The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
74. The Miracle of the Gem Garland
As per Shri Raghavendra Swami’s instructions, Vijayaraghava Nayaka organized several yagnas and rituals to bring relief from famine and ensure prosperity in the kingdom. Under the Guru’s guidance, Vedic scholars, priests, and ritualistic experts conducted these sacred ceremonies in strict accordance with scriptural injunctions.
Thousands of devout people from all corners of the Thanjavur kingdom gathered to witness and participate in these unparalleled rituals. For a month, Shri Raghavendra Swami not only oversaw the proceedings but also engaged in intense meditation and austerities.
As a result of these divine efforts, the kingdom received abundant rainfall by divine grace. The Kaveri River overflowed, bringing boundless joy to the people. Farmers, thrilled by the showers, began cultivating their lands with renewed enthusiasm. Within four to five months, an unprecedented harvest filled the granaries, and food supplies became plentiful. Thus, the twelve-year-long famine came to an end, and the land of Thanjavur was once again prosperous.
Vijayaraghava Nayaka began to revere Shri Raghavendra Swami as a direct incarnation of the Divine.
During the yagna, as a gesture of gratitude on behalf of the kingdom, the Nayaka offered a priceless gem-studded garland to Shri Raghavendra Swami.
At that very moment, from within the sacred fire (yajna kunda), Lord Parashurama appeared to the Guru’s divine vision. Shri Raghavendra Swami offered sacred oblations to the Lord and reverently placed the gem-studded garland around His neck, bowing in devotion.
To the astonishment of onlookers, he then cast the garland into the sacred fire!
The spectators were bewildered, and Vijayaraghava Nayaka was deeply distressed. He had offered the precious garland out of gratitude, and now it had been placed in the flames!
A wave of dissatisfaction and unease gripped the Nayaka. He thought to himself:
"Years ago, I was on the brink of destruction after my defeat in war, and it was this great saint who orchestrated a peace treaty to save me. He sacrificed the riches and grains of the Shri Matha to sustain my people. He performed divine acts to ensure unending food supplies. Now, he has performed rituals to end the famine, bringing prosperity to my kingdom. And yet… have I forgotten all that and become so small-minded as to be upset over a single garland?"
Yet, human nature is such—even the Nayaka was not free from such impulses.
Shri Raghavendra Swami, perceiving the turmoil in the king’s mind, smiled compassionately, but acted as if unaware of the Nayaka’s distress. With complete composure, he continued the yajna preparations for the final oblation (Purnahuti).
As the Purnahuti ceremony progressed, the sacred chants, the sounds of musical instruments, and the roaring fire signaled the grand culmination of the yajna. Suddenly, towering flames surged forth from the sacrificial fire!
Then, from within the fire, Lord Parashurama appeared once more—visible only to Shri Raghavendra Swami. The Guru offered prayers, invoking divine blessings for the prosperity and well-being of Thanjavur and its people.
Then, in a moment of sheer wonder, Shri Raghavendra Swami reached into the blazing fire and retrieved the very same gem-studded garland that had been offered hours earlier!
Not only was the garland unscathed, but it shone with even greater brilliance than before! The gems radiated an unparalleled glow, as if divinely sanctified.
With a gentle smile, Shri Raghavendra Swami turned to Vijayaraghava Nayaka and said:
"Maharaja, Shri Hari is pleased with you and has returned this garland as a divine symbol of victory and grace! You and your people need fear nothing anymore—prosperity and well-being shall be yours."
The crowd erupted in astonishment, struggling to believe their own eyes.
The king was overcome with reverence and joy. Despite knowing the Guru’s divine nature, he felt ashamed of his earlier doubts. Falling at Shri Raghavendra Swami’s feet, he humbly begged forgiveness, realizing the short-sightedness of his mind.
As thousands of people witnessed this divine event, they praised and glorified Shri Raghavendra Swami, declaring:
"Ah! What a divine soul! What a great Mahatma! Truly, our savior and guide!"
Having relieved Thanjavur from famine and restored prosperity, Shri Raghavendra Swami took leave of the people and the king, receiving a devout farewell from all before returning to Kumbakonam.