Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga

The Fifth Delight

Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma

8. The Birth of a Son to Krishnacharya

Although Krishnacharya had been married for many years, he and his wife had no children to continue their lineage, causing them deep sorrow. Aware that progeny could only be granted through divine grace, Krishnacharya shared his anguish with Sri Vyasaraja. Following Vyasaraja’s advice, the couple sought refuge in Sri Tirupati Srinivasa, their family deity and benefactor. Together, they performed dedicated service and heartfelt prayers to the Lord at Tirupati, seeking His blessings for a child. After receiving divine grace, they returned to Vijayanagara, where they continued their devotions at the shrine of Sri Yantra Uddharaka Pranadeva. They performed various rituals, including havan (sacrificial offerings), vows, fasting, and other spiritual observances.

As per the scriptural assertion, "Na devatoshanam vritha" (the propitiation of deities is never in vain), the grace of Sri Hari and Vayu fell upon the couple. With the blessings of the Lord and Vayu Deva, Krishnacharya’s wife, Srimati Rukmini Bai, conceived. This brought immense joy to the couple and their relatives. Friends and family congratulated Krishnacharya on this auspicious news.

In the fifth month of her pregnancy, Rukmini Bai was honored with the Hoothu Mudisuvudu ceremony (a ritual to bless the mother-to-be), and in the seventh month, the Seemantha ceremony was performed with great grandeur.

By the grace of the Lord, on an auspicious day in 1519 CE, Rukmini Bai gave birth to a son, a jewel of their family. This son, who would carry forward the legacy of the "Beegamudre" lineage, brought immense joy to friends and relatives. The happiness of the couple was indescribable.

On the eleventh day after the birth, following the Mangala Snana (ceremonial bath), Krishnacharya organized a grand Jatakarma and Namakarana (naming ceremony) for the child. On this occasion, he invited the revered Sri Vyasaraja Guru to attend the ceremony and receive a Padapuja (ritual worship of the Guru's feet).

When Krishnacharya requested Sri Vyasa Tirtha to suggest a name for his son, the Guru, observing the beautiful child with a golden complexion and a well-built physique, smiled and said, “Acharya, your son shines with the radiance of gold and has the strength of a mountain! Why not name him something that reflects both these qualities—‘Kanakachala’?”

Delighted, Krishnacharya followed the Guru’s suggestion and named his son Kanakachalacharya. Subsequently, the Acharya couple performed a Padapuja (worship of the Guru's feet) for Sri Vyasa Tirtha and, after offering fruits and flowers, presented him with gifts. Sri Vyasa Tirtha blessed the parents and placed his auspicious hand on the child’s head, saying, “May he live a long life, excel in learning, and become the light of your lineage!” He then gave the sacred Phala Mantrakshata and returned to the Matha.

Krishnacharya hosted a grand feast, distributing betel leaves and fruits to everyone, ensuring their happiness.

Childhood of Kanakachala

Like the waxing moon of the fortnight, young Kanakachala grew up radiantly, delighting his parents and relatives with his charming childhood antics. When he was three years old, Krishnacharya performed the Chaula (first haircut) and Aksharabhyasa (initiation into learning). Gifted with keen intellect and brilliance, Kanakachala quickly mastered various scripts, dictionaries, and sacred hymns and verses.

At the age of eight, Krishnacharya performed Kanakachala’s Brahmopadesha (sacred thread ceremony). On this occasion, he taught his son the Gayatri Mantra. Sri Vyasa Tirtha graced the ceremony, imparted spiritual teachings to the boy, and had him perform Padapuja as a mark of devotion. The Guru blessed Kanakachala and his parents, presenting them with valuable gifts. Royal representatives also attended, presenting honors and gifts on behalf of the empire.

That day, Sri Vyasa Bhagavan performed the worship of Sri Moola Gopala Krishna Deva at Krishnacharya’s home, distributed Tirtha Prasada to everyone, and partook in a meal with the assembly of scholars. He blessed the Acharya family and returned to the Matha.

Krishnacharya, deeply committed to his son’s education, enrolled Kanakachala in a renowned Gurukula (traditional school) at the Vidyapeetha. Blessed with sharp intellect, Kanakachalacharya diligently studied the Yajurveda, gaining expertise in the Vedic branch of his lineage. He also mastered literature, poetry, drama, ornamental composition, and the sciences of logic and grammar, establishing himself as a scholar of great repute.

As per Krishnacharya's prayers, Sri Vyasaraja began instructing Kanakachalacharya in Vedanta alongside his distinguished disciple, Sri Vishnutirtha. Kanakachalacharya, demonstrating extraordinary intellectual brilliance and proficiency far beyond his years, mastered the sciences of logic (Nyaya) and Vedanta with remarkable expertise. Observing his intellect and dedication, the Guru was filled with immense joy and pride.

Krishnacharya also taught his son the family’s traditional knowledge of music, including the art of Veena playing. Following the guidance of the revered Sri Vyasaraja, Krishnacharya arranged for separate music and Veena lessons for both Sri Vishnutirtha and Kanakachalacharya at the Lokapavana Matha. Gifted with sharp intellect, extraordinary talent, and the ability to grasp concepts instantly, Sri Vishnutirtha and Kanakachalacharya attained great mastery in the Gandharva arts, particularly Veena playing.

Sri Vishnutirtha’s exceptional growth and scholarly achievements in this domain left even Sri Vyasaraja astonished. If such was the Guru’s amazement, one can only imagine the impression left on others! Kanakachalacharya also gained immense renown as a son who brought glory to his father, excelling in Nyaya (logic), Vedanta, Vyakarana (grammar), literature, music, and Veena playing. He earned universal admiration, respect, and love, becoming celebrated among scholars and esteemed in the intellectual community.

Thus, time passed as Kanakachalacharya established himself as a distinguished figure, admired for his contributions and talents across disciplines.