The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
110. The Power of Mantra and the Redemption of the Doubter
Sri Rayaru’s fame began to shine everywhere as a great and glorious spiritual master. Because of this, although he did not desire it, in several situations he was inevitably compelled to demonstrate the mantra and yogic powers he had attained. He had attained mantra siddhi (mystic perfection through mantra) during his pre-monastic life, and once had displayed it to relieve the suffering of some learned Brahmins. Even at that time, he resolved—by the grace of the Lord—not to use this siddhi for selfish purposes.
Still, occasions arose when he had to display such powers. Guru Rayaru, in order to reaffirm faith in the existence of God, His inconceivable divine power, the greatness of the Vedas, the Sanātana Dharma, and yogic potency, sometimes had to manifest miracles. These were meant not to show off his glory but to instill and revive devotion and respect for Vedic traditions among the people. For one who had the vision of the Supreme Lord, such displays were not a great matter. One such occasion arose like a challenge when Sri Rayaru was preparing to leave Hubballi.
As he was getting ready for his onward journey, a few Brahmins from Sirasangi came to seek darshan of Sri Rayaru. After the customary greetings, the leader of the Brahmins spoke:
"Maha Swami, currently a question has arisen in our region about the very existence or relevance of Vedic mantras. Our village is called Sirasangi. The ancestors of the present-day Jagirdar (feudal lord) were very religious and generous. Though they were Veerashaivas, they respected both Brahmins and Veerashaivas alike. They had granted land to many Brahmins and instructed that it be preserved through generations, for the spiritual welfare of their family line. Everything went smoothly until now.
But the current Jagirdar of Sirasangi is forcibly taking back the land given to us, making our lives miserable. He does not believe in the Vedas, mantras, or scriptures. He claims that all such scriptures were imagined and written by Brahmins just to make a living, and says that if they were really true, someone should prove it! Only then would he believe and consider returning the land."
"Swami, we now see you as our only protector and have surrendered at your feet. Please restore our rights and safeguard our livelihood.”
Hearing the grievance of the Brahmins, Guru Rayaru’s heart melted. Comforting them, he said:
“The Supreme Lord is capable of fulfilling your prayer. Don’t worry—I will meet and speak with the Desai (Jagirdar).”
Thus granting them assurance, he sent off the Brahmins and proceeded with a few of his disciples to Navilugunda, where he took residence in the local temple.
As soon as Sri Rayaru arrived, he was carried in a palanquin and brought to Desai’s house. Hearing that the Guru himself was coming to his home, Desai came out of his house with four or five close associates, curious and eager. As Rayaru alighted from the palanquin, he said, “Who is the Desai of Sirasangi? We wish to meet him.”
Desai stepped forward, joined his palms, and said, “I am the Desai of Sirasangi. What brings you here, what do you seek of me?”
Rayaru smiled gently and replied, “Desai, we don’t seek anything for ourselves! But we have come to inform you of an injustice caused to some Brahmins, and we are here to facilitate a resolution on their behalf.”
Desai (with a laugh): “Oh, so you have come to speak on behalf of the Brahmins of this village? Alright, alright! I find it surprising that prominent pontiffs like you would come here after hearing the words of people who chant false mantras for their livelihood. Tell me, what is the matter?”
Sri Rayaru: “Desai, from your appearance, you seem to be a religious man. It seems you have faith in God as well. Is it proper, then, for someone like you to seize the land your ancestors donated—land upon which the Brahmins have survived under your protection? Will this not result in the sin of Dattāpahāra (the sin of reclaiming what was once donated)?
Look, Desai, Lord Krishna has said in the Bhagavad Gita, ‘Sva-dharme nidhanam śreyah’ (Better to die in one’s own dharma). This is a timeless truth, applicable to everyone. It is because your ancestors understood this well and followed it that they treated both Brahmins and Veerashaivas equally, living their lives by the principles of dharma. That is the right path.
Whoever they may be, people of any religion should live according to their dharma, maintain mutual respect and harmony. Only then will the nation remain free from fear. Caste-based quarrels, hatred, and jealousy will only cause revolution, leading to great harm to the entire country. We believe that some envious individuals have stirred these caste conflicts through slander and gossip. This is not good for the greater good.
We wish for you to walk in the righteous path set by your ancestors, practice dharma, and become one of noble repute. Act justly and earn glory.”
Desai: (laughing) “I have acted righteously, Swami! The Vedas and mantras—all of these are mere fabrications! They have no essence, no truth! For the idlers, they are simply a means of livelihood. If they had any real significance, I even gave them a chance to prove it! But either your Vedas have no merit or those Brahmins lack the ability—I don’t see anything. So I did not agree with them. This isn’t even a caste issue. Where is my fault in this?”
Sri Rayaru: “Desai, God and the Vedic scriptures are not false. They are indeed true. It is not proper to put them to the test.”
Desai: “Swamiji, I cannot accept mere words. Forget those Brahmins. Will you at least prove the truth of your words on their behalf?”
Sri Rayaru: (smiling) “If God wills, nothing in this world is impossible!”
Desai: “Excellent, Swami! Will you be able to show that God’s grace is truly with you?”
Sri Rayaru: (seriously) “Certainly! Tell me—what kind of test would you have me undergo to convince you?”
Desai: “Swami, if all your Vedas and mantras are truly valid,” (pointing at a dry twig lying nearby) “then use your mantra power to make this twig sprout! If you succeed in this act, I will return the lands to those Brahmins.”
Sri Rayaru: “This is no great feat. If it is your wish, God is capable of fulfilling it. We are currently staying at this village’s temple. Send this twig there along with four trustworthy people of your choosing. Give us a week’s time. Until then, your men should guard this twig day and night. Your wish will be fulfilled!”
Saying this, the Guru seated himself in the palanquin and returned to the temple. Witnessing Sri Rayaru’s composure, radiance, authoritative tone, and dignity, Desai was amazed. A feeling of reverence arose in his heart. He began to feel that perhaps he should not have tried to test someone of such greatness. Yet, caught up in his own obstinacy, Desai handed the twig over to four of his loyal servants and instructed them to guard it day and night for seven days and sent them toward the Guru.
News quickly spread that Rayaru had accepted Desai’s challenge and was going to make a dry twig sprout within seven days to demonstrate the power of Vedic mantras. Hundreds of people gathered near the temple out of curiosity. After performing his morning rituals and worship, Sri Rayaru filled his kamandalu with the sanctified water (tirtha) of the Lord and came outside. Seated on a Krishnajina (deerskin seat) near the twig placed at the doorway, he began chanting Vedic mantras while meditating on God. He then started sprinkling the sanctified Vishnu tirtha over the twig.
After about an hour of mantra chanting and contemplation, he instructed Desai’s attendants who were stationed nearby, “Do not touch this twig until tomorrow afternoon. Guard it carefully.” Saying this, he returned to the temple, accepted his meals, and rested.
Within a couple of days, the dry black-colored twig began to turn green and fresh! People started coming to see it with astonishment. When this news reached Desai, he came personally to witness it and was dumbfounded. On the third day, the center of the twig had thickened slightly. On the fourth day, a small sprout emerged from the center. On the fifth day, it grew to a height of one foot. On the sixth day, from the center of what had once been a withered mango-wood stick, a mango shoot emerged, lush and green with tender leaves! On the seventh day, it blossomed with flowers! By the power of Sri Rayaru’s mantra siddhi, the dry stick had sprouted!
Witnessing this astounding miracle, people began to sing the praises of the Guru. The community of Brahmins joyfully chanted:
“Victory to Raghavendra Gururaja! The Restorer of Vedic Glory!”
Desai could not believe his eyes! As Sri Rayaru had foretold, it had happened! Fear gripped Desai. “What a fool I was! I tried to test a great soul! What calamity might befall me if he becomes angry?”—he thought in distress.
Coming humbly before Rayaru, who sat on the Krishnajina with a gentle smile, Desai offered his salutations and pleaded: “Maha Swami, you are a Mahatma, a man of mantra siddhi! The Vedas, mantras, and scriptures are not lies—they are truth, the supreme truth! Because of saints like you, rains fall and crops grow. Please forgive this unfortunate soul who tried to test you. I offer you my salutations.”
Sri Rayaru, smiling with grace, replied:
“Desai, hearing your words gives us joy. Let me offer you one word of guidance. Just as the sun and moon are real, so too are the Vedic scriptures of this world truly real. Simply being a thread-wearer or a mantra-reciter does not guarantee mantra siddhi. We are not displeased that you tested us. In fact, because of your actions, the existence of God and the greatness of the Vedas have been re-established in public once again!
From the day we saw you, we knew that you are not a true atheist. You do have belief in God. Today it has been revealed outwardly. May this belief bring you well-being. It is the will of the Lord that many acts of righteousness be done through you. That divine will is what played out this divine drama, with God as the unseen stage-director, through both of us. But do not test others as you tested us. Just because someone else cannot perform this act, do not declare that God, Dharma, or the Vedas are false. That is our instruction to you.”
Desai folded his hands before Sri Rayaru and said, “Now I have gained wisdom, Swami. I will act according to your instruction. I will return the Brahmins’ lands. In fact, I will add a little more land to it as well,” he said. He then immediately called the Brahmins present there and said, “Swami, I have returned your lands to you. Tomorrow, I will also donate a little more land. Enjoy it with happiness and peace.”
Then Gururaja said, “Desaire, our task here is done. We shall now take our leave.” But Desai, with joined palms, entreated, “Guruvarya, please do not leave like this! You must accept my hospitality before departing.”
Sri Rayaru said, “Desaire, according to your wish, tomorrow Shri Moolarama will accept your hospitality. Receiving His prasada, we shall begin our journey.”
The next day, Desai served with great devotion. After receiving the Lord’s darshan and Sri Rayaru partaking the bhiksha, Desai received the tirtha prasada and felt blessed. Gururaja gave his blessings to Desai.
As Sri Rayaru prepared to leave, Desai bowed and said, “Guruvarya! Please do not hold my offenses in your heart. Bless my lineage with growth and prosperity.”
With deep affection, Gururaja said, “From today, you too are part of our circle of disciples and devotees. You have not committed any offense. In a short while, you yourself shall hear auspicious news of your lineage’s growth!” As he was saying this, a horseman arrived and announced, “Dhaniyare! The young mistress has delivered a baby boy! The little Dhani has sent me to share this joyous news with you!”
Hearing the servant’s words, Desai was overwhelmed with bliss! He said, “Swami, your prophecy has come true, O Mahatma of wisdom,” and offered his salutations to Sri Rayaru. The revered Swamiji smiled and, granting phalamantrakshate blessings to Desai, continued on his journey.
Sri Rayaru, along with his retinue from the Mahasamsthana, then began traveling toward the region of present-day Bhagyanagara (Hyderabad). He traveled across the province for many days, bestowing blessings and promoting welfare, and eventually arrived at Chitramitragadde. There, he had darshan of the tree where Shri Jitamitra Tirtharu resided, performed puja-aradhana to Moola Rama, enshrined the deity upon the tree, conducted kanakabhisheka, offered hastodaka, received prasada mantrakshate, and from there proceeded on his digvijaya to Raichur.
There he stayed for a few days, and from there, Sri Rayaru arrived at the presence of Shri Pranadevaru near Manavi, where he undertook the chaturmasya vrata (four-month monastic observance).