Mantralaya-2021
(Sri Raghavendra Swamy visit to Udupi Sri Krishna part 1)
Date : Dec 18, 2024
Dear Devotees : Namaskara.
| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||
Background
Part 1 of Sri Raghavendra Swamy visit to Udupi Sri Krishna is described in Mantralaya (2021).
Meaning
In the next two articles, let us delve into the profound devotion surrounding Sri RaghavendraTeertharu's sacred visit to Udupi.
The
very name Udupi evokes visions of Lord Krishna's boundless grace, the
profound wisdom of Sri Madhwacharyaru, the spiritual brilliance of Sri
Vadirajaru, and the divine legacy of Sri Raghavendra Swamiji. It brings
to mind the serene beauty of its sacred landscapes and the warm
kindness of its people, who steadfastly preserve our timeless
traditions with unmatched devotion and love.
Sri Raghavendra
Swami embarked on a divine spiritual journey with the noble purpose of
uplifting humanity, spreading the profound wisdom of ancient vedic
knowledge, and propagating the timeless Madhwa philosophy. During this
sacred journey, Sri Rayaru performed countless miracles, alleviating
the sorrows and misfortunes of many, bringing hope and solace to their
lives. With utmost humility, Sri Rayaru attributed all these miracles
to the grace of Sri Hari, emphasizing that even the smallest particle
within an atom cannot move without the divine will and blessing of the
Supreme Lord. The Sanskrit phrase "Tena Vina Trunamapi Na Chalati"
translates to "Without Him, not even a blade of grass moves."This
phrase emphasizes the omnipotence and all-encompassing will of the
Supreme Being, often identified as Sri Hari or God. It signifies that
every action in the universe, no matter how small or insignificant,
occurs only by the will and grace of the Divine. It is a profound
reminder of the dependence of all creation on the Supreme Power and the
idea that nothing happens without His consent or blessing.
After
his visit to Madurai, Sri Raghavendra Swami journeyed to Srirangam,
Namakallu, and Vellore before heading towards Karnataka. Along the way,
Sri Rayaru visited Vishnumangala, a place of great historical and
spiritual significance where Trivikrama Panditacharya had engaged in a
fifteen-day debate with Acharya Madhwa. From there, he proceeded to
Subramanya and finally arrived in the sacred town of Udupi, the
spiritual heart of Madhwa philosophy.
Let us embark on a journey to explore the sacred and divine beauty of Udupi.
Nestled
along the calm coastline of Karnataka, Udupi is a gem that beautifully
blends nature and spirituality into a seamless harmony. Known for its
untouched beaches, lush greenery, and ancient temples, this quaint town
invites visitors to discover peace, beauty, and a deep connection to
the divine. Every breath taken in the sacred presence of Udupi
resonates with the grace of the divine Sri Madhwacharyaru and the
boundless blessings of Sri Krishna, enveloping the soul in a profound
sense of spiritual harmony and devotion.
At sunrise, the golden
light slowly spreads over the Arabian Sea, turning the waters into a
shimmering canvas. The waves seem to carry whispers of ancient wisdom,
while the soft breeze brings the refreshing scent of salt and flowers,
awakening a sense of calm and wonder.
As you move further
inland, Udupi reveals its lush, vibrant landscapes, where nature
thrives in every shade of green. Tall coconut palms and banana trees
sway gracefully in the breeze, their leaves moving in perfect rhythm
with the earth's calm heartbeat. Endless fields of green stretch into
the distance, offering a soothing sight that eases the mind and soul.
The air is alive with the gentle chirping of birds and the soft rustle
of leaves, creating a peaceful melody that refreshes even the most
tired spirits.Bright, colorful flowers dot the landscape, their sweet
fragrances filling the air and stirring a sense of spirituality. In
this serene harmony of nature, one feels an undeniable connection to
the divine.
In the midst of this natural beauty stands the soul
of Udupi—the Sri Krishna Temple. This ancient temple, with its
intricate carvings and peaceful atmosphere, has been a center of
devotion for generations. The famous Kanakana Kindi, a small window
that offers a sacred view of Lord Krishna’s idol, holds a mystical
charm, drawing devotees closer to the divine. The temple’s traditions,
like serving delicious Prasadam, reflect the values of humility,
selfless service, and divine blessings.
As evening falls, Udupi
becomes even more magical. The setting sun paints the sky in hues of
orange and pink, while the distant sound of temple bells signals the
start of evening prayers. Whether sitting by the sea or strolling
through the quiet streets, a sense of peace surrounds you, offering
comfort and reflection.
The idol of Sri Krishna in Udupi holds a
profound and divine history. Devaki, Krishna’s mother, wished to relive
the cherished memories of Krishna’s childhood, while Rukmini yearned to
witness the playful pranks of her beloved husband during his early
years. Understanding their heartfelt desires, Lord Krishna instructed
Viswakarma, the celestial architect, to sculpt an idol of him as a
young child. This sacred idol was crafted from a single large Shaligram
stone, radiating divine energy and beauty.
The idol was
initially worshipped by Rukmini with deep devotion for many years. Over
time, it was passed on to Arjuna, who continued the tradition of
worship. As centuries passed, the idol was venerated by countless
devotees in Dwaraka. The daily application of sandalwood paste during
rituals eventually covered the idol entirely, concealing its intricate
features beneath layers of fragrant paste.
However, during the
catastrophic flood that marked the end of Lord Krishna’s earthly era,
Dwaraka was submerged by the sea. In this deluge, the
sandalwood-encrusted idol of Lord Krishna was swept away and lost in
the depths of the ocean.
Later, in the Kali Yuga, the divine
idol was rediscovered by the great Acharya Madhwaru in the 13th century
AD. While meditating near the shores of Malpe, Acharya Madhwaru
witnessed a miraculous event where a lump of Gopichandana (sacred
sandalwood clay) washed ashore. Recognizing the divine presence within,
he carefully retrieved the idol from the clay.With great reverence and
devotion, Madhwacharyaru installed the idol of Sri Krishna in Udupi,
establishing the now-famous Sri Krishna Matha. This installation not
only revived the worship of the idol but also cemented Udupi as a
spiritual center where the divine play of Balakrishna continues to
inspire devotees to this day.
The temple's architecture is a
harmonious blend of Dravidian, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara styles,
reflecting the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the region.
Upon
entering, the temple office lies to the right, and a short walk ahead
leads to the Madhwa Sarovara, a sacred tank steeped in history.
Madhwa sarovara holds a great significance. During the early years of
Sri Madhwacharyaru, when he was still a young boy, a divine event
unfolded that left an everlasting mark on history. Acharyar Madhwaru
expressed his desire to undertake a pilgrimage to Badari, but his
preceptor, Achyuta Prajna, could not bear the thought of being
separated from his gifted disciple. Filled with devotion and
uncertainty, Achyuta Prajna prayed fervently, and in response, a divine
voice assured him: "The Acharya Madhwaru need not travel north to seek
the Ganges. The sacred Ganges river will flow south to seek him."
True
to this divine promise, an extraordinary phenomenon occurred. In the
southwest corner of the tank near the temple, a column of white,
pristine waters sprang forth, signifying the descent of the sacred
Ganges. The people of the region, overwhelmed with awe, joined
Madhwacharyaru in taking a holy dip in the tank, which now held the
sanctity of the Ganges itself. This miraculous event is recorded in the
Madhwa Vijaya, which further recounts that once every twelve years, the
sacred Ganges revisits this holy tank.
Even in modern times,
this divine occurrence continues to inspire faith. During the Paryaya
of Sri Vibudhapriya Swamiji, the Ganges reappeared, and a small shrine
was built in its honor at the spot where the waters first emerged. To
this day, Swamijis performing their rituals at the tank offer worship
at this sacred shrine.
At the center of the Madhwa Sarovara, as
the tank came to be known, stands a beautiful mantapa. On the twelfth
day of the Kartika month, a ritual known as Tulasi Kshiraabdhi takes
place here, where milk is poured on the Tulasi plant, symbolizing
devotion and purity.
The tank comes alive during the grand
Teppotsava (boat festival). Thousands of lamps light up its edges,
their reflections dancing on the water, creating an enchanting vision
that feels like Lord Varuna himself offering Aarti to the divine. The
serene beauty and sacred energy of the tank transform it into a
celestial realm, deeply moving all who witness it.
Originally
called AnantaTirtha, the tank was renamed Madhwa Sarovara to honor the
sacred descent of the Ganges for Sri Madhwacharyaru. It stands as a
timeless testament to the divine bond between the Acharya and the
sacred river, continuing to inspire devotees with its legacy of grace
and miracles.
The main entrance to the shrine lies to the west,
adorned with a statue of Chenna Keshava, marking what was once the
eastern entrance to the sanctum. This door, now closed except on
Vijayadashami, is used by Swamijis to bring the nine sacred corns for
the harvest feast, symbolizing its significance in temple rituals.
A
golden palanquin, donated by the 33rd pontiff Sri Vidyapurna Thirtha
Swamiji, rests near the Anuyaaga Sale, where priests perform oblations
to the fire deity. To the west is the Surya Sale, a hall resonating
with recitations of Vedas, Puranas, and the works of Sri
Madhwacharyaru. Attached to it is the Cinnada Koone, the treasury
housing centuries-old jewels offered to Lord Krishna by rulers from
Vijayanagar to Mysore.
Central to the temple is the Navagraha
Kitiki, a silver-plated window with nine square holes, through which
devotees glimpse the idol of Balakrishna. This unique idol, holding a
churning rod and rope, exudes an innocent charm and is the only one of
its kind in India. The eternal lamps lit by Sri Madhwacharya burn
beside the idol, linking the present to the temple’s illustrious past.
Another idol, Sri Venugopal Krishna, with a rich oral history, stands
nearby, said to have been brought to the temple from Adi Udupi due to
the inability to maintain its worship elsewhere.
The temple
complex features other significant shrines, including one for
Mukhyaprana (Hanuman) and Garuda, brought from Ayodhya by Sri
Vadirajaru. The Tulasi Vrindavan, adorned beautifully during Kartika,
and a hall for Navratri scripture worship add to the spiritual
ambiance. Notably, Sri Vadirajaru also installed a statue of
Madhwacharyaru at the northern entrance, initiating the tradition of
worshiping the great philosopher-saint alongside Sri Krishna.
Ratha
Beedi, or "Chariot Street," is a vibrant market area located near the
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha. This bustling street serves as a cultural and
commercial hub, connecting the Sri Krishna Matha to the nearby
Anantheshwara and Chandramouleshwara temples.Ratha Beedi is a shopper’s
delight, offering a variety of items such as idols, flowers, incense,
spices, and traditional handicrafts. It is also renowned for its
delectable street food, which captures the essence of Udupi's culinary
heritage.The street holds immense significance during festive
occasions, particularly the Paryaya Festival, when the temple chariots
are stationed here, and the deity is taken in grand processions,
filling the air with devotion and festivity.A short walk from Ratha
Beedi brings visitors to the Gita Mandira and Rajangana, cultural
centers that host spiritual and artistic events, adding to the street’s
vibrant atmosphere. Ratha Beedi stands as a lively blend of
spirituality, culture, and tradition, making it an essential part of
Udupi's charm
Though renovations over time have altered its
exterior, the temple retains its core architectural and spiritual
essence. The brass lamp holders, sacred mantapas, and paths of
circumambulation reflect the enduring traditions that continue to
inspire devotion and reverence among all who visit.
When Sri
Raghavendra Swamy arrived in the sacred town of Udupi, the entire
region seemed to awaken with divine energy. A grand and jubilant
procession was organized to honor the arrival of the revered saint. The
streets were adorned with flowers and vibrant decorations, and the air
resonated with the melodious sounds of bhajans, drums, and conches.
Thousands of devotees lined the streets, their eyes filled with
devotion and anticipation, eager to witness the saint whose very
presence was said to radiate divinity and inspire hearts.
As Sri
Raghavendra Swamy entered Udupi, he was deeply moved by the profound
spiritual energy that seemed to envelop the town. The sacred vibrations
of the place were unlike anything he had experienced, as though the
very air carried the blessings of Lord Krishna and the great Acharya
Madhwa. The sight of the towering temple gopurams and the sound of
temple bells ringing in unison filled him with a sense of divine
connection.
Overwhelmed by the sanctity of the place, Sri
Raghavendra Swamy’s heart was drawn back to memories of his previous
incarnation as Sri Vyasarajaru, when he had devoted his life to the
worship of Lord Krishna. He recalled the countless hours spent in deep
meditation, performing elaborate rituals, and composing hymns in honor
of the Lord. It was as if time itself had folded, bringing those
moments of devotion into the present.
With every step towards
the Sri Krishna temple, Sri Raghavendra Swamy felt the immense
intensity of positive vibrations surrounding him. The sight of the
Balakrishna idol, radiating innocence and divinity, filled his heart
with indescribable bliss. Tears of devotion welled up in his eyes as he
bowed before the Lord, offering his prayers with unparalleled humility.
For
the people of Udupi, the presence of Sri Raghavendra Swamy was a divine
blessing. They marveled at his spiritual aura and felt fortunate to
witness the union of two great spiritual legacies—Lord Krishna’s
eternal grace and the saintly wisdom of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. His
arrival marked a celestial moment for Udupi, one that would be
cherished in the hearts of devotees for generations to come.
In
the next series, we will delve into the divine experiences and profound
interactions of Sri Raghavendra Swamy during his stay in Udupi.
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||