The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
3. In the Court of Vijayanagara
When Krishnacharya arrived in Vijayanagara with his wife, Shri Vyasaraja was overjoyed. After learning all the details of their journey and well-being, Shri Vyasaraja, recognizing them as esteemed members of his lineage, exceptional scholars, and embodiments of virtuous conduct, extended his affection and respect to the couple. He provided them with shelter at the monastery, showing them great honor and admiration. Furthermore, he appointed Krishnacharya as a court scholar and as an instructor at the monastery's university (Samasta Vishwavidyanilaya) (ಸಮಸ್ತಾ ವಿಶ್ವವಿದ್ಯಾನಿಲಯಾ), where he taught Nyaya (logic), Vedanta, and Gandharva arts.
Years passed peacefully in this manner.
At that time, the Kannada emperor Krishnadevaraya had ascended to the throne. Like his father, Narasanayaka, and elder brother, Veera Narasimha, he exhibited extraordinary devotion and reverence toward Shri Vyasa Bhagavan (Shri Vyasaraja). Following Shri Vyasaraja’s guidance and teachings, Krishnadevaraya became a widely celebrated emperor, known for his governance and contributions to the prosperity of the empire. He was also renowned for his support of scholars, earning him the title Vidvajjanashrayane (ವಿದ್ವಜ್ಜನಾಶ್ರಯ ) (a patron of learned individuals).
One day, during the Navaratri festival, Emperor Krishnadevaraya visited the Lokapavana Matha to seek the blessings of Shri Vyasa Tirtha. While there, he noticed the majestic figure and radiant presence of Krishnacharya, who was seated near Shri Vyasa Tirtha. Captivated by his remarkable appearance and brilliance, the emperor humbly addressed Shri Vyasa Tirtha with a request.
Krishna: Guru Deva! I do not recall seeing this noble individual before in your esteemed presence. Who is this radiant personality?
Shri Vyasa: (Smiling) Emperor! He is a distinguished member of our lineage. He is a fortunate disciple who studied all the scriptures under the guidance of our revered guru, Shri Lakshminarayana Munindra. He belongs to the renowned 'Beegamudre' family of the Shaashika lineage and is a scholar in Nyaya and Vedanta. Moreover, he is exceptionally skilled in Gandharva arts, particularly veena playing.
After our guru departed on a divine journey, he came here upon our invitation and has been with us for several years. He serves as a scholar of our institution and a teacher at the Samasta Vidyapeetha. He is someone I hold in the highest regard. You must listen to his exquisite veena performance sometime.
Impressed by Krishnacharya's personality, Krishnadevaraya, delighted by his guru’s words, said, "Respected Guru! I accept your command with the utmost respect," and turning to Krishnacharya, he added, "Swami, learned scholar, I am delighted to meet you. Your presence in our capital is a blessing for the empire."
Krishnacharya, embarrassed by the praise from Shri Vyasa Tirtha, was astonished by the emperor’s humility, scholarly inclination, and courtesy. He replied, "Great Emperor! My revered guru has praised me excessively due to his immense kindness and affection for his disciple. It is a shining example of his generosity and admiration for scholars. I am merely a scholar who thrives under his blessings."
Krishna: Acharya, your humility, courtesy, and devotion to your guru make it evident why he holds you in such high regard. 'A tree shares its fragrance with all,' does it not? That being said, did you hear the guru’s command regarding your veena performance? When will you delight me with your music?"
At that moment, Shri Vyasa Muni said, "Krishna! Since the Navaratri celebrations are ongoing, arrange for his veena performance on the day of the Mahanavami festival. Let the kings, nobles, scholars, and musicians who have gathered from across the country and abroad for this grand festival experience joy through his veena recital."
Krishnadevaraya agreed to his guru’s command, assuring him that he would make the necessary arrangements. Turning to Krishnacharya, he said, "On the day of Mahanavami, your veena performance must delight all of us," before taking his leave and returning to the palace.
On the day of Mahanavami, the veena recital by Krishnacharya was held on a grand stage set up in front of the exquisitely decorated royal durbar hall, specially constructed for the Navaratri festival. Thousands of esteemed kings, nobles, ministers, commanders, scholars, musicians, dancers, and citizens from across the Kannada empire had gathered, seated in their designated places within the beautifully adorned canopy surrounding the "Manoumi Dibbha" (ಮನೋಮಿ ದಿಬ್ಬಾ) platform.
In the second level of the three-tiered, ornate auditorium, Emperor Krishnadevaraya sat on a jeweled throne, accompanied by his ministers, nobles, and trusted associates, along with representatives from various states and close friends. The third level was occupied by the royal women.
Krishnacharya began playing the veena masterfully. Through various intricate ragas, his expert use of gamakas (ornamentations) and swara designs, and the unheard-of melodic sequences, a mesmerizing cascade of sound flowed from the veena. The melodies filled the hall, stirring waves of joy and wonder in the hearts of the audience. Each raga was played uniquely, and the captivating tones enveloped everyone present. Krishnacharya’s exceptional talent, his skill in raga exposition, and the lightning-fast movements of his fingers across the veena left the audience spellbound, as if transported to another realm.
Even the accompanying musicians faltered in awe of Krishnacharya’s brilliance. The audience, overwhelmed by his extraordinary performance, nodded in appreciation, exclaiming, "Bravo! Excellent! Extraordinary!" Applause and cheers echoed throughout the hall, celebrating the acharya’s unparalleled expertise.
The emperor himself was overjoyed and deeply satisfied beyond words. For nearly three hours, Krishnacharya’s veena recital captivated everyone, leaving them in a trance. The grand performance concluded with a traditional auspicious finale. The audience erupted into thunderous applause and cheers, expressing their admiration and gratitude for the magnificent recital.
As per the orders of the emperor, Mahamantri Appaji (Timmarasu) presented royal honors, including a ceremonial robe and a pair of shawls, to Krishnacharya. Declaring the occasion, he said, "Shri Veena Krishnacharya, a disciple of the royal guru Shri Vyasa Tirtha, an erudite scholar, and a master of veena playing, is a true ornament to our Kannada land.
Emperor Shri Krishnadevaraya, immensely pleased by his extraordinary expertise and unparalleled talent in veena playing, has conferred upon Shri Krishnacharya the title of ‘Mahavidwan of the Royal Court’ and the position of ‘Chief Court Musician.’ It gives me great joy to announce this honor in this grand assembly. His Majesty wishes that Shri Krishnacharya accept these two distinguished positions and adorn the royal court of the Karnataka Empire."
As thunderous applause and cheers filled the hall, the emperor’s proclamation was delivered along with ceremonial gifts, garlands, and flowers, honoring Krishnacharya. Overwhelmed by the emperor’s generosity, scholarly support, and heartfelt affection, Krishnacharya expressed his gratitude with due humility to the emperor, the ministers, and the people of Karnataka.
The court session concluded with various cultural performances, marking the end of the assembly.
The next day, on the occasion of Vijayadashami, celebrations included the Shami Puja and other traditional rituals. The Navaratri festival concluded with the grand Jambu Savari procession, symbolizing the emperor’s sovereignty and victorious reign. The event was celebrated with unparalleled splendor and magnificence.