A story of unforgettable Grace from Mantralayam

Our Miraculous Encounter with Sri GuruRayaru

(A story of unforgettable Grace from Mantralayam)

Way back in the year 1967 (59 years ago…), my late father, a medical doctor, was in his clinic when a learned Madhva Bramhana, introducing himself as the Deewan of Mantralaya Matha, walked in. He requested my father to arrange for the stay of H.H. Sri Sujayeendra Theertharu (the then Swamiji of Mantralaya Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matha) and for conducting Sri Moola-Raama Devara Pooja and the daily rituals of the Sri Swamiji.

(Preamble…)
In those days, there was no established representation of any Madhva Matha in our area to manage a Yathi's visit. On inquiry, my father's name was suggested as he was a popular Madhva personality in the town belonging to Sri Rayara Matha.]

It was the first visit of Sri Sujayeendra Theertharu to our place, and my father had no prior acquaintance with him. My father was totally caught unawares, as there had been no prior indication about H.H. Sri Swamiji's visit.

My father readily agreed, despite limitations: we were living in an old house, not spacious enough to accommodate H.H. Swamiji and his entourage, and there was no time for preparation. H.H. Swamiji had already landed in town and was temporarily staying at the State Guest House.

In consultation with the Deewan, a makeshift arrangement was made by completely vacating our house for H.H. Swamiji’s stay and daily rituals (Swamiji stayed upstairs, the Pooja was on the ground floor). Help was taken from two nearby Madhva temples of Mukhya Prana to accommodate the entourage, manage cooking, and organize Bramhana bhojana. Everything was arranged by the Sishya Brunda, who took full control for four days with hectic religious/spiritual activity, like a festival, complete with the beating of big drums (Nagaara) in front of the house and the chanting of Veda-Mantras.

It was a divine blessing and our poorva punya bhaAgya when Sri Guru RaAyaru showered his grace on our family through Sri Sujayeendra Theertharu of Mantralayam, who walked into our house along with Sri Moola RaAma Devaru, stayed with us for four days, and performed the Sri Moola RaAma Devaru Pooja.

It was a big, festive occasion every day, with several devotees from the vicinity participating for theertha prasada. It was a pleasant surprise, a dream come true for all of us; a true demonstration of Sri GuruRaayara Leela. Along with my father, we were all blessed and fortunate to have witnessed/been present during that occasion and had the blessings of Sri GuruRaayaru embodied in MoolaRaama Devaru through Sri Sujayeendraru.

After this event, whenever H.H. Sri Sujayeendra Theertharu visited our place, He used to visit our house, sometimes staying there as well.

My father was a staunch devotee of Sri Guru Raayaru, and it is gratifying to mention that when he passed away, the last word that came out of his mouth was RAGHAVENDRA. (I am a living witness during the last moment of his life).

In his philanthropic pursuit, he later donated for the construction of a cottage at Mantralayam during the tenure of Sri Sujayeendra Theertharu.

There are several such incidents/events that unfolded in my father’s life and in our family. To write about all his associates in one post would be a long thread. Certainly, it has all happened due to the immense kindness/grace/blessings of the most merciful Sri GuruRaayaru.

To describe the glory, significance, merits, and divine play (leela) of Sri Guru RaAyaru, "kEna sHakyate" One can only feel it, rather experience it; every day, every moment is a manifestation of Sri GuruRaayara leela and anugraha (grace).

naMbi keTTavarillavO ee gurugaLa |

naMbadE keDuvaruMTE ||

 

with reverential gratitude to…

H.H. Sri SujayeendraTheertharu

(Architect of Neo Mantralayam)

(Blessed family of Dr. Nirikhi Satyanarayana Rao – Kurnool)

Sri Krushnaarpanamasthu
nAhAm kArtA hAriH kArtA

Sri GuruRaajo Vijayate

nirikhi krishna bhagavan

(bhargavasarma)