Post by Amritha Varshini on Jan 9, 2014 7:48:23 GMT 5.5
Stay in Andhra
But Sadguru Swamigal and Janakidevi were undeterred on hearing these and went along taking unchavrithi. If somebody invited them to their house, they went to that house, cooked the unchavrithi rice and ate that. If there was no invitation they would prepare their food under the shade of trees situated on the river banks. Thus traversing many places, bathing in many holy waters, seeing the Lord in many holy places, and singing before many deities, they reached Thalappakam village in Andhra Pradesh, where, they heard, there were many Bhagawathas. They stayed in that village for several months as they were unable to leave the company of Bhagawathas who were doing Nama Sankeerthana according to the system established by Sri Annamacharya and his grandson Chinnaiah Swamy. When he was staying there, he wasn enjoying the happiness arising from association with Sadhus who had no respite, always staying in the company of Bhagawathas. The Sadhus there developed unlimited devotion towards SadguruSwamigal. Languages, sung in various places, in various traditions, by various bhagawathas. He desired to establish
In those days, it was customary for all Bhagawathas who went on pilgrimage to Tirupathi to stay in that village. Swamigal had an opportunity to enjoy their bajans in various languages, sung in various places, in various traditions, by various bhagawathas. He desired to establish and enjoy an interesting new bajan system including therein the essence of various systems. During his stay there, he learnt many new languages. He incorporated the songs in those Jayadeva’s Geetha Govinda. His mind was drawn by this and towards Krishnagunas and Madhurya Bhaava. But Githa Govinda can be enjoyed only by those in the highest stage of Bhakthi. Hence Swamigal kept the beautiful Krishnopasana described in the Gita Govinda as a secret in his heart. Outwardly he preached Ramabhakthi only, which is done in the attitude of a servant towards his master.
One day during these days, Swamigal had a divine dream. A Saint in saffron cloth, and a begging bowl appeared in his dream and ordered thus “You go back to Dakshina Desa, a great work is to be done by you”. Sadguru Swamigal woke up and decided that the saint could be none other than Bhagwan Nama Bodendra Swamigal. He stopped proceeding towards Ayodhya and returned to Thiruvisalur village. People there saw no limit to their joy, when suddenly they saw the unexpected return of Swamigal to their village.
Stay in Marudanallur Then Swamigal chose for his permanent residence, Madananthakapuram also known as Marudanallur. Gnasambandar has praised the place by his song. A wealthy resident of that place by name Venkatarama Iyer, knowing Swamigal’s greatness and also the state of things prevailing then, invited Swamigal to the place, duly honoured him and prayed to him to stay there itself. Swamigal agreed to do so, considering the affection shown to him. Since then he resided there with his mother. Swamigal did not ask for any favour from the rich men. Every day, after finishing hi morning routine, he took unchavrithi doing namakirthanam. The rice thus got without begging was given to his mother, who cooked it. The cooked rice was offered to the all pervasive Lord and was taken by him uttering Govinda Nama. Then he would do japa of Rama Nama. Later in the divine sannadhi, he would sing Ashtapathi and Tharanga Kirthana engrossing himself in it. Thus many devotees thronged around Sadguru Swamigal who spent his time in rituals, unchavrithi, namajapa, and singing songs relating to Divine name and Divine qualities, received initiation into tharakanama from him and had great affection towards him.
Commences His Mission
Did not Sadguru Swamigal return to Marudanallur when he received in his divine dream a command to fulfil a great task? That task was as follows. A hundred years had elapsed after the advent of Bodendra Swamigal. Gradually people began to lose devotion to him and even forgot him totally. Further the Sannadhi of Bodendral, Brindavanam made for the Samadhi were washed out by floods. People forgot even the place where the Sammadhi was situated. In these circumstances, the adhishtanam was to be located afresh by Sadguru Swamigal and rebuilt similarly. The works relating to Nama Sidhantha of Bhagawan Nama Bodendra Swamigal were to be traced again and preserved. Bhagawan Nama Upadesam as also the giving of nama sutra were to be revised again and made to last forever. These three things were to be achieved by Sadguru Swamigal for the welfare of the world.
Search for Samadhi
Of these, Sadguru Swamigal tried to fulfil the first task of engaging in Guru Kainkarya by tracing Swamigal’s Adhisthanam. He came to Govindapuram with some select Bhagawathas and enquired of the local Brahmins and bhagavathas about the adhishthanam. There were nobody who could reveal this. Sadguruswamigal could not contain his grief over this state of affairs. “Is this the way for people engaged in worldly activities to show their gratitude to the most gracious avatara purusha, who came to the earth to preach to all, the moksha marga, which alone can ensure their welfare? Oh! King among Acharyas, even the place where you are, is to be found”. Thus thinking he rolled on the cauvery sand and bowed that he will neither take food nor water nor converse with anybody till he found out the adhsishtanam. He sat in a majestic pose on darbasana and began to do nama sankirthana.
Then even devas from Brahma downwards could not make Swamigal swerve form his firm resolve. He was doing nama kirthana always shedding copious tears from his eyes. His body became lean due to tiredness as he did not take any food and had no sleep at all. He discarded the earth and with his one pointed mind was searching the sacred feet of Guru. For any reason whatsoever, he never entered the village leaving the cauvery bank. Day and night he stayed there itself and underwent agony. He could neither bathe nor perform his daily rituals. He would not care to remove flies and ants that moved over his body. He could not also move to a shady place from where he was sitting in a sunny place. He was in such an unconscious stage. Swamigal then looked like Rama who was lamenting over his separation from Seetha and also like Sita when she was experiencing a similar feeling on her separation from Rama.
Locating Adhistanam
Thus nine days passed. On the tenth day, in the month of Pushya, when the corresponding star was Aayilya, Swamigal resolved to leave his life if he could not locate the adhishtanam that day. He rose from his darbasana, placed his ear over several places in the Cauvery bed and attentively listened whether the Nama Keerthanam of Bodendra Swamigal, who had entered Jeeva Samadhi, could be heard anywhere. While searching thus, he was afraid that he might unknowingly tread over the adhishtanam. Hence he covered his feet and thighs with his upper cloth and moved kneeling. It was early morning then. Rama Nama was heard loudly from one place .Sadguru Swamigal experienced horripilation shedding tears of joy. He could speak out of over joy. He could not move his hands or feet. He fell down unconscious in that place itself, dumb founded.
Till dawn, nobody noticed Swamigal. At the daybreak the bhagawathas who had come with him from Marudanallur came, lifted him up and made him conscious again by removing his fatigue. Then Swamigal woke up and walked majestically, as if showing that he would achieve anything by his mere wish. A brindavanam was to be built over the place now found out. As the adhistanam was in the middle of the river, in course of time, he built sculpture would be washed out by floods. Hence the course of the cauvery river should be diverted a little towards north. The level of the place should be raised. Then if the Brindavanam was established there, it will stand permanently. A lot of money would be required for doing this. Swamigal who was living on unchavrithi decided to meet the then ruling king there.
MEETING TANJORE KING
Mainly, some bhakthas accompanied him. They went by walking, took unchavrithi, and doing nama Sankeerthanam passed through many places like Kapisthalam, Panchanadam, and other Kshethras reached Tanjore. There they stayed in the mutt of Bhawa Swamigal. The ruling king belonged to the Shivaji’s dynasty. Hence, he was doing sankirthana according to Samartha Sampradaya. Duly observing his duties as a ruler, he respected Brahmins and Bhagawathas always. He had supreme devotion towards Anjaneya. That day Anjaneya appeared in his dream and told him that his Lord Rama has again incarnated as a human being and is staying in the Bawa Mutt. He directed him to meet him at once, receive his blessings and make his birth fruitful. Then he disappeared.
On waking up from his dream, the king wondered whether it was true. He sent a messenger to the mutt and learnt of Sadguru Swamigal’s arrival there. Then he himself went to the mutt with his minister, taking with him pooja materials. Swamigal was doing namakirthan and was immersed in it. Swamigal had a broad chest, long hands extending upon knees and eyes like lotus. The king, on seeing him was captivated by his splendour. With great wonder and supreme ananda, he thought that Swamigal was none other than his Ishta devatha, Sri Rama. There is no doubt about this. Thinking thus, he fell at the feet of Swamigal, as if offering his all to him. Swamigal looked at him with Karuna (mercy) and gave him protection from fears. After conversing for some time, the king returned to the palace, though he was unwilling to part company with Swamigal.
Next day, the king sent the Palanquin and the royal insignia and arranged for a procession with all honours due to a king and, received Swamigal in his palace. Though Swamigal was perfectly detached, he accepted the devoted King’s offerings. For some days Swamigal stayed in the palace and conducted his daily pooja, Nama Keerthana, and Bhagavatha Pravachanam there. The king and the people were directly experiencing Swamigal’s easy accessibility and his supreme consideration for all. Whenever two people met, they were speaking about this only. One day, when Swamigal was alone, the King came and clasping his feet with both hands said “Are you not Sri Rama, the master of the world? Such being the case, without being a King of Kings, you live by unchavrithi. This pains me very much. This form is fit for enjoying all pleasures. Who will rejoice at seeing such a person, going from door to door carrying Akshaya Patram? Is not the suffering undergone by you during your previous incarnation enough? Now, if you agree I will lay at your feet all my belongings, crown you as a King, and will become your slave. This is true”. Saying this, he wept aloud.
Sadguru Swamigal then told the King, “Oh, King I have not come here desiring your kingdom. Even if you offer Sovereignship of the three Worlds it cannot be equated to Bhagavatha Dharma. Bhagavathas will never be captivated by wordly pleasures. I am Sri Rama’s devotee. Your kingdom is not more valuable than my unchavrithi. From the day when I heard that my Lord Sri Rama renounced everything and lived in the forest, my thought does not dwell on wealth and other pleasures. As you are a true devotee, I appear to you to be Sri Rama. The purpose of my visit to this place is to get my Guru Kainkarya done by you. Our Guru Deva Sri Bodendra Swamigal is lying in Samadhi underneath the Earth for the past 100 years in a village named Govindapuram, situated east of Madhyarjuna Kshetram. The Brindavanam signifying the Adhisthanam will be washed away by floods in Cauvery. Hence, Cauvery is to be diverted northwards. This is to be accomplished by you. Can you do this? “On hearing these majestic words of Swamigal the King replied” “Can anything willed by you, who are the protector of the whole world fail to be achieved? I am ready to complete the work, the moment it is ordered to be done by you”. Swamigal felt very happy, rose from his seat and embraced the king. The king stood with folded hands and tears in his eyes, resembling Hanuman who was embraced by Sri Raghavan.
Next day the King with hundreds of men came to Govindapuram with royal insignia and other Upacharas due to a King. Swamigal came by a palanquin. Like Sugriva obeying the Lord’s command, the King as ordered by Swamigal, diverted the course of the river northwards engaging hundreds of men in the work and thus completed Guru Kainkarya. When the work was over, Swamigal’s mercy knew no bounds. He was very much pleased with the King and said that he would remain indebted to the King in all his births, as he had done his Guru Kainkarya and shed tears of joy. The king replied that Swamigal himself had accomplished this, using him as a machine. Having accomplished everything himself Swamigal had showered his blessings on him. People who were negligent towards the Swamigal, thinking him as an ordinary bhagawatha were surprised to see the King respecting him so much and themselves began to laud the Swamigal. Thus Swamigal found out the Adhishtanam of Bodendral and built the Brindavanam over it. From that day, Swamigal used to come every year on Pushya Pournami day to Madhyarujana Kshethra and had darshan of Sri Mahalinga Swamy, who was not different from Sridhara Ayyaval. Next day during Ayilya star, he used to perform special abhishekam and Aaradhana to Bodendral’s adhisthanam. After finding the adhisthanam of Bodendral and thus doing a great service to the world Sathguru Swamigal returned to Marudanallur. The King also went to Tanjore.
But Sadguru Swamigal and Janakidevi were undeterred on hearing these and went along taking unchavrithi. If somebody invited them to their house, they went to that house, cooked the unchavrithi rice and ate that. If there was no invitation they would prepare their food under the shade of trees situated on the river banks. Thus traversing many places, bathing in many holy waters, seeing the Lord in many holy places, and singing before many deities, they reached Thalappakam village in Andhra Pradesh, where, they heard, there were many Bhagawathas. They stayed in that village for several months as they were unable to leave the company of Bhagawathas who were doing Nama Sankeerthana according to the system established by Sri Annamacharya and his grandson Chinnaiah Swamy. When he was staying there, he wasn enjoying the happiness arising from association with Sadhus who had no respite, always staying in the company of Bhagawathas. The Sadhus there developed unlimited devotion towards SadguruSwamigal. Languages, sung in various places, in various traditions, by various bhagawathas. He desired to establish
In those days, it was customary for all Bhagawathas who went on pilgrimage to Tirupathi to stay in that village. Swamigal had an opportunity to enjoy their bajans in various languages, sung in various places, in various traditions, by various bhagawathas. He desired to establish and enjoy an interesting new bajan system including therein the essence of various systems. During his stay there, he learnt many new languages. He incorporated the songs in those Jayadeva’s Geetha Govinda. His mind was drawn by this and towards Krishnagunas and Madhurya Bhaava. But Githa Govinda can be enjoyed only by those in the highest stage of Bhakthi. Hence Swamigal kept the beautiful Krishnopasana described in the Gita Govinda as a secret in his heart. Outwardly he preached Ramabhakthi only, which is done in the attitude of a servant towards his master.
One day during these days, Swamigal had a divine dream. A Saint in saffron cloth, and a begging bowl appeared in his dream and ordered thus “You go back to Dakshina Desa, a great work is to be done by you”. Sadguru Swamigal woke up and decided that the saint could be none other than Bhagwan Nama Bodendra Swamigal. He stopped proceeding towards Ayodhya and returned to Thiruvisalur village. People there saw no limit to their joy, when suddenly they saw the unexpected return of Swamigal to their village.
Stay in Marudanallur Then Swamigal chose for his permanent residence, Madananthakapuram also known as Marudanallur. Gnasambandar has praised the place by his song. A wealthy resident of that place by name Venkatarama Iyer, knowing Swamigal’s greatness and also the state of things prevailing then, invited Swamigal to the place, duly honoured him and prayed to him to stay there itself. Swamigal agreed to do so, considering the affection shown to him. Since then he resided there with his mother. Swamigal did not ask for any favour from the rich men. Every day, after finishing hi morning routine, he took unchavrithi doing namakirthanam. The rice thus got without begging was given to his mother, who cooked it. The cooked rice was offered to the all pervasive Lord and was taken by him uttering Govinda Nama. Then he would do japa of Rama Nama. Later in the divine sannadhi, he would sing Ashtapathi and Tharanga Kirthana engrossing himself in it. Thus many devotees thronged around Sadguru Swamigal who spent his time in rituals, unchavrithi, namajapa, and singing songs relating to Divine name and Divine qualities, received initiation into tharakanama from him and had great affection towards him.
Commences His Mission
Did not Sadguru Swamigal return to Marudanallur when he received in his divine dream a command to fulfil a great task? That task was as follows. A hundred years had elapsed after the advent of Bodendra Swamigal. Gradually people began to lose devotion to him and even forgot him totally. Further the Sannadhi of Bodendral, Brindavanam made for the Samadhi were washed out by floods. People forgot even the place where the Sammadhi was situated. In these circumstances, the adhishtanam was to be located afresh by Sadguru Swamigal and rebuilt similarly. The works relating to Nama Sidhantha of Bhagawan Nama Bodendra Swamigal were to be traced again and preserved. Bhagawan Nama Upadesam as also the giving of nama sutra were to be revised again and made to last forever. These three things were to be achieved by Sadguru Swamigal for the welfare of the world.
Search for Samadhi
Of these, Sadguru Swamigal tried to fulfil the first task of engaging in Guru Kainkarya by tracing Swamigal’s Adhisthanam. He came to Govindapuram with some select Bhagawathas and enquired of the local Brahmins and bhagavathas about the adhishthanam. There were nobody who could reveal this. Sadguruswamigal could not contain his grief over this state of affairs. “Is this the way for people engaged in worldly activities to show their gratitude to the most gracious avatara purusha, who came to the earth to preach to all, the moksha marga, which alone can ensure their welfare? Oh! King among Acharyas, even the place where you are, is to be found”. Thus thinking he rolled on the cauvery sand and bowed that he will neither take food nor water nor converse with anybody till he found out the adhsishtanam. He sat in a majestic pose on darbasana and began to do nama sankirthana.
Then even devas from Brahma downwards could not make Swamigal swerve form his firm resolve. He was doing nama kirthana always shedding copious tears from his eyes. His body became lean due to tiredness as he did not take any food and had no sleep at all. He discarded the earth and with his one pointed mind was searching the sacred feet of Guru. For any reason whatsoever, he never entered the village leaving the cauvery bank. Day and night he stayed there itself and underwent agony. He could neither bathe nor perform his daily rituals. He would not care to remove flies and ants that moved over his body. He could not also move to a shady place from where he was sitting in a sunny place. He was in such an unconscious stage. Swamigal then looked like Rama who was lamenting over his separation from Seetha and also like Sita when she was experiencing a similar feeling on her separation from Rama.
Locating Adhistanam
Thus nine days passed. On the tenth day, in the month of Pushya, when the corresponding star was Aayilya, Swamigal resolved to leave his life if he could not locate the adhishtanam that day. He rose from his darbasana, placed his ear over several places in the Cauvery bed and attentively listened whether the Nama Keerthanam of Bodendra Swamigal, who had entered Jeeva Samadhi, could be heard anywhere. While searching thus, he was afraid that he might unknowingly tread over the adhishtanam. Hence he covered his feet and thighs with his upper cloth and moved kneeling. It was early morning then. Rama Nama was heard loudly from one place .Sadguru Swamigal experienced horripilation shedding tears of joy. He could speak out of over joy. He could not move his hands or feet. He fell down unconscious in that place itself, dumb founded.
Till dawn, nobody noticed Swamigal. At the daybreak the bhagawathas who had come with him from Marudanallur came, lifted him up and made him conscious again by removing his fatigue. Then Swamigal woke up and walked majestically, as if showing that he would achieve anything by his mere wish. A brindavanam was to be built over the place now found out. As the adhistanam was in the middle of the river, in course of time, he built sculpture would be washed out by floods. Hence the course of the cauvery river should be diverted a little towards north. The level of the place should be raised. Then if the Brindavanam was established there, it will stand permanently. A lot of money would be required for doing this. Swamigal who was living on unchavrithi decided to meet the then ruling king there.
MEETING TANJORE KING
Mainly, some bhakthas accompanied him. They went by walking, took unchavrithi, and doing nama Sankeerthanam passed through many places like Kapisthalam, Panchanadam, and other Kshethras reached Tanjore. There they stayed in the mutt of Bhawa Swamigal. The ruling king belonged to the Shivaji’s dynasty. Hence, he was doing sankirthana according to Samartha Sampradaya. Duly observing his duties as a ruler, he respected Brahmins and Bhagawathas always. He had supreme devotion towards Anjaneya. That day Anjaneya appeared in his dream and told him that his Lord Rama has again incarnated as a human being and is staying in the Bawa Mutt. He directed him to meet him at once, receive his blessings and make his birth fruitful. Then he disappeared.
On waking up from his dream, the king wondered whether it was true. He sent a messenger to the mutt and learnt of Sadguru Swamigal’s arrival there. Then he himself went to the mutt with his minister, taking with him pooja materials. Swamigal was doing namakirthan and was immersed in it. Swamigal had a broad chest, long hands extending upon knees and eyes like lotus. The king, on seeing him was captivated by his splendour. With great wonder and supreme ananda, he thought that Swamigal was none other than his Ishta devatha, Sri Rama. There is no doubt about this. Thinking thus, he fell at the feet of Swamigal, as if offering his all to him. Swamigal looked at him with Karuna (mercy) and gave him protection from fears. After conversing for some time, the king returned to the palace, though he was unwilling to part company with Swamigal.
Next day, the king sent the Palanquin and the royal insignia and arranged for a procession with all honours due to a king and, received Swamigal in his palace. Though Swamigal was perfectly detached, he accepted the devoted King’s offerings. For some days Swamigal stayed in the palace and conducted his daily pooja, Nama Keerthana, and Bhagavatha Pravachanam there. The king and the people were directly experiencing Swamigal’s easy accessibility and his supreme consideration for all. Whenever two people met, they were speaking about this only. One day, when Swamigal was alone, the King came and clasping his feet with both hands said “Are you not Sri Rama, the master of the world? Such being the case, without being a King of Kings, you live by unchavrithi. This pains me very much. This form is fit for enjoying all pleasures. Who will rejoice at seeing such a person, going from door to door carrying Akshaya Patram? Is not the suffering undergone by you during your previous incarnation enough? Now, if you agree I will lay at your feet all my belongings, crown you as a King, and will become your slave. This is true”. Saying this, he wept aloud.
Sadguru Swamigal then told the King, “Oh, King I have not come here desiring your kingdom. Even if you offer Sovereignship of the three Worlds it cannot be equated to Bhagavatha Dharma. Bhagavathas will never be captivated by wordly pleasures. I am Sri Rama’s devotee. Your kingdom is not more valuable than my unchavrithi. From the day when I heard that my Lord Sri Rama renounced everything and lived in the forest, my thought does not dwell on wealth and other pleasures. As you are a true devotee, I appear to you to be Sri Rama. The purpose of my visit to this place is to get my Guru Kainkarya done by you. Our Guru Deva Sri Bodendra Swamigal is lying in Samadhi underneath the Earth for the past 100 years in a village named Govindapuram, situated east of Madhyarjuna Kshetram. The Brindavanam signifying the Adhisthanam will be washed away by floods in Cauvery. Hence, Cauvery is to be diverted northwards. This is to be accomplished by you. Can you do this? “On hearing these majestic words of Swamigal the King replied” “Can anything willed by you, who are the protector of the whole world fail to be achieved? I am ready to complete the work, the moment it is ordered to be done by you”. Swamigal felt very happy, rose from his seat and embraced the king. The king stood with folded hands and tears in his eyes, resembling Hanuman who was embraced by Sri Raghavan.
Next day the King with hundreds of men came to Govindapuram with royal insignia and other Upacharas due to a King. Swamigal came by a palanquin. Like Sugriva obeying the Lord’s command, the King as ordered by Swamigal, diverted the course of the river northwards engaging hundreds of men in the work and thus completed Guru Kainkarya. When the work was over, Swamigal’s mercy knew no bounds. He was very much pleased with the King and said that he would remain indebted to the King in all his births, as he had done his Guru Kainkarya and shed tears of joy. The king replied that Swamigal himself had accomplished this, using him as a machine. Having accomplished everything himself Swamigal had showered his blessings on him. People who were negligent towards the Swamigal, thinking him as an ordinary bhagawatha were surprised to see the King respecting him so much and themselves began to laud the Swamigal. Thus Swamigal found out the Adhishtanam of Bodendral and built the Brindavanam over it. From that day, Swamigal used to come every year on Pushya Pournami day to Madhyarujana Kshethra and had darshan of Sri Mahalinga Swamy, who was not different from Sridhara Ayyaval. Next day during Ayilya star, he used to perform special abhishekam and Aaradhana to Bodendral’s adhisthanam. After finding the adhisthanam of Bodendral and thus doing a great service to the world Sathguru Swamigal returned to Marudanallur. The King also went to Tanjore.