The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
40. The Homecoming and Blessings from the Gurus
Sri Vijayindra and Sri Sudhindra Gurus were overjoyed to see Venkatanatha and Saraswati arriving as a newly married couple. They showered heartfelt blessings upon the ideal couple, recognizing their virtue and divine compatibility. The newlyweds performed Pada Puja (ceremonial worship of the feet) for their revered Gurus, receiving sacred mantra mudras, blessings, and auspicious fruits with consecrated rice grains (Phala Mantrakshate).
That afternoon, the Gurus called Guru Raja and Venkatanatha for a private discussion. Sri Vijayindra, reminiscing about Venkatanatha’s father, said:
"Timmannacharya was our beloved disciple. If he had witnessed your progress today, he would have been overjoyed! But divine will did not allow that. However, by the grace of Sri Hari, both of you—his sons—are learned, humble, and devoted to our tradition. We are prepared to assist you in any way possible. What do you seek from us?"
Guru Raja replied with humility:
"Great Swami, we are indebted to your benevolence. You have nurtured us, given us the gift of knowledge, provided for our well-being, and ensured our future stability. We seek nothing more—only that your grace remains eternal."
Venkatanatha, bowing with reverence, said:
"Gurudeva, since childhood, you have embraced me as a disciple and honored me among learned scholars, despite my inexperience. You awarded me distinctions and elevated my status, even when I was unworthy. Now, you have arranged my marriage and ensured a peaceful life for me. What more could I possibly ask for? My only request is that, by your grace, I may uphold the reputation and honor bestowed upon me, dedicating myself to serving and propagating our Siddhanta (philosophical tradition) with unwavering commitment."
Hearing these noble words, the Gurus were immensely pleased with the humility and devotion of the brothers.
Sri Vijayindra then addressed them as a guardian and elder:
"You are exemplary brothers. Continue to honor your mother with the utmost respect and devotion, ensuring her happiness. Your grandfather, Kanakachalacharya, and father, Timmannacharya, were bestowed with land and property by the Matha in Kaveripatnam and Ramachandrapur Agrahara. Guru Raja, as the elder, you should reside in Ramachandrapur, while Venkatanatha should settle in Kaveripatnam, where his father cherished living. There, you must continue your study, teaching, and service to the tradition. This is our wish."
Both Guru Raja and Venkatanatha humbly accepted the Guru’s command.
Sri Vijayindra then gave a profound directive to Venkatanatha:
"One more important matter, Venkatanatha. Our esteemed Matha seeks your service. You have now entered the life of a householder, and after some time, you should devote yourself fully to our Matha. Here, you will continue advanced studies with our chosen disciples, engage in scholarly compositions, participate in philosophical debates, and deliver profound discourses to uphold and spread the greatness of the Dvaita Siddhanta. You must shine in the world with immortal glory through this mission. This is my command to you as your Guru!"
With eyes filled with tears of divine bliss, Sri Vijayindra placed his sacred hand upon Venkatanatha’s head, imparting his blessings with immense affection. Every word from the revered Guru sent waves of emotion through Venkatanatha’s soul. Overcome with devotion, he humbly accepted the Guru’s command and responded in a choked voice, “I will follow my Guru’s instructions.”
After receiving sacred Mantrakshata and blessings from both Gurus, Venkatanatha and his family embarked on their journey to Ramachandrapura Agrahara for the auspicious homecoming ceremony.
Upon arrival, under the guidance of the elders, the grand homecoming ceremony of the newlywed Saraswati was performed with great festivity. The bride and groom were hosted at a relative’s house before being formally welcomed into their own home. Guru Raja Acharya, ensuring the best of traditions, led the procession with grandeur and musical accompaniments.
At the entrance of the house, the newlyweds were greeted with an Arati, and as per custom, Saraswati was guided by Venkataamba. With grace, she gently kicked a ceremonial plate filled with rice and jaggery using her right foot, symbolizing her prosperous entry into her new home. Following this, the priest conducted the Lakshmi Puja with Saraswati as the main performer, signifying her role as the goddess of prosperity in her new household. The couple then sat on a sacred mat for the Phala Puja, and gifts were distributed to Brahmins and Sumangalis. The elders showered their blessings, and the day concluded with a grand feast for Brahmins, women, and relatives.
That evening, traditional post-wedding customs like Urutani (playful teasing between the bride and groom) and Arati celebrations took place, marking the completion of the grand homecoming ritual.
The next day, Vasudevacharya and his wife bid farewell to their daughter Saraswati, imparting her guidance on her duties, responsibilities, and virtues as a wife. With tears of love and joy, they took leave for their hometown, entrusting their beloved daughter to her new family with full confidence and blessings.
A few days later, Lakshminarasimha Acharya made arrangements for Venkatanatha and Saraswati to settle in Kaveripatnam, where their future household was being prepared. He informed the family:
"On Chaitra Bahula Panchami, an auspicious time has been chosen for Venkatanatha and Saraswati to begin their household life in their own home. I will travel ahead to Kaveripatnam to oversee the preparations, including the house’s cleaning, whitewashing, and the arrangement of all necessary household items. You must accompany the newlyweds and arrive there at the appropriate time.”
The next day, he departed for Kaveripatnam with young Narayana, ensuring that everything was in perfect order for the couple’s transition into their new life.
Venkatanatha, accompanied by his family, embarked on a journey to Kaveripatnam, traveling in two large carts, which moved forward with a rhythmic ghalu-ghalu sound. As they crossed into Tundira Mandala, they witnessed its abundance of fruit, flowers, rice fields, and various grains, nourished by the ever-flowing Kaveri River. The royal highway was lined with beautiful villages, towns, hamlets, agraharas, gardens, and ponds, all adding to the picturesque scenery. Majestic rows of trees lined both sides of the road, their lush canopies offering a refreshing shade, while the serene streams of the Kaveri River enhanced the beauty of the surroundings.
As they journeyed, Venkatanatha, with enthusiasm and poetic eloquence, described the charming landscape to his sister, sister-in-law, and wife. Along the way, they passed through lush groves filled with flowering trees such as Ashoka, Kuruvaka, Bakula, Tilaka, Nameru, Bhuta, Priyala, Sindhuvara, Karnikara, Sampige, and Kinshuka, each swaying gracefully in the breeze.
In these idyllic gardens, young maidens were seen engaging in playful, amorous pastimes. With their graceful gestures and mischievous glances, they teased the young men, igniting passion and rendering them lovestruck. Their Dohala Kreeda (springtime playful games) left many a young heart captivated, entranced by the spell of Cupid’s arrows.
Despite witnessing the dazzling beauty and enchantment of these playful scenes, Venkatanatha, like the steadfast Upendra wielding his Vajrayudha, remained unmoved and unwavering. With a gentle smile, he pretended not to notice, maintaining his composure as he continued narrating the journey’s sights to his companions.
Finally, they arrived at the Agrahara of Kaveripatnam, where Lakshminarasimha Acharya had already made all the necessary arrangements for their new household. The house was beautifully decorated with fresh Toranas, and the entire town had gathered to welcome the newlywed couple with great fanfare and musical celebrations. Renowned scholars, Vedic priests, and esteemed townsfolk joined in to bless the couple.
Saraswati was ceremoniously ushered into her new home, following all sacred traditions, marking the auspicious beginning of her life with Venkatanatha. The celebrations included a grand feast, where guests were honored with fruits, betel leaves, and generous offerings, leaving everyone overjoyed. The residents of the Agrahara, upon witnessing the intellect, humility, and radiant presence of Venkatanatha and Saraswati, were overwhelmed with divine bliss and admiration.