Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga

Fourth Delight

Sri Vyasa Raja Yati Sarvabhouma

54. The Udupi Pilgrimage

One day, Emperor Achyutadevaraya visited Shri Vyasarajaru and said, “Gurudeva, your esteemed disciple, the venerable Shri Vadirajatirtha, has sent a personal invitation requesting your presence at the Paryaya ceremony at Krishna Matha, which he will soon be presiding over. He has also written a letter of invitation addressed to you, our revered Shri Vyasayogiendra. In it, he earnestly requests you to grace the event and ensure its success with your presence. I have come to convey his message and, as per his wishes, I am ready to follow your instructions.”

Shri Vyasarajaru responded, “O King, Shri Vadirajatirtha, one of my most beloved disciples, is a great scholar and saint. He has invited us to the Paryaya, and it is our desire to visit that sacred land, which is not only the birthplace of Shri Madhvacharya but also the foundation of the Dvaita philosophy. By visiting this holy place, offering our prayers to Lord Shri Krishna, and seeking His blessings, we too will be sanctified. We intend to depart for this pilgrimage soon. It would bring us great joy if you, a devoted servant of Shri Hari and ruler of the Kannada empire, accompany us. This will also contribute to your and the empire’s well-being.”

Overjoyed, Achyutadevaraya replied, “Mahaswami, I wish to embark on this journey with a limited retinue. I will make all necessary arrangements for the journey, ensuring that your divine presence, along with the great institution, accompanies me. If you could select an auspicious time for our departure and guide us, it would be most convenient.”

Shri Vyasarajaru said, “The day following Gita Jayanti, on Margashira Shukla Trayodashi, is an auspicious time for the journey.”

Achyutadevaraya, delighted with the chosen date, promised to make all arrangements for the pilgrimage and departed for his palace after receiving sacred Phala Mantrakshata (a blessing) from the guru.

In Udupi, the tradition of the Ashta Matha heads performing Shri Krishna’s worship, teaching, and preaching duties for two months each had been followed until 1532. During this time, Shri Vadirajatirtha, while studying all scriptures under Shri Vyasarajaru, received a suggestion from his guru:

“If the Paryaya (the tenure of worship) is extended to two years, it would allow for enhanced and special service to the deity. It would also provide ample time to conduct teaching and preaching activities, undertake developmental works at the matha, and allocate 14 years for travel, spreading the philosophy, and visiting holy places. If you find this idea suitable, you may implement it accordingly.”

This advice deeply resonated with Shri Vadirajatirtha. He replied, “Gurudeva, as my Paryaya is approaching, I will proceed to Udupi immediately, consult with the other mathadhipatis (heads of the mathas), and endeavor to organize the Paryaya in alignment with your suggestion.”

With Shri Vyasarajaru’s blessings, Shri Vadirajatirtha traveled to Udupi, held discussions with the other heads of the Ashta Mathas, and initiated the two-year Paryaya system starting with his own term. He made preliminary arrangements and decorated Shri Krishna Matha, Shri Sode Matha, and the Ratha Beedi (Car Street) with green arches, festoons, and flags. After preparing everything for ascending the Paryaya Peetha, he sent an invitation to Shri Vyasarajaru and Achyutadevaraya, requesting their presence at the grand event.

The news that Shri Vyasarajaru, the Rajaguru of the Kannada empire, a preeminent scholar, and the head of the grand lineage of Shri Madhvacharya, along with the Kannada emperor Achyutadevaraya, would attend the Paryaya spread quickly. This attracted tens of thousands of Shri Krishna devotees and believers from all over to Udupi.

To welcome Shri Vyasarajaru and the emperor, Shri Vadirajatirtha sent scholars, religious leaders, and officials of his matha, accompanied by ceremonial honors, Poorna Kumbha (a sacred pot), and auspicious music. They awaited their arrival near a green awning pavilion set up in Udupi, prepared to extend a grand reception.

In a short while, Shri Vyasarajaru arrived alongside the emperor, captivating everyone’s attention. Accompanied by all the dignitaries and titles of the grand lineage of Shri Madhvacharya’s mahapeetha of the Kannada empire, the procession included rows of elephants, camels, horses, and soldiers in uniformed ranks. Officials of the Paryaya matha, representatives of other mathas, scholars, devotees, and believers welcomed them with Poorna Kumbha (sacred pots).

In accordance with Shri Vadirajatirtha’s wishes, the procession was grandly adorned. The Paryaya Matha’s golden palanquin was decorated with the idols of Shri Moola Gopala Krishna, Pattabhirama, and Vedavyasa Deva, carried reverently in procession. Shri Vyasarajaru was seated in the mahapeetha’s golden palanquin, while Emperor Achyutadevaraya rode a beautifully decorated white horse. The procession began with officials of the Paryaya Matha and town leaders fanning Chamara (royal fans), accompanied by musical grandeur, Haridasa bhajans, Vedic chants from scholars, and recitations of honorary titles.

As the procession moved from the borders of Udupi toward Shri Krishna Matha, tens of thousands of people lined both sides of the streets, clapping, shouting victory chants, and showering flowers and fragrant petals. At every step, women raised auspicious lamps and performed Mangalarati. Citizens and religious leaders offered floral garlands. When the procession reached Ratha Beedi (Car Street), the heads of the seven other Ashta Mathas welcomed Shri Vyasarajaru and the emperor.

The emperor dismounted his horse and humbly served his guru by fanning him with a golden-handled Chamara. Shri Vyasarajaru, seated in the palanquin, was carried to the grand entrance of Shri Krishna Matha.

Shri Vadirajatirtha, who had been eagerly awaiting his guru’s arrival at Krishna Matha, became overwhelmed with joy upon witnessing the grandeur and divine presence of Shri Vyasarajaru. Inspired, he began singing:

Raga: Kedara

"Here comes Vyasaraya! Is it Vyasaraya approaching?

To crush the pride of the wicked before Him,

With His Lord, Shri Hayavadana, reigning supreme in His palace."

Tala: Chhapu

The magnificence of the moment and the heartfelt devotion made the occasion unforgettable, with all present awestruck by the divine display.

Overcome with emotion upon seeing his guru, Shri Vadirajatirtha rushed forward and prostrated himself in reverence at the feet of Shri Vyasarajaru. The guru, filled with affection, embraced him warmly, tears of joy streaming from the eyes of both guru and disciple. Witnessing this profound bond of love and devotion between the two, Emperor Achyutadevaraya was astonished. Thousands of onlookers, moved by the touching scene, exclaimed, “Ah, what a guru! What a disciple! We are truly blessed to witness this sacred moment.”

Following this, Shri Vadirajatirtha blessed the emperor as he bowed in reverence and offered his hand to lead him to Shri Vyasarajaru. Welcoming the emperor, he guided him to have the divine darshan of Shri Krishna. Filled with bliss after the darshan, Shri Vyasarajaru, overwhelmed with devotion, recited a hymn:

"Shamayan bhava santapam | Ramyan sadhujatakan |

Krishna-meghah kripadrishti-vrishta pushpatu mam api |"

He then bowed in reverence to the Lord.

That day, Shri Krishna was adorned in the Mohini (enchantress) form. The magnificence of the decoration left all the devotees spellbound. Shri Vyasarajaru, captivated by the divine vision, stood in awe of Shri Krishna, who dazzled in the Mohini form, enchanting the entire world. In that moment, it appeared as if Lord Vishnu Himself was revealing the Mohini form He had assumed during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthana). The Lord began to smile gently, as if acknowledging His devotee’s devotion.

Inspired by this divine experience, an extraordinary Dandaka composition poured forth from Shri Vyasarajaru’s heart, describing in intricate detail the divine beauty of Shri Krishna’s Mohini form that he witnessed that day.

Raga: Reegupti

Tala: Adi

"With the grace of fresh jasmine, champaka, and mallige flowers,

Adorned with a radiant crescent moon and sun upon the crown,

The flowing locks of hair fall gracefully over the forehead,

A musk-tilaka mark enhances the forehead, complementing the elegant ornamentation.

The beautiful, sharp arrows of Madana’s bow are outshone by

The gleaming, captivating bangles that mesmerize the world.

The reddish glow of the eyes, the charm of intricate anklet designs,

A pearl-studded nose ring glitters, adorning the divine form."

Shri Vadirajatirtha, Purandaradasa, and Shri Vyasarajaru listened with devotion, captivated as Shri Vyasarajaru sang, describing the divine Mohini decoration. When the verse “Adorned with a radiant crescent moon and sun upon the crown” emerged, Vadirajatirtha and Vyasarajaru were astounded by the poetic brilliance. They immediately closed their eyes in deep meditation, their hearts visualizing the sacred form of Shri Krishna as described by Shri Vyasarajaru.

In their meditative state, they saw the Udupi Shri Krishna, standing as described by Shri Vyasarajaru. Gradually, their vision shifted to the celestial Mohini form of Shri Hari, reminiscent of the Samudra Manthana era, smiling gently. This divine vision filled their hearts with ecstasy, and tears of joy streamed down their faces as they beheld the unmatched beauty of this sacred form. They were overwhelmed, feeling their lives were fulfilled in that blissful moment.

As Shri Vyasarajaru continued his song, the description grew more vivid:

"The lips shine like red coral; teeth sparkle like pearls,

The glow of the cheeks resembles the radiance of a crescent moon.

The graceful neck adorned with strings of pearls and rubies,

Precious gems and garlands of sandalwood mark the divine chest.

The arms, like majestic pillars, adorned with golden armlets and jeweled bangles,

Radiate strength and grace, as if protecting the universe itself.

The waist is encircled by a golden belt, its ornaments glittering with every movement.

The anklets and toe rings emit a melodious sound, as if celebrating the divine steps.

The lotus feet, marked with the divine signs of Vishnu,

Stand firm, crushing the serpent Kalinga and protecting devotees.

These are the feet that trampled the wicked Kauravas and uplifted the virtuous.

The feet that are worshipped by divine queens and sages,

Reside eternally in the hearts of true devotees."

Shri Vyasarajaru concluded his hymn with reverence:

"Namo Namo to Shri Krishna’s divine lotus feet,

Which reside in the heart of Shri Madhvacharya,

And bring eternal peace to all devotees."

The listeners were mesmerized by the poetic splendor and spiritual depth of Shri Vyasarajaru’s composition. The vivid description of Shri Krishna’s Mohini form left everyone in awe, elevating their devotion and making the moment truly divine.

After singing, Shri Vyasarajaru once again prostrated himself before the Lord, folding his hands in reverence. Shri Vadirajatirtha exclaimed, “Gurudeva! Today, by your grace, we were blessed with the darshan of Mohini herself. We are truly fortunate.”

Purandaradasa, smiling, said, “Even this humble soul has been blessed, Mahaswami.” Shri Vyasarajaru lovingly looked at both of them and remarked with a smile, “For poets and seekers, it is natural to find joy in serving the lotus feet of Padmanabha, who resides in the lotus of the heart.”

Following this, Shri Vadirajatirtha distributed prasada to Shri Vyasarajaru, the emperor, and their retinue before leading them to the assembly hall.

The hall was packed with the heads of all Udupi mathas, political leaders, scholars, devotees, and disciples. Once Shri Vyasarajaru, Shri Vadirajatirtha, the other Udupi mathadhipatis, and Emperor Achyutadevaraya took their seats, the assembly commenced with Vedic chants. The leaders of the Udupi mathas warmly welcomed Shri Vyasarajaru and the emperor, delivering speeches in their honor.

Shri Vadirajatirtha, the presiding Paryaya mathadhipati, then delivered a heartfelt address. He extolled his guru, Shri Vyasarajaru, praising his unmatched wisdom, devotion, renunciation, penance, love for his disciples, dedication to protecting the empire, literary brilliance, victories over rival philosophies, establishment of the Dvaita philosophy, affection for scholars and dependents, and commitment to the welfare of the world. He also expressed his deep gratitude for the presence of the emperor, Achyutadevaraya, at his request, and offered respectful salutations.

After this, Shri Vyasarajaru gave an inspiring discourse, highlighting the importance of dharma and devotion. Emperor Achyutadevaraya concluded the event by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the presiding Paryaya mathadhipati and Shri Vyasarajaru for the grand welcome extended to him and his retinue.

With this, the program came to an end, leaving all in attendance inspired and fulfilled.

After the welcome ceremony concluded, Shri Vadirajatirtha held a private discussion with his guru, Shri Vyasarajaru, and Emperor Achyutadevaraya. He then personally escorted the emperor to a grand mansion prepared for his stay and instructed the officials to ensure his comfort. Following this, Shri Vadirajatirtha arranged for Shri Vyasarajaru to be accompanied by the main administrators and scholars of his matha to the Shri Rajendratirtha Matha, which had been specially decorated with devotion. Shri Vadirajatirtha himself bid farewell to his guru at the grand entrance of the Krishna temple. Shri Vyasarajaru then proceeded to his matha and rested.

From the following day, as per Shri Vyasarajaru’s guidance, Achyutadevaraya organized a series of grand festivals and ceremonies dedicated to Shri Krishna for about a month. These included offerings of priceless jewels, wealth, gold, silver, garments, and vehicles to Lord Krishna. The Paryaya mathadhipati and other Udupi matha heads were honored with special paadapooja (ceremonial worship of their feet) and offerings of alms. Shri Vyasarajaru himself was worshipped by the matha officials and the emperor through paadapooja and presented with generous gifts of wealth, garments, and ornaments. The Ashta Matha heads also conducted paadapooja for Shri Vyasarajaru and offered similar gifts and alms. The emperor and his retinue were treated to grand feasts and hospitality.

Each day, Shri Vyasarajaru performed the grand Mahasansthana Puja in the hall before Shri Krishna, offering worship, presenting offerings, and performing Mahamangalarati while singing praises in a state of blissful devotion. Thousands of Brahmins and married women received sacred water (tirtha) and prasada. Grand feasts were arranged daily, and the monks of the Ashta Mathas sat in the designated area to accept alms.

The festivals included gatherings where Shri Vyasarajaru presided over scholarly assemblies, discussions, and student examinations. Devotional activities, led by Purandaradasa, such as bhajans, dances, and lectures on the literary works of Vyasa and the Haridasas, were held. Shri Vyasarajaru’s sermons, cultural events, and the celebrations of various Shri Krishna festivals created an atmosphere of unparalleled joy and grandeur.

The splendor and divine experience of these celebrations, witnessed by the people of that time, were truly indescribable. Those fortunate enough to see these auspicious events were indeed blessed.

On the final day of the scholarly assembly, Shri Vyasarajaru, presiding as the head, delivered an enlightening address, praising Shri Vadirajatirtha for his extraordinary qualities of knowledge, devotion, renunciation, and unwavering guru bhakti. He expressed his confidence that in the future, Vadirajatirtha would refute opposing philosophies, establish the Dvaita philosophy, and uplift both scholars and the common people through his literary contributions. His words filled everyone with joy and inspiration.

In his concluding speech, Shri Vadirajatirtha highlighted his deep devotion and respect for Shri Vyasarajaru and the lineage of Shri Hari Vayu. His every word reflected his profound admiration for his guru. Additionally, Shri Vadirajatirtha extended the traditional honors accorded to the heads of the Udupi Krishna Matha to the mahapeetha leaders of Shri Madhvacharya’s lineage. He also bestowed unique honors upon his guru with heartfelt devotion, pleasing everyone in attendance.

At Shri Vyasarajaru’s request, Achyutadevaraya made generous endowments of villages, lands, and resources to Shri Krishna and the Paryaya Peetha of Shri Sode Matha. The emperor also donated liberally for the development of Shri Krishna Matha, supporting food donations and special festivals. These acts of devotion by Shri Vyasarajaru and the emperor, along with their reverence for Shri Krishna and their commitment to Shri Madhvacharya’s birthplace and work, deeply moved Shri Vadirajatirtha, the other Udupi mathadhipatis, and religious leaders, who celebrated them with immense joy.

After residing in Udupi for about a month, Shri Vyasarajaru, fulfilled and blissful after offering darshan and service to Shri Krishna, departed for Vijayanagara with the mahapeetha entourage, accompanied by Achyutadevaraya and his retinue.