33. Shri Vyasaraja in the Royal Court
Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga
Fourth Delight
Shri Vyasaraja arrived in the splendid capital of Chandragiri, adorned with grand forts, majestic temples, towering gopurams, vast royal streets, opulent palaces touching the skies, and lush gardens, showcasing its affluence and grandeur. Without prior intimation, Shri Vyasaraja’s arrival captivated the people. A local scholar, recognizing the revered saint, respectfully invited him to his home, where he offered hospitality. That day, Shri Vyasaraja accepted alms at the scholar’s home, performed the evening lamp worship, and rested there.
Meanwhile, in the royal court of Chandragiri, Saluva Narasimha Bhupala presided over a grand assembly of ministers, commanders, scholars, poets, musicians, and citizens. Amidst this illustrious gathering, seated on a resplendent throne, the king was being praised by his courtiers when Bhuvanabandhu, the chief minister and royal priest, stepped forward. Bowing reverently, he addressed the king:
"Majestic ruler of the Kannada Empire! By the divine grace of Shri Lakshminarayana Yogindra, the venerable guru and incarnation of Saraswati, Shri Vyasaraja Teertha, has arrived in our capital following the instructions of his guru.
"My lord, the glory of Shri Vyasaraja must already be known to you. This great soul, whose fame shines like the sacred Ganga purifying the Himalayas, has graced the home of one of our scholars near the city. We await your command to welcome and bring him to the palace with due honor."
Hearing this, Saluva Narasimha, filled with curiosity and joy, looked around the court and enthusiastically commanded that Shri Vyasaraja be received with the utmost respect. He dispatched the royal priest and esteemed officials, accompanied by an honorable delegation, including one of his ministers, to escort the saint.
Bhuvanabandhu continued, "O Great King! The unexpected arrival of this revered sage demonstrates his immense detachment and asceticism. When our Kannada land lay in ruin due to the misrule of the Chakaras, it was as if Lord Srinivasa himself sent such a divine soul to awaken and rejuvenate the land. The arrival of Shri Lakshminarayana's disciple, Shri Vyasaraja, is a boon for our empire's prosperity. His miraculous act of reviving a Brahmin boy, who had succumbed to a snake bite near a forest close to our capital, is already the talk of the town. This is but a glowing testament to his spiritual prowess."
Hearing this miraculous account, Narasimha Bhupala, overwhelmed with awe and reverence, exclaimed, "What joyous news you bring, O minister! Truly, my guru, Shri Lakshminarayana Muni's words are now manifest! I believe Lord Venkateshwara has sent Shri Vyasaraja as his representative to uplift Kannada Nadu and all of us. My heart yearns to behold this great saint. To have such a sage as our guru is indeed the fruit of our past meritorious deeds."
At the scholar’s home, Shri Vyasaraja was welcomed by a delegation of priests and dignitaries bearing ceremonial items, accompanied by Vedic chants and musical grandeur. From a distance, the ministers and scholars beheld the radiant sage and, bowing deeply, approached him with reverence. They said, "Bhagavan, the Maharaja eagerly seeks your divine blessings. Kindly grace us with your presence."
With a serene smile, Shri Vyasaraja replied, "Gladly, I shall come." Accompanied by his disciples, the saint made his way to the palace like an incarnation of the primordial yogi, radiating spiritual brilliance.
As Shri Vyasaraja’s procession neared the palace, the streets lined with citizens resounded with joyous cries of "Victory to the Guru!" Thousands stood on either side of the royal path, marveling at the saint's divine radiance. When Narasimha Bhupala glimpsed the sage from afar, he leaped from his throne with excitement and devotion. Tying a white cloth around his waist as a sign of humility, he rushed forward with folded hands, prostrating himself at the Guru’s feet, his body touching the dust of the ground.
Overwhelmed by the king's humility, Shri Vyasaraja blessed him with sandal paste, sacred rice, and fruits, which the king received with great devotion, placing them reverently on his head. The king then escorted Shri Vyasaraja to a magnificent golden throne, seating him with honor, while he himself sat at a respectful distance and spoke with folded hands:
"Bhagavan, it is my great fortune to have your darshan, the fruit of my past good deeds. I have long heard of your divine virtues and yearned for this moment. The joy your presence brings surpasses even the bliss of Brahmaloka!"
Smiling compassionately, Shri Vyasaraja replied, "O King! Revering and serving ascetics devoted to the meditation of the Supreme Being has been an inherent virtue of your lineage. With your valor and leadership, I foresee the Kannada empire flourishing. By upholding dharma, administering justice, and protecting the righteous, you shall bring prosperity to your people. Your might and reputation shall spread far and wide, ensuring peace and harmony."
As noon approached, Shri Vyasaraja gently reminded the king that it was time for his midday worship. Narasimha Bhupala, along with his entire royal entourage, rose and respectfully bid farewell to the saint. He then dispatched Bhuvanabandhu with an escort to ensure Shri Vyasaraja’s comfortable stay in a grand mansion prepared for him.
Later, Shri Vyasaraja completed his daily ablutions, prayers, and worship, distributing the sacred offerings to his disciples. Accepting alms from the scholars and dignitaries present, he spent the evening enlightening the assembly with expositions of the Bhagavata and other scriptures. Thus, he illuminated the night with his profound teachings and spiritual presence.