Courtesy: Sri. Gopala krishnan
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VEDANTA DESHIKAR
1.Introduction
Vedanta deshikar was a great scholar and saint who lived about six hundred years
ago. His personality was a blend of immense scholarship and a matching devotion
to God. Love for mankind marked his eventful life; and he was full of piety and
humility, despite his high scholastic accomplishments. He turned down patronage,
money and honours, which came to him unasked, and led an exemplary life of
sacrifice. His parents named him Venkitanatha on birth since he was born after
prayer to Tirupathi venkitachalapathi.
2. Birth of Venkitanatha
There is a small village called Tooppil near Kanchipuram. There lived a
childless couple Ananta Suri and Totaramma. One day they had a dream.
The Lord of Tirupati appeared in the dream and told Suri to offer worships at
Tirupathi. Suri narrated the dream to his wife Tottaramma. She too had a similar
dream. Goddess Padmavati appeared in her dream and given her a similar command.
The couple immediately went to Tirupati and offered prayers at the feet of Lord
Srinivasa and Padmavathi.
In due course Tottaramma gave birth to a child. Since he owed his birth to the
grace of Lord Venkateswara, they called him Venkatanatha.
Some days after visiting Tirupathi Tottarama had another dream .The dream was
that the Lord had given her a bell, which she swallowed inadvertently. She woke
up soon after from the dream. It is believed the bell later incarnated as child.
On account of this he is referred as Ghantavatara.
3. Child hood of Venkitanatha
Atreya Ramanauja was the maternal uncle of Vedanta-deshikar. One day he took
Deshikar with him to attend a learned discourse that his Guru Vatsyavarada-
charya was delivering at the Varadaraja temple in Kanchipuram. As soon as the
Guru saw them he asked the uncle "Who is this boy?" Atreya said the boy was his
nephew, the son of Ananta Suri. The acharya was fascinated by the splendour of
the boy's personality. He spoke to him with great warmth.
4. Venkitanatha recollects where Guru Vatsyavarada- charya break the discourse
Guru Vatsyavarada- charya was to resume the discourse he was giving. To continue
the discourse he thought of better test the students and asked them: "Tell what
was I talking to you, earlier?" But the students were forgetful. Then the little
boy venkitanatha told the Guru: "Sir, when we entered, you were expounding on
the virtues of God. You were saying that God is all-virtuous, that He is
flawless..."
5. Guru Vatsyavaradacharya bless Venkitanatha
The Guru was highly pleased with the boy's memory and alertness. He
whole-heartedly blessed the child: "May you become a Vedantacharya. May those
who have read the Vedas respect you. May you succeed in all your ventures, and
may you live for a hundred years." Vatsya-varadacharya's good wishes bore fruit.
The boy indeed grew up to become famous as Vedantacharya.
6. Education
Vedanta-deshikar's Uncle Atreya Ramanuja himself was the boy's teacher. {
Readers may recollect Yanjavalkya similarly had his education from his uncle
Vaisampayana}
Deshikar was a genius. He closely and effortlessly followed the lessons taught.
He became a consummate, versatile scholar even before he was twenty. He was well
read in the Vedas, in grammar, prosody, nirukta (one of the vedangas),
astronomy, theology, Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya (logic), Vaisheshika, Mimamsa,
different schools of Vedanta, Buddhist and Jaina religions, history and puranas.
He mastered all these subjects and became a gear scholar early in his life.
7. Venkitanatha marry Tirumangai
After his education was over, his uncle Athreya Ramanuja himself got him married
to a girl, Tirumangai.
8. Venkitanatha become successor to Kanchi mutt
Atreya also chose him as his successor to the Kanchi mutt. Venkitanatha thus
became the, acharya at Kanchi. Atreya had presented to him the idol he was
worshipping and also the Padukas of Sri Ramanujacharya. Venkitanatha untiringly
attended to all his official and academic duties such as worshipping God,
meditation, teaching his students’ etc. By now becoming Acharya of Kanchimutt
Venkitanatha was called Acharya by others. He was also called Vedanta desikar
now
9. Acharya visit Tiruvahindrapura
The Acharya visited Tiruvahindrapura, and was profoundly influenced by the river
Garuda, Aushadhachala hills, and the wild forests surrounding the temple of the
deity Devanayakaswami. He lived there for fifteen years. This was the place of
his self-realization. It is here that he realized the meaning of the Garuda
mantra. It was here too that he was blessed with the darshan of Lord Hayagriva.
The acharya was always busy and his hands were full wherever he went. He came to
love Tiruvahindrappura.
10. Worms In the Rice
Deshikar was a great devotee, scholar and ascetic. Asceticism means attachment
only to God and to nothing else. He had no worldly desires. He loathed worldly
possessions such as money, house or lands. He lived on the food he got from
alms. He went from door to door and begged for his food. He collected grains,
which he cooked himself. Part of the food would be offered to the Lord, and he
would eat the rest of it.
His spirit of renunciation was deep-rooted. He never desired wealth, power,
honour and happiness. When these came to him unasked, he renounced them.
There was a certain gentleman who greatly respected the acharya. He wanted to
offer the saint some money. But he knew that Deshikar would not accept it. One
day he put into the begging bowl a few coins along with the grains he daily
offered to the ascetic.
The acharya was not aware of it. He went home and emptied the bowl. The gold
coins glittered in the midst of the gains. He told his wife: “I find worms in
the rice." He took a stick, separated the grain from the gold and threw away the
coins. Such was the acharya's spirit of renunciation. His life dedicated to the
Service of God
11. Acharya refuses Vidyaranaya
Vedanta-deshikar used to go on his daily rounds for collecting alms. It occurred
to his friend Vidyaranya that the acharya could be spared this botheration.
Vidyaranya himself was a great scholar, who had founded the Vijayanagar Empire.
Vidyaranya sent word to Deshikar: "Come and settle down with us in the royal
court so that you may carry on your religious and secular duties without much
hardship."
But the saint would not give up his profession of alms collecting: "I cannot
depend on anybody for my bread earning. I offer service to none but the Lord. As
long as Lord Varadarajaswami is there, my life is dedicated only to him" he
replied with finality. ( I will be writing about Vidyaranya also)
12. Vedanta desikar come back to kanchipuram
The acharya returned to Kanchipuram to settle there, in deference to the wishes
of his disciples in Tiruvahindrappura.
What happened after settling back in kanchipuram for Vedanta desikar.
Interested readers read on...
13. Goddess Lekshmi shower gold
There lived a bachelor at Kanchipuram. He was longing to get married and he needed money for this purpose. Some mischief-makers suggested to him: "Go to Deshikar and ask for money. He is well-to-do and he can well afford to give you money."
The naive youth was taken in by these words. He went to Deshikar and requested for some money. It was clear to him that somebody had played a practical joke on him. But he made up his mind to help the young man. He composed a hymn and prayed to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. The deity relented and sent a shower of gold. The young man was greatly pleased by the acharya's bountifulness.
14. Miracles performed by Vedanta desikar
Vedanta desikar was a man of tremendous self-sacrifice and was capable of performing miracles when occasions demanded
14.1 Stops a pond flowing to him
Once Deshikar was once challenged by a magician for a trial of strength. Deshikar at first ignored the challenge. The aggressive magician diverted towards him all the water of a pond. Deshikar scratched the ground with his nails and forced the water to flow away. The magician was humbled.
12.2 Brings eagle chanting Garuda mantra
Once a snake charmer tormented him. He hurled a few snakes at Deshikar. The latter drew a few lines on the ground with his nails and stopped the vipers from crossing the lines. Then the snake charmer unleashed a huge cobra at him. When the cobra was moving towards him, Deshikar chanted Garuda mantra. An eagle swooped on the cobra and carded it away in its talons. Thus the snake charmer had to admit defeat.
One thing is clear. The good people are always hated and tormented by evil people. Deshikar too had to face such hardships.
12.3 Desikar construct a well by himself
Once, a mason came to Deshikar and said: "Every body is telling you are an all knowing, all-powerful man. Can you erect a stone building? Show me if you can. If you can do it, I shall accept your superiority." Deshikar was averse to performing such feats and acquiring glory. He replied:
"Let people say what they like. I am not concerned. I don't want any such wagers with you.†But the man was insistent. Although Deshikar never aspired for personal glory, he wanted to teach the man a lesson.
He constructed a well by the side of his house. The stonemason marvelled at the exquisite masonry. Even he, an expert mason, could not discover a single blemish in the structure. He fell at Deshikar's feet and apologized. Subsequently, he became one of his followers.
Deshikar never thought it beneath his dignity to work with his hands. Contemplation of God and manual labour did not go ill together, in his thinking.
He believed in the dignity of labour.
13. Desikacharya shift to Srirangam from Kanchipuram
Later, the acharya left Kanchi and settled down in Sriranga. At that time, men like Pillai Lokacharya, Sudarshana Bhatta and such elderly scholars and devotees were living in Srirangam. It was at their instance that Deshikar went to Srirangam.
He was happy that he had the opportunity of offering worship to Sri Ranganatha.
14. Desikacharya become head of Sri rengam mutt
The Srivaishnavas of Sriranga nominated Deshikar as the head of the Mutt there. He had to contend in polemical arguments with poets like Dindima and Krishnamishra. He established his superiority over all such opponents. People assembled in the presence of the deity and conferred on him the titles 'Sarvatantra-swatantra and 'kavi-tarkika-kesari'.
15 Contributions of Desikacharya
While at Sriranga, Deshikar wrote many literary and philosophical works. He composed a poem, 'Yadavabhyudaya'. The theme of this beautiful poem is the story of Srikrishna. He also wrote a drama called 'Sankalpa-suryodaya'. And many other prayer-songs. It was at that time that he wrote critical commentaries on the works of Sri Ramanuja. Deshikar devoted all his time to prayer, contemplation, teaching, and philosophical discussions with learned men.
16. Oppositions to Desikacharya
All did not like the glory and greatness of Desikacharya. Some people were envious of his erudition, humility and his spirit of renunciation. They tried to cause vexation and make him miserable. Some of these tormentors were Srivaishnavas themselves.
Once they took a wager and offered to have a polemical dispute with Deshikar. The acharya refused the offer and said: "There is little sense in having such disputes among ourselves. Such feuds might even bring discredit to the participants. I am therefore not in favor of such disputation."
But the man decided to disgrace Deshikar at any cost. He tied a couple of sandals in an arch like fashion at the entrance of the acharya's house in his absense. Deshikar saw while coming to the house. But he did not lose his temper. He said with his characteristic composure: "Some people trust the philosophy of work; some depend on knowledge; but for our part we invoke the blessing of the old footwear’s of Hari dasas or servants of God." The more the patience Deshikar cultivated, the more such people vexed and tormented him.
16.1 Alahiya Manavala Nayanar get defeated
One of the contemporary poets, Alahiya Manavala Nayanar, used to compose verses both in Tamil and Sanskrit. He challenged Deshikar in composing poetry in Tamil. As usual Deshikar ignored the challenge. But Nayanar persisted.
One day in the temple assembly he revived his challenge: "People call you Kavi-tarkikasimha (a lion among poets and logicians). You don't deserve the title. Deshikar never wanted a challenge of that kind. On persistence Deshikar wrote the great poem 'Padukasahasra' and it was judged best comparing to Nayanar. Desikar did not utter a mean or insulting word. He went out of the way to pay a tribute to the crest fallen Nayanar and said: "Nayanar is an infinitely superior poet, a greater poet than I am. His poetry is of great excellence."
16.2 Sraadha Brahmin is prevented from Going to Desikacharya
Once Deshikar had invited a Brahmin for the death anniversary of his father. Some of his foes tempted that Brahmin by offering to pay him a bigger sum and prevented him from attending the ceremony. Everything was ready at Deshikar's house and he was anxiously waiting for the Brahmin guest for a long time. The guest never turned up, and Deshikar was plunged in deep sorrow. He prayed to God most sincerely. Unexpectedly a stranger, another Brahmin came and helped Deshikar in conducting the ceremony. Deshikar felt that the Lord Himself had come to his rescue in disguise.
Deshikar, had to face bitter trials, due to the envy and hatred of his contemporaries at Srirangam
17.Desikacharya decides to leave Srirangam
We have already read Desikacharya was continuously tormented and he was feeling miserable at Srirangam. One day Deshikar was conducting a class on the open in front of his house.
A scholar called Kandade Lakshmanacharya was passing in the street with his students. Deshikar was absorbed in his teaching and he did not notice his arrival. Lakshmanacharya felt Desiakcharya was showing disrespect. Lakshmanacharya felt insulted, and his disciples went and tugged at the legs of Deshikar in anger. Deshikar on realising the guru is there asked excuse from Lakshmnacharya for his not noticing him. After all these incidents Desikacharya felt it was high time for him to leave Sriranga for somewhere.
18. Desikacharya leaves for Melkote
Desikacharya left for Melkote from Srirangam where he desired to worship the deity Chelvanarayana who had been served by Ramanuja.
Vedanta desikar arrived at Melkote with his disciples. Local people offered their obeisance and greetings. The temple priests extended due honours to Desikar. Deshikar thanked all of them in multitude. The crowd followed their beloved leader to the temple. Deshikar impressed every one with his personal charm. Vedanta- Deshikar was a married man who had lived with his family for a long time; but he had renounced all worldly pleasures and chosen to live like an ascetic by the time.
18. .1 “Fortune Has Favoured Me Today"
Deshikar Went with the crowds to the temple of Chelvanarayana and had the 'darshan' of the beautiful deity. Tears of joy trickled down his cheeks. He was choked with emotion. "O god Sampat- kumara, the god who blessed the great Ramanuja - You have now favoured me with this good fortune of your 'darshan'. How lucky I am!" he exclaimed in joy.
He addressed the mass of devotees that had gathered in the temple courtyard and said: 'you, the devotees of this temple, are the luckiest, since you are offering service to the deity who was the beloved of Sri Ramanuja. I, who was living in the far-off Sriranga, am favoured with the fortune from today! May the Almighty grace all of us with his blessings."
Melkote is also known as Tirunarayanapura since it is the abode of Lord Tirunarayana. From the days of Ramanuja himself Melkote had become a major centre of Srivaishnava faith. Ramanuja lived there for eighteen years. It was he who built the shrine and installed the deity Chelvanarayana there. With the arrival of Desikacharya the town of Melkote wore new colours.
18.2 Desikacharya address masses at Melkote
People called on Desikacharya at Melkote from different parts of India. They were ever eager to listen to his precepts. Deshikar used to expound the meaning of the hymns of the Alwars and the writings of Sri Ramanuja. He explained profound philosophical ideas in the simple and popular language for the benefit of the common people.
After some time the acharya decided to move on to Satyamangala. His followers were sad to part with him. He told them, "My dear friends, it has been my good fortune, along with you, to offer prayer to the Lord at Melkote. We have spent our time usefully in trying to understand the message of the great Acharya Sri Ramanuja. These are good times. Let us try to tread the path of righteousness as shown by that great man. Let us trust in God and identify us with Him. We belong to the Lord. May the Lord enable us to serve Him with all our heart." Most unwillingly they bid him farewell .
19. Desikacharya settles in Satyamangala
After visiting many holy places on his way from Melkote Desikacharya reached Satyamangala. He liked the surroundings of the town. The river, the temple, the beautiful and quiet environment and the pious people of the town impressed him deeply. Its nearness to Sriranga was an added attraction and he
could visit that holy place at will. He lived in Satyamangala with his family for forty years. It was only here that he lived in a quiet and undisturbed atmosphere. Hundreds of people became his disciples in this town
20 Secretly taking idol of Sriranganatha to Tirupathi
During his stay at sathya mangala once Deshikar paid a visit to Sriranga, the town was on the brink of a catastrophe. Muslim invaders were attacking the town while a big festival was going on in the temple . People heard that the invader army had arrived on the other side of the river Kavery. They gathered together and thought of rescuing the temple and the deity.
They placed the idol and other temple jewels on a palanquin and entrusted them to the care of some godly folk who took them through a secret passage to Tirupathi with out anybody’s knowledge. The elders like Pillai Lokacharya accompanied the idol. Then the temple was enclosed with a stonewall and counterfeit idols were kept in the place of original ones. By then the invading army approached the temple to loot and plunder. Stalwarts like Sudarshana Bhatta and Manavala Nayanar who tried to defend the temple against the attack were massacred.
21. Desikacharya preserves Srutaprakshika hiding in the river sands of Kavery
The responsibility of preserving Sudarshana Bhatta's great work Shruta- prakashika and saving his two sons Vedacharya and Parankusha Bhatta was entrusted to Deshikar. Deshikar hid the book in the sands of the Cauvery River at a secret spot. He and the two boys saved their lives by hiding themselves in the midst of the dead bodies left behind by the invaders. Deshikar later retrieved the book from the river-sands, and brought it to Satyamangala. The two orphan-boys followed him there. Deshikar composed a poem 'Abheetistava' and submitted on Lord Ranganatha’s feet to save the town from the enemies.
22 The commander of the Vijayanagar armies, vanquish the Muslim invaders
A little later, the danger to the town receded. Gopanna Dandanayaka, the commander of the Vijayanagar armies, vanquished the Muslims and drove them out of Sriranga. Once free, the town began to attract pilgrims again. The idol of the deity, which had been taken to Tirupati, was brought back to Sriranga and the temple services were resumed under the auspices of Gopanna Dandanayaka.
Deshikar shed tears of joy when he received the happy news. He warmly blessed Gopanna, the saviour of the temple. These facts are recorded in a temple inscription in Sriranga.
23. Desikacharya again settles in Srirangam
Deshikar was a ripe old man of 95 at the time. He came to Sriranga with his disciples in order that he might settle down there and spend the rest of his life in the service of Lord Ranganatha.
Even in his advanced age the acharya continued to teach students and expound the meaning of philosophical tomes. He saw that temple festivals were properly organized at Sri Ranga . During this period, he wrote a great book, 'Rahasya-traya-sara' (the essence of three philosophical mysteries). It contains the distilled substance of his ripe wisdom and profound scholarship.
24 Last days of Desikacharya
Deshikar spent the last few days of his life at Sriranga. He continued to be steadfast in his faith. He spent all his time in study and teaching and in divine contemplation. He was always calm and quiet. Deshikar never desired any worldly pleasures. He never fell a prey to temptations. He always concentrated on God and trusted Him with unswerving devotion. He was fearless and gentle; he never meant any harm to any living being.
His scholarship was profound. He was a poet of a high order, and he also deserved the title 'Tarkika-simha since he was nonpareil in philosophical discussions and logical arguments. An incomparably great devotee, he often forgot himself in ecstasy while singing religious songs. It was his unsullied devotion, which lit up his poetic talent and scholarship.
Above all, his spirit of renunciation was amazing. He had a huge galaxy of followers who held him in great esteem. He lived a life of utter simplicity and austerity. He had in him a combination of all virtues.
25. Desikacharya express Lord’s call has come.
The great man reached his hundredth year, and he realized that his days on this earth were numbered. He called his disciples to his side and said: "I have finished my earthly mission. The Lord's call has come. Thanks to my guru's blessings, I have fulfilled my duties in this world. I was able to study and assimilate the precepts of Sri Ramanuja. I have earned the good will of gentlefolk. The Lord is about to summon me to His eternal abode."
The disciples listened to the words tearfully. They were sad that their beloved master was about to leave them. The acharya consoled them. He assigned to each of them the duties they had to perform. He exhorted them to study the Upanishads and the Prabandhas. Even as he was chanting godly hymns, he attained external bliss. Thus ended the life of an epoch-maker.
26. Literary Works of Desikacharya
Vedanta-deshikar lived for hundred years (1268-1369). He worked tirelessly in the cause of spreading 'Dharma'. He wrote many philosophical works for the edification of the common man. Among his extant writings there are 53 philosophical works, 5 poems, 28 hymns and 19 Tamil works. Many other books said to have been written by him are lost. He is among the extraordinary scholars who have to their credit more than 100 works.
27. Precept and Practice
Deshikar taught the people the value of pure life. He practiced what he taught. "Man's life must be cleansed of passions. One must never utter lies. One must not harm others." "When we pray to God we must ask Him for devotion, for knowledge, and nothing else." 'We must try to please the gentle and the good. We must follow in the footsteps of the pious. We must dread sins. We must treat worldly pleasures with contempt. We have to put our safety in the hands of God and ever wait for his mercy." These are some of his teachings.
He lived a life of purity, a life as pure as the pellucid waters of the Ganges.
28. Vedanta Desikar â€"liked by all
Vedanta-deshikar was held in esteem not merely by the Srivaishnavas; all those who loved scholarship, humility and a life of purity adored him. During his lifetime there was practically none that could vanquish him in learned discussion and arguments. He was never aggressive or haughty. He never humiliated his opponents. He always maintained his composure and self-restraint. He never attempted to make capital out of his learning and scholarship. When royal patronage assured him a life of ease came to him unasked, he refused it from Vijayanagara king. All that he desired was God's mercy and the company of gentle and god-fearing folk. He lived in the service of God and for the cause of man.
This posting has inputs from an article by N.S.Anantha Rangachar in Bharatha desam
Concluded
knr
--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God
1.Introduction
Vedanta deshikar was a great scholar and saint who lived about six hundred years
ago. His personality was a blend of immense scholarship and a matching devotion
to God. Love for mankind marked his eventful life; and he was full of piety and
humility, despite his high scholastic accomplishments. He turned down patronage,
money and honours, which came to him unasked, and led an exemplary life of
sacrifice. His parents named him Venkitanatha on birth since he was born after
prayer to Tirupathi venkitachalapathi.
2. Birth of Venkitanatha
There is a small village called Tooppil near Kanchipuram. There lived a
childless couple Ananta Suri and Totaramma. One day they had a dream.
The Lord of Tirupati appeared in the dream and told Suri to offer worships at
Tirupathi. Suri narrated the dream to his wife Tottaramma. She too had a similar
dream. Goddess Padmavati appeared in her dream and given her a similar command.
The couple immediately went to Tirupati and offered prayers at the feet of Lord
Srinivasa and Padmavathi.
In due course Tottaramma gave birth to a child. Since he owed his birth to the
grace of Lord Venkateswara, they called him Venkatanatha.
Some days after visiting Tirupathi Tottarama had another dream .The dream was
that the Lord had given her a bell, which she swallowed inadvertently. She woke
up soon after from the dream. It is believed the bell later incarnated as child.
On account of this he is referred as Ghantavatara.
3. Child hood of Venkitanatha
Atreya Ramanauja was the maternal uncle of Vedanta-deshikar. One day he took
Deshikar with him to attend a learned discourse that his Guru Vatsyavarada-
charya was delivering at the Varadaraja temple in Kanchipuram. As soon as the
Guru saw them he asked the uncle "Who is this boy?" Atreya said the boy was his
nephew, the son of Ananta Suri. The acharya was fascinated by the splendour of
the boy's personality. He spoke to him with great warmth.
4. Venkitanatha recollects where Guru Vatsyavarada- charya break the discourse
Guru Vatsyavarada- charya was to resume the discourse he was giving. To continue
the discourse he thought of better test the students and asked them: "Tell what
was I talking to you, earlier?" But the students were forgetful. Then the little
boy venkitanatha told the Guru: "Sir, when we entered, you were expounding on
the virtues of God. You were saying that God is all-virtuous, that He is
flawless..."
5. Guru Vatsyavaradacharya bless Venkitanatha
The Guru was highly pleased with the boy's memory and alertness. He
whole-heartedly blessed the child: "May you become a Vedantacharya. May those
who have read the Vedas respect you. May you succeed in all your ventures, and
may you live for a hundred years." Vatsya-varadacharya's good wishes bore fruit.
The boy indeed grew up to become famous as Vedantacharya.
6. Education
Vedanta-deshikar's Uncle Atreya Ramanuja himself was the boy's teacher. {
Readers may recollect Yanjavalkya similarly had his education from his uncle
Vaisampayana}
Deshikar was a genius. He closely and effortlessly followed the lessons taught.
He became a consummate, versatile scholar even before he was twenty. He was well
read in the Vedas, in grammar, prosody, nirukta (one of the vedangas),
astronomy, theology, Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya (logic), Vaisheshika, Mimamsa,
different schools of Vedanta, Buddhist and Jaina religions, history and puranas.
He mastered all these subjects and became a gear scholar early in his life.
7. Venkitanatha marry Tirumangai
After his education was over, his uncle Athreya Ramanuja himself got him married
to a girl, Tirumangai.
8. Venkitanatha become successor to Kanchi mutt
Atreya also chose him as his successor to the Kanchi mutt. Venkitanatha thus
became the, acharya at Kanchi. Atreya had presented to him the idol he was
worshipping and also the Padukas of Sri Ramanujacharya. Venkitanatha untiringly
attended to all his official and academic duties such as worshipping God,
meditation, teaching his students’ etc. By now becoming Acharya of Kanchimutt
Venkitanatha was called Acharya by others. He was also called Vedanta desikar
now
9. Acharya visit Tiruvahindrapura
The Acharya visited Tiruvahindrapura, and was profoundly influenced by the river
Garuda, Aushadhachala hills, and the wild forests surrounding the temple of the
deity Devanayakaswami. He lived there for fifteen years. This was the place of
his self-realization. It is here that he realized the meaning of the Garuda
mantra. It was here too that he was blessed with the darshan of Lord Hayagriva.
The acharya was always busy and his hands were full wherever he went. He came to
love Tiruvahindrappura.
10. Worms In the Rice
Deshikar was a great devotee, scholar and ascetic. Asceticism means attachment
only to God and to nothing else. He had no worldly desires. He loathed worldly
possessions such as money, house or lands. He lived on the food he got from
alms. He went from door to door and begged for his food. He collected grains,
which he cooked himself. Part of the food would be offered to the Lord, and he
would eat the rest of it.
His spirit of renunciation was deep-rooted. He never desired wealth, power,
honour and happiness. When these came to him unasked, he renounced them.
There was a certain gentleman who greatly respected the acharya. He wanted to
offer the saint some money. But he knew that Deshikar would not accept it. One
day he put into the begging bowl a few coins along with the grains he daily
offered to the ascetic.
The acharya was not aware of it. He went home and emptied the bowl. The gold
coins glittered in the midst of the gains. He told his wife: “I find worms in
the rice." He took a stick, separated the grain from the gold and threw away the
coins. Such was the acharya's spirit of renunciation. His life dedicated to the
Service of God
11. Acharya refuses Vidyaranaya
Vedanta-deshikar used to go on his daily rounds for collecting alms. It occurred
to his friend Vidyaranya that the acharya could be spared this botheration.
Vidyaranya himself was a great scholar, who had founded the Vijayanagar Empire.
Vidyaranya sent word to Deshikar: "Come and settle down with us in the royal
court so that you may carry on your religious and secular duties without much
hardship."
But the saint would not give up his profession of alms collecting: "I cannot
depend on anybody for my bread earning. I offer service to none but the Lord. As
long as Lord Varadarajaswami is there, my life is dedicated only to him" he
replied with finality. ( I will be writing about Vidyaranya also)
12. Vedanta desikar come back to kanchipuram
The acharya returned to Kanchipuram to settle there, in deference to the wishes
of his disciples in Tiruvahindrappura.
What happened after settling back in kanchipuram for Vedanta desikar.
Interested readers read on...
13. Goddess Lekshmi shower gold
There lived a bachelor at Kanchipuram. He was longing to get married and he needed money for this purpose. Some mischief-makers suggested to him: "Go to Deshikar and ask for money. He is well-to-do and he can well afford to give you money."
The naive youth was taken in by these words. He went to Deshikar and requested for some money. It was clear to him that somebody had played a practical joke on him. But he made up his mind to help the young man. He composed a hymn and prayed to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. The deity relented and sent a shower of gold. The young man was greatly pleased by the acharya's bountifulness.
14. Miracles performed by Vedanta desikar
Vedanta desikar was a man of tremendous self-sacrifice and was capable of performing miracles when occasions demanded
14.1 Stops a pond flowing to him
Once Deshikar was once challenged by a magician for a trial of strength. Deshikar at first ignored the challenge. The aggressive magician diverted towards him all the water of a pond. Deshikar scratched the ground with his nails and forced the water to flow away. The magician was humbled.
12.2 Brings eagle chanting Garuda mantra
Once a snake charmer tormented him. He hurled a few snakes at Deshikar. The latter drew a few lines on the ground with his nails and stopped the vipers from crossing the lines. Then the snake charmer unleashed a huge cobra at him. When the cobra was moving towards him, Deshikar chanted Garuda mantra. An eagle swooped on the cobra and carded it away in its talons. Thus the snake charmer had to admit defeat.
One thing is clear. The good people are always hated and tormented by evil people. Deshikar too had to face such hardships.
12.3 Desikar construct a well by himself
Once, a mason came to Deshikar and said: "Every body is telling you are an all knowing, all-powerful man. Can you erect a stone building? Show me if you can. If you can do it, I shall accept your superiority." Deshikar was averse to performing such feats and acquiring glory. He replied:
"Let people say what they like. I am not concerned. I don't want any such wagers with you.†But the man was insistent. Although Deshikar never aspired for personal glory, he wanted to teach the man a lesson.
He constructed a well by the side of his house. The stonemason marvelled at the exquisite masonry. Even he, an expert mason, could not discover a single blemish in the structure. He fell at Deshikar's feet and apologized. Subsequently, he became one of his followers.
Deshikar never thought it beneath his dignity to work with his hands. Contemplation of God and manual labour did not go ill together, in his thinking.
He believed in the dignity of labour.
13. Desikacharya shift to Srirangam from Kanchipuram
Later, the acharya left Kanchi and settled down in Sriranga. At that time, men like Pillai Lokacharya, Sudarshana Bhatta and such elderly scholars and devotees were living in Srirangam. It was at their instance that Deshikar went to Srirangam.
He was happy that he had the opportunity of offering worship to Sri Ranganatha.
14. Desikacharya become head of Sri rengam mutt
The Srivaishnavas of Sriranga nominated Deshikar as the head of the Mutt there. He had to contend in polemical arguments with poets like Dindima and Krishnamishra. He established his superiority over all such opponents. People assembled in the presence of the deity and conferred on him the titles 'Sarvatantra-swatantra and 'kavi-tarkika-kesari'.
15 Contributions of Desikacharya
While at Sriranga, Deshikar wrote many literary and philosophical works. He composed a poem, 'Yadavabhyudaya'. The theme of this beautiful poem is the story of Srikrishna. He also wrote a drama called 'Sankalpa-suryodaya'. And many other prayer-songs. It was at that time that he wrote critical commentaries on the works of Sri Ramanuja. Deshikar devoted all his time to prayer, contemplation, teaching, and philosophical discussions with learned men.
16. Oppositions to Desikacharya
All did not like the glory and greatness of Desikacharya. Some people were envious of his erudition, humility and his spirit of renunciation. They tried to cause vexation and make him miserable. Some of these tormentors were Srivaishnavas themselves.
Once they took a wager and offered to have a polemical dispute with Deshikar. The acharya refused the offer and said: "There is little sense in having such disputes among ourselves. Such feuds might even bring discredit to the participants. I am therefore not in favor of such disputation."
But the man decided to disgrace Deshikar at any cost. He tied a couple of sandals in an arch like fashion at the entrance of the acharya's house in his absense. Deshikar saw while coming to the house. But he did not lose his temper. He said with his characteristic composure: "Some people trust the philosophy of work; some depend on knowledge; but for our part we invoke the blessing of the old footwear’s of Hari dasas or servants of God." The more the patience Deshikar cultivated, the more such people vexed and tormented him.
16.1 Alahiya Manavala Nayanar get defeated
One of the contemporary poets, Alahiya Manavala Nayanar, used to compose verses both in Tamil and Sanskrit. He challenged Deshikar in composing poetry in Tamil. As usual Deshikar ignored the challenge. But Nayanar persisted.
One day in the temple assembly he revived his challenge: "People call you Kavi-tarkikasimha (a lion among poets and logicians). You don't deserve the title. Deshikar never wanted a challenge of that kind. On persistence Deshikar wrote the great poem 'Padukasahasra' and it was judged best comparing to Nayanar. Desikar did not utter a mean or insulting word. He went out of the way to pay a tribute to the crest fallen Nayanar and said: "Nayanar is an infinitely superior poet, a greater poet than I am. His poetry is of great excellence."
16.2 Sraadha Brahmin is prevented from Going to Desikacharya
Once Deshikar had invited a Brahmin for the death anniversary of his father. Some of his foes tempted that Brahmin by offering to pay him a bigger sum and prevented him from attending the ceremony. Everything was ready at Deshikar's house and he was anxiously waiting for the Brahmin guest for a long time. The guest never turned up, and Deshikar was plunged in deep sorrow. He prayed to God most sincerely. Unexpectedly a stranger, another Brahmin came and helped Deshikar in conducting the ceremony. Deshikar felt that the Lord Himself had come to his rescue in disguise.
Deshikar, had to face bitter trials, due to the envy and hatred of his contemporaries at Srirangam
17.Desikacharya decides to leave Srirangam
We have already read Desikacharya was continuously tormented and he was feeling miserable at Srirangam. One day Deshikar was conducting a class on the open in front of his house.
A scholar called Kandade Lakshmanacharya was passing in the street with his students. Deshikar was absorbed in his teaching and he did not notice his arrival. Lakshmanacharya felt Desiakcharya was showing disrespect. Lakshmanacharya felt insulted, and his disciples went and tugged at the legs of Deshikar in anger. Deshikar on realising the guru is there asked excuse from Lakshmnacharya for his not noticing him. After all these incidents Desikacharya felt it was high time for him to leave Sriranga for somewhere.
18. Desikacharya leaves for Melkote
Desikacharya left for Melkote from Srirangam where he desired to worship the deity Chelvanarayana who had been served by Ramanuja.
Vedanta desikar arrived at Melkote with his disciples. Local people offered their obeisance and greetings. The temple priests extended due honours to Desikar. Deshikar thanked all of them in multitude. The crowd followed their beloved leader to the temple. Deshikar impressed every one with his personal charm. Vedanta- Deshikar was a married man who had lived with his family for a long time; but he had renounced all worldly pleasures and chosen to live like an ascetic by the time.
18. .1 “Fortune Has Favoured Me Today"
Deshikar Went with the crowds to the temple of Chelvanarayana and had the 'darshan' of the beautiful deity. Tears of joy trickled down his cheeks. He was choked with emotion. "O god Sampat- kumara, the god who blessed the great Ramanuja - You have now favoured me with this good fortune of your 'darshan'. How lucky I am!" he exclaimed in joy.
He addressed the mass of devotees that had gathered in the temple courtyard and said: 'you, the devotees of this temple, are the luckiest, since you are offering service to the deity who was the beloved of Sri Ramanuja. I, who was living in the far-off Sriranga, am favoured with the fortune from today! May the Almighty grace all of us with his blessings."
Melkote is also known as Tirunarayanapura since it is the abode of Lord Tirunarayana. From the days of Ramanuja himself Melkote had become a major centre of Srivaishnava faith. Ramanuja lived there for eighteen years. It was he who built the shrine and installed the deity Chelvanarayana there. With the arrival of Desikacharya the town of Melkote wore new colours.
18.2 Desikacharya address masses at Melkote
People called on Desikacharya at Melkote from different parts of India. They were ever eager to listen to his precepts. Deshikar used to expound the meaning of the hymns of the Alwars and the writings of Sri Ramanuja. He explained profound philosophical ideas in the simple and popular language for the benefit of the common people.
After some time the acharya decided to move on to Satyamangala. His followers were sad to part with him. He told them, "My dear friends, it has been my good fortune, along with you, to offer prayer to the Lord at Melkote. We have spent our time usefully in trying to understand the message of the great Acharya Sri Ramanuja. These are good times. Let us try to tread the path of righteousness as shown by that great man. Let us trust in God and identify us with Him. We belong to the Lord. May the Lord enable us to serve Him with all our heart." Most unwillingly they bid him farewell .
19. Desikacharya settles in Satyamangala
After visiting many holy places on his way from Melkote Desikacharya reached Satyamangala. He liked the surroundings of the town. The river, the temple, the beautiful and quiet environment and the pious people of the town impressed him deeply. Its nearness to Sriranga was an added attraction and he
could visit that holy place at will. He lived in Satyamangala with his family for forty years. It was only here that he lived in a quiet and undisturbed atmosphere. Hundreds of people became his disciples in this town
20 Secretly taking idol of Sriranganatha to Tirupathi
During his stay at sathya mangala once Deshikar paid a visit to Sriranga, the town was on the brink of a catastrophe. Muslim invaders were attacking the town while a big festival was going on in the temple . People heard that the invader army had arrived on the other side of the river Kavery. They gathered together and thought of rescuing the temple and the deity.
They placed the idol and other temple jewels on a palanquin and entrusted them to the care of some godly folk who took them through a secret passage to Tirupathi with out anybody’s knowledge. The elders like Pillai Lokacharya accompanied the idol. Then the temple was enclosed with a stonewall and counterfeit idols were kept in the place of original ones. By then the invading army approached the temple to loot and plunder. Stalwarts like Sudarshana Bhatta and Manavala Nayanar who tried to defend the temple against the attack were massacred.
21. Desikacharya preserves Srutaprakshika hiding in the river sands of Kavery
The responsibility of preserving Sudarshana Bhatta's great work Shruta- prakashika and saving his two sons Vedacharya and Parankusha Bhatta was entrusted to Deshikar. Deshikar hid the book in the sands of the Cauvery River at a secret spot. He and the two boys saved their lives by hiding themselves in the midst of the dead bodies left behind by the invaders. Deshikar later retrieved the book from the river-sands, and brought it to Satyamangala. The two orphan-boys followed him there. Deshikar composed a poem 'Abheetistava' and submitted on Lord Ranganatha’s feet to save the town from the enemies.
22 The commander of the Vijayanagar armies, vanquish the Muslim invaders
A little later, the danger to the town receded. Gopanna Dandanayaka, the commander of the Vijayanagar armies, vanquished the Muslims and drove them out of Sriranga. Once free, the town began to attract pilgrims again. The idol of the deity, which had been taken to Tirupati, was brought back to Sriranga and the temple services were resumed under the auspices of Gopanna Dandanayaka.
Deshikar shed tears of joy when he received the happy news. He warmly blessed Gopanna, the saviour of the temple. These facts are recorded in a temple inscription in Sriranga.
23. Desikacharya again settles in Srirangam
Deshikar was a ripe old man of 95 at the time. He came to Sriranga with his disciples in order that he might settle down there and spend the rest of his life in the service of Lord Ranganatha.
Even in his advanced age the acharya continued to teach students and expound the meaning of philosophical tomes. He saw that temple festivals were properly organized at Sri Ranga . During this period, he wrote a great book, 'Rahasya-traya-sara' (the essence of three philosophical mysteries). It contains the distilled substance of his ripe wisdom and profound scholarship.
24 Last days of Desikacharya
Deshikar spent the last few days of his life at Sriranga. He continued to be steadfast in his faith. He spent all his time in study and teaching and in divine contemplation. He was always calm and quiet. Deshikar never desired any worldly pleasures. He never fell a prey to temptations. He always concentrated on God and trusted Him with unswerving devotion. He was fearless and gentle; he never meant any harm to any living being.
His scholarship was profound. He was a poet of a high order, and he also deserved the title 'Tarkika-simha since he was nonpareil in philosophical discussions and logical arguments. An incomparably great devotee, he often forgot himself in ecstasy while singing religious songs. It was his unsullied devotion, which lit up his poetic talent and scholarship.
Above all, his spirit of renunciation was amazing. He had a huge galaxy of followers who held him in great esteem. He lived a life of utter simplicity and austerity. He had in him a combination of all virtues.
25. Desikacharya express Lord’s call has come.
The great man reached his hundredth year, and he realized that his days on this earth were numbered. He called his disciples to his side and said: "I have finished my earthly mission. The Lord's call has come. Thanks to my guru's blessings, I have fulfilled my duties in this world. I was able to study and assimilate the precepts of Sri Ramanuja. I have earned the good will of gentlefolk. The Lord is about to summon me to His eternal abode."
The disciples listened to the words tearfully. They were sad that their beloved master was about to leave them. The acharya consoled them. He assigned to each of them the duties they had to perform. He exhorted them to study the Upanishads and the Prabandhas. Even as he was chanting godly hymns, he attained external bliss. Thus ended the life of an epoch-maker.
26. Literary Works of Desikacharya
Vedanta-deshikar lived for hundred years (1268-1369). He worked tirelessly in the cause of spreading 'Dharma'. He wrote many philosophical works for the edification of the common man. Among his extant writings there are 53 philosophical works, 5 poems, 28 hymns and 19 Tamil works. Many other books said to have been written by him are lost. He is among the extraordinary scholars who have to their credit more than 100 works.
27. Precept and Practice
Deshikar taught the people the value of pure life. He practiced what he taught. "Man's life must be cleansed of passions. One must never utter lies. One must not harm others." "When we pray to God we must ask Him for devotion, for knowledge, and nothing else." 'We must try to please the gentle and the good. We must follow in the footsteps of the pious. We must dread sins. We must treat worldly pleasures with contempt. We have to put our safety in the hands of God and ever wait for his mercy." These are some of his teachings.
He lived a life of purity, a life as pure as the pellucid waters of the Ganges.
28. Vedanta Desikar â€"liked by all
Vedanta-deshikar was held in esteem not merely by the Srivaishnavas; all those who loved scholarship, humility and a life of purity adored him. During his lifetime there was practically none that could vanquish him in learned discussion and arguments. He was never aggressive or haughty. He never humiliated his opponents. He always maintained his composure and self-restraint. He never attempted to make capital out of his learning and scholarship. When royal patronage assured him a life of ease came to him unasked, he refused it from Vijayanagara king. All that he desired was God's mercy and the company of gentle and god-fearing folk. He lived in the service of God and for the cause of man.
This posting has inputs from an article by N.S.Anantha Rangachar in Bharatha desam
Concluded
knr
--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God
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