26. Ascension to the Supreme Position
Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga
Fourth Delight
Sri Vyasa Raja Yati Sarvabhouma
A couple of days later, Shri Vyasaraj Guruvarya paid respects to his revered Guru, received his blessings, and departed for Attur.
Although Shri Brahmanyatirtha was very weak due to illness, he was cheerful. The news of his disciple’s arrival filled him with a unique energy. Like a young boy, he moved about briskly, filled with excitement and joy, making arrangements to welcome his beloved disciple. Personally overseeing all preparations, he instructed the mutt officials, scholars, and disciples to welcome Shri Vyasa Tirtha with full honors, including a grand procession with a ceremonial pot, musical instruments, and accolades. They eagerly awaited his arrival at the mutt's entrance.
Shri Vyasa Tirtha was brought to the mutt in a decorated palanquin with great grandeur. As the palanquin reached the mutt's entrance, Shri Brahmanyatirtha, who was waiting to welcome him, saw his disciple and descended from the palanquin, rushing towards his Guru. The disciple, radiating divine brilliance indicative of youth, knowledge, devotion, and renunciation, captivated Shri Brahmanyatirtha, who rushed towards him with overwhelming joy. Shri Vyasa Tirtha prostrated before his Guru, and Shri Brahmanyatirtha embraced his disciple with immense affection. Both were overwhelmed with joy, tears of happiness streaming down their faces. They could hardly speak, gazing at each other in silent communion. Observing the love and bond between the Guru and disciple, onlookers exclaimed in delight, “Ah! What a Guru and disciple! Such love! Our eyes are blessed to witness this sacred sight.”
After the initial wave of emotions subsided, Shri Brahmanyatirtha lovingly held his disciple's hand and led him into the mutt. At the mutt's entrance, Sumangalas performed an aarti for Shri Vyasa Tirtha. Several coconuts were ceremonially broken to ward off the evil eye, and well-wishers showered flowers, chanting victory hymns for both the Guru and the disciple.
The Guru and disciple entered the mutt and took their seats. A formal welcome ceremony followed, during which many scholars and devotees extolled the virtues of the Guru and disciple. Later, Shri Vyasa Tirtha delivered a discourse, imparted blessings with sacred mantras and grains, and retired for rest along with his Guru.
Since leaving Shri Lakshminarayana Muni for his studies, Shri Vyasaraja had resumed his education. Shri Brahmanyatirtha listened with great joy to his beloved disciple recount the events so far.
From that day, Shri Vyasa Tirtha assumed the responsibility of managing the mutt. He performed the daily worship of the deity and delivered discourses while ensuring his Guru had complete rest. Taking personal care of his Guru’s medication and diet, Shri Vyasa Tirtha served him with devotion and care, earning his Guru’s deep affection, trust, and blessings.
Months passed after Shri Vyasa Tirtha’s arrival in Attur, but Shri Brahmanyatirtha's health continued to decline. Realizing that further treatments were futile, he stopped all medications. Shri Vyasa Tirtha was deeply distressed by his Guru’s condition.
One day, Shri Brahmanyatirtha gathered his disciples and recounted the history of the great mutt, the glory of the Shashika lineage, and the traditions of the mutt. He said, “My time is coming to an end. I am confident you will successfully uphold and develop the principles of this great institution, ensuring the victory of Dvaita philosophy across the world. I have no other concerns. Promise me that you will fulfill this aspiration of mine. Only then will I depart from this world in peace and joy.”
Shri Vyasaraja, holding his Guru’s feet, solemnly vowed, “Guruji, I pledge at your lotus feet that I will dedicate my life to fulfilling this command of yours until my last breath.”
Hearing this, Shri Brahmanyatirtha experienced indescribable joy.
On Vaishakha Krishna Dashami of the Sarvajit year of the Shalivahana Shaka 1389 (May 1467 CE), Shri Brahmanyatirtha ceremoniously entrusted the mutt to Shri Vyasaraja Gurusarvabhauma. The following day, on Ekadashi, after completing his morning rituals, meditating on Shri Pattabhirama, Moolagopala Krishna, and Vedavyasa Deva, and seated in yogic posture, Shri Brahmanyatirtha relinquished his earthly existence. Meditating on Shri Hari and merging into his original form as Surya Mandala, he attained liberation.
When Shri Vyasa Tirtha realized that his Guru had entered deep meditation on Shri Narayana and departed, he could not contain his sorrow. Tears flowed as he remembered his Guru’s love, affection, and blessings. Following the traditions of the mutt, the grand consecration of Shri Brahmanyatirtha’s Brindavana was performed with great splendor.