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||