Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga

Fourth Delight

Sri Vyasa Raja Yati Sarvabhouma

38. The Devotion of Kannada Emperors to Their Guru

After Shri Vyasaraja ensured that Lord Srinivasa at Tirupati resumed his benevolent blessings for devotees, organized the temple administration, and significantly increased the temple's treasury over the course of four years, he handed over the worship and temple duties to his disciples and returned to Chandragiri. There, he continued to guide and bless King Narasimha Bhoopala while regularly traveling to Tirupati every Thursday to Saturday to personally perform the worship of Lord Srinivasa. During other times, his disciples undertook these duties.

In Chandragiri, Vyasaraja devoted his time to propagating spiritual teachings, conducting debates, performing the worship of Shri Mula Gopala Krishna, and providing guidance to the empire as the royal guru. He remained deeply engaged in the welfare of the Kannada empire and the establishment of dharma, earning immense respect over the years.

King Narasimha Bhoopala held boundless devotion and reverence for Shri Vyasaraja, considering him his savior and spiritual guide. He worshipped Vyasaraja with the same devotion as King Kartavirya Arjuna worshipped Lord Dattatreya.

Narasimha Bhoopala had two sons, Timmaraja and Tammaraja. In 1493 CE, the king coronated his eldest son, Timmaraja, as the crown prince. He prayed to Vyasaraja to bless Timmaraja to rule the Kannada empire after him, followed by Tammaraja. Vyasaraja assured the king that his wishes would be fulfilled. Not long after, King Narasimha Bhoopala passed away. Vyasaraja performed the coronation of Timmaraja as king.

However, tragedy struck when Timmaraja went hunting in the forest one day and never returned. No one knew what happened to him. With the kingdom in crisis, loyal officials of the empire, seeking guidance, accompanied Tuluva Narasanayaka to Tirupati to meet the royal guru, Vyasaraja.

Tuluva Narasanayaka approached Vyasaraja and explained the events, requesting his guidance on what to do next. Vyasaraja agreed to travel to Chandragiri with Narasanayaka. In a grand assembly of loyal officials, ministers, commanders, and royal relatives, Vyasaraja explained the late King Narasimha Bhoopala's wishes and his own promises to the king. He advised that Tammaraja should be made emperor.

Some officials expressed concerns, saying, “Tammaraja is still a child. How can he manage the vast empire?”

Vyasaraja responded, “Loyal warriors of the Kannada empire, I have heard your concerns. Let me present what Lord Hari has inspired in me, and you may decide if it is appropriate.”

The assembly unanimously requested the guru’s guidance, saying, “Revered Guru, you are our beacon. Please share your opinion.”

Vyasaraja declared, “Tammaraja, the son of Narasimha Bhoopala, shall be crowned emperor. Until he matures and gains the ability to independently govern the empire, Tuluva Narasanayaka, a great warrior, protector of the empire, and chief commander, shall act as regent and assume all responsibilities of governance. In the present situation, Narasanayaka is the most capable. All of you must support him in ensuring the welfare of the empire.”

The guru’s words were accepted by all with joy and complete agreement. Deeply grateful for the trust and responsibility placed upon him, Tuluva Narasanayaka prostrated before Vyasaraja and said, “Gurudeva, you have bestowed a great responsibility upon me. Following your blessings and guidance, and with the advice of loyal supporters of the empire, I shall faithfully serve the Kannada empire to the best of my abilities.”

On an auspicious day, Tammaraja was crowned emperor, taking the regnal name Immmadi Narasimha. Narasanayaka, in accordance with Vyasaraja’s plans, ensured that Immmadi Narasimha ruled from Chandragiri while he prepared to depart for Vijayanagara to manage state affairs.

Around this time, a delegation of Vaishnavas from Srirangam and Shaivites from Jambukeshwara approached the emperor seeking a resolution to their longstanding disputes. These disagreements had caused widespread division and hostility between Vaishnavas and Shaivites across the empire, necessitating urgent resolution for the empire's stability. After consulting Vyasaraja and the emperor, Narasanayaka promised to travel to Srirangam with the emperor and the royal guru to mediate and establish a mutually agreeable resolution.

A few days later, Narasanayaka, accompanied by Emperor Immmadi Narasimha and Shri Vyasaraja, began their journey to Srirangam to address and resolve the disputes.