The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
76. The Redeemer of the Fallen (Patita Pavana)
One day, while Shri Raghavendra Swami was traveling through the Tirunelveli region, a Brahmin, who had been eagerly waiting for his arrival, stood under a tree near the riverbank. The moment he saw the Guru’s entourage, he rushed forward, fell prostrate at the Guru’s feet, and pleaded with deep emotion:
"Gurudeva, please bless me and uplift me!"
The compassionate Guru smiled kindly and asked,
"O noble Brahmin, what troubles you? What do you seek from me?"
With tears streaming down his face, the Brahmin replied:
"O revered saint, I am a Madhva Brahmin and a disciple of your Mutt. But due to a sin I unknowingly committed, I have been ostracized by society. Even after realizing my mistake and performing penance, the community has continued to shun me. My life has become unbearable. You alone are my savior. I surrender to you—please protect me!"
Hearing this, Shri Raghavendra Swami’s heart overflowed with compassion. With a gentle but firm assurance, he consoled the weeping man:
"Do not worry. By the grace of Shri Moola Rama, everything will be resolved. Come to see me tomorrow."
Having perceived the true worth of the Brahmin through his divine wisdom (Aparoksha Jnana), the Guru had already decided to uplift him.
The next day, when the Brahmin returned and offered his salutations, the Guru had him perform a purification penance and then sanctified him with Shankhodaka (sacred water infused with the power of the conch). By the Guru’s spiritual grace, the Brahmin was purified and restored.
However, this act of compassion angered the local community. The people, unable to accept that a previously outcast man had been reintegrated into society, confronted Shri Raghavendra Swami.
A group of Brahmins approached the Guru, saying:
"Swami, we have heard that you have purified this fallen man. But how can we believe that he has truly been restored to purity? Kindly explain this to us."
With a gentle yet authoritative smile, the Guru replied:
"O noble scholars, this Brahmin was already a righteous man. He had unknowingly committed an offense and had already performed penance. Yesterday, I had him undergo another purification and sanctified him further. This is in accordance with scriptural injunctions. Thus, he is now fit to rejoin society."
Yet, the skeptics among them were unconvinced.
"Swami, please forgive us, but how can we believe that a fallen man has been purified solely through penance?"
The Guru smiled again and asked:
"Have you not heard of the immense power of Shankhodaka (sacred conch water)?"
Curious, the Brahmins asked:
"What is its significance, Swami?"
Shri Raghavendra Swami then explained:
"The glory of Shankhodaka is boundless. There is scriptural authority that states:
'Panchajanya Nija Narasa Pataka Sanchaya - ಪಾಂಚಜನ್ಯ + ನಿಜ + ನರಸ + ಪಾತಕ + ಸಂಚಯ'
This means that merely hearing the sound of the conch (Shankha) destroys all sins. If the sound itself has such immense power, imagine the transformative effect of water sanctified by it through mantras! There is no limit to the purifying power of Shankhodaka."
The Brahmins, still hesitant, requested the Guru to demonstrate this power.
Seeing their doubtful hearts, Shri Raghavendra Swami decided to provide them with direct proof.
He called for his attendant, whispered a brief instruction into his ear, and waited. The attendant returned with a white cloth soaked in castor oil, which had turned completely black due to the oil’s strong staining properties.
The Guru meditated deeply, then blessed and sprinkled the cloth with Shankhodaka. A miracle occurred before everyone's eyes!
Within moments, the darkened cloth began to change color—slowly regaining its original pure white form, now shining with an even greater radiance than before.
The gathered crowd gasped in amazement.
"This is incredible! What a divine spectacle!" they exclaimed.
Seeing this undeniable evidence, the skeptical Brahmins realized their mistake. Their faces fell with shame, and remorse filled their hearts.
Falling prostrate before Shri Raghavendra Swami, they begged for forgiveness:
"Gurudeva, you are a Mahatma. We have sinned by doubting you. You are truly the redeemer of the fallen (Patita Pavana). Please forgive us for our arrogance and bless us."
With unwavering kindness, the Guru replied:
"I hold no grievance against you. But now that you have witnessed the truth, will you accept this Brahmin as purified and treat him with dignity? Will you restore his rightful place in society?"
The Brahmins unanimously agreed:
"Swami, by your divine grace, he is fully purified. We accept him back and shall live with him in harmony and friendship."
Pleased with their change of heart, Shri Raghavendra Swami blessed them all.
That day, he instructed the entire community to partake in Shri Moola Rama’s darshan, sacred Tirtha (holy water), and Prasada (divine food offering). The Brahmins, the purified man, and the Guru’s disciples all joined together in devotional worship, marking a joyous spiritual reunion.
Shri Raghavendra Swami remained near the banks of the sacred Tamraparni River for several days, performing daily ritual baths (Snana) and visiting the nine sacred deities along the riverbank.
He then stayed for three days at the Brindavana (sacred tomb) of Shri Vibudhendra Tirtha, offering grand worship and prayers.
There, he placed the idol of Shri Moola Rama, Shri Digvijaya Rama, and Shri Jayarama Deva on the sacred Brindavana, performing Kanakabhisheka (a ritual anointing with gold) and offering Hastodaka (holy water) in reverence.
Receiving special divine blessings from Shri Vibudhendra Tirtha, Shri Raghavendra Swami felt a renewed surge of spiritual energy and was filled with divine bliss.
From there, the Guru continued his Digvijaya (spiritual conquest), traveling towards Madurai, the city of temples and sacred traditions, further spreading the message of Dharma.