34. Shri Vyasaraja Becomes the Royal Guru
Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga
Fourth Delight
From the very first meeting, Saluva Narasimha Raja developed immense devotion and faith in Shri Vyasaraja. Remembering repeatedly the favor done by Shri Lakshminarayana Muni in granting him such a guru, the king arranged for all royal honors and comforts befitting Shri Vyasaraja and sought his blessings.
One day, in the grand royal court that shone like the celestial assembly of "Sudharma," Saluva Narasimha sat resplendently alongside Shri Vyasaraja, who was revered like Brihaspati with Indra.
However, the unparalleled respect given to Shri Vyasaraja by the king aroused jealousy in certain scholars and arrogant pundits. Filled with envy and inflated by their ego, these individuals challenged Shri Vyasaraja to a debate, hoping to defeat him and prove their superiority.
The debates, spanning the realms of logic, philosophy, and scriptures, were conducted with intense fervor for eight to ten days. Shri Vyasaraja, with his profound erudition, debating skills, and invincible logic, effortlessly defeated all the opponents. Witnessing this, Saluva Narasimha Raja was overcome with astonishment and joy, declaring, “This Vyasaraja is no ordinary person; he is none other than Lord Brahma himself, who has descended to earth, concealing three faces and manifesting with one, to bless us with his divine wisdom.”
In the midst of jubilant acclaim in the royal court, Saluva Narasimha honored Shri Vyasaraja by ceremonially seating him on the gem-studded throne, conferring upon him the title of “Royal Guru.” The king presented Shri Vyasaraja with symbols of royal dignity: a parasol, fans, royal chauri, a palanquin, elephants, horses, soldiers, auspicious music, a veena ensemble, precious yellow garments, ornaments studded with nine gems, golden utensils, villages, lands, and honors for temples and monasteries. Saluva Narasimha then prostrated before Shri Vyasaraja and expressed his gratitude.
Shri Vyasaraja, in turn, blessed the king with consecrated rice and sacred fruits, praising his devotion, generosity, and virtues. After blessing the king, Shri Vyasaraja returned to his monastery with royal grandeur.
For several years, Shri Vyasaraja remained in the royal capital, guiding Saluva Narasimha Raja, defeating various opponents, establishing dharma, and bringing peace and prosperity to the Kannada empire. His fame spread far and wide in all directions.
Guidance for the Kannada Empire’s Challenges
One day, Saluva Narasimha approached Shri Vyasaraja with concerns about the Kannada empire. He described the indifference of Emperor Virupaksha to the empire’s welfare, his cowardice, and his indulgence in luxuries. The emperor’s neglect had emboldened the Bahmani Sultans and neighboring Hindu kings to ally with enemies, leading to frequent invasions, massacres, and plundering within the empire. Saluva Narasimha sought Shri Vyasaraja’s guidance on restoring peace and protecting the Kannada empire as well as South India.
After careful contemplation, Shri Vyasaraja offered profound advice:
“King, our land of Bharat is sacred and has been a beacon of knowledge, dharma, and culture for the world. From ancient times, dynasties like the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, and Devagiri rulers have safeguarded this heritage. Vidyaranya Muni founded the Vijayanagara empire to protect Indian philosophy, dharma, and the welfare of Hindu citizens, especially the Kannada people.
“To preserve this legacy, first, the people must experience peace and prosperity. Enemies must not be allowed to infiltrate the state. Faith in dharma and temples must be revived in everyone. Strengthen cordial relations with Hindu kings and allies in South India to ensure collective protection and prosperity. Show the world that our empire is committed to the defense of dharma and the cultural heritage of Bharat.
“Govern with fairness and compassion. While respecting all faiths and traditions, firmly punish those who harm the dharma or the state. Recover lost territories, fortify borders, and ensure security for the temples and people. By doing so, the Kannada empire will shine as a beacon of Hindu unity, strength, and dharma.”
Religious and Administrative Achievements
Under Shri Vyasaraja’s guidance, Saluva Narasimha embarked on several initiatives:
He crushed uprisings and defeated neighboring enemies like the Bahmani Sultans, the Chola king, and the Kalinga ruler.
He revitalized temple worship, restored dilapidated temples, and protected Hindu dharma.
He strengthened the empire’s borders and reclaimed lost territories.
He established peace and stability, winning the trust and loyalty of the people.
These efforts elevated Saluva Narasimha’s stature as a formidable ruler and protector of Hindu dharma.
Coronation of Saluva Narasimha
After several years of successful rule, Saluva Narasimha decided to formalize his authority with a grand coronation. Seeking the blessings of Shri Lakshminarayana Muni, he expressed his desire to have Shri Vyasaraja oversee the ceremony. The coronation was conducted with great pomp at Tirupati in the presence of Lord Venkateshwara, where Shri Vyasaraja crowned him the first emperor of the Saluva dynasty with the title Rajadhiraja Rajaparameshwara Dharmasamsthapanaacharya.
This marked the end of the Sangama dynasty’s rule and the beginning of the Saluva dynasty. Saluva Narasimha’s reign, under the guidance of Shri Vyasaraja, became a golden era for the Kannada empire, ensuring peace, prosperity, and the flourishing of dharma.