27. Northern India Expedition
Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga
Fourth Delight
Sri Vyasa Raja Yati Sarvabhouma
After being installed as the head of the great institution of Srimadacharya, Shri Vyasaraja Gurusarvabhauma, in accordance with the traditional practices, decided to undertake a journey to holy places, establish philosophical doctrines, and uplift disciples and devotees. With the intention of a victorious tour of Northern India for these purposes, he sought the blessings of Shri Lakshminarayana Muni.
The responsibilities of a Matha include the propagation of knowledge, philosophical debates, doctrinal establishment, the upliftment of disciples and devotees, and ensuring the well-being of all. These practices have been followed since ancient times. As per tradition, Mathas have served as mobile centers of education, providing teaching and guidance both while stationary and on travels. Mathas were like itinerant universities, offering knowledge in subjects such as Kavyas, Dramas, Alankara, Vedangas, Vedas, Geography, Mathematics, and various sciences. Families seeking a sound and liberal education for their sons would send them to these Mathas.
With this understanding imparted by Shri Lakshminarayana Muni, Shri Vyasaraja resolved to successfully carry out the responsibilities of Srimadacharya's institution. Following the conquest of Kanchi, he embarked on an extensive tour of Northern India.
When Shri Vyasaraja shared his plans for the expedition, Shri Lakshminarayana Muni was delighted and blessed him with encouragement. During the Navaratri festival in the victorious Vijaya Dashami of 1467-68 CE, Shri Vyasaraja, accompanied by his Guru, visited Shri Narasimha Tirtha. There, he performed worship before Shri Narasimha Deva, prayed for blessings, and commenced his journey with his retinue.
He first visited Pampakshetra, where he had darshan of Virupaksha Swamy. He also paid respects to the Brindavanas of his lineage Gurus—Shri Padmanabha, Shri Narahari, Shri Jayatirtha, Shri Kavindra, and Shri Vagisha Tirtha. Offering oblations and accepting their blessings, he continued his journey toward Kashi.
Kashi (Varanasi) has always been one of India’s most sacred places, where the holy river Ganga purifies the body and mind of devotees. At Kashi, Shri Vyasaraja performed Ganga Snana (holy bath), worshiped Shri Bindumadhava, Shri Vishweshwara, and Vishalakshi, and delivered daily discourses to awaken religious awareness among the people. His divine presence, marked by knowledge, devotion, and renunciation, deeply impressed the king of Kashi, who held him in high regard.
At that time, Kashi was a renowned center of learning, home to hundreds of scholars proficient in Vedas, Vedangas, Nyaya, Mimamsa, and Vedanta. It was as esteemed as the Vidyapeetha of Mithila. Decades earlier, Shri Vibudhendra Tirtha had visited Kashi multiple times, defeating scholars and propagating Madhva philosophy, which had elevated its stature among scholars. Learning that Shri Vyasaraja, the head of Madhva's institution and conqueror of Kanchi's scholars, had arrived, the scholars and devotees of Kashi warmly welcomed him with great reverence.
Despite this, challenges from rival philosophers were not uncommon. During his four-month stay in Kashi, Shri Vyasaraja engaged in daily debates on various scriptures, defeating eminent scholars with the blessings of Shri Hari, Vayu, and his Guru Shri Lakshminarayana Muni. His victories earned him unparalleled fame, and many became his disciples. The Maharaja of Kashi honored him in various ways.
This conquest of Kashi remains a landmark in the history of Shri Vyasaraja's victories. From Kashi, Shri Vyasaraja traveled to Prayag, Gaya, Ayodhya, Puri Jagannath, Mathura, Vrindavan, Haridwar, Hrishikesh, and Badrikashrama. At each place, he stayed for extended periods, receiving divine blessings and inspiring people. On his way to Kurukshetra, he visited Delhi.
At that time, Delhi was ruled by Sultan Bahlul Lodi, an Afghan ruler known for his natural devotion and respect for saints and scholars. Upon hearing of Shri Vyasaraja's knowledge, devotion, renunciation, and virtues, the Sultan became eager to meet him.
One day, while riding near the banks of the Yamuna River, the Sultan saw the radiant Shri Vyasaraja addressing thousands of people with enlightening teachings. Deeply impressed by his eloquence and presence, the Sultan dismounted his horse and humbly greeted him in his customary manner. Shri Vyasaraja warmly welcomed him, exchanged pleasantries, and blessed him with sacred grains and mantras for his well-being.
The Sultan invited Shri Vyasaraja to his palace, where he honored him with royal hospitality. As a special token of respect, he presented him with gifts of wealth and jewels and issued royal decrees ensuring Shri Vyasaraja's comfort and convenience throughout his journey in the kingdom.
After staying in Delhi for some time, Shri Vyasaraja visited Kurukshetra and continued his tour, ultimately proceeding toward Mithila.