Srirangavithala
Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga
Fourth Delight
Sri Vyasa Raja Yati Sarvabhouma
As the three yatis embarked on their pilgrimage to Pandharapur, the arrangements made earlier by Narasiṁharāja ensured that Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni was warmly welcomed wherever they went. The journey of the three revered saints progressed joyfully. Each day, Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni imparted teachings to Śrīvāsatīrtha on Nyāya, Mīmāṁsā, and other śāstras, along with the Dvaita philosophy of Śrī Madhvācārya. Their daily routine included rituals such as bathing, japa (chanting), tapas (austerities), deity worship, teaching sessions, and providing guidance to devotees for the welfare of all. In this manner, they reached Pandharapur after a few days.
In Pandharapur, it was the auspicious occasion of Āṣāḍha Śukla Ekādaśī, a grand festival time! Tens of thousands of devotees, as was customary each year, had gathered to have darśana of Pāṇḍuraṅga and offer their services. Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni’s arrival at Pandharapur during such a momentous occasion was special. The yatis received an extraordinary welcome there. Each day, the three yatis took a holy bath in the Bhīmarathī (Chandrabhāga) river, had darśana of Śrī Pāṇḍuraṅga, performed services, and felt spiritually uplifted.
Responding to the prayers of the devotees in Pandharapur and the disciples of the maṭha, Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni stayed there for some time. During this period, he conducted daily teaching sessions, gave discourses on spiritual truths and dharma, performed deity worship, and distributed tīrtha-prasāda (holy offerings), bringing immense joy to the assembled noble souls.
One night, Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni had a divine dream. In the dream, Śrī Pāṇḍuraṅga appeared before him with a smiling face and commanded:
"O devoted one! I am immensely pleased with your service. In a previous birth, you sought to sit on my lap and meditated upon me. I granted your wish by placing you on my lap and blessing you. Through my darśana, your earlier desires, attachments, and delusions were completely eradicated, and you became an intimate devotee who serves me in various ways. You have earned a place among my foremost devotees and gained renown.
Today, you continue to accomplish my cherished work of imparting knowledge without interruption. You have made many scholars fit to metaphorically sit on my lap. Soon, you will become one of the foremost among my devotees, receiving the fortune of making another great soul sit on my lap, as was granted to you in the past.
You and scholars like you teach my divine truths as expressed in the Vedas and śāstras, enabling others to attain my grace. However, many common people, lacking wisdom, spiritual understanding, and knowledge of the path, remain deprived of my grace. Their upliftment must also be undertaken, and this noble work is entrusted to you. You are capable of this!
O yati! Convey the essence of the truths mentioned in the Vedas and śāstras, my divine pastimes, and the paths of sādhana (spiritual practice) in the local language (Prākṛta). Compose works that enlighten the common people and propagate the secrets of the Dvaita philosophy taught by Śrī Madhvācārya. Be recognized as the founder of the Kannada Haridāsa tradition, guiding countless souls and becoming renowned as the patriarch of the Kannada Haridāsa path.
Mark all your creations with the signature ‘Śrīraṅgaviṭṭhala,’ ensuring that this legacy of divine devotion continues uninterrupted. The essence of sattva (pure) devotion should spread far and wide, making you celebrated as a spiritual master in this tradition. This is my command!"
Continuing, Śrī Pāṇḍuraṅga said, "My dear devotee, I also bestow another special blessing upon you to enable this great work. At the confluence of the Bhīmarathī and Puṣpāvati rivers, beneath a small structure, are two buried treasure chests containing my sacred images. These were worshipped by the Pāṇḍava King Kṣemakānta. Have the structure dismantled and excavate the area to find the chests.
One chest contains my image as Śrīraṅgaviṭṭhala, adorned with all ornaments and accompanied by Rukmiṇī and Satyabhāmā, worshipped by Jāmbavatī and Arjuna. Worship this image, and inscribe your works with the name ‘Śrīraṅgaviṭṭhala.’ Establish this image as the presiding deity of the future Kannada Haridāsa tradition. You will become famous as the progenitor of this tradition. In the other chest lies another sacred image of mine, which I will later bestow upon a great devotee who attains my grace. May your desire be fulfilled, and may you eternally engage in spreading divine knowledge."
After granting this divine vision and command, Śrīhari disappeared.
At dawn, Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni woke from the dream, overwhelmed with divine joy and gratitude. Remembering the vision, he praised Śrī Pāṇḍuraṅga in various ways. He narrated the dream and the divine instructions to Śrībrahmaṇyatīrtha and Śrīvāsatīrtha, who were filled with wonder and joy. They praised Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni for being blessed with such a divine vision.
At sunrise, the three yatis, accompanied by a few disciples, went to the confluence of the Bhīmarathī and Puṣpāvati rivers. After performing rituals and examining the area, they found a small structure as described in the dream. Following Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni's instructions, the disciples dismantled the structure and excavated the spot, uncovering two large chests! The joy and excitement of the group were indescribable.
They returned to their camp with the chests. After completing their daily rituals, Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni opened one chest with great reverence. What a divine sight! Inside was the image of Śrīraṅgaviṭṭhala, shining brilliantly with all ornaments and accompanied by Rukmiṇī and Satyabhāmā, just as Śrī Pāṇḍuraṅga had described. Overcome with devotion, the yatis and disciples chanted "Jaya Jaya Viṭṭhala" in praise of the Lord.
With great reverence, Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni installed Śrīraṅgaviṭṭhala alongside the presiding deity, Śrīgopīnatha, in the maṭha. He performed elaborate rituals of abhiṣeka (anointment) and offered worship. From that day onward, Śrīraṅgaviṭṭhala, discovered by Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni through divine grace, became a revered deity of the maṭha and the Kannada Haridāsa tradition.
News of this divine discovery spread throughout Pandharapur, drawing thousands of devotees to the maṭha to have darśana of Śrīraṅgaviṭṭhala. The pilgrims left with hearts full of joy, praising the fortune of the Guru.
After spending a few days at Pandharapur, the yatis concluded their pilgrimage, offered worship to Śrī Pāṇḍuraṅga, and continued their journey, visiting Śrī Tirupati Śrīnivāsa before returning to Mulabagilu. There, Śrībrahmaṇyatīrtha stayed for several days, guiding Śrīvāsatīrtha before departing for Aṭṭūr to continue the work of the Mahāsaṁsthāna.