The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
82. Shri Guru’s Stay and Literary Work in Udupi
Long ago, as a token of friendship, Shri Vadiraja Tirtha had gifted a Matha located opposite the golden window (Kanakana Kindi) of Shri Krishna temple to Shri Vijayindra Tirtha. That same Matha was now renovated and adorned under the guidance of Shri Raghavendra Swami to be his residence during his stay in Udupi.
Upon arriving in Udupi, the chiefs of Shri Paraya Matha, along with the heads of the remaining Ashta Mathas, pandits, disciples, local residents—both lay and Vedic scholars, and thousands of devotees from nearby villages, all assembled to welcome Shri Raghavendra Swami with Vedic chants, Purna Kumbhas, and utmost reverence.
After inquiring about everyone's well-being, Shri Raghavendra Swami was placed in a golden palanquin and led in a grand procession to the Shri Krishna Matha. Along the way, devotees stood in lines on both sides of the streets, showering flowers, offering aartis, and chanting joyfully.
At the entrance of the Krishna Temple, the Paryaya Mathadhipati welcomed and embraced the Guru, and then led him into the sanctum of Lord Krishna.
As soon as Shri Raghavendra Swami saw the enchanting form of Lord Krishna, he fell prostrate in a full-length namaskara, then stood up with tears of bliss flowing from his eyes. He began to praise Krishna in Vedic hymns, his voice choked with emotion.
The Paryaya Mathadhipati, as per custom, offered golden aarti to the Lord and adorned Him with tulasi and flower garlands in the Guru’s presence. Prasada and sacred offerings were then given to Shri Raghavendra Swami.
Later, in the assembly hall, after being seated, the event continued with Vedic recitations, welcoming speeches by the Mathadhipatis, scholarly discourses, and finally, a powerful spiritual address by Shri Raghavendra Swami.
Guruji expressed his wish to stay in Udupi, worship Lord Krishna, and engage in literary composition. The Paraya Mathadhipati, overjoyed, said:
"You are the foremost exponent of Dvaita philosophy. We’ve long admired your greatness. There is a historical bond of friendship between your Matha and ours. Please consider this your own home. You may stay for as long as you wish to offer service through writing, teaching, and discourse. All eight Mathas stand in full support of you."
Shri Raghavendra Swami was deeply pleased and returned to his Matha.
The next day, he again came before Lord Krishna and offered immense wealth—gold, ornaments, silk garments, and gifts for a seven-day festival. From that time onward, the Sapta Ratri Utsava (Seven-Night Festival) began to be celebrated in Udupi as a seva offering from Shri Raghavendra Swami.
Each day, both the Paryaya Mathadhipati and Shri Guru Raghavendra Swami would worship their respective deities, partake in Tirtha and Prasada together, along with the assembly of scholars, and engage in discussions, lectures, and spiritual discourses. This transformed the experience into a Jnana Satra (knowledge conclave), delighting all present.
By the will of Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), Udupi, being the birthplace of Shri Madhvacharya, the cradle of Dvaita philosophy, and the seat of Lord Krishna’s presence, was deemed the most appropriate place for composing great works.
Shri Raghavendra Swami, in an auspicious moment, began writing a commentary on the Chandrika (originally by Shri Vyasaraja), called “Prakasha”, which would serve as a pillar of support for the Dvaita philosophy.
Before elaborating on Chandrika, which is itself a commentary on Brahmasutras, Guruji thought it wise to first explain the foundational meanings of the Brahmasutras and hence composed “Tantra Deepika”, a standalone text revealing the essence of each sutra.
He then composed “Nyaya Muktavali”, which explored the topics in the Brahmasutra’s Adhikaranas in a deep and scholarly style, becoming an invaluable resource for future scholars.
These two works became testimonies to his vast scholarship.
After completing these, he wrote “Parimala,” a famous and refined commentary on “Sri Nyaya Sudha” (originally by Jayatirtha), which itself is a commentary on Anuvyakhyana by Shri Madhvacharya.
Finally, he completed the "Prakasha" commentary on Chandrika that had been left midway.
All these works were offered at the feet of Lord Krishna, fulfilling the command of Goddess Saraswati and earning eternal merit.
These treatises spread his fame in all ten directions, and were composed with the future benefit of his successor Shri Sumateendra Tirtha in mind.
Over the course of six seasons (two years), various festivals were conducted in the presence of Lord Krishna, with disciples organizing them under the guidance of the Guru, bringing immense joy to the devotees.
On Chaitra Shukla Navami, Shri Raghavendra Swami performed a grand abhisheka of Moola Rama Deva in the mandapa in front of the Krishna shrine. Everyone felt blessed witnessing the cosmic form of the Lord.
By then, the Guru had already taught Chandrika, Nyayamruta, Tarka Tandava, and Sri Nyaya Sudha to hundreds of disciples at least ten times, bringing unparalleled joy to him and the scholars.
Many defining moments in the Guru’s life occurred in Udupi, but the most significant among them was undoubtedly:
The Vision of Lord Krishna Himself.