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Bio-Data of Sri Raghavendra Swamy :
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Raghavendra Swamy a famous saint, philosopher in Madhava community was born in "BeegaMudre" family of Gautama gotra in 1595 AD. He is known for fulfilling the righteous desires to all those deserving people who pray to him sincerely. Before he entered the brindavana in 1671 AD , he has done so many miracles, helped people in getting knowledge , removed their sins, spread the dvaita philosophy. Even after entering the brindavana no one has come disappointed after praying to him. He is known as Wishing tree, Chintamani (wishing jewel), Wishing cow.
1. Moola Roopa: Shanku Karna ( who used to assist Brahma while performing pooja to Hari)
2. Avataras(Inarnations): Sri bhaktha Prahalada ,King Balhika , Sri Vyasa Raja
3. Family: Beega Mudre Family,Gautama Gotra And Lord Venkateshwara is Family God( Kula Devaru)
4. Ascendents : Sri Krishna Bhattaru(great grand father)-->Sri. Kanakachala Bhattaru(GF), Veena Players at Vijayanagar astana.
5. Parents: Sri. Thimmanna Bhattaru and Smt. Gopikamba
6. Birth Date: 1595 AD, Sri- Manmatha Nama Samvastara, Masa - Palguna, Thithi - Sapthami, Day- Thursday
7. Birth Star: Mrigashira Nakshatra
8. Birth Place: Bhuvanagiri Near Kumbakonam
9. Prior Name : Venkatanatha (Born by the grace of Lord Venkateshwara)
10. Siblings: Smt. Venkatamba(Elder Sister),Sri. Gururajacharyaru(Elder brother)
11. First Teacher: Sri. Lakshminarasimha acharya(Brother in law, husband of Venkatamba)
12. Higher Education: Kumbhakonam With Sudheendra Thirtharu
13. Marriage : 1614 AD with Smt. Saraswathi to whom Moksha will be given later after Raghavendra Swamy assumes ashram.
14. Son: Sri. Lakshmi Narayana acharya
15. Assumed Ashram : 1621 AD
16. Ashrama Name: SRI. Raghavendra Thirtharu
17. Assumed Ashram from: Sri. Sudheendra Thirtharu
18. Books Written: Sri Ramacharithra Manjari, Sri Krishnacharithra Manajari and many more.
19. Brindavana Pravesha: 1671 AD.
It is believed he would live for
76 years physically on the Earth.
100 years physically inside the Brindavana.
300 years through this literary works.
700 years in the Brindavana without a physical form.
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Brief History Sri Raghavendra Swamy's Incarnations:
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Shankukarna : A karmaja devata and Brahma & Saraswathi’s beloved servant who assisted Brahma in doing the Pooja of Lord Sri Hari. One day while listening to Veena from Saraswathi and is late in giving flowers and basils to Brahma for performing Pooja, and as Brahma is angry over this and gives him curse to born as Human being. Then later , Brahma with his inner knowledge realizes that this curse has come to shankukarna as blessing in disguise. As he had now a chance to go to the earth on a great mission of spreading the Supremacy of Lord Sri Hari and pave the way for the incarnation of New avatar’s (Narsimha)
Thus the incarnations of Raghavendra Swamy are as follows - Shankukarna – Prahlada – King Bahlika – Sri Vyasa Rayaru –Venkatanatha.(Sri Raghavendra Swamy).
Prahlada : famed for his exclusive devotion to Sri Hari, despite attempts in the story by his father, Hiranyakashipu to turn him to the contrary. Despite several warnings from his father, Prahlada continues to worship Sri Hari. His father tries to poison him, get him trampled by the elephants, and put him in a room with venomous snakes, but Prahlada survives each and every time. And in this incarnation shankukarna eventually leads to incarnation lord Hari in the form of Narsimha(the half-man, half-lion).
Bahlika Raja : King Bahlika was born and Prathipa and he is the elder brother of King Santanu. So He is Grandfather to both kaurva’s and Pandava’s and uncle to Bhisma.
Bahlika was a great devotee of Lord Krishna, but due to circumstances beyond his control he ended up fighting against the Pandavas. He wanted to die at the hands of Sri krishna, however sri krishna has already declared that he will not be using any weapons,so he asks Bhima(Vayudeva) to kill him. Bhima suggests him saying I will not be killing anyone who is Lord Hari's devote's,but upon request Bhima agrees to kill Bahlika on the condition that he should be challenged. So Bahlika challenges Bhima with shathaghni weapon(As he know except Vayu no one can survive this weapon) Bhima hit him gently with his formidable mace. Thus Bahlika got the death he wanted, a heart full of devotion towards Krishna, and the divine sight of Krishna and Bhima at the time of his death.
Sri Vyasa Rajaru :He is born in 1369 in Shastika family(Parents name is Ramacharya and Lakshmidevi) in which many famous saints (ex : madhvacharya) were born . and His first name was Yathi raja.He was Raja guru of Sri Krishna Devaraya who is the king of Vijaya nagar dynasty who ruled at Hampi. He also travelled to many places including north India and spread the Supremacy of Lord Sri Hari.
Kanakadasaru and purandara dasaru were the students of Vyasa rajaru.
Vyasa Rajaru was reborn as Venkatanatha (Sri guru Raghavendra Swamy), with the special grace of hari and vayu. And Sri Raghavendra Swamy Details are as follows.
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Books Written by Sri Raghavendra Swamy:
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Sri Raghavendra Swamiji wrote commentaries, books and some kavaya’s as well.
The kavya’s include :
· Bhava Sangraha
· Sri Rama charithra katha manjari
· Sri Krishna charithra katha manjari
And also he has done commendatory work’s on the below books by Sri Madhavacharyaru , TeekaRayaru and others. They are as follows:
· Katha Lakshana
· Pramana Lakshana
· Thathva Sankyana
· Thathva Viveka
· Mayavada Dhandana
· Upadi khandana
· Vishnuthathva nirnaya
· Karmanirnaya
· Eeshavyasa
· Kena
· Kata
· Prashna
· Mundaka
· Mandukya
And many more are written by Sri guru Raghavendra Swamiji.
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Why Did Sri Raghavendra Swamy Choose Mantralaya:
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The place where the Brindavana is located now, is where Raghavendra swamy in his Avatara as Prhalada rajaru had perfromed a Yagna Kunda. On the same spot ri Vibhudendrateertharu the pioneer and the founder of Vidya Mutt Rayara Mutt performed the Tapasya. One more interesting point is the stone used for constructing the brindavana is a stone on which Ram has seated for a while during his Vanavasa of 14 Years.
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Final Speech Before entering Brindavana:
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As already announced Diwan Venkanna the day and the date of Brindavana Pravesha to the devotees of the world: Shraavana Bahula Dwiteeya Friday Shaalivaahana Shake 1593, Virodhikrutnaama Samavatsara i.e. August 11th.1671, the devotees and sajjanas rushed to Mantralaya, they came in streams and streams. On Thursday Shraavana Bahula Pratipada Rayaru performed the Pooja of Sri Moola Ramadevarau, held discussions pertaining to the Acharya Tatva had bhikshaa. Rayaru was quite happy, never perturbed. On the contrary gave all the instructions of the next day of Brindavana Pravesha.
Early morning of Shraavana Bahula Bidige i.e Dwiteeya Rayaru woke up at the Brahmi Muhurta performed the Aahneeka, Japa, Namaskara to Sri MoolaRamadevaru, Mangalarati to Kulaswami Sri Srinivasa,Tulasi Vandana, Go Vatsa pooja Go graasa Paatha Pravachana to the shishyas. Though it was too early morning large number of Devotees, Pandits, Scholars, Saints, all dignitaries from all walks of life gathered there. They were amazed to see the Divya Kalaa, the glittering and the shining bliss of Rayaru.
All the relatives, Shreepadaputra Sri Laxminarayanacharya, nephew Sri Narayanacharya, devotees,Diwan Venkanna were filled with grief, tears rolling from their eyes.Venkanna told Gurudeva everything is ready as per your Aadesha.Holding the hand of Sri Yogeendrateertharu Rayaru came out of Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Already the elephant of the Mutt Maahendra was waiting before the temple. Rayaru holding Danda Kamandalu Pooja Pettige of Aaraadhya Sri Moola Ramadevaru sat on the elephant,decorated with golden Ambaari. Thousands were shouting :
“Rajadhiraja Paramahamsa Yatisarvabhouma Gurusarvabhouma Sri MadRaghavendrateertha KarunaaSamudra Ughe Ughe Jaya Jaya.”
The procession paased through the main gate (agasi) and the chaavadi of Manchali. Various types of Vaadyas, musical instruments were playing, Dasas were singing. But the atmosphere was completely grief striken. The procession concluded on the bank of Tungabhadra near the Garbhaalaya. Opposite of Garbhaalaya already Sri Praandevaru was ready for installation by the successor of Rayaru Sri Yogeendrateertharu. Owing to the Shraavanmaasa Tungabhadra was flowing in full spate touching the bank on both the sides. Even the river Tungabhadra also joined with deep sorrow of the devotees in Mantralaya. A large gathering of devotees were simply looking at Rayaru. A dumb youth by seeing Rayaru at that time came running near to Rayaru praising Rayaru, as he immediately attained the power of Speech by the Krupa Karuna Drushti of Rayaru. A lame man also got his legs to walk properly by the Anugraha of Rayaru. At that time a dalit woman came praying to Rayaru that her eight years old son is suffering from leprosy, kindly cure this disease. Soon Rayaru listened her request and cured. All these Miracles happened before entering the Brindavana Pravesha.
All the satvikas, sajjanas and the devotees of Rayaru were simply worrying, that from tomorrow onwards we cannot see Gururaya, as we are seeing now. The beloved cows of Sri Mutt were simply shedding the tears and gazing Rayaru with deep concern. Even the Elephant kid Laxmi of the Vidya Mutt, though offering chaamara seva to Rayaru, was weeping and weeping. The whole atmosphere was murmuring Raghavendra Raghavendra. Seeing the great personality of Rayaru with Gandha, Tulasi Maala the gathered mass had no words to describe!
A few minutes were left to Rayaru to enter the Brindavana, Rayaru seeing the devotees, smiling raised the hands and blessed them. Looked at the devotees with immense affection and love. Rayaru offered the Padukas to Sri Yogeendrateertharu and asked him to continue the Mutt in the same traditional style:Paatha,Pravachana, Grantha Rachana and Bhakta’s Uddhaara.
Dear Devotees the day has come that I have to disappear from your sight. From tomorrow you cannot see me like this. At the sametime I am not giving up my body(Deha Tyaaga), I will not be away from my body and at the same time I am obeying the Sankalpa of Sri Hari and the prerana of Sri Vayudevaru, so entering the Brindavana today Sa Shareera and stay there for sevenhundred years to Bless the Devotees of the world. As per the order of Sri Hari and Sri Vayudevaru and the opinion of the great Yatis to whom I respect and regard them as guru. They will be always blessing me while sitting in the Brindavana. Do not feel sorry that I am disappearing from your vision.As per the sankalpa of Sri Hari and the blessings of Praanadevaru I will be quite comfortable in the Neela Brindavana. Devotees I assure you that Sri Hari is too kind towards me that Sri Hari will take care of me in the Neela Brindavana when I will be inside with yoga. Do not feel agony. I'am with you always here in M,antralaya. When ever you call me I will immediately listen and solve your problems whether it is small or big. The Brindavana stones are very sacred and most holy.
My successor Sri Yogeendrateertharu will look after the Mutt Vidya Mutt and the same tradition of Paatha Pravachana Grantha Rachana Bhakta’s Uddhaara will be continued. You all have to obey him as you were regarding and respecting towards me. The Punya will be distributed to the devotees by the Anugraha of Sri Hari. Do not feel sorry for my absence. I will be in Mantralaya Neela Brindavana. Sri Narasimhadevaru, Rama, Krishna, Vedavyasadevaru, Jeevottama Vayudevaru’s have ordered me to stay at this Brindavana in the Mantralaya for the uddhaara of the devotees. Mantralaya will be the most sacred place Pavitra Yaatra Sthhala Devotees will acquire all the required chaturvidha purushaartha. Not only Indian devotees, but also the devotees of the world who are living across the sea. My Sri Hari is sarvaswa for me, Sri Hari has provided broad outlook, universal affection to all.
Devotees respect and regard the Vedas,upanishadas,Geeta, Brahmasutra and the philosophy of our Sri SriMadacharyaru. Our Culture, universal mankind always throbs for the welfare of all the chetanas, jeevas as per their ability and nature. We have to worship SriManNarayana.He is the only God who can free from all these births and deaths and impart Moksha to us:
NarayanosowParamoVichintayahaMumukhshubhiKaramaPaashaadmushmaat.
Our divine shruti says this.Sri Hari is the only God to bestow permanent happiness(Moksha).
Sri Hari has to Bless all of us, so I am entering Brindavana sitting with padmaasana in the japa of Sri Hari always. So I am concluding my avatara today on this shraavana bahula bidige. From this day onwards till seven hundred years I will be in the Brindavana as per the adesha of Sri Hari. The accumulated punya and the punya acquired in the japa in the Brindavana is completely reserved for all the devotees of the world, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and nation.
Dear Devotees, please do not have hatred towards other religions and sects. Other caste people they may offer the Naivedya in their own way and style. But our Sri Hari will accept the things which are dear to him in his own form of purity and sanctity. Sri Hari is the only God who can impart Moksha to the able jeevas.Shruti is describing that Sarvottama Sri Hari Narayana is the only God to relieve us from all the sorrows and miseries and take us to Permanent happiness (Moksha):
Narayanosow Paramo Vichintyaha Mumkshubhihi KarmaPaashad Mushmaat.
Devotees in order to fulfill the will and the Desire of Sri Hari, today I am concluding my avatara and stay in the Brindavana for seven hundred years and always engage myself in the Japa of Sri Hari. For this noble task I am entering Brindavana Sa Shareera. As per the Manudharma love and respect your own religious formalities and the traditions with unalterable faith and devotion . Live with peace and harmony. Be kind and courteous to others feelings and ideas. Do not hurt the feelings of others. Don’t be proud, be away from egoism. Think about others act softly, be selfless, polite and kind. We are all the servants of Sri Hari. Always speak true, Universal affection and love of mankind one should have in his life. Respect and regard the elders Stottamaru and Swaottamaru. Repentance feeling one should have when ever he does some mistakes. Be kind towards all the living animals, creatures, maintain good character and always be in touch of noble philosophy of Sri Madhwacharya which inculcates the real values of life and become a reader of Sadgranthas. Though I enter Brindavana the Granthas of Sri Madacharya,The Teekas of Malkheda Sri Jaiteertharu and the granthas composed by me are all here, read them, follow them and act accordingly.
Dear Devotees today I wish to say that Strong faith belief and devotion towards Sri Hari is the only way to liberate from all the sorrows and worries. Sri Hari is the only omnipotent and omniscient who can impart Chaturvidha Purushaartha to us.
YOU ALL MUST LEAD A HAPPY LIFE THAT IS THE ONLY INTENTION FOR THIS I AM GOING TO BE HERE IN THE NEELA BRINDAVANA FOR A LONG JAPA OF SRI HARI:
Samaayaat Samaayaat Purushaarthhino Janaaha SamaashrayadhvamasmachreeHrutpadmasthalam Ramaapatim.
Devotees you are all desirous of Dharma Artha Kaama Moksha, So pray him,worship him, Ramaapati Laxmipati Sri ManNarayana is in my heart. You will really acquire all the good things in your lifetime.
SARVAE JANAAHA SUKHINO BHAVANTU SAMASTU SANMANGALAANI BHAVANTU.
So Mantralaya Sri Raghavendrateertharu with great concern and affection addressed in Mantralaya to the gathered mass on that day of Shraavana Bahula Dwiteeya. With smile raised his hands towards the devotees Blessed and gave Abhaya to all.
Then Rayaru climbed the steps of Garbhaalaya one by one while entered the 6x6 square Antarguha, Rayaru holding the hand to Sri Yogeendrateertharu, bade farewell with a smile. spread the krishnajina sat in Padmaasana with Danda Kamandalu and Japamaala. At that moment there are no words to describe shining face of Rayaru with Divine Bliss. Completely involved in the world of Sri Moola Rama,Narahari,Rama,Krishna, Vedavyasa and egaged in the JAPA : OM OM OM OM OM OM holding the Japamaala in the hand. All took the Divya Darshana of Gururayaru. The Omkaara filled the whole universe at that time. Devotees with emotion cried with loud voice.
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Thomas Munroe Incident
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When Sir Thomas Munroe was the Collector of Bellary in 1800, the Madras Government ordered him to procure the entire income from the Math and Manthralaya village. When the Revenue officials were unable to comply with this order, Sir Thomas Munroe visited the Math for investigation. He removed his hat and shoes and entered the sacred precincts. Sri Raghavendraswamy emerged from the Brindavan and conversed with him for sometime, about the resumption of endowment. The Saint was visible and audible only to Munroe who received Manthraksha. The Collector went back and wrote an order in favour of the Math and the village. This notification was published in the Madras Government Gazette in Chapter XI and page 213, with the caption ``Manchali Adoni Taluka''. This order is still preserved in Fort St. George and Manthralayam.
Please see the order copy as below.
All the priests in the Math were much annoyed, because in spite of their long and sincere service, he did not give them darshan. That night, Guruji appeared in the dream of the chief priest and told him that as Prahaladha, he and Munroe were class-mates in Kritha Yuga and he was destined to perform this noble deed of solving the Math's problem. Hence the unique privilege.
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How to Reach Mantralaya
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Mantralayam is situated in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh,in India. Various Buses ply from Madras, Mumbai,Banglore,Hyderabadetc. It is 595 Km from Madras and 690 km from Mumbai and around 360 Km from Hyderabad. It has many tourist facilities for pilgrims to stay. It is situated on the banks of river Thungabadhra. It can also be reached by train. It is on the train route between Mumbai-Madras , Delhi-Banglore , Hyderbad-Tirupathi. The station name is "Mantralayam Road", it is 16 Kms from Mantralayam. You can travel to Mantralayam from Mantralayam Road station by private Jeeps, taxis, autorickshaws or public bus. Approximate cost of travel per person is Rs.50 for private transport and Rs.4 for Public Bus.
Route Map from Bangalore : http://maps.google.co.in/maps?hl=en&tab=wl#
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ReplyDeleteI liked very much,Thanks for sharing.May rayaru bless all with good health and happiness!!!!:)
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