Learn Sri Raghavendra Mangalashtaka

On this auspicious 337th Aaradhana of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, it is my privilege and punya to describe the meaning of Sri Raghavendra Mangalashtaka composed by Bichali Sri Appanacharyaru a great devotee of Mantralaya Yatiraat Sri Raghavendrateertharu and author of:

*      Sri Raghavendra Gurustotra

*      Sri Raghavendra Mangalashtaka

*      Sri Raghavendra Kavacha.

 

As already described,Sri Appanacharya hearing the news about the Sa Shareera Brindavana pravesha of his beloved guru Sri Raghavendrateertharu, immersed in deep sorrow. In Bichali at the Japadakatti the river Tungabhadra was simply overflowing with spate owing to the Shraavana Maasa and at that time there was no dam. Crossed the river remembering his Guru “Om Sri Raghavendraya Namaha”, while crossing Tungabhadra his affection, devotion made him to speak, spontaneously through Ashukavitva went on praising Rayaru through Sanskrit shlokas. This is famous in the world as Sri Raghavendra Stotra ­ Gurustotra, as Appanacharya knew the complete divine personality of Mantralaya Rayaru. After reaching Mantralaya the Gurustotra was completed by Rayaru is known to all.

After the Brindavana pravesha of Sri Raghavendrateertharu, Bichali Sri Appanacharya could not tolerate the separation of his beloved guru, always stayed in Mantralaya taking the Darshana of Rayara Brindavana.Appanacharya became Antarmukhi always thinking about Rayaru. One day in the dream Rayaru said go to Bichali, see your house, your family and look into farms and the cultivation. As per the Adesha of Rayaru Appanacharya returned to Bichali, but became desperate, looking at the Japadakatti and the scene of the days spent with his guru made him more and more to see Rayaru.So everyday Appanacharya used to cross the river Tungabhadra and go to Mantralaya. Again Sri Rayaru told him, look Appanacharya , you need not come to Mantralaya. In Bichali on the Japadakatti you install the Brindavana that too Ek Shila Brindavana and not of Mruttika., that Japadakatti is very dear to me, we both used to sit there and spend hours together. That is the most sacred sanctum and Rayaru said I will give Darshana by Jyoti Roopa.Sri Appanacharya agreed and did the pratishthaapana of Ek Shila Brindavana on the Japadakatti.

Sri Appanacharya in Bichali always lived at the sanctum of Japadakatti Ek Shila Brindavana. A great Punyavanta who was getting the Darshana of Rayaru daily. How Fortunate was  Sri Appanacharya!

From Hampi Anegundi Navavrundavana crossing and encircling the vast hilly area Tungabhadra is flowing comfortably in Bichali near the Japadakatti amidst the thick greenery of trees and rich garden.Sri Appanacharya sitting at this sanctum only has composed : SRI RAGHAVENDRA  KAVACHA   and SRI RAGHAVENDRA MANGALASHTAKA.

Mangalshataka is composed with Devotion by Sri Appanacharyaru  a great scholar in the most sophisticated language, depicting the divine personality of Sri Raghavendrateertharu who is always Blessing his devotees :SriMatSadguruRaghavendraYatiraatKuryaatDhruvamMangalam

It is quite  heartening to know that Sri Appancharya sitting near the Ek Shila Brindavana only has composed with great devotion  the Mangalashtaka of Rayaru. All the Eight shlokas while composing he has seen Rayaru his beloved guru and described the divine personality of our Yatiraat and the importance of Mantralaya. With strong faith and belief our Bichali staunch devotee Appanacharya has composed with confidence and said:

 

Mahima of Mangalashtaka  - Devotees chanting  this Divine  Mangalashtaka daily with faith and  devotion for three times will be free from all the accumulated papas, that will be simply vanished within minutes by Rayaru. Devotees   surrendering to Rayaru completely, will get Sri Hari Bhakti Gnyana, abundant Blessings of Goddess Saraswati, SuGnyana ­ good knowledge and also Moksha In this life for the Seva of Sri Hari we will acquire good health, purnayussu, Success in all our undertakings, with good wife, children and also the good  relatives. Really the Divinely Saint who is always impariting the most auspicious to his devotees will Bless always in life where ever they are.

 

|| BICHALI SRI APPANACHARYAPRIYA MANTRALAYA SRI RAGHAVENDRATEERTHA GURUBHYO NAMAHA ||

- Raghvendra Patwari.

August 18th.2008