(Translated from my Tamil article by Sri Gurunandan Balavantha Rao)
Hari
Sarvothma Vaayu
Jivothma
1. Sri Raghavendra Stotra
Sri
Raghavendra Swamy Stotra, a spontaneous outflow by Sri Appannacharya is quite
renowned. Madhwas chant this daily. My understanding of this is purely by the
grace of Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s. With sincere worship to Sri Raghavendra
Swamy, this series of postings commences. This is an attempt of an ardent devoteee
of Sri Raghavendra Swamy and any feedback or corrections in this may please be
pointed out for course correction. To start with, about Sri Appannacharya in
brief.
Pundit
Sri Appannacharya – he is to Sri Raghavendra Swamy what Sri Purandaradaasa is
to Sri Vyaasaraja Swamy. Agewise, he is elder to Swamiji by 2 years. He lived
at a place called Bichali, situated on the banks of river Thungabadhra. He is a
landlord, yet was very humble devoid of any pride.
He
was running his own Gurukula, training and nurturing students. He was extremely
devoted to Sri Madhwachar. Being a landlord, yet, he used to send his students
for Bhiksha, fully aware that seeking Bhiksha is a dharma, he wanted to stress
upon the fact that those learning art and Vedas must seek Bhiksha and must not
shun away from that. When his students seek bhiksha, people would voluntarily
come forward and provide alms in plenty. Rice sought through bhiksha was
stored, and Sri Appannacharya, with the grace of Annappoorneswari, used to cook
this without fire. Such is the greatness of Sri Appannacharya.
Sri
Raghavendra Swamy visited Bichali and stayed at Sri Appannacharya’s place. Sri
Appannacharya was very much devoted to Sri Raghavendra Swmay. They used to
discuss and debate about several things in Sanskrit. Sri Raghavendra Swamy,
advised Sri Appannacharya to give up certain unwanted practices, as they were
detrimental to health and also to make him eligible to be his successor for the
Mutt activities. Sri Appannacharya replied stating that he has become a slave
for certain practices and hence unable to give up. Sri Raghavendra Swamy,
realising that Appannacharya is yet to get the required refinement expected
from a sanyaasi, dis not insist further.
Sri
Raghavendra Swamy donated some land to Appannacharya. Appannacharya politely
refused, stating that he himself owns lands. Yet, Sri Raghavendra Swamy
insisted and as per his insistence, Appannacharya got the land. This was near
Mantralaya. Every now and then, Appannacharya used to visit Mantralaya from
Bichali and offered seva.
Appannacharya did not have children. Sri
Raghavendra Swamy blessed him and as per his advise, Appannacharya got married
again, and was blessed with children
2. Sri Raghavendra
Swamy’s first leela:
Even today, the current generations of Appannacharya’s lineage continue to live in Bhichali and perform Seva at Mantralaya. Appannacharya himself used to cook and offer to Sri Raghavendra Swamy. He will get into discussions and debate on various aspects of Shastra with Raghavendra Swamy. Sri Raghavendra Swamy himself wanted Appannacharya to be by his side – such is his greatness. But at a stage, when it was time to take some critical decisions, why is it that Appannacharya had to be sent to a far off place, away from Sri Raghavendra Swamy? That is destiny. It is only this destiny that gave us the great Stotra.
All of a sudden, Sri Raghavendra Swamy called Venkanna and told him about the decision to get into Brindavana. Venkanna was in a state of shock, and wanted to see Appanna immediately. Ultimately, this decision of Brindavana Pravesha reached the ears of Appanna also.
August 8th, 1761 Friday afternoon – Tungabadra river runs in between Bichali and Mantralaya. Sri Raghavendra Swamy got into Brindavana, still in open condition and staretd his japa. He had instructed Venkanna that the Brindavana had to be closed when his japa maala stops.
At this stage, I am reminded of Navbrindhavana. The mode of commute is boat from Anegundi. Sri Vyasaraja Swamy is at the centre of Navbrindhavana. Sri Raghavendra Swamy, in his poorvashrama is Sri Prahlada and Sri Vyasaraja Swamy.
Appanna is standing, stranded on the other side of Tungabadra. The only thought running in his mind was – have a dharshan of his Guru. Nothingelse. Tungabadra was running in full force. Appanna was reminded of all his discussions with Swamiji and the countless debates on various aspects. All that he wanted at this stage was – a dharshan, atleast a glimpse of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. Chanting the name of Swamiji, he jumped into the river. This particular spot where he jumped into the river can be seen even today, and visitors are explained about this at Bichali.
He starts chanting - “Shri Poornabodha Gurutheertha payobdhipaara…”. Tungabadhra automatically paves way for Appanna. Who is Sri Poornabodha? Sri Anandhatheertha. Ultimate authority in Vedas and scriptures and gives mankind the correct interpretation. He is the one who first wrote the meaning of Mahabharatha. He took avtar as Sri Hanuman, Sri Bhima. Worshipping Hanuman as “Labadhae” , he grants every possible wish – santhana, wealth, knowledge, name, fame and what not – so says Sri Vyasaraja Theertha in his sloka on Hanuman.
By placing a hard rock of gigantic dimensions (6.1* 3.6* 10.98 length, breadth and height respectively in metres), he prevented everyone from such a big flood. This is called “Bhemanna Kallu” and is seen even today.
His works are always a life saver and the right guide for all of us. Sri Raghavendra Swamy who has authored various works and has written explanation for his various works is the right guide for all of us. Tungabadhra river resembes a sea to Appannacharya. With full belief that Srimad Achar’s disciple Sri Raghavendra Swamy will save and guard him, he jumps into the river. The river automatically paves way for him. Appannacharya starts chanting the stotra extempore.
Just think of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, and he takes care of everything. He listens to Appanna’s prayer. Afterall, Appanna is his very close friend. And it is only Sri Raghavendra Swamy who concludes the stotra.
“Prayer is a golden chain that connects mankind and paradise” – an English poem
Even today, the current generations of Appannacharya’s lineage continue to live in Bhichali and perform Seva at Mantralaya. Appannacharya himself used to cook and offer to Sri Raghavendra Swamy. He will get into discussions and debate on various aspects of Shastra with Raghavendra Swamy. Sri Raghavendra Swamy himself wanted Appannacharya to be by his side – such is his greatness. But at a stage, when it was time to take some critical decisions, why is it that Appannacharya had to be sent to a far off place, away from Sri Raghavendra Swamy? That is destiny. It is only this destiny that gave us the great Stotra.
All of a sudden, Sri Raghavendra Swamy called Venkanna and told him about the decision to get into Brindavana. Venkanna was in a state of shock, and wanted to see Appanna immediately. Ultimately, this decision of Brindavana Pravesha reached the ears of Appanna also.
August 8th, 1761 Friday afternoon – Tungabadra river runs in between Bichali and Mantralaya. Sri Raghavendra Swamy got into Brindavana, still in open condition and staretd his japa. He had instructed Venkanna that the Brindavana had to be closed when his japa maala stops.
At this stage, I am reminded of Navbrindhavana. The mode of commute is boat from Anegundi. Sri Vyasaraja Swamy is at the centre of Navbrindhavana. Sri Raghavendra Swamy, in his poorvashrama is Sri Prahlada and Sri Vyasaraja Swamy.
Appanna is standing, stranded on the other side of Tungabadra. The only thought running in his mind was – have a dharshan of his Guru. Nothingelse. Tungabadra was running in full force. Appanna was reminded of all his discussions with Swamiji and the countless debates on various aspects. All that he wanted at this stage was – a dharshan, atleast a glimpse of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. Chanting the name of Swamiji, he jumped into the river. This particular spot where he jumped into the river can be seen even today, and visitors are explained about this at Bichali.
He starts chanting - “Shri Poornabodha Gurutheertha payobdhipaara…”. Tungabadhra automatically paves way for Appanna. Who is Sri Poornabodha? Sri Anandhatheertha. Ultimate authority in Vedas and scriptures and gives mankind the correct interpretation. He is the one who first wrote the meaning of Mahabharatha. He took avtar as Sri Hanuman, Sri Bhima. Worshipping Hanuman as “Labadhae” , he grants every possible wish – santhana, wealth, knowledge, name, fame and what not – so says Sri Vyasaraja Theertha in his sloka on Hanuman.
By placing a hard rock of gigantic dimensions (6.1* 3.6* 10.98 length, breadth and height respectively in metres), he prevented everyone from such a big flood. This is called “Bhemanna Kallu” and is seen even today.
His works are always a life saver and the right guide for all of us. Sri Raghavendra Swamy who has authored various works and has written explanation for his various works is the right guide for all of us. Tungabadhra river resembes a sea to Appannacharya. With full belief that Srimad Achar’s disciple Sri Raghavendra Swamy will save and guard him, he jumps into the river. The river automatically paves way for him. Appannacharya starts chanting the stotra extempore.
Just think of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, and he takes care of everything. He listens to Appanna’s prayer. Afterall, Appanna is his very close friend. And it is only Sri Raghavendra Swamy who concludes the stotra.
“Prayer is a golden chain that connects mankind and paradise” – an English poem
3.Greatness of Sri
Raghavendra Swamy Stotra
1. “Sri Poorna Bhodha ….Maam magna roopan sadhaa” – in these lines, Appannacharya describes the greatness of Sri Raghavendra Swamy.
2. The next part “Raghavendra Guru Stotram…” till the concluding part is phlasruthi – that is, it describes the benefits of chanting this Stotra,
The very first verse itself describes greatness of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Stotra, and hence is known as Sri poorna Bhodha Stotra. Chanting this verse itself yields so much of benefits.
Appannacharya describes Sri Rayuru as “sakalapradaataa”. He yields / grrants everything. Dhrishti Vajraha – the way Indra destroys meountains with his Vajrayudha, Swamy destroys our sins.
There are several Mathas established and Mathaadhipathis / chief pontiffs are quite high in number. But none can match the greatness of Madhwa Matha lineage and the greatness of Madhwa Matha Gurus. This is not just flattery. Just with the very description of the place, one can indicate the respective Madhwa Guru / yethi. Other than Malkhed, I have had the opportunity to visit all places.
My mother is a staunch devotee of Sri Rayar. Very often and just like that, she used to perform sevas at our native place. She always used to cook with charcoal and wood only. She will lie down on floor in the puja hall. Till her last minute, she had with her a coconut that was offered to her by a Sri Raghavendra Swamy Upasakaa after due pujas. Even today, I continue to preserve that coconut and every Thursday, worship that, observing extreme “sowla”.
Our first visit to Mantralaya was in 1964 with our entire family. Those days, it was a very different place – like any other Matha. The Pontiff used to be seated on a verandah. The Brindavana used to be a hall with roof made up of shell. Brindavana used to be quite gigantic, very commanding and divine in nature. Pradakshina of the Brindavana was possible those days. Archak used to fetch Mrithika from Brindavana and give to devotees, and the Mrithika quantity was more than sufficient, sometime even overflowing (from) our hands. Mrithika is wo auspicious – that has driven away so many evil forces.
(If Iam right, these days, the stone based Brindavana has been slightly relocated to make it visible to all devotees). The dining hall can accommodate around 50 members and for Hasthothaka, the Pontiff himself would give theertha to all.
Brindavana continues with its greatness as always, even today. Only thing is, Mrithika is not offered to all. Devotees throng the place in thousands only because of his greatness.
Every year, we are visiting Mantralaya. In every visit, I do find several changes and growth at Mantralaya. Even I have experienced a significant growth in myself. This is possible only because of Madhwachar.
Sri Veda Vyaasa, eternally present at Badri is Sriman Narayana himself. Sri Anandha Theertha is his disciple and at a very tender age, our Guru, named Vasudeva mastered all Shastras. His teacher himself was astonished and named him “Poornapragnya” who later on was chief of the Matha and became “Madhwar”.
Being skilled and having mastered all Shastras, one such Shastra is “Saamudhrikaa” – the one that describes / understands physical features and palmistry. With all symbols typical of avtar purusha being present in him, at a very early stage, he made it clear that Hanuman and Bhima are his earlier Avtars. Trivikrama Pandithacharya, author of Sri Hari Vaayu Sthuthi, also mentions that he has seen these avtars. Narayana Pandithacharya, son of Trivikrama Pandithacharya describes this in “Sumadhwa Vijayam’ also.
1. “Sri Poorna Bhodha ….Maam magna roopan sadhaa” – in these lines, Appannacharya describes the greatness of Sri Raghavendra Swamy.
2. The next part “Raghavendra Guru Stotram…” till the concluding part is phlasruthi – that is, it describes the benefits of chanting this Stotra,
The very first verse itself describes greatness of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Stotra, and hence is known as Sri poorna Bhodha Stotra. Chanting this verse itself yields so much of benefits.
Appannacharya describes Sri Rayuru as “sakalapradaataa”. He yields / grrants everything. Dhrishti Vajraha – the way Indra destroys meountains with his Vajrayudha, Swamy destroys our sins.
There are several Mathas established and Mathaadhipathis / chief pontiffs are quite high in number. But none can match the greatness of Madhwa Matha lineage and the greatness of Madhwa Matha Gurus. This is not just flattery. Just with the very description of the place, one can indicate the respective Madhwa Guru / yethi. Other than Malkhed, I have had the opportunity to visit all places.
My mother is a staunch devotee of Sri Rayar. Very often and just like that, she used to perform sevas at our native place. She always used to cook with charcoal and wood only. She will lie down on floor in the puja hall. Till her last minute, she had with her a coconut that was offered to her by a Sri Raghavendra Swamy Upasakaa after due pujas. Even today, I continue to preserve that coconut and every Thursday, worship that, observing extreme “sowla”.
Our first visit to Mantralaya was in 1964 with our entire family. Those days, it was a very different place – like any other Matha. The Pontiff used to be seated on a verandah. The Brindavana used to be a hall with roof made up of shell. Brindavana used to be quite gigantic, very commanding and divine in nature. Pradakshina of the Brindavana was possible those days. Archak used to fetch Mrithika from Brindavana and give to devotees, and the Mrithika quantity was more than sufficient, sometime even overflowing (from) our hands. Mrithika is wo auspicious – that has driven away so many evil forces.
(If Iam right, these days, the stone based Brindavana has been slightly relocated to make it visible to all devotees). The dining hall can accommodate around 50 members and for Hasthothaka, the Pontiff himself would give theertha to all.
Brindavana continues with its greatness as always, even today. Only thing is, Mrithika is not offered to all. Devotees throng the place in thousands only because of his greatness.
Every year, we are visiting Mantralaya. In every visit, I do find several changes and growth at Mantralaya. Even I have experienced a significant growth in myself. This is possible only because of Madhwachar.
Sri Veda Vyaasa, eternally present at Badri is Sriman Narayana himself. Sri Anandha Theertha is his disciple and at a very tender age, our Guru, named Vasudeva mastered all Shastras. His teacher himself was astonished and named him “Poornapragnya” who later on was chief of the Matha and became “Madhwar”.
Being skilled and having mastered all Shastras, one such Shastra is “Saamudhrikaa” – the one that describes / understands physical features and palmistry. With all symbols typical of avtar purusha being present in him, at a very early stage, he made it clear that Hanuman and Bhima are his earlier Avtars. Trivikrama Pandithacharya, author of Sri Hari Vaayu Sthuthi, also mentions that he has seen these avtars. Narayana Pandithacharya, son of Trivikrama Pandithacharya describes this in “Sumadhwa Vijayam’ also.
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