The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
97. The Three Astrologers
One day, as Sri Raghavendra Swami was delivering a lesson to his group of disciples, three radiant, middle-aged Brahmins—appearing to be from Kerala—arrived and offered their respectful prostrations at the feet of the Guru.
With a cheerful and welcoming heart, Sri Swamiji said,
“Please come, be seated.”
Narayanacharya then began making polite inquiries about the visitors. One of the Brahmins replied:
“Swami, your fame for wisdom, devotion, and renunciation has become a household subject throughout South India. We have come, longing for the blessing of beholding the Mahatma (great soul) whose glories we have heard so often.
Our father told us that during the time of Sri Vijayindra Tirtha, a man from our lineage named Prabhanjana Sharma had received special blessings from the Guru.
He also instructed us: if we ever come to this region, we must have darshan of Sri Vijayindra Tirtha’s Brindavana, and if possible, see the Guru who currently adorns the peetha (pontifical seat).”
Hearing this, Sri Raghavendra Swami immediately responded with interest:
“Prabhanjana Sharma? Wasn’t he the one deeply versed in Jyotisha Shastra (astrology)—especially renowned in Prashna (horary astrology)—and a peerless scholar?”
They nodded and said:
“Yes, Swamiji! That is him. Our father narrated that his first meeting with Sri Vijayindra Swami was truly wondrous.”
The Brahmins then recounted that event in detail to Sri Raghavendra, and as he listened, his eyes filled with emotion.
“Indeed,” he said,
“Our revered Guru used to occasionally speak to us about those very moments.”
The Brahmins continued:
“Swami, we too have attained proficiency in Jyotisha Shastra.
We humbly wish to demonstrate our skill in horoscope analysis, and in return, seek your divine blessings.”
Narayanacharya, after a quiet consultation with Sri Lakshminarayanacharya (Sri Swamiji’s spiritual son), said:
“Respected Pandits, this afternoon we shall provide you with horoscopes. Kindly examine them thoroughly. Based on your analysis, Guruji himself will acknowledge your scholarly excellence.”
Sri Raghavendra, with a gentle smile, nodded in agreement.
Two to three days later, the three astrologers returned, each having individually prepared predictions based on the horoscopes given earlier. They submitted their analyses before Sri Swamiji, requesting him to review them.
Sensing Sri Swamiji’s wish, Narayanacharya began reading aloud the predictions written by all three astrologers.
The first astrologer began reading his analysis aloud:
“This horoscope is extraordinary—in our lifetime, we have never seen such an exalted chart.
The person born under this configuration enjoys the special grace of Sri Hari, who is the overlord of all planetary deities.
All the planets are in exalted positions, and they confer their blessings in full.
This person is clearly born with a divine portion (devāmśa)—they are filled with knowledge, devotion, and renunciation, and will be honored by kings and emperors, revered by the world, and will shine with unmatched fame and respect while being deeply committed to the welfare of humanity.
They will be a savior of society and live a long life.
However, around the age of seventy-eight or eighty, there is a likelihood of disappearance (withdrawal from visible life).”
The second astrologer, reading his own findings, echoed nearly the same insights, but added:
“This person will shine brightly for three hundred years.”
The third astrologer had similarly glowing remarks, but declared:
“The lifespan indicated is seven hundred years.”
Upon hearing these interpretations, the entire assembly exclaimed in awe:
“Ah! What a magnificent horoscope! Who could this great soul possibly be?”
At that moment, Lakshminarayanacharya revealed with a smile:
“We gave the same horoscope to all three astrologers.
This is none other than the horoscope of our revered Guru, Sri Raghavendra Swami!”
Everyone present was overwhelmed with divine joy, their hearts brimming with bliss.
Lakshminarasimhacharya, visibly moved, added:
“Even while they were reading, I suspected this must be Guruji’s chart. These astrologers are indeed genuine scholars.
However, one point remained puzzling—each of them indicated a different lifespan: one said 100, another 300, and another 700 years.
That part doesn't seem reconciled.”
He concluded, “Apart from that, their predictions are commendable.”
Just then, Sri Raghavendra Swami, wearing a gentle, knowing smile, intervened and said:
“Pandits, do not argue.
All three of you are correct!
What you have written is indeed the truth.”
Hearing this, everyone was left stunned and astonished, turning their gazes toward the Guru, struck by the depth of his mysterious declaration.
To dispel everyone’s doubts, Sri Raghavendra Swami explained gently:
“The Vedas declare — ‘śatamānaṁ bhavati śatāyuḥ puruṣaḥ’ —
that the natural span of a human life is one hundred years.
Therefore, the statement about a lifespan ending around the seventy-eighth or eightieth year is indeed reasonable, and such an event would occur only by the will of Sri Hari.
Thus, what the first astrologer has said is true.
He continued:
“Now, as for the second and third astrologers — they too are correct, but in a different sense.
Sri Hari has inspired me with this understanding:
The three hundred years lifespan refers to my writings, my teachings.
That is to say — my presence will continue through my works.
For three centuries, thousands of scholars across villages and cities in this country will continue to study and teach these works.
After that period, scholarship will gradually decline, and while hundreds may still remain who are qualified to teach my works, the intensity and clarity seen in the earlier centuries will begin to fade.
Therefore, the prediction that my works will shine for 300 years is also true.
Now, the seven-hundred-year lifespan mentioned by the third astrologer—
Surely, I must one day enter Brindavana (Samadhi).
But after entering Brindavana, it is Sri Hari’s will that I shall remain there, bestowing blessings and working for the welfare of the world for 700 years.
This too, I believe with conviction, is true.
All of this is nothing but the inconceivable and wondrous will of Lord Sri Hari,
a reflection of His infinite power, divine will, and boundless love for His devotees.”
Hearing this profound and illuminating explanation, everyone present in the assembly was moved with joy and reverence, their bodies trembling with devotional ecstasy, as they began glorifying the Guru.
As for the three astrologers, they stood in awe and wonder, beyond words.
The scholars of the matha praised their skill and learning.
Then, the astrologers offered full prostrations (sashtanga namaskara) and humbly said:
“Mahaswami! Your wisdom is unparalleled.
That one trained by the great Vijayindra Tirtha, such as yourself, should possess mastery over all shastras in such a brilliant and profound way — it is no surprise.
Hearing your explanation, we are truly blessed.”
With a beaming smile, Sri Raghavendra Swami personally honored them by:
Draping them with ceremonial shawls,
Conferring upon them the title of “Jyotisha Shastra Visharada” (Expert in Astrology), and
Rewarding them generously, blessing them with high honor and affection.