The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
7. The Grand Consecration of Sri Moola Rama
On Tuesday, the 9th day of the waxing phase of Chaitra in the year Shalivahana Shaka 1435 (Shrimukha Samvatsara), as if eagerly awaiting the grand consecration (Mahaabhisheka) of the fourfold form of Sri Moola Ramachandra, who had once been worshipped by his descendant Sri Ramachandra, the morning sun rose in all its youthful glory, spreading its radiant rays and filling the hearts of all with joy.
In front of the Brindavana of Sri Raghunandanatirtha, royal representative Ramaraja, ministers, key officials, scholars, poets, artists of the royal court, and the devout citizens of the kingdom, accompanied by royal insignias and musical instruments, ceremoniously seated Sri Surendra Tirtha on an ornately decorated golden palanquin. With the accompaniment of royal honors, auspicious music, and Vedic chants, they led a grand procession to the temple of Sri Vijaya Vittala Deva.
Upon disembarking from the palanquin, Sri Surendra Tirtha, with the Lord at the forefront, graciously entered the temple. There, auspicious women first offered the sacred Aarati to the deity and then to Sri Surendra Tirtha. Ramaraja respectfully assisted the Guru onto a specially prepared platform in the temple and seated him on a revered throne.
The proceedings began with Vedic chants, and the assembly was inaugurated. Sri Krishnacharya, along with the royal priests, delivered an introductory speech about Sri Surendra Tirtha. Ramaraja, in his welcome address, expressed his joy, noting the auspicious coincidence of receiving the news of Emperor Krishnadevaraya’s victories across all fronts on the very day of Sri Surendra Tirtha’s arrival in the capital. He attributed this fortune to the blessings of such a noble soul and declared it the fruit of the virtuous deeds of his ancestors. Bowing to the Guru, he humbly took his seat.
Sri Surendra Tirtha then delivered a profound and solemn discourse in his deep and commanding voice, blessing everyone present. After completing his morning rituals, including sacred ablutions, japa, and penance, Sri Surendra Tirtha ascended to the altar to begin the Mahaabhisheka ceremony.
As the temple resonated with auspicious music, drums, and Vedic chants, the Guru revealed the universal form (Vishwaroopa) of Sri Moola Ramachandra to the gathered spiritual assembly. Following the traditional practices of Sri Madhvacharya's great lineage, he performed the grand Panchamrita Mahaabhisheka (ritual ablution with five sacred substances) with great splendor. After completing the concluding rituals and offerings, the Maha Samsthana Puja commenced.
All who witnessed the unparalleled puja felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment, believing that their lives had been made meaningful. Ramaraja, in particular, was deeply moved by the sight of the consecrated Sri Moola Rama and the grand rituals. His heart, filled with devotion and awe, was captivated by the luminous aura and the divine personality of Sri Surendra Tirtha. Observing the radiance, wisdom, devotion, and detachment embodied in the Guru, Ramaraja developed profound reverence and unwavering faith in him.
After offering the Naivedya (sacred offering) to the deity, followed by the Maha Mangalarati and Mantra Pushpa, Ramaraja expressed his overwhelming joy to Sri Surendra Tirtha. He humbly informed the Guru that he was inspired by divine grace to offer a village as a token of his service and devotion to the Matha. He prayed that the Guru accept this village donation and bless him. Sri Surendra Tirtha, pleased by Ramaraja's devotion and faith, agreed to fulfill his wish.
Ramaraja, with solemn resolve, donated several properties to the Matha. He restored Anehosuru, a prominent village previously granted to Sri Vibudhendra Tirtha by his ancestors but later lost by the Matha. Along with this, he also granted a grand Matha in Mayurakshetra. Additionally, he donated the following six villages: 1) Lepagiri, 2) Shirugapura, 3) Mallapura, 4) Honnamatti, 5) Herakallu, and accompanied these donations with copper plate inscriptions and formal procedures.
Not content with this, Ramaraja made another copper plate donation comprising three prosperous villages: 1) Tholali, 2) Kammarakatti, 3) Chikkamorate. Along with these, he donated wealth, gold, and ornaments, earning the complete blessings of the deity and the Guru.
Sri Surendra Tirtha, witnessing Ramaraja's unwavering devotion, generosity, and dedication to dharmic works, praised his magnanimity. Ramaraja then humbly stated, “This donation is made for the welfare of Emperor Krishnadevaraya. The imperial approval for these donations will soon arrive, and I will submit it to your sanctum.” He continued, “The first set of six villages and the Matha were donated to secure salvation and virtue for my ancestors. The second set of three villages was offered for the Emperor’s triumph, the all-around development of the empire during his reign, and his lasting glory.”
Sri Surendra Tirtha, deeply moved by Ramaraja’s loyalty to the empire, declared, “During Krishnadevaraya’s reign, the victory drums of the Kannada empire will resound, and his fame will extend to the horizons. His illustrious name will become an eternal chapter in history. We will pray especially to Sri Moola Rama, Digvijaya Rama, and Jayarama Deva for his success and the well-being of the empire.” With these words, the Guru offered prayers to the Lord and bestowed sacred Phala Mantrakshata (blessed rice) upon Ramaraja, bringing immense joy to everyone present.
Thereafter, Ramaraja, having received the Guru’s blessings, returned to the palace.
After completing the puja with the resonant sound of bells and offering the Maha Mangalarati to the deity, Sri Surendra Tirtha offered praises and bowed in reverence to the Lord. Rising to his feet, a miraculous event occurred!
Sri Vijaya Vittala, with a radiant and gracious expression, appeared visibly to the Guru. Overwhelmed with bliss and shivering with divine ecstasy, Sri Surendra Tirtha stood transfixed, gazing at the supremely auspicious form of the Lord. The enchanting Lord, shining with an extraordinary brilliance, moved gracefully from the sanctum toward the spot where the Guru stood praying.
He approached the silver pedestal, where numerous ancient idols—worshipped annually since the time of Sri Madhvacharya—were placed. Standing near the pedestal, the divine Lord, with a lotus-like smile, bestowed His blessing with a gesture of Abhaya (protection) upon the Guru. Then, merging into the idol of Sri Vittala situated among the sacred images, the Lord became invisible.
Tears of joy flowed from the Guru’s eyes as his heart overflowed with indescribable bliss. He realized that Sri Vijaya Vittala had revealed this miracle to signify that He was eternally present in the ancient idol of the Vittala worshipped in the Matha. The Lord had graciously demonstrated that He would continue to accept their devoted worship through that image.
Filled with gratitude and devotion, Sri Surendra Tirtha named the deity Sri Vijaya Vittala and resolved in his heart to offer daily worship to Him. With this vow, he offered his heartfelt prayers to Sri Hari, expressing his profound reverence and commitment to the service of the Lord.