The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
36. The Master of All Arts!
On the auspicious day of Balipadyami, following the Deepavali morning rituals—Deeparadhana (lamp worship), Tulasi Puja (worship of the sacred basil plant), and Go Puja (cow worship)—both Sri Vijayindra Tirtha and Sri Sudhindra Tirtha took their seats at the Vidyapeetha. As per their instructions, Lakshminarasimha Acharya announced:
"Today, examinations and debates in Dvaita philosophy will be conducted. Anyone who wishes to participate may do so."
With deep reverence, Venkatanatha bowed to both Gurus before ascending the stage. Having already captivated the assembly for the past two days, he selected a profound section from Tattvodyota and began his discourse.
Like the celestial Ganga emerging from the Himalayas, his words surged forth from his lotus-like mouth, transforming the assembly into a divine theater of Saraswati’s dance. His voice, resonant and clear like the chime of a golden bell, carried the purity of the Ganga, the sweetness of the Tungabhadra, the precision of philosophical reasoning, and the nectar-like grace of scholarly wisdom.
His words bore the depth of scriptural mastery:
As fluid as the cooing of a nightingale,
As swift as the glide of a swan,
As electric as a flash of lightning,
As mesmerizing as a peacock’s dance,
Resounding with the harmonious interplay of Vedas, Smritis, Sutras, Puranas, and Itihasas.
His explanations, filled with irrefutable logic and unshakable scriptural authority, transported the audience to a realm of divine bliss, leaving them spellbound. Meanwhile, those who sought to challenge him were left speechless, overwhelmed by his intellectual brilliance.
At this moment, a scholar named Trambaka Shastri attempted to refute Venkatanatha’s arguments.
Smiling slightly, Venkatanatha responded,
"Acharya, there is no need for you to exert yourself. I have already anticipated all possible objections and counterarguments in alignment with your school of thought. However, since you are eager, I will first complete my argument, present my conclusions, and only then will you have the opportunity to respond—if there is anything left to say. Until then, I request you to listen attentively."
With unparalleled eloquence, he proceeded to draw upon the commentary "Gudhabhavaprakashika" written by Sri Vijayindra Tirtha on Tattvodyota. Using this text as a foundation, he systematically translated and refuted every anticipated objection, deconstructing every Purvapaksha (opposing viewpoint) with clarity and scholarly rigor.
Finally, he firmly re-established the irrefutable conclusions of Dvaita philosophy, presenting them with graceful rhetoric and unshakeable logic. Turning to Trambaka Shastri, he asked:
"Now, respected scholar, do you have anything to add?"
Having witnessed his own counterarguments utterly dismantled, Trambaka Shastri sat in stunned silence. Unable to refute even a single point, he lowered his head in complete defeat, realizing that his challenge had been rendered void by the sharp thunderbolt of Venkatanatha’s intellect.
Seeing Venkatanatha’s exceptional debating skills, where he eloquently interpreted the texts, refuted the opponent’s arguments, and left the scholar speechless, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha was overwhelmed with joy and exclaimed,
“Sadhu! Sadhu! (Well done! Well done!)”
Sri Sudhindra Tirtha, completely entranced, praised him, saying,
“Adbhuta! Adbhuta! (Wonderful! Wonderful!)”
The entire assembly erupted in thunderous applause, expressing their admiration.
For two hours, Venkatanatha’s analysis had captivated the scholars and seekers of knowledge, leaving them spellbound. Many among them felt that just by listening to this debate, their lives had been made meaningful.
Sri Vijayindra Tirtha then called Venkatanatha forward and, removing his own sacred shawl, draped it over his shoulders as a mark of honor. He then blessed him, saying:
“Kumara! You are a true proponent of Sarvajña’s (Madhvacharya’s) philosophy! I am overjoyed today!”
As Venkatanatha bowed in reverence, Sri Sudhindra Tirtha patted his back and addressed the assembly:
“O devotees of Dharma! Words fail to express the immense joy we feel today. This brilliant scholar has displayed unparalleled wisdom across all branches of knowledge. It is our duty, as the guardians of the empire of knowledge, to honor such a prodigious intellect.
As a token of our recognition, we shall now honor him.”
He then removed the golden, gem-studded Tulasi garland from his own neck and placed it around Venkatanatha’s neck, declaring:
“From this day forward, let this Venkatanatha be known throughout the world by the title ‘Sakala Kala Vallabha’ (The Master of All Arts)!”
The entire assembly erupted in joyous celebration, acknowledging his greatness. Among those watching, Lakshminarasimha Acharya, Guru Rajachar, Gopamma, Venkatanamba, and Kamaladevi were overwhelmed with indescribable happiness.
With deep humility, Venkatanatha folded his hands and said,
“Gurudeva, I am still just a student, a mere child. I do not possess the worthiness to carry such a great responsibility.”
Sri Sudhindra Tirtha smiled and replied,
“Yes, indeed, you are a child—a student. But what is a ‘child’? Is it not someone who has mastered Nyaya (Logic), Mimamsa (Philosophy), Vyakarana (Grammar), Sahitya (Literature), and other scriptures?
You are a student, yes. But are we not all students? Even Sri Madhvacharya himself studied under Badarayana (Vyasa)—then what can we say about ourselves?
Even our Guru, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha, has just now declared:
‘Kumara! You are the establisher of Sarvajña’s (Madhvacharya’s) doctrine!’
We consider this pronouncement a prophecy of the future. You shall be Chiranjivi (immortal in name and legacy)!
Under your guidance, Dvaita Siddhanta (Madhva Philosophy) shall shine eternally, like the sun and moon, free from any obstacles. You shall spread its fruits across the world, bringing joy and enlightenment to all!
This is the truth!”
With great delight, he blessed Venkatanatha once more.
Observing the events unfolding before him, the King of Madurai, Kumarakrishnappa Nayaka, approached Sri Vijayindra Tirtha and said:
“Maha Swami, the younger Guru (Sri Sudhindra Tirtha) has honored Venkatanatha with the title ‘Sakala Kala Vallabha.’ This is most appropriate! He is not only a master of all scriptures but also an unparalleled genius in Veena playing.”
Hearing this, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha smiled and replied:
“Indeed! That skill runs in his lineage. Is he not the son of our very own Timmanṇācharya?”
The King’s eyes lit up with realization as he asked,
“Guruvar, you say Venkatanatha is Timmanṇacharya’s son? Then… was he not the same Timmanṇacharya who once competed with the Uttara Adi Vainikas to protect the honor of Tanjavur and emerged victorious? What happened to his children?”
Sri Vijayindra nodded in affirmation, silently acknowledging the King’s question.
Meanwhile, Venkatanatha’s heart stirred with emotion. He recalled his father’s words:
“My son, at least once in my lifetime, I wish to see you play ‘Gandhara Grama’ on the Veena before those who truly appreciate its essence.”
He had long cherished this wish but had never had the chance to fulfill it. "If only I am blessed with that opportunity…” he thought.
At the same time, the King was lost in thought, wondering, “Will I ever be fortunate enough to hear the divine music of this Gandharva-born Venkatanatha again?”
Sensing the unspoken desires in both their hearts, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha suddenly proclaimed:
“Tathāstu! (So be it!) Raja, Venkatanatha—both your wishes shall be fulfilled!”
Both the King and Venkatanatha were astonished. "How did the Guru read our unspoken thoughts?" they wondered in awe.
Filled with joy, they bowed and said, “Mahabhagya! We are truly blessed by your grace!”
Sri Vijayindra Tirtha then turned to Venkatanatha and instructed:
“Venkatanatha, tomorrow is the closing ceremony of this grand assembly. During that time, you shall delight us all with your Veena recital!”
With that command, he proceeded with his disciples to oversee the Maha Abhisheka of Sri Moola Rama, leaving both the King and Venkatanatha elated and deeply grateful.
The Maha Abhisheka of Sri Moola Rama was conducted with great splendor and devotion. After completing the sacred rituals, the revered Gurus granted all devotees the divine darshan of the Lord in His Vishwaroopa (universal form).
Following this, the distribution of Teertha Prasada and a grand feast took place, where devotees were served with abundant sacred offerings.
As night fell, the celebrations continued with:
Deeparadhana (lamp worship),
Vidwat Sabha (scholarly assembly),
Harikatha (divine discourse),
Blessings and discourses from the revered Gurus.
Thus, the Maha Abhisheka concluded with divine magnificence and fulfillment.