Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga

The Fifth Delight

Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma

25. A Display of Brilliance

A few days after the earlier incident, another event brought Venkatanatha's remarkable intellect and knowledge to light.

One day, a Harikatha performance on the Prahlada Charitra was organized at the town's Sri Hari temple. Hundreds of men and women gathered to listen to the divine story. Gopamma, accompanied by young Venkatanatha, attended the event. The women in the audience warmly welcomed Gopamma, offering her a seat among them. Meanwhile, one of Timmannacharya's friends invited Venkatanatha to sit beside him.

The Harikatha artist was a renowned keerthanakara, a devout Smartha Brahmin in his forties, known for his eloquence and radiance. As directed by the temple authorities, he began the Harikatha with a devotional song in praise of Lord Krishna, segueing into the story of Prahlada Charitra.

The performance was engaging and spirited. The artist sang shlokas and verses melodiously, captivating the audience. As the tale of Prahlada Charitra unfolded, the story reached the part where Hiranyakashipu's tyranny troubled the gods, prompting them to pray to the Lord for relief. The artist narrated how the Lord, declaring, "Nirvairaya Prashantaya" (For the peaceful and without enmity), reassured the gods, promising to destroy Hiranyakashipu and sent them away.

The Harikatha artist explained the meaning of the shlokas beautifully. Then came the part describing Prahlada's virtues. The artist enumerated Prahlada’s noble qualities and concluded by declaring, “Prahlada was a born Vaishnava (Ajanma Vaishnava).” However, he did not explain the meaning of the term Ajanma Vaishnava before moving on.

At this point, young Venkatanatha, who had been quietly sitting until then, stood up and addressed the artist, “Swami, revered Dasaru, you mentioned that Prahlada was an Ajanma Vaishnava. Why didn’t you explain its meaning?”

Until Venkatanatha pointed it out, no one in the audience had realized that the artist had skipped explaining the term. All eyes turned to the artist, curious to see how he would respond. Caught off guard, the artist hesitated for a moment and then replied with a smile, “Child, that is a well-known fact. There isn’t much significance to it, so I didn’t elaborate.”

Venkata’s Display of Wisdom

Venkata: Dasaru, what you said is not correct.

Dasaru: Why not? What is so significant about the term Ajanma Vaishnava?

Venkata: How can you say such a thing? The entire essence of Prahlada’s personality is encapsulated in that single term. All his greatness and glory stem from it. How can you disregard such an important term?

Feeling a little embarrassed, the Dasaru retorted sternly, “Child, do not ask such foolish questions in the middle of the story.”

Venkata: (humbly) Please don’t be angry, Dasaru. Perhaps my question seems foolish to you, but even Prahlada’s so-called foolishness stems from that very term! Please, explain its meaning.

Dasaru: (mockingly) Listen, child. Ajanma Vaishnava simply means "a Vaishnava from birth." What else is there to explain?

Venkata: And what does Vaishnava mean?

Dasaru: (laughing) Don’t you even know that? A Vaishnava means someone who follows either Ramanujacharya or Madhvacharya.

Venkata: (seriously) Dasaru, this is no laughing matter. You are a Haridasa—someone people trust for spiritual guidance. Your words influence them deeply. It is your responsibility to teach accurately and guide them on the right path, not mislead them.

The Dasaru, though taken aback by the boy’s boldness, concealed his embarrassment and replied, “Oh, so you think you can give a better explanation? What’s wrong with what I said?”

Venkata: (calmly) Swami, please don’t be offended by my words. Since you asked, here are the issues: First, not understanding the true meaning of Ajanma Vaishnava is the initial mistake. Second, equating Vaishnavism solely with Ramanuja or Madhva’s teachings is the second mistake. And third, refusing to acknowledge these errors is the third mistake.

By now, the Dasaru realized that this boy was no ordinary child. He became aware of his own mistakes, and his arrogance dissolved. Lowering his voice, he said humbly, “Child, you are correct. I have erred. Please explain the true meaning of Ajanma Vaishnava.”

Venkata: Swami, had you reflected on the term Vaishnava, you would have understood its meaning. Do you know why you made this mistake? Prahlada’s story is set in the Krita Yuga. Ramanujacharya and Madhvacharya established their doctrines in the Kali Yuga. It was only after their teachings that their followers came to be called Ramanujiya (Sri Vaishnava) or Madhva. So, how could Prahlada, who lived in the Krita Yuga, be referred to as a follower of Ramanuja or Madhva? Is such an interpretation even plausible? You tell me.

The audience was astonished by Venkata’s clarity and depth of thought. The Dasaru too realized his mistake and felt humbled. The devout listeners were awestruck by Venkata’s reasoning.

Dasaru: (respectfully) Child, you are extraordinary—wise beyond your years and a deep thinker. I admit my mistake. Please, explain the true meaning of Ajanma Vaishnava.

Venkata: Those who are devoted to Vishnu’s supremacy and are steadfast in their worship of Him are respectfully called Vaishnavas. Prahlada was a staunch proponent of Vishnu's supremacy and a supreme devotee of Lord Vishnu. He attained the title of a Param Vaishnava. While still in his mother’s womb, Prahlada received the knowledge of Vishnu’s divine nature from the enlightened Narada. Even before birth, he became a foremost devotee of Vishnu and a champion of Vishnu’s supremacy. Thus, the Bhagavata Acharyas have celebrated him as an Ajanma Vaishnava. This is the meaning endorsed by Veda Vyasa himself.

Hearing Venkata’s explanation and observing his brilliance, all the attendees praised him highly. The Dasaru held Venkata’s hand and said, “Child, you may be young, but profound wisdom resides in you. In the future, you will achieve great renown as a scholar. Today, I have learned a valuable lesson from you. As you advised, I will ensure my Harikathas are accurate and serve as a proper guide for people.” He then resumed the Harikatha, concluding with Prahlada’s coronation and singing a Mangala.

The laymen, women, and scholars present admired Timmanna Acharya and Gopamma for having such an extraordinary and intelligent son. Gopamma, astonished by her son’s wisdom and reasoning, was filled with pride and joy, thinking, “I am truly blessed to have such a noble son.” She returned home with Venkata, her heart swelling with happiness.

One evening, while returning from the temple after having darshan of the deity, Venkata’s friends approached him and said, “Venkatanatha, you’ve stopped spending time with us lately. You neither talk to us nor join us for games. Have we done something to upset you?”

Venkata replied seriously, “Not at all, friends. My father has been teaching me more extensively about grammar (samskruta), scriptures, and Veena practice. I’ve become deeply engaged in these studies and have no time for other activities.”

One friend, holding Venkata’s hand, said, “Friend, we’ve found you today. Come, let’s play for a while.”

Venkata replied, “No, my friends. I must now focus on my Veena practice and mantra recitation. I have no time for games; please forgive me.”

When his friends tried to insist, they led him to a nearby pavilion. Seated there, Venkata addressed them calmly, “Friends, becoming overly interested in games at the cost of neglecting your studies is not appropriate. This will disappoint your parents as well. Time wasted on frivolous activities cannot be reclaimed. Instead, you should focus on learning with dedication. That is the right path.”

Hearing his words of wisdom, the group of boys was moved, realizing Venkata’s maturity and the truth in his advice.

One friend, laughing, said, "Venkanna, during a lifespan of a hundred years, one should play during childhood and study as an adult. Isn’t that also logical?"

Venkatanatha responded, "Friend, you are mistaken. Education has no age limit, but one must begin acquiring knowledge from childhood itself. At this age, a child’s mind is pure and clear, making learning more effective. Education gained during childhood yields the best results. Haven’t you heard the story of Prahlada? He advised the demon children:

Koumaram aacharet prajnah dharmaan bhagavataan iha

(In childhood itself, a wise person should practice the devotional duties and righteous conduct prescribed by scriptures).

He taught that wisdom and devotion should begin in childhood through learning and righteous behavior. Your friend here says that in a lifespan of a hundred years, one can achieve whatever they desire. But have you considered how those hundred years pass?

Our revered Sri Vijayendra Gurugalu wrote in the Duritapahara Stotra:

Na tadasti shareerinaam shatabdaayushi shaastra-pramite'pi kinchid eva

Bhagurva khalu tatra raatri kaalo jalahomaasya samana taamuti |

Dwadashaayugaṁ divaapi poorva uttara meesha sthaviratva shaishavaabhyaam |

Samayaamshcha nayaami sarva-rogyair bahuleelabhirasi pramoodha-buddhaah |

Parisheeshita madhyamo'pi kaalaha sukrite bhaaratabhootaley vashishtah |

Tadihasi sadaiva paapachitte mayi pashvanty ajayoscha ko'paraadhaha |

The meaning of this is that even if one has a lifespan of a hundred years, much of it is spent in sleeping at night and other mundane activities. Of the remaining time, youth and old age occupy significant portions, leaving very little productive time for righteous deeds and learning.

Hence, we must make use of our childhood to learn, practice righteousness, and work towards becoming wise and virtuous."

Hearing this, all the boys said, "Friend, you recited some shlokas, but we didn’t understand their meaning. What exactly has Sri Vijayendra Gurugalu taught through this stotra? How has he prayed to God? Please explain to us."

Venkatanatha, with joy, said, “Friends, this is the right approach. The desire and eagerness to learn are what lead a person to the path of knowledge. Sri Vijayendra, using himself as an example, has taught the noble people of the world how to pray to God. The meaning of the shloka I recited is as follows:

The scriptures state that a human lifespan is a hundred years. However, O Lord! Half of this time, the nighttime, is wasted like the ritual of offering oblations into water. Only fifty years remain. Of this, twenty years are spent in childhood and another twenty in old age, marked by various ailments and idleness. Thus, forty years are already lost. This leaves only ten precious years, which are often spent indulging in worldly activities during youth. Lord, in this way, how are we any different from beasts or outcasts? Hence, grant us wisdom so that, even from childhood, we can pursue knowledge, dedicate ourselves to Your service, and practice the righteous path of Bhagavata Dharma.”

Venkatanatha passionately conveyed, “This is the prayer taught by Sri Vijayendra to guide us. Thus, wasting time in play and neglecting education, causing sorrow to our parents, is not justified. Tell me if this is fair.”

Venkatanatha’s heartfelt advice had a positive impact on the boys. They realized their mistake and resolved to change their ways. They said, “Friend, what you said is right. From now on, we will study diligently and follow your advice. But you must be our companion and guide us on this path.”

Hearing their words, Venkatanatha was delighted. He replied, “Friends, I am glad. My support will always be with you. Learn well and earn a good reputation.” Saying this, he bid them farewell and returned home.