The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
41. Venkatnatha and Saraswati’s Blissful Married Life
After entering her husband’s home, Saraswati was initially apprehensive, but she was soon overwhelmed by the love, warmth, and generosity of her mother-in-law (Gopamma), sister-in-law (Kamala Devi), and brother-in-law (Lakshminarasimha Acharya). Their affectionate nature, noble thoughts, and unwavering trust in her melted away all her fears. She was deeply moved by the love and respect they showered upon her, making her feel at home within just a few days—as if she had spent many years in their household.
She admired her mother-in-law's affectionate and magnanimous nature, her ability to see a daughter-in-law as the very embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi, and her unparalleled kindness that surpassed even maternal love. Saraswati revered Gopamma more than her own mother, developing deep respect and devotion for her. Similarly, Venkatamba and Kamala Devi became inseparable from Saraswati, forming a bond so close that they could not bear to be apart from each other even for a moment. Out of love, Saraswati addressed her mother-in-law as "Amma," Venkatamba as "Amba," and Kamala Devi as "Akka", further strengthening the affectionate ties within the household.
For Saraswati, her husband was nothing short of a living deity. His vast knowledge, humility, virtuous conduct, noble demeanor, handsome features, simplicity, and ever-present gentle smile filled her heart with gratitude and admiration. She considered herself immensely fortunate to be the wife of such an extraordinary man. Aware of the greatness of her husband, Saraswati constantly aspired to be an ideal wife, ensuring that she never caused him even the slightest discomfort.
By nature, Saraswati was kind-hearted, composed, and virtuous. Her graceful manners, gentle speech, impeccable character, and serene temperament, combined with her devotion and respect toward her elders, gurus, mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and husband, made her dearly beloved by all. Her unwavering love, reverence, and devotion toward her husband further cemented her place as the cherished daughter-in-law and an embodiment of grace in the household.
Venkatnatha and Saraswati’s married life was as sweet as milk and sugar, a union filled with harmony and affection. Venkatnatha deeply loved and cherished his wife, showering her with unwavering care and admiration. In truth, Saraswati was indeed blessed and fortunate, for she had received everything a wife could desire by divine grace. What more could a woman wish for than a husband endowed with beauty, virtue, wisdom, a gentle heart, and a romantic nature? Venkatnatha embodied all these qualities perfectly, making Saraswati’s life one of contentment and joy.
Moreover, the entire household encouraged and nurtured their love, ensuring that their bond grew even stronger. Saraswati needed nothing more—her heart was full. Venkatnatha, too, considered himself immensely fortunate to have Saraswati as his wife. She was not only a gifted musician and scholar but also deeply devoted to her husband, embodying humility, kindness, generosity, and gentle-heartedness. She was a true companion, dedicated to his well-being, happiness, and service. Their married life was an ideal example of harmony, as sweet as honey mixed with milk.
Their exemplary virtues earned admiration from neighbors and acquaintances, who often spoke of them with great reverence. The couple, united in love and purpose, continued their life together in unwavering joy and fulfillment.
Seeing their children settled in happiness, Lakshminarasimha Acharya and Guru Raja Acharya, along with their wives, bid farewell to Venkatnatha and Saraswati, feeling deeply content and gratified. With hearts full of joy and satisfaction, they returned to their respective homes, leaving the young couple to build their life together in peace and prosperity.