Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga

The Fifth Delight

Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma

30. Gurukula Life

Madurai was a hub of wealth, splendor, and a sanctuary for all forms of knowledge and arts. Vishwanatha Nayaka, who was a feudal lord under the Kannada Empire, had significantly developed the city. Presently, Kumar Krishnappa Nayaka was ruling Madurai. Like his predecessor Vishwanatha Nayaka, he was deeply devoted to Sri Vijayindra Guru and had earned their blessings. Under his administration, Madurai thrived with prosperity and joy.

In one of Madurai's main streets stood the grand "Vasudeva Nilya," surrounded by a five-foot-high enclosing wall. This two-story expansive house belonged to Lakshminarasimhacharya. It had multiple rooms, two spacious halls, exquisite artistic furnishings, and a dedicated shrine, which made the house magnificent. The ancestors of Lakshminarasimhacharya were close associates of the Madurai rulers, serving the land and language with their valor and scholarship. As a result, Lakshminarasimhacharya was held in high esteem in the royal court. He had earned fame and prestige at a young age as a chief scholar in the court and as the principal instructor of Samskruta Vidyapeetha.

A few days after arriving from Kaveripattinam, Lakshminarasimhacharya enrolled Venkatanatha in the Vidyapeetha. On an auspicious day, he personally began teaching him Veda, Kavya (poetry), Nataka (drama), Nyaya, and Vedanta at home. Thus, Venkatanatha's gurukula life began.

Just as Lord Krishna, the omniscient and repository of all knowledge, studied under Sandipani Acharya, Venkatanatha pursued his education under the care of his elder brother. He diligently studied the Yajurveda of his branch under his brother’s tutelage. Many intelligent students also studied alongside him. Lakshminarasimhacharya would recite lessons two, five, or ten times, or sometimes only once, depending on the topic. Venkatanatha would retain the lessons in his memory and effortlessly recite them back when asked by his guru.

During periods of anadhyayana (non-study times), Venkatanatha would read literary works like Madhvavijaya, Ushaharana, and Amritaharana with his peers. However, once he read something, he wouldn’t revisit it. Noticing this, his teachers decided to test him on the poems they had taught. To their astonishment, Venkatanatha could fluently recite the verses, explain their syntax, meanings, verbs, poetic ornaments, interpretations, and special insights. His extraordinary retention power left his teachers amazed. While his peers would spend day and night repeatedly studying and reflecting on lessons to improve their understanding, Venkatanatha’s intellect flourished remarkably, aided by the blessings of Lord Srinivasa and the fruits of Timmanacharya's virtuous deeds.

At the Vidyapeetha, students would gather in groups and play various games. Observing their enthusiasm, Venkatanatha thought, “I will perform penance with even greater dedication than the enthusiasm they show in their games.” As if to practice asceticism, he engaged in games with his peers. Once he observed how a game was played, he would demonstrate it better than anyone else.

In one instance, he swam across the fast-flowing Kritamala River with the precision of an arrow reaching its target with wind-like speed. The path to reach the goal was of two types—curved and straight. He explained that while the curved path was arduous and risky, the straight path was safe and effective. Drawing a metaphor, he conveyed the message that the Supreme Brahman should be attained through straightforward methods like shravanam (listening) and mananam (reflection) rather than complex, roundabout paths. To illustrate this, he swam directly across the river to reach the shore, demonstrating his insight.

Similarly, his friends played the game "Gudu Gudu" (kabaddi) in teams on the sandy riverbank. In this game, participants must hold their breath while continuously saying "gudu gudu" (kabaddi kabaddi), avoiding opponents, tagging them, and returning to their base without releasing their breath. This challenging game required mastery of breath control, making it easy for those skilled in pranayama and nearly impossible for others. Venkatanatha excelled in this game, showcasing his superior abilities.

Later, after becoming a monk, Venkatanatha was destined to chant the Pranava (Om) countless times. Each chant required the practice of Pranayama, which consists of three stages: Rechaka (exhalation), Pooraka (inhalation), and Kumbhaka (retention of breath). Rechaka involves releasing the breath outward, Pooraka involves drawing it inward, and Kumbhaka involves holding it within. To prepare himself for these Pranayama practices he would perform in the future, Venkatanatha seemed to treat this game as a form of training. In this way, his games were not mere play but a means to focus his mind on the Supreme Brahman.

Lakshminarasimhacharya and Venkataamba, who had been childless, were overjoyed when Venkataamba became pregnant, possibly due to divine blessings or Venkatanatha's virtuous influence.

In Rajamannarugudi, the local ruler, Chinnachavappa Nayaka, invited Sri Vijayindra and Sri Sudhindra Gurus to preside over the grand Madhwa Navaratri Utsava and associated scholarly gatherings. He made extensive arrangements and sent a message inviting Acharya Lakshminarasimhacharya to attend. Respecting the Gurus' wishes, Lakshminarasimhacharya informed his wife and departed for Rajamannarugudi.

At Rajamannarugudi, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha conducted the Madhwa Navaratri Utsava and the associated scholarly events with grandeur. During this festival, Pandit Ramachandra Acharya delivered an exceptional explanation of the Sri Madhwa Vijayam, captivating thousands of devout listeners. Each day, hundreds of students and scholars participated in debates on Vakyaartha (philosophical discussions), various scriptures, examinations, music, storytelling, and poetry competitions, showcasing their intellectual and artistic talents.

Venkatanatha actively participated in all these events, demonstrating his extraordinary abilities and earning the blessings of the Gurus. His flawless recitation of the Vedas in forms such as Pada (word-by-word), Vakya (sentence-wise), Krama (sequential), and Jata (braided), as well as his deep understanding of poetry, logic, and Vedantic scriptures, left the scholars astonished and deeply impressed.

Today marked the auspicious occasion of Madhwa Vijayamangala. After the worship and offering of Tirtha Prasadam to Sri Moola Rama by the revered Gurus, a grand feast was held for over a thousand Brahmins. In the evening, the scholarly assembly concluded with discourses by the Gurus. Following this, Maharaja Chinnachavappa Nayaka honored the students, scholars, and artists with special rewards.

When Maharaja was about to present the special rewards, Sri Vijayindra smiled and said, "Maharaja, do you remember when your elder brother Chennappa Nayaka once bestowed significant honors with your hand? It was then that I received the title of Bala Saraswati. This young boy, Venkatanatha, is none other than the second son of that great Timmanna Acharya!" Surprised, the Maharaja responded, "Oh! The son of such a distinguished scholar! That explains his remarkable brilliance, intellect, and eloquence." Deeply impressed, he arranged for special rewards to be presented separately to Venkatanatha under the Gurus' direction.

The next day, as Lakshminarasimhacharya came to the assembly with Venkatanatha to seek permission for their return journey, Sri Sudhindra said, “Welcome, Acharya! We saw Chiranjeevi Venkatanatha when he was just three years old. How wonderfully he has grown! What radiance shines on his face now. Having such a remarkable disciple is truly your great fortune.” Lakshminarasimhacharya replied, “Indeed, he is an extraordinary boy. All his greatness is the result of the blessings of the Guru’s divine feet.”

Sri Vijayindra added, “The responsibility of nurturing Venkatanatha into a great scholar recognized worldwide lies with you!” Lakshminarasimhacharya humbly replied, “With the Guru’s blessings and guidance, nothing is impossible! As per your instructions, I will prepare him accordingly. Meanwhile, our Gururaja will come to Kumbakonam to study all scriptures under the younger Sri Pada and become a great scholar. He will be elevated to the position of the Asthana Vidwan (court scholar) of the great Mahasamsthana. Additionally, we will make him the principal of the Vidyapeetha at Ramachandrapura, where he can live a life of honor, respect, and popularity with his mother and wife. Such is the extraordinary love and grace of the Gurus for their disciples. I will carry out your instructions and return soon.”

The Gurus, delighted with this assurance, blessed them with Phala-Mantrakshata and special honors. With devotion in his heart, Venkatanatha traveled back to Madurai with his uncle Lakshminarasimhacharya.

After Acharya departed, Sudhindra smiled gently and said, “Gurudeva! When Venkatanatha was three years old, you placed him on your lap, showered affection on him, and shed tears of joy. We could not understand the significance of that moment then. Could you kindly explain it to us now?”

Vijayindra, smiling softly, replied, “Listen, when our Guru handed us over to Surendra Gurus, we were so attached that we couldn’t bear to part with him and were overcome with tears. Our Guru consoled us and said, ‘Do not worry. My mind will always be with you. Moreover, I will come to your seat as your disciple!’ Those words stayed with us.

When Timmanna brought three-year-old Venkatanatha to Kumbakonam, upon seeing the child, it felt as though the same form, beauty, and radiance of our Guru had manifested again before our eyes. It was as if the great Guru himself had taken birth in the form of Venkatanatha. That is why we feel such love and affection for him.

It is now your responsibility to ensure Venkatanatha receives a complete education and to groom him as your successor. He will elevate the glory of this great Mahasamsthana to unparalleled heights. We share this with you so that you may fulfill this divine task. Keep this confidential and focus on Venkatanatha’s progress.”

Hearing this, Sudhindra was overwhelmed, his body covered with goosebumps. Bowing deeply with reverence, he said, “I am blessed! I am truly fulfilled!! I will act according to your instructions.”

Following this, the Guru and disciple proceeded for the Sayamdeeparadhana (evening prayers).

When they returned from Rajamannarugudi, Venkatanamba listened with delight as her husband and brother recounted the grandeur of the events there.

When Venkatanamba was in her fifth month of pregnancy, Acharya organized the Hoomudisuva ceremony, and in the seventh month, he conducted the Pumsavana and Seemantha rituals with great grandeur. Guru Raja Acharya, who attended the celebrations, left for Ramachandrapura after ensuring that his mother and wife would stay back to assist with Venkatanamba's delivery. Gopamma and Kamaladevi, who remained behind to help, provided immense comfort and satisfaction to Venkatanamba. The already close bond between her and her sister-in-law deepened further.

In the ninth month, Venkatanamba gave birth to a son who would carry forward the family lineage. After the initial postpartum rituals and auspicious bath, Acharya performed the Jatakarma and Namakarana ceremonies, naming the child "Narayana." Guru Raja Acharya then returned home with his mother and wife. Venkatanamba's son, Narayana, became the darling of the household, and Venkatanatha enjoyed playing with the baby, taking immense joy in his antics.

Venkatanatha began his day early, rising at 4 a.m., completing his morning duties, and reflecting on the lessons from the previous day in Tarka Shastra (logic). After practicing the veena, he performed his morning ablutions, Sandhya Vandana, and fire rituals (Agnikarya). He then joined his fellow students to study the Vedas and Vedanta with the Acharya before heading to the Vidyapeetha with his guru. There, he delved into other Vedas, grammar, and Mimamsa Shastra. Returning home, he reflected on the day’s lessons while the Acharya performed the deity’s worship. After completing his afternoon meditations and reciting mantras and hymns, he dined with his relatives and returned to the Vidyapeetha.

At the Vidyapeetha, he studied literature (Kavya), drama (Nataka), Alankara Shastra (rhetoric), and yoga philosophy, practicing various yoga postures. Later, he joined his fellow students for discussions at Vaighanadi, completing his evening Sandhya Vandana there before returning home. Once back, he performed fire rituals, recited stotras and mantras, and spent some time playing affectionately with Narayana. After dinner, he retreated to his study room, practiced the veena for a while, and then rested.

Through this rigorous and disciplined schedule of studies and rituals, Venkatanatha earned the admiration and affection of his sister-in-law, brother-in-law, the Vidyapeetha faculty, and fellow students. He grew significantly in both knowledge and physical well-being.

Lakshminarasimha Acharya performed the Choula (tonsure) and Aksharabhyasa (initiation into writing and learning) rituals for Narayana in his third year. In his fifth year, he enrolled Narayana in the Vidyapeetha for formal education. Although Narayana was studying at the Vidyapeetha, Venkatanatha took special care to teach him hymns (stotras) and poetry, encouraging reflective thought. Venkatanatha had immense affection for his nephew, and Narayana, in turn, had deep love and respect for his uncle. Witnessing this bond between her husband and son, Venkatanamba was overjoyed. Thus, the days passed happily.

In Ramachandrapura, Guru Raja Acharya's wife, Kamaladevi, gave birth to a son. Guru Raja Acharya named the child "Venkatanarayana." As Venkatanarayana grew older and reached five or six years of age, his father ensured that he began his Aksharabhyasa, teaching him various scripts, vocabulary, mantras, and hymns, thus laying a solid foundation for his education.

When Narayana reached the appropriate age, Lakshminarasimha Acharya conducted his Upanayana (sacred thread ceremony) with great grandeur in Madurai, formally initiating him into the study of the Vedas and Shastras.