Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga

The Fifth Delight

Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma

19. Penance and Boon at Tirupati

Venkatanba Devi was six years old, and Gururaja was four years old; the children were growing well. After Gururaja was born, the Acharya couple did not have any more children. The Acharya decided that this was the right time to have another son who would bring glory to the lineage, become renowned, and rule. One son does not bring as much joy as two sons. If there are two sons, the happiness is greater. Just as the two rituals, Darsha and Poornamasya, yield results only when performed together, similarly, Gururaja would not find happiness without a brother. With the support of a sibling, the two brothers would unite and prosper like Darsha and Poornamasya, bringing fulfillment and joy to the family. With this thought, Timmannacharya prayed to their family deity, Lord Srinivasa, for another son and, with his family, made a pilgrimage to Tirupati for worship.

The Acharya couple’s visit to Tirupati for divine service was recognized by the monastery authorities and their close associate, Pandit Jagannathacharya, who warmly welcomed them, arranged accommodations and meals for them, and supported Timmannacharya and his wife to devote themselves wholeheartedly to serving the Lord.

Timmannacharya and Gopikamba Devi bathed in the holy waters of Akash Ganga and Swami Pushkarini, completed the rituals at the temple of Sri Varaha Deva, had darshan of Lord Srinivasa, and began their service with devotion.

Desiring a virtuous son who would be a blessing to the family, a benefactor of the world, a universal leader, and a distinguished devotee, the Acharya couple knew that the vessel to bear such a son must be pure. Understanding the importance of mental, verbal, and physical purity, the scholarly Timmannacharya explained to his wife the need for observing strict vows, disciplines, and fasting to purify the body. He taught her to remain spiritually pure through devotion, worship, and other righteous practices. They began serving the supreme Lord Venkateshwara with unwavering devotion and dedication, observing Krishna Vrata, Chandrayana Vrata, Ekabhukta fasting, sacred scripture recitations, circumambulations, prostrations, and prayers, both day and night.

From early morning, between 3-4 AM, the Acharya used to recite the Sarvamoola scriptures of the great sages. With utmost devotion, Shri Timmannacharya and Gopikamba Devi meditated on Lord Venkatesha and sang melodiously the songs, verses, and Suladis composed by enlightened saints like Shri Sripadaraja, Vyasaraja, Vijayindra, Vadiraja, Purandara Dasa, and Kanaka Dasa, which described the divine play and glory of Lord Hari. They circumambulated the temple and performed steps of prostration while engaging in the worship of Lord Srinivasa.

Despite their austerities, fasting, and physical penances, the couple radiated an extraordinary brilliance and divine glow on their faces. Witnessing their devotion and discipline, everyone around them held them in high regard.

One day, scholars and devout individuals on the hill approached the Acharya and said, "Acharya, we are immensely delighted by your impeccable service, devotion to Lord Hari, and your profound knowledge. The scripture affirms, 'Bhakta Bhagavatam Shastram'—devotees and sacred scriptures are inseparable. For a long time, we have aspired to listen to the Bhagavata Purana from a scholar like you. You, being a great scholar, please be kind and translate the Srimad Bhagavata Purana for us. By doing so, Lord Bhagavan will be greatly pleased and will swiftly fulfill your desires. Listening to this scripture will also bless us greatly."

The Acharya replied, "I perceive this as the Lord's command conveyed through you. I am delighted and will translate the Srimad Bhagavata to the best of my ability." From the next day, he began translating the Bhagavata Purana.

From then on, the Acharya couple intensified their devotion. Just as Kashyapa and Aditi performed austerities like the Ksheera vrata (milk vow) to obtain Lord Vishnu as their son, the Acharya and his wife also undertook the Ksheera vrata with the desire to obtain a divine son, born of a part of the Lord Himself. It is said that their extraordinary devotion and service prepared the ground for the birth of a son who would be a divine incarnation and a beacon of devotion. Lord Srinivasa accepted their diverse services, purified their souls, and laid the foundation for the incarnation of His great devotee.

The Acharya couple performed their service with the intensity of penance, shining like the ancient rishi couples in their dedication.

In the mornings, from 8 AM to 3 PM, the Acharya conducted the Bhagavata translation in the presence of Lord Srinivasa in the temple. Hundreds of scholars, devotees, men, and women listened to the recitation with great devotion. The Acharya's discourses were both inspiring and deeply intellectual. He explained intricate concepts, the secrets of scriptures, the divine plays of Lord Hari, His unparalleled glories, and His compassion for devotees in simple and beautiful language that all could understand. The listeners, overwhelmed with devotion, were often moved to tears of joy and spiritual bliss.

Upon learning of Timmannacharya's exceptional expertise in playing the veena from the pontiffs of Vyasaraja and Vijayindra mutts, the temple authorities approached him with a special request. Understanding that Timmannacharya desired to serve Lord Hari through the ancestral art of veena-playing, they invited him to offer his musical service. Filled with joy, he began offering his profound veena-playing skills as a form of service to Lord Srinivasa during the early mornings and at the time of the night repose (Shayanotsava). His melodious veena renditions brought immense delight to Lord Srinivasa and profound bliss to the devotees, who extolled Timmannacharya for his unparalleled talent.

That day, during the recitation of the seventh canto of the Bhagavata Purana, the story of Lord Narasimha responding to the call of Prahlada unfolded. To uphold the truth of His devotee’s words—“Lord Hari is present everywhere; He alone is supreme and all-powerful”—the Lord appeared in the form of Narahari (man-lion), emerging from a pillar and slaying the tyrant Hiranyakashipu. To calm the Lord’s wrath, Lord Brahma brought Prahlada forward. Overcome with devotion, Prahlada extolled the Lord with heartfelt prayers, soothing His anger. Timmannacharya, deeply moved by the story, translated this part with utmost devotion.

Hundreds of devotees, enraptured by the sacred translation, listened with tears of joy, their bodies shivering with emotion. The Acharya himself experienced an indescribable and extraordinary bliss while translating this section. The translation continued until noon, culminating with the coronation of Prahlada, marking the completion of the seventh canto. The Acharya concluded the session with a mangala (auspicious invocation), and everyone wholeheartedly praised his scholarship, brilliance, and style of translation. The congregation received the sacred offerings of mangala prasada and mantra-akshata with reverence.

That day, the Acharya couple had darshan of the Lord, concluded their Ksheera vrata (milk vow), and partook of the Lord’s prasada, feeling deeply fulfilled.

During the night repose (Shayanotsava), the Acharya, overwhelmed with devotion, played the veena with his gaze fixed steadfastly on the feet of the Lord while singing. At that moment, the flower garland adorning the Lord slipped off His idol from the right side and fell. The Acharya and his wife, taking this as a divine blessing, were filled with immense joy. They sang mangala songs, accepted the prasada, and retired to their resting place, meditating on Lord Hari before taking rest.

That night, as the hour of Brahma Muhurta (early dawn) approached, Timmannacharya and his wife had a sweet dream. In the dream, they stood in front of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Srinivasa, devoutly praying for a virtuous son who would glorify their lineage. At that moment, a divine radiance, akin to the rising of a million suns, illuminated the scene. In that resplendent light, Lord Srinivasa appeared, adorned with the Kaustubha gem, a garland of forest flowers, a crown, earrings, bangles, and necklaces. Holding the shankha (conch) and chakra (discus), draped in yellow silk, and radiating incomparable beauty, the Lord stood with a gentle smile on His lotus-like face, granting them His divine presence and reassurance.

Overwhelmed by the sight of the Lord’s divine and auspicious form, Timmannacharya, with tears of joy and a choked voice, began praising Lord Srinivasa:

"O Lord of Lords! Jagannatha, the one seated on the lotus, revered by Brahma, Shiva, and all the celestial beings! O cause of the universe's origin, filled with infinite auspicious qualities, free from defects, the bestower of liberation, the one comprehended through the Vedas, the supreme Lord unmatched by any! O compassionate protector, have You graced us by accepting this servant’s humble service and appearing to bless us? O Master! Fulfill our cherished desire and protect us."

Saying this, they prostrated before Him. Smiling, Lord Srinivasa granted them a boon and spoke:

"Acharya and your wife, I am pleased with your penance. You have sought a son who would be world-renowned and a jewel to your lineage. Timmanna, today you faithfully translated the story of my foremost devotee Prahlada with devotion and reverence, offering Prahlada to Me. Hence, I am delighted to bless you with ‘Prahlada’ himself!

Acharya, the son born to you will be an incarnation of the great and mighty soul who is most dear to Me, who is perpetually imbued with the divine presence of Shri Vayu Deva, and who is destined for the welfare of the world. Your son will uplift the world, establish righteousness, and be glorified across the three realms. He will spread the principles of Bhagavata Dharma, illuminating not only your lineage but also the fame of the Hamsa lineage initiated by Me. He will become revered throughout the world!

Acharya, after completing the Bhagavata translation and offering the mangala, return to your hometown with your virtuous wife and live a life of devotion and righteousness. May all auspiciousness be yours.”

Having said this, the Lord disappeared.

In the enchantment of the divine dream, the Acharya couple remained overwhelmed with tears of joy. Waking up suddenly, they recalled the dream, shared their profound experience and the Lord's blessings with each other, and rejoiced in great happiness. They immediately rose from their bed, bathed in the holy Swami Pushkarini, and offered their prayers to the Lord.

As per the Lord’s instructions, they completed the Bhagavata translation, offered the mangala, served Lord Srinivasa, accepted the prasada, and joyfully returned to Kaveripattana. In their ancestral home in the agrahara, they remained devoted to worship and meditation, eagerly awaiting the auspicious day when their virtuous son would be born.