The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
73. Famine Relief and the Divine Intervention of Shri Raghavendra Swami
Vijayaraghava Nayaka was naturally benevolent and deeply concerned about the welfare of his people. He utilized the royal treasury, including all gold, silver, and ornaments, to provide food for the famine-stricken citizens. However, the devastating famine had affected a vast kingdom—how long could he alone sustain his people? The royal granaries were emptied, and unrest spread among the people. Seeing the alarming signs of worsening famine, the Nayaka grew deeply distressed.
The elderly advisors suggested that he seek refuge in Shri Raghavendra Swami, who had previously played a crucial role in brokering peace during wartime. They assured him that surrendering to the Guru could bring relief. Vijayaraghava Nayaka then recalled his Rajaguru, realizing with remorse that had he followed the guidance of the great saints, as his ancestors had, this calamity might have been averted. Overwhelmed with regret, he, along with his trusted advisors, traveled to Kumbakonam, fell at the feet of Shri Raghavendra Swami, and, with tears in his eyes, narrated the suffering of his people. He earnestly pleaded for the Guru’s divine intervention to save his kingdom from disaster.
Shri Raghavendra Swami, after meditating for a while, became fully aware of the severity of the famine. He understood that it would not subside quickly. With a compassionate yet resolute expression, he consoled the king:
"Rajah, hearing about the misfortune that has befallen your kingdom causes us great sorrow. You are a righteous ruler and deserving of divine grace. It is our duty to alleviate the suffering of the people. By the grace of Shri Moola Rama, we believe a solution is possible. We shall travel to Thanjavur, assess the situation, and devise a remedy. The ultimate outcome rests with the Lord."
Though Shri Raghavendra Swami had attained mantra siddhi (spiritual mastery) even before renouncing the world, he had vowed never to use it for personal gain. However, recognizing that this was a matter of saving an entire population, a divine act of immense compassion and benefit to humanity, he decided to utilize his spiritual powers for the greater good.
To the ordinary people, what followed appeared as a miracle, but to enlightened souls, it was a natural occurrence. Saints do not seek to display miracles, yet, at times, they become necessary to reaffirm faith in God, uphold righteousness, and rekindle spiritual awareness among people. Shri Raghavendra Swami had performed many such divine acts throughout his lifetime, as seen in various chapters of his immortal history. For those who have realized the Supreme, miracles are mere divine play (Leela). Their true significance lies not in the spectacle, but in the selfless devotion, compassion, and unwavering faith in God that they embody.
The next day, Shri Raghavendra Swami gathered all the silver, gold, precious jewels, and vast wealth stored at the Mutt, along with the accumulated grains and essential provisions. He loaded them onto numerous carts and, accompanied by a select group of disciples, set out for Thanjavur.
The Nayaka welcomed the Guru with great reverence and arranged for his stay. Shri Raghavendra Swami handed over all the wealth and grains to Vijayaraghava Bhupala, instructing him:
"Maharaja, first use these resources to arrange food for your people."
Moved by the Guru’s immense sacrifice and generosity, the king was hesitant to accept the offerings and said:
"Gurudeva, how can I take what belongs to the Mutt?"
Shri Raghavendra Swami gently but firmly replied:
"Rajan, why do Guru Peethas exist? If the resources of a Guru cannot be used for the welfare of people during difficult times, then what purpose do they serve? Many great emperors, including your forefathers, dedicated these riches for noble causes. Their true value lies in being used for the people’s welfare. If the people are satisfied, Lord Janardana is satisfied. This, too, is a form of service to Shri Hari. Do not hesitate—use this wealth and grain to feed the people. It will last for several years. For now, distribute the food we have brought. In the future, Lord Hari will provide further solutions."
As per the Guru’s command, the Nayaka immediately organized the distribution of wealth and food among the people. Overwhelmed by the Guru’s selflessness and commitment to the well-being of society, the people began revering him as a divine savior.
The next day, Shri Raghavendra Swami visited the royal granary, which had only a few days’ worth of food left. Observing the situation, he inscribed sacred seed syllables (Bija Aksharas) on the remaining grains and sat in meditation for three days, observing a strict fast while continuously chanting divine mantras.
Thousands of people gathered outside the granary, watching in anticipation.
On the fourth day, at sunrise, a wondrous event took place—the once-empty granary was miraculously filled to the brim with an abundance of grains!
Witnessing this divine intervention, the Nayaka and the citizens erupted in joyful chants of "Victory to Shri Raghavendra Guru Raja!". The Goddess of Prosperity, Shri Lakshmi, pleased with the Guru’s devotion, blessed the kingdom by bestowing an inexhaustible supply of food grains.
Overcome with gratitude, Vijayaraghava Nayaka fell at the Guru’s feet and said:
"Mahatma! Because of your grace, my people and I have been saved!"
Shri Raghavendra Swami smiled and replied:
"Rajan, there is no power in my grace alone! Everything is due to the divine blessings of Shri Lakshmipati. This is only a temporary relief. To permanently restore prosperity to Chola Mandala, much more needs to be done. Tomorrow, I will explain what must be done."
As he departed, thousands of people followed him, showering praises upon him as their savior. Seeing the overwhelming joy of the people, Shri Raghavendra Swami rejoiced, knowing that Lord Hari had showered His grace upon them.
That night, he offered prayers to Shri Moola Rama and dedicated all the results of his actions to the Lord. After receiving alms (Bhiksha), he rested in divine contentment.