Mahan of the day - SREE RAGHAVENDRA

Life of Sree Raghavendra Guru

In the court of Sri Krishna Deva Raya , the Vijayanagar Emperor , patron of arts , poets and scholars was a scholar named "Krishna Bhattu". He had a son , named "Kanakachala Bhattu" , whose son was "Thimmana Bhattu".

Thimmanna Bhattu was not only famous as a scholar proficient in the Vedas and sastras but also as an accomplished player on the veena. His Wife was a pious lady named "Gopamba". The devout couple had a son and daughter. According to the popular proverb that "one eye is not an eye and one son is not a son", they desired to have another son, So, they went on a piligrimage to Tirupathi . They worshipped Sri Venkateswara with intense devotion and prayed for a son. Being gratified by the sincere devotion of the pious couple, Sri Srinivasa appeared to them in a dream and told them that he was pleased to grant them a son who would serve as a shining example of the virtues of divine knowledge devotion and detachement and would raise the world to heights of nobility. Thimmanna Bhattu and Gopamba praised the Lord for his infinite kindness and returned to their native village of Bhuvanagiri . After the laps of nine months, Gopamba gave birth to a son on an auspicious day. He was named "Venkatanatha" as he was born out of Venkateswara's grace. The child grew up into a gracefull boy , endowed with intelligence and smartness. He was put in school on attanining the age of five. A few days later, Thimmanna took ill and breathed his last.

The responsibility of educating Venkateswara felt on Gururaja, the elder son of Thimmanna. He found much difficulty in maintaining his family. At the age of eight he performed Venkatanatha's upanayanam (sacred thread cermany) with the help of donations received from rich people. Then he sent Venkatanatha to his brother-in-law, Sri Lakshminarasimhacharya for further education. Sri Lakshminarasimhacharya felt it not only easy but a pleasure to teach his new ward as the latter was quick to learn. In a very short time, the boy acquired mastery over the Vedas, the six sastras and the eighteen paranas and became unrivelled in scholarship. Venkatanatha was married to a young beautifull and virtuous girl named Saraswathi at the proper age. Generally education ends with marriage.But it was not so in the case of Venkatanatha. At that time , the pontific seat at Kumbakonam was adorned by Sri Sudhindra Thirtha, who was trained by the famous Sri Vijayendra Thirtha Swami. Sri Sudhindra was proficient in the traditional sixty-four arts and he taught many peoples, besides propagating the Dwaita ideals.Venkatanatha desired to go to him and receive lessons in philosophy. Accordingly taking his elder brothers permission he went to Sri Sudhindra prostrated before him and stood at a distance in great humility. The Swami asked him who he was.Venkatanatha replied that he was Venkanna , son of the Veena Scholar, Thimmanna and expressed a desire to receive instruction from the Swami in "Sri Sudha". Sri Sudhindra was pleased with him and he not only agreed to teach him but also permitted him to reside in the mutt and receive "Thirtha" and "Prasadams".

Venkanna studied the lessons on "the Sudha" with earnestness and learnt them by heart everyday. He would get difficult portions explained by his teacher. The teacher was deeply impressed by the pupils devotion and faith and began to look upon him with affection. This roused the jealousy of other pupils, who planned to bring forth the teacher's wrath on Venkatanatha. One day the jealous classmates went to Sri Sudhindra without the knowledge of Venkanna. They said "O preceptor! The new-comer, Venkanna, is not studying his lessons well. He is always sleepy and indulging in unbecoming in actions. It is waste to feed and teach such a pupil. He is unfit to reside in the Mutt. So, we request you to drive him out". They uttered many lies to strengthen their argument. The Swami heard them and replied "Don't worry, I shall enquire about him and set him right, you had better go away". After a while, all the pupils came to learn their lessons. Sri Sudhindra commenced teaching. But having some doubt in explaining a portion. He told the pupils to come next day and said he would explain it then.

Venkanna was in the habit of listening to the lessons on "Sri Sudha" with concentration, and noting the explanations in a note-book, at night, before going to sleep. As usual, he noted down correctly what he had learnt that day and went to sleep. After a short while Sri Sudhindra came to see him. Venkanna was in deep sleep.. There were some palmyrah leaves with writings on them. The teacher took them up and observed them. Venkanna was writing a regular annotation for "Sri Sudha" , entitled "Parimalam". He referred to the explanation for the statement about the meaning of which he had some doubt. Vekanna had explained it clearly and beyond any doubt. The teacher read it and his doubt was cleared fully. He felt happy to realise that vekantanatha's scholarship and ability were unrivalled. Just then Venkanna was shivering with cold as he had no blanket to cover himself with seeing this, Sri Sudhindra wrapped his own upper garment on the sleeping pupil, took the palmyrah leaves and went away.

Venkanna got up from sleep early in the morning. He was grieved at the disappearance of the manuscripts he had by his bed-side.. He was afraid of his teacher's wrath. He feared what punishment might befall him. He was at a loss to know how to convince his teacher of his innocence. Hoping for divine grace to get out of the trouble, he finished his bath and other activities, approached the Swami, prostrated himself before him and said, "O Guru! Someone covered my body with his cloth while I was asleep last night. My manuscripts are missing. I don't know who took them; I am not to blame.. Forgive me-"Sri Sudhindra replied, "Do not worry, it is time to begin the lessons, Let us go".

On seeing the other pupils the Swami said, Venkanna is not an ordinary person, He is a genius and a man of virtue. He is writing an annotation every night on what he has learnt during the day. Yesterday I had to dismiss the class as I could not find the correct explanation for a sentence. But last night Venkanna wrote the correct explanation for it in his book. You also had better listen to it." So saying he read out the explanation given by Venkanna in his book. All the peoples were astonished. Sri Sudhindra paid an encomium to the proficiency and skill of Venkanna and awarded him the title of "Parimalacharya", as he had written the commentary of "Parimala" on the teachings of "Sri Sudha". Ever since the other pupils showed Venkanna great respect and regard. The Swami's affection for him increased more than before.

After some days, Sri Sudhindra started on a pilgrimage, followed by his pupils. He visited various cities and villages and accepted the gifts and offerings given by the devotees and blessed them. In this manner, they reached Mathrai in the south. In that city was a Tamil sannyasi, who was well versed in grammer and was called a "Vaiyakarani". He was proud that no one could equal him in the knowledge of grammer. He wished to enter into a disputation on grammer with Sri Sudhindra . But the Swami said to him, "First you had better engage your self in a dispute with student, Venkatanatha . If you defeat him you can contest with me". The sanyasi agreed and commenced a disputation with Venkatanatha. On "Mahabhashya" venkatanatha was an adept in argumentation on all sastras. So he easily countered every one of the Sannyasi's arguments by his prowess and won over him finally. The Tamil sannyasi accepted defeat gracefully. Every one was struck with wonder on seeing the dexterity with which Venkatanatha had demolished. Everyone of the arguments proferred by the tamil sannyasi. Sri Sudhindra Swami was all admiration for his pupils excellence at argumentation. He at once blessed venkatanatha by conferring on him the title of "Mahabhashyacharya". At that time , Raghunatha Rao was the ruler of Tanjore. He was highly proficient in music and literature. He could appreciate and enjoy the nuance of poetry. He sent an invitation to Sri Sudhindra to visit his city. The Swami accepted the invitation and paid a visit to Tanjore. The ruler showed the Swami great respect and requested him to spend a few days in Tanjore. The Swami agreed to do so. Raghunatharao had a minister ,by name GovindaDikshita.The latter had a son,named YegnanarayanaDikshita,who was well-versed in the Adivaita philosophy and who had acquired much fame .He expressed to Sri Sundhindra his desire to engage in a disputation with Sudhindra and his pupil ,Venkatanatha ,on the coparative merits of Dwaita and Advaita.Sri Sudhindra agreed gladly and asked him first to contest with Venkatanatha. Venkatanatha and Yagnarayana Dikshita made arguments and counter - arguments to prove their respective view -points.Very many distinguished scholars watched them carefully.Both interpreted "Tatvamasi" and "Aham Brahmasmi"as propounded by the sastras. Both being great scholars ,advanced arguments ina distinguished manner so as to amaze the listeners .the disputation between the two stalwarts went on for 18 days .On the ninteenthday , Venkatanatha established beyond dought thatdwaitism was correct one . He vanquished his rival thoroughly and latter also conceded the victory.  Search Amazon.com for SREE RAGHAVENDRA In appreciation of Venkatanatha's supremacy in argumentation,Sri Sudhindra conferred on him the title of " Bhattacharya".Ever since , he addressed Venkatanatha as "Venkatabhatta"out of boundless affection. He appointed Venkatanatha as the poet -laureate in the Mutt. After completing his studies and training in"Tarka" and "Vedanta" under the turelage of Sri Sudhindra ,Venkatanatha returned to his native village of Bhuvanagiri. He enjoyed the pleasure of family life in the pleasing company of his wife ,Saraswathi. The pious couple had a son.As Venkanna had suffered from poverty ever since his Boyhood .He named the child "Lakshminarayana"in the hope that he may not have to suffer from the same. It was universally known that Venkatanatha was a great scholar . Disciples from various parts of the land came to receive education at his hands. In those days ,the prevailing custom was for the teacher to feed his pupils free of charge. Venkatanatha had to bear the burden of feeding his pupils in addition to maintaining his family. He was from birth , poor .How could he shoulder the burden It was beyond his power to meet the expences day after day. At this time , Venkatanatha came to know that a rich man in a neighbouring village was celebrating a happy event. His wife , Saraswathi said to him, "Please attend the auspicious function in the rich man's house. He will honour you as great scholar and give you some money. Venkatanatha accepted the advice and started for the village. Hundreds pf Brahmins had come to rich man's house to partake of the feast. Venkatabhattu sat in a corner of the rich man's house and was reciting some verses of prayer. The family priest of the rich man was a greedy and thoughtless person. It was his duty to prepare the sandal paste and distribut it among the Brahimns. But , as he was busy ,he ordered Venkatabhattu, who was reciting the verses in a corner ,to grind the sandal paste and went away .Taking it as a divine ordainment, Venkatanatha prepared the sandal paste and gave it to the priest. The priest distributed it among the Brahmins who had come for the feast .They applied the paste to their bodies. No sooner had they done so than they began to feel a burning sensation all over their persons. The rich man enquired of the priest how had made the paste and why it was creating the burning sensation. The priest pleaded ignorance and showed Venkatanatha the person responsible for grinding the paste. The rich man enquired of venkatanatha the reason for the curious occurrence. Venkatanatha calmly replied, "I was reciting 'Agnisukta' while grinding the paste perhaps that made the sandal paste give out a burning effect". He later recited "Karuna sukta" and ground a fresh paste, which was distributed to the Brahmins. When the Bhrahmins used it over the bodies, they got over their burning sensation and felt the paste very cool and pleasing .The rich man realised the divine power and greatness of Venkatantha . He treated Venkatanatha to a rich feast and gave him a reward of a hundred rupees. Venkatabhattu returned to his village and the amount of hundred was spent away in a few days. It was miserable for Venkatabhattu to meet the demands of his family. To make matters worse, some thieves broke into his house, one night, and got away with few things he had.According to the saying "Yasyanugraha michchamitasya vittam haramyaham" perhaps God divested Venkatanatha of the remnants of his belongings to make him fit to earn his grace and acquire greatness in the life at future date. Venkatantha became disconsolate with grief and unable to find a way out of his misery, started for his Guru's abode with the members of his family. He prostrated himself before Sri Sudhindra and poured out his tale of woe. He wept in grief and sought his Guru's protection. The swamy had great regard for Venkanatha's scholarly attainments and affection for his qualities of virtue. So he assured Venkatantha of help, desired him to live with his family in the Mutt itself and spoke to him words of comfort ever since Venkatanatha had lived in the Mutt along with his wife and children. Venkatanatha earned the esteem and affection of all people by teaching pupils who came to him for learning and by taking part in scholarly conference. After few days, the health of Sri Sudhindra received a set-back. So, he said to Venkatantha ,"You are great scholar endowed with much ebility ;give up the lure of family pleasures ,take up sanyasa and serve the world at large". On hearing these words, Venkatabhattu said "O guru I bow to your decision, but I cannot leave the young wife and son to their fate .Iam not yet ready to take up sanyasa.Kindly forgive me".Sri Sudhindra considered his pupils word s as wise .As his health was declining ,he made another deciple accept sanyasam and gave him the name of "Yadavindra Tirtha". Somedays later, SriSudhindra regained normal health .He attended to his daily duties of offering worship to Sri Mula Ramachandra and teaching his pupils religious doctrines .he retained with him the images of Sri Mula Ramachandra and certain others and sent Yadavindra Tirtha to tour the country. Still later, once Sri Sudhindra once again felt ill .The worship of Sri Mula Ramachandra, the presiding deity of the Mutt,was hampered as he was pondering Over this, one night Lord Sri Ramachandra appeared to him in a vision and said "Venkatabhattu is fit to carry on the worship he is ready to take up sanyasa now. Send for him and make the necessary arrangements.Do not feel sad ".He instantly disappeared.Sri Sudheendra repeated these words many times and felt happy . He decided to send Venkatabhattu. Strangely enough, Venkatabhattu had a dream the same night when Sri Sudhindra had the vision of god.Sri Saradadevi(Goddess of learning) appeared before him and said "You are a great scholar of much competence. The world needs to be uplifted by you. The Madhwa philosophy has to be propagated still wider. Give up your family ties and take Sannyasa .Sri Mula Ramachandra is waiting to be worshipped by you. Wake up".So saying ,she disappeared. Venkatabhattu awoke from sleep and was happy and surprised to think of what had happended .He immediately proceeded to the place of Sri Sudhindra and fell prostrate before him .The swami was overjoyed to see him. They related to each other events relating to their respective dreams.Venkatabhattu told his guru that he wished to perform the upanayanam of his son,Lakshminarayana and proceeded home after receiving monetary assistance for the purpose reaching his village,Bhuvanagiri,and collecting his relations and friends ,returned to swamiji's place.he performed his sons "upanayanam" in the presence of Sri Sudhindra and with his blessings,later he returned to Bhuvanagiri. A few days later,he called his wife ,Saraswathi , and said to her ,"you are managing the family as an obedient wife and making me happy .You are an honest woman . But Worldly life is like a drop of water on a lotus leaf .It is not everlasting .Do not love me any more .I intend to take up sannyasa in obedience to my guru's command . Do not feel grieved carry on your life with calmness of mind .She was pained to hear her husbands words .But Venkatabhattu consoled and comforted her by his sweet words. Having determined to take up sannyasa ,Venkatabhattu went to Sri Sudheendhra .He accompanied his guru on his tour, from Kumbakonam to Tanjavur . The ruler Raghunatharao ,had arranged a grand reception for swami there. Sri Sudhindra told Raghunatha Rao about his decision to intiate Venkatabhattu into sannyasa .The ruler made suitable arrangements for the occasion . In the year Rudhirodgari of salivahana era 1845.Sri Sudhindra gave sannyasa to Venkatabhattu The appellation of "Sri Raghavendra Theertha".Many scholars ,poets ,devotees ,and common people were present on the great occasion .The programme was gone through with great pomp and glory.Raghunatha Rao showed his esteem for both the swamis and received their blessings. The news of Sri Venkatanatha's initiation into sannyasa reached saraswathi 's ears through hearsay .She was filled with agony. What a pity that she could not look upon her husband's face any longer .she hated to live further without support of her husband. With these feelings gnawing at heart and abandoning wisdom, she ended her life by falling into a well. As a result of committing suicide, she became a ghost.         In that form she went to Sri Raghavendhra Thirtha and wept bitterly .Taking pity on her ,he repeated some sacred mantra and showered on her some drops of water .She was relieved of her ghost form and gained redemption from her life. Ever since, it became a family custom for the descendants of Venkatabhattu to perform "Saraswathi puja " at the commencement of auspicious functions in their houses. Sri Raghavendra Thirtha started on his religious tours.Where ever he went ,large number of devotees received his blessings in great joy. During his travels, he once visited a village , called "Kandenati" ,went to the house of a poor boy , named "Venkanna" and asked him to do "Bhiksha" for him (feed him) . The boy believed that swami had come to his house for "Bhiksha" in preference to the rich people's houses only to bless him. So, he went to the rich people, took their assistance and also invited them to worship the swami. He gave a grand reception to swami in this manner and earned his grace and blessings. While taking leave of the boy and starting for another village, the swami asked the boy to remember him in times of difficulties. At that time, Siddi Masud Khan was Nawab of Adoni. Though illiterate, be became a ruler through good fortune. One day, when he rested under a tree after taking part in a vigorous hunt, a servant gave him a letter, saluted to him, and stood at a distance. The Nawab opened the letter, but being illiterate could not understand its contents. He looked about in the forest for anyone who could read it. Just then, he saw the poor boy Venkanna, gathering wood for fuel . Immediately he ordered the servant to bring the boy. In fact Venkanna also could not read it. He confessed to the Nawab " I am a poor Bhrahmin boy. I have not received any education and hence, I cannot read the letter ". The Nawab retorted,"Being a Bhrahmin, can't u read? I cannot believe your words. Will u read it or shall I server your head?" he threatened the boy in these words. Recalling Sri Raghavendra's advice, he said to himself ," O Sri Raghavendra ! protect from danger ". By Raghavendra's grace he was able to make out what was written in the letter. He said to the Nawab boldly, "O king, your army has won in the battle. This is the message of your victory ". There upon the Nawab took kindly to him, took him to the palace, Gave him money and said, "Get better education still, I shall give you job in my administration". The poor Venkanna agreed to do so. In two or three years Venkanna received good education .He became a potty official in the Nawab's administration, discharged his duties well and soon won the good will and appreciation of the Nawab . In course of time, the Nawab recognising has intelligence and administrative ability, made him "Dewan " of his state. In this way, the poor boy, Venkanna , rose to a high position in life by the grace of Sri Raghvendra Swami. Once, Sri Raghavendra Swami was touring in the Maharastra region. One of the servants of the Mutt came to him and said "O Swami I wish to get married, kindly give me a month's salary in advance. The Swami was then washing his hands and feet with earth. He said, " where is the money with me? I have only this loose earth in my hands. if u want take it ". The servant who knew the great powers of the Swami,said in great confidence, "O Swami !,even the dust that comes from your hands, will be ten thousand rupees for me . So, give me the dust alone ". The Swami gave him a handful of the earth, blessed him and sent him away. As the servant went past some villages it fell dark. He went to one hamlet and laid himself down on a payal for the night's rest. The owner of the house was suffering from agony. Every time his wife gave birth to a child, a ghost would appear and destroy the child. The ghost had come then ready to kill the child to be born. But the earth in the servant's palm was shining with brilliance and did not allow the ghost to enter the house .The ghost awoke the servant and said to him, "Cast the shining stuff away, it does not allow me to enter the house. I shall give you whatever you wish for ". The servant was surprised at his words. He understood that the mysterious power of the earth in his hand did not allow the ghost to enter the house. At once, he said to the ghost "If u get me a vessel of full of rupees, I shall keep the earth at a distance and let you in". In a few seconds, the ghost brought to the servant a vessel full rupees. He took the vessel and out of pity for the ghost, thought of Guru and spilled a portion of the earth on the ghost. At once, the ghost was relieved of its ghost's form. The master of the house and the members of his family, who observed all this from inside, were filled with astonishment. They felt happy that the danger of the ghost, which afflicted them, was no more there. In mean while, the master 's wife was delivered of a male child and the child was safe and sound. Then the house -owner had a desire to give his brother's daughter in marriage to the guru's servant. He called the servant in, treated him with much respect and expressed his heart's desire to him. The servant gave his consent and the girl's marriage with him was celebrated immediately. The guru's servant returned happily with his wife to the presence of the guru. He prostrated himself and told his master the entire story. He placed at his guru's feet the treasure he had secured and begged him to take it. But, the swami, without taking it, said to him, "why do I need this money? You yourself take it and be happy." He blessed the servant and sent him away. Some time later on one occasion, the swami visited the Gadag region. A gentleman devoted to the guru, named Desai Raghunath, wished to play him the host and took him to his house to the accompaniment of the various forms of music. Being very rich, he had rich dishes of food prepared for swami. He collected a huge vessel full of mango juice. he greatness of Sri Raghavendra Thirtha is indescribable. On one occasion, the ruler of Thanjavur sent the swami an offering of a diamond necklace. The swami was at that time busy performing "Vysvadevam" (a kind of Homa with cooked rice.) So, the swami gave it as 'Naivedya' to Yegneswara the people at the place were astonished at this. Learning of this through hearsay, the king was angry and grieved that a necklace, worth thousands of rupees, was consigned to the fire. Two or three days later, the ruler visited the swami and said " O swami! I sent to you a diamond necklace I think you would have used it as an ornament to god. I want it now for some purpose. I wish to make another necklace of the same fashion. Please give it to me. I shall return it again " The swami once prayed to Yagneswara, the Lord of Sacrifices the god of fire appeared before him and gave him the necklace. The swami received it and gave it to the king. The king, who was witness to the greatness of the swami, was filled with wonder thinking that he had sinned against the swami, the king prostrated himself before him and begged his pardon. The swami was manifestation of mercy. He readily pardoned the king and blessed him. Sri Raghavendra Thirtha carried on his work at kumbakonam, according to the Mutt traditions, worshiping the diety, Sri Mula Ramachandra and instructing his pupils. At one time, Sri Vijayaraghava, son of Raghunatharao, came to the gaddi . During his reign, there was terrible famine. Vijayaraghava made many efforts to put an end to the famine conditions. But, he could not succeed. At last, he came to Sri Raghavendra Thirtha at kumbakonam, prostrated himself before him and said " A famine has come over my kingdom. The people are suffering much. Be kind enough and put an end to the famine. Be merciful " The swami remembered the great devotion and regard which his father, Raghunatha Rao, had shown towards him to. He took pity on Vijayaraghava and said, " Yes I shall come to Tanjavur. " The swami visited Thanjavur. He converted the king's palace into a hall of worship and worshiped Sri Mula Ramachandra and prayed, " God, protect the kingdom from the evils of famine." Sri Mula Ramachandra had great grace for swami. It looked as if the deity had answered the swami's prayer. The same day, there was a heavy down pour of rain throughout the kingdom. All the tanks and wells were full to the brim with the water. The land became once again green with fresh crops. Vijayaraghva praised the greatness of the swami in many ways. He gave many rewards to swami and gave him a respectable send-off. That year, the produce was plentiful and the country became prosperous. The swami's greatness was unrivalled. Some days later, once, the swami was teaching his pupils. He suddenly rose up, looked up, asked some thing and sat down again. The disciples were perplexed. They said to the swami, " What is it? Kindly explain to us." The swami said to them, " The great sage Krishna Dwaipayana, was riding in a chariot and proceeding to vaikuntam. On the way, he appeared before my vision. I bowed to him and asked him, " How long yet am I to endure in this physical frame? By way of answer he showed two fingers and waved them thrice. I understood his purport and bowed and sat down. I shall live from now only for two years, two months, two days. Then I shall enter the Brindavan." The disciples had great devotion for and faith in heir guru. They were grieved to think that their guru would depart from them soon. They were pained beyond words. After some days, the swami came to Adoni on his tours. The Dewan, Venkanna, who was blessed by the swami, prostrated himself before the swami and took him to home to the accompaniment of auspicious music. He prepared himself to entertain the swami in a grand manner. He narrated to the Navab Siddi Masud Khan the mysterious powers of the swami. He appealed to the Navab to see the swami without fail. Siddhi Masud Khan thought to himself, " I shall see what powers this Brahmin priest has." As the swami completed the worship of Sri Mula Ramachandra and was about to offer 'Naivedya', the Navab had a salver covered with cloth brought by a servant and placed it before the swami. He did so in order to test the supernatural powers of swami. Dewan Venkanna was not aware of the Nawab's intention. The swami scented the Nawab's wicked plan. Immediately, he spelt out a prayer to Sri Mula Ramachandra and split some drops of water from his kamandal (drinking vessel) on the salver covered with cloth. He asked the Nawab to order the cloth to be removed. When the Nawab had the cloth removed from the salver, it was full of fruits and rose flowers. The Nawab was amazed. He realised how great were the powers of the swami. He regretted his own conduct towards the swami. He wished to make recompense for the sin he had committed. He called Diwan Venkanna and said to him, " Venkanna! Your Guru is great man of rare powers. I wish to grant him some jagirs ( group of villages free for rent) . I am ready to carryout any bidding of his. Go to your Guru and inform him of my intention " Dewan Venkanna went to the swami and conveyed to him the Nawab's intention. To this, the swami replied, " why do we, who have renounced all worldly ties, need any jagirs? But as you say that the Nawab is insistent, let him give me only one village, named Manchala, on the banks of the Thungabhadra River ." The village Manchala , which the swami had asked for, had already been given to a Fakir as a gift. But the Nawab exchanged it for another village and gifted it to the swami. It was the place sanctified by the performance of a 'Yagna' by Bhakta Prahlada that was why the swami had asked for the village. The Nawab gave the swami many presents, bowed to him and took his leave. The time of Sri Raghavendra's entering the samadhi at the Brindavan, approached. The devotees became aware of it. Hundreds of people came to see the swami and were blessed by him. The swami sent for Dewan Venkanna and asked him to build a beautiful Brindavan. He laid out the beautiful Brindavan. The devotees were filled with grief because the swami's end was nearing. Venkanna informed the swami of the completion of the Brindavan. At once the swami said to him, " Venkanna! This Brindavan will be useful to another great saint. There is a big rock in the village of Madhavaram . Make a Brindavan with its help." Venkanna could not understand the reason for such an order. So he said to the swami, " O swami! You have asked me to make a Brindavan by using the rock in the village of Madhavaram . Kindly tell me if there is any special reason for it " The swami replied, " Venkanna ! Sri Ramachandra, while traversing the forest, sat on that stone for seven 'ghadias' the stone is sanctified by the contact of his holy feet and has to be worshipped for seven hundred years. That is why I asked you to use it for making the Brindavan." So saying, he cleared the doubts that had troubled Venkanna's mind. Venkanna made the Brindavan as ordered by the swami. Various scholars, poets and musicians came to see the sight of the swami entering the Brindavan alive. On Thursday, the second day of the bright fortnight, in the month of sravan, in the year of Virodhikritha, the great saint, Sri Raghavendra Thirtha, entered the samadhi in the Brindavan, alive. The event was marked by great festivity. As ordered by the swami, they kept 700 saligrams ( natural manifestations of god) in the Brindavanam and covered it with large stone and consecrated a place in front of the Brindavan. Even to this day, worship is offered, with vedic rites, to the Brindavan as well as to the image of Sri Anjaneya. Among the disciples of Sri Raghavendra Swami, Appalacharya was the most notable. The swami had sent him to another village on some business. He was, therefore, not present at the event of the swami's entry into the Brindavan. On his return journey, he heard the news of Sri Raghavendra's entry into the Brindavan. Regrating that he could not have the last glimpse of his guru, he ran to the place, praising Sri Raghavendra swami. As he neared the Brindavan, the sloka in praise of the swami was incomplete with the words." Vibhutiratula" instantly, Sri Raghavendra Swami, who is well known for his affection for his disciples, completed the verse with the words ".sakshihayasyotrahi." Even this day, this panegry of Sri Raghavendra Swami, written by Appalacharya, is recited by scholars and lay men. This verse, beginning with the words "Sripurnabodha guruthirtha payobdhipara " if recited 108 times, will help a person to get his desire fulfilled. All baneful conditions will disappear. All sins will be recompensed. This need not be mentioned separately, these effects of worshipping at the Brindavan, are known to the devotees by their own experience. It is mentioned that Sri Raghavendra had himself announced to the devotees, from the Brindavan, that Lord Hayagriva will himself be witness to the efficiency of this sloka in his praise. Sri Appalacharya has written the Sri Raghavendra Mangalastakam in addition to the Sri Raghavendra Stothram" for which people are much indebted to him. mong the successor to the Sri Raghavendra Guru peetham, Sri Vadindra Thirtha is one. He was great scholar and poet. He knew quite intimately the miraculous powers and spiritual excellence of Sri Raghavendra Thirtha. He composed the "Guru Guna Sthuti," delineating the greatness and versatility of Sri Raghavendra Swami. Sri Vadindra stood before the Sri Raghavendra Brindavan and recited melodiously the verses of "Guru Guna Sthuti." The Brindavan, it seems, shook to signify Sri Raghavendra Guru Sarvabhauma's appreciation of those verses. Oh! How fortunate Sri Vidhindra Thirtha was.

Mahan of the day :- Gnanavallal Paranjothi Mahan

Life History

His Holliness Gnanavallal Paranjothi Mahan was born in poverty  in KANSAPURAM Village, Ramanathapuram District., Tamil Nadu, India on 02.05.1903 8.30 p.m

As the Sun rises when the morning star dawns, so too, wisdom dawns when good thoughts are entertained. at 11 a.m. on 11.11.1911, in the counter in which he was born celebrations regarding the coronation of one of the kings were conducted in pomp and glory. When he asked at once as to who greater than KING. He said “GOD”. So he asked whether he could see GOD. As such he entertain the idea to seal GOD. When he was a lad of 8½ years.

THE CONTACT BETWEEN GURU (MASTER) AND GANAVALLAL PARANJOTHI MAHAN

While in RANGOON, (MIYANMAR) he used to get up at 4 a.m., after bath, go daily to SURAT MOSQUE in RANGOON (MIYANMAR). He after completing the JAMAT PRAYER by standing in the first row regularly was noticed daily by a elderly wise man.  He was very old and well-versed in Islam. So he was permitted to resided in the mosque. On an occasion of MILADUL NABI day, both met for the first time. Both went on talking, had a sip of tea at the CALCUTTA HOTEL in Rangoon (Myanmar), his (master) paid off. Both continued to meet often at a particular place. His master entertained him as a guest and he had paid for the meals in advance. On ascertain from the hotel proprietor came to know that he was a DIAMOND MERCHANT and a very good man.

Both of them walked conversing to old race course near Rangoon Puthukkan  Road. After conversation among them master asked “DO YOU WANT IT TO BE LET KNOWN?” regarding YOGAS. And in the same night (7.1.1938) at 11.11 p.m. Ganavallal Paranjothi Mahan received the UPADESHA from that ELDERLY MAN in the Race Course.

MARRIAGE AND HEALTH

He practiced YOGA and cried for the dawn of truth. In 1932 he was married. Of the two children born to him, the male one died and the female one is alive the name J.Mumtaj Begum (Now Resi. 7/4, T.H. Road, W.M Near Tolegate, Chennai, Tamilnadu 600 081, in india). As he was doing severe TABAS for three hours a day for seven months in a room with blackened walls and there was no air in the room for FORTY DAYS and was subsisting on a small quantity of food of the size of a half coconut. He passed BLOOD IN URINE and his body became emaciated, pale and anemic and his health considerable deteriorated. All this will serve as a warning to all the readers not the follow suit.

THE GREAT GURU

Before he was initiating i.e., while he was in Rangoon town on some business on 08.07.1938 early morning, a big man looking at Gnanavallal Paranjothi Mahan, “YOU LOOK LIKE A GURU”. As a result, he gained more of courage and entertained the firm idea that he should impart the Upadesha of Gnana  to those who are thirsting for it. When he was in Burman, he gave the Upadesha to some.

RETURNED TO INDIA

In September 1939, he came to India and underwent many difficulties. Engaged a separate house on a rent of Rs.7/- in Madurai. There some disciples conducted the SABHAI, in the name of PARIPOORNA PARANJOTHIIN UYAR GNANA SAHBAI. It was registered with the Government on 18./5.1942 under the Societies Act.

He came to Chennai on 23.08.1943 and created the SABHAI on 31.10.1943. In as much as he considered very important to the whole world and as this was fit to be upheld by the whole world, a plot was purchased in Chennai on 29.07.1946 and changed the name Sabhai as “UNIVERSAL PEACE SANCTUARY”. This changes were done when he conducted “ALL MEIUNARVALARS CONFERENCE” in the TIRUVALANJULI Shabai by way of adopting a “RESOLUTION” in 02.05.1965 which was unanimaously accepted by the disciples as explained below :

PARANJOTHI  : The power that has been discovered out of super Knowledge

UYAAR GANANA SABHAI : The Sabhai thar has been discovered out of super knowledge

The meaning of “UNIVERSAL PEACE SANCTUARY.”

As correct instruction to be followed in common in all countries are imparted in the matter of FOOD, SLEEP, CLOTHING, WORK, CULTIVATION, GOVERNMENT, SCIENCE and BLISSFUL STATE so that people of the world according to their ability may live in peace the first name was changed as “UNIVERSAL PEACE SANCTUARY”.

In the ancient city of MADURAI in INDIA, in 1939 he distributed a small pamphlet declared therein that all persons, including GNANIS (yogis with super knowledge) can come at once and receive the Upadesha “KUNDALINI” to attain “SELF-BLISS”. Seeing that pamphlet, the YOGIS in MADURAI and nearby places, people who were practising different kinds of Upadeshas, big people, Vedantis, Educationists and people proficient in debate met him. All sorts of questions and doubts were cleared with correct answers without any hesitation by GPM. They were fully satisfied and whole-heartedly took the “DIKSHA” (Upadesha or Initiation) from him. Among them, those who were thirsty after knowledge, those who were following some gurus and those who were practicing YOGAS took diksha from him and with a greatful head did the Mahan all the service needed.

The Preliminary Trouble of the work that he have taken up and its Reasons:

As he went to BURMA in 1919 at his young age and his MOTHER TONGUE was “URUDU”. He felt to say to others but in due course he used to write, read and speak TAMIL. As such he was not able to read and write Tamil  frequently and had not gone through the books of religion to understand the procedures, though he had belief in all the religious of the world. In due course, people began to understand him.

Due to political persons raising in political persons/Government and old religious proofs, investigations in PHILOSOPHY are made to public through Government, the PHILOSOPHY of “KUNDALINI YOGA” are slowly followed by people.

In reality this “KUNDALINI YOGA” is higher but it is not spreading rapidly among the people as TRUTH is made FALSE and FALSE is made TRUTH. Those who approached him and raise several QUESTIONS. He used to give suitable answers to them with HAPPINESS. So it happened to him to increased research. As such he realized the interior motives of the people.

PLEASURE IN POVERTY

He relinquished all his work, his relations, WROTE A RELEASE BOND TO HIS RELIGIOUS PEOPLE, in 1938 and lived in poverty with his wife, his grand children. He lived in MADURAI in a CORNER, spending 2 ANNAS (0.12 paise) or 2 ½ ANNAS (0.15 PAISE) for his family for livelihood daily and increase his activities in good functioning of SABHAI.

He appreciated his wife’s attitude/behaviour by cooperating with him. In due course his disciples assisted him in cooperating with him. Once he suffered for one square meal a day has faded away due to his disciples gave respect/affection/help. Therefore he said that he will never forger them for their ATTITUDES/RESPECT/HELP. This will never FADE and he declared that it will SHINE for ever.

Those who have served them and those who serve them are many. Of these, two disciples are worth mentioning. One is Sri ARAVAMUTHAM in Madras who on 30.9.1943 got initiation became a GURU and propagates  his UPADESHAS. The second one is Sri.C.R. KOTHANDARAMAN, B.A., who got initiation on 14.5.1944 and worked as General Secretary. Both these have taken upon themselves till their LIFE all responsibilities from the day of which they joined the SABHAI.

Like them, there are many disciples men and women in other countries too. As His great penance in “KUNDALINI YOGA”. after all other practices left him – the GREAT Ganavallal Paranjothi Mahan. was able to writ in the BOOK “I-GOD” (available in the Universal Peace Sanctuary, No.7/4, T.H. Road, New Washermenpet, Chennai – 600 081) after “HIS OWN WONDERFUL SIGHT”, by crossing the, in His  HIGHER KNOWLEDGE, IN HIM, HE SAW, THE SIGHT OF SUPREME BLISS OF AWARENESS WHICH HE SAW, HE MADE INTO THE KNOWLEDGE EYE OF AUTHORITY”. This was sealed in  BURMA, SPROUTED IN MADURAI, GROWN IN CHENNAI, TANJORE, flowered, Riped and in SINGAPORE, MALAYASIA, CHINA, EAST ASIAN COUNTRIES and the WESTERNERS SPREAD AND ENJOYED.

HIS HOLINESS THE GREAT WORLDLY GURU  GANAVALLAL PARANJOTHI MAHAN FINALLY GAVE HIS PLEASANT MEASSAGE TO THE WORLD.

Oh, DISCIPLES! OH RICHMEN! OH YE TOTLING YOGAS IN MANY WAYS! OH YE TOP SCIENTISTS WHO ANALYSE THE ATOMS! OH YE SCHOLARS AND KINGS! COME TO reign SUPREME in the GREAT THRONE at your true and INNER SELF.

WelcoME

Hi world...Here I m sharing about Mahan's and Gurus that so many people b a followers to them. Lets we discover about them and know what they try to say to us.