The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
47. Yogakshemam Vahamyaham
Venkatanatha had already spent two days fasting. The next day was Ekadashi, another day of fasting. That night, he observed vigil, and on the morning of Dwadashi, he performed his daily worship. Saraswathamma stood nearby, her face weary and pale. Their son, Lakshminarayana, sat humbly in front of the house, hands folded, watching the worship. Since it was Dwadashi, the sacred day of Harivasara, Venkatanatha performed the rituals slowly and with deep devotion.
As he chanted the mantras in a melodious and solemn tone, the Vedic recitations filled the air. Listening to them, both Saraswathamma and Lakshminarayana felt a deep sense of peace and tranquility in their hearts. After completing the Kalasha Puja, performing Abhisheka, and offering sandalwood paste and sacred rice to the deity, Venkatanatha finished the worship by offering Tulasi leaves while reciting the Sahasranama. Finally, he sat down, his mind absorbed in devotion.
Saraswathamma lowered her head and hesitantly murmured, "Swami, today too, we are unable to offer any food as Naivedya to the Lord."
Venkatanatha sighed deeply and gently reassured her, "Why do you worry so much, Saraswati? I understand your distress. Have I not told you before—‘Patram, Pushpam, Phalam, Toyam’? The Lord is satisfied even with a simple offering."
Saraswathamma responded, "That is true, but at least that day, you were able to offer milk. Today, even that is not there!"
Hearing this, Venkatanatha smiled faintly, despite the sorrow in his heart, and said, "Saras! What is Naivedya? Is it not an act of offering? As Sri Krishna himself has said, whatever is offered with devotion is pleasing to Him."
Saraswathamma, intrigued, asked, "What did the Lord say, Swami?"
Venkatanatha recited:
"Yatkaroshi Yadashnaasi Yajjuhoshi Dadaasi Yat |
Yattapasyasi Kaunteya! Tatkurushva Madarpanam ||"
"Arjuna! Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer in sacrifice, whatever you give in charity, and whatever austerities you perform—offer them all to Me with devotion, free from selfish desires. That alone satisfies Me."
Then, turning to his wife, he explained, "Let us offer these five types of sacrifices (Pancha Vidha Samarpana) as an act of devotion to Sri Hari. That itself will become Naivedya! Through such sincere surrender, the compassionate Lord will surely be pleased. Do you understand, Saraswati, the essence of this offering?"
Saraswathamma: "Please explain further, Swami."
Venkatanatha: "Listen, Saras! What have I done today? I have performed my daily ablutions, Sandhyavandana, Vedic recitation, and worship of the Lord. All these righteous deeds—I now offer them to Shri Hari."
"The second offering is food. You may think that since we have been fasting for three days, we have not consumed anything. But do not worry. Even during fasting, we have sustained ourselves on air! We have performed Achamana (ritual sipping of water) during Sandhya prayers. The very act of breathing is like consuming food, and Achamana is akin to drinking water. Let us offer these too to Shri Hari!"
"The third offering is sacrifice (Homa). Every day, we perform Aupasana (a sacred domestic ritual involving fire offerings). Besides that, my teaching and recitation of scriptures is also a form of Jnana Yajna—a sacrifice of knowledge. Let me dedicate that as well to the Lord, saying, ‘Shri Hari, let this be an offering to You!’"
"The fourth offering is charity (Dana). The little possessions we had in our home were taken by thieves, were they not? Even though we did not willingly give them away, since they belonged to us, we can consider it as an act of charity. Let us surrender this too to Shri Hari!"
"The fifth offering is penance (Tapas). What is Tapas? It is nothing but singing the Lord’s glories, reciting His praises, and meditating upon Him. We have engaged in all these today. Let us offer this, too, to the Supreme Lord."
"Thus, by dedicating these five acts as instructed by Bhagavan Himself, we have performed a complete Naivedya (offering). So why should we grieve?"
Hearing this, Saraswathamma, overwhelmed with devotion, folded her hands and said humbly, "I am ignorant. I spoke without understanding my husband’s profound wisdom, devotion, and spiritual realization. I am a mere woman who blabbered in distress. Please forgive this humble servant’s offense."
Seeing her pure heart, unwavering faith, and deep sense of righteousness, Venkatanatha smiled gently. The heaviness in his heart disappeared, and his face brightened with joy. Filled with contentment, he affectionately called out, "Saras!"
Venkatanatha: "Saraswati, I understand your concern. We adults can endure fasting and hardship, but Lakshminarayana is just a child. How can he bear hunger and thirst? That is what worries you, isn't it? But do not fear—He who protects all will also take care of your son."
"Saraswati, we are husband and wife, and we have only one child. If we, despite our hardships, find it so difficult to endure, imagine the struggles of great devotees like Kuchela (Sudama) and Devarsharma! Did they not endure poverty joyfully, accepting it as the will of the Lord? The wise Sudama and Devarsharma stand as living examples before us—so why worry? The Lord has declared: ‘Na me bhaktah pranashyati—My devotees shall never perish.’ Our only duty is to surrender to Him with mind, body, and soul. All our senses must engage in His worship. Our very breath should be filled with the presence of the Supreme. When we surrender with such devotion, Shri Hari bestows His grace upon us and uplifts us."
"Has not the Lord Himself promised?"
“Ananyāśh chintayanto māṁ ye janāḥ paryupāsate |
Teṣhāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ yogakṣhemaṁ vahāmyaham ||”
"Those who, abandoning all other deities, meditate on Me with unwavering faith and serve Me with steadfast devotion—I personally provide what they lack and preserve what they have. This is Shri Krishna’s solemn declaration. The Supreme Lord, who protects all fourteen worlds, will He not protect you, me, and Lakshminarayana? Do not worry—the Lord Himself bears the responsibility of our well-being."
Hearing her husband's divine wisdom, Saraswathamma was filled with contentment. With a soft smile, she said, "Swami, I am not worrying about Lakshminarayana. I only wanted to share with you a dream I had last night."
Intrigued, Venkatanatha asked, "A dream? Tell me, what did you see?"
Saraswathamma: "Last night, as I kept vigil while you recited scriptures and played the veena, I felt drowsy and drifted into sleep. In my dream, I was overwhelmed by our hardships, my heart weighed down with worry. Suddenly, multiple flashes of lightning illuminated the sky at once. Startled, I lifted my head, and in that instant, a brilliant radiance descended from the heavens and stood before me! The light was so intense that I had to close my eyes."
"Then, amidst this divine glow, I heard a gentle voice calling, ‘My child, Saraswati.’ Amazed, I opened my eyes! Ah, Swami, how do I describe what I saw? Standing before me, exuding divine radiance, clad in saffron robes, holding a danda (staff) and kamandalu (water vessel), was the revered Shri Vijayeendra Guru! His face bore a serene smile, and with his hand raised in blessing, he bestowed abhaya—divine assurance. Overwhelmed with joy, I immediately rose and prostrated before him, exclaiming, ‘Gurudeva! Why have you remained indifferent to the plight of your humble disciples for so long? It has been many years since I had the fortune of your divine vision!’"
"Hearing this, the venerable Guru smiled and said, ‘My child, have I ever truly been absent? Have you not always been in my presence? Do you not witness my continued existence in my scriptures? Is not my dear Venkatanatha teaching and explaining my works? If my teachings are being recited and expounded upon, how can I not be present?’"
"I humbly replied, ‘That is true, Gurudeva, but it has been years since I have seen your divine form.’ To this, the Guru responded, ‘That is precisely why I have come now! The time has arrived for all your hardships to be resolved. Do not worry any longer. Take your husband to my beloved disciple, Shri Sudheendra Tirtha, for traditional studies and scriptural discourses. This will bring you divine fortune and prosperity.’ Saying this, he disappeared, and I awoke. I have been waiting to share this vision with you, Swami. I firmly believe that if we go to Guru Shri Sudheendra, all will be well. Shall we travel to Kumbakonam?’"
Hearing his wife’s words, Venkatanatha’s face lit up with profound realization. Overcome with emotion, he exclaimed, "Shrutam protavyam! Saraswati, do you know how long I have been waiting to hear these very words from your lips?"
Saraswathamma: (in surprise) "You were waiting for my words? What do you mean, Swami?"
Venkatanatha: "Once, Alakshmi (the goddess of misfortune) declared that she had taken refuge in our household. When I asked her, ‘When will you leave me?’ she replied, ‘The moment your wife urges you to go to the Guru’s presence, I will no longer remain here.’ That long-awaited moment has arrived today! Saraswati, you have given the right advice! Know that from this day, our hardships have come to an end. Let us quickly depart for Kumbakonam. But first, let us complete our Tirtha Prasadam and offer the five types of actions to Lord Hari, as I mentioned before."
Just as he finished speaking, there was a knock at the door.
Venkatanatha: "See who has come, Saraswati."
Saraswathamma went outside and returned shortly.
Saraswathamma: "A well-dressed, wealthy-looking gentleman has come to see you, Swami."
Curious, Venkatanatha stepped out with his wife and found a middle-aged man standing with two attendants. They carried baskets filled with fruits and flowers, along with a large brass vessel brimming with fresh milk. As soon as the man saw Venkatanatha, he respectfully placed the offerings before him and bowed.
Stranger: "Swami, I am a merchant named Shivakumara Swami. I have come to offer these gifts to you."
Venkatanatha: (in wonder) "An offering? To me?"
Shivakumara: "Yes, Swami. This is by the Lord’s command."
Venkatanatha: "I do not understand. What do you mean?"
Shivakumara: "Swami, I am a devoted follower of Lord Srinivasa. I once prayed to Him to bless me with orchards filled with fruits and flowers and cows that provide abundant milk. By His grace, my wishes were fulfilled. But last night, the Lord appeared to me in a dream and said—
‘Shivakumara! I have granted your desires. Will you not offer anything to Me in gratitude?’
I humbly replied, ‘O Lord, everything I have belongs to You. What can I possibly offer You?’
Then, Srinivasa smiled and said—
‘I need nothing, my child. But take your fruits, flowers, and milk and offer them to my great devotee, Pandit Venkatanatha. Seek his blessings, and you shall prosper.’
With that, the Lord disappeared. I have long heard of your immense wisdom, devotion, and scholarly greatness. Today, by the Lord’s command, I have brought these offerings and consider myself blessed to have your darshan."
Hearing this, Venkatanatha’s heart filled with gratitude and devotion, as the Lord had Himself provided for His devotee at the right moment.
Tears of divine joy flowed from Venkatanatha’s eyes. Overcome with emotion, his body trembled, and in a voice choked with devotion, he spoke:
"Shivakumara Swami, you are truly blessed to have received the Lord’s grace. May Shri Hari bestow prosperity and well-being upon you and your family."
Shivakumara Swami bowed to the revered couple, expressing his gratitude: "I am blessed beyond measure." With that, he departed, his heart filled with divine fulfillment.
All this while, Saraswathamma had remained silent, deeply moved by the unfolding events. Now, unable to contain her joy, she exclaimed:
"Ah, Swami! Your words have come true! Did not Shri Krishna say, ‘Yogakshemam Vahamyaham’? You assured me that our well-being was the Lord’s responsibility and that we need not worry. Now, here is the undeniable proof!"
Venkatanatha, still immersed in the Lord’s grace, responded:
"Indeed, Saraswati! How merciful is Shri Hari! He even referred to an insignificant being like me as His great devotee when speaking to Shivakumara Swami! O Lord, who can truly comprehend Your divine play?"
Losing himself in devotion, he burst into a hymn of praise:
"At one moment, You make me ride an elephant in grandeur,
At another, You make me walk barefoot on the streets.
At times, You feed me nectar-like food,
At others, You keep me fasting in hunger.
O Lord! Only You know the greatness of Your ways,
O Vishnu, who rests on the serpent, O Purandara Vittala!"
Saraswathamma, filled with reverence, responded:
"Swami, the Lord is an ocean of compassion. How can someone as insignificant as I even begin to understand the boundlessness of His divine grace? Will I ever attain the unshakable faith you possess?"
Venkatanatha, smiling, replied:
"Saraswati, even Goddess Lakshmi herself cannot fully grasp the boundless play of the Supreme Lord—so what can we mortals understand? You lamented that there was nothing to offer as Naivedya to the Lord. But see how the compassionate Shri Hari Himself inspired Shivakumara Swami to bring fruits, coconuts, milk, and betel leaves—not just for His offering but also to provide food for us afterward. Now, let us offer these back to Him before partaking in His blessings."
Saraswathamma, overjoyed, prepared the Naivedya with devotion, arranging the fruits, coconuts, milk, and betel leaves, and placed them before the deity. Venkatanatha, with utmost reverence, offered them to Shri Hari, performed the Mangalarati, and bowed before the Lord. He then distributed the sacred Tirtha to his wife and son.
With deep gratitude and satisfaction, the family partook of the divine offerings—milk and fruits—relishing not just the food but the boundless love and grace of the Lord, who had once again shown that He never forsakes His true devotees.
That afternoon, as Venkatanatha and Saraswathamma sat in the porch conversing, they heard a familiar voice.
"Venkatanatha Acharya! Are you well?"
Looking up, they saw Pandit Ramachandra Acharya entering. Filled with joy at this unexpected visit, the couple greeted him respectfully.
Venkatanatha: "This is indeed a rare and auspicious meeting! Are you doing well?"
Ramachandra Acharya: (smiling) "I was on my way to Madurai and thought of stopping by to see you. Guruji has sent you a message."
Venkatanatha: "What has Guruji instructed?"
Ramachandra Acharya: "The revered Guru, Shri Sudheendra Tirtha, has expressed his wish to personally instruct you in the tradition of discourses and sacred teachings. He has invited you to Kumbakonam and has sent another scholar in your place here. He has also sent gifts along with a two-year stipend of two thousand varahas to support you."
Saying this, he handed over the money and gifts to Venkatanatha. He then blessed the couple and Lakshminarayana before setting off on his journey to Madurai.
After Ramachandra Acharya left, Venkatanatha turned to his wife with a smile.
Venkatanatha: "Saraswati, look at this! The financial support that had stopped for two years has now arrived on its own when we least expected it. When the Lord begins to provide with His own hands, even two hands will not be enough to receive His blessings!"
Saraswathamma: "Truly, Swami! The Lord’s grace knows no bounds."
The next morning, after completing his daily worship and Naivedya, Venkatanatha quickly finished his meal and prepared to leave for Kumbakonam. Sitting on a swing, he chewed betel leaves in contemplation when a man approached.
Stranger: "Are you Venkatanatha Acharya?"
Venkatanatha: "Yes, I am."
Stranger: "Swami, my name is Govindaraja Chetti. I am a jeweler. I have heard much about you from Srinivasa Acharya and have been eager to meet you."
Hearing this, Venkatanatha immediately realized the purpose of his visit.
"It seems Srinivasa Acharya had pawned our ornaments to him to borrow money," he thought.
Venkatanatha: "Chettiar, it is a pleasure to meet you. I assume you have come regarding the principal amount and interest we owe you. I have just received two thousand varahas. Please accept this, and I will arrange to settle any remaining dues as soon as possible."
Saying this, he brought out the money pouch and handed it to Govindaraja Chetti, ready to fulfill his financial obligations without delay.
Govindaraja Chetti: "Swami, I have not come to collect money. I am leaving for Madurai with my family to expand my business. Before leaving, I wanted to return your pledged ornaments. Where can money go when it is meant for a great soul like you? You could have repaid me slowly. It was enough if you had just given the principal amount!"
Saying this, he checked a ledger from his bag and calculated.
"Only 1,850 varahas remain due," he informed.
Taking the pouch from Venkatanatha, he carefully counted the amount, returned 150 varahas along with the gold ornaments, and respectfully took his leave.
Saraswathamma watched in amazement as event after event unfolded miraculously.
Saraswathamma: "Swami, this feels like a dream! Every moment, something unexpected happens, and I am left in awe!"
Venkatanatha, smiling, said:
"The Lord’s play is unfathomable. His love for His devotees is unparalleled. Saraswati, take these ornaments, first offer them to the Lord, and then bring them back."
Obediently, Saraswathamma took the ornaments, performed the offering ritual, and returned.
As she approached, Venkatanatha gazed at her. She wore a simple yet elegant saree, her hands adorned with glass bangles, and her forehead decorated with a bright red kumkum dot. Though she wore no elaborate ornaments, she radiated a natural beauty that captivated him.
Venkatanatha: "Ah, Saras! How mesmerizing you look in your simplicity! You are like Shakuntala herself, descended to earth from Kalidasa’s poetry! Just as King Dushyanta beheld Shakuntala in the hermitage and exclaimed, ‘Sararijamanubiddha Shaivalenapiramyaṁ’—so do I see you now!"
Hearing this unexpected poetic praise from her husband, Saraswathamma’s cheeks flushed red with shyness.
Saraswathamma: (smiling timidly) "Swami! It has been so many years since I heard such words from you! Where were your poetic sweetness, your tenderness, and your affectionate heart all this time?"
Venkatanatha, teasing her playfully, said:
"My dear, a bee does not sip nectar from a flower unless the bloom is at its full splendor!"
Blushing deeply, Saraswathamma lowered her gaze and murmured, "You always have a way with words, Swami."
Dressed in a simple panche and draped with a shawl, Venkatanatha bowed before the deity, his heart filled with gratitude. Saraswathamma and Lakshminarayana followed suit, offering their prayers before joining him.
Then, with a gentle smile, Venkatanatha took the golden ornaments and adorned his wife with them. In return, Saraswathamma placed bracelets, a Tulasi mala, and earrings on her husband. She then lovingly decorated their son with jewelry, making him look princely.
Venkatanatha, admiring his wife, remarked with delight, "Saraswati, today you look exactly like Goddess Lakshmi herself!"
Saraswathamma, laughing, replied, "And you, Swami, look like Lord Narayana!"
Hearing this, their son, Lakshminarayana, eagerly asked, "Appa, what about me?"
Venkatanatha, with a twinkle in his eye, responded, "You? You look just like Brahma himself!"
Saraswathamma, feigning playful indignation, interjected, "What is this? You call my son Brahma? Does he have four faces?"
Venkatanatha laughed, "Oh, so you are upset already? Fine, then he is Manmatha, the God of Love!"
Lakshminarayana, smiling mischievously, declared, "Appa, Amma, I am neither! I am Lakshmi Narayana!"
Venkatanatha chuckled and said, "Indeed, my son! If I resemble Narayana and your mother looks like Lakshmi, then surely, as our child, you are none other than Lakshmi Narayana himself!"
Everyone burst into laughter. The once desolate house, burdened with the sorrows of poverty, now resonated with joy and warmth. The air, which had long been heavy with struggle, was now filled with love, happiness, and divine blessings.
Outside, the village elders had arranged for a decorated horse-drawn cart to escort Venkatanatha and his family to Kumbakonam. Just then, a group of farmers arrived, bowing respectfully before him.
Venkatanatha: "Kalimuthu, Velayudham, Annamalai! How are you all?"
Farmers: "Swami, by your grace, we are doing well. Last year’s harvest failed, and we could not offer our pledged grains to you. But this year, with the Lord’s blessings, our crops have flourished fourfold! Upon hearing of your departure to Kumbakonam, we came to ask—where should we send our offering of grains?"
Venkatanatha, moved by their devotion, smiled warmly.
"Kalimuthu, you are hardworking men with families. When farmers prosper, the whole land prospers. I want you to keep the grain for yourselves this year. Let your children eat well and live happily. From next year onwards, if you wish, you may send the offering to the Guru’s monastery in Kumbakonam."
Hearing this, the farmers, overwhelmed, fell at his feet.
"Swami, you are no ordinary man—you are the living God of our land!" they exclaimed.
The assembled villagers, witnessing his kindness and generosity, stood in awe of his noble heart.
Before departing, Venkatanatha entrusted the protection of his home to a respected village elder. Then, with his wife and son beside him, he climbed into the cart.
As the wheels began to turn, the entire village gathered to bid them farewell, their eyes filled with reverence and admiration. With heartfelt prayers and blessings, they watched as the cart rode away towards Kumbakonam, carrying not just a family but the beginning of a divine journey that would transform the world.