Mantralaya-1069

(The magnificence of Navabrindavana)

Date Dec 21, 2023

Background

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||
SATYAMEVA   JAYATI NA ANRUTA


Background

Building upon the content presented in Mantralaya 1068, the magnificence of Navabrindavana and the life narrative of Sri PadmanabhaTeertharu is further elaborated in Mantralaya(1069).

Meaning

In the previous article, we explored the sanctity of NavaBrindavana and the 700th-year Aradhana celebration of Sri PadmanabhaTeertharu. We also recounted a miraculous event that unfolded, revealing a sign to Sri SubhudendraTeertharu that Sri Jayatheertharu is pleased with the celebrations of Sri PadmanabhaTeertharu.

In this series, let's delve deeper into Hampi and the life of Sri PadmanabhaTeertharu.

In the present day, followers from across the globe warmly embrace Navavrundavana for its deep and profound silence. Situated within a sacred and holy landscape, surrounded by the bountiful gifts of nature, this sanctum ensures the achievement of Siddhi and the blessings of Sri Hari Vayu Guru. The seventh canto of the Bhagavata, particularly in its fifteenth chapter, eloquently illustrates the monumental significance of this place, where each element carries its own historical and epic value.

Within the embrace of Navavrundavana, unfolded significant historical events, such as Taradevi's austere Tapasya on the mountain that stands opposite the sanctum. This endeavor led to the mountain being christened Anegundi, and the sacred Navavrundavana became known as Taraparvata. Amidst the cosmic churning known as Samudra Manthana, a fierce competition ensued between the gods and demons, giving rise to the poisonous Kaalakoota. Fearlessly, Lord Mahadeva, also revered as Rudradeva, Shiva, or Parameshwara, ingested the poison, resulting in his throat turning blue and earning him the appellation Neelakantha. The Kaalakoota now resides at the heart of Navavrundavana on the Kaalakootadri, where Shiva temporarily sojourned, successfully digesting the entire venomous substance. This heroic act brought immense joy to Mahadeva.

In the present era, Anegundi, Navavrundavana, and Hampi have become the most esteemed Siddhi places for devotees across the globe. The sacred waters of Punyakotiteertha provide a chance for deep purification, and a modest virtuous deed carried out here is believed to hold the merit of a hundred crores or more performed elsewhere.

By taking a holy dip in the Punyakotiteertha, the merit of the tiniest virtuous act becomes magnified, resulting in Navavrundavana standing as an unparalleled Siddhi place.

In the time of the Ramayana, the esteemed city of Hampi held its own sanctity, authenticity, and historical importance. Anegundi and Kishkindha, the dwellings within Hampi, bore witness to the courageous and chivalrous days when Vaali and Sugreeva lived there, thriving in all aspects. It is clear that these locales played a crucial role in shaping their destinies.
Our revered Maryaada Purushottama, Sri Ramachandradevaru, dedicated a significant portion of his Vanavaasa to Hampi, especially during the chaturmaasa, engaging in rituals and offering worship to the esteemed Sri Virupakshadevaru. Sri Ramachandradevaru even took a sacred dip in the Tungabhadra, drawing parallels to the Sarayu river of Ayodhya. Captivated by the abundant natural beauty and sanctity, Sri Rama, accompanied by his brother Sri Laxmana, opted to sojourn in Hampi. The Karnataka emperors governed with grandeur, fostering harmony with the citizens, promoting the utmost welfare for the prajas, erecting expansive temples, and transforming Hampi into a city that stands out as remarkable and unforgettable.

Sri Vyasaraja Yativarya, the mentor to Kanakadasa and Purandaradasaru, designated Hampi as the central hub for his creative and devotional endeavors. In commemoration of Sri Ramachandradevaru's initial darshana to Hanumantha on the banks of Tungabhadra at Chakrateertha, Sri Vyasarajaru, endowed with devotional prowess, rendered a fervent and angara-infused depiction as a sacred testimony and homage. Seeking the blessings of Sri Hari, he conducted countless japa rituals and fashioned a Yantra, beseeching Swami Hanumadevaru to eternally reside for the welfare of devotees.

To the northeast of Anegundi stretches a vast hilly expanse known as Taara Parvata, a profoundly sacred area that enchants and brings joy to the heart. This hilly terrain, positioned in front of the island, is accompanied by another hill to the west, named Kaalakutaadri Parvata Hill. The Tungabhadra River encircles Kaalakutaadri, flowing in two directions along the rocky bed, giving rise to an island. The two distinct flows of Tungabhadra are designated as Punyakotiteertha and Virajateertha towards the north and south sides, respectively. The sacred Tungabhadra, due to the presence of this island, has garnered two sacred names, contributing to the holiness of Nava Vrundavana. Enveloped by a hilly landscape and the forceful flow of the sacred Tungabhadra, indications of Divya Kshetra and Punya Kshetra abound.Upon reaching this island, the sight of the Nine Yatis' Brindavana brings joy.

Let's delve into the life of Sri PadmanabhaTheertharu.

Pundit Shobhana Bhattaru, a distinguished Advaita Sanskrit scholar, shone like a diamond in the realm of King Ganapathi from the Kakatiya dynasty.There was a Vedic debate where Pundit Shobhana Bhattaru was anticipated to emerge victorious due to his extensive knowledge. Sriman Madhwacharya participated in the debate and emerged as the winner. Shobhana Bhatta was astounded by the scholarly prowess of Sriman Madhwacharya.
Shobhana Bhattaru had the opportunity to peruse Acharya Madhwa’s Granthaas during Acharya’s visit to the Godavari river basin. Having thoroughly examined the entire set of granthaas, Shobhana Bhattaru engaged in various styles of arguments with Acharya Madhwa. Despite his attempts, Shobhana Bhattaru was defeated by Acharya Madhwa and gracefully accepted his defeat. Later, he listened to the Brahmasootra bhashya from Acharya Madhwa and concluded that Madhwa Shastra had no faults. Overwhelmed with happiness after reviewing the Madhwa Bhashya, Shobhana Bhattaru requested Acharya Madhwa to initiate him into sanyasa. Sri Madhwachaarya then took sanyashram, assumed the name Shri Padmanabha Tirtha, and became his first disciple.


Here is the propagation of Madhwa Shastra by Sri Padmanabhatirtharu. Sri Padmanabhatirtharu illustrated the essence of Madhwa Shastra using the analogy of Balamuri shankha , conch shell which has opening on rightside. Acharya Padmanabha Tirtha drew a parallel between Balamuri Shankha and Acharya Madhwa’s Shastra. If a Churnaka, who specializes in making chunam, discovers a Balamuri Shankha but is unaware of its value, he may attempt to cut it into pieces. Failing to do so, he might discard it, deeming it useless. In this context, the Churnaka initially sees the Balamuri Shankha (Madhwa Shastra) but perceives it as having no utility because he lacks an understanding of its significance. This analogy suggests that Madhwa Shastra should not be studied solely for our material sustenance.

In contrast, when another individual who recognizes the value of the Shankha acquires it, he sells it for a considerable sum. However, this person does not fully harness the potential of the Balamuri Shankha (Madhwa Shastra) since his pursuit is primarily focused on accumulating worldly wealth. Acharya’s shastra, like the Balamuri Shankha, should be studied continually to gain profound knowledge.

Subsequently, the Balamuri Shankha is purchased by a king who reverently places it in the pooja room, performing daily rituals with true devotion. As a result, he attains immense prosperity consistently. Acharya Madhwa’s Shastra is likened to a kalpavruksha, its value growing with diligent hearing and contemplation, an enduring source of enrichment.


It's awe-inspiring to witness the legacy of three eminent scholars—Sri ShankaraCharyaru, Sri MadhwaCharyaru, and Sri RamanujaaCharyaru—who are collectively known as Trivali Yatis. Their profound understanding of Vedic literature and relentless dedication to Dharma has played a pivotal role in sustaining the essence of righteousness that persists today. The existence of Dharma is a testament to their invaluable contributions.

Sri RaghavendraTeertharu emphasizes that a single lifetime is insufficient to comprehend the works of Sri MadhwaCharyaru and Sri Jayatheertharu. If such a statement comes from Rayaru, one can only imagine the challenge for ordinary individuals like us. Hence, Sri Raghavendraru authored numerous commentaries on the works of Sri MadhwaCharyaru and Sri Jayatheertharu, aiming to facilitate understanding for ordinary individuals like us.

The devotion towards Sri Raghavendrateertharu is the ultimate truth and is the most simple and effective way to reach Sri Hari  - "NAMBI KETTAVARILLAVO EE GURUGALA"! “Those who have complete faith in this Guru will never be disappointed.”

   || BICHALI JAPADAKATTI SRI APPANACHARYA PRIYA MANTRALAYA
   SRI RAGHAVENDRATEERTHA GURUBHYO NAMAHA||