4th Maha Samaradhana of His Holiness 108 Sri Sushameendra Teertha Sripadangalavaru (Previous Peethadhipati of our Rayaru Matha)

4th Maha Samaradhana of His Holiness 108 Sri Sushameendra Teertha Sripadangalavaru (Previous Peethadhipati of our Rayaru Matha)

Courtesy : http://raghavendramutt.org . Below is the invitation from our Mutt

[ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்] 

Details about performing Sankala Seva to our Guru Baghavan Raghavendra Swamy

Details about performing Sankala Seva to our Guru Baghavan Raghavendra Swamy

Thanks to http://raghavendramutt.org for sharing the below details. I am reposting this for the benefit of everyone.

Courtesy : http://raghavendramutt.org


As the scriptural authority says “apyachuto guru dvaaraa prasadakRut” it is very easy to please the Supreme Lord (Narayana) using guru as the channel. This is very obvious in the case of Gurusarvabhouma Sri Raghavendra teertha (Rayaru), the Kalpatharu (the divine tree that grants all wishes) of Kaliyuga. He grants the desires of supplicants without hesitation; devotees serving him with a pure heart are doubly blessed because he also removes their sins, blemishes and other shortcomings. People have experienced this in person and is something that great gyAnis have vouched for. The benefits of obtaining Rayaru’s grace have been profusely documented in religious works like Sri Raghavendra Vijaya, Sri Raghavendra stotra and hundreds of compositions by great saints.

The very venerable Srimat Sushameendra teertha, the present pontiff of the Matha, has reassured devotees on innumerable occasions that coming to Mantralaya is not mandatory to obtain Rayaru’s grace, it is enough if one performs devout service in one’s home by going around Rayaru’s picture while reciting Raghavendra Stotra. Even reciting “Sri Raghavendraya namah” with intense devotion is good enough to obtain his total grace.

There are many popular ways of serving Rayaru. One of the most common but very potent advices that you get from Rayaru’s devotees while seeking solutions for life’s numerous problems is, “ Go to Mantralaya and perform the Sankalpa Seva, Rayaru will definitely bless you”. Sankalpa means an oath or a resolution to do something, Seva is the service performed to a celestial being. In this case Sankalpa Seva involves the following steps:

Going to Mantralaya at a convenient time,
Obtaining darshana of (or viewing) Rayaru’s Brindavana,
Taking the oath to perform Seva in the prescribed manner
Performing the Seva while following some strict rules.
The number of devotees who have performed Sankalpa Seva in this manner and benefited from it is so huge that listing them is next to impossible. We are listing below 15 of the most frequently asked questions about Sankalpa Seva.
Q1. Who should take the oath to perform the service (Seva)?
Anybody who wishes to benefit from Sri Rayaru’s grace is eligible to take this oath.

Q2. Who will administer the oath to perform the Seva?
One of the archaks or volunteers will do this.

Q3. Is there any fee for administering the oath?
Since this is a major service that the Matha is performing for devotees, nothing more than a symbolic token of Rs. 5 is expected. This should be tendered at the offices of the Matha.

Q4. What are the ingredients that the devotees should bring for the oath taking ceremony?
There is nothing like ingredients in particular, but bringing the items given below will make your sankalpa easy.

Utensils to perform Achamana
A small plate
One new, unpeeled coconut
One coconut as a symbolic offering
Loose change as dakshina
Q5 .What is the correct time for performing Seva?
In the mornings between 5 and 8 AM, and in the evening between 4 and 5, are the most appropriate times for performing Seva.

Q6. How many times should the pradakshina (going around the Brindavana) be performed?
Based on one’s ability, one can choose from 5, 11, 14, 28, 54 times.

Q7. For how many days should the Seva be performed?
Based on one’s endurance, one can choose from 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 42 days.

Q8. What are the regulations governing the actual Seva?

The person taking the oath should bathe in the river twice, taking care to wet the head. A woman need to do it once only.
One should not use soap while taking bath.
One should not use wet cloths. Cloths which have been dried in Madi should be used for performing the Seva,
One should dress in a traditional manner, using a pancha-kache (five folds)
One should not use hair oil or any type of ointments; one should also not do any kind of make up or decoration
One should not have a haircut or shave in the days on which seva is being performed
One should not adorn one's hair with any flower, other than what has been offered to Sri Hari-Vayu-Guru
One should eat only once a day. In the night, milk or fruits can be consumed in moderate quantities.
Foods that have been cooked or fried or prepared in hotel should be avoided.
After the pradakshina is completed one should spend time by going through religious, pious works and avoid wasteful activities like idle gossip. Ladies should sing the compositions of Haridasas.
One should not sleep on a bed; however a chaape (a thin mattress made of fibre) can be used.
On Dwadashi and during the Dhanur masa, one can continue pradakshine after taking food.
Q9. Are there any regulations governing the pradakshine and namaskaara (prostration)?
Yes, the the pradakshine and namaskaara should be performed in the manner prescribed by religious scriptures. Devotees should keep the following aspects in mind while performing pradakshina during the Seva.

One should perform pradakshina 5 times around the Hanumanta icon in front of the brindavana
During each pradakshina, one should perform namaskaara 4 times, one on each side of the brindavana, with utmost devotion towards Sri Rama, Narahari (Narasimha), Krishna and Vedavyasa respectively.
One should do one namaskaara in front of Sri Vadeendra teertha’s brindavana too.
During the pradakshina time one should recite pious religious compositions like Sri Raghavendra stotra, Vayu Stuti, Dashaavatarastuti, Krishnaashtakam, Vishnu Sahasranama etc.
After performing the pradakshine in the main courtyard, one should also perform one pradakshine of the brindavanas of  Sri Sudharmeendra teertha, Sri Suvrateendra teertha, Sri Suyameendra teertha, Sri Sujayeendra teertha and the banyan tree.
Ladies should not peform sAshtanga namaskara wherein the entire body touches the ground. They should kneel and perform the namaskara.
Q10. Are there other ways of performing Seva to Rayaru?
Yes. As stated before, if one is sincere and devoted to Hari, Vayu and Rayaru, there are many ways of performing Seva to Rayaru. The following section lists some of the main ones:

Sitting in one place and reciting Sri Raghavendra stotra 108 times.
Hejje namaskara (Going around the Brindavana Sannidhana advancing one foot at a time and performing namaskara for each stride)
Urulu Seva – Rolling on the body and going around the Brindavana Sannidhana. (This is forbidden for women.)
Reciting Sri Raghavendra stotra 108 times while performing abhisheka for Rayara Brindavana with cow’s milk.
Going through religious works composed by great gyaanis; some of the popular ones are Sudha, Parimala, Sri Madhva Vijaya, Sri Raghavendra Vijaya etc.
In all of the above cases, the main ingredient is sincerity, pure heart and intense devotion.

Q11. One of our relatives is handicapped. Can we take the oath in his name and do the pradakshina?
Certainly. This is also acceptable to Rayaru. However, the person on whose behalf this Seva is being undertaken should be around.

Q12. One of our acquaintances told us that during the Seva period, Sri Rayaru appears in our dream and blesses us. Is this true?
Even though not many people can prove with absolute certainity that it was Rayaru himself who appeared in their dreams and blessed them, there is no doubt whatsoever that serving him with a pure heart and intense devotion will fetch his grace, maybe in a dream and sometimes even directly!

Q13. What is meant by ‘Poorna Phala”?
As stated earlier, at the beginning of the Seva the devotee should set aside a new, unpeeled coconut. After the completion of the Seva, this coconut is symbolically offered to Rayaru and returned with mantrakshate. This is called Poorna Phala.

Q14. What should be done with Poorna phala?
After receiving the holy coconut from the priest, one should handle it with great care and respect. It should not be kept on the ground or made impure in any way. It should be brought home and worshipped with devotion as it represents Rayaru’s blessings. Later it should be consumed (without cooking) in the company of close relatives.

Q15. What should be done after performing the Seva?
Since it is absolutely certain that Rayaru will bless you with fruits appropriate to the level of service performed, one should be patient until the desired result is obtained. In addition, all the discipline and devotion displayed during the Seva should be retained as much as possible, as long as possible. This is a sure way of obtaining Rayaru’s grace.

[ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்] 

Sri Vadiraja Theertharu - Aradhana March 10th 2012

Vadiraja Theertharu was one of the key saints who preeched Madhawa philosophy. Though my blog is more of Guru Raghavendra Swamy, I wanted to post this blog on Vadiraja theertharu as he is close to our Guru Raghavendra Swamy's previous incarnation of Vyasa Rajaru. Vadiraja Theertharu's guru is Vyasa Rajaru. Vadiraja Theertharu was born somewhere around 1480 AD near Udipi. He lived on this earth for 120 years and went into Jeeva Brindavana 70+ years before my Guru Raghavendra Swamy. He is also beleived to be an incarnation of Adhisesha.

We can also say that he was there in both the incarnations of Shanghu Karna Devatha as Vyasa Rajaru and Guru Raghavendra Swamy. He was shisya to Vyasa Rajaru and most likely when he entered Jeeva Brindavana Guru Raghavendra Swamy was born in the earth, though he did not personally seen Guru Raghavendra Swamy, he was living in the earth during that period.

Sri Vadiraja theertharu was born to Ramabhatta and Gowridevi.

Once Sri Vaagisha Theertharu of Sri Vishnutheertha Mutt happened to visit the Village Ramabhatta and Gowridevi Dampathigalu begged the shrigalu to bless them with a child. Sri Vaageesha Theertharu blessed him with a condition that the child born to be handed over to the Mutt for upbringing. However parents were not willing to do this and requested Vaagisha Theertharu to help them. By seeing this, theertharu told them if the child happens to born outside the house, then they shall hand over to the Mutt, if not they can raise the child with them.
The couple agreed wholeheartedly thinking that the child will be born inside the house.
Nine months completed. On one day, Gowri was performing Tulasi Puja early in the morning. She saw some cows entering the garden which they own, and the cows started eating and destroying the garden. Gowri took a stick and chased the cows, moved quite a distance from the house forgetting the agreement with the Sri Vageesha Thirtharu. Suddenly her pregnancy pain started and she could not return home and delivered the child in the field itself. Immediately Sri Vaageesha Thirtharu was informed of the birth of the child and a golden plate was sent from the Mutt and the child was brought to the Mutt. The baby never touched the ground until it reached the Mutt. The baby was fed with the milk that had been offered to the deity as naivedya; and the parents named the boy as “Bhoovaraha”. Child learnt all skills and studied well right from his early days itself.  Sri Vageesha Theertharu told the parents that the services of the child is required for the prachara of Madhwa Tathwa.
Child learnt Veda, Vedanga, Madhwa Shastra etc from Sri Vageesha Theertharu. After seeing the child's vast knowledge and Bhakthi, he decided to give him Sanyasa at the age of 8 years and was given the name “Vaadiraja Theertha”. After some time, Sri Vageesha Theertharu entered Brundavana, then for further studies Sri Vadirajaru went to Sri Vyasarajaru ( previous incarnation of Guru Raghavendra Swami) in Hampi.

Sri Vadiraja theertharu established his mutt in Sode and this land was donated by a king. Hayagreeva Prasada was very famous and there is a history related to this with Sri Vadiraja theertharu. Once there was a land next to the mutt which was owned by a villager. He had sowed seeds in the land which had grown well and was ready for harvesting. One day when the villager came to his land, he saw some of the paddy field were destroyed. He was not sure and who did that and he thought to watch it on the night to see who is doing this. In the night, he saw a white horse coming from the Mutt to the field and had his food and moved back to the Mutt. The villager was suprised to see this and he was not sure whether to beleive his eyes and he tested this again on the following night and the same thing happened. Next day morning, he went to Mutt and informed Sri Vadirajar about this, Sri Vadirajar was suprised and he told the villager that there are no horses in the Mutt but he said Mutt will pay the damage to this since villager indicated the horse came from the Mutt. For this villager informed Sri Vadirajar that he will verify again tonight and come back to Mutt. What villager was stunned on what he saw that night. The same horse came and ate some of the dhal's planted in the field. However when the villager went there, he saw equal amount of gold in the field. He went back to Mutt to inform the same. Sri Vadirajar requested villager not to see this tonight and if he sees that he will loose his eyes. However villager did not heed to Sri Vadirajar's words and lost his eyes. Sri Vadirajar realized this was Hayagreevar who came in the form of horse and prayed to Hayagreevar to give back the eyes to the villager and requested him to have the food from him and not in the field. From this day, Hayagreevar will come in the form of a white horse and Sri Vadirajar will have the Hayagreeva prasadam on his head and Hayagreevar in horse form will place his front legs in the shoulders of Sri Vadirajar and have the food. You can also see this in the picture above.


Sode Mutt Website : http://www.sodevadirajamutt.in/home.html
[ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்] 

Aradhana of Bagavan Sri Guru Raghavendra Teertharu 2012

In 2012, below are the dates of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy Aradhana.

01.08.2012 : Wednesday : Start of Sri Sapta Ratrotsava; Gopooja, Gajapooja and Flag hoisting.

02.08.2012 : Thursday : Shakotsava; Rajata Rathotsava

03.08.2012 : Friday : Poorva Aradhane; Simha Vahanotsava

04.08.2012 : Saturday : Madhya Aradhane ; Maha Panchamruta Abhisheka; Svarna Rathotsava

05.08.2012 : Sunday : Uttara Aradhane. Maha Rathotsava

06.08.2012 : Monday : Sri Sujnanendra Teerthara Aradhane

07.08.2012 : Sarvasamarpana Utsava

[ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்] 

Guru Raghavendra Swamy - Actual Birthdate as per english calandar

Recently we celebrated with devotion on our Guru's 412th Birthday on feb 29th 2012. In Mantralaya there was a celebration for 1 full week. As we all know Guru was born on a Phaalguna Suddha
Saptami. Most of us also know that Guru was born on 1595 and Phaalguna Suddha
Saptami falls on different day every year as per english calendar which we all follow unanimously.

I have been trying to find out the exact date of birth of our Guru Raghavendra Swamy as per english calendar. Atlast I was able to find it. In 1595, March 6th was the day when Guru Raghavendra Swamy was born which was Phaalguna Suddha Saptami.

We also know that Guru went into Brindavan in Mantralayam during the year 1671. The exact date is August 11th 1671. This day falls on Thursday which is Shraavana Bahula.

I was able to get these details from recent mantralayam series.

[ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம்] 

Life History of Baghavan Raghavedra Swamy series 6 - More details of King Bahlika

We all know Guru Raghavendra swamy had 3 previous incarnations before he born as Guru Raghavendra
Swamy.

They are Sangukarna Devatha -> Prahalatha -> Bahlika King -> Vyasa rajar -> Guru Raghavendra Swamy

There was little information was available on Bahileka king. As per the wish of Lord Vishnu , Prahalatha was born as king Bahileka in Dwapara Yuga ( during Mahabaratha period )

In those days, the entire India was ruled by great king called Barata and all the kings came after
him were refered to Barata dynasty which were running for several years. After which Kuru dynasty
came to the rule. Later Kuru dynasty was handled by both Soorya dynasty and Chandra dynasty.

In Chandra dynasty there was a great king named Pratipa who was ruling Hastinapura and he was celebrated across all 3 worlds. He had 3 sons namely Devapi, Bahlika and Santanu.

Santanu was one the great kings in Kuru vamsa and he had 8 sons. His eighth son was Bheeshma from where Mahabaratha started.

Devapi was the eldest son and  he had great energy , loved by his younger brothers, truthful in speech. However he was not able to become king because of the skin disease and hence he was not inherited to become king by the law. Hence Devapi became sage.

Bahlika, the second son of King Pratipa, abandoning his (paternal) kingdom he dwelt with his maternal uncle. Abandoning his father and brother, he obtained the highly wealthy kingdom of his maternal grandfather which is currently in the north western part of India. With Bahlika’s permission, Santanu, on the death of his father (Pratipa), became king of Kuru Kingdom.

Bahlika was so knowledgeable and powerful. He has learnt all the art of power and intelligence. Bheeshma usually consult his uncle Balhika to clear his doubts

Below are the details of the Kuru dynasty and their inheritances.

Pratipa -> Devapi (became a sage)
Pratipa -> Bahlika -> Somadatta -> Bhurisravas, Sala
Pratipa -> Santanu -> Bhishma
Pratipa -> Santanu -> Vichitravirya -> Dhritarashtra -> Kauravas
Pratipa -> Santanu -> Vichitravirya -> Pandu -> Pandavas

We all wonder why after Prahaladha , the next incarnation of Sangukarna devatha is King Bahlika.
During the period of Prahaladha, Sanghukarna devatha has gained so much of Punya which multiplied and gained the wealthiness to become a King in next Incarnation to enjoy the hapiness of the world. This
is also due to the blessing of Lord Vishnu during Vamana avatara. We all wonder how vamana avatara is related to Guru Prahalada. I will post another article just on this.

Due this wish and SanghuKarna devatha was born in Kuru vamsa and had the blessings to see Lord Krishna. Bahlika was truely a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and Lord Vayu. He made sure to sit and pray both Lord Vishnu and Lord Vayu everyday. Though he was a king, he was more inclined towards Bakthi than war. However since Bahlika was born in Kuru vamsa he was sticking with Gauravas in Kurushetra war, though he was not interested to be against Lord Krishna, he was not able to avoid that. This was also provided an opportunity to Bahlika to see Lord Krishna during Kurushetra war to get his blessings.

During the war, one day Bahlika king went to Pandavas and requested Bhima to kill him in the war. However Bhima did not agree to it and informed him how can he do that. During this time, Lord Krishna appeared there and this made King Bahlika happy and he bowed his head and got the blessings of Lord Krishna. Krishna informed Bhima that you can always attack and fight if King Bahlika is attacking him. When Bhima heard this from Krishna he agreed to it and said he will do so if King Bahlika is attacking him.

Next day after his regular prayers, King Bahlika went to Kurushetra war and he was attacking one of the pandavas fighters, during this time Bhima came in support of the fighter. King Bahlika realized that this would be the right time to get killed by Bhima and he started to attack Bhima. Bhima as promissed killed King Bahlika. For everyone it looked like Bhima killed King Bahlika through his weapon "gatha" however Bhima first stopped the air for King Bahlika which made Bahlika loose his life and fell before Bhima and then he pretended to use "gatha" to kill King Bahlika.

As in this avatara, Sangukarna devatha had  the blessings to enjoy the life of the king based on his punya that multiplied and also had the blessings of seeing Lord Krishna in dwapara yuga.

Now we all may wonder why King Bahlika wanted to get killed by Bhima. Bhima is none other than lord Vayu. Lord Vayu was the one who first indicated Sangukarna devatha that the curse on him by Lord Brahma is for some purpose and he will be with him in all his births. Lord Vayu was Hanuman in Ramayana , Bhima in Mahabaratha, Madhavacharya in Kaliyuga.

[ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணார்ப்பணம் ]