Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga

Fourth Delight

Sri Vyasa Raja Yati Sarvabhouma

55. The Eminent Poet Somnatha and His Grace

Somnatha was a distinguished poet who lived in the first half of the 16th century. Despite being a Smartha Brahmin and a follower of Advaita philosophy, he possessed immense devotion to Lord Shri Hari. Without harboring any sectarian prejudice, he held in high regard the three principal spiritual traditions of India, along with their Acharyas, spiritual lineage, and followers. Somnatha was known for his discerning qualities, generosity, and noble conduct. He was a beloved figure among scholars and deeply devoted to the wise.

Somnatha's lineage traces back to notable ancestors. His great-grandfather's father was Yajwara Bhattabhaskara, a renowned scholar and teacher who mentored numerous disciples. His great-grandfather, Devaraja Somavithi (also referred to as the first Somnatha), was also a distinguished scholar and poet. Bhattagaya Muktibhaskara, the son of Devaraja Somavithi, excelled in various scriptures, authored several notable works, and earned fame for his erudition. He resided in Govindarajapuragraha, near Kanchipuram in the Tundira region.

Bhattagaya Muktibhaskara undertook pilgrimages to numerous holy sites across North India, earning recognition and honor from various rulers. He lived for an extended period in Gaya, where he was especially esteemed by the ruler of Gauda. Due to the similarity of his name with that of his ancestor, people referred to him as Bhattagaya Muktibhaskara.

When he returned to Karnataka, the Kannada emperor Bukka Maharaya of Vijayanagara honored him with gifts of villages, land, wealth, and gold. Later, during the reign of King Mummudi Harihara, he revisited Vijayanagara. Deeply impressed by Bhattagaya Muktibhaskara's extraordinary scholarship, Mummudi Harihara conferred upon him the highest honors, including a palanquin, parasol, chamara fans, and other royal tributes, as a mark of respect and admiration.

Thus, the fortunate and renowned Mahakavi Somnatha, the grandson of the illustrious Bhattagaya Muktibhaskara, authored the exceptional Champu epic “Shrivyasayogicharitam.” Somnatha's maternal uncle was Anantabhatta, who composed the Champabharata Kavya in the Tundira region.

Vallabhadeva, who wrote a commentary on Magha’s “Shishupalavadha Kavya,” emerged after Mahakavi Somnatha, specifically after 1540 CE. Therefore, Vallabhadeva is considered a later contemporary of Somnatha. In his commentary, Vallabhadeva, while honoring poets, mentioned:

"Among the finest poets and greatest scholars are Vararuchi, Subandhu, Somnatha, Bhavabhuti, Kridananda, Kalidasa, Bilhana, Bharavi, Bana, and Mayura, whose fame shines like weapons of glory. Inspired by such poets, Magha composed the 'Shishupalavadha Kavya' to attain similar renown."

This serves as significant evidence that both Magha and his commentator Vallabhadeva belonged to a later period marked by Somnatha’s influence.

After Sri Vyasaraja returned from Udupi, Sri Narayana Yati, one of his disciples and the head of the monastery established by Sri Akshobhya Tirtha, wrote a formal letter (Shrimukha) to Mahakavi Somnatha. Somnatha, who resided in Govindatirthapura in the Tundira region, was instructed to travel to Vijayanagara, accompanied by a disciple, to meet Rajaguru Sri Vyasa Tirtha and seek his blessings.

Somnatha, having just returned from a pilgrimage, arrived at Govindatirthapura Agrahara. He had many learned disciples and friends among the scholars there. While he was narrating the experiences of his pilgrimage, he received a message from Sri Narayana Yati. Reading the letter, he was overwhelmed with joy and, regarding Sri Narayana Yati as his revered guru, read the letter aloud before the scholars:

"Ah! Words fail to express the boundless affection that the great ascetic Sri Narayana Yati has bestowed upon me, an ordinary disciple among his many students!" (Shrivyasayogicharitam, p. 79).

Expressing his amazement at the immense affection shown to him, Somnatha set out with his disciples and poet friends for Vijayanagara, arriving there around 1535 CE.

Upon arrival, Somnatha first sought the audience of Sri Narayana Yati. Along with his poet friends and disciples, he offered reverent salutations to Narayana Yati, who then led him to the grand entrance of Sri Vyasa Yogiendra's "Vishwapavana Matha." Narayana Yati informed Sri Vyasa Tirtha of Somnatha's arrival, expressing his desire to seek the guru’s blessings. With Vyasa Tirtha's approval, Narayana Yati affectionately introduced Somnatha.

At that time, Sri Vyasa Tirtha was seated on a grand throne. The Saraswati Peetha was filled with an extraordinary assembly of scholars well-versed in all scriptures, poets, musicians, artists, devout royal dignitaries, representatives of kings from distant lands, numerous ascetic disciples, and students—altogether numbering in the thousands.

The majestic Vyasa Tirtha, clothed in saffron robes, radiated unparalleled brilliance and gravity. With golden earrings enhancing his serene demeanor, he blessed all present with the nectar of his compassionate gaze while engaging in profound teachings.

The mere sight of Vyasa Tirtha made Somnatha feel that his life had been fulfilled. Somnatha later described his first vision of Vyasa Tirtha in his poetry:

"Surrounded by disciples of immeasurable spiritual experience, akin to sages like Sanaka, attended by learned scholars revered as the very deities of the earth, and radiating splendor like Brahma seated on the lotus throne, Vyasa Yogiendra shone with unparalleled divinity."

With great devotion and reverence, Somnatha bowed and stood before Sri Vyasa Yogi. Delighted, Vyasa Yogi asked,

"Dear Somnatha Kavi! By the grace of Kamala Sahaya (Lord Vishnu), are you flourishing with uninterrupted auspiciousness?"

Somnatha responded, "Revered Guru! With your gracious blessings upon this humble disciple, what else could there be but auspiciousness? By your grace, I am well. O great one, my long-standing wish has finally borne fruit today. By the special merit of my past deeds, I feel fulfilled by having the sacred darshan of your divine lotus feet."

Vyasa Raja then said, "Great poet! Welcome. I have heard from my dear disciple Narayana Yati about your scholarly eminence, and it has brought me joy. Your arrival fills us with delight. Stay in our monastery for some time, and please gladden us with your knowledge, skill in poetic composition, and other talents." He then instructed the monastery officials to provide all necessary comforts for Somnatha, his disciples, and his friends. Afterward, Vyasa Raja rose from his seat and left to perform the Maha Samsthana Puja.

Every day, Somnatha attended the grand assembly of the Sanskrit University in Vijayanagara, where thousands of scholars, poets, and literary enthusiasts gathered. He demonstrated his profound knowledge of various scriptures, presented his compositions in poetry, drama, and literary theory, and captivated Vyasa Raja with his impromptu poetic skills. This earned him numerous rewards and the respect of all scholars.

During this time, Somnatha developed a desire to compose a great work dedicated to Vyasa Yogiendra. He gathered information from many learned religious figures and from Narayana Yati, combined with his own observations and the extraordinary events he had witnessed in Vijayanagara. Drawing from these, he began crafting the "Shrivyasayogicharitam" Champu epic, detailing Vyasa Raja's illustrious life, greatness, wisdom, devotion, renunciation, penance, victories in debates, glory, establishment of Dvaita philosophy, remarkable literary contributions, pilgrimages, teaching prowess, recognition by emperors, and his role as the royal guru to six Vijayanagara emperors.

Somnatha also highlighted Vyasa Raja's efforts in preserving and promoting the Kannada empire, religion, culture, arts, and scholars, along with establishing the Sanskrit University and providing unparalleled facilities for tens of thousands of students to study various scriptures and spread knowledge ceaselessly.

Within three to four months of tireless work, Somnatha completed the epic and presented it to his revered Sri Narayana Yati. Overjoyed, Narayana Yati advised him to read the work before the assembly of scholars and offer it to the divine Guru Vyasa Raja. This suggestion filled Somnatha with immense happiness.

When Achyuta Devaraya, the Vijayanagara emperor, learned of this through Narayana Yati, he was delighted and arranged for the epic to be read in the royal assembly of scholars in the presence of the royal guru, Vyasa Raja. Proper arrangements were made for this grand occasion.

By the emperor's command, Somnatha was overjoyed, considering it a great honor bestowed upon him. In a royal assembly filled with scholars, his disciples, the musically gifted twin brothers Kambukanta and Kalakanta, recited his unparalleled masterpiece, “Shrivyasayogicharitam,” before Sri Vyasaraja Guru, with his approving gaze signaling permission. The epic, a jewel of literature, was presented to the eager ears of the learned assembly over six jubilant days, with Kambukanta and Kalakanta reading it aloud in their melodious voices.

The scholars, poets, and literati expressed their admiration with resounding cries of "Sadhu! Sadhu!" (Well done!). Sri Vyasaraja, with eyes filled with compassion and joy, nodded in approval while all the scholars chanted his praises and lauded Somnatha as a great poet. Somnatha then reverently offered his Champu epic at the lotus feet of Vyasaraja and performed a full prostration. The joy Emperor Achyuta Devaraya felt upon hearing of this event was beyond words.

In the assembly, Vyasa Bhagavan praised Somnatha for creating a supreme work that contributed immensely to the treasury of Saraswati, the goddess of learning. Declaring Somnatha the foremost poet of his era, Vyasaraja, as the chancellor of the Vijayanagara Sanskrit University, honored him with a golden garland, bracelets, a pair of shawls, a silk garment, gold coins, and holy rice grains, blessing him in the traditional manner.

Overwhelmed, the approximately 80-year-old Somnatha addressed the assembly:

"This great work was not composed for wealth, honor, or fame! I have heard that some envious minds have misunderstood the purpose of my composition and criticized it. For me, the greatest reward is the single nod of approval from Vyasa Bhagavan—that is worth a hundred golden Mount Merus to me. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to compose the story of such a divine and extraordinary personality. I pray that the blessings of my guru remain with this humble disciple eternally."

The assembly erupted in applause and cheers, celebrating Somnatha's devotion and brilliance.

The next day, Emperor Achyuta Devaraya, who naturally valued scholars and generously supported them, had Somnatha ceremonially brought in a palanquin. In the royal assembly, in the presence of Vyasaraja, the emperor personally bestowed upon him pearl necklaces, jeweled medals, earrings, a gem-studded crown, shawls, a silk turban, luxurious garments, and gold and silver coins. Declaring him a treasure to the empire, Achyuta Devaraya honored Somnatha by placing the “Shrivyasayogicharitam” on his head and granted him land and other gifts as a mark of recognition.

In their speeches, many scholars elaborated on the historical significance of “Shrivyasayogicharitam” and the unparalleled contributions of Sri Vyasaraja, including his immense scholarship, compassion, patronage of the learned, establishment of the Vijayanagara Sanskrit University, and support for thousands of students. They also extolled Somnatha’s intellectual prowess, poetic talent, and skill in composition, as well as Achyuta Devaraya's generosity. They unanimously proclaimed:

"This 'Shrivyasayogicharitam' Champu epic will undoubtedly become a celebrated work in the literary world, bringing immortal fame to poet Somnatha."

The entire assembly expressed its joy with thunderous applause and cheers.

Deeply humbled by the recognition and honors bestowed upon him by the Kannada emperor of Vijayanagara, Somnatha bowed before Vyasaraja, expressing his devotion and gratitude.

After staying in Vijayanagara for another four days, receiving the blessings of Vyasaraja and taking the sacred rice grains of prosperity, Somnatha departed for his home at Govindatirthapura Agrahara, accompanied by his disciples and friends.