The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
123. The Appointment of the Āśrama Successor
At that moment, Vēṅkaṭanārāyaṇāchārya, overwhelmed by joy, emotion, and wonder, shed tears of bliss and asked,
“Gurudēva! Are my sons truly worthy of this great Mahāpīṭha?”
Śrīyavaru, with a gentle smile, replied:
“Who else could be more worthy than them, Vēṅkaṭanārāyaṇa? This decision is not made out of mere affection! It has been made in accordance with the will, determination, and inspiration of Śrī Mūla Rāma and Śrīmadācārya!”
Then Śrī Rāya continued:
“You all are the chief patrons and dearest associates of this Mahāsaṃsthāna. With this arrangement, you must successfully carry the Mahāsaṃsthāna forward and become worthy recipients of the supreme blessings of Śrī Mūla Raghupati Vēdavyāsa Dēva and Śrīmadācārya.
Vēṅkaṇṇa, just as you have shown your devotion to us, you must also show respect and trust toward the Mahāsaṃsthāna and the Pīṭhādhipatis (heads of the seat) going forward,” he instructed.
Witnessing the Guru’s noble vow and the qualities he held for the welfare of the Mahāsaṃsthāna, everyone—who had stood silent in awe—now joyfully bowed to Guru Rāja and with a choked voice submitted:
“Mahāswāmi, we accept your command with bowed heads. As per your will, we shall act and serve the Mahāsaṃsthāna according to our ability and become deserving of your blessings and grace.”
At an auspicious time, Śrī Guru Sārvabhauma graciously offered sacred water and auspicious rice grains (phalamantrākṣate) for accepting paramahaṃsa āśrama to Śrī Vēṅkaṇṇāchārya, grandson of Śrī Rāya’s elder brother Guru Rājāchārya (from his pre-monastic life), who had studied all the scriptures under him and was endowed with knowledge, devotion, and renunciation.
On the following day, as per Vedic tradition and the customs of the Mahāsaṃsthāna, Śrī Vēṅkaṇṇāchārya accepted ascetic life (yati āśrama), performed pādapūja to Guru Rāja, and humbly bowed to him. Śrīyavaru then initiated his beloved disciple with the mantra mudrā, imparted spiritual instruction (gurūpadeśa), mahāmantras, and all the sixty-four arts (catuḥṣaṣṭi kalā), and enthroned him on the Vidyā Siṃhāsana of the kingdom of Vedānta established by Śrīman Madhvācārya.
Following tradition, Śrīyavaru bestowed the title “Yogīndra Tīrtha” upon him and performed his coronation (paṭṭābhiṣēka) with his own divine hands, appointing him as his successor and blessing him with the utmost grace.
Thousands of people who witnessed this grand and splendid festival were filled with supreme bliss. The assembled devotees hailed in unison:
“Victory to Śrī Rāghavēndra Guru Sārvabhauma!”