36. The Coronation of Shri Padaraja with Jewels
Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga
Fourth Delight
In Kannada Nadu’s capital, after overcoming the calamities that had befallen him, King Saluva Narasimha sought to honor the revered Shri Lakshminarayana Muni, who had been instrumental in his salvation. Following deliberations with his trusted ministers—Bhuvanabhandhu, Tulava Narasanaika, and Chinnaraja—the king decided, with unanimous consent, to conduct a ceremonial coronation with jewels (Ratnabhisheka) for the guru as a mark of reverence.
King Narasimha and his ministers personally oversaw all the necessary arrangements for the event. The king himself approached Shri Lakshminarayana Muni and conveyed his desire to honor the sage with a Ratnabhisheka, seeking the guru’s consent. Initially, Shri Lakshminarayana Muni declined the proposal. However, moved by the earnest appeals of the king and his ministers, he eventually agreed, stating, “Rajendra, you have already honored us by offering land, resources, ornaments, and facilities necessary for the service of Lord Hari and His offerings. Though this coronation is not essential, we shall accept it as an offering to Shri Gopinatha-Rangavithala to fulfill your heartfelt wish. Are you now satisfied?”
King Narasimha and his ministers were overjoyed to receive the guru’s blessings. Expressing their gratitude, they returned to the palace to finalize the preparations.
A few days later, on an auspicious occasion, King Narasimha, accompanied by all the royal splendor, brought Shri Lakshminarayana Muni to the palace. Amidst the sounds of musical instruments and Vedic chants, the guru was seated on a jewel-adorned throne. While the court poets and bards sang his praises, the king, with great devotion, performed the Ratnabhisheka, ceremoniously anointing the guru with precious jewels. He offered gold, ornaments, and garments with heartfelt reverence.
The guru accepted the offerings and distributed them generously. The jewels and wealth were dedicated to the service of deities such as Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati, Varadaraja of Kanchipuram, Ranganatha of Srirangam, and Virupaksha of Hampi. Shri Lakshminarayana Muni also distributed gifts to scholars, priests, and the needy. Witnessing the guru’s selflessness and generosity, everyone praised his noble qualities.
That day, the guru conducted special pujas and rituals in the palace. Thousands of people were served a grand feast. In the evening, a gathering of scholars took place, and Shri Lakshminarayana Muni delivered a profound discourse, blessing everyone.
Around the same time, Shri Vyasaraja returned from his successful northern campaign of conquest (Digvijaya) and arrived in Chandragiri. A jubilant King Narasimha welcomed the Rajaguru (royal guru) with royal honors and escorted him to the palace. Shri Lakshminarayana Muni warmly received his beloved disciple. Shri Vyasaraja prostrated before his guru, who embraced him with affection. Their joyous reunion delighted everyone present.
During that evening’s gathering, the scholars and ministers narrated to Shri Vyasaraja all the events that had transpired in Kannada Nadu during his absence. They described how the Brahmahatya dosha afflicting the king had been resolved, the miracles performed by Shri Lakshminarayana Muni, and the recent Ratnabhisheka conducted by King Narasimha. Shri Vyasaraja was deeply moved to hear of his guru’s divine acts and expressed immense joy.
A special court assembly was convened, and King Narasimha brought the gurus to the durbar, accompanied by ministers, nobles, and scholars. Shri Lakshminarayana Muni, adorned in royal attire, was seated on the throne with the utmost honor. Shri Vyasaraja beheld this divine spectacle with awe, his eyes welling with tears of devotion.
Shri Lakshminarayana Muni was adorned in saffron robes and bore the sacred markings of Dvadasa Nama. A golden silk garment draped him, and he was resplendent with pearl armor, gem-studded earrings, bracelets, and a Tulasi mala. A radiant crown studded with pearls and rubies adorned his head, and a kasturi tilaka shone on his forehead. The assembly stood in reverence, offering their salutations while chanting his glory.
King Narasimha humbly seated Shri Vyasaraja on a golden throne arranged for him. Though the atmosphere was jubilant, a solemn silence prevailed. As Shri Vyasaraja approached his seat, memories of the events narrated earlier—the guru resolving the Brahmahatya dosha and other miracles—flashed vividly in his mind. Overcome with emotion, he prostrated before his guru with folded hands. In that moment, a devotional composition spontaneously emerged from his lips, extolling the greatness of Shri Lakshminarayana Muni:
Raga: Pantuvrali
"Such is your greatness, O Master!
Guided by Lord Narayana's compassion,
You absolved the Brahmahatya dosha
Through the sanctified waters of Shambodaka,
Despite the denouncements of the ignorant.
You transformed garments dyed in indelible black
Into pristine white—mirroring
The purity you restored to hearts and minds.
With Krishna’s grace, you brought solace
To all who sought your divine guidance."
Hearing this composition, the assembly was moved to tears. The crowd erupted in joyous chants of "Victory to Shri Lakshminarayana Guru Sarvabhauma!" and "Victory to Shri Vyasaraja Yatisharvabhauma!"
Shri Lakshminarayana Muni, overwhelmed with affection, embraced his disciple and seated him on a throne beside him. The assembly then commenced, with King Narasimha narrating the great deeds of the guru and expressing his eternal gratitude. Scholars lauded the guru’s unparalleled wisdom, devotion, and compassion.
Shri Vyasaraja then delivered an eloquent speech, recounting the extraordinary contributions of his guru to the Kannada kingdom, the emperor, and its people. He highlighted the significance of the Ratnabhisheka and how it elevated the kingdom’s prestige.
Finally, Shri Lakshminarayana Muni delivered a profound discourse on the essence of scriptures, enlightening all present. At the king’s request, he bestowed generous rewards upon scholars, poets, musicians, and artisans, ensuring their welfare. The ceremonies concluded with great reverence and joy, marking the end of the Ratnabhisheka festivities.