The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
43. Mantra Siddhi (The Grinding of Sandalwood Paste)
Venkatanatha, along with Saraswati, set out and reached a village at sunrise after a couple of ghatis (time units). It was an agrahara (a Brahmin settlement), with houses on both sides of the road, a serene pond in front, and a temple radiating divine splendor. The Acharya, along with his wife, alighted from the cart, washed their hands and feet in the pond, and sat in a nearby stone pavilion to rest.
At that moment, a wealthy-looking man approached them and said, “Swami, you appear to be new here.” The Acharya responded, “Yes, we are on our way to Kaveripatnam. Is there a Madhwa household here?” The man, impressed by the Acharya's radiance, introduced himself, “Swami, I am also a Madhwa. My name is Bhimaraya, and I am a landowner in this village. Today, we are performing a grand Sethu Samaaradhana at our home. Kindly accept our hospitality, partake in our meal, and then continue your journey.”
Moved by Bhimaraya’s humility and courtesy, the Acharya agreed. Bhimaraya led them to his large house on the same street, informed his family, and arranged a room for them. The women of the house took Saraswati inside.
After a short rest, the Acharya bathed in the pond, returned to the house, and, after completing his Sandhya Vandana, Deva Pooja, and other rituals in the courtyard, sat for scriptural recitation.
A moment passed when a robust young man arrived, walked around a few times, then approached the Acharya and abruptly asked, “Are you here for the meal?”
Taken aback by such a sudden question, the Acharya composed himself and replied, “I do not know who you are! May I know your introduction?”
Puffing out his chest with arrogance, the young man responded, “My name is Mukunda. Whatever I say in this house is final. Now you understand who I am, don’t you?” Smirking, he continued, “Well, Swami, you seem to be here just for the meal, but shouldn’t you also contribute in some way?”
Although Venkatanatha was distressed at being addressed like a mere wandering Brahmin seeking food, he concealed his emotions and calmly responded, “How may I assist you?”
Mukunda, now speaking authoritatively, said, “You look quite strong! Today, we need to prepare Gandhakshate (sacred sandalwood paste and turmeric-blessed rice) for hundreds of people. We require enough sandalwood paste for at least fifty to sixty people. You must prepare it, understand?”
Without waiting for a response, Mukunda went to the temple, fetched a large grinding stone, a sandalwood log, and a water-filled vessel, placed them in front of the Acharya, and casually ordered, “Here, begin!” Then, without another word, he walked away.
Although the Acharya felt hurt, he believed that serving Brahmins pleases the Lord. He pondered how virtuous and humble the head of the household was, yet how rude and uncivilized his son Mukunda was! Surprised that such people existed in the world, the Acharya began grinding the sandalwood. As he did, the Agnisukta spontaneously flowed from his lips:
"Agniḥ saptiṁ vājaṁbharaṁ dadātyagniḥ vīraṁ śrutyam karmaniṣkām |
Agnirodasi vicharatna mañjannagīrnārīṁ vīrakukṣim purandhīm
Annērappasaḥ samidu bhadrāgnirmahīrodasī aviveśa |
Arekaṁ codayatnamarva trāṇi dayate puraṇi
Agnirhatyaṁ jarataḥ kaṇiramāvāgīradru niradahajjarūtham |
Agniritriṁ gharm uruṣyadantaragnirnaimēdhaṁ prajayāsk jasam"
As Venkatanatha continued chanting the Vedic hymns while grinding the sandalwood, Mukunda stormed in once again, stomping his feet. “Oh! Now the Vedas too? Enough of your recitation! Hmph! Hurry up, it's getting late,” he barked before rushing out once more.
At that moment, Saraswati happened to enter the padasala (courtyard) and witnessed Mukunda’s rude commands and, to her horror, saw her husband grinding sandalwood. A turmoil arose within her. “What injustice! My husband, who is revered by kings and Peethadhipatis (pontiffs), is being made to grind sandalwood like a commoner? A scholar of the Vedas, a master of all Shastras, and a jewel of the Paschima Vaidika lineage—how can such a noble soul be ordered around like a servant?” Overwhelmed by sorrow and distress, tears streamed from her eyes.
Witnessing this great dishonor to her husband, the tender-hearted Saraswati broke down and wept bitterly. Hearing her sobs, Venkatanatha lifted his head and saw his beloved wife’s tear-filled eyes. Their gazes met. The Acharya placed his finger on his nose, silently signaling her to remain calm. Helpless, Saraswati wiped her tears with the edge of her saree and retreated to her room, unable to bear the sight.
Seeing his wife's sorrow, the Acharya was moved. He quickly finished preparing the Gandhakshate, then sat immersed in his parayana (scriptural recitation). Soon, Mukunda returned and took the Gandhakshate away.
Once the Naivedya (sacred food offering) was completed, the Brahmins and Sumangalis (auspicious married women) proceeded to the large dining hall, where they began seating themselves in neat rows. The priests distributed Teertha, Prasada, and Gandhakshate, and the leaf plates were arranged for the meal.
Bhimaraya, noticing that the Acharya was missing from the Brahmin assembly, searched for him and approached his resting place. Folding his hands, he respectfully said, “Maha Swami, the Teertha is being served. Why have you not come? Please, Swami, honor us with your presence.”
Venkatanatha stood up, ready to accompany him.
At that moment, from the large padasala, loud cries of distress erupted:
"Ayyo! Burning! Burning! Fire! My life is leaving me! Father! Mother! It’s burning! Fire!"
Hearing the commotion, Bhimaraya rushed there in panic, followed closely by the Acharya. The sight before them caused immense anguish—30 to 40 Brahmins were clutching their stomachs, foreheads, and shoulders, screaming, "It’s burning! Fire! I feel like I’m dying!" No one could comprehend what had happened.
Bhimaraya, alarmed, asked, “What happened?” The priests, equally perplexed, responded, “We don’t know, Swami! The moment they applied the gandha (sandalwood paste), they started screaming like this. Maybe some strong irritant got mixed into it.”
Bhimaraya then asked, “Who prepared the gandha?” The priests replied, “Your son, Mukunda.”
Mukunda, startled, immediately defended himself, “Not me, father! This Brahmin prepared it. I don’t know anything about it!”
Purohit Ramacharya, furious, scolded Mukunda, “Wretched boy! I told you to prepare the gandha, and you made this Brahmin do it instead? Has your wickedness not left you yet?”
The head of the household turned to Venkatanatha in anger and asked, “Swami, what is all this? How did this happen?”
Ramacharya intervened, saying, “Swami, you are known as a great saint! I have heard that dishonoring a Brahmin leads to curses and suffering. But your radiance declares that you are a Mantra Siddha (a master of divine chants). My foolish son’s ignorance has caused these Brahmins such pain! Please save them!”
Venkatanatha, remaining calm, replied, “I do not know why this happened. When I was asked to prepare the gandha, I was reciting the Agnisukta. Perhaps its divine energy has manifested in this way. Do not worry—Sri Hari and Vayu Deva will protect them.
Swami Ramacharya, bring me the gandha that was given to the Brahmins, along with some Arghyapala Sri Devarateertha (sacred water offered to the deity).”
Ramacharya quickly brought the requested items.
Venkatanatha then sat in Padmasana, facing east. After performing achamana (ritual cleansing) and asana shuddhi (purification of the seat), he solemnly placed the gandha and devarateertha in the sacred vessel, mixing them together. Keeping the gandha on his right thigh, he gently touched it with his fingers, closed his eyes halfway, and began chanting Varuna Devata-specific Vedic mantras.
Meanwhile, the Brahmins continued wailing in pain. Hearing their cries, the women of the household and Sumangalis (auspicious married women) gathered to witness the scene.
Bhimaraya and Ramacharya, astonished, stood watching the Acharya in reverence. From Venkatanatha’s lips, the melodious Vedic mantras began to flow effortlessly!
As Venkatanatha continued chanting the Vedic hymns, the sacred verses resonated through the air:
"Imaṁ me Varuṇa śrudhīhavam adyā ca mṛḍaya |
Tām apassu rāchake |
Tatvāyāmi brahmaṇā vandamānasadāśāstā yajamāno havirbhiḥ |
Aheḍamāno Varuṇeha bhodyuruśagṁ samāna āyuḥ pramoṣiḥ |
Yachchhadite viśoyathā pradeva Varuṇa vrataṁ |
Minīmasi daivīdyavi yanchedam Varuṇadaive janebhidrohaṁ manupyāśchārāmasi |
Achītī yattava dharmāyu yo' pimā |
Mānastasmādenaso devarīriṣaḥ |
Kitavāso yadriripur nadīvi |
Yaddhā gāsatya matayannavidya |
Sarvāthāviṣya nidhireva devāthāte syām Varuṇa priyāsaḥ ||..."
Following this, he continued with:
"Oṁ bhadraṁ karṇebhiḥ śruṇuyāma devāḥ |
Bhadraṁ paśyemākṣabhir yajatrāḥ |
Sthirair aṅgais tuṣṭuvāgaṁ sastanūbhiḥ |
Vaśema devahitaṁ yadāyuḥ ||
Svasti na Indro vṛddhaśravāḥ |
Svastiḥ Pūṣā viśvadev āḥ |
Svasti nastākō ariṣṭanemiḥ |
Svasti no Bṛhaspatir dadhātu ||
Oṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ||
Sahanāvavatu |
Saha nau bhunaktu |
Sahavīryaṁ karavāvahai |
Tejasvinā navadhītamastu mā vidviṣāvahai |
Oṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ||"
As Venkatanatha chanted these powerful Varuna mantras, the burning pain and discomfort experienced by the Brahmins began to ease. Slowly, their suffering lessened, and their expressions softened.
Venkatanatha then turned his gaze towards the Sumangalis. He noticed Saraswati's face blossoming with joy, her eyes brimming with tears of bliss. Smiling gently, the Acharya stood up and instructed the priests to apply the Gandha (sandalwood paste) to the afflicted Brahmins. He handed the sacred Gandha vessel to the purohits.
The priests immediately distributed the Gandha to all those suffering from the burning sensation. As the Brahmins applied it to their chest, shoulders, stomach, and foreheads, an astonishing miracle occurred!
The moment the Gandha touched their skin, they felt a cooling, soothing relief. The excruciating burn vanished instantly! Overwhelmed with joy, they exclaimed, “Ah! Bliss! Divine bliss! The burning has disappeared! What a refreshing sensation! We have been saved!” Their faces lit up with joy as they began dancing in happiness.
Bhimaraya, witnessing this miraculous transformation, prostrated before Venkatanatha with tears in his eyes. “Mahanubhava! You have freed me from my sins. You are truly a great soul, a Mantra Siddha!” he praised.
The Brahmins, now convinced, proclaimed, “Yes! He is indeed a Mahatma!”
At that moment, a 75-year-old elder stepped forward and asked, “Who is this great being who has saved our lives?”
The priests pointed towards Venkatanatha. The elderly man approached, observed him closely, and suddenly exclaimed, “Ha! Venkatanatha Acharya!”
Bhimaraya, astonished, asked, “Do you know him?”
The elder, filled with emotion, turned towards the household and rebuked them, “Did you make this noble soul grind sandalwood for you? What sinners you are!”
The priests, deeply ashamed, lamented, “Hayagreeva Acharya, it was not us! It was my son who committed this sin, Swami!”
Bhimaraya, still in disbelief, once again asked, “Swami, do you know him?”
Hayagrivacharya then bowed before Venkatanatha and said, “Raya, this noble person before you is none other than Venkatanatha Acharya. He is the jewel of the Shatvika lineage, a master of all Shastras, and a beloved disciple of Sri Vijayindra and Sri Sudhindra Gurus. I am not worthy of introducing such a great scholar!
Two years ago, I witnessed his extraordinary wisdom during the Mahavidwat Sabha in Madurai, presided over by Sri Vijayindra Swami. In that grand assembly, he debated on all Shastras, defeated numerous scholars, and emerged victorious in front of thousands! Though he may not know me, I remember that moment well. Sri Vijayindra Swami, overwhelmed with joy, took the very shawl he was wearing and draped it over Venkatanatha, blessing him.
Sri Sudhindra Swami, too, honored him by placing his own golden Tulasi mala around his neck and bestowing upon him the rare title of ‘Sakala Kala Vallabha’ in recognition of his unparalleled scholarship.
The next day, at Guru’s command, Venkatanatha played the Veena. I cannot describe the divine experience of that Veena recital! The assembly of learned scholars declared unanimously that no other Veena player in South India could match his mastery. Even Madhuradheesh (King of Madurai) was so impressed that he conferred upon him the title of ‘Vainika Chakravarti’ (Emperor of Veena). That sight still remains vivid in my memory.
I had already admired him as a master of all scriptures and music, but today, after witnessing his spiritual power, I feel truly blessed. O Mantra Siddha Acharya! You have saved our lives—our salutations to you!” Hayagrivacharya prostrated before him.
Hearing this, everyone was filled with joy and amazement, and they began to praise Venkatanatha. The Sumangalis (auspicious married women) gathered around Saraswati, lauding her, “You are truly blessed to be the wife of such a noble soul!” Saraswati’s face lit up with a radiant smile of victory.
The purohit, folding his hands, pleaded, “Swami, please forgive my son’s offense. Do not let this Brahmin-insult bring a curse upon our lineage. Bless us so that our family is not tainted.”
The Acharya replied calmly, ‘Gatam na shochayet pājya’—"Do not grieve over the past."
“That was just a fleeting moment of misjudgment. I hold no resentment towards your son. When I was asked to prepare the Gandha, I considered it as nothing but service to Bhusura (noble Brahmins)—a direct service to Lord Vishnu himself. However, I never imagined it would manifest in such a way.”
The Brahmins, overwhelmed by his wisdom and compassion, exclaimed, “Ah! What profound spiritual insight! Such humility! He is truly a Mahanubhava (great soul)!”
At that moment, Hayagrivacharya turned to Ramacharya and said, “Swami, this great scholar is not an outsider to you. He is none other than the son of your revered Guru!”
Ramacharya, stunned, turned towards Venkatanatha and exclaimed, “What! Is he the son of our revered Guru, Sri Timmanacharya?!”
Overcome with emotion, he addressed Venkatanatha, “Swami, I was your father’s disciple. I studied Nyaya and Vedanta Shastras under him for three years at the Kumbhakonam Vidyapeetha. I regret that I was never able to offer Guru Dakshina to him. But now, my own son has unknowingly paid my debt with ignorance!”
Mukunda, realizing the enormity of his mistake, fell at Venkatanatha’s feet and pleaded, “Swami, please forgive my offense. I was led astray by bad company and arrogance. You have opened my eyes today. From now on, I will live as a worthy son to my father.”
Venkatanatha, placing his hand gently on Mukunda’s back, comforted him, saying, “I hold no anger towards you, dear one. From today, live in a way that brings joy to your father.”
Bhimaraya, bowing with respect, said, “Swami, I am overjoyed to learn that you are the jewel of the Shashika lineage. I too belong to the Shashika clan, from the Kaushika gotra and the 'Ankarasa' family lineage.”
The Acharya, smiling, responded, “I am delighted as well. It is an honor to accept the hospitality of a kinsman.”
After the priests offered Teertha and Prasada to the Acharya couple, the Brahmins and Sumangalis completed their meal.
Following the feast, Bhimaraya seated the Acharya couple on a decorated platform in his home. He then instructed his wife to present turmeric, kumkum, a silk saree, bangles, and flowers to Saraswati. To honor Venkatanatha, he draped a shawl over him and placed two hundred gold varahas on a silver tray before him as an offering.
Surprised, Venkatanatha said, “Raya, what is the need for all this?”
Bhimaraya, with folded hands, replied, “This is not just a gift, Swami. It is an offering to a noble kinsman and an act of atonement.”
Despite the Acharya's repeated refusals, Bhimaraya insisted. Finally, Venkatanatha accepted the offering but immediately distributed the wealth among the Brahmins present, keeping nothing for himself.
Witnessing the Acharya’s selflessness and generosity, everyone present was filled with admiration and reverence.
Soon after, the Brahmins, Bhimaraya’s family, and all the villagers gathered to bid farewell to the Acharya couple. They escorted them to the cart and offered their respects as they prepared to leave.
As the cart rumbled away, carrying them beyond the outskirts of the village, Saraswati, her face beaming with quiet joy, gently bowed her head onto her husband’s feet and whispered, “Swami, you are a Mahatma, a Mantra Siddha! How many lifetimes of merit must I have accumulated to be worthy of holding your hand?” Tears of joy and devotion streamed from her eyes, washing over his feet.
The Acharya, touched by her sincerity, lifted her gently, smiled, and said, “How emotional you are, Saras!”
Saraswati, wiping her tears, smiled back and replied, “Respected one, when you are the love of my heart, isn’t it natural for me to be emotional?”
Venkatanatha: Saraswati, what greatness do you see in me that makes you love me so much?
Saraswati: As your life companion, every day, every moment, I have been witnessing the boundless depth of your greatness. But today, having directly seen your divine power and majesty, this humble servant of your feet has become mad with love for you.
Venkatanatha: Everything that happened today was because of you! There is no greatness of mine in it!
Saraswati: (Astonished) What role did I have in today’s miracle?
Venkatanatha: It all happened because of you!
Saraswati: How so?
Venkatanatha: When you saw me grinding sandalwood, you were deeply pained, and tears flowed from your eyes, didn’t they?
Saraswati: Yes, seeing you in that situation, my heart was torn apart with sorrow, and I couldn’t help but cry. But what does that have to do with what happened?
Venkatanatha: Saras! A devoted wife's tears have the power to burn the entire world! The drops that fell from your eyes were not just water but sparks of fire! Each tear that touched the sandalwood paste turned into embers, which unknowingly burned those innocent Brahmins. It was your tears that caused it, not my mantra power!
Saraswati: (Speechless) Swami, you are incredibly persuasive. If anyone listens to your arguments, they will undoubtedly believe you! How can someone as insignificant as me possess such power? This is all your greatness. Please do not flatter me. Even if I were to agree for your satisfaction, wasn’t it your mantra power that purified the sandalwood paste and relieved the Brahmins of their burns?
Venkatanatha: (Smiling gently) That too happened only because of your influence!
Saraswati: (Feigned irritation) What is this? With every sentence, you attribute it to my influence! Why do you try to hide your mantra’s greatness and instead please your wife?
Venkatanatha: (Gently holding her cheek) Saras, you look so beautiful when you’re upset!
Saraswati: (Blushing) It seems you won’t be satisfied unless you tease me! Leave that aside—don’t change the subject. Answer my question.
Venkatanatha: (Laughing) Saraswati! When Bhimaraya bowed before me, pleading to save the Brahmins from their suffering, you shed tears of joy, didn't you? The tears that fell from your eyes turned into drops of nectar, infusing the sandalwood paste with divine energy and healing the Brahmins! So, wasn’t it your tears that removed their suffering and brought them joy?
Saraswati: Swami, I am no match for you in arguments. I cannot counter your words! The truth is, you are a mantra siddha, a great soul. The joy and pride I feel in being your wife cannot be expressed in mere words! But tell me, why did you donate the wealth given by Bhimaraya to the Brahmins?
Venkatanatha: If I had kept it, I would have been guilty of deceiving the divine.
Saraswati: How so?
Venkatanatha: Saraswati, something miraculous happened today. Everyone believes that it was due to my mantra siddhi. But I see it as a mere coincidence.
Even if, by divine grace, I did possess such mantra power, keeping the wealth would have been a crime. Bhimaraya gave it as an offering, believing that I had saved the Brahmins through mantra siddhi. By accepting that wealth, I would have endorsed his belief.
If I had received divine mantra siddhi, but accepted money for using it, wouldn’t that be equivalent to selling it? Wouldn’t that mean I put a price on divine power?
If someone commercializes or exploits divine gifts for personal gain, not only is it a betrayal of the divine, but that very power will also leave them! Divine blessings and spiritual attainments should only be used for the welfare of the world, never for selfish reasons.
That is why I immediately donated the wealth to the Brahmins. Do you understand now?
Saraswati: You are truly a wise man, Swami, a knower of the scriptures. Now I fully understand that what you did was right.
Venkatanatha: Look, Saraswati, such events happen according to the will and determination of the Lord. We must remain detached and understand this. If I start believing that I possess extraordinary power and that I performed these miracles, it will only lead to arrogance, ego, jealousy, and resentment, which will result in my downfall.
That is why we must remain cautious in such matters.
Engaged in their affectionate conversation, the husband and wife continued their journey and finally arrived at the agrahara of Kaveripatna.
As per the instructions of Sri Sudhindra Tirtha, Venkatanatha established a Vidyapeetha (school of learning) in Kaveripatnam. Around the same time, Gopamma also joined them. Many scholars and vaidikas from the town enrolled their sons, aged between eight and sixteen, into the Vidyapeetha.
Under the Acharya’s guidance, thirty to forty students began studying Rigveda, Yajurveda, Kavyas, Nyaya, Vedanta, and Vyakarana (grammar). Within a few months, the students made remarkable progress and were deeply committed to their studies, leading to the fame of the Vidyapeetha spreading far and wide.
Venkatanatha’s mastery over all scriptures, his eloquence in teaching, and the affection with which he guided his students gained him immense recognition. Inspired by this reputation, ten to twelve more young men from nearby agraharas joined the Vidyapeetha to study Nyaya, Vedanta, Vyakarana, and other advanced scriptures. This greatly pleased Venkatanatha.
However, this expansion led to a challenge—accommodation and food arrangements for the students became a concern. Venkatanatha, with his compassionate nature, arranged for the students to stay within the Vidyapeetha and personally took responsibility for their meals at his home.
This generosity further deepened the students' respect and devotion toward him, allowing them to pursue their studies with ease and peace of mind.
Meanwhile, Saraswati, deeply devoted to her husband, conceived by the grace of the Lord. The news of her pregnancy filled Gopamma with boundless joy. She cared for her daughter-in-law like a delicate flower.
When Venkatanatha learned that he was to become a father, his heart swelled with happiness. He showered even more love upon his wife, ensuring that she was always content and comfortable.
When Saraswati was five months pregnant, Gopamma invited the local sumangalis (married women) and organized the Hoomuduva Shastra (a traditional pregnancy ceremony) with great grandeur.
In the seventh month, Venkatanatha performed the Seemantha-Pumsavana ritual for his wife in a grand manner, and afterward, he sent Saraswati to her father’s home, accompanied by his mother and father-in-law, for childbirth.
On the auspicious day of Chaitra Shukla Saptami of the Nala Samvatsara year, Saraswati gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.
Upon receiving the news, Gopamma and Venkatanatha were overwhelmed with joy. Following the invitation of his father-in-law, Venkatanatha traveled to their house with his mother to celebrate the arrival of his son.
After the mangala snana (ceremonial bath) for Saraswati and the newborn, he conducted the Jatakarma and Namakarana (naming ceremony), bestowing upon his son the name Lakshminarayana.
The child, radiant and exceptionally beautiful, became the center of joy for the entire family. Venkatanatha, along with his relatives and well-wishers, celebrated the birth with great enthusiasm.
For Gopamma, this was a moment of unparalleled bliss. She cradled and played with her grandson, singing lullabies with immense affection.
After staying for a few days, Venkatanatha, accompanied by his elder brother, sister-in-law, mother, and Venkatanarayana, returned to Ramachandrapura, carrying with him the profound joy of fatherhood and the blessings of his family.
After completing the naming ceremony of their grandson, Gopikambadevi fell ill with fever and cough. As a result, Venkatanarayana postponed his journey to Kaveripatnam and dedicated himself to caring for his ailing mother.
However, her health continued to deteriorate, and eventually, at the age of sixty, she passed away while chanting the holy name of Sri Hari, attaining Vaikuntha.
The death of their loving mother was a profound shock to her sons, Gururaja and Venkatanatha. The loss of such a deeply affectionate mother left them and their relatives in immense grief.
Accepting it as the will of the Lord, Gururaja and Venkatanatha performed their mother's last rites with utmost devotion and adherence to traditional rituals. Family and relatives gathered to offer their respects and bid farewell to the noble mother.
After the mourning period, Venkatanatha, along with his sister, brother-in-law Lakshminarasimhacharya, and nephew Narayana, returned to Kaveripatnam.
Lakshminarasimhacharya and Venkatanamba took great care to ensure that Venkatanatha did not feel any sorrow or burden.
One day, Lakshminarasimhacharya introduced a middle-aged couple to Venkatanatha and said:
“Venkatanatha, these are my distant relatives, Srinivasa and Padmavati. I have brought them here for your convenience. Srinivasa Acharya will oversee the affairs of the Vidyapeetha, manage your land and property matters, and take care of household responsibilities. Padmavati will assist in the kitchen and other household chores.”
Venkatanatha was pleased and responded, “That is wonderful, dear brother-in-law. Let them stay at the Vidyapeetha and dine at our home. This arrangement will be beneficial for both Saraswati and me.”
Srinivasa Acharya, impressed by Venkatanatha’s generosity, humbly replied, “We will take care of your household and Vidyapeetha affairs and serve you with devotion.”
A few days later, Lakshminarasimhacharya, his wife, and other family members took leave from Venkatanatha and departed for Madurai.
Observing the discipline, good conduct, and efficiency of Srinivasa Acharya and Padmavati in managing household and institutional affairs, Venkatanatha was relieved. Entrusting them with all responsibilities, he dedicated himself fully to teaching and scholarly discussions at the Vidyapeetha.
After five months, Saraswati and their son, Lakshminarayana, were ceremoniously brought back home, accompanied by her parents.
After staying for a couple of days, they bid farewell and returned to their village.
Seeing his radiant wife, whose beauty and grace had blossomed even more, and his charming young son, Venkatanatha was overwhelmed with joy.
The little child’s playful innocence delighted the couple, bringing boundless happiness into their home. Their house became a haven of bliss and laughter.
The advanced students of the Vidyapeetha developed an immense fondness for little Lakshminarayana.
Every day, they found joy in spending time with him, playing and showering him with affection.
Meanwhile, Saraswati, with her nurturing disposition, kindness, and warmth, won the hearts of the students.
They regarded her with the same respect and love as their own mother, serving her with unwavering devotion and trust.
Padmavati, diligently managing all household chores with great precision and dedication, endeared herself deeply to Saraswati.
The noble nature, efficiency, and devotion of the couple greatly pleased Venkatanatha and Saraswati.
Entrusting them with all responsibilities, they spent their days peacefully and happily.
Venkatanatha immersed himself in teaching and scholarly discussions, while also taking immense joy in his beloved son's playful innocence and cherishing precious moments with his dear wife.
Days passed in blissful harmony.
On Vaisakha Shukla Navami of the Kalayukti year, Venkatanatha organized a grand Choula (first tonsure) and Aksharabhyasa (initiation into learning) ceremony for his son, Lakshminarayana.
He invited his elder brother, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, sister, nephews, and other relatives to partake in the auspicious occasion.
Pandit Ramachandra Acharya, on behalf of Sri Sudhindra Guru, presented gifts and Phalmantrakshate (blessed fruits and sacred rice) to the child, offering his divine blessings.
The ceremony concluded joyously, with all events unfolding smoothly and blissfully.
After the celebrations, the visiting relatives and guests sought the permission of the Acharya couple and returned to their respective homes, leaving the family immersed in contentment.