The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
28. The Loss of a Father
Gopikamba Devi was overjoyed to welcome her daughter-in-law, Kamaladevi, into their home. Following the ancestral traditions of the Shashika family, Gopikamba oversaw the observance of various significant rituals and ceremonies performed by her loving daughter-in-law.
In the month of Chaitra, Gopikamba guided Kamaladevi in conducting the grand Vasantha Gauri Puja with utmost devotion. Kamaladevi, seated in the bhadrasana and cradling the idol of Vasantha Gauri on a swing, performed the rituals in the presence of married women (sumangalis) from the village who had been invited to the home. Gopikamba ensured that the celebrations were conducted lavishly, with Kamaladevi offering turmeric, vermilion, sandal paste, betel leaves, and prasadam to the assembled women, who in turn blessed her.
On the Ashadha Krishna Dwadashi day, Kamaladevi performed the Mangala Gauri Puja with lamps, incense, and offerings. Married women were given turmeric, vermilion, and betel leaves as part of the ceremony. On the Ashadha Krishna Amavasya, Kamaladevi performed the Divasi Gauri Puja, and as per tradition, the Ganda Puja (worship of the husband) was also observed that day. When Gopikamba seated her son, Gururaja, on the ceremonial seat for the puja, everyone in the household burst into joyous laughter and playful teasing. Kamaladevi, blushing with modesty, performed the worship, delighting everyone present.
Similarly, during the month of Shravan, Gopikamba ensured that Kamaladevi performed the Gauri Puja on five consecutive Tuesdays. In Bhadrapada, Kamaladevi conducted the Swarnagauri Puja and Vinayaka Chaturthi Puja with devotion. Sixteen married women (sumangalis) were gifted with wooden combs (baganas), and they blessed Kamaladevi, saying, "May your marriage bring you prosperity and happiness!"
Kamaladevi’s dedication to the rituals, combined with her humility, obedience, and noble qualities, won the hearts of everyone. She served her in-laws, husband, and other elders with devotion and showed maternal affection toward her young brother-in-law, Venkatanatha. Her endearing nature and selfless service made her the cherished daughter-in-law of the household, earning the love and respect of all.
For a long time, Timmannacharya had desired to undertake a pilgrimage to Rameshwaram. After discussing his wish with his wife and children and seeking their suggestions, he set out on an auspicious day with his family for the pilgrimage, traveling via Madurai and Ramanathapuram.
In Madurai, they stayed at the home of their son-in-law, Lakshminarasimha Acharya, for a couple of days before continuing their journey. They then spent two days at Ramanathapuram, accepting the hospitality of friends and acquaintances who urged them to stay. Proceeding from there, they reached Rameshwaram after a few days of travel.
Together with his family, Timmannacharya performed the Setu Snana (ritual bath in the ocean), visited and worshiped at Bindumadhava and Rameshwar temples, and engaged in devotional activities that purified their minds. They visited the Darbh Shayan and other sacred sites, partaking in holy rituals and experiencing great joy. Timmannacharya and his family stayed in Rameshwaram for 15 days, performing daily ocean baths, temple worship, and acts of charity, thereby elevating their spiritual state.
Before leaving, they offered services to the deity, received prasadam, and departed with joy to continue their journey home. Traveling each day and halting at different places for rest, they performed rituals like temple worship and meals before resuming their journey. They eventually reached Kaveripatnam on Shravana Shukla Panchami.
On Shravana Krishna Ashtami, they celebrated Krishna Janmashtami Vrat and observed the concluding rituals the following day, which included a grand feast to commemorate the successful completion of their Rameshwaram pilgrimage. They hosted a lavish meal for Brahmins and married women (suvasinis) and distributed fruits, betel leaves, and dakshina, leaving everyone delighted.
After many days of travel and physical strain, Timmannacharya fell ill and was bedridden. Gopikamba and Gururaja Acharya ensured he received medical care and served him diligently day and night. As a result, his health gradually improved, bringing relief and contentment to the entire household.
In Timmannacharya's household, on Bhadrapada Shukla Tadige and Chauti days, the traditional Swarnagauri and Ganapati festivals were celebrated. Gopamma performed the worship of Gauri and Ganesha with great devotion. That evening, Timmannacharya began experiencing chest pain. A doctor visited, prescribed medicine, and left. However, the chest pain returned the next day, alarming the entire family.
Timmannacharya called Gururaja and entrusted him with several responsibilities, advising him to study Nyaya, Vedanta, and other scriptures diligently under Guru Sri Sudhindra, to become an eminent scholar and uphold the family’s honor. He also instructed him to care for his younger brother Venkatanatha and ensure his proper upbringing. Gururaja assured his father that he would fulfill his wishes.
Gopamma, overcome with fear and sorrow, fell at her husband’s feet and wept, saying, “Don’t leave me.” Timmannacharya, with tears in his eyes, gently lifted her, held her shoulder, and reassured her, saying, “Gopi, don’t worry. Nothing will happen to me.” Over the next few days, Timmannacharya’s health improved, bringing relief to the family, although he remained weak and required complete rest as per the doctor’s advice.
One day, the sound of the veena emanated from Timmannacharya’s room. Surprised, Gopamma, Gururaja, and Venkatanatha went to investigate why he was playing the veena despite the doctor’s orders. They found Timmannacharya sitting on the floor on a Krishnajina (deer skin), with the veena resting on his lap, playing it while tears streamed down his face. Upon seeing his family enter, he gestured for them to leave. Gopamma sat beside him, while Gururaja, concerned, asked, “Father, why are you playing the veena now? The doctor advised against exertion as it might tire you.”
Timmannacharya, smiling faintly, replied, “Gururaja, this is the last time I will play the veena. Even if you ask me later, I won’t be able to play it again. Please leave me alone for now.” Gururaja and Venkatanatha, unable to argue further, left the room, but Gopamma stayed behind.
The room filled with the soulful, sorrowful strains of the veena. The melody, Nada Nama Kriya in Ragavahini, flowed like waves, touching the hearts of all who heard it. It seemed as though Timmannacharya was expressing his inner pain through the music. Suddenly, one of the strings snapped with a loud "Tan!", accompanied by his chanting, “Srinivasa, Shrimadhvaguru Raja, Shri Vijayindra Guror Namah!” At the same moment, Gopamma let out a heart-wrenching cry. Silence enveloped the house.
The family rushed into the room to find Timmannacharya leaning over the veena, his fingers frozen on the strings, which lay broken, symbolizing the end of his life. Gopamma collapsed in grief, unconscious. The household was consumed by mourning.
The news of Timmannacharya’s passing deeply saddened the entire community. Scholars, dignitaries, and villagers gathered to pay their respects to the renowned scholar. They offered their condolences and provided comfort to the grieving family. Members of the Brahmin community took charge of performing the final rites according to scriptural traditions. Many lamented, saying, “The passing of this great scholar is an irreparable loss to the learned community.” Tears flowed as they bid farewell to the esteemed Timmannacharya.
Upon learning of Timmannacharya's passing, Anandatirthacharya and his wife traveled from Srirangam, along with their son and daughter-in-law. From Madurai, Lakshminarasimhacharya and his wife also arrived, and from Kumbakonam, as instructed by Sri Vijayindra Ramachandra Acharya Prakrutis came to Kaveripattanam. They all assisted with the post-funeral rites and rituals, offering their wholehearted support. They also comforted Gopamma, Gururaja, and Venkatanatha with great care.
After the ceremonies were completed, Ramachandra Acharya convened the family and conveyed the instructions of Sri Vijayindra and Sudhindra Gurus regarding Timmannacharya’s passing. He informed them that the Gurus expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of their beloved disciple and promised full support to the family. They advised Gururaja to take charge of the household responsibilities for one year, care for his mother and younger siblings, and focus on Venkatanatha’s education. Furthermore, they instructed that Venkatanatha’s upanayana (sacred thread ceremony) be conducted promptly, after which he should be enrolled in the gurukula. Gururaja was also instructed to visit the matha to continue his advanced studies.
Hearing of the Gurus' affection and their guidance for Timmannacharya’s family brought immense relief to everyone. The family expressed their commitment to following the Gurus’ directives, as conveyed by Ramachandra Acharya.
Lakshminarasimhacharya assured Gopamma and Kamaladevi of his support and assistance. He left his wife, Venkatanambadevi, with them in Kaveripattanam while he returned to Madurai. Anandatirthacharya and other relatives, after providing their assistance, also departed for their respective villages.