Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga

The Fifth Delight

Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma

9. The Meeting of the Jagadgurus

On the outskirts of Vijayanagara lay a beautiful garden adorned with fruit-bearing trees like coconut, mango, and jackfruit, as well as fragrant flowers such as jasmine, parijata, champaka, sugandharaja, and sunflowers. The garden was further enriched by lush green Tulsi plants, adding a vibrant charm that delighted the eyes of all who saw it. The serene surroundings seemed as though the goddess of Kannada herself was lovingly nurturing her devotees under her canopy.

In the center of the garden was a pristine lake with crystal-clear water that quenched the thirst of onlookers with its mere sight. Swans and ducks frolicked among the blooming lotus flowers, nibbling their stems, while peacocks danced gracefully on the lake's stone steps. Near this lake stood a large stone pavilion, where a radiant saint, appearing to be around 52 years old, was deeply engrossed in worshiping the divine.

Around this venerable figure were about 45 disciples, attentively observing the rituals. A banner adorned with the sacred Pranava (Om) fluttered in the breeze outside the pavilion, and two silver-staffed gatekeepers stood guard on either side. The saint’s worship progressed with offerings of abhisheka (ritual bathing), sandalwood paste, and sacred rice. As he performed the Tulsi flower offering, he briefly glanced around, and his gaze fell upon the enchanting Tulsi grove. Overwhelmed with joy, he mentally offered the entire grove to Lord Hari. This great soul was none other than Sri Surendra Tirtha, the renowned head of Sri Madhvacharya’s lineage and a well-known figure to us.

Meanwhile, at the Lokapavana Matha in Vijayanagara, Sri Vyasaraja was engaged in divine worship. It was Ekadashi, and Emperor Krishnadevaraya, a devout Hari bhakta and disciple of Sri Vyasaraja, had arrived for the Lord’s darshan. The illustrious disciples of Sri Vyasaraja, including Sri Vishnutirtha, Sri Vadirajatirtha, Sri Srinivasatirtha, Purandaradasa, and Kanakadasa, were immersed in observing the Guru’s worship.

During the ritual, Sri Vyasaraja picked up a Tulsi leaf, gazed at it, and, with a sense of surprise, remarked, "Nirmalya" (used offering). He then looked toward a disciple and repeated, "Nirmalya." The disciple, who was new to the Matha, did not understand the Guru’s intent. When Sri Vyasaraja repeated the word again, the disciple bowed and explained, “This is not Nirmalya, O Mahaswami. I personally collected this Tulsi from a grove belonging to a great saint in the nearby forest.”

Sri Vyasaraja, smiling slightly, instructed the disciple to fetch fresh Tulsi and resumed the worship. After completing the ritual with offerings, Mangalarati, and the final ceremonial closing, he called the disciple who had collected the Tulsi and asked, “Was there anyone else in the grove?”

The disciple replied, “Yes, O Guru. A radiant saint was worshiping the divine there, surrounded by many disciples. I did not pay much attention but collected the Tulsi and returned here.”

Sri Vyasaraja, visibly upset, exclaimed, “How unfortunate you are! Even after seeing such a revered ascetic, you returned without receiving his blessings!” Turning to the emperor, he said, “Rajendra, today a great saint has graced your capital with his presence, sanctifying it with the dust of his feet. Be prepared to welcome him with the full honors of the empire and bring him here.”

With royal grandeur, accompanied by music and a retinue of scholars, Sri Vyasaraja and Emperor Krishnadevaraya proceeded to the grove where Sri Surendra Tirtha was staying. When the two revered Gurus met, their gazes locked, and both were overcome with emotion. They embraced each other warmly, their hearts filled with joy.

The 85-year-old Sri Surendra Tirtha, radiant with wisdom and a beacon of the Shaashthika lineage, was elated to meet the distinguished royal Guru, Sri Vyasaraja. With a gentle smile, he remarked, “We are blessed to see our elder brother’s presence today! Before we could come to your abode, you have shown your affection by coming here personally, demonstrating your love for one of your family members. Perhaps the misunderstanding with the Tulsi offering prompted the Guru to hasten here, isn’t it?” he said, laughing softly.

Hearing this, Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa, who were present, smiled at each other and commented, “How fortunate we are today to witness the meeting of these two enlightened souls!”

Sri Vyasaraja, moved by the radiant personality and humility of Sri Surendra Tirtha, was filled with joy, and tears of happiness flowed from his eyes. With a soft smile, he said, “Are we not both heads of the great seat of Srimadacharya? Ours are the seats of brothers—where there is an elder, the younger can visit, and where there is a younger, the elder can come. It is only natural! After ten years of austerity, traversing all the sacred pilgrimage sites of India, and perfecting yourself in knowledge, devotion, renunciation, and penance, you shine like refined gold. Knowing that you are the grandson of our elder cousin from your pre-monastic days brings me immense happiness. Our Kannada emperor himself has come to welcome you to the capital.”

At this point, Emperor Krishnadevaraya bowed to Sri Surendra Tirtha and said, “O great soul, seventeen years ago, during my Digvijaya campaign, you visited the capital, performed the grand consecration of Sri Moola Rama Deva, and prayed for my success, receiving honors from our representatives. By your blessings and the grace of Guru Vyasa Bhagavan, I have achieved uninterrupted victories. While you were honored then by our representatives, it is now my wish to honor you personally and receive your blessings. I humbly request you to sanctify the capital with the dust of your feet.”

Pleased with the emperor’s devotion, Sri Surendra Tirtha accepted his request. The saint was welcomed with full royal grandeur and taken in a grand procession to the capital, where he was accommodated at the Lokapavana Matha. After ensuring that both Gurus were settled and comfortable, Emperor Krishnadevaraya sought their blessings and returned to his palace.

The following day was Dwadashi, and at the Lokapavana Matha, both revered Gurus, Sri Surendra Tirtha and Sri Vyasaraja, were immersed in worship. As Sri Surendra Tirtha was showing Sri Moola Rama Deva to Sri Vyasaraja, his disciples, and Emperor Krishnadevaraya, Sri Purandaradasa, inspired by the divine moment, composed and began singing a song glorifying the greatness of the Lord.

ರಾಗ : ಬಿಲಹರಿ  ತಾಳ : ರಂಪ

ಇಂದಿನದಿನ ಸುದಿನವಾಯಿತು 

ಇಂದಿರೇಶ ಮೂಲರಾಮಚಂದ್ರನ ಪದಕಮಲ ಕಂಡು 

ಈತನ ಪದಕಮಲಗಳ ವಿಧಾತ ತನ್ನ ಸದನದೊಳಗೆ |

ಸೀತೆಯ ಸಹಪೂಜಿಸಿ ಇಕ್ಷಾಕುನೃಪತಿಗಿತ್ತನು |

ಆತನನ್ದಯನೃಪತಿಗಳು ಸುಪ್ರೀತಿಯಿಂದ ಪೂಜಿಸಿ ರಘು- 

ನಾಥ ವೇದಗರ್ಭಗಿ ಮೂರ್ತಿಯ ಪದಕಮಲಕಂಡು 

ಗಜಪತಿಭಂಡಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಜಕರಕಮಲಾರ್ಚಿತ ಭೂ |

ಮಿಜೆಸಹಿತ ರಾಮನಿರಲು ನಿಜಜ್ಞಾನದಿ ತಿಳಿದುಬೇಗ ||

ದ್ವಿಜರಗುರುಳೆನಿಪ ನಮ್ಮ ಸುಜನವಂದಿತ ನರಹರಿಮುನಿ ।

ರಜನಿಯಲ್ಲಿತಂದ ಸುಲೋಹಜಪ್ರತಿಮೆಯನ್ನು ಕಂಡು 

ಅಂದವುಳ್ಳ ಮೂಲರಾಮಚಂದ್ರನ ಅತಿಭಕ್ತಿಯಿಂದ |

ವೃಂದಾಕರವದ್ಯಪವನನಂದನ ಶ್ರೀಮದಾ- || 

ನಂದತೀರ್ಥರರ್ಚಿಸಿ ದಯದಿಂದ ನಿಜಾನ್ವಯದೊಳಿಟ್ಟ ಪು | 

ರಂದರವಿಠಲನ ಸುರೇಂದ್ರ ಮುನಿಪ ತಂದುತೋರಲು

Raaga: Bilahari

Tala: Rampa

Today is an auspicious day,

Upon beholding the lotus feet of Indiresha’s Moola Ramachandra.

The Creator (Brahma) once worshiped these lotus feet in his abode,

Along with Sita, he offered prayers,

Granting boons to Ikshvaku kings.

The compassionate rulers worshiped with great devotion,

Beholding the lotus feet of Raghunatha,

Embodiment of the Vedas,

Amidst offerings in the treasury of kings.

With wisdom, they realized quickly

The eternal truth of Rama’s presence.

The revered Guru of Brahmins,

Venerated by noble people, Narahari Muni,

Brought forth the divine idol,

Admired under the night sky.

The radiant Moola Ramachandra,

Worshiped with immense devotion.

The son of the wind, a delight to the virtuous,

Revered Sri Madhava (Ananda Tirtha),

Worshiped and preserved this lineage,

With compassion and care.

And today, Sri Surendra Tirtha showed

The divine Vittala, from the lineage of the righteous.

After completing the song, Purandaradasa explained the glorious history of Sri Moola Rama through the verses, which delighted everyone. Kanakadasa, laughing, remarked, “Dasare, it seems Sri Surendra Guru wanted to narrate the history of the Lord to the Emperor. But before he could do so, you conveyed it through your song!”

Hearing this, both Sri Vyasaraja and Sri Surendra Tirtha smiled. Such delightful incidents are natural when enlightened souls come together!

The worship ceremony concluded. Both Gurus blessed everyone with Tirtha Prasada and then sat with the assembly of scholars to engage in discussions about philosophical principles while accepting their meal (Bhiksha). Afterward, both Sri Vyasaraja and Sri Surendra Tirtha offered Tirtha Prasada to Emperor Krishnadevaraya, who respectfully accepted it and returned.

When Sri Vyasaraja began narrating to the emperor and the gathered religious leaders the history of the two spiritual seats, their alliance, the propagation of philosophy, teachings, the establishment of doctrines, and the composition of sacred texts, Sri Surendra Tirtha looked toward Sri Vishnutirtha and remarked, “Sri Moola Rama has been awaiting a particular individual.”

Sri Vyasaraja smiled and said, “Sri Moola Gopalakrishna is already prepared for this. He will surely give it.”

Emperor Krishnadevaraya, however, could not comprehend the hidden meaning of this conversation between the two Gurus. Finding it intriguing, he looked puzzled. Noticing the emperor’s expression, Sri Vyasaraja explained, “Your Majesty, our Sri Surendra Tirtha has come here to receive a great soul, someone who is as vital to us as life itself. For this very purpose, we have nurtured and prepared this great soul, making him unparalleled in all the scriptures and safeguarding him for this moment. The individual that Moola Rama has sought is none other than Sri Vishnutirtha.”

Sri Surendra Tirtha continued, “That is why we have been awaiting this moment. As I said, Moola Gopalakrishna will give him.”

Sri Vyasaraja added, “The person at the center of this profound matter is none other than our beloved disciple, Sri Vishnutirtha. The time has come to entrust him to Sri Surendra Tirtha. This special event will take place tomorrow. The history of Sri Vishnutirtha is extraordinary, and I will recount it now. Listen attentively.”

Saying this, Sri Vyasaraja began narrating the remarkable history of Sri Vishnutirtha.

Sri Vyasaraja said, “During our travels, we once visited Ballapura, where many learned scholars of Vedanta from the Shaashthika lineage resided. Among them was a great scholar named Narahariyacharya, from the Bharadwaja Gotra, who was the grandnephew of the pre-monastic elder brother of the revered Sri Jayatirtha. Narahariyacharya and his wife received us with great reverence, hosted us in their home, and offered us Bhiksha.

When they performed Padapuja and prostrated before us, we blessed them with the words, ‘May you be blessed with virtuous children.’ Hearing this, they were moved to tears and said, ‘Gurudeva, we are not fortunate enough to receive such a blessing. Despite our worship, service, and prayers, the Lord has not graced us with children.’ Their sorrow deeply touched us. We consoled them, saying, ‘Acharya, Sri Moola Gopala Krishna has made us utter the blessing of progeny for you. It is His responsibility to make it come true. Do not worry; you will have not one but two sons. Offer your elder son to us, and this will bring you great fortune.’

With special prayers to the Lord, we blessed them and continued our journey. Three or four years later, when we visited the same village again, Narahariyacharya and his wife joyfully welcomed us and treated us with utmost devotion. They brought two beautiful young boys to us and said, ‘Swami, your blessings have borne fruit, and your words have come true! By the grace of your divine compassion, the barren tree of our lineage has blossomed again. As per your command, here is our elder son, Sri Vitthala, whom we offer to you. Please accept him and bless us. Let the younger son, Guruprasad, remain with us to carry forward our lineage.’

We accepted their offering, saying that all this is the will of Sri Hari. We returned to the capital with Vitthala. This Vitthala is none other than Sri Vishnutirtha.”

Hearing this, everyone present was filled with wonder and joy.

Sri Vyasaraja continued, “Guided by divine will, we nurtured Vitthala with love, teaching him the fundamentals of knowledge, performing his Upanayana (sacred thread ceremony), and bestowing upon him the name Sri Vishnutirtha. We personally instructed him in all the scriptures, transforming him into an extraordinary scholar.

Now, it is the divine plan of Sri Hari that this young ascetic will become the successor to Sri Surendra Tirtha at another great seat of Srimadacharya’s tradition. Tomorrow, we will formally hand over Sri Vishnutirtha to Sri Surendra Tirtha. Rajendra, O noble devotees, you must all participate in this grand event and feel fulfilled.”

With tears of joy streaming from their eyes, both Sri Surendra Tirtha and Sri Vishnutirtha were deeply moved. Sri Surendra Tirtha stood up and, with great emotion, embraced Sri Vyasaraja. He said, “Your generosity, brotherly love, and commitment to the future of Srimadacharya’s great lineage leave us in awe. We are eternally indebted to you. Today, the primary purpose of my life has been fulfilled.”

Witnessing the love and camaraderie between the two Gurus, Emperor Krishnadevaraya and the assembled audience marveled at their profound bond.