and delusions of the learned, uplifting the virtuous, and spreading the glory of Lord Hari. With his mission complete, Sri  Sri Vadirajaru prepared for his voluntary departure from the mortal realm.

Aware of the approaching end, Sri  Sri Vadirajaru fixed the date and time for his departure. Under his guidance, five Brindavanas (sacred resting places) were constructed with the help of Arasappanayaka and Ramachandranayaka. Once completed, he consecrated them with great devotion and worshipped these Brindavanas for several years.  Sri Vadirajaru installed an idol of Lord Vedavyasa before the central Brindavana and built a small temple for Bhutaraja in the corridor.  Sri Vadirajaru also renovated the sacred pond Dhavalaganga, further sanctifying the area.

A week before the chosen day, a celestial plane descended, carrying heavenly messengers sent by Lord Indra. They respectfully requested  Sri Vadirajaru to ascend to their realm. However, the saint declined. “I will not leave this mortal world,” he said, “until the completion of the Utsava (festival) of Lord Trivikrama.”  Sri Vadirajaru instructed the divine messengers to rest under the peepal tree until the celebrations concluded.

True to his word, Sri Vadirajaru conducted the grand Utsava of Lord Trivikrama with unparalleled splendor and devotion. He also gave instructions for its annual continuation, ensuring the tradition would persist.

On the appointed day, Sri Vadirajaru began his final journey with unwavering devotion. Sri Vadirajaru worshipped Lord Hayagriva, Lord Bhuvaraha, Lord Trivikrama, and Sri Madhvacharya, expressing his gratitude to the divine forms he had served throughout his life. Sri Vadirajaru expressed gratitude and respect to his Guru Sri Vaysarajaru and Guru Sri Vagisha Theertharu for the knowledge and blessing that has bestowed on him. Sri Sri Vadirajaru blessed the pontiffs Sri Vedavedya and Sri Vedanidhi, his chosen successors, along with countless devotees. Offering parting messages and divine boons, he entered the central Brindavana alive.

Sitting in a meditative pose, Sri Sri Vadirajaru controlled his breath and entered a deep spiritual state.As instructed, the front door of the Brindavana was sealed, and the celestial bells and gongs echoed as the divine plane departed. Moments later, Sri Vadirajaru appeared in the same form aboard the plane, granting his upper garment and golden sandals to his disciples. These relics, infused with his presence, are still revered today.

The sacred Brindavana became a source of spiritual solace, where Sri Sri Vadirajaru continues to dwell, blessing devotees. His divine presence is believed to manifest in five luminous forms, mirroring the five life energies Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana, Samana, akin to the five forms of Lord Hari Aniruddha, Pradyumna, Sankarshana, Vasudeva, Narayana.

Sri Vadirajaru’s life as the head of the Vedantic seat lasted 120 years—an unparalleled tenure. His extraordinary contributions to philosophy, literature, and devotion are reflected in his works, which span multiple languages including Sanskrit, Kannada, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, and Tulu.

Literary Masterpieces: Sri Vadirajaru’s works, numbering over 100, include hymns, epics, commentaries, and philosophical treatises. Each is marked by clarity, depth, and poetic elegance, seamlessly blending Vedantic truths with literary artistry.

Versatile Contributions: In Kannada, Sri Vadirajaru composed devotional songs like Padas, Suladis, Ugabhogas, and others. In Sanskrit, his writings encompassed Mahakavyas, Khandakavyas, Prameyakavyas, Darshanakavyas, and Stotras, each enriched with profound reasoning and poetic beauty.

Philosophical Depth: Sri Vadirajaru’s works elucidated the intricacies of Dvaita Vedanta while retaining a universal appeal through their simplicity and eloquence.

Sri Vadirajaru’s teachings and miracles extended beyond his mortal life. Through dream visions, he imparted knowledge to an ardent disciple, enabling the composition of Sri Svapna Brindavanaakhyana, a profound text capturing his divine greatness and Rujutva (special spiritual status). This work remains a cornerstone of understanding Sri Vadirajaru’s glory.

Today, the Brindavana at Sonda stands as a sanctuary of divine grace, drawing thousands of devotees daily. It is a haven for those seeking solace, inspiration, and a connection to the divine. His sandals, regarded as Chalapratika (living representation), continue to radiate his blessings, particularly on the annual Aradhana day.

Sri Vadirajaru’s life, filled with unwavering devotion, intellectual brilliance, and miraculous deeds, continues to inspire generations. His contributions to Indian philosophy, literature, and spirituality are timeless, securing his place as one of the greatest saints in history.

Sri Vadirajaru shares a profound spiritual connection with Sri Raghavendra Swamy, highlighting the deep interplay of divinity and devotion within the Dvaita tradition. The immense spiritual power and social influence that Sri Vadirajaru wielded stand as a testament to the greatness of his Guru, Sri Vyasarajaru.Sri Vyasarajaru, revered as a spiritual giant in his own right, later incarnated as Sri Raghavendra Swamy, continuing his divine mission. Sri Raghavendra Swamy, known for his unparalleled devotion and miraculous powers, entered Brindavana alive with his physical body, an act that epitomizes his transcendental connection to the divine and eternal service to Lord Vishnu.

This lineage of saints exemplifies the uninterrupted flow of divine wisdom and power, with each incarnation fulfilling a unique yet interconnected role in the preservation and propagation of dharma. Their lives inspire countless devotees and demonstrate the unity of purpose among these spiritual luminaries.

We are truly blessed to be born in a land graced by the presence of divine saints like Sri Vadirajaru and Sri Raghavendra Swamy. Let us bow our heads in complete devotion and pray to these great saints for their guidance and blessings. May they inspire us to walk steadfastly on the path of righteousness.

With humility, let us surrender all our sins—whether committed knowingly or unknowingly—at their sacred feet, seeking forgiveness and spiritual clarity. Let us pray for the strength and wisdom to lead lives free from such mistakes in the future, dedicating ourselves to a journey of devotion, self-improvement, and service to the divine.


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||