The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
Guru Rayaru’s Brindavana Tilted!
Ah! Although it may seem astonishing, this indeed is a true event that occurred! Yes, once upon a time, Sri Rayaru’s Brindavana tilted slightly for a short period. This extraordinary incident happened around 1735 CE. Hundreds of people witnessed this wondrous event with their own eyes and rejoiced.
The great soul who became the cause of this marvelous occurrence was Sri Vadindra Tirtha Sripadangalavaru.
Before Sri Vadindra Tirtha ascended as the head of the Mahasamsthana, after the era of Sri Gururaja (Sri Raghavendra Swami), the following distinguished pontiffs led the Mahasamsthana:
Sri Yogindra Tirtha (1671–1688 CE)
Sri Surindra Tirtha (1688–1692 CE)
Sri Sumathindra Tirtha (1692–1725 CE)
Sri Upendra Tirtha (1725–1728 CE)
These four wise leaders, immensely blessed by having studied under Sri Rayaru himself, ruled the Mahasamsthana for about 58 years successively, as per the command of Sri Gururaja.
By their profound knowledge, devotion, renunciation, penance, victorious debates over rival schools of thought, establishment of philosophical doctrines, literary compositions, scriptural discourses, and efforts for universal welfare, they became honored by both learned scholars and emperors alike.
They elevated the banner of Sri Vedanta Samrajya (Empire of Vedanta) across India and spread their fame across the horizons. By the time the events of this narrative unfolded, Sri Vadindra Tirtha, the blessed descendant of Guru Rayaru, had already become famous as the head of the Mahasamsthana (1728–1750 CE).
At the sacred Mantralaya Kshetra, adjacent to the left side of Sri Rayaru’s Brindavana, there stands a brilliant and beautiful Brindavana. Thousands of devotees who undertake pilgrimages to Mantralaya are familiar with it.
That is the Brindavana of Sri Vadindra Tirtha!
In the divine work of blessing devotees, Sri Vadindra Tirtha served as a kind of minister to Sri Rayaru. It is an experienced fact that thousands of devotees, in their dreams, have seen visions of Rayaru together with Sri Vadindra Tirtha, receiving blessings.
Those who protect the community of devotees alongside Rayaru are certainly not ordinary souls! Sri Vadindra Tirtha is a special recipient of Rayaru’s exceptional grace. The love and affection that the Swamijis of Mantralaya have for him is unparalleled — Indeed, is it not natural that a grandfather should harbor unique love and affection for his grandson?
Sri Vadindra Tirtha was a descendant of Sri Rayaru (Sri Raghavendra Swami). Rayaru’s son was Lakshminarayana Acharya, whose only son was Purushottama Acharya. The eldest son of Purushottama Acharya was Srinivasa Acharya — who, later known as Sri Vadindra Tirtha, fulfilled Sri Rayaru’s prophecy by becoming the head of the Mahasamsthana from 1728 to 1750 CE.
When Diwan Venkanna Pant had initially constructed a beautiful Brindavana for Sri Rayaru, it was declared that a deserving individual would emerge later.
Rayaru instructed that another Brindavana, made from a stone sanctified by the touch of Rama's feet (Ramapada Sparsha Pavita Shile), be prepared separately for that future individual.
It was foretold in Rayaru's biography (as mentioned in earlier Chapter) that this special Brindavana would be reserved for Sri Vadindra Tirtha.
Thus, the Brindavana that still shines resplendently today at Mantralaya belongs to Sri Vadindra Tirtha.
When Sri Gururaja (Rayaru) entered the Brindavana bodily, Srinivasa Acharya (Vadindra Tirtha) was only about one and a half years old.
Yet, Sri Rayaru — having realized the true nature and greatness of his grandson — expressed his immense love, affection, and blessings by dedicating the specially prepared Brindavana to him.
Thus, it becomes evident how truly fortunate Sri Vadindra Tirtha was.
Sri Vadindra Tirtha, formerly known in his Purvashrama (pre-monastic life) as Srinivasa Acharya,
Studied all the scriptures (Shastras) under his father Sri Purushottama Acharya
And later, under his family preceptors, Sri Sumathindra Tirtha and Sri Upendra Tirtha.
He participated actively in many scholarly debates (Vakyaartha) held in the Sri Matha,
demonstrating his sharp debating skills and brilliance, silencing rival scholars and earning the respect and reverence of all.
Srinivasa Acharya received honors from the rulers of Madurai (Pandya Kings), Thanjavur, and the later kings of Karnataka.
At the request of Sambayya, the chief minister and commander-in-chief under the Pandya king,
Srinivasa Acharya critically refuted a treatise written by a later-day scholar, which contained fallacious criticisms against the philosophy of Sri Madhvacharya.
Through his decisive refutation, he established that the Dvaita Bhashya (dualistic interpretation) was indeed the one approved by Sri Badarayana Deva (Vedavyasa).
He composed a scholarly work titled "Navadurukti Riksha - ನವದುರುಕ್ತಿ ರಿಕ್ಷಾ ", effectively dismantling the erroneous arguments and serving the cause of Vedantic orthodoxy.
Because of Srinivasa Acharya’s exceptional scholarship and intellect,
the Pandya King and Minister Sambayya honored him with prestigious awards, befitting a learned scholar.
Recognizing his deep knowledge, extraordinary talent, literary skill, and the special blessings he had received from Sri Gururaja, Sri Upendra Tirtha — being well aware of Sri Rayaru’s intentions — bestowed upon Srinivasa Acharya the ascetic order (Paramahamsa Ashrama), giving him the name Sri Vadindra Tirtha, and anointed him as the ruler of the Dvaita Vedanta empire.
After ascending the Peetha (pontifical seat), Sri Vadindra Tirtha undertook a victorious pilgrimage (Jaitra Yatra), traveling extensively everywhere.
Through debates with rival schools, establishment of doctrines, scriptural discourses, and efforts to uplift disciples and devotees,
he impressed many Hindu and Muslim kings, Palegars (chieftains), and Jagirdars, who, moved by his influence,
offered him villages, lands, gold, and ornaments, seeking his blessings.
Sri Vadindra Tirtha preserved for the Matha the two villages —
Kiritagiri and Mantralaya —
which had originally been secured by Sri Rayaru himself.
Thus, the credit for eternally safeguarding these two villages — resplendent with the undying glory of Rayaru — belongs to Sri Vadindra Tirtha.
Sri Vadindra Tirtha composed many excellent works.
The available ones are:
1. Tattva Prakashika Tippani - ತತ್ತ್ವ ಪ್ರಕಾಶಿಕ ಟಿಪ್ಪಣಿ (also known as Mimamsa Nayadarpana)
2. Bhoogola Khagola Vichara - ಭೂಗೋಳ ಖಗೋಳ ವಿಚಾರ (Treatise on Earth and Celestial Spheres)
3. Navya Durukti Shiksha - ನವ್ಯ ದುರುಕ್ತಿ ಶಿಕ್ಷಾ (composed during his Purvashrama)
4. Sri Raghavendra Matha Gatarachagati Krama - ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ಮಠಗತ ಆರ್ಚಾಗತಿಕ್ರಮ (Procedures of Worship at the Matha)
5. Tattvodyota Tippani - ತತ್ತ್ವೋದ್ಯೋತ ಟಿಪ್ಪಣಿ (Annotations on Tattvodyota)
6. Sri Guru Guna Stavanam - ಶ್ರೀ ಗುರು ಗುಣ ಸ್ತವನಮ್
... and others.
Additionally, the Guru enriched the Haridasa Sahitya treasury by composing many divine Kannada hymns (Devara Namas).
Among all his compositions, the last one, Sri Guru Guna Stavana, is the main subject of this narrative.
It is this work that led to the revelation of one of Sri Rayaru’s great miracles.
Sri Vadindra Tirtha harbored immense devotion and reverence for Sri Gurusarvabhouma (Sri Raghavendra Swami).
To highlight Sri Rayaru’s profound personality, greatness, his immortal story, and the supreme value of Rayaru’s own works,
Vadindra Tirtha composed this extraordinary work — Sri Guru Guna Stavanam.
It is a short poem (Kavya).
In it, Vadindra Tirtha masterfully and brilliantly describes:
The scriptures composed by Guru Rayaru
The reasons for composing each work
Their greatness and spiritual significance
The immense benefits derived by scholars and common people, especially those engaged in scriptural study and teaching.
Having composed such a great and profound work, Sri Vadindra Tirtha set out to offer it to Sri Rayaru.
He journeyed to Mantralaya along with the retinue of the Matha.
At that time, hundreds of devotees had gathered at Mantralaya, seeking Sri Rayaru’s blessings.
Alongside the Guru were hundreds of Pandits and students; the temple premises were bustling with devotees.
Sri Vadindra Tirtha, in the presence of Sri Rayaru’s Brindavana, first worshiped Sri Moola Rama Deva,
offered holy water (Hastodaka) to Sri Rayaru, and performed a grand Mahamangalarati.
After completing these sacred rites,
standing before Sri Rayaru’s Brindavana, Sri Vadindra Tirtha began to recite his newly composed poem, Sri Guru Guna Stavanam,
in a melodious voice, with great devotional fervor.
Hundreds of Pandits, students, and devotees, drinking the nectar-like Guru Mahima (glory) pouring forth from the mouth of Vadindra Tirtha, rejoiced in bliss.
As Sri Vadindra Tirtha approached the final verse of the poem, beginning with:
"Vyasenutpata Bija - ವ್ಯಾಸೇನುತ್ಪಾತ ಬೀಜ..."
and reached the last line:
"...Adya Sri Raghavendraad Vilasati Phalito Madhva Siddhanta Shaakhee - ಅದ್ಯ ಶ್ರೀರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರಾದ್ ವಿಲಸತಿ ಫಲಿತೋ ಮಧ್ವಸಿದ್ಧಾಂತ ಶಾಖೀ "
("Today, by the fruition of Madhva Siddhanta, Sri Raghavendra shines gloriously.")
— at that very moment, a wondrous miracle occurred!
The Brindavana of Sri Guru Rayaru — listening to and rejoicing over the composition of Sri Guru Guna Stavana — gently trembled and tilted in approval!
Moreover, the various flowers and garlands that had been offered on the Brindavana fell down like a shower of flowers upon the head of Sri Vadindra Tirtha!
What an extraordinary, marvelous, and unparalleled miracle!
Those who were gathered there — scholars, commoners, devotees — witnessed this supreme wonder with their own eyes.
In unison, they shouted in joy: "Rajadhiraja Gurusarvabhouma Govinda Govinda!"
"Victory to Sri Vadindra Gururaja!"
Tears of divine bliss streamed down from the eyes of Sri Vadindra Tirtha.
Embracing the Brindavana of Sri Rayaru in ecstatic devotion, he wept like a child overcome with supreme love.
Then, offering full prostrations (Sashtanga Pranam) at Rayaru’s Brindavana, he formally offered the Sri Guru Guna Stavana poem to Sri Rayaru and performed a final Mangalarati.
"Extraordinary! Wondrous! Unparalleled!" cried out all the assembled devotees and scholars in amazement!
Scholars, commoners, and devotees — all who had gathered there — witnessed that supremely miraculous event and the glory of Sri Rayaru with their own eyes.
Overcome with joy, they together raised a victorious chorus:
"Rajadhiraja Gurusarvabhouma Govinda Govinda!" "Victory to Sri Vadindra Gururaja!"
From the eyes of Sri Vadindra Tirtha, a great flood of tears of bliss began to flow.
Feeling inexpressible divine joy, realizing that Sri Rayaru had accepted and blessed his composition (Sri Guru Guna Stavana) by tilting his Brindavana, Sri Vadindra Tirtha embraced the Brindavana with the intense love of a child and sobbed uncontrollably.
Afterwards, he offered full Sashtanga Pranama (prostration), presented the Guru Guna Stavana formally to Sri Rayaru, and performed a grand Mangalarati.
All the scholars, religious leaders, and devotees assembled there rejoiced immensely upon witnessing how Sri Gururaja's Brindavana had tilted in approval and delight at the love and devotion shown by his own descendant, Sri Vadindra Tirtha.
They recognized and celebrated both:
The greatness of Sri Rayaru’s divine glory, and
The extraordinary fortune and eminence of Sri Vadindra Tirtha, who had become a blessed recipient of such supreme grace.
Thus, Sri Guru Guna Stavana, which had occasioned such an extraordinary miracle, earned the recognition of the learned scholars’ assembly as a supreme and revered literary work.
It became celebrated through scriptural recitations and discourses, and its fame spread widely.
After approving Sri Appannacharya’s Guru Stotra with his divine voice by proclaiming "Saakshi Hayasyotkathi" and displaying his very first miracle after entering the Brindavana bodily, many other miracles of Sri Rayaru gradually came to light.
However, among the miracles shown after that, the event where Sri Rayaru accepted Sri Vadindra Tirtha’s Sri Guru Guna Stavana by tilting his Brindavana is considered an extraordinary and unparalleled miracle.
Later, following Sri Gururaja’s command, Sri Vadindra Tirtha renounced his mortal body right at Mantralaya itself, and entered the beautiful Brindavana that Sri Rayaru had set aside specifically for him. There, he now shines eternally, adorned with a glorious spiritual form, continuing even today to bless and protect devotees.
Receiving a place beside Sri Gururaja in the sacred precincts of Mantralaya is an immense fortune —it is possible only through the special grace of Sri Rayaru. The very fact that Sri Vadindra Tirtha’s Brindavana stands adjacent to Sri Rayaru’s is itself sufficient to illustrate his supreme fortune and greatness.
In the domain of Sri Rayaru’s scriptural compositions, just as Sri Sumathindra Tirtha served as a minister, and in the sphere of the rise of the Haridasa literary movement, Sri Jagannatha Dasa served as a minister, likewise, in the revelation of Brindavana Mahima (the glory of the Brindavana), Sri Vadindra Tirtha served as the minister for Sri Gururaja!
Even today, devotees testify that in dreams, Sri Rayaru often appears along with Sri Vadindra Tirtha, granting them darshan and fulfilling their heartfelt desires.
Thus, it can be proclaimed loudly and proudly that Sri Vadindra Tirtha’s greatness needs no further explanation.
Sri Vijayadasa has celebrated Sri Vadindra Tirtha as an incarnation of Brihaspati Acharya (the Guru of the Devas).
In passing, it is worth noting that Sri Yogindra, Surindra, Sumathindra, and Upendra Tirthas were all exceptional authors and scholars of rare brilliance.
Among them, Sri Sumathindra Tirtha was a particularly distinguished writer.
Sri Guru Raghavendra, for whom Sri Sumathindra was deeply dear, composed some works at Udupi specifically for his sake.
Just like Guru Rayaru, Sri Sumathindra Tirtha too composed unparalleled works based on the three foundational texts (Prasthanatraya) and became world-renowned.
Moreover, the literary works of Sri Sumathindra are now priceless treasures in the vast ocean of Dvaita literature.
He served as the Guru to Shahu Maharaja, the grandson of Shivaji Maharaja, and was honored by kings and emperors.
Though their lives and contributions are unparalleled, they are not elaborated upon here to avoid extending the length of this text.
(With Sri Rayaru’s grace, there is a desire to one day compose a large, dedicated work on Sri Sumathindra Tirtha’s life and glories —may the Gurus bless us to fulfill that wish!)
(Footnote: See the 12th chapter titled "Ashrama Pradana" of the 5th Ullasa of Kaliyuga Kalpataru for more details.)