Mystic Saint: Sri Raghavendra Swami

By Ravi Valluri

During the testing times of Hinduism, three major philosophical schools struck root in ancient and medieval India. The Advaita philosophy (non-duality) as postulated by Adi Shankara and the non-duality ideologies of Dwaita (duality) by Madhavacharya and Vishishtadavaita propounded by Saint Ramanujacharya, respectively. These doctrines, along with the Bhakti and Sufi movements, brought the potentate and populace closer. Besides, they also attempted to simplify the esoteric concepts and facets of Hinduism.

Sri Madhavacharya was born in 1238 AD at Pajaka and cast off his mortal self at Udipi in 1317 AD. Sri Raghavendra Swami is the 17th pontiff in the lineage and is also believed to be an incarnation of Bhakta Prahalad. According to tradition and belief the divine spirit moves in the sequence of Hanuma– Bhima–Madhava and then Sri Raghavendra Swami.

Sri Raghavendra Swami was born in Bhuvanagiri in Tamil Nadu and assumed the role of Sanyasaahrama in 1621 AD at Tanjore. He successfully dominated the spiritual scenario of South India and left behind a vast treasure of treatises and points of view of the Dwaita philosophy as propounded by Sri Madvacharya. Apparently, he authored as many as 48 works and won honorific titles from several kingdoms, ranging from Tanjore to Adoni.

Sri Raghavendra was blessed with enormous spiritual and miraculous powers. Even today one can hear his footsteps at Mantralayam where he is in Tejaroopa. Sinners, alcoholics, addicts and those suffering from a variety of pestilence seek solace in the Mutt of Sri Raghavendra Swami and the miraculous powers of the saint. His aura is known to magnify manifold and with his deep powers he provides answers to the problems of the seeker and sufferer.

It is believed that the Nawab of Adoni, Siddi Massod Khan offered extensive largess in the form of extensive Inam lands to Sri Raghavendra Swami, but he instead preferred the dry, arid and rocky land of Manchala on account of the conditions of serene sanity that were prevailing at the place. Sri Raghavendra Swami decided to enter Brindavan in order to shower blessings on his devotees for centuries to come.

The Nawab of Adoni, in recognition of the amazing powers of the spiritual leader, donated several offerings. Interestingly, Brindavan has an Islamic dome also on it. This is symbolic of the secular traditions and the pluralistic society of India. It also symbolizes the growth of the Bhakti and Sufi movement in India and the impact these had on our culture, religiosity and spiritualism.

There is an important milestone in the life of Sri Raghavendra Swami which has been recorded in the Madras Gazetteer. Sir Thomas Munro, then the Inam Commissioner, was inquiring into certain land deals and other inquiries. Upon removing his footwear, he approached the Brindavanam. The holy saint emerged from his Tejaroopa and met with the visitor.

Their conversation revolved around the resumption of lands by the government (Madras Presidency). The saint was visible and audible to the foreign dignitary, though none other could witness this miraculous happening. Following the discussions Sir Thomas Munro quashed the proposal to resume the endowment lands. He was offered consecrated rice, which he used in the meal partaken.

Several such miracles are associated with the lives and times of Sri Raghavendra Swami.

Om Namoh Narayana, Om Namoh Bhagvate Vasuvedevaya. Om Sri Raghavendraya

Also Read: Rajinikanth Seeks Raghavendra Swamy’s Blessings At Mantralayam