Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga

The Fifth Delight

Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma

38. Return from Madurai and the Proposal for Venkatanatha’s Marriage

A few days after Deepavali celebrations concluded, as Sri Vijayindra Tirtha prepared to leave for Kumbakonam, he called for Lakshminarasimha Acharya and his family. They all arrived, offered their prostrations to both Gurus, and took their seats upon receiving their blessings.

Sri Vijayindra Tirtha addressed them, saying:

"Acharya, our disciple Ramachandra Acharya has come to us with a proposal for a sacred occasion. Near the agrahara where Gururaja Acharya resides, another agrahara houses our dear disciple’s relatives, the noble Vasudevacharya, a jagirdar from the Shashika lineage. He is a wealthy and virtuous man, well-rooted in dharma. He has a daughter named Saraswati, who is of marriageable age.

Saraswati is highly proficient in Sanskrit, Kannada, literature, and music. She is not only endowed with great virtues but is also extraordinarily beautiful—comparable to Goddess Rati herself. Vasudevacharya has requested us to find a suitable groom for her. Ramachandra Acharya mentioned Venkatanatha’s name, and upon hearing it, we were overjoyed.

We have already decided that Venkatanatha is the most suitable groom for Saraswati. Since Gururaja Acharya, your mother, brother-in-law, and sister are all present, we would like to hear your opinion."

Hearing this, Gururaja Acharya humbly submitted,

"Gurudeva, we are hesitant. Vasudevacharya is a nobleman of great wealth and is connected to the Guru lineage. Are we truly worthy of forming an alliance with such a distinguished family?"

At this, Sri Sudhindra Tirtha smiled and reassured him,

"Acharya, Vasudevacharya’s material wealth is insignificant compared to the wealth of knowledge that resides in our Venkatanatha! If you all agree, it would bring immense joy to us and to our revered Guru as well."

After discussing the matter with Gopamma and other family members, Lakshminarasimha Acharya finally said,

"We shall follow the command of the revered Gurus in all matters."

Upon hearing this, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha smiled and turned to Venkatanatha, saying,

"This is wonderful news! But, Venkatanatha, your opinion matters the most. What do you say?"

With his face lowered in humility, Venkatanatha, in a tone of deep reverence, responded,

"The command of my revered Gurus, who are the very foundation of my spiritual well-being, is my highest duty and honor."

His words filled the gathering with immense satisfaction and joy, sealing the divine match with great enthusiasm and blessings from all present.

At that moment, the four-year-old boy, Krishna, who had been seated on Ramachandra Acharya’s lap, suddenly got up, walked over to Venkatanatha, and sat before him, smiling at his face with innocent delight.

Seeing this, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha remarked,

“Venkatanatha, do you see our little Krishna? During your Veena recital, he declared that he would become your disciple one day. And now, once again, he has come and seated himself beside you. It seems he is destined to learn from you!

Indeed, when one stands before the image of Sri Moola Rama, what is impossible? This Krishna may one day become your disciple, attain great scholarship, and even compose revered scriptures!”

This prophecy later came true—when Venkatanatha became Sri Raghavendra Swami, Krishna studied all the scriptures under him and, following his Guru’s command, authored the Dharma Shastra text "Smriti Muktavali", which became globally renowned as "Krishnachara Smriti." Even today, this scripture is held as an authoritative text on Dharma at the Sri Raghavendra Swami Mutt.

Hearing Sri Vijayindra’s divine foresight, Ramachandra Acharya smiled and said,

"The Guru is revealing Krishna’s destiny!"

Everyone laughed in amusement, and Venkatanatha himself smiled, responding humbly,

"I too pray that the Guru’s prophecy comes true."

Marriage Arrangements and Venkatanatha’s Recognition as a Scholar

Following this, both revered Gurus instructed Ramachandra Acharya to finalize the wedding arrangements. They blessed the gathering with fruits and sacred Akshata (consecrated rice) and sent them off.

After completing his Gurukula studies at the Madurai Vidyapeetha, Venkatanatha was honored at a grand convocation ceremony under the patronage of the King of Madurai.

He was conferred Vidwat (scholarship) degrees in:

Nyaya (Logic)

Mimamsa (Philosophy)

Vyakarana (Grammar)

Sahitya (Literature)

Veda and Vedanta Shastras

Additionally, at the King’s request, he was bestowed with the prestigious title of "Asthana Mahavidwan" (Royal Court Scholar) and was offered an annual stipend in recognition of his extraordinary scholarship.

His teachers, fellow scholars, and students showered immense respect and admiration upon him.

The joy of Lakshminarasimha Acharya and his wife was beyond description—they were overjoyed that such a remarkable scholar had been their disciple. Similarly, Gururaja Acharya and Gopamma felt deeply fulfilled, having successfully fulfilled their responsibility of guiding and protecting him.

A few days later, Lakshminarasimha Acharya and his wife, accompanied by Venkatanatha and their son Narayana, departed from Madurai and arrived at their ancestral home in Ramachandrapura Agrahara.

Their family welcomed Venkatanatha with boundless love and admiration, rejoicing in his achievements.

At the request of Gopamma and Gururaja Acharya, it was decided that the wedding should be completed before they left again. The senior family members took charge of the marriage arrangements, while Acharyas actively assisted in the preparations, ensuring everything was carried out with the utmost care and devotion.