The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
71. Sri Guru Raghavendra and Yadavendra Thrtharus Generosity
Sri Sudhindra Tirtha’s nephew, who had taken renunciation out of deep spiritual inclination, was initiated into the ascetic order by the revered guru himself and came to be known as Sri Yadavendra Tirtha. As previously mentioned, he embarked on a pilgrimage after accepting sannyasa.
Accompanied by a few disciples, Sri Yadavendra Tirtha traveled extensively across India, visiting sacred pilgrimage sites, worshipping divine deities, engaging in scriptural debates, establishing philosophical doctrines, delivering discourses, and authoring religious texts. After nearly ten years of such dedicated spiritual pursuits, he returned to the South and arrived in Madurai. By then, Sri Raghavendra Tirtha had ascended the peetha (spiritual throne) following the passing of his guru, Sri Sudhindra Tirtha. Deeply grieved by his guru’s departure, Sri Yadavendra Tirtha visited the brindavana (sacred tomb) of Sri Sudhindra Tirtha, paying homage with utmost devotion.
Wishing to see the renowned pontiff Sri Raghavendra Swami, Sri Yadavendra Tirtha traveled to Kumbakonam. Recognizing the eminence of his esteemed visitor, Sri Raghavendra Swami accorded him a grand welcome with full honors, including a ceremonial water-filled pot (poornakumbha) and festive musical processions. He respectfully escorted Sri Yadavendra Tirtha to the monastery and reverently seated him on a high pedestal. Then, bowing before him, he inquired about his well-being.
Though Sri Yadavendra Tirtha himself was a pontiff of great stature, he was deeply pleased by the respect shown by Sri Raghavendra and embraced him warmly. Witnessing this rare and heartwarming exchange, all those present were filled with immense joy.
Sri Raghavendra Swami humbly declared, "You are our guru’s kin, a paragon of wisdom, devotion, and renunciation, and you are senior to me in the ascetic order. You should rightfully lead this great spiritual institution, and I shall serve under you."
These words astonished everyone. Overwhelmed by Sri Raghavendra’s magnanimity and selflessness, Sri Yadavendra Tirtha responded, "Never before have I seen such generosity! It was Sri Guru Sudhindra Tirtha himself who chose you for this esteemed seat. I embraced renunciation solely for spiritual pursuits and never even dreamed of becoming the head of a great monastic order. I have no such aspirations even now. You are the most capable and deserving person to lead this institution."
Sri Raghavendra then made a humble request: "At least for today, please offer worship to Sri Moola Rama and bless us." Accepting this request, Sri Yadavendra Tirtha joyfully performed the sacred worship. As a gesture of great reverence, he presented Sri Raghavendra Swami with the idol of Sri Garuda Vahana Lakshmi Narayana, which was previously worshipped by their guru.
With heartfelt blessings, he said, "I now wish to spend the rest of my life in penance on the banks of a river after having one final darshan of our guru’s brindavana. Please accept this divine idol, continue its worship, and receive Lord Hari’s grace." After bestowing his blessings and receiving alms as per monastic tradition, he set out towards Hampi to pay his respects at Sri Sudhindra Tirtha’s sacred shrine.
The entire community of Kumbakonam, including scholars, disciples of the monastery, devotees, and dharma patrons, wholeheartedly praised the unparalleled generosity of Sri Raghavendra Swami and the supreme detachment of Sri Yadavendra Tirtha.