Appendix
Glories after entering the Brindavana
7. The Sage Who Asked for a Position Was Granted a Day
Shri Raghavendra Swami has manifested his divine glory in many forms and across many circles. Whether it be kings, emperors, local rulers, the wealthy, or the poor—he has made no distinction in revealing his miracles and continues to do so. Even 190 years after entering Brindavana, the blessings he bestowed upon and the miracles he revealed to his descendants from his pre-monastic lineage and to the pontiffs of the matha are astonishingly wondrous and beautiful.
At the time this story took place, Shri Subodhendra Tirtha and Shri Sujanendra Tirtha (circa 1807–1826) presided over Shri Madhvacharya’s Mahasamsthana, working for the welfare of the world through their vast scholarship.
Following them, a great soul named Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha became the pontiff. He was the grandson of Shri Vadindra Tirtha—who himself was the grandson of Shri Rayaru—and the son (in pre-monastic life) of Shri Dheerendra Tirtha, both of whom were descendants of Rayaru's family. His pre-monastic name was Raghavendracharya. Under the name Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha, he presided over the all-knowing spiritual throne (sarvajña simhasana) from 1836 to 1861 and was a distinguished spiritual leader.
Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha was a great scholar in four shastras, and many disciples studied Nyaya, Vedanta, and other scriptures under him and became renowned scholars. He expounded Shri Madhvacharya’s true teachings, including Parimala Sahita Nyayasudha, Chandrika Prakasha, and other advanced texts 19 times, and completed them successfully.
When a modern-day scholar composed a work criticizing the revered “Chandrika” text, Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha refuted that critical work with great precision and composed an incomparable text called Chandrikābhūṣaṇam, which he offered in devotion to Shri Raghavendra Swami.
Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha was a great ascetic and spiritual practitioner. He had attained mastery over the eight great mantras, including the eight-syllable mantra of Shri Raghavendra (Shri Raghavendra Ashtakshara Mantra). The manner in which his tapas (austerity) and yogic powers became manifest is deeply fascinating.
One day, while in Nanjangud, after completing the chanting of great mantras and Shri Rayaru’s Ashtakshara mantra, Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha opened his eyes and his gaze fell—by the union of dharma and karma—on a squirrel sitting in front of him. Astonishingly, the squirrel immediately caught fire and was reduced to ashes!
Those present were stunned and praised Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha as a great ascetic. But the saint was deeply pained, thinking, “A squirrel died because of me! This is the result of accepting alms today!” In remorse, he refrained from accepting alms that day and prayed to Shri Hari, Vayu, and Guru Raghavendra, fasting in penance.
That night, Shri Rayaru appeared to him in a dream and said:
"Child, do not worry. You were the cause for the liberation (sadgati) of a noble soul. Some years ago, a pious being who had lost his path in yoga (yogabhrashta) was born as a serpent and worshipped Me for deliverance. I had promised him that when he is reborn as a bird, through you, he would attain liberation. Today that came to pass. He has now attained sadgati. That is why I made you undertake penance. From now on, continue your spiritual practices in seclusion.”
From the next day, as per Rayaru’s command, Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha began his japa and tapas in solitude and privacy. His attainment of yogic powers was solely due to Rayaru’s grace! The greatness of such a saint needs no further elaboration!
At that time, Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar ruled over the kingdom of Mysore. He was a devoted follower of Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha. Through the Acharya’s teachings, the king became an inner devotee of Shri Raghavendra Swami.
The Acharya’s elder son in pre-monastic life, Shri Rajagopalacharya, was from a young age a scholar in Nyaya and Vedanta Shastras, as well as an excellent poet in Kannada and Sanskrit. With his divine personality and radiant charisma, Rajagopalacharya gained the king’s deep affection and trust. Their relationship matured into a strong spiritual and personal friendship.
Desiring to honor him, Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar conferred the title “Raja” upon Rajagopalacharya and gifted him lands and wealth. Because of Raja Rajagopalacharya’s influence, the king excelled in poetics, aesthetics, Sanskrit and Kannada composition, and was guided toward scholarly refinement. Being a patron of scholars, the king became a learned man and an author. He composed several works and would share them with the Acharya to receive feedback.
Due to the association with Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha, and his influence, the king became an ardent devotee of Shri Rayaru. Wishing to receive Rayaru’s special blessings, the king composed a Sanskrit work titled “Shri Raghavendra Swamy Ashtottara”—an 108-name hymn—and described Rayaru’s glory in a manner that touched the heart. He offered this work through Rajagopalacharya to Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha, who was pleased and blessed the king.
On one occasion, the king sent an English officer, who was serving as Deputy Commissioner in Mysore, to the Shri Matha with the intention of handling certain administrative duties on behalf of the king. This request was conveyed to the Acharya through Rajagopalacharya.
However, for reasons unknown, Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha did not feel inclined to grant an audience to the English officer. Under pressure from the pontiff’s disciples and senior mutt officials, the Acharya reluctantly agreed to the king’s request.
The English officer, along with his staff, arrived at Nanjangud. The disciples of the Acharya led them to the presence of the Guru. Inside the matha, near the shrine of Shri Pranadevaru, in front of the Tulasi Brindavana, a seat (peetha) had been placed, and the Acharya (Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha) was seated there in meditation.
The English officer asked, “Where is the Guru?”
Hearing this, everyone was stunned. The disciples replied,
“Sir, the Guru is seated right before you on the peetha.”
The English gentleman, confused and agitated, said,
“Why are you lying? I see only an empty seat. There is no Guru here!”
Everyone present was dumbfounded.
However, the staff who accompanied the English officer, being Indian, said,
“No sir, the Guru is indeed seated on the peetha!”
The English officer was astonished. He respectfully bowed to the seat in his own British manner and came out of the matha. Turning to the mutt officials, he said:
“I have heard that your great Guru, Shri Raghavendra Swami, appeared to Sir Thomas Munro 150 years after entering Brindavana, spoke with him, and gave him mantra-akshate. Today, this Guru who came in his lineage has shown me a miracle by not revealing himself to me! Perhaps you forced him to give me an audience even though he was disinclined. Though he agreed outwardly, he chose not to reveal himself to me.
A matha graced by such great souls is truly remarkable. I will gladly assist in whatever matters concern this Shri Matha. I am not disappointed that I didn’t receive his darshana—in fact, I am now even more filled with reverence and faith in him and your matha after witnessing this miracle.”
Then, Shri Rajagopalacharya, the disciple and royal scholar, along with the Guru’s sons (Śrīpāda-putras), humbly presented mantra-akshate blessed by the Guru to the English officer on behalf of the Acharya. The officer was pleased and said,
“Even though I did not receive his darshana, he blessed me and sent this mantra-akshate. That alone is enough!”
He then returned to Mysore with his entourage.
On that day, everyone present firmly believed that Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha was indeed a true yogi and ascetic, endowed with divine grace from Rayaru, and openly praised him from the depths of their hearts.
As a result of the miracle shown by Shri Rayaru through Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha, the English officer and other senior British officials issued orders ensuring that all lands, properties, and endowments across India belonging to Shri Matha were permanently recorded in the name of Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha and recognized as matha assets. This record was formally documented during his time, and those lands still remain with the matha to this day.
To say that this miracle performed through his dearest devotee, Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha, was extraordinary would not be an exaggeration.
Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha never desired to be praised as a great saint or to be hailed as a yogi endowed with powers of blessing and cursing. Such praises deeply troubled him. He was disheartened that people did not realize that these siddhis (powers) were obtained only through the grace of Shri Hari, Vayu, and Guru Raghavendra, and not by his own doing.
Feeling uneasy that the siddhi granted by Rayaru had been used for a worldly purpose, the Acharya decided to go to Mantralaya with a small group of disciples to seek forgiveness from Shri Raghavendra Swami and have his darshana.
Having been spiritually uplifted by Shri Raghavendra Swami’s darshan, Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha, with a joyful heart, wished to remain in Mantralaya for some time and serve Rayaru. As the days passed, the presence of the Guru and Mantralaya itself became exceedingly dear to him. Being a descendant of Rayaru’s lineage, the Acharya desired to attain Brindavana (final samadhi) in Rayaru’s divine presence. For this, he undertook intense austerities, focusing his devotion on Rayaru.
One night, Rayaru appeared to him in a dream and said:
“Child, we are pleased by your service. Your wish to remain in our presence will bear fruit—but not here, in Nanjangud! We shall manifest in one form at Nanjangud and offer you our divine presence there. Now proceed to Nanjangud.”
With this message, Rayaru gave him mantra-akshate (blessed rice) and disappeared.
Upon awakening, the Swamiji, overwhelmed with joy and devotion, reflected upon his wish and gratefully remembered Rayaru’s boon of protection and blessing. With satisfaction in his heart, he offered sacred water (hastodaka) to Guru Raghavendra, and departed for Nanjangud.
Within a few days of arriving in Nanjangud, Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha again received a vision of Rayaru in a dream, where Rayaru said:
“Your desire will come true. On the third day from today, we will arrive. Begin preparations for our consecration (pratishtha).”
Accordingly, a message was sent to Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar:
“We are arriving at Nanjangud. On the appointed day at noon, arrange for our arrival.”
Simultaneously, Rayaru appeared in dreams to various individuals:
To the devout Brahmins of Srirangapatna:
“We are currently by the banks of the Kaveri in this town. Tomorrow, come and escort us to the Nanjangud Math.”
To a washerman (Agasa):
“O man, your daily beatings upon us have been enough! Tomorrow, a Brahmin will come to you. Hand us over to him, and you will be blessed.”
These miraculous instructions revealed themselves to many over the following three days, and the entire region was abuzz with wonder and praise for Shri Raghavendra Swami’s glory.
On the third day, the washerman, recalling what a sanyasi had said to him in a dream, went to the Kaveri River where he washed clothes daily, near a stone he used. There, he heard a mysterious sound:
“Om… Om…”
Startled, he turned over the dark stone he had been using and discovered an engraved outline of a sanyasi seated in padmasana (lotus posture) within it!
As he stood in awe and fear, wondering what to do next, a Brahmin approached him. Just as foretold by Rayaru in the dream, the Brahmin had been searching along the banks of the Kaveri, following his own dream vision, and now arrived at that very spot.
Recognizing the fulfillment of Rayaru’s prophecy, the washerman narrated his dream and described the wondrous occurrence of the image that had appeared. He then handed over the stone to the Brahmin with reverence.
That Brahmin, overwhelmed with joy and devotion upon seeing Shri Rayaru manifest in the stone, bowed in reverence and praised the washerman. He then respectfully placed the stone slab bearing Rayaru’s form on his head, and reciting the Guru Stotra, returned and offered worship to Shri Rayaru that very day. The next morning, carrying the sacred slab, he set out toward Nanjangud.
By evening, he reached Mysore. What he saw there astonished him—hundreds of people had gathered, along with royal honors and arrangements. Upon learning from the Brahmin that he was transporting the manifested form of Rayaru to Nanjangud, the royal representative was convinced and escorted the Brahmin to Purnaiyya’s chhatra (assembly hall). That evening, the Maharaja himself arrived, had darshan of Shri Rayaru, performed deeparadhana (ceremonial worship with lamps), and, after offering prostrations, returned joyfully to the palace.
The following day, by order of the king, the royal representatives placed the Brahmin and the sacred stone slab in a royal chariot drawn by a pair of horses, and with full royal honors, sent them to Nanjangud.
Meanwhile in Nanjangud, Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha, as per Rayaru’s command, had made all preparations for the consecration (pratishtha). Scholars, disciples, and musical processions awaited in front of the matha. After a short while, the sound of trumpets was heard! Everyone looked with eager anticipation. The royal chariot arrived at the matha gate, accompanied by Rajamayyadi (the king’s emissary).
The Brahmin, with the sacred slab on his head, alighted and approached. Upon hearing the entire account from him, the people broke out in jubilant praises of Shri Rayaru.
Seeing Shri Rayaru's divine form manifested on the stone, radiating abundant blessings and spiritual energy, the Acharya (Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha) was overwhelmed—his body trembled, tears of bliss flowed, and with deep devotion he welcomed Rayaru into the matha.
The crowd, now understanding the immense grace Rayaru had shown to the Acharya, marveled at his glory and praised both the Guru and the Acharya.
Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha then consecrated Rayaru’s symbolic form, placing it to the left of Shri Pranadevaru, facing east, as per tradition. He performed elaborate puja, offered sacred water (hastodaka), and conducted ceremonial feeding (satkarma) for Brahmins and married women (suvasinis).
Thus, for Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha, Rayaru appeared directly in the form of the stone slab, lovingly manifested himself, and established his divine presence at the Nanjangud matha, where he now resides in glory.
In the year 1851 CE, the Durmati Samvatsara began. Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha initiated his Chaturmasya vow in Nanjangud. During the month of Shravana, the Acharya began to experience bodily fatigue and illness.
To ensure that the daily worship of Shri Moola Rama Devaru continued without interruption, the Acharya initiated a learned scholar into the Paramahamsa Sannyasa, someone who was both a renowned pandit and a descendant (through the daughter’s lineage) of his own pre-monastic ancestor, Shri Dheerendra Tirtha.
He was given the name Shri Sudharmendra Tirtha, and was ceremonially installed as the ruler of the Vedanta kingdom, under the dual guidance of both the Guru and the tradition.
As per custom, during Shravana Shukla Prathama, Dvitiya, and Tritiya (the first three days of the bright fortnight), arrangements were made to celebrate Shri Rayaru’s Aradhana Mahotsava with full grandeur.
The Pre-Aradhana and Aradhana of Shri Rayaru were carried out splendidly.
That night, however, Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha’s health worsened.
On the day of Rayaru’s Uttararadhana, which fell on Shravana Krishna Tritiya leading into Chaturthi, the Acharya’s condition declined significantly, and while meditating upon the feet of Shri Hari, Vayu, and Shri Guru Raghavendra, he shed his mortal body and entered into divine contemplation of Lord Narayana.
Following the spiritual protocol of the Mahasamsthana, Shri Sudharmendra Tirtha established the Brindavana (final resting place) of his Guru, conducted the Uttararadhana of Shri Rayaru and the Mahasamaradhana (final rites) of Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha with full devotion and reverence.
He placed Shri Moola Rama atop the Brindavana, performed Kanakabhisheka (a ceremonial golden ablution), offered sacred water, and conducted the Maha Mangalarati.
He also composed and offered the charama shloka (final verse):
"Sudhāsārārthatatvajñaṁ suradrumasamaṁ satām |
Surādhipaguruprakhyaṁ Sujñānendra guruṁ bhaje ||"
Shri Rayaru’s Uttararadhana and Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha’s Aradhana occurred on the very same day!
Guru Rayaru, by granting both a sacred seat (sthana) and the sacred day (aradhana dina), manifested his divine compassion and supreme glory!
From that time until now, Shri Rayaru’s Uttararadhana is celebrated along with Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha’s Poorvaradhana and Main Aradhana on the following days.
Whether at Mantralaya, Nanjangud, or the central matha, Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha’s Aradhana is celebrated in conjunction with Rayaru’s Aradhana Mahotsava with great grandeur.
With the blessing he had received, Shri Rayaru, who resides bodily at Mantralaya, manifested in stone form (Shila-Phalaka) at Nanjangud, with the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of protection), dazzling his devotees and bestowing grace.
Previously, Rayaru appeared only as a line-etching in stone—but now, at Nanjangud, he appears in fully manifest image form (Pratima Rupa), giving darshan to his devotees.
In other places, Rayaru remains in Mruttika Brindavanas (sacred mud shrines), but in image form, self-manifested (Svayam Vyakta), he shines only in Nanjangud!
By revealing this divine manifestation through Shri Sujnanendra Tirtha, Shri Rayaru demonstrated his unfathomable grace, declaring to the world his immense compassion and intimate bond with Sujnanendra.
The Guru who was asked for a “seat” (sthana), was granted also a “day” (aradhana dina).
How can one ever adequately describe the boundless compassion and majesty of Shri Rayaru?