Nadedaaduva Rayaru

A tribute to

SUSHAMEENDRA THEERTHARU

(1985-2009)

"The one who understands the glory, significance, and divinity of the Sri Raghavendra Ashtakshari (OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAYA NAMAHA)—tirelessly propagated by Sri Sushameendra Teertharu—will never mistakenly view the Guru with a flawed perspective. To doubt the wisdom of such a Great Soul is nothing but dosha chintana of Sri Guru Rayaru himself."

The Golden Words of Sri Sushameendra Teertharu:

"ನಿಮ್ಮನ್ನ ರಾಘಪ್ಪ ನೋಡ್ಕೊಳ್ತಾರೆ"

(Nimmanna Raghappa Nodkolthare)

"Raghappa (Guru Raghavendra) will take care of you."

This was his most frequent assurance to those who came to him with burdens, health issues, or family problems. He would say this while giving Mantrakshate (sacred rice), shifting the devotee's focus from their problem to the Guru's protection.

"Ellavu Raghappa Maadthare"

"ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ರಾಘಪ್ಪ ಮಾಡ್ತಾರೆ"

["Raghappa (Rayaru) will do everything / Raghappa will handle it all."]

He used this to remind devotees that they are not the "doers" and that by surrendering to the Guru, the path would be cleared.

"Raghappa Idhaane" - "ರಾಘಪ್ಪ ಇದ್ದಾನೆ"

"Raghappa (Rayaru) is there (with you)."

A short, powerful reminder of the Guru's omnipresence. It was meant to instill courage in those feeling lonely or helpless.

He didn't just teach a mantra; he gave us a father in "Raghappa." (Guru Rayaru). Let us chant the Ashtakshari with the same simple, pure faith that he lived by. Sri Sushameendra Teertharu broke the barrier of formal ritualism and encouraged devotees to approach the Guru with the simple, pure heart of a child. He taught us that one does not necessarily need to be in Mantralayam to perform seva; with sincere devotion, one can receive Rayaru’s blessings from anywhere.

Devotees frequently shared stories of his "Mantrakshate" bringing healing and success. It is said that even a simple pat on the back or a brief word from him could resolve long-standing obstacles for his followers.

Despite his immense spiritual knowledge and the many miracles attributed to him, he remained remarkably humble, often speaking very little.

During his 25-year tenure as the pontiff of the Mantralaya Matha (1985–2009), he initiated numerous social welfare projects, including the restoration of historical monuments.

Sri Sushameendra Teertharu was widely revered by devotees as "Nadedaaduva Rayaru" (The Walking Rayaru). This title reflects the deep-seated belief that Guru Raghavendra Swamy himself was manifest in the Swamiji's form, guiding and blessing devotees through him. One of the most acclaimed Saint in the lineage of Mantralaya Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matha.

सुधी जन सुमंदारं सुधींद्र सुत सुप्रियं ।

सुशमींद्र गुरुं वंदे सुजयींद्र करोद्भवम् ॥

ಸುಧೀ ಜನ ಸುಮಂದಾರಂ ಸುಧೀಂದ್ರ ಸುತ ಸುಪ್ರಿಯಂ ।

ಸುಶಮೀಂದ್ರ ಗುರುಂ ವಂದೇ ಸುಜಯೀಂದ್ರ ಕರೋದ್ಭವಮ್ ।।

సుధీ జన సుమందారం సుధీంద్ర సుత సుప్రియం |

సుశమీంద్ర గురుం వందే సుజయీంద్ర కరోద్భవమ్ ||

(Chaithra Bahula Dwiteeya)

My Experience:

I had the privilege of meeting him twice at Mantralayam. During a particularly rough phase of my life, I sought solace in Rayaru and went to seek Swamiji’s blessings. I was speechless as I surrendered at his feet. He placed his hand on my head and comforted me, saying, “Ella sarihogatthe, Rayaru ella sarimadthare, Rayaru seva madaree” (Everything will be alright; Rayaru will fix everything; just perform his seva). As he gave me the phala mantrakshate, I felt a turning point in my life. 

As Swamiji rightly said, I had practiced performing Seva of Rayaru without visiting Mantralayam whether it was in my student room, or in my house in a remote place or whenever I have faced some obstacles, I always felt a response. My faith and devotion in Sri Rayaru never failed which has remained unshaken for 60 years.

Sri GuruRaajo Vijayate