24. The Poisoning Incident and Divine Grace
Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga
Fourth Delight
Sri Vyasa Raja Yati Sarvabhouma
The scholars of Kanchipuram, though outwardly friendly with Śrīvāsatīrtha after their defeat, were inwardly unsettled and envious. The profound impact of Śrīvāsatīrtha’s victory and their own inability to defend their philosophy filled some with malicious intent. This led a few individuals, driven by jealousy and hostility, to conspire against Śrīvāsatīrtha.
Among these conspirators were two deceitful Brahmins, relatives of the defeated opponents. Resentful over the humiliation their school of thought faced, they schemed to harm Śrīvāsatīrtha. Pretending to be devout followers, they observed the routines of the maṭha (monastery) closely, searching for an opportunity to execute their plans.
In Kanchipuram, many devout residents often visited the maṭha to offer food and other items to the guru as a mark of respect. Daily, Śrīvāsatīrtha received milk, yogurt, ghee, vegetables, fruits, and flowers from his followers, which were used for cooking as per his instructions. The two conspirators, disguising themselves as pious devotees, brought milk mixed with poison one day, claiming it was specially prepared for the guru’s consumption. They requested the milk be used to serve Śrīvāsatīrtha.
As was customary, the milk was added to the day’s cooking. The cook, unaware of the poison, used it to prepare payasa (sweet rice pudding), which was later served as part of the day’s offerings.
The Guru Falls Ill
After offering the prepared food to the deity and distributing the prasāda, Śrīvāsatīrtha sat with the scholars for his meal. He consumed a larger portion of the poisoned payasa than usual. Soon after, he experienced severe discomfort, including a burning sensation and abdominal pain. Despite his evident suffering, Śrīvāsatīrtha calmly left his meal, performed his ablutions, and sat down in meditation, enduring the pain without complaint.
The disciples and attendants, noticing his condition, became alarmed. A local physician was summoned, and upon examining Śrīvāsatīrtha and testing the remaining food, the physician identified poison in the payasa. He informed the maṭha’s members, who immediately began investigating the source. The cook, distressed by the revelation, explained that he had used all the ingredients brought by the devotees, including the milk from the two Brahmins. The details he provided about their appearance matched the conspirators.
The physician advised immediate treatment, warning that the poison was designed to weaken the body gradually, eventually causing death if left untreated. However, Śrīvāsatīrtha firmly refused treatment, stating, "The food I consumed was first offered to Śrīhari. Seeking a remedy would be an insult to the Lord’s grace. The protector of devotees will safeguard me; I need no other treatment. His sacred water (tīrtha) is my only medicine."
Divine Intervention
News of the poisoning spread rapidly through Kanchipuram, shocking devotees and scholars alike. Many rushed to the maṭha to express their sorrow and seek the guru’s blessings. Despite his pain, Śrīvāsatīrtha greeted them with a calm and radiant demeanor, comforting them with his words of assurance. Observers were amazed by his composure and attributed his endurance to divine strength.
Over the next few days, Śrīvāsatīrtha’s health visibly declined. Though his body weakened, his face shone with an otherworldly brilliance. Concerned followers prayed fervently for his recovery.
One night, as Śrīvāsatīrtha sat in meditation, praying intensely to Śrī Krishna, he reflected on his life and the responsibilities yet to be fulfilled. Tears streamed down his face as he prayed for divine intervention, composing a heartfelt song in devotion:
Rāga: Saurāṣṭra
Aāvāva bageninda nīne rakṣisuvayō |
Dēvādhideva Śrī Kṛṣṇa! Nī nennanu
Hindina kālava vyarthavāgi kaḷedenō |
Mundina gati cinte lēśavillavō ||
"In what way will You save me, O Lord of Lords, Śrī Krishna?
My past has been wasted; I have no concern for the future.
My strength has waned; my body is weak,
Yet I trust in Your protection, O Lord."
Moved by his unshakable faith, Śrīhari appeared to Śrīvāsatīrtha in a dream that night. In the dream, Śrīhari, mounted on Garuḍa, led Śrīvāsatīrtha to the garden behind the maṭha and showed him a divine herb growing at the base of a fence. The Lord said, "My beloved devotee, this herb is a powerful antidote. It will restore your health and vitality. You have entrusted your life to Me, and I shall protect you. Consume this herb, and you shall be free from the effects of the poison. May you be blessed."
The vision continued with another deity, Śrī Ekāmbareshwara (a form of Śiva), appearing and reassuring him: "Nothing will harm you, my child. Follow Śrīhari’s instructions, and you will be safe." With these words, both deities disappeared.
Recovery and Celebration
At dawn, Śrīvāsatīrtha recounted his dream to the disciples and instructed them to search for the herb in the garden. To everyone’s amazement, the herb was found exactly as described. Following Śrīhari’s command, Śrīvāsatīrtha consumed the herb. Almost immediately, the poison’s effects reversed, and he expelled the toxins from his body. Over the following days, he regained his strength, radiating even more brilliance and vitality than before.
Witnessing this miraculous recovery, the people of Kanchipuram were filled with awe and reverence. They marveled at Śrīvāsatīrtha’s unwavering devotion and Śrīhari’s grace, declaring him a saint who had triumphed over death through divine favor.
Legacy of the Miracle
The incident further elevated Śrīvāsatīrtha’s reputation, with scholars and devotees hailing him not only for his intellectual prowess but also for his unshakable faith. Even the conspirators’ evil intentions were eclipsed by the magnitude of this divine intervention.
After recovering fully, Śrīvāsatīrtha stayed in Kanchipuram for some time, continuing his teachings and spreading the glory of Śrī Madhvācārya’s philosophy. When it was time to leave, the people of Kanchipuram bid him farewell with an extraordinary ceremony. Honored and celebrated, Śrīvāsatīrtha departed the city, visiting many sacred places before eventually returning to Mulabagilu.
Reunion with Guru
Hearing of Śrīvāsatīrtha’s triumph and safe return, Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni welcomed him with open arms. In a grand procession, the revered disciple was led back to the maṭha, where he prostrated before his guru. Overwhelmed with joy, Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni embraced him, shedding tears of happiness.
The congregation, witnessing the emotional reunion of guru and disciple, rejoiced, chanting praises of their greatness. Later, at the maṭha, Śrīvāsatīrtha narrated the events at Kanchipuram in detail, leaving everyone inspired and awestruck by the grace of Śrīhari.
This episode, marked by divine grace and resilience, became a testament to Śrīvāsatīrtha’s greatness and his unwavering devotion to Śrīhari.