The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
50. Shri Yadavendra Tirtha
Among those who studied under Shri Sudheendra Tirtha was a distinguished scholar from his own family lineage—his nephew, born into the Pashika lineage. Aged forty-five, he had mastered Nyaya (logic), Vedanta, and other scriptures under the guidance of his Guru, earning a reputation as a preeminent scholar.
From a young age, he was deeply inclined toward spiritual pursuits, possessing profound Jnana (knowledge), Bhakti (devotion), and Vairagya (renunciation). He led a disciplined and pious life, observing strict vows, fasting, and ascetic practices. His earnest desire was to embrace Sannyasa (monastic life). Many times, he had requested Shri Sudheendra Tirtha to grant him initiation into renunciation, but the Guru, hoping that his nephew would remain a householder, had not given much consideration to his request.
One day, he approached his Guru in solitude, prostrated before him, and once again humbly pleaded for Sannyasa Diksha. This time, Shri Sudheendra Tirtha, wishing to test his sincerity, smiled and asked:
"Do you seek this Mahasamsthana (the leadership of the Matha), or do you desire Sannyasa purely out of renunciation?"
With folded hands, the disciple replied with great humility:
"Swami, I seek Sannyasa solely out of renunciation, not for the authority of the Matha. My only aspiration is to live as an ascetic, engage in teaching and spreading the philosophy of Dvaita Vedanta, propagate the glories of Lord Hari, perform penance, undertake pilgrimages, and ultimately attain the eternal bliss of Shri Hari’s grace. O revered Guru, please bestow your supreme compassion upon me and grant me the sacred Paramahamsa Ashrama through your divine instruction."
Hearing his nephew’s unwavering determination and true spirit of renunciation, Shri Sudheendra Tirtha was immensely pleased.
"Tomorrow, you shall receive Yati Ashrama," he declared, sending him away with his blessings.
The next day, in the presence of all the disciples and scholars of the Matha, Shri Sudheendra Tirtha performed the sacred rituals for his nephew’s initiation into Sannyasa. He blessed him with the Phala Mantrakshata (consecrated fruit and sacred grains) as a mark of acceptance into monastic life.
On the following day, in accordance with traditional rites, the disciple formally embraced Sannyasa. Shri Sudheendra Tirtha then performed the Mantra Mudradharana (the bestowal of sacred insignias), imparted him with Guru Upadesha (spiritual instructions), and conferred upon him the new monastic title:
"Shri Yadavendra Tirtha."
He further blessed him by bestowing the revered idols that he himself had worshipped—Shri Garudavahana Lakshmi Narayana Devaru, Shri Krishna, sacred Shaligramas, and the idol of Shri Prana Devaru, along with all the necessary vessels and materials for daily worship.
Shri Yadavendra Tirtha spent the next few days in devoted service to his Guru, after which, with Shri Sudheendra Tirtha’s blessings, he embarked on a Tirtha Yatra (pilgrimage), beginning his spiritual journey as an ascetic dedicated to the service of Lord Hari.