Upanayana and Education
Kaliyugada Kalpataru
Fourth Delight
Sri Vyasa Raja Yati Sarvabhouma
Authored by Raja, S. Gururajacharya
13. Upanayana and Education
Yatiraja, shining like the waxing moon, grew up developing proficiency in all arts and sciences (vidya). He became brilliant and sharp-minded. Within a few days of starting his education, he mastered all the letters and syllables. Sri Brahmanya Tirtha himself lovingly taught Yatiraja. Whatever the teacher explained once, he grasped and learned with ease. By the age of five, the young boy had not only practiced dictionaries like 'Amara Kosha,' words, verb forms, and compound words, but also astonished everyone by attaining exceptional command over Sanskrit and Kannada languages for his age.
Thus, Yatiraja learned the foundational lessons from Sri Brahmanya Tirtha, progressing significantly. Like a city adorned with fresh festoons, he shone with excellence, gaining fame through generosity, virtue through noble deeds, joy through grand celebrations, and strength through valor. Yatiraja turned five years old. Sri Brahmanya Tirtha, recognizing his sharp intellect, grasping ability, and brilliance, decided it was time for him to undergo the Upanayana ceremony to commence his Vedic and scriptural studies.
With the help of expert astrologers, an auspicious time was determined for the sacred Brahmopadesha ceremony. All preparations for the Upanayana were made, and Ramacharya and Lakshmi Devi, along with relatives and friends, were invited from Bannur. Knowing that this would be the last Vedic sacrament they would perform for their son, Ramacharya and Lakshmi Devi were filled with immense joy. Their hearts yearned to conduct this auspicious ceremony. They eagerly prepared to handle the event with enthusiasm and celebration.
In the Shalivahana Shaka year 1373, during the Prajotpatti Samvatsara, on Vaishakha Shukla Panchami (May 1411 CE), an overwhelming crowd gathered at the monastery of Sri Brahmanya Tirtha. Under the supervision of the revered guru, the Upanayana ceremony for Yatiraja, who was five years old, was conducted with complete traditional rites and rituals.
Ramacharya performed the Brahmopadesha for his son. Following this, Ramacharya and his wife had the young boy perform the Pada Puja for the gurus. The revered guru then blessed Ramacharya, his wife, and Yatiraja with the sacred Mantropadesha and the sacred thread. The guru further imparted blessings upon the young boy.
After this, everyone present was given betel leaves and dakshina (offerings). Following the noon deity worship, all attendees received teertha-prasada (sacred water and offerings) from the hands of the revered guru and enjoyed a sumptuous meal, leaving them satisfied and content.
After the successful completion of the three-day ceremony, all the attendees began to depart. Ramacharya, Lakshmi Devi, and their relatives stayed in Attur for several more days, received the blessings of the guru and their son, and then embarked on their journey back to Bannur.
In an auspicious moment, Brahmanya Tirtha initiated Yatiraja into the study of the Vedas at the monastery's gurukula. He personally began teaching Yatiraja the Upanishads, poetry, and introductory texts of Nyaya (logic) and Vyakarana (grammar). Yatiraja, with his sharp intellect and ability to grasp concepts quickly, studied diligently day and night, reflecting deeply on his lessons. Within two to three years, he displayed remarkable proficiency in Nyaya, Vedanta, literature, and grammar, showcasing his extraordinary abilities. His progress brought immense joy to his gurus.
Yatiraja not only excelled in the study of his Shakha (branch) of the Vedas but also demonstrated mastery over the three Vedas. His diligent study in various intonations (mandra, madhyama, and ucchasta) earned him praise from seasoned scholars who would exclaim, "Well done, well done! This is not knowledge gained in this lifetime; this boy must have studied all these scriptures in a previous life and become a great scholar. Otherwise, how is such progress and brilliance possible?"
Within two to three years, Yatiraja became an expert in many texts that typically require a decade of study, including the Upanishads, Vedas, poetry, logic, and grammar. His profound knowledge and intellectual prowess began to astonish both scholars and laypeople alike.
Yatiraja shone with the brilliance of Brahmic splendor and divine grace, adhering to the ancient tradition of continuous celibacy, not out of mere habit or fear, but as a dedicated disciple committed to the practices of the Gurukula. He honored the traditional study of the six Vedangas (auxiliary disciplines of the Vedas) with reverence, not just out of necessity. In this way, Yatiraja delved deeply into every field of study, achieving mastery in all.