37. Service to Lord Srinivasa at Tirupati
Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga
Fourth Delight
The following evening, while Guru and disciple were conversing in private, the administrators of the monastery brought King Narasimha Bhoopala to the Guru's presence. After paying his respects, the emperor, with the Guru's permission, took his seat on the ornate throne prepared for him.
Smiling gently, Shri Vyasaraja said, “May the Karnataka emperor be blessed! O King, our revered Guru has informed me of all the events that transpired here during my travels. I am overjoyed! Our dreams have been fulfilled! This is a great fortune and joy for the empire.”
King Narasimha replied, “Gurudeva! All of this has been achieved because I followed your guidance. I firmly believe that I have been graced with such blessings solely due to the grace and blessings of both revered Gurus. I earnestly pray that your guidance and blessings continue to illuminate my path.”
The king continued, “By the grace of the senior Guru, I have survived the calamity that befell me. However, one issue remains unresolved, causing me great distress. Without addressing this, neither my mind nor the empire will find peace or prosperity.”
The senior Guru asked, “What is troubling you, O King?”
King Narasimha replied, “Gurudeva, the matter of the interrupted worship of Lord Srinivasa at Tirupati weighs heavily on my heart. It is because of me that the divine service has been halted, and this causes me sleepless nights. After the passing of the temple priests, I appointed capable individuals for worship, but they declined, citing a lack of courage to perform the sacred duties. Subsequently, the temple administrators sealed the sanctum sanctorum and confined the worship to Bhoga Srinivasa (the festival deity) in the outer hall. This arrangement was reported to me, but the divine worship has effectively ceased for months. No one dares to approach for worship. I am deeply anguished by this situation. I implore you, revered Gurus, to take charge of the temple administration and the worship rights of Lord Srinivasa, ensuring His grace once again shines upon all.”
Shri Lakshminarayana Muni replied, “Emperor, there is a noble person capable of undertaking this task and restoring divine grace. If he agrees, everything will proceed auspiciously.”
The king eagerly asked, “Who is this noble soul, Swami? Please tell me, and I shall fall at his feet and beseech him to undertake this responsibility.”
Shri Lakshminarayana Muni, smiling gently, looked toward Shri Vyasaraja and said, “Behold, O King, it is none other than this royal Guru! Do you not recall from the Puranas how Prahlada, with his devotion and hymns, pacified Lord Narasimha, who once terrified the three worlds with His ferocity? Like Prahlada, Shri Vyasaraja has the ability to appease and gain the favor of Lord Srinivasa, ensuring His blessings for all. Prostrate before him and make your plea.”
Moved by these words, King Narasimha, overwhelmed with joy, prostrated before Shri Vyasaraja and said, “O Gurudeva! Let us heed the senior Guru’s words. I entreat you to take charge of the Tirupati temple administration and the sacred worship, ensuring the Lord’s favor and grace for all.”
After a moment of contemplation, Shri Vyasaraja replied, “O King, with the will of Lord Hari and the Guru’s command, nothing is impossible. I shall undertake this task to appease Lord Venkateshwara, making Him gracious and ensuring His blessings for all. However, I have one condition.”
The king immediately responded, “O Swami, I accept all your conditions. Please command me.”
Shri Vyasaraja, smiling, said, “O King, this responsibility should be temporary. In the future, the worship rights must be returned to the descendants of Shri Tatacharya. I shall proceed to Tirupati with a few disciples, and we will perform secluded worship for a specified period. During this time, no one else may enter the sanctum sanctorum. Once the Lord accepts our service and shows signs of grace, I shall inform you. At that time, you and the senior Guru may come to receive His blessings. This is my condition.”
Overcome with gratitude, King Narasimha said, “Swami, your grace is immeasurable. Let everything proceed according to your will.” Preparations were made for Shri Vyasaraja’s journey to Tirupati with his disciples. The king sent a proclamation to the temple administrators, stating, “Royal Guru Shri Vyasaraja will assume responsibility for the temple administration and worship rights at Tirupati. All must abide by his commands.”
With four learned and virtuous disciples, Shri Vyasaraja set out for Tirupati on an auspicious day. Upon seeing the sacred hill, the Guru prostrated and recited hymns from the Vishnu Sahasranama, Sutra Bhashya, Gita Bhashya, and Anuvyakhyana as he ascended. Upon reaching the temple, the administrators welcomed him with ceremonial honors and escorted him to a residence prepared nearby.
The next day, Shri Vyasaraja bathed in the Swami Pushkarini, completed his meditations, and approached the temple. He instructed the administrators to seal off the sanctum sanctorum for 48 days, during which he would conduct secluded worship. They agreed and arranged all necessary provisions.
In the sanctum sanctorum, Shri Vyasaraja prostrated before Lord Venkateshwara and began his worship with great devotion. His hymns, prayers, and rituals were offered with unparalleled reverence. Gradually, the divine energy of the Lord became evident, and His form radiated with increased splendor and grace.
After 40 days of uninterrupted worship, Shri Vyasaraja prepared a golden necklace adorned with 108 Saligramas as an offering to the Lord. On the day of the Mandalotsava, King Narasimha, the senior Guru, and countless devotees gathered at Tirupati to witness the divine blessings and celebrate the Lord’s grace. The festival concluded with grand rituals, including abhishekas, archana, and a magnificent maha mangala arati.
The Lord’s sanctum, resplendent with divine radiance, once again became the center of devotion and grace. Devotees thronged to Tirupati, experiencing profound blessings. Shri Vyasaraja’s arrangements ensured that the temple worship and administration remained orderly and auspicious, marking the beginning of a golden era for the temple’s history.