The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
75. Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites – Spiritual Conquest (Digvijaya)
After many years of anticipation, Shri Raghavendra Swami resolved to embark on a pilgrimage to sacred sites (Teertha Kshetra Yatra). Accompanied by scholars, students, and a select group of disciples, he set out from Kumbakonam on an auspicious day—Vaishakha Shukla Bidige (April-May) of the Sarvadhari Samvatsara, Shalivahana Shaka 1570 (1648 CE).
With unwavering devotion to Shri Hari, Shri Raghavendra Swami vowed to visit and sanctify all Vaishnavite holy places, undertaking the journey with strict observance of ascetic vows. His first direction of travel was towards the East.
Upon reaching the sacred city of Dwaraka, he offered prayers and veneration to Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Being who removes sins and grants eternal bliss. He then proceeded to Paripoornadevanagara, a renowned center of divine grace, where he worshiped the Supreme Lord and resided for a few days in deep meditation.
From there, he ascended Manishringa Parvata, where the Mother of the Universe, Goddess Durga, resided. After bowing to Indira (Devi Lakshmi), he spent time at this revered site. During his stay, the Guru, like the moon to the ocean of Madhvacharya’s philosophy, expounded upon fundamental philosophical texts to his disciples, illuminating the path of Moksha (liberation) with his vast wisdom.
Continuing his pilgrimage, Shri Raghavendra Swami reached Kamalaalaya Pushkarini, where he received the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi through prayers and prostrations. From there, he traveled to the sacred shrine of Ardhanarishwara, the deity embodying the divine union of Shiva and Parvati.
After offering devotional service at Ardhanarishwara Kshetra, he proceeded to the Kaveri-Samudra Sangama, the confluence where the sacred Kaveri River meets the ocean.
The sight was breathtaking—the Kaveri River, as if overjoyed at the arrival of this great saint from Karnataka, seemed to disappear into the depths of the earth, as though searching for precious gems to offer in honor of her devoted pilgrim, Shri Raghavendra Swami. Unlike other rivers that merge visibly with the sea, the Kaveri merged in a concealed manner, resembling a mystical descent into the ocean’s depths.
Overcome with joy at beholding the ocean, Shri Raghavendra Swami performed a ritual bath (Snana) at the confluence. As he emerged from the waters, his presence radiated divine splendor, resembling Lord Narayana rising from the depths of meditation.
Clad in simple ascetic garments (Kaupina), holding his staff (Danda), the Guru prepared for a second holy dip. Surrounding him were hundreds of devotees, chanting:
"Om Namo Narayanaya! Shriman Madhvacharya Bhagavatpada Govinda! Govinda!"
With a serene smile, Shri Raghavendra Swami sprinkled holy water (Dandodaka) upon the devotees three times, evoking memories of the time when Madhvacharya had sanctified thousands of devotees with the same blessing at the ocean’s edge.
Seated on the seashore, Shri Raghavendra Swami meditated deeply upon Shri Krishna Paramatma, his heart immersed in devotion. He then set forth to Mannargudi, where the divine form of Shri Rajagopala Swami resided.
Upon having darshan of Lord Rajagopala, the Guru’s body trembled with devotion, and his eyes welled up with tears of bliss. With deep spiritual ecstasy, he sang praises of the Lord, prostrated before Him, and received divine blessings.
Accompanied by his followers, he then continued towards Rameshwaram, a revered site of Lord Rama’s penance and devotion.
As he stood at the shores of the vast ocean, the waves surged forward, as if rushing to welcome him, only to retreat once again—a sight that appeared as though the Sea God himself was offering homage to the great saint.
Filled with reverence for the ocean’s vastness, Shri Raghavendra Swami performed a holy dip at the meeting point of the eastern and western seas, immersing himself in the sacred confluence.
Emerging from the waters, he changed into fresh ascetic robes (Kashayaambara), performed Pranayama (breathing discipline), and entered deep meditation upon Shri Moola Rama, focusing solely on the Lord’s divine feet.
During his stay, he visited and worshiped Durbhashayana Rama, Rameshwara Shiva, and Setu Madhava, spreading the essence of spiritual wisdom wherever he went.
From Rameshwaram, Shri Raghavendra Swami proceeded to Aligirir, where he offered prayers at the sacred shrine of Vanashaila (Totadri), receiving the divine darshan of Shri Sundara Narayana.
From there, he traveled to Ananthashayana, seeking the divine presence of Shri Anantha Padmanabha Swami. Worshiping the Supreme Lord Vishnu in His reclining form, Shri Raghavendra Swami immersed himself in devotion, prayers, and meditative contemplation, receiving the grace of Shri Hari.
Continuing his pilgrimage, he next arrived at Janardhana Kshetra, where he stayed for several days, conducting discourses and imparting spiritual wisdom to the people.
Thereafter, he set his mind towards the sacred region of Tirunelveli, near the banks of the Tamraparni River, continuing his journey in devotion and spiritual conquest.