The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
90. Jagadguru (World Teacher)
At that time, Bijapur was a prosperous and wealthy kingdom. There, Ali Adil Shah, the son of Ibrahim Adil Shah II, was ruling. Though he was a Muslim king of the Islamic faith, he maintained greater contact with the Hindu scholars, saints, and Indian spiritual leaders of his court. He was a believer in Hinduism and its scholars.
When Shri Raghavendra Swamiji arrived in Bijapur, Neelameghashyamaraya, the grandson of Ghanashyamaraya, was the minister. He welcomed his Guru with great honor and arranged for their stay in his own palace.
The Sultan, having heard of the Guru’s greatness, ordered the minister to bring him to the palace. Shri Guru Raghavendra was brought to the palace in grand honor, seated in a royal howdah on the Math’s elephant named “Mahendri,” accompanied by all royal titles, musical instruments, and chants of the Vedas.
The Sultan, showing great reverence, had the minister perform the ceremonial worship of the Guru’s feet (padapuja), and offered abundant wealth—gold, ornaments, garments, and even villages. He also conferred upon him the prestigious title “Jagadguru”, along with a white parasol (shveta chatra), a personal aide (aptagiri), a green umbrella, as well as camels and horses, thus expressing his complete fulfillment and devotion.
Many scholars from the Sultan’s court debated with the Guru and were defeated. As a result, the Sultan developed immense reverence and devotion toward the Guru.
Shri Guru accepted the service of disciples, devotees, and dharma-loving people for ten days, blessing all with divine darshan, sacred prasad, and spiritual teachings. From there, he departed and graciously traveled to Alur on the banks of the Krishna River.