Kaliyugada Kalpataru

Appendix

Glories after entering the Brindavana

The ancestors of Śrī Suvratīndra - ಶ್ರೀಸುವ್ರತೀಂದ್ರತೀರ್ಥರು were great scholars in the royal court of the Nayakas of Chitradurga. This lineage belonged to the Pāśika - ಪಾಶಿಕ clan and Haritasa gotra, and they were descendants from Śrī Rāyaru’s pre-monastic maternal line (dauhitra santati - ದೌಹಿತ್ರ ಸಂತತಿ). Śrī Huliyāchārya - ಹುಲಿಯಾದಾಚಾರ್ಯ was a scholar in the four major scriptures (catuḥśāstra paṇḍita). His son was Hanumantācārya, who studied Nyāya, Vedānta, and related scriptures under his father and under Śrī Sujñānendra - ಸುಜ್ಞಾನೇಂದ್ರ, becoming a great scholar himself.

Śrī Hulī Hanumantācārya was married to the daughter of Śrī Suśīlēndra Tīrtha’s pre-monastic sister. Their son was Śrī Kṛṣṇācārya.

Śrī Kṛṣṇācārya studied Nyāya, Vedānta, and related śāstras under both his father and Śrī Suśīlēndra. He was one of the administrators of the Śrīmaṭha and held a special place in the heart of Śrī Suśīlēndra Tīrtha. A person of impeccable character and virtue, Śrī Kṛṣṇācārya was deemed worthy of the great Mahāsaṁsthāna. Therefore, Śrī Suśīlēndra coronated him with the monastic name Śrī Suvratīndra - ಶ್ರೀಸುವ್ರತೀಂದ್ರತೀರ್ಥರು Tīrtha, installing him as the emperor of the Vedānta empire.

After ascending to the peetha, Śrī Suvratīndra Tīrtha undertook an extensive tour. A grand and dignified digvijaya yātra (conquest through debates and propagation of philosophy) was carried out across South India.

Through intense japa, austerities, worship of Śrī Mūla Rāma Devaru, distribution of tīrtha-prasāda, lectures, scriptural discourses, victorious debates against opponents, and firm establishment of Dvaita philosophy, he elevated the fame of the Mahāsaṁsthāna. As a result, he earned the special respect and honor of kings, scholars (both worldly and Vedic), and dharma-lovers throughout South India.

The chief objective of Śrī Suvratīndra’s digvijaya was the propagation of Śrī Guru Rāja's glory, and it was carried out with resounding success. Through his influence, thousands became devotees of Śrī Rāyaru.

During his reign, many extraordinary events occurred, enhancing the glory of both the Mahāsaṁsthāna and Śrī Suvratīndra himself, making their renown universal. One such event must be described here.

At Kumbhakoṇam, in the presence of Śrī Vijayīndra Swāmī's Brindāvana, he conducted a grand and widespread Mahā-Samārādhana (great commemorative worship) of his guru.

Śrī Rāja Śrīnivāsamūrtyācārya, the divān (chief administrator) of the maṭha and pre-monastic son of Śrī Sukṛtīndra - ಸುಕೃತೀಂದ್ರ, provided his full support in all the arrangements for this grand event.

With great enthusiasm and skill, the entire organization of the Mahā-Samārādhana and the ṣaḍdarśana vidvat mahāsabhā - ಷಡ್ದರ್ಶನ ವಿದ್ಯತ್ ಮಹಾಸಭೆ (great scholarly assembly of the six systems of philosophy) was beautifully executed by the ācāryas.

The Ṣaḍdarśana Vidvat Mahāsabhā (Great Scholarly Assembly of the Six Systems of Philosophy) conducted by Śrī Suvratīndra - ಸುವ್ರತೀಂದ್ರ Tīrtha at Kumbhakoṇam was one of the most magnificent and significant events of this century. It stands inscribed in golden letters in the history of Śrīmadācārya’s Mahāsaṁsthāna.

Around 1930, all the renowned, eminent scholars (Diggajas) of South India, belonging to various schools (Trimata) of philosophy, participated in this grand conference.

Distinguished scholars included:

Elattūr Kṛṣṇācārya - ಎಲತ್ತೂರು ಕೃಷ್ಣಾಚಾರ್ಯ, renowned in India as a foremost scholar in Nyāya Śāstra

Kapishṭhalam Deśikācārya - ಕಪಿಷ್ಠಲಂ ದೇಶಿಕಾಚಾರ್ಯ

Virūpākṣa Śāstri - ವಿರುಪಾಕ್ಷ ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರಿ (who later became the head of the Kudli Śṛṅgeri Maṭha)

Atavidācārya - ಅತವಿದಾಚಾರ್ಯ, a descendant of Appayya Dīkṣita

R.V. Kṛṣṇamācārya - ಕೃಷ್ಣಮಾಚಾರ್ಯ, acclaimed as the modern Bāṇabhaṭṭa

Vaidyanātha Śāstri, expert in Mīmāṁsā Śāstra

Chakravartī Ṛṅgāra - ಚಕ್ರವರ್ತಿ ಋಙ್ಗಾರ, Doḍḍaballāpura Vāsudevācārya - ದೊಡ್ಡಬಳ್ಳಾಪುರ ವಾಸುದೇವಾಚಾರ್ಯ

N. Vijayīndrācārya from Aṣṭapatri (Tiruvādi)

Katte Gururājācārya, expert in Vedānta

Ācārya Veṅkōbācārya, Durgam Bhīmācārya, Kunjambeḍu Śyāmācārya - ಕುಂಜಂಬೆಡು ಶ್ಯಾಮಾಚಾರ್ಯ, Dhaḍēsūguru Veṅkōbācārya - ಧಡೆಸೂಗುರು ವೆಂಕೋಬಾಚಾರ್ಯ, Madhure Vedavyāsācārya, and many other distinguished scholars.

Hundreds of scholars specializing in Nyāya, Mīmāṁsā, Vyākaraṇa, Dharmaśāstra, Dvaita, Advaita, Viśiṣṭādvaita, and Sāhitya Śāstra, as well as students, poets, writers, Haridāsas, and artists, took part in great numbers, making this an unprecedented scholarly gathering of the 20th century. Between 5,000–6,000 followers of Vedic and secular traditions and dharma enthusiasts felt spiritually fulfilled by attending.

The event was grandly organized under the supervision of Diwān Śrī Rāja Śrīnivāsamūrtyācārya and Śrī Durgam Bhīmācārya.

In the Mahāsabhā, debates (vākyārtha) were held in all disciplines. Because the debates were conducted by profound scholars in the Ṣaḍdarśanas - ಷಡ್ದರ್ಶನಗಳು, the scholars themselves requested Śrī Suvratīndra - ಸುವ್ರತೀಂದ್ರ Tīrtha to serve as moderator.

For three consecutive days, intensive debates on Nyāya Śāstra were held in the morning, afternoon, and evening. One of the major topics discussed was the interpretation of the phrase "paśunā yajeta - ಪಶುನಾ ಯಜೇತ " (One should sacrifice with the animal), under the topic of Vyutpatti-vāda - ವ್ಯುತ್ಪತ್ತಿವಾದ (semantic derivation).

Both debating sides were composed of eminent scholars, skilled debaters, and intellectually brilliant minds, making the debate intense. When the discussion began to turn heated, Śrī Suvratīndra Tīrtha Śrīpādāṅghri intervened. He synthesized the arguments of both sides in a logical and balanced manner, and gave a verdict that satisfied both parties.

For ten minutes, the entire scholarly assembly and audience erupted in applause and joyful acclamations, praising his unparalleled brilliance.

His profound mastery of Nyāya, exceptional ability to synthesize and translate arguments, and his eloquent scholarly speech amazed the assembled scholars. Kapishṭhalam Deśikācārya - ಕಪಿಷ್ಠಲಂ ದೇಶಿಕಾಚಾರ್ಯ, moved to tears, stood up, wrapped his shawl around himself, climbed the dais, and offered deep prostrations (daṇḍa namaskāra) to Śrīpādāṅghri, unable to contain his joy. He then composed and recited the following impromptu verse in Sanskrit:

sōmātsamanisaratāṁ suragurō dāramambhōnidhēḥ |

gāmbhīraṁ marutāṁ gurōś ca turatāṁ sairam himādrēr api ||

sārōddhāra-nayēna sārasabhavā saṅgraha-saṁmōdataḥ |

sṛṣṭō ’yaṁ jagatītalē vijayatē śrī suvratīndra guruḥ ||

"May Śrī Suvratīndra Guru, the one whose essence is drawn from the depths of the ocean, whose depth surpasses even the Himalayas, whose wisdom and precision rival the gods and sages, and who embodies the collected essence of all scriptures—may he reign victorious upon this earth!"

Hearing this, the entire audience broke into joyous chants of victory (jaya jaya kāra) and expressed their heartfelt delight.

This became an unforgettable digvijaya (victory tour) in the history of the Mahāsaṁsthāna. The radiant glory of Śrī Suvratīndra’s success spread throughout South India.

Dedicating this digvijaya to his guru Śrī Suśīlēndra Tīrtha, Śrī Rāghavendra Tīrtha, Śrī Vijayīndra Tīrtha, and ultimately to Bhāratīramaṇa Mukhya Prāṇa manifest in Śrī Mūla Rāmacandra Devaru, Śrī Suvratīndra joyously honored hundreds of scholars, students, poets, and writers with gold and silver vessels, silk garments (pītāmbara), shawls (śālu), and clothing, bestowing generous gifts upon them.

Following the guidance received in a dream from Śrī Guru Rāja, Śrī Suvratīndra returned to Mantralaya from his travels. There, his health began to decline. Despite various medical treatments, no remedy proved effective.

Believing that Guru Rāja was calling him to grant a unique and sacred position near him that no one else had received, Śrī Suvratīndra wished to ensure the continuity of daily worship and rituals in the Mahāsaṁsthāna. Therefore, he resolved to appoint a worthy successor.

He chose Śrī Rāja Śrīnivāsamūrtyācārya, who:

belonged to the pre-monastic lineage of Śrī Rāyaru,

was born by the grace of Śrī Guru Rāja,

was the pre-monastic son of his paramaguru Śrī Sukṛtīndra - ಸುಕೃತೀಂದ್ರ Tīrtha,

was a distinguished scholar,

a devoted disciple of Guru Rāja,

a capable administrator, and

deeply beloved by the people.

On the auspicious day of Vaiśākha Śukla Chaturthī in the Śrīmukha year (1933 CE), in the presence of eminent Vedic and secular scholars, he bestowed the phalamantrākṣate (fruit-blessed sacred rice) and formally announced him as his successor.

On Vaiśākha Śukla Pañcamī of the Śrīmukha year, in accordance with the traditions of the Mahāsaṁsthāna, the newly initiated ascetic accepted the sannyāsa āśrama (monastic order), performed pādapūjā (ritual worship of the guru’s feet), and received the seals (mudrādhāraṇa), gurūpadeśa (sacred instruction), and other initiations.

Then, seating him on the royal throne of the victorious Vedānta empire of Śrīmadācārya, Śrī Suvratīndra Tīrtha personally anointed him with the name:

Śrī Suyamīndra Tīrtha,

formally performing his coronation (sāmrajya paṭṭābhisheka) and blessing him.

The naming of the disciple by Śrī Suvratīndra Tīrtha itself symbolized the glory of Śrī Rāyaru!

As Śrī Suvratīndra - ಸುವ್ರತೀಂದ್ರ was contemplating what name to bestow upon his disciple, on the morning of Pañcamī, Śrī Durgada Guṇḍācārya—his pre-monastic nephew and a scholarly disciple—came and offered his respects.

He shared that Śrī Rāyaru had appeared to him in a dream the previous night and instructed that the final word of the refrain (pallavi) in the song “Ninna Nambide” (composed by Śrī Jagannātha Dāsa in his praise) should be given as the name of the newly initiated saint, who is dear to Him.

He placed a copy of Śrī Jagannātha Dāsa’s compositions before the Guru. Śrīpādāṅghri opened to the song “Ninna Nambide,” read through it, and was filled with immense wonder and bliss, praising Guru Rāja’s loving grace toward his disciple.

The song by Śrī Jagannātha Dāsa reads:

Ninna Nambide Rāghavendra |

Nī Enna Salahayya Suyamīndra!

ನಿನ್ನ ನಂಬಿದೆ ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ |

ನೀ ಎನ್ನು ಸಲಹಯ್ಯ ಸುಯಮೀಂದ್ರ!

The Guru rejoiced and declared:

“Śrī Suvratīndra, the Emperor of Gurus (Guru Sārvabhauma), has directed the use of his own name for the disciple!”

Delighted, he bestowed upon the disciple the name:

Śrī Suyamīndra Tīrtha Śrīpādāṅghri.

From the moment of enthronement, beginning with his very name, Guru Rāja manifested the immense affection, compassion, and blessings He held for Suyamīndra. This revealed the unique fortune and blessed destiny of Śrī Suyamīndra.

After coronating him with the title of emperor of the Vedānta empire, Śrī Suvratīndra, overwhelmed with bliss and eyes brimming with joyful tears, pronounced the following in the grand assembly:

“Beloved successor!

You are a divine soul born through the boon of Śrī Guru Rāja to worship Śrī Mūla Rāma, to develop the Mahāsaṁsthāna and Mantralaya, and to serve Śrī Rāyaru in an exceptional way.

You have been sent to this world to spread the glory of Śrī Rāyaru and to make Mantralaya a world-renowned center of devotion.

When we consider that Guru Rāja Himself revealed your monastic name in a dream, it becomes clear that He has granted you a grace He has given to no one else. It is certain He intends to receive extraordinary service from you alone.

Our Guru, Śrī Suśīlēndra Tīrtha, began the special developmental work at Mantralaya. I too served to the best of my ability. Now, it is Guru Rāja’s will that this great work be completed by you.

Therefore, remain at Mantralaya and carry out the daily and ceremonial worship and development of this kṣetra. Let the glory of Śrī Rāyaru spread throughout the world, and let lakhs of devotees serve him and be blessed.

There is no greater service than this. We entrust this sacred responsibility to you.

May you succeed in this task. We believe Guru Rāja Himself will bless you with the strength to uplift the name and prestige of the Mahāsaṁsthāna and Mantralaya.

What more can I say? May Guru Rāja be your very breath! May you be ever blessed!”

With a heart full of devotion, Śrī Suvratīndra joyfully gave this command to Śrī Suyamīndra Tīrtha, and everyone later realized how completely those words came true.

Overwhelmed with joy, Śrī Suyamīndra bowed down, placed his head at the feet of his guru, and humbly said:

“Revered Guru, we have received your command with utmost respect. We shall strive, according to our ability, to fulfill your divine instruction.”

From that day onward, for four to six days, he remained completely absorbed in the service of his guru, receiving his full grace and blessings.

Śrī Suvratīndra Tīrtha served as the head of the Mahāsaṁsthāna from 1926 to 1933.

On the auspicious day of Vaiśākha Śukla Ekādaśī in the Śrīmukha year—a sacred day of Lord Hari—he completed his earthly duties and entered into deep meditation upon Śrīmannārāyaṇa.

suśīlēndrakara-jyotam suśāntyādi-guṇārṇavam |

sudhāpravacana-āsaktam suvratīndra-guruṁ bhaje ||

“I worship Guru Suvratīndra, shining with the brilliance inherited from Suśīlēndra, an ocean of noble virtues and serenity, devoted to nectar-like spiritual discourse.”