The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
Mangalam
Thus, eons ago, in Satyaloka, in the realm of Brahma, Sri Shankukarna, who served as the beloved attendant of Sri Brahma-Girvanis (ಶ್ರೀಬ್ರಹ್ಮ-ಗೀರ್ವಾಣಿ), radiantly presided as the embodiment of the Karma deity by the boundless grace of Brahma. As ordained by Lord Hari, inspired by the Supreme Being for the welfare of the world, through the curse-like command of Sri Chaturanana Brahma Deva, he descended to Earth and incarnated as Prahlada, perpetually infused with the supreme presence of Sri Vayudeva.
Guided by the teachings of Sri Narada, Prahlada became known as a lifelong Vaishnava, a living embodiment of Jnana (Knowledge), Bhakti (Devotion), and Vairagya (Renunciation). He revealed the extraordinary form of Sri Narasimha to the world and, through the influence of his devotion to Sri Hari, overcame all forms of suffering and adversity. He demonstrated to all people the greatness and glory of Sri Hari's devotees. By receiving extraordinary boons from Sri Narasimha, he became renowned as the foremost among Bhagavatas (devotees of Bhagavan) and as the crown jewel of devotees across the three worlds, celebrated for his dedication to universal welfare.
Later, during the Dvapara Yuga, he incarnated as Baahika Raja, served Sri Krishna Paramatma, and, in the Kali Yuga, as the third incarnation he then appeared again as Vyasaraja Yogindra, the preeminent devotee of Sri Mula Gopala Krishna, through his unparalleled devotion, knowledge, renunciation, and penance, becoming universally revered.
He fortified the Dvaita Siddhanta (philosophy of dualism) by composing supreme works such as Chandrika, Nyayamrita, and Tarkatandava, established the doctrine firmly, served six emperors of the Karnataka empire as Guru, and propagated the principles of Indian philosophy, Dharma, noble conduct, and noble traditions across the nation. He became renowned as a proponent of Bhagavata Dharma, bringing pride to the land, language, and Kannada culture, rendering devoted service to Sri Krishnadevaraya.
Thereafter, as per the divine will of Sri Hari, for the spread of philosophical sciences, Dharma, culture, and the upliftment of the oppressed, the unlettered, and the destitute, he took his final incarnation as Sri Raghavendra Swamiji. He descended to Earth and, from 1621 CE to 1671 CE — approximately fifty years — presided on the Vidyasimhasana (throne of knowledge) of the Sri Madhvacharya's Dvaita Vedanta Samrajya.
He undertook pilgrimages to sacred places, vanquished rival philosophical schools, firmly established the Dvaita Siddhanta, and composed extraordinary commentaries, explanations, and annotations on the Vedas, Upanishads, Gita, Brahmasutras, and other sacred scriptures. He safeguarded and perpetuated the uninterrupted parampara (spiritual lineage) of the eternal Sri Madhva philosophy and ensured its flourishing across time immemorial.
Receiving reverence from kings and the people of the world alike, he alleviated the sufferings of noble souls afflicted by physical and mental ailments, removed poverty, ignorance, and unrest among the masses, and granted blessings for progeny, wealth, education, sciences, and all other heartfelt wishes.
Ultimately, by the divine will of Sri Hari, he concluded his earthly avatar. On the auspicious Friday of Shravana Bahula Bidige, in the year 593 of the Shalivahana Shaka (1671 CE, corresponding to Vi Rodhikrit Anuvatsara), in the presence of thousands of devotees, he entered the Brindavana alive (in his physical body).
Even after entering the Brindavana, he promised to remain in the world for seven hundred years in his physical body, performing penance and worshiping Bhagavan for the upliftment and welfare of the world, granting liberation from suffering and fulfilling the desires of those who approach him with devotion.
At that auspicious moment, Sri Gurusarvabhouma addressed the people:
"Samāyata samāyata puruṣārthārthino janāḥ samāśrayadhvam askhalitvād ramaapatim"
"O noble ones who desire the fourfold aims of life (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha)! Come, come! Seek refuge in and worship Sri Mannarayana, who resides in the lotus of our hearts. Sri Hari and Sri Vayu will, through us, grant and protect all your desired blessings!"
Since that sacred call, millions of devotees have approached him with devotion, worshiped the Ramaapati residing in his heart, and, by his grace, have had their sufferings removed and their desires fulfilled, attaining prosperity both in this world and the next. This truth has been experienced by countless devotees.
Thus, from that day until today — and into the future — the great Sri Raghavendra Swamiji, dwelling in Moola Brindavana at Mantralaya (and countless other Brindavanas across India and abroad), continues and will continue to shower blessings like a rain of auspiciousness upon devotees.
We are indeed blessed and fortunate to have such a Guru — a Lokaguru (Universal Teacher), a Kalpataru (wish-fulfilling tree) of the Kali Yuga, and an embodiment of compassion — as our refuge.
How can we ever repay the boundless compassion of this Tapomurti (embodiment of penance)? As stated in the scriptures,
"Bhūyiṣṭhāṁ te nama uktiṁ vidhema" —
"We offer our countless salutations to you, O embodiment of auspiciousness!"
Thus, we pray:
May you, O Raghavendra Yatindra, remove our diseases and grant us auspiciousness, prosperity, and protection!
May you, O Guru of the Yogis and the Supreme Guru of the world, grant us shelter birth after birth!
The day is auspicious that worships the lotus feet of Sri Moola Rama!
Every day is auspicious in the company of Guru Raghavendra Munindra!
Auspiciousness to Prahlada Raja,
Auspiciousness to Sri Vyasa Raja,
Auspiciousness to the devotees who worship Kamalesha!
|| May Sri Guru Raghavendra bring us all auspiciousness! ||
Tathāstu (So be it!)
Isham (Blessings!)
Thus ends the fifth Ullasa (chapter) of the great devotional work "Kaliyuga Kalpataru" composed by the illustrious Rajaguru Sri Gururaja Acharya, which describes the nectar-like life history of Sri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhouma.
|| Śrīrastu (May there be auspiciousness) ||