Mantralaya-2037

(Nanjangudu, the sacred abode of Sri Kanteshwara and Sri Raghavendra Swamy - Part 2)

Date : April 10, 2025

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||

Background

Nanjangudu, the sacred abode of Sri Kanteshwara and Sri Raghavendra Swamy, arrival of Sri Rayaru to Nanjangudu is described  in Mantralaya (2037).

Meaning

In the previous article, we explored the sanctity of Nanjanagudu,  a truly sacred place where Sri Kanteshwara resides. In this series, we will delve into the divine arrival of Sri Raghavendra Swamy at Nanjanagudu. This has been previously touched upon in Mantralaya (1041) and Mantralaya (1042) while discussing the life and contributions of Sri SujnanedraTeertharu.

In the luminous lineage of Mantralaya, one of the names that shines brightly is that of Sri SujnanedraTeertharu, a soul deeply immersed in devotion and spiritual wisdom. Sri Raghavendra Swamy, ever compassionate and all knowing, blessed SujnanedraTeertharu with the rare and potent power of Mantra Siddhi, a divine energy that manifests spiritual intentions into reality. With this sacred boon, Sri SujnanedraTeertharu became an instrument of Rayaru’s grace. One day, during his daily Japa of the Sri Raghavendra Ashtakshari Mantra, Swamiji’s gaze accidentally fell upon a sparrow nearby, and to the astonishment of everyone, the sparrow instantly perished. However, this was no ordinary incident. Swamiji was heartbroken and fasted that day, feeling deep sorrow. That night, Sri Rayaru appeared in his dream and comforted him: “That sparrow was once a serpent, now born as a bird. It was a pious soul, awaiting liberation. By granting you Mantra Siddhi, I gave you the power to free it. This was Sri Hari’s will.”

Such was the compassion and spiritual mastery of Sri SujnanedraTeertharu by the blessing of Sri Raghavendrateertharu. A British officer was once witness to Sri SujnanedraTeertharu’s divine aura. When King Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar sent the officer to visit Swamiji regarding Mutt matters, Swamiji, immersed in prayer, remained unseen to the officer, though clearly visible to others. The officer, humbled and amazed, bowed to the unseen mystic and approved all documents, acknowledging that Swamiji was a divine soul. Despite such miracles, Sri SujnanedraTeertharu never took credit and always directed praise to Rayaru. Desiring to spend his final days in Mantralaya, SujnanedraTeertharu prayed to Sri Rayaru for permission to attain Brindavana near him. Rayaru appeared in his dream and said, “My child, go to Nanjanagudu. Await my arrival. I will come to you.”

Obedient to his Guru’s words, Sri SujnanedraTeertharu returned to Nanjanagudu, where he began performing daily pooja near to  Sree Kanteshwara temple. When certain narrow-minded scholars criticized Sri SujnanedraTeertharu  for worshipping Shiva, Swamiji clarified their misconception. He said, “Shiva is Mano Niyamaka, the one who purifies the mind and paves the way for unwavering devotion to Sri Hari. Without the grace of Shiva, even remembrance of Sri Hari becomes difficult.”With divine wisdom, he quoted Purandaradasaru’s kriti—"ತೈಲಧಾರೆಯಂತೆ ಮನಸು ಕೊಡೊ ಹರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಶಂಭೋ" and explained how saints, including Madhwacharya and Haridasas, honored Lord Shiva. Sri SujnanedraTeertharu urged everyone to chant Shiva Stuti composed by Sri Narayana Panditacharya. The scholars, moved by Swamiji’s explanation, shed their pride and embraced the holistic truth of Madhwa philosophy.

Time passed, and Swamiji continued his poojas with intense devotion, waiting for the signal from his beloved Guru. One night, Sri Raghavendra Swamy appeared in his dream and said, “My promise will be fulfilled. I am coming to Nanjanagudu in three days. Make preparations to receive me.” Swamiji, overwhelmed with emotion, wept tears of joy and began chanting the Guru Stotra with even more dedication.

On that very night, a miracle was unfolding. Sri Rayaru appeared in the dreams of three different people. To the Brahmins of Srirangapatna, Sri Rayaru said, “Go to the Kaveri River tomorrow. You will find me there in the form of a rock idol. Bring me to Nanjanagudu.” Then, Rayaru appeared in the dream of  washerman (Dhobi) and said, “Stop beating me every day with clothes. I am tired. Tomorrow, hand over the rock to the Brahmins. You’ll be blessed.” Finally, Sri Rayaru visited King Krishnaraja Wodeyar in a dream and said, “Prepare a grand procession tomorrow. I am coming. When the Brahmins bring me, honor me and send me to Nanjanagudu.”

As instructed, the next morning the washerman reached the riverbank. The moment he lifted his cloth to strike, he remembered the dream. To his shock, the rock beneath emitted a divine “Om.” He turned it over and saw the clear form of Sri Raghavendra Swamy etched upon it. The washerman collapsed in tears, chanting “Om Sri Raghavendraya Namaha.” Just then, the Brahmins arrived, equally stunned to see the washerman and the idol exactly as their dream revealed. Overcome with devotion, they lifted the rock, now transformed into a Vigraha of Rayaru, and began their journey, chanting sacred mantras with every step.

Meanwhile, King Wodeyar had arranged a magnificent royal welcome. Elephants, horses, cows, musicians, dancers, and Vedic scholars filled the streets. When the Brahmins carrying Rayaru's idol approached, the king bowed in complete surrender. He performed arati and organized a majestic procession toward Nanjanagudu.

At Nanjanagudu, Sri SujnanedraTeertharu was waiting anxiously, eyes fixed on the path. As the sounds of “Om Sri Raghavendraya Namaha” filled the air, the temple bells of Sri SreeKanteshwara rang by themselves and flowers fell from the idol of Lord Shiva welcoming Sri Rayaru. Swamiji rushed out, tears blurring his eyes, and fell at Rayaru’s feet. Time stood still. With great reverence and in accordance with Madhwa traditions, Swamiji installed the idol of Sri RaghavendraTeertharu, the only Vigraha of Rayaru in the world, as all other places have his Brindavana.

Sri SujnanedraTeertharu performed Sri Moola Rama pooja, offered Hastodaka to Rayaru, and concluded with Maha Mangalarati. The dhobi, the Brahmins, and Wodeyar all stood there overwhelmed, knowing they had been part of a divine leela, chosen by Sri Rayaru himself.

The next day, right after Uttara Aradhana of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, Sri SujnanedraTeertharu merged with the lotus feet of Sri Hari, fulfilling his deep desire to attain Brindavana near his Guru. Sri SujnanedraTeertharu Poorva Aradhana coincides with Rayaru’s Uttara Aradhana, symbolizing the inseparable bond between Guru and disciple. It was a divine culmination of love, devotion, and surrender.

Within the Sri Raghavendra Swamy mutt in Nanjanagudu lies the Pancha Madhwa Brindavana , the sacred memorials of five esteemed saints who dedicated their lives to the path of Dvaita philosophy and the service of Lord Vishnu.
The Brindavanas enshrine the spiritual legacies of five revered saints:
  1. Sri Subodhendra Teertha (1799–1835) – A guiding light of the Madhwa tradition, his wisdom and devotion left an indelible mark on spiritual seekers.
  2. Sri Sujnanendra Teertha (1836–1861) – A beacon of knowledge, he led the community with insight, nurturing countless disciples on their spiritual journey.
  3. Sri Sujanendra Teertha (1807–1836) – A scholar of immense repute, he dedicated his life to the preservation of Dvaita teachings.
  4. Sri Suprajnendra Teertha (1884–1903) – Known for his unwavering commitment to the teachings of Sri Madhwacharya, he worked tirelessly to uplift the spiritual consciousness of his followers.
  5. Sri Sukruteendra Teertha (1903–1912) – A saint who reinforced the divine principles of the Madhwa school, overseeing the spiritual and administrative activities of the mutt with great dedication.
These Brindavanas are living embodiments of divine presence. The air around them is charged with spirituality and devotees who sit in their shadow often speak of experiencing profound peace, visions, and moments of transcendence. The vibrations of ancient chants, the deep resonance of temple bells, and the fragrance of incense create an atmosphere that transcends the material world, offering a glimpse into the eternal.

The life of Sri SujnanedraTeertharu reminds us that those who surrender to Sri Raghavendra Swamy with unwavering faith are never forgotten. Sri Rayaru’s grace transcends lifetimes, guiding us to the path of Moksha. As Sri Appanacharya sings:“Shri Raghavendraha Sakalapradaataa... Aghadri Sambhedana Drishti Vajraha...”. Rayaru is the thunderbolt that shatters mountains of sin, and the ocean of compassion who forgives even the most fallen souls. Let us hold onto his lotus feet with devotion, for in that surrender lies our salvation.

Dear devotees,Nanjanagudu is not just a sacred town, it is a divine kshetra, a holy land steeped in spiritual vibrations and blessed with the presence of both Sri Kanteshwara (Lord Shiva) and our beloved Sri Raghavendra Swamy. This sacred soil has witnessed divine leelas and continues to radiate the grace of these great deities.

One of the most miraculous blessings of this place is the unique vigraha (idol) form of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, unlike the Brindavanas seen elsewhere, here, Rayaru manifests in idol form, a rare and powerful occurrence. His divine presence here is not just a symbol, but a testimony to the spiritual importance of Nanjanagudu. Adding to the sanctity of the place is the Pancha Brindavana, the resting place of five great Yatis of the Raghavendra lineage. These Brindavanas are not mere memorials; they are powerful centers of divine energy, radiating peace, devotion, and blessings to all who surrender at their feet.

For those residing in Bengaluru or Mysuru, this holy kshetra is easily accessible. Please make it a priority to visit this sacred place with your family and immerse yourself in its divine atmosphere. A single visit, filled with devotion and surrender, can uplift the heart and purify the mind.

Let us recognize how truly fortunate we are, to be born in an era where we have the opportunity to visit, witness, and serve such sacred sites. It is indeed the fruit of our past good deeds (punya) that we are able to walk where saints once walked and bow our heads where the divine still resides.

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||