Gurucharitra - Srimad Vasudeva Thirtha Shripad Vader Swamiji

श्रीमद्धनुमभीममध्वान्तर्गत रामकृष्णवॆदव्यासात्मक श्रीलक्ष्मीहयग्रीवाभिन्न

श्रीसीतारामचन्द्रवीरविठ्ठलाः प्रसीदन्तु

श्रीमद् वासुदेव थिर्थ श्रीपाद वडॆर् स्वामीजी 

2nd पीठाधिपति श्रीसंस्थान गॊकर्ण पर्तगाळी जीवॊत्तम मठ

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Vasudevagurum vande raagadosha vivarjitam |
Puutagaatram mahaayaatram 
Naaraayana karodbhavam ||
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Sri Vasudeva teertha swamiji ruled the peetha after Adya Guru Sriman Narayan teertha attained Lord's feet on Srisaka 1439 Ishwar samvatsara chaitra shukla amavasya. Sri Swamiji was on gurupeetha fora very short time. When HH was in Pandharpur He attained mukti on Srisaka 1440 bahudhanya samvatsara vaishakha shukla tritiya. (Akshaya tritiya) ( May 1517 to April 1518) HH was shishya of Adya Guru Sriman Narayana teertha for a long time. It is a miracle whereby Sri Swamiji discovered the Vatu who later became very famous in the parampara. So much so that the name was added to the title of Sri matha. This incident has been published in a book from the Math based on records found. We will see it next. 

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The political and social environment of Goa was highly inflammatory and it was very difficult for the Hindus in general and (Brahmanas) GSBs in particular.  

Portuguese stepped in this small state in 1510. Soon afterwards the forcible conversion started . The Gowda Saraswat Brahman society could not face the cruelty of the invaders. Migration started in small batches to the nearby Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra along with the Pratimas of the family deities mostly in small boats.  One such batch had  30 boats with many families. And 3 to 4 boats  reached Kundapura in Dakshina Kannada. But the local people resisted them and did not let them in the village/town. 

It was a very strange and new environment for the new arrivals who did not even know Kannada language thereby it was tough to communicate. 

To the east of the place where the boats reached was the cremating ground and a thick forest beyond . Even in day time wild carnivorous, fierce animals were seen wandering there .   But these people had no alternative but to build small huts near the forest and live there with the kids and aged.  

To procure the daily food they sold whatever valuables were with them and whatever they had which fetched value. Many became targets for the wild animals and succumbed to the injuries. When future seemed very bleak they remembered Guru. Elderly able persons left for Bhatkal (at the time the headquarters were in Bhatkal known as Wader math) with a vinanti patra narrating the plight of the people of the community in Basroor.  Reading the letter and hearing the pitiful situation HH Srimad Vasudeva Teertha swamiji left for Basroor at the earliest possible  moment.   

Reaching Basroor, Swamiji called the local leaders and narrated the reason for the migration of the GSB people. Swamiji explained the basic decency of the GSB community people present there and the cruel forceful conversion by Portuguese. The physical and social hardship imposed by the invaders on Hindus was also narrated.  

HH Sri Swamiji convinced the local leaders about the high morals, hardworking attitude and socially responsible behaviour of the GSBs. These people will not be a burden on the local community. Rather they will work honestly with their endowed skills and will contribute gainfully.  HH Sri Swamiji asked the local people to allow the migrant GSBs to live among them. HH assured that they will contribute to the overall up-liftment of Basroor with their hard work. 

Listening to HH Sri Swamiji and impressed by the Divine personality, the local leaders decided to allow the GSB families to live in the town and work for their daily earnings.  

HH Sri Swamiji then selected a place in town and built a Dharmashala for shifting the families from the huts in the forest on an emergency basis.

 Also HH Sri Swamiji advised the GSB families to work honestly and gain a footing in the local society which has given them a livelihood. HH Sri Swamiji blessed them and said He was sure that they will come up in Basroor and will be important and gainful members and that the future is bright for all of them with their hardworking background . 

The people followed HH Sri Swamiji's advise and over time earned name and fame in Basroor. 

When Srimad Vasudeva teerth swamiji was in contact with the families He observed a young bright person in the archaka family among them. 

Prodded by Divine impulse HH asked the parents for permission to take the boy along with  Him. With the parent's permission the boy was brought to the math and Sanyasa deeksha was given on Srisaka 1439 Magha shukla chaturthi.

He was named Sri Jeevottama teertha.

Soon afterwards HH Sri Swamiji left for teertha yaatra and when in Pandharpura kshetra attained mukti which is famous for the Vitthal temple.  

Sri Swamiji's reign as peethadhipati was about a year as majority of the life was spent as shishya under the founder Guru Sriman Narayana teertha. The incident narrated above which is recorded in the math history lays the love and concern Swamiji had for the GSB society before us.

May we be blessed by the greatness of Guru and Lord's blessings and protect us in our life. Also may it speed us on our way to earn their grace doing our saadhana. 

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ಶ್ರೀ ವಾಸುದೇವ ತೀರ್ಥರು ತಮ್ಮ ಗುರು ಶ್ರೀಮನ್ನಾರಾಯಣ ತೀರ್ಥರ ವೃಂದಾವನ ಪ್ರವೇಶ (ಶ್ರೀ ಶಕ ೧೪೩೯ ಈಶ್ವರನಾಮ ಸಂವತ್ಸರ ಚೈತ್ರ ಅಮಾವಾಸ್ಯಾ)

ನಂತರ ಗುರುಪೀಠಾರೋಹಣ ಮಾಡಿದ ನಂತರ ಅಲ್ಪಕಾಲವೇ ಇದ್ದು ಪಂಡರಪುರ ಭೀಮಾನದೀ ತೀರದಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಶಕ ೧೪೪೦ ಬಹುಧಾನ್ಯ ಸಂವತ್ಸರದ ವೈಶಾಖ ಶುಕ್ಲ ತೃತೀಯಾಗೆ ( ಅಕ್ಷಯ ತದಿಗೆ) ವೃಂದಾವನಸ್ಥರಾದರು. ಅಂದರೆ ಗುರುಪೀಠದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೇವಲ ಒಂದು ವರ್ಷಮಾತ್ರ ಇದ್ದರು. ( ಮೇ ತಿಂಗಳು

೧೫೧೭ ರಿಂದ ಅಪ್ರಿಲ್ ತಿಂಗಳು ೧೫೧೮). ಆದ್ಯ ಗುರುಗಳಾದ ಶ್ರೀಮನ್ನಾರಾಯಣ ತೀರ್ಥರ ಜತೆಯಲ್ಲೇ ದೀರ್ಘಕಾಲ ಶಿಷ್ಯರಾಗಿದ್ದರು. ಇವರೇ ಶ್ರೀಮಠದ

ಶಕಪುರುಷರಾದ ಜೀವೋತ್ತಮ ತೀರ್ಥರನ್ನು ಜಗತ್ತಿಗೆ ನೀಡಿದ್ದು. ಅದೂ ಕೂಡ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಚಮತ್ಕಾರಿಕ ದೈವೀ ಘಟನೆ. ಇದರ ಮೊದಲು ಗೋಮಾಂತಕದ ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಮತ್ತು ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಅದರಿಂದಾದ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ತುಮುಲತೆಯನ್ನು ಶ್ರೀಮಠವು ೧೯೯೯ ರಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಕಾಶಿಸಿದ ಯುಗಪ್ರವರ್ತಕ ಶ್ರೀ ಜೀವೊತ್ತಮ ತೀರ್ಥರು ಎಂಬ ಪುಸ್ತಕದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿವರಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಅದರ ಆಧಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ಚಿಕ್ಕದಾಗಿ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ನೋಡೋಣ.

೧೫೧೦ನೇ ಇಸವಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಸರು ಗೋಮಾಂತಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಲಿಟ್ಟರು. ಶೀಘ್ರದಲ್ಲೇ ಬಲಾತ್ಕಾರಿಕವಾಗಿ ಮತಾಂತರ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭವಾಯಿತು. ಸಾರಸ್ವತ ಸಮಾಜವು ದಿಕ್ಕೆಟ್ಟು ತಮ್ಮ ಕುಲದೇವತಾ ಪ್ರತಿಮೆಗಳ ಸಂಗಡ ದೋಣಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕರ್ಣಾಟಕ, ಕೇರಳ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಹಾರಾಷ್ಟ್ರದ ಹಲವು ಪ್ರದೇಶಗಳಿಗೆ ವಲಸೆ

ಹೋಗತೊಡಗಿದರು. ಇದರಲ್ಲಿ ವರೇಣ್ಯಪುರದ ಒಂದು ಪರಿವಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಅರ್ಚಕ ಕುಟುಂಬವು ಜತೆಗೆ ಒಟ್ಟೂ ಮುವತ್ತು ದೋಣಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಗುತ್ತ ದಕ್ಷಿಣಕ್ಕೆ ಹೊರಟಾಗ ಅವುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ೩-೪ ದೋಣಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಜನರು ಕುಂದಾಪುರದ ಹತ್ತಿರ ದಡ ಸೇರಿದರು. ಅನ್ನ ನೀರಿಲ್ಲದೇ ಕಂಗೆಟ್ಟ ಅವರು ಸೇರಿದ ಪ್ರದೇಶದ ಸ್ಥಾನಿಕ ಜನರು ಅವರನ್ನು ಹತ್ತಿರ ಬರಲು ವಿರೋಧಿಸಿದರು. ಭಾಷೆಯೂ ಬರದೇ ಅವರೆಡೆ ಸಂಭಾಷಣೆಯೂ ಕಷ್ಟವಾಗಿತ್ತು. ದೋಣಿಗಳು ಬಂದು ಸೇರಿದ ಪೂರ್ವಕ್ಕೆ ಸ್ಮಶಾನ ಅದರಾಚೆ ಘೋರ ಅರಣ್ಯ. ಹಗಲಲ್ಲೂ ಹಿಂಸ್ರ ಪಶುಗಳ ಗರ್ಜನೆ ಕೇಳಿಸುತ್ತಿತ್ತು.  ಕೊನೆಗೂ ದಾರಿಕಾಣದೇ ಆ ಮೂರು ನಾಲ್ಕು ದೋಣಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಶಿಶುಗಳಿಂದ ಮುದುಕರ ಸಂಗಡ ಅವರು ಅಲ್ಲೇ ಅರಣ್ಯದಲ್ಲೇ ಗೂಡುಕಟ್ಟಿ ಇರಲಾರಂಭಿಸಿದರು.

ಹೊಟ್ಟೆಯ ಹಸಿವಿಂಗಿಸಲು ಅನ್ನ, ದಿನಕಳೆಯುವದಕ್ಕೆ ಆವಶ್ಯ ವಸ್ತುಗಳನ್ನು ತರಲು ಮೈಮೇಲಿದ್ದ ಬಂಗಾರದ ಒಡವೆಗಳನ್ನೂ , ಪಾತ್ರಪರಿಕರಗಳನ್ನೂ ಮಾರಿ ಕೆಲಸಮಯ ಕಳೆಯಲಾಯಿತು. ಇತ್ತ ಬಂದವರಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಲವರು ಹಿಂಸ್ರ ಪಶುಗಳಿಗೆ ಬಲಿಯಾದರು. ಅಂತೂ ಮುಂದೇನು ಎನ್ನುವ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ ಭೂತಾಕರವಾಗಿ ಎದುರು ಬಂದು ನಿಂತಾಗ ಗುರುಗಳ ಸ್ಮರಣೆಯಾಯಿತು. ಕೂಡಲೇ ಕೆಲವರು ವಿಜ್ಞಾಪನಾ ಪತ್ರವನ್ನು ಬರೆದು ಭಟಕಳಕ್ಕೆ ಓಡಿಬಂದು ಬಸರೂರಿನ ಹತ್ತಿರ

ಅರಣ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಗೌಡಸಾರಸ್ವತ ಕುಟುಂಬಗಳ ದೀನಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿಯನ್ನು ನಿವೇದಿಸಲಾಯಿತು. ತತ್ಕ್ಷಣ ಶ್ರೀ ವಾಸುದೇವ ತೀರ್ಥರು ಬಂದವರಿಗೆ ಅಭಯವನ್ನುನೀಡಿ ಬಸರೂರಿಗೆ ಹೊರಟರು.

ಬಸರೂರು ಮುಟ್ಟಿದ ಶ್ರೀ ವಾಸುದೇವ ತೀರ್ಥರು ಅಲ್ಲಿಯ ಸ್ಥಾನಿಕ ಜನರನ್ನು ಒಟ್ಟುಗೂಡಿಸಿ ಗೋಮಾಂತಕ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿದೇಶೀಯರಿಂದ ನಮ್ಮ

ಸಮಾಜದ ಮೇಲಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ಆಕ್ರಮಣ, ಬಲಾತ್ಕಾರದ ಧರ್ಮಾಂತರ ಇತ್ಯಾದಿಗಳನ್ನು ಮನಮುಟ್ಟುವಂತೆ ವಿವರಿಸಿ ಹೇಳಿದರು. ಮತ್ತು ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಬಂದು ಸೇರಿದ ನಿರಾಶ್ರಿತರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸುತ್ತಾ ಈ ಗೌಡಸಾರಸ್ವತ ಸಮಾಜದ ಜನ ನಿರುಪದ್ರವಿಗಳು ಅಷ್ಟೇ ಅಲ್ಲ ನೈತಿಕ ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಪ್ರಜ್ಞೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಉನ್ನತ ಸ್ಥಾನವಿದ್ದವರಾಗಿ ಅವರನ್ನು ಬಸರೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಸ್ಥಾನಿಕರು ತಮ್ಮ ಜನರ ಸಂಗಡ ವಾಸಿಸಲು ಅವಕಾಶ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಿಕೊಡಬೇಕು.

ಈ ಸಮಾಜದ ಜನರು ಸಮಾಜಕ್ಕೆ ಯಾವುದೇ ತರದ ಹೊರೆಯಾಗದೇ ತಮ್ಮ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಕಷ್ಟಸಹಿಷ್ಣುತೆ ಮತ್ತು ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ಷಮತೆಯಿಂದ ಇಡೀ ಊರಿನ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಗಾಗಿ ದುಡಿದು ಬಸರೂರಿನ ವೈಭವವನ್ನೇ ಮೆರೆಸುತ್ತಾರೆ ಎಂದು ಆಶ್ವಾಸನೆ ಕೊಟ್ಟರು. ಶ್ರೀ ವಾಸುದೇವ ತೀರ್ಥರ ವರ್ಚಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ಒಳಗಾಗಿ, ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಬಂದು ಸೇರಿದ ಗೌಡಸಾರಸ್ವತ ಕುಟುಂಬಗಳ ನೈಜ ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿಯನ್ನು ಅರ್ಥಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡ ಸ್ಥಾನಿಕಜನರು

ಸಾರಸ್ವತ ಜನರಿಗೆ ಪುನರ್ವಸತಿಯನ್ನೂ ಜೀವನೋಪಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಅವಕಾಶವನ್ನೂ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಿ ಕೊಡುವದಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಆಶ್ವಾಸನೆಯಿತ್ತರು. ಶ್ರೀ ವಾಸುದೇವ ತೀರ್ಥರು   ಒಂದು ತುರ್ತು ಧರ್ಮಶಾಲೆಯನ್ನು ಕಟ್ಟಿಸಿ ಅರಣ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಜನರನ್ನು ಸುರಕ್ಷಿತ ಸ್ಥಳಕ್ಕೆ ಇರಲು ಅವಕಾಶ ಕೊಟ್ಟು ಗೌಡಸಾರಸ್ವತ ಸಮಾಜದ

ಜನರಿಗೆ ಆಶೀರ್ವಚವನ್ನಿತ್ತರು. ನೀವು ಈಗಿದ್ದ ಸ್ಥಳದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಜನರೊಡನೆ ಹಾಲು ಸಕ್ಕರೆಯಂತೆ ಬೆರೆತು ಕಷ್ಟಪಟ್ಟು ದುಡಿದು ಭೂಮಾತೆಯ ಸೇವೆಯನ್ನು ಮಾಡಿ. ಮುಂದಿನ ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಮಗೆಲ್ಲ ಉಜ್ವಲ ಭವಿಷ್ಯವಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಭವಿಷ್ಯವಾಣಿಯನ್ನು ನುಡಿದರು. ಕಾಲಕ್ರಮೇಣ ಅದುನಿಜವೂ ಆಯಿತು.

ಆಗ ಅಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಅರ್ಚಕ ಕುಟುಂಬದ ಒಬ್ಬ ತೇಜಸ್ವೀ ವಟುವಿನತ್ತ ಶ್ರೀ ವಾಸುದೇವ ತೀರ್ಥರು ಆಕರ್ಷಿತರಾಗಿ ಅವನನ್ನು ಪರೀಕ್ಷಿಸಿದರು. ತಂದೆ ತಾಯಿಗಳ ಸಮ್ಮತಿಯನ್ನು ಪಡೆದು ದೈವೀ ಪ್ರೇರಣೆಯಂತೆ ಅವನನ್ನು ತಮ್ಮ ಸಂಗಡ ಕರೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಬಂದು ಶ್ರೀ ಶಕ ೧೪೩೯ ಮಾಘ ಶುದ್ಧ ಚತುರ್ಥಿಯ ದಿನ ಸುಮುಹೂರ್ತದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂನ್ಯಾಸದೀಕ್ಷೆಯಿತ್ತು ಶ್ರೀ ಜೀವೋತ್ತಮ ತೀರ್ಥರೆಂದು ನಾಮಕರಣ ಮಾಡಿದರು. ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಮತ್ತೆ ಪುನಃ ತೀರ್ಥಯಾತ್ರೆಗೆ ಹೊರಟು ಪಂಢರಪುರದಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀ ವಿಠ್ಠಲನ ಪದದಲ್ಲಿ ವೃಂದಾವನಸ್ಥರಾದರು

 ಕೇವಲ ಒಂದು ವರುಷಕ್ಕಿಂತಲೂ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಪೀಠಾಧಿಪತಿಗಳಾಗಿದ್ದರೂ ಈ ಮೇಲಿನ ಒಂದೇ ಒಂದು ಸನ್ನಿವೇಶವು ಶ್ರೀ ವಾಸುದೇವ ತೀರ್ಥರು ತಮ್ಮ ಸಮಾಜದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಹೊಂದಿದ ಕಾಳಜಿಯನ್ನೂ , ಅವರ ಕರ್ತವ್ಯ ನಿಷ್ಟೆಯನ್ನೂ, ವರ್ಚಸ್ವೀ

ಪ್ರಭಾವವನ್ನೂ ನಮ್ಮೆದುರು ತೆರೆದಿಡುತ್ತದೆ.

ಈ ಶ್ರೀ ವಾಸುದೇವ ತೀರ್ಥರ ಜೀವನ ಚರಿತ್ರೆಯ ಕಿಂಚಿದ್ದರ್ಶನವು ನಮ್ಮೆಲ್ಲರ ಶ್ರೆಯೋಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಗೆ ಕಾರಣವಾಗಲಿ

ಇಂತೀ ಗುರುಚರಣಾಂಬುಜದಾಸ- ವಿಷ್ಣು ವೇಂಕಟದಾಸ್ ಶ್ಯಾನಭಾಗ. ಕಲಬಾಗಕಾರ, ಕುಮಟಾ

✍ हरिगुरुचरणांबुज दास  Vishnu Venkatdas Shanbhag, Kalbagkar, Kumta.

Srimad Sukratindra Mahima Stuti by Sri Bhadragiri Achyuthdas - English Translation by K Girish Prabhu

 

English Translation of Sri Sukratindra Mahima Stuti by Sri Bhadragiri Achutdas 

H.H SHRIMATH SUKRATHINDRA THIRTHA SWAMIJI 

Young Sukrathindra Yati, his education incomplete, was nervous about taking on the responsibilities of Shree Kashi Math Samsthan. He prayed and praised Vyasa Raghupati to protect the fame, wealth and prestige of the Math. He also prayed to Sri Madhavendra Thirtha, - “There is no one to help me and You are my Saviour”. The next three years were difficult.

Although young He had the knowledge and learnt everything by the grace of the Lord Vedavyasa. He went to Kashi (Varanasi) and the people there were very pleased to get the darshan of their new Guru Sukrathindra Thirtha. It was their good fortune that He was young and not interested in worldly desires. The scholars of Kashi said that this Yati would certainly be a saviour to protect the Veda Dharma. He studied the Parampara. He cried as he looked at the river Ganges, remembering his Gurus, and bowed with respect.

He gave a talk to the Kashi community that his first plan was to renovate and develop religious centres such as the temple and Math. He told the audience that businessmen should earn wealth with honesty and use it for good causes. He described to them the rules for the Moola Math in Kashi and how to make arrangements for pilgrims who had to be looked after well. He told them that there would be Satsangs and havans in the Math every day. The people of Kashi heard

Swamiji and were happy. He further said that since Knowledge was the beauty of Kashi, the schools would be protected.

Swamiji left Varanasi for Bombay and went to Shri Kashi Math there. The Goud Saraswath community was very happy to know about Swami’s arrival. Righteous people of Chatrapura (Kodial, Mangalore) invited Swamiji to come to Kodial. He sent Rayas Patra through them. He travelled with his disciples by train and reached Kodial (Mangalore). The assembled people were very happy to get the darshan of the young Yati and listen to the Veda Mantras and musical instruments. The children were also very happy. Everyday there was a festival in Mangalore. One was fortunate to personally experience the worship performed by our Swamiji. He gave religious discourses, Mantra and Mudra Dharana,Prasad and organized community meals.

This was the Kali Age and people were not virtuous; they always fought and quarrelled. There was no mutual understanding between each other. Goud Saraswaths neglected their duties.Now, they were educated, imitated the West,spoke English and wore western-style clothes. English people convert many Goud Saraswaths to Christanity. Goud Saraswaths ate and enjoyed non-vegetarian food. We behaved like Westerners and our minds became polluted ( brashta ).Once, there was a lawyer Prabhu who was very proud of himself. He had relations with other communities. He complained to Swamiji that Goud Saraswaths were eating with people of the lowest caste and that those who did must be excommunicated. He got Swamiji, who trusted him, to sign a statement to that effect. Prabhu’s actual (hidden) intention was to take Swamiji to the court of law in Mangalore and have people disrespect Swamiji and the Math. The court asked Swamiji to attend the hearing in person. To protect the prestige of the Math, Swamiji and some of His disciples left Mangalore that night for Kerala without telling anyone. He worried and prayed to Lord Vedavyas to save and preserve the integrity and reputation of the Samsthan. He passed through Ullal and Kumbla. He worshipped the Lord during the day and travelled during the night. It was all God’s will. At that time, it was Guru’s wrath and His tears flowing from the eyes that flooded the river Netravati in Bantwal which became submerged in water.

They eventually reached Alleppey, Kerala. Prabhu won the case and the court fined Swamiji Rs.101. But Swamiji went to the higher court of law and after ten years won the case on appeal. The court of law said, “Prabhu must pay all the money Swamiji spent on the case”. However, Swamiji rejected the money because He then stated, “Prabhu was also one of our disciples of Shree Kashi Math Samsthan”. The opposing party surrendered to the holy feet of Swamiji. Prabhu became sick and when he went to take darshan of Swamiji, He forgot Prabhu’s wicked actions,blessed him with love and gave him Akshata. He kept his head on Guru’s feet and prayed for forgiveness. Prabhu got his health back and he was happy thereafter.

Sukrathindra Thirtha Swamiji was determined to renovate the temples of Varanasi (Kashi), Rameshwar, Moodabidri, Kodaganur, Mulki, Kapu, Bantwal, Mangalore, Kumbla, Karkal, Munkoor and Panambur. Swamiji was very simple, yet very powerful in thought. He was quiet and did not get angry with anyone. He was not jealous and befriended His enemies. He was always patient and everyone respected Him. He was the king among ascetics. He said that one must be content to serve food to a hungry man as that action was Hari pooja. Thus, during festivals He would send provisions to poor Brahmins who were very lucky to get it as Prasad from Swamiji. One young student surrendered to Swamiji and asked. “I have no time to do Sandhya Vandhana three times a day. Is it wrong if I do all three Sandhya Vandhanas at one time”? Swami said “Child, if you eat three dinners at one time you will not be able to digest it, so you must do it three times a day”.

Sukrathindra Swamiji practiced Astanga Yoga (eight types of dicipline of Patanjali). They are

1. Yama : to abstain from killing, untruths, theft and passion of property. Practice of celibacy.

2. Niyama : to observe purity and practice of Tapasya, the study and knowledge of scriptures with surrender to the Supreme Lord.

3. Asanas : to be practiced regularly to steady the mind for concentration and to discipline the body

4. Pranayama : to do breathing exercises, which improve the condition of the lungs, heart and nervous system, and bring about good health.

5. Prathyahara : to look inward while shutting out all outward impressions from the mind.

6. Dharana : to concentrate on any object, which could be a light within the mind or a form or image of God used in prayer.

7. Dhyana : to meditate involving an unceasing flow of thoughts and ideas towards this object. Such meditation leads to the final state known as Samadhi.

8. Samadhi : when the subject of the meditation and the object become one. Sanyasis who ignore the Siddhis (powers) and progress further attain superconsciousness or Nirvikalpa Samadhi. When the mind is in full union with God, the individual becomes a liberated soul.

(Numbers 3 (Asana), 4 (Pranayama) and 5 (Prathyahara) are preliminary steps to Yoga. The last three steps Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi comprise Raja Yoga.)

Yatis of all Ashta Mathas of Lord Krishna temple in Udupi, the Gokarna Parthagali Mutt and the Chitrapur Math respected Sukrathindra Thirtha Swami. He walked everyday on the sea shore and breathed the air of the sea breezes. He rode horses in the afternoon. He loved to go to the great pilgrim centre Anantha Narayana Pura (Trivandrum)in Kerala.

Some elderly people once came to visit Swamiji to ask Him questions about family life. Swamiji smiled and said, “It is enough talk about the worldly life. You had sons and grandsons, so now it is the time to think of God and Spiritual knowledge”. 

One elderly rich person King of Cochin, held on to Guru’s feet and asked Him kindly, “Swami, I have got lots of wealth to spend for the temple”. Swami replied, “Offer it to the community so that Lord Venkatesh will protect your family. I am a Sanyasi and I am detached from desires. All the wealth and vehicles are only for Lord Vyasa Raghupati. I am His Dasa and He is our refuge”. The King was pleased, did salutations to Swamiji and offered all his wealth to the Lord. It is also known that disciples such as one Keshav (a fruit seller), and businessmen Kamath and Manjunath became wealthy by the grace of Swami.

One day Swamiji was reflecting in His mind that He should take a Shishya who would take care of the Dharma Peeta and all the responsibilities. Swamiji told His intimate to his well wisher Subba Bhatt (a priest well versed in the Vedas) that He longed to take a Shishya. Subba Bhatt said, “There is a young good boy called Sadashiva, the likes of whom it is difficult to find”. Swami asked Bhatt to get all information about Sadashiva. Bhatt found that the boy Sadashiva (born March 31, 1926) was intelligent in Sanskrit and English; that he performed Sandhya Vandhana and Saligrama Pooja, chanted Dwadasha Nama, and looked beautiful with the Mudra and a Tilak. He studied well, preferred to be alone and went to the temple every day. Bhatt told Swamiji that first they would check the horoscope of Sadashiva. Then Bhatt met the Sadashiva’s father Sri Ramdas Shenoy in Ernakulam.

All the people in Ernakulam knew Sri Ramdas Shenoy. Bhatt told him that Sukrathindra Thirtha Swamiji wanted the horoscope of Sadashiva. Ramdas Shenoy became motionless, thinking, “He is my loving son, without mother’s love ( Sadashiva’s mother passed away when he was 4 years of age.). What can I tell the messenger of Swami? I must obey the orders of Swami as I am His disciple”. So, he gave Sadashiva’s horoscope to Bhatt. The horoscope had all the qualities of Sanyas and the wealth of renunciation. Subba Bhatt met the young boy who got frightened when he knew Subba Bhatt’s mission. Sadashiva Shenoy said to Bhatt, “I am not able to tell you anything, ask my father”. Ramdas Shenoy was confused and thought how could this young boy look after the Dharma Peeta ? Both father and son were very virtuous. Father and son agreed to his future as Shishya. Then they went to meet Sukrathindra Swami who was elated at the decision. Sukrathindra Swami said, “It is all the will of Lord Vyasa Raghupati”. Then He sent the Rayas Patra to all His disciples to come to Mulki 

The people of Mulki were very happy that our Swami Sukrathindra was going to initiate a Shishya-, they felt blessed and their town was holy. They decorated the town and offered coconuts, vegetables, grain, rice and money. They tied green colour festoons and decorated the town with banana trees, areca nut bunches, sugarcanes and flowers. There were so many powerful lights one could not determine if it was day or night. Houses were filled with guests.

When the day for initiating a Shishya was fixed, Swami Sukrathindra Thirtha arrived in Mulki. They performed all the ceremonies on the bank of river Shambhavi. The sounds of Veda chanting,instrumental music, Bhajans, dance, crackers and fireworks reached the skies.

Sukrathindra Swami initiated the Shishya on May 24, 1944 with Ashtakshari Maha Mantra andcalled him SRI SUDHINDRA THIRTHA. All the people were very fortunate with the darshan of the two Swamis, Sukrathindra and Sudhindra. Then the devotees offered kanike (currency), peetamber (silk clothes) and multicolour garlands to Swamis. Scholars gave religious discourses and praised both Swamis. Then everyone had a sumptuous dinner. It is true that one who chants the name of the new Swami Sudhindra Thirtha will get everything one desires and live without fear or worry.

Both Swamis Sukrathindra and Sudhindra highly treasured the images (idols) of Ugra (Fierce) Narasimha of Mulki, Lakshmi Narasimha of Ullal and Bhadra Narasimha of Manjeshwar. Both Swamis did the Kumbhabhisheka to Bhadra Narasimha in Manjeshwar and stayed there further for Chathurmasa.

Swami Sukrathindra inaugurated the gold Dwaja Stambba (golden flag post) in Tharavoora (Kerala). Both Sukrathindra and Sudhindra Swamis travelled together for four years and renovated the Maths.

When they were in Cochin Swami Sukrathindra was not doing well. His disciples called the best doctors for treatment. However, He was not cured. Because of His illness, Sukrathindra Thirtha one day said, “Today our Shishya will worship Lord Vyasa and Rama”. That day He took the Prasad from the Shishya. Swami Sukrathindra asked Swami Sudhindra to recite the Upanishads. Swami Sukrathindra heard the recitation with the single-pointed concentration and chanted the name of Lord Narayana. Guru Swami was notdestined to live longer and Swami Sukrathindra Thirtha attained Mukti in Cochin, on Sunday July 10, 1949. 

He left all the responsibilities of Shree Kashi Math Samsthan to the young Swami Sri Sudhindra Thirtha.

Multitudes of people from various cities arrived by the thousands in Cochin to take the last darshan of Swami Sukrathindra Thirtha. They

constructed the Vrindavan and an image of Lord Hanuman was installed on it. Swami Sudhindra Thirtha praised Guru and gave large donations and dakshina to many Brahmins. Devotees who remember Sukrathindra Thirtha’s holy feet will not suffer in the cycle of birth and death and they will be liberated.

Here ends the sixth chapter of GuruCharitamrutha  : Sri Kashi Math Parampara

Sri Krishnarpanamastu

(Kannada) Srimad Indirakantha Thirtha Stotram by Kumta Narayana Acharya - Commentary by Shri Vishnu Shanbhag, Kumta

 ।।श्री हरिवायुगुरुभ्यो नमः।।

।। ಶ್ರೀ ಹರಿವಾಯುಗುರುಭ್ಯೋ ನಮಃ. ।।

||ಶ್ರೀ ಇನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತ ತೀರ್ಥಾಷ್ಟಕ||

ಶ್ರಯಾಮೋ ವಯಂ ಶ್ರೀನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತತೀರ್ಥಾನ್ ಸ್ಮಿತಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸ್ನಯೇನ್ದೂಕೃತಾ- ಸ್ಯಾಮ್ಬುಜಾತಾನ್| 

ಯತೀನ್ದ್ರಾನ್ ಮಹಾತೀರ್ಥಯಾತ್ರಾನ್ ಕೃತಾರ್ಥಾ ಯದ್ಯಙ್ಘ್ರ್ಯಬ್ಜ ಸಂದರ್ಶನಾಪ್ತ್ಯಾ ಸಮಸ್ತಾಃ ||೧||

ಯಾರ ಮುಖಕಮಲವು ಹುಣ್ಣಿಮೆಯ  ಬೆಳದಿಂಗಳನ್ನು ಚೆಲ್ಲುವ ಚಂದ್ರನಂತೆ ಸದಾ ಆಹ್ಲಾದಕರವಾಗಿರುತ್ತೋ,

ಯಾರು ಯತಿಧರ್ಮಪಾಲನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮುಕುಟಪ್ರಾಯರಾಗಿ ತಮ್ಮಲ್ಲೇ ಸಕಲ ತೀರ್ಥಕ್ಷೇತ್ರಗಳ ಸನ್ನಿಧಾನವಿದ್ದರೂ ವ್ಯಾಪಕವಾಗಿ ತೀರ್ಥಾಟನೆ ಮಾಡಿದರೋ,

ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಯಾರ ಪಾದಕಮಲಗಳ ದರ್ಶನ ಸೇವೆಗಳಿಂದ ಧರ್ಮ ಅರ್ಥ ಕಾಮ ಮೋಕ್ಷಾದಿ ಚತುರ್ವಿಧ ಪುಣ್ಯ ಪುರುಷಾರ್ಥಗಳು ಸಿದ್ಧಿಸುತ್ತವೆಯೋ

ಅಂತಹ ಶ್ರೀಮದ್ ಇನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತತೀರ್ಥ ಶ್ರೀಪಾದರ ಪೂಜ್ಯ ಚರಣಗಳನ್ನು ನಾವು ಆಶ್ರಯಿಸುತ್ತೇವೆ ||೧||

ನಮಾಮೋsಧುನಾ ಶ್ರೇಯಸೇ ಚಿತ್ಕಬನ್ಧಂ ಮುನೀನ್ದ್ರೇನ್ದಿರಾ-ಕಾನ್ತತೀರ್ಥಾಖ್ಯ ಸಿನ್ಧುಮ್ | ಸುಶಾನ್ತಾದಿರತ್ನಂ ಸಸದ್ವಾಕ್ತರಙ್ಗಂ ಸದ್ಯೋದ್ಯನ್ಮುಖೇನ್ದುಂ ಸುವಿದ್ಯಾಪಗಾಙ್ಗಮ್ ||೨||

(ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಕಾರರು ಈ ಎರಡನೇ  ನುಡಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀಗಳವರನ್ನು ಮಹಾನ್ ಸಾಗರಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಲಿಸಿ ವರ್ಣಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ)

ಶ್ರೀಮದ್ ಇನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತ ತೀರ್ಥ ಶ್ರೀಪಾದರೆಂದರೆ ಒಂದು ಮಹಾನ್ ಸಾಗರವಿದ್ದಂತೆ.

ಈ ಸಾಗರದ ಜಲವು ಜಡವಾದ ನೀರಲ್ಲ ಅದು ಪೂರ್ಣಜ್ಞಾನರೂಪ.  ಶಮ, ದಮ, ಉಪರತಿ, ತಿತಿಕ್ಷುಗಳಂತಹ ಅಗಣಿತಗುಣ ಸಮೂಹಗಳೇ ಅಂತಹ ಸಾಗರದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ರತ್ನಗಳ ರಾಶಿಗಳು

ಶ್ರೀಗಳವರಲ್ಲಿ ನಿತ್ಯ ಸಿದ್ಧವಾದ ನಿಗ್ರಹ ಮತ್ತು ಅನುಗ್ರಹಗಳೇ ಈ ಸಾಗರದ ಭೋರ್ಗರೆಯುವ ಅಲೆಗಳು.

ಇಂತಹ ಸಾಗರದ ಮೇಲೆ ಸರ್ವದಾ ಉದಯವಾದ ಪ್ರಸನ್ನ ಮುಖವೆಂಬ ಚಂದ್ರಮನ ಕಾಂತಿ ಎಲ್ಲ ಕಾಲದಲ್ಲೂ ಹರಡಿಯೇ ಇದೆ.

ವೇದ ವೇದಾಂಗ ಮತ್ತು ಇತರ ಸರ್ವ ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರಗಳೆಲ್ಲ ಈ ಸಾಗರಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದು ಸೇರುವ ನದಿಗಳು.

ನಮ್ಮೆಲ್ಲರ ಕಲ್ಯಾಣಸಾಧನೆಗಾಗಿ ಇಂತಹ ಈ ಮಹಾಸಾಗರಕ್ಕೆ ನಮಸ್ಕರಿಸುತ್ತೇವೆ. ||೨||

ಭಜಾಮೋ ಭವವ್ಯಾಧಿಭಙ್ಗಾಯ ಭಾನುಂ ವಿರಕ್ತೇನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತ- ತೀರ್ಥಾಭಿಧಾನಮ್ | ಧರಾಚಾರಿಣಂ ಹೃತ್ತಮೋನಾಶಶೀಲಂ ಶ್ರಿತಸ್ವಾಂತ- ನೇತ್ರಾಬ್ಜ-ಸನ್ತೋಷಮೂಲಮ್||೩||

ನೋಡುವವರ ಕಣ್ಣುಗಳಿಗೆ ಆನಂದವನ್ನುಂಟು ಮಾಡುತ್ತ ,

ಸೇವಿಸುವವರ ಹೃದ್ಗುಹೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ದಟ್ಟವಾಗಿ ತುಂಬಿದ ಅಜ್ಞಾನಾಂಧಕಾರವನ್ನು ನಾಶಪಡಿಸುತ್ತ ,

ಧರೆಯೊಳು ಜ್ಞಾನಪ್ರಕಾಶವನ್ನು ಬೀರುತ್ತ ತಿರುಗುವ ಶ್ರೀಮದ್ ಇನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತ ತೀರ್ಥರೆಂಬ ಸೂರ್ಯನನ್ನು ನಾವು ಭಜಿಸುತ್ತೇವೆ.

ಪಿಬಾಮಾತ್ರ ವಾಕ್ಕೌಮುದೀಂ ತಾಮಮನ್ದಾಂ ಸಮೇತ್ಯೇನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತ ತೀರ್ಥಾಖಿಲೇಂದುಮ್ | ದ್ವಿಜನ್ಮಾನ್ತರಾಣ್ಯಾ- ಶ್ರಿತಾನನ್ತಮೇನಂ ಯಯಾ ಸ್ಯಾನ್ಮನಸ್ತಾಪಹಾನಿಃ ಸಮಾನಮ್ ||೪||

ನಮ್ಮ ಜನ್ಮಜನ್ಮಾಂತರದ ಪುಣ್ಯದಿಂದ ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣರಾಗಿ ಹುಟ್ಟಿದ್ದೇವೆ. (ಆಗ ನಮ್ಮ ವಿಶೇಷ ಕರ್ತವ್ಯವೇನು? ಎಂದರೆ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾರೆ.)

ನಾವೆಲ್ಲ ಚಕೋರ ಪಕ್ಷಿಗಳು. 

ಗಗನದಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀಮದ್ ಇನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತ ತೀರ್ಥರೆಂಬ ಚಂದ್ರಮನು ಉದಯಿಸಿದ್ದಾನೆ.

ಶ್ರೀಗಳವರ ಸಜ್ಞಾನಪ್ರದ ವಾಗ್ವಿಲಾಸವೆಂಬ ಬೆಳದಿಂಗಳನ್ನು ಸಂತತ ಕುಡಿಯುತ್ತಿರೋಣ. 

ಅದರಿಂದ ನಮ್ಮ ದೇಹಕ್ಕೂ ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗೂ (ಈ ಜನನ ಮರಣರೂಪೀ) ತಾಪವು ಶೀಘ್ರವೇ ಪರಿಹಾರವಾಗುವದು.

 

(ಚಕೋರ ಪಕ್ಷಿಯು ಚಂದ್ರನ ಬೆಳದಿಂಗಳನ್ನು ಮಾತ್ರ ಕುಡಿದು ಜೀವಿಸುತ್ತದೆ ಎಂದು ಆಖ್ಯಾಯಿಕೆ ಇದೆ.)

ಶುಭಾಯೇನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತತೀರ್ಥಾಖ್ಯ ಮೇಘಃ 

ಸುಶಾಸ್ತ್ರಾಮ್ಬುಧೇರ್ಲಬ್ಧ- ಸಂವಿಜ್ಜಲೌಘಃ | 

ಹರಿಪ್ರೇರಿತೋ ಧೀರನಾದೋsಸ್ತು ನೋsದ್ಯ 

ಸ್ಮಿತೇರಂಮದೋ ಭಕ್ತಕೇಕ್ಯೋಘಹೃದ್ಯಃ ||೫||

ಸಚ್ಚಾಸ್ತ್ರವೆಂಬ ಸಮುದ್ರದಿಂದ ಹೊರಟ ಜ್ಞಾನರೂಪವೆಂಬ ಸಂವಿಜ್ಜಲದಿಂದ ತುಂಬಿದ. (ಸಂವಿಜ್ಜಲ ಎಂದರೆ ಆ ಜಲ ಜಡವಲ್ಲ.)

ಆ ಮೇಘವು ಶ್ರೀಹರಿ ಮತ್ತು ಪ್ರಾಣರೂಪಿ ವಾಯುವಿನಿಂದ ಚಲಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ. 

ಧೀರ ಗಂಭೀರವಾದ (ಶ್ರೀಮನ್ನಾರಾಯಣನ ಗುಣೋತ್ಕರ್ಷವನ್ನು ಸದಾ ಬಿತ್ತರಿಸುವ) ವಾಣಿಯೆಂಬ ಮೇಘನಾದ ಹೊಂದಿದ. 

ಶ್ರೀಗಳವರ ಮುಖದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಮಂದಹಾಸವೇ ಆ ಮೋಡದ ಮಿಂಚು 

ಆ ಮೇಘಧ್ವನಿಗೆ ಹರ್ಷಿತರಾಗಿ ಎದ್ದು ಕುಣಿಯುವ ಭಕ್ತವೃಂದವೇ 

ನವಿಲುಗಳ ಗುಂಪಾಗಿದೆ. (ಮಳೆಯ ಸೂಚನೆ ಸಿಕ್ಕ ಕೂಡಲೇ ತಮ್ಮ ಗರಿಗೆದರಿ ನವಿಲುಗಳು ನರ್ತಿಸುತ್ತವೆ, ಅಲ್ಲವೇ!)

ಅಂತಹ ಆ ಶ್ರೀಮದ್ ಇನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತ ತೀರ್ಥರೆಂಬ ಮೇಘವು ಸದಾ ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಪೋಷಿಸುತ್ತ ಕಲ್ಯಾಣವನ್ನು ಮಾಡಲಿ. ||೫||

ಕರೋತ್ವಿನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತ - ತೀರ್ಥಾಭಿಧಾನಂ ಸರೋಜ್ಞಾನವಾರ್ಯ - ಶ್ರಮಾನ್ನೋsಕ್ಷಿಮೀನಮ್ | ಅರಾಗೋರುನಕ್ರ ಮಹಾಕ್ಷೇತ್ರಯಾನಂ ಕರಾಸ್ಯಾಙ್ಘ್ರಿಪದ್ಮಮ್ ದ್ವಿಜೈಃ ಸೇವ್ಯಮಾನಮ್ ||೬||

ಸಚ್ಚಾಸ್ತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನರೂಪಿ ಜಲದಿಂದ ಪೂರ್ಣವಾದ 

ಸುಂದರವಾದ ನಯನಗಳ ಕೃಪಾದೃಷ್ಟಿಯೆಂಬ ಮೀನುಗಳಿಂದ ತುಂಬಿದ 

ಐಹಿಕ ವಿಷಯಗಳೆಂಬ ಘೋರವಾದ ಮೊಸಳೆಗಳೇ ಇಲ್ಲದಿರುವದರಿಂದ ಯಾರಿಗೂ ಭಯವನ್ನು ಉಂಟು ಮಾಡದ 

ತೀರ್ಥಕ್ಷೇತ್ರಗಳೆಂಬ ಹೊಲಗಳಿಗೆ ನೀರುಣಿಸಿ ಸಮೃದ್ಧವನ್ನಾಗಿ ಮಾಡುವ 

ಯಾರ ಮುಖ, ಕೈ, ಕಾಲುಗಳೆಂಬ  ಸುಂದರವಾದ ಕಮಲಗಳಿಂದ ಶೋಭಾಯಮಾನವಾಗಿದೆಯೋ

ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣರೂಪಿ ಹಂಸಪಕ್ಷಿಗಳು ಎಲ್ಲಿ ಆಶ್ರಯಪಡೆದು ಸೇವೆಯನ್ನು ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿರುತ್ತಾರೋ 

ಅಂತಹ ಆ ಶ್ರೀಮದ್ ಇನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತ ತೀರ್ಥರೆಂಬ ದಿವ್ಯ ಸರೋವರವು ನಮ್ಮ ಜನ್ಮಜನ್ಮಾಂತರಗಳ ಶ್ರಮವನ್ನು ನಾಶಮಾಡಲಿ ||೬||

ಅಲೋಲೇನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತ ತೀರ್ಥೇನ್ದ್ರಶಾಲಃ ಸುಭಕ್ತ್ಯಾಲವಾಲೋ ವಿರಕ್ತ್ಯಾದ್ಯಮೂಲಃ | ಕ್ಷಮಾತ್ವಕ್ ಶಿವಾಯೈಷ ಭೂಯಾತ್ಪ್ರಶಸ್ಯಃ ಪ್ರಮಾಸತ್ಸುಮೋ ನೋsಮೃತೋತ್ಕೃಷ್ಟ ಸಸ್ಯಃ ||೭||

(ಶ್ರೀಮದ್ ಇನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತತೀರ್ಥ ಶ್ರೀಪಾದರನ್ನು ಕಲ್ಪವೃಕ್ಷವೆಂದು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ವರ್ಣಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ)

ಶ್ರೀಹರಿಗುರುಗಳವಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀಗಳಿಗೆ ಇರುವ ಅಖಂಡ ಭಕ್ತಿಯೇ ಈ ವೃಕ್ಷಕ್ಕೆ ಇರುವ ಭೂಮೂಲ. (ಗಿಡವನ್ನು ನೆಡುವಾಗ ಮಣ್ಣು ಗೊಬ್ಬರ ಹಾಕಿ ಹಸನಾಗಿ ಮಾಡುತ್ತೇವೆ. ಆ ಭೂಮೂಲ) 

ಶ್ರೀಹರಿಯನ್ನು ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಉಳಿದ ವಿಷಯಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಇರುವ ವಿರಕ್ತಿಯೇ ಬೇರು. 

ಕ್ಷಮೆಯೇ ಆ ಮರದ ತೊಗಟೆ ಅಥವಾ ಕಾಂಡ 

ಜ್ಞಾನವೇ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತವಾದ ಸುಂದರ ಸುಗಂಧ ಪುಷ್ಪಗಳು 

ಸುಧೃಢವಾದ ಇನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತ ತೀರ್ಥರೆಂಬ ಈ ಕಲ್ಪವೃಕ್ಷಕ್ಕೆ ಮೋಕ್ಷವೆಂಬ ಸ್ವಾದಿಷ್ಟ ಫಲವು ಶ್ರೀಗಳವರನ್ನು ಸೇವಿಸುವವರಿಗೆ  ಸಿದ್ಧವಾಗಿದೆ .

ಮಠೇಶೇನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತ ತೀರ್ಥಾಃ ! ಪರೇsಪಿ ಸ್ಥಿತಾನ್ನ್ಯಸ್ಯ ಮಾಠೇಶ್ಯಮದ್ಧಾವರೇsಪಿ | ಶ್ರಿತಾನಿ ಪ್ರಧಾನಾನಿ ವಶ್ಚಿದ್ವಿರಕ್ತೀ ಕ್ಷಮಾ ಶಾನ್ತಿದಾನ್ತೀ ದಯಾದಿಷ್ಟ ಭಕ್ತೀ ||೮||

ಅಹೋ! ಶ್ರೀಮಠದ ಪೀಠವನ್ನು ಅಲಂಕರಿಸಿದ ಶ್ರೀ ಇಂದಿರಾಕಾಂತ ತೀರ್ಥ ಮಹಾಸ್ವಾಮಿಗಳವರೇ!! 

ನೀವು ಶಿಷ್ಯ ಸ್ವಾಮಿಗಳವರಲ್ಲಿ ಮಠಾಧಿಕಾರವನ್ನು ನೀಡಿದ್ದರೂ 

ಜ್ಞಾನ, ಶಾಂತಿ, ಇಂದ್ರಿಯನಿಗ್ರಹ, ಸಂತುಷ್ಟಿ, ವೈರಾಗ್ಯ, ಕ್ಷಮೆ, ದಯೆ ಮತ್ತು ಶ್ರೀಹರಿಗುರುಗಳವರಲ್ಲಿ ಆಚಲಭಕ್ತಿ ಎಂಬ ಈ ಎಂಟು ಶಕ್ತಿಗಳೇ ತಮ್ಮ ಅಷ್ಟ ಪ್ರಧಾನಿಗಳಾಗಿದ್ದರೂ,  ಇವು ಕೂಡ ತಮ್ಮಲ್ಲೇ ಆಶ್ರಯವನ್ನು ಪಡೆದಿವೆ.

ಶ್ರೀನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತತೀರ್ಥಾನಾಮಿದ-ಮಷ್ಟಕಮಿಷ್ಟದಮ್ | 

ತಚ್ಛಿಷ್ಯ ಕುಮಟಾ ನಾರಾಯಣಾಚಾರ್ಯೇಣ ನಿರ್ಮಿತಮ್ ||೯||

ಶ್ರೀಗಳವರ ಶಿಷ್ಯರಾದ ಕುಮಟಾ ನಾರಾಯಣಾಚಾರ್ಯರು   ಶ್ರೀಮದ್ ಇನ್ದಿರಾಕಾನ್ತತೀರ್ಥ ಪೂಜ್ಯಚರಣರ ಈ ಎಂಟು ನುಡಿಗಳ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರವನ್ನು ಸಕಲರಿಗೂ ಅವರವರ ಇಷ್ಟಸಿದ್ಧಿಗೋಸ್ಕರ ರಚಿಸಿದರು.

ಶ್ರೀ ಮಧ್ವೇಶಾರ್ಪಣಮಸ್ತು 

*******

ಶ್ರೀಗಳವರ ಅಸಾಧಾರಣ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿತ್ವವನ್ನು ನಾನಾ ಉಪಮಾನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ವರ್ಣಿಸಿ ಆ ದಿವ್ಯ ಮೂರ್ತಿ ಕಣ್ಣೆದುರು ಬಂದು ನಿಲ್ಲುವಂತೆ ಅದ್ಭುತವಾಗಿ ವರ್ಣಿಸಿದ ಶ್ರೀ ನಾರಾಯಣ ಪೈ ಅವರಿಗೂ ನಮ್ಮೆಲ್ಲರಿಂದ ಸಾಷ್ಟಾಂಗ ನಮಸ್ಕಾರಗಳು.

ಕುಮಟಾದಲ್ಲಿ ಪೈ ಎಂಬ ಗ್ರಹಸ್ಥ  ಕುಟುಂಬದಲ್ಲಿ ಜನಿಸಿ ಶ್ರೀಮದ್ ಇಂದಿರಾಕಾಂತ ತೀರ್ಥ ಶ್ರೀಗಳವರ ಪೂರ್ವಾಶ್ರಮದ ತಂದೆಯವರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ನರಸಿಂಹ ಪುರಾಣಿಕರಲ್ಲಿ ವೇದ, ವೇದಾಂಗ, ವೇದಾಂತಾದಿಗಳನ್ನು ಕಲಿತು ತಮ್ಮ ಅಪ್ರತಿಮ ಪ್ರತಿಭೆಯಿಂದ ಆಚಾರ್ಯ ಎಂಬ ಬಿರುದನ್ನು ಶ್ರೀಗಳವರಿಂದ ಪಡೆದು ನಾರಾಯಣ ಪೈ ಅವರು ನಾರಾಯಣ ಆಚಾರ್ಯರೆಂದೇ ಮುಂದೆ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧರಾಗಿ ಮಠದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದು ಜೀವನ ತುಂಬಾ ಸೇವೆಯನ್ನು ಮಾಡಿ ಧನ್ಯರಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ.  

ಇಂತಹ ಮಹಿಮಾನ್ವಿತರು ಬರೆದು ಇಟ್ಟ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯದ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶನದ ಪಡೆದು ಆ ಮಹಾನ್ ಯತಿವರ್ಯರ ಗುಣಗಳನ್ನು ಕನ್ನಡೀಕರಿಸಲು ಸುಸಂಧಿಯನ್ನಿತ್ತ ನಿಮ್ಮೆಲ್ಲವರಿಗೂ ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳನ್ನು ಅರ್ಪಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ

Srimad Indirakantha Thirtha Stotram by Kumta Narayana Acharya - Commentary by Shri Vishnu Shanbhag, Kumta

Sri Kumta Narayana Acharya has written a very beautiful stotra on Srimad Indirakantha Teertha Swamiji. The description and the information is quite worthy of study. The language is highly poetic and high. Shri Vishnu Venkatadas Shanbhag Kalbagkar of Kumta give us a beautiful varnana of this stotra on Sriman Indirakantha Teertha Swamiji who were an accomplished scholar in Madhwa Sidhantha and also known for their vAksiddhi, Nigraha and aNugraha shakti.

 ।। श्री हरिवायुगुरुभ्यो नमः।। 

 ।। श्रीमद इन्दिराकान्त तीर्थ गुरुभ्यो नमः ।।

श्रयामो वयं श्रीन्दिराकान्ततीर्थान् स्मितज्योत्स्नयेन्दूकृता- स्याम्बुजातान्।

यतीन्द्रान् महातीर्थयात्रान् कृतार्था यद्यङ्घ्र्यब्ज- संदर्शनाप्त्या समस्ताः।।१।।

Srimad Indirakanth teerth swamin is The One whose face is always very much pleasing as the cool refreshing light of the full moon and always living His life strictly according to the code of highest Yati dharma. 

Hence the divinity of all teertha kshetras are present in His very self.  Still, Swamiji visited various pilgrimage places. 

Therefore the Lotus feet of the Saint can grant rich rewards. These are the four purusharthas, Dharma, artha, kaama and moksha  sought by every sadhaka just by a little service to them. 

We humbly give ourselves to the lotus feet of Srimad Indirakanth teerth swamiji. 

||1||

नमामोsधुना श्रेयसे चित्कबंधं मुनीन्द्रेन्दिराकान्ततीर्थाख्य सिन्धुम् । 

सुशान्तादिरत्नं ससद्वाक्तरङगं सद्योद्यन्मुखेन्दुं सुविद्यापगाङ्गम् ।।२।।

(The Author of the eulogy compares HH to an ocean in this second stanza)

Srimad Indirakanth teerth swamiji is a vast ocean. The water here is not  insentient . It's very form is pure sentience. Shama, dama, uparati, titikshu and countless other auspicious attributes of Swamiji are the priceless gems that could be found inside this ocean. 

Swamiji's natural  power to control evil persons and to bless the good ones are the roaring waves. The moon who never sets (HH"s face) always spreads  soft refreshing light forever over this ocean. Vedas, Vedangas and allied sat shastras are the rivers which flow into this ocean. 

We give ourselves up to this immense valued ocean to lift us from the travails of births and bless us to achieve the lotus feet of Paramatma permanently.  

भजामो भवव्याधिभङ्गाय भानुं विरक्तेन्दिराकान्त तीर्थाभिधानम् । 

धराचारिणं हृत्तमोनाशशीलं श्रितस्वान्त- नेत्राब्ज- सन्तोषमूलम् ।।3।।

Divinely pleasing to behold,Destroying the thick darkness of wrong knowledge that has seeped and filled in to the heart,Walking around the earth and spreading the light of knowledge

Devotedly we follow the Great Yogi Srimad Indirakanta teerth swamiji 

पिबामात्र वाक्कौमुदीं ताममन्दां समेत्येन्दिराकान्त- तीर्थाखिलेन्दुम् । 

द्विजन्मान्तराण्या-श्रितानन्तमेनं यया स्यान्मनस्तापहानिः समानम् ।।४।।

Because of the good merits (punya) earned in many past births and have been born as Brahmans (Therefore what is our duty?)  We are like the Chakori bord 

The bright full moon Srimad Indirakant teertha has risen in the sky. Let us keep  drinking the moonlight of enriching flow of speech from Sri Swamiji. Which destroys fast, the scalding hot sufferings of the body and mind (That is caused by rebirths) 

 (Chakora bird is said to survive by drinking the moonlight )

शुभायेन्दिराकान्ततीर्थाख्य मेघः  सुशास्त्राम्बुधेर्लब्ध- संविज्जलौघः ।

हरिप्रेरितो धीरनादोsस्तु नोsद्य स्मितेरंमदो भक्तकेक्योघहॄद्यः ।।५।।

(Sri Swamiji is compared to a " Cloud full of water ready to rain" here)

The Cloud is fully saturated with the  water which is energy of knowledge (samvit jala) from the vast ocean of scriptures.A Cloud that moves with  the wish of Sri Hari and Prana itself is the wind.

The cloud has deep and meaningful messages in its thunder (Which proclaim the supreme being Vishnu through his infinite auspicious attributes)

The pleasant smile of Swamiji is the lightening from the cloud 

The devotees who dance to the appearance of the cloud are the ostentation (or flock) of peacocks 

May such a cloud called Srimad Indirakanth teerth swamiji nurture and sustain us throughout and carry us to the Lord's feet 

करोत्विन्दिराकान्त- तीर्थाभिधानं सरोज्ञानवार्य-श्रमान्नोsक्षिमीनम् ।

अरागोरुनक्र महाक्षेत्रयानं करास्याङ्घ्रिपद्मं द्विजैः सेव्यमानम् ।। ६।।

(In this verse Swamiji is likened to a big and beautiful lake)

The life giving waters of which are the very essence of vedic teachings 

The kind glances from the beautiful eyes itself are the school (or the group of) fish swimming in the lake. The attachment to sense objects and vices are the most fierce crocodiles and alligators which destroy. Here there is no trace of them and hence no one is afraid to be near this lake. 

The divine pilgrimage places are the agricultural and horticultural lands. The rich water from this lake feeds them and makes them fertile.

The beautiful lotuses flowering in this lake are the hands, feet and the divine face of Swamiji.

The vedavit brahmanas are the herd of swans who rest here and serve.  

May this celestial lake called Srimad Indirakanth teertha pujyapaada enrich us and destroy our travails  ||6||

अलोलेन्दिराकान्ततीर्थेन्द्रशालः सुभक्त्यालवालो विरक्त्याद्यमूलः। 

क्षमात्वक् शिवायैष भूयात्प्रशस्यः प्रमासत्सुमो नोsमृतोत्कृष्टसस्यः।।७।।

(Sri Swamiji is like a Kalpavriksha) 

The base of of the tree is the unshakeable faith and devotion to Sri Hari Gurus. 

(The earth at base of a tree is mixed with fertilizers etc. That enriched soil is the devotion described here.)

Stoic with detachment from everything other than Shrihari and gurus itself is the root. Tolerance itself is the bark or the trunk of the tree Wisdom born out of knowledge itself are the fragrant flowers  

The fruit of this robust and strong Kalpavriksha , Srimad Indirakantha teertha, is Moksha  the final attainment of the Lotus feet of Vishnu. This is ready for the earnest followers of the Saint. 

मठेशेन्दिराकान्ततीर्थाः ! परेsपि स्थितान्न्यस्य माठेश्यमद्धावरेsपि । 

श्रितानि प्रधानानि वश्चिद्विरक्ती क्षमा शान्तिदान्ती दयादिष्टभक्ती ।।८।।

 

Sri Indirakanth teerth swamin!! You have adorned and graced the Seat of the matha!! 

Though You have handed over the administration of the matha to Shishya swamiji, 

1.Knowledge,

2.Peace (shanti here means the single minded faith in Vishnu born out of knowledge as per the definition given शमो मन्निष्टता),

3. Control of the senses, 

4.Contentment (Satisfaction in Vishnu's glory) 

5.Detachment (from all other things except गुणोत्कर्ष of Vishnu)

6. Tolerance (or forbearance) 

7.Graciousness or mercy ,

8 And the devotion to Shrihari , Gurus 

These eight are Your powerful ministers. Still they rest in You. 

 

श्रीन्दिराकान्ततीर्थानामिदमष्टक- मिष्टदम् ।

तच्छिष्य कुमठानारायणाचार्येण निर्मितम् ।।९।।

।।श्री मध्वेशार्पणमस्तु।। 

For earning what one wants (specially moksha through the teachings and grace of Swamiji) this eulogizing in eight stanzas was composed by Swamiji's disciple, Kumta Narayan Acharya.

*******

This eulogy has described the extraordinary personality of Sri Swamiji with various similes and metaphors. The result is that the Divinity flashes before our eyes. We are completely indebted to Sri Narayan Pai for this. I prostrate myself to this extraordinary disciple of an extraordinary Saint.  

Born in a grihasth family in Kumta, Sri Narayan Pai learnt sanskrit , vedas, vedangas, vedanta etc from Sri Narasimha Puranik (father of Sri Indirakanth teerth in purva ashrama) The home of Sri Narasimha Puranik (in Bhatkal) was a school of Gurukul system where students stayed and learnt.  Sri Narayan Pai was a brilliant and devoted student. Observing the great scholarship and faith Sri Swamiji honored him with Acharya padavi (sort of a degree). Narayan Pai was then called Kumta-Narayan-Acharya and served Swamiji and the Matha till the end. We are all deeply indebted to him for writing down about the Purva Acharyas. Based on this we know many precious facts.

I am happy that I got an opportunity to write on these insights and I thank all of you for this. 

I remain Devoted to the fleck of dust from the lotus feet of Sri Swamijis

धी शुद्धि स्तोत्रं composed by श्री वादिराज तीर्थ स्वामीजी Dhi Shudhi Strotra by Shri Vadiraja Thirtha Swamiji

 
धी शुद्धि स्तोत्रं - श्री वादिराज तीर्थ स्वामीजी

चिंतामणिर्हयग्रीवो वशे यस्य निषेवितः । 

सोsपि सर्वार्थदो नृणां किमुतासौ हयाननः ।। 1।।

Simple translation : The devotee of Hayanana, who is blessed by Him, is fit to bestow all that is needed and asked for by others with the power installed in the devotee by Hayanana. Facts being such, does it require separately  to say the worship of Hayanana with full devotion bestows every kind of auspiciousness!!

 यं यं चिन्मयसन्मूर्ते धर्मं कुर्मस्तवाज्ञया । 

तं तं घ्नंत्यसुराः किं तद्धंता त्वं तान्न कृंतसि ।। 2।। 

Oh! Paramatma, your form is verily sentient*1 .  We live according to the rules of dharma laid by you. Demons (internal as well as external)  attack us and prevent us from doing the work as per your orders. You have always destroyed these evil forces time and again. Please destroy these evil forces that are troubling us. 

*1- Paramatma is never touched by the prakriti. His form is always चिदानंदात्मक

 त्वद्दतपुण्यवित्तं मे सद्यः पापैरपाहरन् ।

 क्रुद्धा दैत्या न दैत्यारे तद्विक्रान्तैरलं तव ।।3।।

The wealth of merits(पुण्य) that you gave was instantly robbed by the angry demons. Therefore I think your strength is not enough to tame them.

 स्वक्षेम राम मे कामे रक्षांस्यक्षाण्यचिक्षिपन् । 

तत् क्षाम्यं न हृषीकेशस्याक्ष्यय्यत्रय्यधीशीतुः।।4।।

Oh! Rama you are fully capable without any need from anyone else to look after yourself. These Demons keep  watch over the good that I earn. They spoil everything. Hrishikesha! (*1) Lord of all  eternal vedas ! I seek you not to forgive them and do not  let them destroy my merits. 

 (*1 Hrishikesha is the one who rules our senses)

 स्वप्नोsपि सूचको यस्मात्तस्मादस्माकमच्युत । 

अस्वप्नप्रिय न स्वप्नेsप्यक्षं निक्षिप दुष्कृते।।5।।

 Achyuta! You are dear to Gods who never dream. Incidences seen in the dreams foretell what happens in reality. So please don't let our senses indulge in evil even in our dreams. (Achyuta here is the One for whom nothing is wanting. It means He is not only infinite in every aspects, His actions also never fail.)

क्वाहं नृहय तेंsघ्र्यर्कशरणः करुणांबुधे ।

 क्वेदं निस्सारसंसारनीहारावरणं मम ।।6।।

Hayagreeva! Compassionate/merciful Lord! I have taken refuge in the bright light of your feet. How can this bond that ties me to the samsaara which is like a fog,  exist after the bright sunrise of the vision of your feet!

अनुत्साहमहोत्साह चरणस्मरणे सताम् ।

शरणे सति जल्पन्तः किमसंतो हसन्ति नः ।।7।।

 Pranadevaru (Vayudevaru) doesn't show much of an enthusiasm towards the universe which is different from paramatma. Hence Rajaru calls Him 'anutsaha'. Paramatma is always enthusiastic to protect all. Hence He is called 'Mahotsaha'. Sajjanas never forget the lotus feet of these two. So what harm can others do who laugh at us ?

कस्य कस्य प्रियं ब्रूमः स्तुमः कं कं पदे पदे । 

कस्मै कस्मै दिशामोर्थं कस्माद्वाsस्मत् प्रयोजनम्  ।।8।।

 With whom shall we talk sweetly? Whom shall we keep praising at every step? To whom shall we give our money and serve? What is it's use? 

 (Here Rajaru is referring  generally to those who are evil minded. Or we can say that the reference is towards our overindulgence in mundane life. So Rajaru is advising us to spend our little time and wealth to serve Paramatma and His devotees. That will be useful for our own upliftment)

को वा जीवोपरस्त्राता देवाच्छ्री वासुदेवतः । 

योsर्वा गा वाति यश्चोर्ध्वं तौ वातौ वामनाश्रितौ ।।9।।

 Hey Jeevaatma!! Who else can protect you other than Supreme Vasudeva? He is present as apaana in the apaana (Vayu's apaana rupa). He sustains the body from heart downwards. He is present as Praana and is present in the Praana (Vayu's praana rupa). He sustains the body from heart upwards. Both of these forms of Vayu are controlled by Vaamana who is present in the heart.

मां चेन्मुंचति देवोsसौ गां च मुंचति वैदिकीम् । 

सत्यवृतस्य नासत्यं भक्तस्य न कदापि भीः ।।10।।

 If Lord Vasudeva does not protect me, the Vedic assurance "I never forgo my devotee" would become meaningless. Paramatma has vowed that He will never go against the TRUTH (Vedic assurance). Therefore never be afraid. Lord will always look after His devotee

प्रभो प्रबोध्य बोधाब्धिं प्रबुद्धबुधसाध्य ते । 

कृपाक्षपाकरकरश्चकोरीमिव पातु माम् ।।11।।

 My Lord! You are always  available  to those souls who have realised your auspicious attributes. (aparoksha jnAnis). Let the ocean of your infinite auspiciousness swell into a full tide. Let the moonlight of your beneficence protect me, who is waiting like chakora bird

(chakora is said to be a bird whose life is dependent on the moonlight)

सेयं श्रीशहयग्रीवदासेनाsचार्यसेविना ।

 यतिना वादिराजेन स्तुतिर्धीशुद्धये कृता ।।

This stotra is composed by Vaadiraja yati, who serves Srimad Acharya and Lakshmi-Hayagreeva to achieve a clean mind (specially clarity of thinking)

 🙏 श्रीमध्व वादिराजान्तर्गत लक्ष्मीहयग्रीवः प्रीतोस्तु 🙏

Madhwa Navami Wishes to all Jijnasus.

 ब्रह्मान्ता गुरवः साक्षात् इष्टं दैवं श्रियःपतिः |

आचार्या श्रीमदाचार्या सन्तु मे जन्मजन्मनि ||

On this auspicious day of Madhwanavami presenting a wonderful shloka on Shrimad Anandathirtha Bhagavadpadacharya also knows as Madhwacharya and it elaborate meaning 

विद्योरुद्युतिधीर-तारक-तिरस्कारे पतङ्गायितो दुर्वादीभ-कुतर्क-कुम्भदलने सिंहप्रबर्हायितः।

लोलालोकक-लोकदृक्- कुमुदिनी संह्लादनेऽब्जायितः संसन्मण्डल-मण्डनायितवपुः स्वानंदतीर्थो बभौ ।।

This describes the person and personality of श्रीमदानंदतीर्थ भगवत्पादाचार्य most beautifully, in a way that makes Him shine forth brightly on our mind screen. It is a perfect ध्यान श्लोक. It is not just eulogizing and praising, but a description that one needs to concentrate on to realize the greatness of not only the guide but destination too. 

श्रीमदानंदतीर्थ भगवत्पाद  is surrounded by ज्ञानिसमूह and the common men (the context is on his return from payasvini teera. But that may not restrict us as it fits for all time)

Those people along with ज्ञानिसमूह gathered there saw a bright ONE shining with the light of many Suns. In comparison, the light of stars  vanished. The sparkling and lightening like brightness of His knowledge was so intense that it simply vanquished/outshined  the intellect of the best of the best gathered there.   

His power was  like that of a fierce lion which can break the heads of wild elephants. Those who were opposing Him with wrong understanding of the shastra could not withstand His eloquence, effectiveness, cogency, persuasiveness, impressiveness and authoritativeness of his logic which established the TRUTH.

The righteous and the ones who were fit, looked at Him and saw Him cool  and nourishing like a moonlight with soothing rays which blossoms the water lily (kumuda) 

The ज्ञानिसमूह, the righteous and fit were blessed with a view of the विश्वगुरु  whose personality was completely blemishless and pure. (possessed of 32 सल्लक्षण). He was the jewel of crown among the ज्ञानिसमूह . May श्रीमदाचार्य bless us and may we follow Him , the जीवोत्तम forever.   

(The छन्दस used here is शार्दूल-विक्रीड़ित. It signifies the description of the personality of श्रीमदानंद तीर्थ  भगवत्पादाचार्य.

शार्दूल also means excellent, eminent, best, pre-eminent and the like. When eminence and excellence is required to be told then शार्दूल-विक्रीड़ित  छन्दस becomes most appropriate. Please note the selection of  शार्दूल-विक्रीड़ित here was not random. The शार्दूल-विक्रीड़ित छन्दस provides a visualization which helps us peep into the immortal personality of  श्रीमदानंद तीर्थ भगवत्पादाचार्य)

अभ्रमं भंगरहितं अजडं विमलं सदा। श्रीमदानंदतीर्थार्यं भजे तापत्रयापहम् ।। 

✍️ Vishnu Venkatdas Shanbhag, Kalbagkar. Kumta.

(Write-up with the input of a friend and help of Kannada translation by Vidvan Sanuru Bheemabhatta Acharyaru)

Learn from Rama - Gunas of Shri Ramachandra from Valmiki Ramayana.

 Learn from Rama 

by Shri Girish Prabhu K, Bangalore

In this series, we try to understand the personality of Lord Rama, from a few verses of Valmiki Ramayana. 

Lord Rama, the greatest Guru, teaches through His words, His deeds, the finest lessons to be followed in our lives. 

These are not just for those olden days of  Ramayana, but highly relevant even in this century, in our day to day operations, at our office, homes. Our management masters must learn from the most popular Guru. 

Let us read and learn to the extent possible 

_______________________________________________________________________________

स च नित्यं प्रशान्तात्मा मृदुपूर्वं तु भाषते |

उच्यमानोऽपि परुषं नोत्तरं प्रतिपद्यते || २-१-१०

Rama is soft-spoken and has an ever-peaceful mind. He does not even react, if others use harsh words against Him.

‘I am a very nice person, I always speak softly, gently. But you see, there are others who are rude, and they make me speak rudely too!’ This is our everyday statement.  Every person rates himself/herself very highly. According to us, our words are the gentle. But only when others instigate, we too speak their language swearing them using bad words. ‘Oh come on! You don’t expect me to just shut up if the opposite party speaks rudely at me. Why should I take it? 

This is our argument. But Lord Rama teaches us: Speak softly always. If others’ reply is harsh, don’t bother to respond!

The war of words would never end, if we start shouting at each other! There are umpteen examples of broken relationships due to spoken words. As the saying goes ‘things you say about others, say a lot about you’. Peace of mind is the most important element sought after now. If we wish to have a pleasant self with a calm, peaceful and happy mind, we just need to follow what Rama advises us to do. Let such Rama who speaks soft and pleasing words, make us speak similarly by being inside us.

कथञ्चिदुपकारेण कृतेनैकेन तुष्यति |

न स्मरत्यपकाराणां शतमप्यात्मवत्तया || २-१-११

Rama, is glad even for the smallest help offered to Him, by others. Never does He remember any number of bad things done to Him.

Lord Rama asks us to be happy and grateful for the small help done by others. Do not forget those who helped you when you needed; and not just those who provided significant assistant, but even those who helped you in small ways.  You never know when you may need help from the same person. Also, the reason for you being what you are today, could be because of those small help provided by others. 

The theory that is taught these days is to remember those who have hurt you too. But that is not what Rama teaches. Even if someone tries to hurt you in multiple ways innumerable times, remembering it and being vengeful about it makes no sense. The revenge, the thought to put down someone just because h/she caused you a harm long ago, would mean they too will wait for an opportunity for revenge. The more we go into this, the more we are pulled into the vicious cycle never to return. So, Rama says, do not harbour vengeance. Forget all the bad things done to you by others. But never forget even the smallest help provided by others unto you! 

Let such Rama who stays in every being and provides us timely help, make us remember Him constantly. Let such Rama remove the seed of vengeance in us.

शीलवृद्धैर्ज्ञानवृद्धैर्वयोवृद्धैश्च सज्जनैः |

कथयन्नास्त वै नित्यमस्त्रयोग्यान्तरेष्वपि || २-१-१२

Rama, despite His busy schedule of practicing warfare/archery everyday, makes time to converse with the noble, with the elderly ones - elder by conduct, elder by wisdom, or elder by age

If there is one thing we do not find these days, it is ‘time’. We are ever busy with work, commute, household chores, taking care of the kids etc., and never realize the lost day. Most never have a ‘free-time’; because our free time is spent on entertainment, mobile and useless chats. The time lost in these activities is never noticed. Neither did we acquire new knowledge, nor did it help anybody, and of course it never provided us any peace. Rama asks us to spend time with the elderly. Today, we don’t want the advice of the elderly, those with good conduct are rarely found, the wisdom of the wise is not needed anymore; and we have already thrown out our old-aged parents. 

Rama, is an administrator, a kshatriya, who has to spend time on practicing archery and other royal arts every day; but He finds time, rather, makes time to converse with elderly, the wise, the sajjanas. He wants us to follow Him. That is the only way to reach the top! 

Let such Rama, who is present in the elderly as well as the young, guide us to have the right company, the company of the noble!

बुद्धिमान्मधुराभाषी पूर्वभाषी प्रियंवदः |

वीर्यवान्नच वीर्येण महता स्वेन विस्मितः || २-१-१३

The wise Rama always speaks sweetly. He is the first one to initiate a dialogue. His speech is compassionate. Though, valorous, Rama is not arrogant of His mighty valor.

There are many books available that teach us ‘How to start a conversation?’. Lord Rama, the greatest teacher, shows it by example. Not only should our words be sweet, but we should also be the first to start a conversation. Not just with strangers, Rama teaches us to speak openly and initiate that conversation even with people whom we know. Being the prince of the biggest empire, being the best person on earth, Rama, is not arrogant. He initiates the dialogue, with a smiling face, with an inviting attitude, with a sweet talk and with soft spoken words. His valour like many of His other attributes is matchless, but He does not show-off, He is not proud, does not hold a superiority complex. Also, Rama is wise! But that wisdom has not brought arrogance in Him either. 

We, insignificant beings, show arrogance, are proud of our miniscule success stories like ‘I know this, I play well, I speak well, I sing well, I am rich, I am a born genius…’ the list goes on. But Rama, the mightiest warrior, gives no space to pretentious displays.

As the saying goes, ‘how you treat people tells all’. Rama teaches us to shun arrogance, to speak with sweet words, to be the first to initiate a dialogue, to not show-off.

May such sweet Rama, always be present in us, making us speak sweetly and may He always remove the arrogance in us.

न चानृतकथो विद्वान् वृद्धानां प्रतिपूजकः |

अनुरक्तः प्रजाभिश्च प्रजाश्चाप्यनुरज्यते || २-१-१४

The all-knowing Rama never spoke untruth. He used to worship elders and was receptive to them. People used to love Rama; and Rama used to love the people.

Rama teaches something very relevant for us here. While it is very easy for a leader to command his followers, it is very difficult to earn their love. A leader should earn that love from his juniors, from his followers, from people who are at a sub-ordinate position. The junior could be a helping hand at home, or even kids and relatives younger to us at home. It is relevant to even those working in a professional environment, offices, or any place of service, or in the political parties. Every person should love his juniors not just treat them as sub-ordinates and order them. When such a love is harbored by the senior, the juniors will in-turn start loving the leader. 

The work will be very effectively done if the juniors love their bosses. The house will prosper if the younger ones look up to the elders and love them. Students will learn well and learn faster if they love their teachers and teachers too love the students. The army will win every war if the soldiers love their colonel and vice-versa. The work at office will get extra efficient where the officer is loved by everyone and in-turn the officer loves the team. We can appreciate this even better in these days of open and cosmopolitan culture.

Rama teaches this very important, but rarely spoken, tenet in a subtle manner.

Let such Rama who is the world leader, love us always; and let such Rama, make us - His followers - love Him unconditionally.

पौरान् स्वजनवन्नित्यं कुशलं परिपृच्छति | 

पुत्रेष्वग्निषु दारेषु प्रेष्यशिष्यगणेषु च || 

निखिलेनानुपूर्व्याच्च पिता पुत्रानिवौरसान् | २-२-३८

Rama enquires about the well-being of his people, as though they were his own, like a father does to his sons. He asks about their wives and children, about their servants and students, and in a perfect order.

Rama, the prince of one of the biggest Kingdom of those times, is very humble and mingles with His citizens in a very simple manner. With His limitless love, Rama, when He meets the citizens, asks them about their kith and kin, even about their students and servants. He is not doing it superficially; He knows every person in Ayodhya and hence His queries are genuine. Rama is not enquiring just about the rich and popular people, He is also inquiring about the well-being of students, of servants of the house that He visits, such is His affection. 

Even at the Ashramas, Rama after paying due respects to the Rishis, asks 'Are your disciples serving you by properly performing their actions?' And all this in a perfect order of - Starting with the senior-most in the house/ashram and then to the juniors.  Rama, through His actions, is teaching us to have compassion, to mingle with everyone and to share the love. 

It may be comparable to the love a father has towards his children. Indeed, is He not our father?! Let such affectionate Rama, Gunabhirama, always love us and take care of our well-being.

व्यसनेषु मनुष्याणां भृशं भवति दुःखितः |

उत्सवेषु च सर्वेषु पितेव परितुष्यति || २-२-४०

Rama feels very sad if any of His citizens are afflicted; and Rama feels delighted in all the celebrations of people during the happy occasions of child-birth and the like, just as their own father.

The biggest quality every person should have is, love towards fellow beings, and compassion towards those in trouble. Rama’s compassion and care for His citizens shows us how a leader, nay, a human being should be. 

Such was Rama’s love towards His citizens, that If any person in His kingdom was in pain, Rama would be hurt. If anyone was having a misery, Rama would feel the pain. If any person was suffering due to any distress, Rama would be sad. Rama would try and reduce/remove their reason for distress or give them some solace by staying around. And if anybody had any happy occasion and celebration, be it social or private, Rama would feel delighted. 

Every home in Ayodhya had some occasion for celebration – marriage, upanayana, namakarana, child birth etc. Rama would be present for that occasion without having to be invited – without having any ego. Rama would behave as if it were His own blood relation and would attend those functions, celebrate along with the people and delight in their happiness, just like how a father would do during the celebrations of his own children.

It is exactly in contrast with our behaviour these days of waiting for a formal invitation for everything from the host and expecting them to force us into accepting the invite. Rama has no such ego! Rama was there for the people of Ayodhya in grief and joy alike; hence did they love and worship Him unconditionally and submit themselves to Rama completely. 

 "This body and soul, the grief and joy belong to Him!" (तनु निन्नदु जीवन निन्नदु रंग  | अनुदिनदलि बाहॊ सुखदुःख निन्नदय्य  -- Kanakadasa). Rama through such innumerable acts of kindness, love, and compassion towards His citizens, teaches all of us to follow His footsteps. Let such affectionate Rama, our father, always be with us during our grief and joy, alike.

नाश्रेयसि रतो विद्वान्न विरुद्धकथारुचिः |

उत्तरोत्तरयुक्तीनां वक्ता वाचस्पतिर्यथा || २-१-१७

Rama was uninterested in activities, which were not beneficial to auspiciousness/moksha. The scholar that He was, He had no taste in unholy talks - the ones that were against scriptures and righteousness. Similar to Vachaspathi, His eloquent speech contained a series of strategies for action, in support of His contention.

Lord Rama is teaching two extremely important and never to be forgotten rules – especially for saadhakas/those in the spiritual path. 

First rule is that never do anything that takes you against the moksha marga; and the second rule is that don’t waste time in unwanted talks and particularly the ones that are not sacred, the ones that go against the scriptures and the ones that show irreverence to God.

We have heard about the Shreyas (the good) and preyas (the pleasant) from Kathopanishat. i.e., ones that help in moksha and the ones that give us material enjoyment. Rama, though being the prince living amid bhoga/enjoyment, was never interested in anything that went against Shreyas/moksha (Of course, He is the giver of Moksha). He is teaching us the same here – look for Shreyas (good) and not for preyas (pleasant)! 

Similarly, Rama disliked anything that went against scriptures, that went against God. He would not show any interest even the talks that went against scriptures. Even in today’s world, we see innumerable things that go against the scriptures. An intelligent man must see what is going against shastras and eliminate such things from his being. Shun those talks, those little chit-chats that are against shastras, says Rama. Lord, as Krishna explicitly tells the same in Bhagavadgita. (तस्मात् शास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्य-व्यवस्थितौ.. 16.24). 

       Through His acts, Lord Rama, teaches us these prime concepts. Don’t go against shastras, don’t waste time in unwanted talks; always focus on the path of moksha. Let such Rama, the giver of Moksha lead us in the Shreyas marga and teach us the pious shastras.

अरोगस्तरुणो वाग्मी वपुष्मान्देशकालवित् |

लोके पुरुषसारज्ञस्साधुरेको विनिर्मितः || २-१-१८

Rama was youthful, was free of diseases and had a healthy-looking body. He was an effective speaker. He knew the right time and place for actions. He could grasp the worth of every individual. He was the one gentleman/pious soul born on earth.

Lord Rama had a disease-free, good body and a healthy mind. We must have both our mind and body be healthy to remain without disease. Many a times, we ignore one for the other. Rama is teaching us to remain so and lead a healthy and happy life. 

Rama was able to grasp the essence of every individual appearing before Him. Rama knew the strength and weakness of every person. But the pious gentleman (sadhu) that He was, He would never use that weakness against them. This is another learning we should have from the Lord. Many of the modern strategies teach people to misuse the other person’s weakness for personal gains and for ulterior motives. But Rama teaches a high moral standard - that one should never misuse the weakness of a person against him. 

Let such Rama provide us a healthy mind and body and make us follow His morals.

निभृतः संवृताकारो गुप्तमन्त्रः सहायवान् |

अमोघक्रोधहर्षश्च त्यागसंयमकालवित् || २-१-२३

Rama was modest. He did not let His emotions appear outwardly. He kept His thoughts/forethoughts, a secret. He helped others. His anger and pleasure were unfailing. He knew when to give and when to withhold.

A King is expected to keep many of the activities related to administration a secret. Lord Rama, the best King on earth, maintained this confidentiality as and when needed. Even His emotions and feelings were concealed. Many a times, we expose our emotions externally – be it happiness, sadness, excitement, despair, pain. Rama teaches us to check our emotions and hold them from being outwardly exposed. Moreover, for a King, or head of the family, a leader, or even for a person who wants to become a role model, it is very important to keep emotions and feelings in control.  Balancing of the emotions is taught in Bhagavadgita too by Lord as Krishna (सुखे दुःखे समे कृत्वा .... )

Rama, as a King, also knew when to give to His subjects and when to withhold from giving. This is also an extremely important learning for everyone, especially elders/parents. They should know when to give what the children ask for and when not to. Even for a small kid, the mother should know when to feed and when to stop; when the kids grow up too, the parents should know when to spend for them and when to control. Lord Rama, as the father of the nation, knew exactly how to take care of His citizens – giving them when they need it and withholding when not necessary.

Let Sri Rama, tread us in the right path by blessing us to balance our emotions and providing us with what is necessary. 

दृढभक्तिः स्थिरप्रज्ञो नासद्ग्राही न दुर्वचाः |

निस्तन्द्रिरप्रमत्तश्च स्वदोषपरदोषवित् ||  (वा।रा २-१-२४)

Lord Rama had a firm devotion and had a stable mind. He did not have the company of unworthy people, nor did he speak foul words. He was free from laziness and was ever alert. He knew his own faults and those of others.

Every verse about Lord Rama, from Valmiki Ramayana, has been teaching us many things. Here too, Rama is teaching us multiple things and one among those is - not to have bad company, the company of unworthy, the company of durjanas. This is of utmost importance for a King because a King with bad company, would fail in his duties, despite him being worthy. It is true with people in good position too. (How many times have we said this? “He is a great person, but he is surrounded by unworthy folks”) So, it is important for oneself to be truthful, devoted to Lord and to have a steadfast mind. It is more important to shun the bad company. Wrong people with a person, spoil all the virtues the person has. 

One more teaching from Rama is to understand the strength and weakness of others, to understand the faults and virtues present in others. The analysis of other’s weaknesses, and strength helps at every stage – home, office, playground, with friends, with competitors, with family. While it is very easy to find faults in others (we love to do it and we excel there, don’t we?), we are so bad in identifying our own weaknesses. Rama says, not just that of others, every person should know his/her own strength and faults. Only then, can a good judgement be made at every situation. Rama, of course had no faults - He is nirdosha. But He is teaching this to the mankind for leading a successful life.

Let such perfect Rama, remove our faults, and take us away from the company of unworthy.

शास्त्रज्ञश्च कृतज्ञश्च पुरुषान्तरकोविदः |

यः प्रग्रहानुग्रहयोर्यथान्यायं विचक्षणः ||  (वा।रा। २-१-२५)

Lord Rama was well-versed in shastras/sacred literature. He was thankful for the services rendered by others. He understood the differences among men/He could read people’s minds. As a King, as a judge, He could discriminate judiciously and knew whom to protect and whom to punish.

Rama, being omniscient, does not have to study the shastras when He takes avatar on Earth. But, He is teaching us here that we should study the shastras keenly - learn the tenets from our shastras and adhere to them (Refer to ‘Learn from Rama-8’ for more). We MUST include this in our busy schedule – Spend, at least, few minutes every day reading our shastras. (Gita, Ramayana, Bhagavata, Mahabharata, Puranas to start with)

Rama, as a judge, could discriminate whom to punish and whom to protect. He would identify good men and protect them. He would punish the people worthy of reprimand. Rama had no vengeance against anybody, but, as a King, it was Rama’s duty to punish those who were wrong and protect the righteous ones. Rama knew this exact way of discriminating as per the principles of judiciary. 

Let such all-knowing Rama, make us read the shastras everyday and bless us to take right decision.

सत्संग्रहप्रग्रहणे स्थानविन्निग्रहस्य च |

आयकर्मण्युपायज्ञः संदृष्टव्ययकर्मवित् ||  (वा। रा। २-१-२६)

Lord Rama could identify pious men and protect them. He knew the men worthy of reprimand. He knew the method of tapping source of income, (without oppressing people) and also knew the art of spending money, as mentioned in shastras.

Sri Rama was expert in gathering and patronizing pious men and would protect them. As a King, He also knew whom to control and punish. For a King, it is important to generate sources of income to the Kingdom, but by righteous means and not by oppressing the citizens. Rama knew the ways of getting income without hurting His men and without burdening them with taxes. 

Not just gathering money, spending money is also as important as earning it. Every rupee that is spent should be tracked down. Lord Rama, knew the economic shastras and was well versed on the ways of spending money carefully - neither by being a miser nor by being a spendthrift. This applies not just to a King, but to every common man. 

Srimad Bhagavata says:

धर्माय यशसे-अर्थाय कामाय स्वजनाय च | पंचधा विभजन् वित्तं इहामुत्र च मोदते || (८।१९।३७)

A person should divide his wealth into 5 parts and spend it: 1) For Dharma, 2) for fame, 3) for earning more wealth, 4) for enjoying pleasures and 5) for maintaining his people. Such a person will rejoice in this life as well as beyond.

Today many suggest spending money. But Rama, teaches us through His behavior that one should know how to earn without hurting others and spend such wealth carefully and righteously. 

Let such Rama, bless us to earn all the purusharthas and spend the well-earned money on noble deeds. 

श्रैष्ठ्यं शास्त्रसमूहेषु प्राप्तो व्यामिश्रकेषु च |

अर्थधर्मौ च संगृह्य सुखतन्त्रो न चालसः ||  (वा रा २-१-२७)

Rama was proficient in Shastras as well as other works like dramas, poems (also shastras and their subsidiaries). He enjoyed the pleasures (comforts) only after understanding the principles of righteousness and only after checking the economy and its soundness. Rama never remained idle.

This is in continuation to the previous verse where we saw that Rama was careful about how the money is spent. This verse further explains Rama’s position. Lord Rama seems to be saying no to the binge shopping culture we see today. Spending money on essentials is important. But it should be exceed our necessities; and when anything is bought, one should validate whether its economical, whether it fits in line with one’s finances and whether it follows the principles of righteousness.

But it does not mean that one should not enjoy the pleasures. Rama enjoys all the pleasures, but without breaking the principles mentioned above. Shastras say: अनिषिद्ध सुखत्यागि पशुरेव न संशयः (Isn’t a person not enjoying unforbidden pleasure, similar to an animal?)

A person should enjoy the comforts without being a miser, but within the permissive limits of both righteousness and the economics.

The other attribute we see in Lord Rama is that He is never inactive. Idleness is seen everywhere as a rust attaching to good metals. A person must always be active. Rama, though a rich prince raised in the palace with all comforts, is never idle. 

    Let such Rama who activates every person in this world, to do everything, make us enjoy the pleasures following the path of righteousness. 

अनसूयो जितक्रोधो न दृप्तो न च मत्सरी |

न चावमन्ता भूतानां न च कालवशानुगः ||  (वा रा २-१-३०/३१)

Rama had no jealousy. He had conquered anger. Rama was devoid of arrogance and envy. Rama had not humiliated any living being. Also, Rama had not surrendered to time.

Humans have many defects and the major ones that are considered as enemies are: kaama (lust), krodha (anger), mada (pride/intoxication), lobha (greed), moha (illusion), maatsarya (envy). All our shastras ask us to get over these enemies. These are the gateways to hell. None of the above six can be seen in Rama. Lord Rama, of course is devoid of all defects. He had conquered anger. He was not arrogant despite being the best archer, foremost warrior. (Also refer ‘Learn from Rama-4’ for more). He also never envied anyone. 

Arrogance also leads person to humiliate others. Lord Rama had never humiliated any being – at His palace or elsewhere. (Nor could anybody humiliate Rama)

Each of the above are the attributes that we, insignificant beings, should emulate from Rama. Arrogance for our atomic capabilities, envying others for them being better than us, humiliating others and showing them in low light are our common behaviours. 

Rama shows us how to behave, what to shun, how to treat others. Let such Rama remove our defects and make us follow His path always.

In the previous verse we saw Valmiki Ramayana mention that Rama is not affected by any of the defects like anger, envy etc. In the next few verses, we will see why the six enemies, and other defects, do not have any effect on Rama. This is based on Sangraha Ramayana of Narayana Panditacharya. The six enemies - kaama (lust), krodha (anger), mada (pride/intoxication), lobha (greed), moha (illusion), maatsarya (envy).  

सर्वत्र सर्वानपि सर्वदापि प्राप्नोति कामान् ननु सत्यकामः |

कामः कथं द्रुह्यति तेन जातु सीतापतिं विश्वपतिं सुतं‍ ते || (सं। रा | २।१।२२)

Lord Rama is ‘Satyakama’. He has all that He desires for, at all times, and at all places. How can such Lord of the world, Lord of Sita, be affected by desire (and lust)?

Rama’s wish never goes waste. He gets whatever He wishes for.  When His desires are fulfilled always how can He be troubled by  kaama (desire/lust) ?

'aapta kaamasya kaa spriha' says Veda.

In the previous verse we saw that Rama cannot be troubled by desire/lust. What about anger, which most are troubled by?

प्रियस्य हानिर्न कदाचिदस्य प्रियेतरस्यापि न सम्भवः स्यात् |

क्रोधस्ततो लक्ष्मणपूर्वजस्य पराजितः पादरजांस्युपास्ते || (सं। रा | २।१।२३)

Lord Rama never loses anything that He wants; Nor does He get something He does not like. Therefore, ‘anger’ remains defeated and fallen, worshipping the dust off Rama’s feet.

One gets anger for two reasons. 

1) Losing something one wants, desires. Or not getting what one desires.

2) Getting something one does not like - an unpleasant happening

Whereas, for Rama, the above two reasons are invalid. Neither does He lose what He desires, not does He get anything unpleasant. So, the defect ‘anger’ which all of us are troubled by, never ever troubles Rama. 

Always remember that fully independent Rama can have no defects.


In the previous verse we saw that Rama cannot be troubled by desire, anger. How about greed?

संत्यज्य साम्राज्यमिदं प्रभुः स्याद्वनं प्रयातुं सहसा प्रसन्नः | 

आत्मानमप्येष ददाति सद्भ्यो रामे न लोभो लभतेऽवकाशम्  || (सं। रा | २।१।२४)

Lord Rama can leave this whole Kingdom, in a minute and happily go to forest. He is so compassionate that He can give Himself to suitable people. How can greed reside in such a person?

This is said by an elderly person in a large assembly of people, where King Dasharatha had invited the representatives of his country to get their opinion on Rama’s coronation. This person says, Rama has no greed, one of the six enemies of a human being and that He is fit to become Yuvaraja.

Greed is defined as ‘the condition where one does not give, despite being capable of giving, and despite being with the person who is fit to receive’. Rama has no greed. He can give up the whole Kingdom, with the blink of the eye and can do it happily. If He was greedy, would He have done that?

Similarly, Rama is extremely compassionate. He can give Himself up for the sake of others – the eligible devotees. How can greed reside in Him?

One may notice that both the points mentioned above came true later. Rama leaves the Kingdom without feeling sad. He also gives Himself to Hanuman. 

स्वात्मप्रदानमधिकं पवनात्मजस्य कुर्वन् समाश्लिषदमुं परमाभितुष्टः (म।ता।नि। ७।५०)

(“Rama greatly pleased, finding nothing else appropriate to be given to Hanuman, and thinking gift of self to Hanuman as greater than all else, embraced him”. Mukhyaprana is also known as ‘sath’)

Let such compassionate Rama, remove the greed residing in us.

In the previous verses we saw that Rama cannot be troubled by desire, anger, greed. But He can be in delusion, can’t He? No!

प्रयांति शांतिं किल यत्प्रसादात् मोहाद्यवद्यानि कुतोस्य मोहः |

यस्याहिमांशोरुदये व्यपैति महान्धकारोऽत्र कुतोऽन्धकारः  || (सं। रा | २।१।२५)

Just by the blessings of Rama, many defects like delusion (moha) are removed in His devotee. How can He have delusion? Can there be darkness in Sun, who removes all the darkness?

Rama removes all the defects in His devotees, including moha (delusion). He can never have moha, either in His mula rupa (Narayana) or when born on earth in the form on human (Rama) or in any avatara form, for that matter.

Ego is the one of the six enemies that humans are troubled by. Does Rama have ego?

अविद्यमानात्म-गुणाभिमानं मोहादहंकारमुशन्ति संतः |

अविद्यमानो न गुणोऽस्ति रामे तस्मादहंकारलवोऽपि नास्य  || (सं। रा | २।१।२६)

The noble say that – due to delusion, assuming that a certain attribute exists in oneself, when it’s not there, is termed as Ahankara (Ego or pride). Sri Rama is the Lord of all. There is no attribute that He does not possess. So, how can He be termed as egoistic?

अस्वरूपे स्वरूपत्वमतिरेव हि अहंकृतिः (गीता तापर्य)

Assuming that we have a certain attribute (guNa), when, in reality, we don’t have it – is termed as ahankara. For example: If a person thinks that s/he is the world’s best player, when s/he hardly has played against others, then such a thing is termed as being egoistic. Similarly, assuming that one is very powerful, can control anything, etc,. – all these are delusions that make a person have a certain pride or ego. 

In Lord Rama, there is no such attribute which He does not have. He is all powerful, He can control everything, He can defeat anybody, He can do what He wishes for, whenever and wherever. All these attributes are indeed present in Rama, and there are no false assumptions. So, Rama does not have an iota of ahamkara.

Let such Gunapoorna Rama, bless us to remove our ahamkara.

( to be continued....)