SRI SHIVA CHIDAMBARA SRI SHIVA CHIDAMBARA

CHARITHRE CHARITHRE
-Saligrama Subbaramaiah
(A Translation of Kannada Original)

Prof. Saligrama Subbaramaiah

Published by
Executive Officer
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati.
Tirupati 2012
SRI SHIVA CHIDAMBARA CHARITHRE CONTENTS
(A Translation of Kannada Original) Marthandadikshitharu Tapodhana 1
Arduous Penance 4
By: The Descent of Chidambara 10
Prof. SALIGRAMA SUBBARAMAIAH The Great Play of Childhood 15
Brahmacharya, A Life of Discipline 18
Prana Prathisthapana, infusion of life 21
T.T.D. Religious Publications Series No: Recovery of lost Treasure 26
Dead Ox revived 29
©All Rights Reserved
Marriage 33
Nirvana of parents 36
First Edition: 2012 Previous life recalled 39
Communion with Narayana Yathi 46
Dead Girl Comes Alive 50
Copies:
The Wicked Conquered;TheHonest And Upright Protected 54
Some Events 59
Gurupura, Mentor Town 65
The Coming of Lord Venkatesha 69
Published by Shiva Shastry and Bhakthi Explained 74
L.V. Subrahmanyam I.A.S. The Story of Rajarama 82
Executive Officer, Vishnuroopa Darshana 94
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Stone Turns gold and Poverty Eradicated 99
TIRUPATI-517507 Water Spring at Thadasanooru and Thimmappa Gosai 105
Mallappa The Munificent 108
Shirahatti and Around 114
Ghantarava Shastry( Bell sound Shastry) 121
Printed at An Introduction to Yajna 126
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Press
TIRUPATI Preamble to Yajna 130
Foreword
Yajna Mahothsava 135
The Terminal Ritual 146
An ardent believer feels greatly secured in the hands of unseen
Easy way to the other shore 149
divine Protector who is sometimes seen in human form of flesh and
Navalagunda 155 blood. The story of Sri Shiva Chidambara Dikshitaru is one such God's
Concise but no less 158 play in this mundane world. Sri Shiva Chidambara (18th Century) be-
Lingavathara 163 longed to Murugodu of Karnataka state and became very popular by
his devotion and miracles.
The life-history of Guru Sri Shiva Chidambara Dikshitaru is beau-
tifully narrated in such a captivating way that readers' attention is en-
thralled while going through the traditional sacraments extold all along
in this text.
Putting his heart and soul in a prayerful mood Prof. Saligrama
Subbaramaiah has transcribed this work resembling an ancient
(Puranic) scripture.
I trust that devotees interested in spiritual sadhana will be defi-
nitely benefitted in going through this book of enormous value.

Tirupati In the Service of the Lord

06 -12-2012
L.V. Subrahmanyam I.A.S.
Executive Officer
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
Chapter I
Marthandadikshitharu-
Tapodhana
Unlike stories that go back in time, this one is well documented.
Some three hundred years ago there lived a brahmin of the name of
Thryambaka Bhatt in a village called Gote in the present District of
Bijapur, Karnataka State. His wife was Krishnabai. He was a learned
Brahmin and knew the Vedas and Vedantha, besides being very
proficient in Jyothishya, the science of Astrology. He had four children
and all of them had learnt from their father Jyothishya, calculation of
the movements of planets and stars and how they affected the day to
day lives of ordinary men and women. Marthanda Bhatt, the first of the
four, was however a different person. He didn’t like his family profession
of astrological calculations to determine and guide the affairs of men
although he was as proficient as any in this trade. He was a
Shivabhaktha a devotee of Shiva and was disinterested in the affairs
of the world as Viraktha. He had succeeded in holding his body and
mind under his control and never wavered from the path of service to
parents. A worthy son is not a free person in his own family. He had no
desire for money or its accumulation into wealth and property.
Jyothishya was no long time profession for such a one. To eat and
dine at others expense was a sin, he strongly held. But he had to face
such situations almost every day. He felt his earning was tainted and his
food was unwholesome. He feared that he was filling his basket of sin
everyday.
One day he left his home for Kashi, the holy place of river Ganga
and Vishwnatha. It was also a well known centre of Vedic learning
following the hollowed tradition of the Guruparmapara. True learning is
that which is learnt under the tutelage of a Guru. He needed sanction
and approval of the gods for his adventure. Bhatt went first to
Devarahipparigi to worship his family deity, Marthandabhairava and
2 3
then to Pandhrapura where he offered his prayers. Now the road to The grateful disciples requested their Guru to tell them how they
Kashi was clear to him, a pure soul whose anthahkaranas, inner should redeem themselves of the debt of gratitude they owe to their
instruments, the different layers of his mind from the gross to the fine, Guru and what kind of Gurudakshina, is expected of them. The Guru
were clean and spotless. is said to have observed: “Meritorious of my disciples, it is my good
fortune to have disciples like you. I expect from you a recompense
Bathing in the river Ganga and worshipping Vishweshwara every
called Sadachara. I want you to give it to me. I want you to promise
day, Bhatt prayed for a Guru. As in answer to his prayers or because
that your life manifests sadachara. The four, happily promised that
of the merits of his previous lives, or both, he soon came into contact
they wouldn’t aspire for the other woman or covet others wealth and
with a brilliant person, and erudite scholar in many shastras, called that they wouldn’t indulge in slur or abuse and would desist from
Swamyamprakasha. He was a yathi, an ascetic, a renouncer, and of unnecessary or fruitless wrangling.
many such attributes. He accepted Bhatt as his disciple and became his
Guru. He taught his disciples, the Samhitha, Mimamsa, Nyaya, Swayamprakasha Yathi, permitted AnanthaShastry, Siddheshwar
Vedantha and Jyothishya, besides other disciplines. There were many Mahararj and Govindabhatt, the three fellow disciples of Bhatt, to
under his tutelage besides Bhatt. There were three others whom Bhat renounce the worldly life and accept the life of renunciation.
had met on his way to Kashi. Marthandabhatt too wanted to be a sanyasi. Despite his desire, Bhatt
was not permitted to renounce worldly life. He was specifically asked
The Yathi after a long period of training and service thought of to become a grishastha, a married man and live his life for the good of
testing his disciples and the depth of their devotion. He invited on himself the world and mankind.
by the power of his penance, the horrible disease of leprosy. The ailment
The Guru asked Marthandabhatt to do an Agnishtoma a yajna,
took a foot hold on his body with each passing day. He became a nest
sacrificial fire. The pundits of Kashi were immensely pleased with the
of worm-ridden wounds and boils giving out puts, blood and offensive
fervor and devotion of Bhatt in the doing of the yagna. In recognition of
and intolerable smell. The Guru called in his disciples and said: “This is
Bhatt’s scholarship, steadfast adherence to the path of Vedic life,
a horrible disease. It has come because of my unsettled dues of my
sadachara and brilliance, he was honoured and conferred the title of
karma of previous birth I must suffer and endure it and I will. You may
Dikshitha. Bhatt had become a Dikshitha.
go out and save yourselves.” The disciples slowly walked out one after
another with the passage of time. Only four, Bhatt and his three friends
were left. Undaunted, without giving into disgust and impatience, Bhatt
and his friends, rendered matchless service and nursing. Pleased with
their resilience, The Guru once again invited on himself, the agents of
recovery and good health, and became a normal person glowing with
health and fitness. He called the four into his privacy and said: “I enacted
this to test you; I am happy with your firm devotion and faith and I
admire you.” He transferred to them the power of all his learning and
wholeheartedly blessed them and permitted them to go home.
4 5
Chapter II too. He installed the idol, Swaprakasheshwara Linga, following the
Shastric injunction. He then moved to Hipparigi, the holy place of Lord
Arduous Penance
Marthanda Bhairava. Here he returned to doing Gayathrimanthra japa
Marthanda Dikshitharu, the renowned scholar of Kashi returned ceaselessly in repeated cycles. How long he stayed here we do not
to his native village Gote unannounced as he had left it some twenty know. But one day Lord Marthanda Bhairava, came in his dream and
years ago. The family was happy to receive him and the honour he had said:
brought to them.
“Devotee supreme, I am pleased with your devotion and the
Dikshitharu wanted to share all his knowledge and learning and
austere life you have led. I know what desire has led you to this act. Do
his way of life with his fellow men. Giving away the ancestral land and
property to his youngest borther he planned to open a school for Vedic not worry about your progeny. Down south from here, is a well known
learning. He opened one on the beautiful banks of the river Malapahari, place called Chidambara Kshethra. With its Panchasabhas, and
near Munivalli. He did a Somayagna, in which his expertise was Akashalinga, the holy place is renowned as Gaythri grama. Many
acknowledged. He received an invitation to start a similar institution seers and sages like Upamanyu, and Kanva, have attained their desired
and establish a tradition of learning and research in Murugodu. Unable boons, successfully completing their penance. In this very place Brahma
to deny the invitation, he moved to Murugodu, leaving the school at and Vishnu got blessed. Lord Chidambara the devotees darling, resides
Munivalli to his brother. In the meantime, we hear, that he lost two here always fulfilling the devotees wishes. Who can adequately describe
wives one after another, leading to a marriage with Lakshmimatha, in the glory of this place? It is the seat of Mahasiddhas, those that have
his 37th year. gained and accomplished their purposes and goals. This is devotees
It is not surprising if Dikshitharu’s perception of life had changed. wish fulfilling spot, the holy ground for penance tapobhoomi, and a
Probably he saw more clearly the outer world, as it really was, than place where the divine light drives away the darkness of sin. Sage Vyasa,
before. He must have come to realize that all external learning is illusory the primordial Guru, has elaborately sketched the glory of this place in
if it isn’t grafted within. Dikshitharu’s austerities were provoked by an his Skandapurana. Go to that holy place and Lord Chidambara, will
inner longing for a son, a progeny. The desire for son was a legitimate
be pleased with you and he will make his descent as your son.”
wish of a married man. It was approved by tradition as it was a sacred
duty. Dikshitharu wanted to get a son through penance and austere Dikshitharu, the veritable fund of penance, thapodhana, woke up
life. to recall and review his dream and its meaning. The pious couple finishing
His first choice was Sogala Village the home of his ancestral deity the morning bath and prayers, securing the permission of Lord
Sri Somanatheshwara. Here he commenced the Gayathrimanthra Marthanda Bhirava, left for the holy Chidambara town.
japa. Fortified with what he derived at sogala he moved to The holy ground of Chidambara was replete with many types of
Subrahmanyakshetra for an extended stay. Here he spent a year in plants and tree. Here and there holy springs delighted the eyes. Several
renovation and restoration of the temple surroundings. He planted several species of birds were flying across the open skies with their chirping
trees like the banyan and the Amla (gooseberry plant) and sunk a well and twitter. The trees were so big and dense that they didn’t let the rays
6 7
of sun touch the earth. All around the holy place there were several happily disposed towards you. I am pleased with your devotion and
flower gardens. The temple was looking grand with its golden domes ardour. Tell me, what desire has prompted you into his formidable
and towers. Dikshitharu and his wife worshipped and propitiated the penance? I will fulfill it.”
ground as a preliminary to commencing their penance. Dikshitharu engrossed in his Shiva meditation, sat unmoved not
Dikshitharu woke up before the Brahmi hour, around four in the knowing that Shiva had descended before him. Sadashiva, the ocean
morning and took his bath before sunrise to commence his of grace, placed his blessed hands on the head of Dikshitharu and gently
Sandhyavandana and other daily prayers. He was now ready for the tapped his shoulder to wake him up. The Lord, literally shouted, “Wake
worship of Shiva as prescribed by ancient practice. The worship, an up, wake up”. When the awakened Dikshitharu slowly opened his eyes
extended, was carried on without haste or rush. Sitting on a soft grass a pleasant light had spread everywhere. Surprised at what he saw, he
mat, Dikshitharu, went into the Gayathrimanthra, till noon. Bathing closed his eyes again and sat still. While a few moments passed thus,
once again to refresh himself enjoying himself with a mind clean and Dikshitharu, opened his eyes, awakening himself. He saw before him
clear as crystal, he worshipped Shiva, as a preamble to entering into a standing, the consort of Aparna, the Puranapurusha, the Supreme Being
mood of long japa, deep into the caves of silence. With the onset of the puranas extol. His twisted and locked hair was bright , clean and
pradoshakala, the early part of the night or the last leg of the evening, pure. The three eyed He was wrapped in five robes and his physical
he bathed in a pond nearby Shivateertha, to beign another round of frame was smeared with sacred ash, He appeared magnificent,
worship of Shiva and japa that culminated in an indescribable state of bedecked with a chain of crystal clear white beads. The sight drowned
dhyana, for as long a time as time didn’t click, stretching itself into Dikshitharu in the ocean of joy. Parvathi’s Lord, darling of the devotees,
night. had his wife Uma, on his left lap. He wore a chain of skulls and was
decorated with a serpent around his neck. He was beaming with a
We do not know what time of the night it was when Dikshitharu pleasant smile on his face, with elephant hide thrown across his
extracted a juice of tender grass. He offered as naivedya half a measure shoulders. On seeing Shiva with these ornaments and decorations,
of this juice to Uma’s consort. Uma’s consort, Lord Shiva he then Dikshitharu mad with joy fell at the feet of the Lord, Shankara, who
collected, the offered juice as prasada. It was his food and tonic. Resting has compressed his compassion and kindness into a solid block,
a while on the deer skin krishnajina, Dikshitharu fixed his mind on dayaghana, on seeing Dikshitharu, the devotee supreme lifted him up
Shiva. He had merged in Shiva as did a blend of milk and water. affectionately to embrace him. He said in a voice, a mix of command
One day while Dikshitharu was thus joyfully meditating on Shiva, and entreaty, “Ask. What boons do you want? I will grant them however
the darkness of night approached. For Dikshitharu the Mahathma who difficult they may appear. I am pleased and satisfied with your penance.”
was on a steadfast and austere penance, the auspicious time dawned. Dikshitharu, with folded hands submitted: “Oh, Chandramouli, one,
Chidambara appeared before him as soon as the cycle of manthra with the crescent moon as his crown, what boons do I seek? If you
repetition was completed. Difficult it is to estimate the effect of his want to give, grant me Lord, Prabho unflinching and unshakable faith
meritorious penance. Chidambara standing before him in his full glory, at thy feet.”
said aloud: “Dikshithendra, Supreme among the Dikshithas, wake up, Sadashiva kripanidhi, one who is wealthy with grace, addressing
get up, your penance has fructified. It has achieved its purpose. I feel Dikshitharu, said “Brahmin superior, how can you forget your desire
8 9
for a son? Wasn’t that desire that led you to this most difficult penance?” are taken out. The vast Rajasabha contains a thousand pillars of large
Dikshitharu had woken up and come back to the world around. He size. The Chithsabha may be the hall of Conciousness.
remembered his desire for a son. Looking up at Maheshwara he Akashalinga is meant to invoke the idea of Shiva, co terminus with
appealed, “Oh, treasure house of kindness, Ambikadhava, if it is so, the infinite dimension of the skies. He is to be seen in one’s own inner
then grant me a son, the one like you.” Shankara’s reply came forth eye, perception and not out there, because the outer world is too small
with. He said: “Foremost among the Dikshitha’s it is incumbent on me to contain him. The Sanctum sanctorum is free from idols and icons.
now, to take birth in the world for establishing dharma, uplifting the
poor and humble and you desire for a son. I will myself take birth as * * * * *
your son. Conclude your austerities appropriately.” The Lord had Tapas is the primordial fervor, the original fire, the supreme
blessed. concentration, the ultimate energy, the creative force that imitates the
whole of cosmic movement.
Dikshitharu, appealed and asked. “If you are going to take a human
form, give me a sign to identify you.” Chidambareshwara said “I will The three major concepts of Indian wisdom and Man’s awareness
give you the sign of my descent. Listen. As you see me born, you will are tapas, rta and satya, ardour, order and truth. Owing to rta, this
find tender bilva (Bengal quince, Aegle mesmelos) leaves and Akshathe world is not a chaos but a cosmos, not an anarchic mass but an ordered
(reddened or yellow coloured rice grains) in my right ear”. and harmonious whole. Owing to satya the world is not a haphazard
place, and irresponsible game, and inconsistent and purely fluid
The next moment the Lord disappeared. Awesome it was. appearance. Satya is not primarly an apistemic truth but an ontic
Dikshitharu bowed down to the holy spot where the Lord had stood truthfulness, an ontological fullness with content weight and reality namely
before. being. (cf. Raimundo Panikkar, the Vedic Experience, Manthramanjari,
An anthology of the Vedas for the modern man and contemporary
Dikshitharu related the story of grace to his wife. The devoted
celebration. P.59.
Lakshmimatha, for that was her name, her husband’s shadow, his mirror
word and thought, stood wonder struck as Dikshitharu did. Dikshitharu
and Lakshmimatha returned to Murugodu.
Notes:
The Chidambara temple is a very large one covering an area of 40
acres. The Panchamahasabhas refer to five court halls. They are called
the Chitsabha, Kanakasabha, Nruthysabha, Devasabha and Rajasabha.
The Chithsabha is the hall of consciousness, Chith, if the names are
indicative of their purpose and utility. Rituals and worship of the deities
take place in the Kanakasabha. The Nruthysabha contains the icon of
Nataraja, the dancing Shiva. Devasabha is the place where processions
10 11
Chapter III undifferentiated being, spoke nothing in reply. Quietness was she.
Disturbed or embarrassed or both, at her restful poise thinking aside
The Descent of Chidambara what might have happened to her, he asked again in a voice, that was
While Dikshitharu, bestowed with Shiva’s grace, is joyful and really loud “Tell me, what desire troubles you”? Opening her eyes and
happy in his daily worship of Shiva, time was ripe for grace to manifest directing her sight at her husband, the devoted wife said:
and descend. Lakshmimatha the great lady devoted to her husband “How come, you ask me, of my desire when I discover myself
Lakshmimatha is pregnant since Shiva as promised has entered her free from all desires”? I have spread myself in fullness all over and
bosom. Dikshitharu feels happy and fortunate. He thinks he can look everywhere. Immersed completely in the joy of joyousness, I am myself
forward to play and frolic with Chidambara whose company is difficult the prime cause, for all (that happens). To the devotees, it is I, who
to secure even through the ardous paths of japa, yagna, and dana. He confers on them, their real state (of being). I will establish Dharma and
feels fulfilled, satisfied, in having done that, which he wanted to do. tie up Kali, hand and foot. I will instruct and teach Brahmakarmas,
Lakshmimatha’s pregnancy, like the waxing moon in the bright half, actions and deeds that are in conformity with Brahma. I will put an end
(called shukla paksha) is growing. The signs of advancing pregnancy to practices that have sprouted out of kali, the contemporary time.”
have added charm and luster to her beauty. She appeas robust and
vibrant, her face aglow with a shine similar to that of a flame that radiates Dikshitharu was most happy to hear her words issuing out of jnana
from Brahman. The joy of onlookers is like the pleasanthness of the and dharma. Desirous of listening to more such words emanating from
moon light. She experiences several signs of ecstasy, devotion closes dharma, Dikshitharu shot more questions at her. To all such
her eyes focusing effortlessly on the light that is glowing within. Since interrogations she answered but once.” I harbour no other desire. I
the entry of Chidambara into her inner realm, her perception of the desire the establishment of dharma and its practice and I desire
outer world, consisting of moving and unmoving objects, is erased and protection of devotees (devotion) and uplift the world and its
lost, as also its dual and differentiating characteristic. She sees and transactions.” At one another time she said “I only think of one thing.
feels the world as one single manifestation of Chidambara. She cannot When does Shankara, the Lord of Kailasa, grant me darshana as a
and does not, see anything other than Chidambara; hear any sound beautiful boy”?
other than that of Chidambara. That great lady, having harmoniously The devoted wife of Dikshitharu gave pleasure to her husband by
merged in Chidambara in all her three states of being: waking, dreaming her words of Advaitha, non dual perception of life disclosing and
and of deep sleep, is resting in happiness true and real. heralding the prospective Lordship of the embryonic Chidambara. Really
Dikshitharu is wonder struck to witness his devoted wife, lost lost in such joyous events, Dikshitharu did the several rites of passage
always in a state of joyful dhyana, meditation. One day witnessing his including Seemantha, a rite performed during the first pregnancy.
wife magestiacally resting in Brahmananda, the joy of contemplating on Lakshmimatha’s pregnancy completed nine months and entered
the Brahman, Dikshitharu asked “what makes you sit this way for long the tenth. It was the dawn of the first day in the week, Monday November
hours, in dhyana? What desire have you in your mind? If you speak out 20th of 1758 A.D. (Shaka 1680, Pramathinama Samvathsara, Karthika
and let me know, I will fulfill it.” She, in her state of harmony, had Krishna Shasti) The devotee’s darling descended. At the descent of
blended herself with Chidambara, in form and shape, as one Jagannatha, the wind of pleasant touch blew, the ten Directions and the
12 13
waters and the consciousness of Sadhus and Saints had become pure that stood before them, as though they were taking its imprint on their
and pristine. The heavenly drums roared and fragrant flowers showered hearts.
from the skies. That divine moment the blessed couple saw before Lakshmimatha not satisfied perhaps, fell at the boy's feet once
them standing, a captivating presence of an eight year old boy.
again; her joy swelled and her hairs stood on end. She was ecstatic.
The labour room was lit up with the brightness radiating from the Her throat choked, copious tears ran down her cheeks. With folded
pleasing form of the eight year old. As signaled before, there were the hands she spoke again:
fresh tender bilva leaves and the Akshathe in his right ear. It was
“Shankara, kindness incarnate, my desire you have fulfilled.
bedecked with ornaments. The bewitching smile of the eight year old,
Becoming a son to me, you have liberated forty two branches of my
with the chain of rudraksha beads around his neck was captivating.
lineages. I know who you are. The Yogis try hard to get a glimpse of
Dikshitharu was in supreme joy and contentment. Those thaporushis,
huge mounds of austere penance, placed their heads on the feet of that the unworldly charm of your taintless form, a cure for all worldly ills.
eight year old boy. Not satisfied, they prostrated before the boy. They May my heart retain that form forever. I am now aware you can incarnate
stood up and with folded hands and invoked: yourself into any form you care for the benefit of your devotees, though
birthless and formless you are. As vouchsafed, you have taken birth as
“Hey Sathyakeerthi, renowned for truth, Umamadhava, you have my son, though you are a treasure mound of Jnana. Now grant us the
kept the word you gave. I have identified your form and I know for pleasure of witnessing your babe hood and childhood play, as any
certain that it is you, the Lord of Kailasa. Hey Girijaramana, Samba, mother desires. Nursing you and playing with you is a joy one is unlikely
Mruthyunjaya, you have descended in human form to keep your promise to get without the merits of a crore of births. And that joy has come to
though you are ‘birthless’, (outside the cycle of birth and death). You be mine. Take from me, I beg of you, as much service, as you wish and
are an icon of jnana, that which transcends illusion. You transcend the I am ready to render. Grant this prayer in full. I don’t think much of
six modes of being. Your descent is to protect the devotees, I am aware.
deliverance or Moksha when I have seen you in person, direct face to
I bow to you, the one whose fear drives divine beings like Brahma and
face. Oh, Lord Supreme, grant me devotion steadfast and unflinching.
other celestial beings, to do their assigned duties. Deva, I do namaskar.
This is all I pray.”
The one, chanting and remembering whose name, burns into ashes the
heaps of sins of infinite births, is you, who is now born as my son. How Picking up his mother who had fallen at his feet, Chidambara said:
can I then describe in full, the good fortune that is bestowed on me? I “Ava, Mother, all your desires will surely be fulfilled. Give up doubts
am overwhelmed. The whole of my lineage is uplifted. Oh, that your mind is a host to. Pleased with the austere penance you did, I
Ambikadhava, ocean of mercy you are and do not present to the world, have chosen to descend as your son. I am Jagadeesha the Supreme
this form of yours, that is illusion transcendent. Kindly withdraw this Lord of the Universe and Sarvakarana, the prime cause of all things.
vision, regress yourself into an infant form and gratify and delight the To prove to you that I have descended, to confirm my descent, I have
joy of my inner being. This invocation I renew without a break.” taken this boy form. Whoever reads with fervor, the invocation you
Dikshitharu fell again at the feet of the boy and placed his head on have made to me, their desires will be met. Their sons and daughters
it. Husband and wife stood up again, looking intently at the boy form and their children will be blessed. They become prosperous and
14 15
wealthy.” The next moment the Lord had disappeared. A new born Chapter IV
babe was crying at the place where Chidambara stood.
The Great Play of Childhood
Looking at the beautiful and immaculate babe crying helplessly,
Lakshmimatha lost no time and took the babe into her lap. She was a As Chidambara was growing, his childhood frolics delighted his
witness to a painless delivery. The devoted wives of the neighbourhood parents who were joyous witness. He dares to catch the flame of fire in
coming to know that Dikshitharu is blessed with a baby boy, gathered his palm and jump into the glowing fire. If he is stopped in one he turns
around Lakshmimatha and blessed the new born. Dikshitharu invitied to another. He makes a shamble of deities kept in order in the puja
the Brahmins to do the rites of birth, Jathakarma, and presented them room. Next he regales himself by the sound of pots and pans. Tumbling
with cows and gold and land. Expert astrologers came to determine down Lakshmimatha has too much on her hands to prevent her son
the time of birth, the planetary conjuctions associated with that time. mixing one grain with another. Mixing the grains with the flour he hurls
Horoscope of the new born babe was cast and looking at Dikshitharu vessels and plates all around. Giving up her daily chores if Lakshmimatha
they said: “Respected Dikshithare, listen to our reading of the chart chooses to gaze and keep a watch on him, he renews his play with
drawn on the basis of the time of birth. One, born at this hour is a being redoubled spirit.
who has come to lift, elevate and deliver mankind. He is possessed of Chidambara who is an entity total and perfect in himself suckles
powers to grace and bless as he can curse and destroy. A look at the his mother and drinks milk only to conform to worldly norms and
planetary chart reveals that the Lord of the Universe has descended. expectations. If she goes out on some work he follows her crying and
His name and fame lasts as long as Sun and Moon do. The sign of his weeping. If she is engrossed in some activity the one who is all capable
limbs and bodily parts indicate, that he would be World Teacher and and yields himself to bhakthi, rolls around shouting and crying aloud
even the Gods volunteer to serve him.” only to present some supernatural vision. When the mother catching
Marthandadikshitharu, did the Namakarana rite, and named the him in his act hands him over to his father, Chidambara regales his
new born as Chi Dam Ba Ra, a name of four phonetic letters. father with his baby talk. He signals that he is hungry by squeezing his
father’s breast to suckle it and diverts attention by his baby talk. When
Chidambara began growing like the waxing moon giving immense the mother takes him to the kitchen ready with several dainty dishes
joy to his parents through his frolics and play. and feeds him one morsel after another the tiny food balls easy to
Notes: Rudraksha: Binomial name is Elacocarpus ganitrus. devour, he runs away after one or two morsels are fed. When she
forcibly catches him and resumes her feeding, Chidambara tries to
wriggle out once again thus leading to a great play of hide and seek.
With great love and affection Lakshmimatha pleads:” Appa, dear one,
Chidambara, you shouldn’t go like that isn’t our Chidambara a good
boy? Would he do that? No, eat this little morsel and we will call it a
finish. I have no time left to sit with you and play.” Lakshmimatha
endearingly cajoles. Chidambara with willing affection opens his mouth
and that fortunate mother sees a wonderful panorama of the world
16 17
projected from the face of her son. She sees her motherland, Bharatha. “Who, what shall be the object of our worship? To whom shall
Inside it is her own town and home where she is feeding her darling we direct it”? There is a God but he is unknown to us.
son. Beholding all that is presented from her son’s face, she closes her “The divine is an integral part indeed the kernel of human life. God
eyes in reverential devotion and goes to narrate in detail all the wondrous and gods are living realities.”
things that her eyes were a witness to. In a state of joy supereme,
The vedic text doesn’t say that the name of God is unknown…
Marthanda Dikshitharu replies “No mortal human, is your son. Did you
forget that the Lord Parameshwara himself has descended” thus sounding It says only that it is neither a proper name, nor a substantive, nor
a warning as well as an awakening. Looking at his son in utter devotion, a substance,
and with his hands folded, he pleads “Jagannatha, disclose not thyself, “nor a “thing” but simply the interrogative pronoun itself. Never
at this stage of your and our lives. Please remain hidden away from the has a pronoun been more properly used….”
world with his hands folded, he pleads, “Jagannatha, disclose not thyself,
To whom is not simply a theoretical question. It is the object of
at this stage of your and our lives. Please remain hidden away from the our adoration, the term of our worship, the aim of our sacrifice…
world.”
God cannot be known if by knowledge we understand a mere
Chidambara smiling away the incident in simple disregard insists mental consciousness; he can be reached only by sacrifice by holy
on being fed without delay so that he may return to his play. Divine action…
sports difficult to comprehend even for Brahma and other god heads,
The living God…. Is not a concept, not a defined and graspable
Chidambara was presenting to his parents every day. He would run
reality but rather the term of the actual sacrifice……finds in the dynamic”
away and come back jumping, dancing and singing. Thus the childhood
to whom” its justification and reward.
sport of Parameshwara was on display in the back and front yards of
Dikshitharu’s house open for the towns men to come and witness, a Sacrifice is not a manipulation of the divine but the existential leap
sight that the celestial beings didn’t get. by which Man plunges as it were into the not-yet-existent with the
confidence that the very plunge effects the emergence of that reality:
One day Lakshmimatha was giving an oil bath holding firmly to into which he plunges.
him who was no other than Bhagavan himself. It was he who drove and
Notes: (cf: Raimundo Panikkar. PP 59-61)
activated Indra and other Gods and it was he from whose toe Bhagirathi
sprouted. It is he on whose ground support the Mount Meru stands
aloft. It is he who enslaves himself to his devotees so that he can serve
them, holds on to the wall as a support to walk. It is he who is the very
source from which all living beings derive their food. It is he who craves
for food and milk to fulfill various desires of his devotees. Such a one
was Chidambara who gave delight to his father and mother through his
childhood games and plays.
18 19
Chapter V studies. The day obviously began with snana and sandhyavandana,
the passport for daily schooling and studies. After propitiating the sound
Brahmacharya, Om, he did shanthipatha followed by the practice of Vedamanthra
A Life of Discipline recitation under the tutelage of their father. The young one’s accent was
faultless, every word and sound uttered rhythmically as prescribed at
As Chidambara continued to regale his parents with his play and the very first rendering. Dikshitharu taught his children the four Vedas,
frolics the Sun took the northern way, Uttarayana. Dikshitharu
and all the sastras connected with them by custom and convention.
ceremonially initiated his son into Akshara the word imperishable; its
These two were not ordinary students, needless to say. Witnessing their
soul was Omkara, the primordial syllable of great mystical meaning
attitudes, their skills, and their presence of mind under all circumstances,
after adoring Ganapathi and Saraswathi. Chidambara learnt in a single
the scholarly pundits were awe-struck, to use a much familiar expression.
day all the moolaksharas, the primary and basic letters and asked his
They were witness to a world transcending wonder.
father: “What next”? Bewildered at his son’s capacity to grasp and
absorb, he initiated him into Shiksha and the five other wings of the Since the whole gamut of learning was done in a span of a year
Veda. Within a month the young one had mastered the Vedangas (the their teachers were compelled to reminisnce and say: “Oh, no, these
six wings of the Veda). Drivining his son’s power and ability to grasp, are not ordinary men: they must be Nara and Narayana” alluding to the
retain and cumulate and recall at will, Dikshitharu performed the celebrated companionship of Arjuna and Lord Krishna. The two are
Upanayana ceremony for his son Chidambara. compared to the renowned Krishna and Balarama of our heritage and
Beautiful Chidambara glowed with a world transcending brilliance their schooling in the Sandipani Ashrama. These two not only learn and
on being initiated into the life of Brahmacharya. He wore a sacred thread master their learning; they make their companions learned by their
across his shoulder as its mark. When gold gets the dazzle of a diamond association. They also transmitted their learning to their friends and
what is there to ask? It was like the very sun coming down to earth as a fellowmen. Above all they were Brahmanishthas volunteering to a life
youngster. He shone like a Vedapurusha, Veda manifested into a dedicated to the dictation of the Brahman. Dikshitharu lit the fire of
primordial Man. Chidambara was bedecked with a danda, kamandala, Agni to commence the sacrificial worship, Chidambara became and
mekhala and kaupina. He held a holy staff and an open mouthed wooden Adhvaryu; he became an officiating priest in charge of the ritual. He
vessel in his hand. He wore a lion cloth around the waist besides the recited the Yajur manthras and offered the oblations.
sacred thread across his neck.
The pundits who had come to teach Chidambara and Prabhakara
Beginning with a morning bath the external purification as a were shy of opening their mouth in the presence of these two. They sat
preamble to securing the purification of the inner organs, he did spell bound witnessing their intonation, the style of utterance, the
Sandhyavandana before worshipping the Fire God Agni. He rendered movements of hands, fingers and palm. The sickly, the unwell, the
loving and unwearied service to his Guru which provided the preliminary diseased, who so ever they may be got cured and felt relieved of their
groundwork for embarking on the study of the Vedas. pain or problem when they sought Chidambara’s help. When
Marthandadikshitharu, likewise performed the upanayana of his Chidambara’s words were diamond anointed, for they cut the most
second son Prabhakara, to provide as though a companion for Vedic difficult of worldly ties. Chidambara’s words were deeds indeed. They
20 21
fructified at their utterance. One who earned Chidambara’s grace equaled Chapter VI
the divine Indra and even the gods were helpless before Chidambara’s
wrath. Prana Prathisthapana
Many wise men and scholars observed on witnessing the sport of (Infusion of Life)
Chidambara thus: “This Mahathma, how many more would he unlash Marthandappa of Hosur celebrated the Gajagowri festival every
when grown up if he presents so many miracles and supernatural deeds year. It is preimarily a ladies festival. It is the women who worship
at this young age? We feel tongue tied and speechless. Oh God! grant ceremoniously godess Gowri astride an elephant as the name itself
us a long life so that we may feel fulfilled witnessing those wondorous suggests. This year too Marthanda went to invite his Guru Marthandappa
deeds. We would like to serve this Mahathma and feel fulfilled and Dikshitharu to be the priest and guide the ladies in their worship.
finally attain Kailasa the state of living in the domain of Shiva, Kailasa.” Dikshitharu suggested that the young Chidambara would substitute for
It was in this way they invoked and adored Chidambara. Who is him, as he was busy otherwise. Marthandappa faithfully nodded his
indeed competent in this world to describe fully the sport of Chidambara? head in acceptance without asking a question. Young Chidambara was
Even if one listens to an abridged version he will be redeemed from the escorted to his residence at Hosur after taking the permission of his
strangulating ties of the world. He who listens to the mysterious story of Guru.
Chidambara in deep devotion and unhurried patience will be rid of all Chidambara though far too young to be a priest in the eyes of the
sins and be blessed with a long life in the world. world was received with appropriate honour and respect due to his
status. Moreover he was his guru’s nominee. Marthandappa called his
wife and said: “Get ready with the materials for worship. Because of
your good fortune, Guru’s son has come to conduct and direct the
proceeding’s.” The lady of the house and other women came and sat
on the wooden planks ready to commence the worship. Chidambara
kindness incarnate playing the role of a priest also came and took the
seat meant for him. Looking at the attractive figure of the six year old
resembling Shyamasundara, Lord Krishna is described that way, the
blue hued, all the ladies were struck with wonder. Perceiving the beautiful
face of the Guru’s son, his vivacity and lucid pronunciation and clear
accent, the worshippers were awestruck. Out of their natural frivolity,
they tried to make fun of the youngster. Laughing and talking among
themselves they said light-heartedly “Look at that Vamanamurthy, the
little master, how sweet he looks!” They enjoyed drawing him into some
conversation or other.
Watching the women’s indulgence in frivolous ridicule, Chidambara
the killer of pride smilingly asked the women: “Oh! What are you asking?
22 23
I haven’t learnt anything. Since I am sent by my father, I have come to was not at all a heartening sight to Marthandappa’s wife who was called
have a nice and dainty meal after finishing somehow the priestly job by the onlookers to see what is happening. What she saw was to put it
assigned to me.” Listening to his funny declaration Marthandappa’s mildly devastating. The little elephant, the clay toy had become real
wife went to her husband and said: “This one is still a young one; what with life, prana in it. It moved wherever it liked lifting up and down its
kind of a direction can he give? How can he conclude the worship and proboscis careless to its consequences. The festive household was in
story narration at the end”? Marthandappa displeased with his wife’s shambles with materials thrown about all over the house. Aliving elephant
attitude said: “Dear one, He is Guru’s offspring. Do worship as directed though toy like in size, created a confusion that was beyond their
with a restful mind. Improper it is to be lacking in faith . The lady regained understanding and imagination. They did not know whether to be amused
her composure and got ready for the worship. or to be feared and rescued, when a baby elephant went wherever
there were people to dance with it. Marthandappa, who was also a
Chidambara commenced the worship procedure with the initial
witness thought aside: “This feat must be an unintended demonstration
rite of Sankalpa, and Ganapathi worship. The worshipper has to resolve
of the power of Chidambara; the stupid ladies indulging in ridicule cannot
into himself his willingness to do the worship. Then the young
understand otherwise. The clay elephant is life filled energized and
Chidambara installed the deity of Gajagowri with his own hands. Gowri
activated because of the intrinsic power of the Mahathma.”
is another name of Parvathi, Shiva’s consort. The worshipper or the
priest does the pranaprathistapana uttering the sacred syllables called Marthandappa came to Murugodu and submitted to his Guru
beeja mantra with appropriate signs, beejanyasa. The deity is invoked and appealed: “What then is the way out? Until the elephant is regressed
by the worshipper himself before he begins his worship. This is a normal to its former state, we cannot have peace” he begged.
ritual done mechanically. But not so was Chidambar’s act. The clay Dikshitharu listened to what his devotee reported. He called
elephant on which Gowri was seated was filled with life and became Chidambara and asked: “Appa, Chidambara, what have you done in
alive; all its limbs and parts becoming activated. When the life filled and Marthandappa’s house? How did that clay elephant get life infused into
activated the elephant began to move of its own volition. Chidambara it? Tell me the truth.” The branchmachari appearing to be a little flustered
signalled it to remain arrested and concluded the worship as laid down said to his father: “(All knowing) Father, I haven’t done anything that is
by custom. At the end, Chidambara read the story of Gajagowri, its forbidden! As directed, it is true I went there and guided Gowri worship.
meaning, purpose and utility. This is a post worship requirement. I have done pranaprathisthapana only as instructed by you. If the clay
Chidambara’s rendering was so pleasing, clear and touching that elephant has come alive because of that I do not know.”
the mirth-making ladies listened with rapt attention. The (young) Marthandappa discerningly smiled and said: “yes, I know what
Mahathma received thamboola and dakshina the prescribed objects you mean; go back now and do the uttarapuja the post worship rites”.
given by the worshipper to the priest and returned home on a horse. Accordingly Chidambara went to Marthandappa’s house and directed
He bowed down to his father and reported that he had completed uttarapuja and offered the akshathas sacred grains of rice.
satisfactorily the job assigned to him. The moving elephant returned to its lifeless material state as an
In Marthandappa’s house the elephant with Gowri atop slowly idol. Witnessing, this astonishing act and incomprehensible event, the
descended from its holy niche and began to move all over the house. It assembled people shouted in joy and fell at the feet of Chidambara.
24 25
Many said: “Chidambara, you are paramathma indeed who has come the worshipper. Probably the gods too must be eagerly looking forward
to us as a boy. You entice us with your presence. Your acts depict that every morning for such a call as friends and kin look forward to each
you can create, destroy, and preserve and regulate the lives of all living morning. Somewhere the fire got extinguished and died down. The
beings. Oh! Wondorous boy, may thou be victorious. We always Manthra became mechanical lacking in scruples. Five or six year old
remember you as kindness manifested. Ignorant ones we are, we Chidambara did what worship really meant.
beseech you to protect us always. In this fashion several prayers were
offered. After dining, Chidambara along with the host Marthandappa
came home and bowed down to his father. His silence conveyed what
words couldn’t.
“Despite my subtle pleas and sometimes open instructions, you
are letting your superhuman powers out under the guise of a boyish
prank. I know you are none other than the consort of Girija, Shiva.
Your fame will spread far and wide in the three worlds soon. Yet I
beseech you, do as I say, my son exalted. If you reveal yourself and
your deeds, pilgrims flock around you denying any access to you as
our own son. Since you have descended to revive dharma and hold if
fast as a protective shield against hostile forces, service to parents is
also a part of your prescribed coduct. Confine yourself to this guideline
as long as we live and then enlarge, release yourself into the games and
sports you have come to present to the world”.
Chidambara bowed down to his father signaling that his heart
acknowledged and valued those words.
Notes:
Worship of gods is a daily ritual in Indian homes even today. Many
may have given up and some may do in their own way. It is a ritual that
exists in its neglect or on observance.
The gods we worship are our own creations as we recite the
pranaprathisthapana manthra. It may be a manthra which heroically
invites the gods to come down and give the benefit of their worship to
26 27
Chapter VII tree. Satpurushas, holy persons, can make anything happen. Beg them
for such paltry things? It isn’t done. Adressing a prayer for worldly
Recovery of lost treasure pleasure and happiness isn’t right for us. Bebold and wake up and get
In this story we go from Hosur to Hallihal another village sanctified in touch with the Atman and peace. Good and bad, gains and losses
by the visit and stay of Chidamabara. Regardless of their geographical occur as a consequence of divine design. There is no escape, from the
location, they are neighbourhoods because of their common heritage. consequence of divine design. There is no escape, from the
Ramachandrappa and his wife lived in the village Hallihal. Both consequences of karma; it must be savoured. Incorrect and unjust it is
husband and wife were devoted to Marthandadikshitharu and held to be elated with happiness and be dejected with sorrow. Think you
him as their master and mentor. Ramachandrappa had nourished a long are blessed for certain; for ‘He plunders before he bestows’. Therefore,
time wish to invite his beloved guru and his young son Chidambara, think not of what has happened; rest in satisfaction”
home one day and offer them something as a token of self-satisfaction Young Chidambara’s inner being was touched. To say so is wrong.
and fulfillment. He was aware of the joy of giving and all that it brings He was one integrated being undivided as inner and outer. Finding an
forth. excuse to call Ramachandrappa out, he called him and said: “I want to
Marthandadikshitharu too was ready for the event, so it seemed. answer the call of nature; take a lamp; let us go.” Ramachandrappa
When Ramachandrappa humbly begged his guru to visit his house and brought a lamp and showed some spot in the open quite close to his
spend some time with them, he readily accepted. Dikshitharu and the residence.
young Chidambara were accorded a simple but sincere reception of
“Men of knowledge don’t use the village limits (for such acts); they
love and affection shorn of any public display. He offered them some
go beyond (the village precincts)”, Chidambara said.
object as a gift filled with his own soul and its deep yearnings of thanks
and gratitude. He also begged them to rest for the night and grace him Ramachanarappa took the young boy outside the village limits.
with their divine company. The father and son, accepted with joy Young Chidambara wanted to go farther . “No, not so close a place to
whatever Ramachandrappa and his wife gave them. the village as this one; it gets polluted and unclean,” Chidambara said
Chidambara was massaging his father’s feet and legs before going with disapproval.
to bed. As he was thus engaged, he couldn’t help overhearing the Taking the boy a little farther, Ramachandrappa said: “Now, you
conversation between the host and his wife. The wife was telling her may use this place. Dense forest lies beyond and there is a threat of
husband Marthandappa in a hushed voice: wild animals.” Chidambara smiled and said:” “When I am here, (Time
“Shouldn’t we inform about yesterday’s theft in our house and the Great)”.
how our hard earned savings, all of it is lost, without a pie left behind? The two walked another mile or two and Chidambara stopped
How do we make our living here after? If he is kind to us he may lift us near a huge tree trunk and called Ramachandrappa who was virtually
out of this difficulty”. sleep walking perhaps following the young boy. He was feeling confused
The husband said: ‘I don’t think so; it isn’t proper. It would be with the young boy’s mysterious midnight walk into darkness. He said,
like asking for a pittance sitting under the Kamadhenu, the wish fulfilling unable to overcome his impatience and consequent anger deviating from
28 29
his normal obedience, “Why did you bring me this far in the mid night? Chapter VIII
I feel terribly sleepy; what is in your mind, tell me”?
Dead Ox Revived
“Come, dig around a little here; you will be happy” Chidambara
Marthandadikshitharu had his devotees and disciples all around
ordered, disregarding his host’s overt annoyance.
his place. He was respected for what he said and did. There was no
Ramachandrappa scratched the earth around the root with his cleavage between the two. Everyone knew how difficult it was to gain
bare hands and at a palm’s depth, a box was found which was in fact such a control over one’s tongue or mind.
his own. He sat perplexed for quite some time. Collecting himself into a Mallappa a resident of Bettasur was an ardent devotee and follower
mood of satisfied restfullness and peace, he caught hold of young of Dikshitharu. He wanted to build a Shiva temple in his village. Chaithra
Chidmbara’s feet and uttered loud prayers that the woods echoed in Shuddha panchami had been fixed as the auspicious time, Muhurtha
participatory joy. Lifting him up Chidambara said: for installing and consecrating the idol by his Guru Marthandadikshitharu
“Take this home fast but don’t tell my father”. . It corresponded to sometime in March-April of 1768 according to
some estimate. Naturally a large number of people from villages nearby
Chidambara went to sleep but not his host. He shared with his had come to witness the ceremony.
wife the midnight windfall, a recovery of a lost treasure by Chidambara’s
grace; the darkness of night didn’t subdue the joy they felt. But one well known in those parts as an astrologer asked Mallappa
to advance the ceremony to a later date; he thought that the time fixed
Next morning, when Dikshitharu announced his departure he was was inauspicious, affected as it was, by ‘Mruthyu Yoga’ forces inviting
persuaded to extend his stay and leave after the noon meal. A lunch death. He also suggested a different and more auspicious time for the
party had been arranged in honour of the guests and to all the brahmins. purpose.
Looking at the joyous aura around his disciple, Dikshitharu sought an Mallappa was too faithful a devotee to be swayed by others. He
explanation. stuck to the muhurtha already fixed and started the celebration. He
A grateful Ramachandrappa looked at the young master who gave offered the preliminary worship and prayers of purification accompanied
his consent to disclose the pevious night’s happenings. Then everyone by women carrying auspicious materials for worship as the brahmins
said in utmost faith and devotion ‘Jai Chidambara’. chanted appropriate Vedic manthras.
As soon as Mallappa crossed the threshold of his residence, a
messenger brought a bad news. His prized ox castrated bull had
collapsed and dead after some struggle. Mallappa didn’t know what to
do. The spurned astrologer who was there at that time felt that not only
was his reading testified but was also convinced that the present Muhurtha
fixed by Dikshitharu was inauspicious.
“At least now give up your obstinacy; day after tomorrow there is
an auspicious moment. Advance the proceedings to that date.” The
astrologer reiterated.
30 31
Right at that moment so to say, appeared the young Chidambara. Chidambara with a smile on his face said:
He shone with Brahmathejas, radiance of the Brahman. He wore a “Mallappa, you are not right in your inference. What great hurdle
sack cloth and a grass belt around his waist and his hand held a ‘Kalasha’ is it for you to worry about? Give up your ignorance. When the crown
a water pot. The astrologer addressing Chidambara said: of Guru’s grace is on your head, what does this obstruction do to you?
“Rejecting my forewarned objections to the present Muhurtha, Walk fast to Shiva Temple. The time fixed for the Shiva idol installation
Mallappa reposed faith in your father’s advice.” is auspicious because it is the Guru’s word and you, the head of all
these activities, are a Gurubhakta. How can, then, any impediment,
He didn’t say events have proved him right and Chidambara’s arise? Set aside the doubts in your mind. My father has given you the
father wrong. most auspicious time and how can that be vitiated by ‘Mruthyuyoga? I
Chidambara ignoring the astrologer’s interruptions asked Mallappa: will show the power of that Muhurtha to you now. When the auspicious
karma is going on how can Yama, the Lord of Death, take away the life
“Why? What has caused the sudden lull in activities? Why do you of the ox? Let us see his power and strength.”
look pale and disturbed, why? Little time left for the auspicious minute;
you can’t be indolent and let it go; cheer up and let us go to the temple.” With those words Chidambara walked with Mallappa to the place
where the ox had fallen dead. The castrated bull merged in the five
Mallappa distraught and agonized said: “Son, Let us install the elements, was lying inarticulate. Chidambara, with his nectarine sight,
idol at some other time; the present is inauspicious as it is shadowed by glanced at it and asked: “Is this the obstruction causing ox?”
‘Mruthyu Yoga’ the deadly conjunction. Fearing something dreadful, I
Without waiting for a reply he sprinkled the kalasha water all over
have stopped the proceedings.”
the ox, from the horn to its tail and addressed the supposedly dead ox:
“You must be deluded; otherwise you wouldn’t disregard and “Son get up soon. A great ceremony is held up because of you. Oh
violate the Guru’s injuncitin”, Chidambara asserted and said:” When king of oxen, wake up into life”
my father has fixed the auspicious time how can there be ‘Mruthyu Chidambara’s words were as nectarine as his caressing touch was
Yoga’? Don’t get skeptical listening to the ignoramus wicked. Hasten rejuvenating. The ox stood up kicking its legs.
to the Shiva Temple. Let us install the Shiva idol”.
Mallappa fell at the feet of Chidambara washing them with his
“Respected son of my Guru, like the fly in the very first morsel, I tears of joy and gratitude. He was ecstatic and broke into poetic prayer.
stopped because of the impediment at the very beginning”, Mallappa Young Chidambara lifted him up and said: “You are a great devotee
confessed. A smiling Chidambara enquired” What (kind of an) and who can forestall your obedient services to the Lord and mankind?
obstruction was it? Isn’t there any countervailing remedy? Why go on Proceed with the installation ceremony.”
thinking about it”?
Mallappa, observing the due rites, installed the Shiva idol to the
Mallappa was ready with a reply. He said: “God’s dispensation joy and happiness of everyone present here. The accurate astrologer
brooks no countervailing action. An ox of mine, fastened firmly to the realized how dumb and stupid he could be in the face of divine presence.
peg fell down dead a few minutes ago.” He fell at the feet of Chidambara seeking forgiveness.
32 33
“Why prostrate to me? What do I have in me to deserve it? The Chapter IX
ox was revived because of the auspiciousness of the muhurtha fixed by
my father. I am a young brahmchari a celibate in word and deed whereas Marriage
you are a well versed scholar. Please place your hands of assurance on Chidambara past seventeen had served a full tenure of
my head and bless me. ‘Chidambara’s humility was unpretentious, brahmacharya, a celibate life of discipline, obedience and service. The
divine. display of his supernatural powers despite his father’s entreaties, was
Those who read or listen to the infinite plays of Chidambara’s perhaps also a part of a game plan beyond human explanation and
Brahmacharya, and to the devotees' promise and herald, will be rid of understanding. Marthandadikshitharu instructed his son that it was time
their various sins. to break his vow of celibacy and get married and enter the
grihasthashrama.
One Lingappa also known as Madalli of a nearby village came
forward with a proposal of offering his daughter Saraswathi matha in
marriage to Chidambara. Dikshitharu found the proposal acceptable.
Offering one’s daughter in marriage to an eligible bachelor, is a ceremony
as well as a celebration of giving. It is a father’s responsibility as well as
a duty of great significance and fulfillment. It is this offering that is rejoiced.
The ability to offer isn’t given to all.
Lingappa offered his daughter with love and devotion to
Chidambara. Lord Parameshwara with his consort Parvathi is said to
have witnessed the proceedings as a mark of approval and sanction.
Lingappa’s joy and satisfication was full. He offered his all to the newly
wedded couple.
Marthandadikshitharu was a happy man and he desired nothing
more. He also got his second son Prabhakara married. Chidambara’s
service to his father continued undiminished in any form because of his
new status. On the other hand he had increased responsibilities.
Since Ishwara himself had descended, his parivara, entourage,
had also taken birth in different forms and places. Some had taken
birth as his devotees and they were functioning as his servants. Some,
born as children were very close and intimate with him. Some as students
were learning under his tutelage. Godesses, parvathi and Bhagirathi,
34 35
incarnating themselves as Savithri and Sarswathi were looking forward Chidambara reported this conversation to his father who accorded
to the company of Chidambara. He had already married Savithri. permission without any delay. Chidambara was also thinking on similar
Not long after, one day Chidambara went to his father and said: lines. He said to himself: “Now that I have married Saraswathimatha,
“Father, I have something strange to tell you. An astrologer came to me who is no other than Goddess Parvathi, Lord Shiva’s consort, when
does Savithri who again is none other than Bhagirathi, Shiva’s another
and read my palm. He said that I am destined to have two wives. I am
consort come to me as my second wife”? Chidambara held the hand
unable to grasp its implications.”
of Saraswathimatha (a manifestation of Bhagirathi) and the wedding
Dikshitharu smiled at his son and said: “Son, I know who you are; was celebrated with joyous devotion and thankfulness.
let your wishes be fulfilled.”
Chidambara continued his service to his parents unhampered by
A few days later a brahmin approached and prostrated before the knowledge of his divine descent. Marthandadikshitharu was not
Chidambara in implicit devotion. only his father but also his Guru.
Chidambara asked: “Sir, from where are you and where are you Chidambara enslaved himself to his father and Guru for true service.
going? What makes you come to me”? True service acknowledges no predetermined limits to its operation.
The brahmin replied: “Sir, being omniscient, you feign no He gave no opportunity to his father, mentor, to feel dissatisfied with
knowledge? Knowing what is happening within me, you want to hear it the services received. Chidambara woke up before his father did and
aloud from my own mouth. I will do so. Please listen”, he said and went to bed only after his father did. Service was self-giving and the
joy it gave, the senses didn’t know how to reckon.
began to relate a long lineage: To the east, from here, is a place called
Shellikeri. There lived a pious brahmin called Manigiri. He had a devoted
wife by name krishnamatha. They had a son who was known for his
adoration of Shiva; and his wife Gangamatha , was also a devoted
wife. Just as the moon rises from the sea so did a son named Bhishta
issued out from their union. You might have heard of his famous deeds
and actions. His supernatural deeds and actions only you can divine;
not for me to expatiate. Sakharamatha was Bhista’s wife and she gave
birth to a daughter of extraordinary beauty and charm. Even the gods
and divine beings are after her. “When they were thinking about a suitable
groom for this heavenly beauty, a brahmin came and mentioned about
you and all that needs to be known. The couple felt overjoyed to hear
his words. The damsel has emaciated herself in the thought, whether or
not Sarveshwara, the Lord of everything, would accede to their proposal
and accept her. “I am sent by Bhista who is unable to contain the heavenly
prospect before him. Please inform us about your decision.
36 37
Chapter X powerless to do so. There are many reasons for you to consider why
you should not do. Among others, it is of utmost importance that you
Nirvana of Parents shouldn’t disclose your true identity now. The other reason is that death
Marthandadikshitharu’s advanced age, his extended family with is time-determined and hence you are not to interfere; further the death
grandchildren, his widespread fame and a large circle of devotees did of your mother before me is appropriate, (wife dying before her husband
not affect in the least, his personal life. He was a god’s devotee humble is preferred as it saves her from widowhood and its consequent
and unpretentious, although he knew more than anyone else, who problems). Instead of trying to revive her, attend to her obsequies as a
Chidambara was. That he was his son did not overshadow the truth: filial duty.”
‘Chidambara is Lord Shiva’ and he was but a member of the divine Chidambara performed the obsequies to the physical body
troupe, descended as an enabling accompaniment. according to the shastras and gave away gifts with open hands and fed
Marthandadikshitharu, that day, was engaged in a special worship the brahmins for fourteen days. One day Marthandadikshitharu was a
requiring butter as an ingredient. He wanted Chidambara to fetch it, witness to a wave of thought in his mind. “Incredible happiness has
even if it meant the latter going to another place. Chidambara’s reply come my way, since my birth. I have the joy of seeing my grand children
was unexpected and surprising. He said: “I don’t feel like going out to play. Even Shankara is listening to me without disclosing himself and his
day, come what may. I don’t know why? However, obeying your order, miracles. I am ninety now, my vision is poor and blurred as I feel
I will go despite my unwillingness”. Chidambara said while prostrating deafened. From today may Chidambara disclose, ‘His Glorious self”.
to his father. With a smile on his face, Dikshitharu summoned Chidambara aside and
said: “Appa, Chidambara from now on present yourself to the world
Before going to the other village to fetch butter he bowed down to and let your glory radiate; now joyously I enter into your feet”.
his mother and said fervently: “Mother, do not, under any circumstance,
accept anything from others if they try to give you; do not touch it.” Taking the appropriate posture of Vajrasana, ‘Diamond-Seat’
directing his breath flow into its skyward path piercing through the
As Chidambara left, came a fated lady from the neighbourhood. Brahmarandhra, the Brahma valve, the venerable old soul merged itself
She persuasively presented a snake gourd describing it as a fresh one with Brahma on (Shanka 1700 Jyeshta Shuddha Navami).
excellent in taste and quality. Lakshmimatha accepted it without a
Chidambara did the funeral rites according to the shastras. Three
thought. As soon as she touched the vegetable, she fell down unconscious
‘Audumbara saplings’ had sprouted at the place of cremation. The
and died.
heavenly monument was made a place of worship and a priest was
Chidambara came back as rapidly as he had left, unwillingly, but appointed to be at service. Even today the huge trees that sprouted to
his mother had already died. He ran to his father to inform about the mark the event are visible.
death of his mother and volunteered to revive her if the father approved. On the fourteenth day a public feast was arranged according to
Marthandadikshitharu said: ‘Son, I know your powers of creation tradition. A disciple of Dikshitharu by name Kashiraja sought
and regeneration. But take heed. If you revive her, tomorrow you will Chidambara’s permission to commence serving the food. Chidambara
be asked to revive every dead man or woman! Not that you cannot or said: “Do not be in a hurry; wait until I give you go ahead”.
38 39
Each time Kashiraja sought permission to serve food he was asked Chapter XI
to wait for some more time. When permission was finally accorded it
was well past noon. The leaves were spread, food was served and Previous Life Recalled
brahmins were about to begin eating, then a group of three hundred Chidambara Dikshitharu led a life of grihastha, a married man which
strangers from the north arrived. Chidambara asked them to join but entailed several duties and responsibilities particularly to the community
Kashiraja hesitated fearing a shortage. He submitted: “Swamy, withhold and society where he lived with his family, relatives, those that come on
permission to commence eating; we may run into disrepute”. Chidambara invitation and others who sought food and shelter. He adored
smiled at him and said: Don’t bother about short supply of food. You shrouthagni, the Fire god, according to the injunctions of the Vedas.
will know later. Don’t entertain doubts”. Kashiraja wasn’t convinced. More specifically he followed the Kanvashaka tradition of ritual and
He demurred and said: “Twice the number expected are at the dining prayers, (practices as laid down by the followers of Kanva Rishi). These
hall, I am afraid whether they would all be fully fed.” Chidambara replied: practices though not stringent and exacting as those of the Karma
“My father, a generous soul, has left behind Annapurna the Goddess of proponents were however governed by the rules of shruthis. He had
food, under my control. You may see her. ‘Kashiraja was taken to the come to uplift and elevate the man of the world not from an exclusive
kitchen where he saw the revered looking Annapurneswari sitting. As distance but by living in it along with them.
soon as Chidambara entered, the venerable lady stood up in respect.
On waking up at the Brahmi hour, he went into contemplation and
Kashiraja was satisfied and pleased. About eight hundred people were
meditation on the Brahman Brahmachinthana followed by
fed but the supply of food remained undiminished.
prathahsmarana, remembering him and contemplating on him in a
The glory of Chidambara Dikshitharu had thus begun. reverential mood. Then finishing the morning ablution, he dresses himself
up in a two piece of clothing dhotis after the morning bath. He would
then apply on all parts of the body the sacred ash besides drawing
three lines of vibhuthi on his forhead. It is time for him now to rekindle
the fire and revive it for the day to enable the Homa, sacrificial worship,
after the daily sandhyavandana and other rituals. Worshipping the
brahmins, the cows and the gods he proceeds straight to the school
where a large number of students are waiting for his visit. His nectarine
sight fills the students' hearts with medharasa, a memory tonic that flows
in its fullness, ever alert and ready for recall. From the school, he goes
to the assembly filled with people waiting and longing for his darshan.
When the Guru arrives walking slowly through the assembly, they fall at
his feet with joyous happiness. The joy giver, anandadayaka, would lift
them up and cut asunder their binding ties. People’s deep desires and
wishes were fulfilled by his very sight. Chidambaradikshitharu,
personification of kindness invited them to a daily instruction. It was:
40 41
“Speak that which is auspicious, Mangala Kashinatha Dikshita had inherited from his father his omniscience,
Utter Shivanama the name of Shiva. pleasant and endearing speech, capacity to forestall the wicked and his
Repose faith in the Vedamarga, the path of Veda. extraordinary time sense and avowed performance of good deeds.
Follow and practice ‘Sadhdharma’, the true righteousness Bhaskara Dikshita similarly had secured from his father devoted
Do not get involved in the ‘world and its affairs’, and service to the ealders, steadfast adherence to the conduct of daily rituals
avow yourselves to “Truth Speaking”. and a fineness of temperament that was timely.
Chidambaradikshitharu had six sons, four from his first wife Chidambara’s family of two wives and six sons and their wives
Saraswatimatha; they were Divakara, Shankara, Mruthyunjaya and
and children made no exceptional or compromising demand on his being
Bapu and a daughter of the name Champa.
a poor brahmin living for the good of the world.
And from his second wife Savithrimatha, he had Kashinatha and
Thus Chidambaradikshitharu was living with his large family
Bhaskara.
observing the tenets of grihsthashrama dharma. His glory had spread
The six sons shared the multidimensional qualities of their father. far and wide and everyday a large number of people came to see and
As ideal sons they made their father proud for they lacked nothing. have darshan of Dikshitharu. Among one such was Ramakrishna.
Well read and educated they excelled in their paternal devotion.
Ramakrishna was a resident of Vijayapura. He lived a life of
Following the rule-as is the seed so is its sprout, the great qualities of
Dikshitharu were found reflected and shared among the six sons. Each sadachara. Though well to do, he wasn’t happy because he had no
one was outstanding and prominent in one or other quality or direction. children. They felt deprived and dreaded life. One night a brahmin
appeared in the dream of both the husband and wife and said:
Chidambara’s administrative efficiency, executive expertise and
fearlessness found their new proponent in Divakaradikshitha. “Men seek fruits for their meritorious deeds but are reluctant to
do those that confer merit. No one desires consequences of sinful acts
His expertise in all branches of knowledge, including the Vedas but few desist from them. How strange! Getting a son or daughter is
and shastras, his capacity to win people’s hearts into total submission the result of meritorious actions. It seems the evil deeds of your previous
were found reflected in Shankara dikshita. lives have stood as obstructions. You may get in touch with Chidambara
His mastery over ardous penance, his proximity to the heart and if you are desirous of an issue.”
soul of the manthras his skill in worldly affairs and his beejaksharajnana, They were surprised at their dream which however was singular
the capacity for deciphering the sacred syllables and his unbroken daily in its content and timing. Both husband and wife dreaming the same
service to Lord Agni were found in equal measure in sight same night was no common happening. Divining its meaning, they
Mruthyunjayadikshita.
felt very happy. Next morning they got up early in the morning reciting
Chidambara’s grace-bestowing power, his deep devotion to gods prayers of ‘mind and heart purification’, they left for Chidambara
and brahmins and his capacity for enduring penance were reflected in darshana after finishing the mid-day meal. Reaching the Guru’s town
Bapudikshita. He also matched his father who had the power of uttering and his residence, they fell at the feet of Dikshitharu. They made their
the word that fulfilled itself in fruitful action. supplication thus:
42 43
“Kindhearted Master, we have come seeking your grace so that to see how things unravel. She, following the instructions of Chidambara,
we may have an issue. We surrender to you. Save us and fulfill our worshipped Maruthi with devotion and gave a festive meal to brahmins.
desires.” She then entered the house of her previous life. After giving the children
Chidambara’s reply was heatwarming for the eager couple. He of her previous life a feast-like meal. She had refreshed herself with an
oil bath, a bath following the oil massage of the body and the hair and
said: “Mother, the deeds of your previous lives are blocking the issue
dressed herself in a gold embroidered silk saree with a chain of rubies
of your progeny. Fruits of karma are to be eaten. If you are willing to
around her neck. Her moon like face of spotless charm with a bold
undo your karma, I suggest the following. “There is village called Sathigeri
spot of kumkum and vermillion in the middle of her forehead was
some distance away from here where there is a Maruthi Temple. Opposite
symbolic of auspicious things to happen.
to it is an oilman’s house. A rich oilman resided in that house earlier. He
gave his earnings to his wife to whom he was passionately attached. Entering the house, she asked the children to dig up the grinding
She in turn deposited all that she received in a narrow mouthed vessel stone. Everyone was happy to find the eagerly expected vessel with its
and put her nose ring too on it and closed the vessel firmly with a lid. contents. When the lid was opened there was the dazzling nose stud
The vessel was buried underneath the grinding mortar near the hearth. atop. She took it and fixed it on her nose. She poured down on the
She became old with the passage of time and merged herself with the floor the contents of the vessel and distributed them equally among her
former five children. They were immensely pleased with what they got.
elements without giving any to her children. Her five sons dug up the
They shed tears of joy on hearing their former mother’s story. They fell
entire household in vain. Disappointed the children began cursing and
at her feet driven by the pull of maternal ties.
abusing their mother for her deceit. Stuck in dire need and poverty they
continue to curse their mother.” The brahmin lady addressing her children said: “Appa, folks,
Chidambara tells me that I have deceived you as a mother in withholding
“In your previous life, you were their mother and now you are your rightful share of wealth and has thus driven you all into poverty.
born a brahmin. You are denied of your issue now accursed by your Your distressed and sorrowful curses have blocked my getting an issue
children of your previous life.” in this life. All that Dikshitharu disclosed have come true and real. Since
“If you want an issue go to Sattigere and worship Maruthi before the previous wrong is undone, I ask you to absolve me of my misdeeds
you enter the house of your previous life. Get the grinding stone removed and withdraw your curses of dissatisfaction and rid me of that guilt and
by your 'previous life-childen' and get hold of the hidden treasure. Open bless me to have a son.”
the lid of the unearthed vessel and keep for yourself the nose stud that As she said these words, her eyes were filled with tears. The five
is at the top. Distribute equally among the five, all that was treasured prostrated to the lady who was once their mother and said these heartfelt
and regained. Your children in their happiness bless you and clear the expressions: “Since we are rid of our destitution we are satisfied. Beget
block. With that you get an issue and you will be happy and joyful. This a son soon and may your fame and glory last as long as the Sun and
is the story of your previous life”. Moon shine.” She lifted them up in affection and blessed them in turn.
The lady bowed down to Chidambara after listening to her story The lady returned to Chidambara and narrated the course of events.
of the previous times and went to Sattigere. Curious folks followed her Dikshitharu blessed her to have a son giving her two coconuts. The
44 45
brahmin lady caught in the wave of bhakthi adored Chidambara in this The blessed couple receiving the prasad from Chidambara returned
manner. home with joy. With the grace of Chidambara they got two good looking
“O Vibhu, Lord, spread across the world, who is there in this children. What is impossible if there is Chidambara’s grace? They went
world who can match you? You ar omniscient and a storehouse of to live in Kailasa after enjoying their time span here on earth.
kindness. Chidambara to you my namaskaras. The one indweller in all
beings, Sarvantharyami, I bow to you with a feeling of oneness.
Vignanaswaroopa the one self-manifesting as scientific knowledge, I
bow to you again and again. Grace personified, who is there, the one
who can give away and who knows so well, the lives of the past?
Becoming a father to the humble orphaned, your words are always
sweet and pleasant. Because of your deluding Maya, the conjunction
of events, we saddle ourselves in vain getting caught in the cycle of
birth and death.”
“In the inner layers of my mind I perceived 'my mind-my foe' is
hankering in futility for a son. I realized how many children I must have
delivered in my many past lives! Even then my desire for a son did not
get appeased and satisfied. Oh, Narahari, godman, please save me
from my sensuous cravings and relieve me from the pangs of worldly
life”.
She again fell at the feet of Dikshitharu, concluding the above
prayer. Chidambara in reply said to the lady: “Mother, let me know
straight and clear what desire you have? Regardless of its nature I will
plead with Ishwara for its gratification.”
“Lord of the Universe, if you wish to grant me a blessing, grant me
faith in the service of thy feet and save me from the distressing weight of
feeling barren. Distraught am I wandering in the affairs of the world.
Lift me up and release me from its shackles” The devoted lady pleaded.
Chidambara pleased with her attitude promised: “You will be my
great devotees and will enjoy all the worldly pleasures you care for and
live forever in that domain called the hereafter.”
46 47

Chapter XII not satisfication) he entered into ardous penance ignoring time. Pleased
with his ardour Lord Dathathreya blessed him with siddhi. The power
Communion with Narayanayathi to achieve the goal conceived. He used this power for public good
Chidamabara was in Murugodu. The Desai of Murugodu a chieftain without compromise. He was thus respected by people.
of sorts wanted to kill his own executive Lingopanth who was a staunch One day Chidambara presented himself before him and granted
devotee of Chidambara. Lingopanth was going often to the young guru darshan in a place called Amarakshetra. Narayana yathi surrendered
to render whatever service he could. He didn’t have any inkling of himself to Chidambara in acknowledgment of an inner direction.
Desai’s vicious plan. Chidambara gave him Brahmopadesha instruction to him on Brahman.
One day Desai sent summons to Lingopanth asking him to present Narayanamuni, another way of address, referring to his cultivation
himself before him. Chidambara persuaded the guileless subordinate to of silence cooked a meal on the fire of his yoga and served it to
disregard the summons. Panth asked, “how can I disobey my superior?”
Chidambara as token of devotion.
Chidambara unequivocally advised that he shouldn’t go to meet
He also declared himself as a disciple of Chidambara uttering
Desai that regardless of any consideration of duty and service.
whose name purifies the voice and confers self-fulfillment. Among the
Lingopanth in his innocence prayed: “My Lord, permit me to go as I
am called by my master”. Firm and decisive, Chidambara implored: six well known disciples of Chidambara Narayana Yati is said to be the
“Don’t go I am giving this warning in your own interest. And I repeat it foremost.
thrice” Later the yathi offering all his learning to the sacrifical fire’, (vidwath
Owing to ‘kala karma samyoga’ the conjunction of kala (Time) sanyasa), took residence in narasimhakshetra living in
and karma (deeds pre-determined in this context) disregarding the guru’s ‘Nirvikalpasamadhi’.
words, Lingopanth went to Desai and respectfully bowed down. He Many crossed the ocean of life and attained mukthi through
was immediately beheaded by a sign of Desai. instruction received from Narayana yathi. Along with his disciple referred
On hearing this Chidambara said: “Shiva, Shiva,” and walked out to as Kashikar, he went round the country on piligrimage rescuing many
of Murugodu forthwith along with his attendants. For twelve long years from their ailments and diseases on the way. This man settled in Yoga is
he ostracized himself from visiting that place ‘disgraced by brahmin said to have invited a diseased tiger to his side and cured its ailment. A
murder’ he sought refuge in the nearby Devalapura. brahmin boy was brought back to life by this great one by administering
the sacred ash into his mouth uttering the name of Chidambara. In
Rajapura as in the holy town of Jagannath he divined water where
II there was none. He arrived in Devalapura in the back drop of these
Narayana yathi a great thapasvi one who has spent long years in events.
penance came to Devalapura for Chidambara darshana. Chidambara announced to his disciples and followers: “A great
Narayana yathi before attaining this status was a poor man. man settled in Brahman and jnana is coming to visit us. Let us go and
Dejected with life (understanding that life of the world gives only dejection receive him.” When he was half way through, the two met and embraced
48 49
each other as a token of their oneness and unity. Chidambara holding Narayana yathi went to Narasimhakshetra meditating on the name
the hand of the visitor brought him to his place and adored him with of Chidambara. On the fifteenth day Chidambara visited the king of
devotion. A feast was offered to brahmins to mark the meeting. Sangli Chinthamani in his dream and ordered: “Release into freedom
my devotee Thryambaka by tomorrow or invite on yourself your own
Narayanayathi stayed with Chidambara for three months engaged
down fall”. Unshackled the prisoners were given a royal feast and many
in a continuous dialogue on vedantha each one nodding his head in
presents and gifts and the king said: “Go forth into freedom and to the
appreciation of the other’s perception and expression. What is there to service of guru”. Thryambaka pleaded for four more days of stay in the
report when god himself chooses to explain the nature of things? None prison which was granted without a thought. He went to the prison and
whatever his deficiency can remain uninfluenced or transformed. copied down the Chidambara Charithra he had inscribed on the prison
Once Chidambara wanted to have a river bath in accordance with walls with cow dung. Panth then went to Chidambara and wrote on
a particular custom. Narayana yathi suggestively observed. “Your feet Chidambara his own experiences and the glory of his master in prose,
are the abode of all water sources. Where then is the need for you to poetry and lyrics after getting blessed.
go to a river in this chilly season and make your followers toil?
Chidambar replied in the same note and tone. “I got your
suggestion; in the Kaliyuga isn’t it described to remain hidden? If you
so desire turn your wish into a deed and I will take bath with that
water”.
Narayana yathi went to a waterless well. As soon as he stepped
in, Chidambara began to pray to Ganga a synonym for plentiful water.
Water came gushing from below and Narayana yathi took bath and
came out. With Chidambara getting in, the well overflowed with water.
Narayana yathi sought permission to take leave and go to
Dathakshetra a place considered holy for the devotees of Dathathreya.
Chidambara said: “Pass through the town of Sangli on the way. My
devotee Thryambaka panth, is a jail resident. Talk to him and proceed.”
Chidambara bowed down to yathi before taking leave.
Narayana yathi went to jail declining a royal invitation. Talking to
Panth in the jail he said “Panth, caught you are in Chidambara’s net;
give up your worries. Sixteenth day from today you will be released.
Go to Chidambara and get his darshana and blessings following your
release. Engage yourself in publishing the life history of Chidambara”.
50 51
Chapter XIII was also assured of his marriage with the same girl. Begging for his
food Rama lived in the same place where Desai reigned.
Dead Girl Comes Alive
Desai was unhappy with Dikshitharu. He felt insulted, his status
Chidambaradikshitharu had come from the holy place known as and position ignored with deliberation. He wanted to and did cut off his
Gavala to Kundagola a small town in the present District of Dharwad. links with one unequal to him like Dikshitharu, a poor brahmin, he began
The Desai of Bhandiwada a chieftain came to Dikshitharu and prayed: to search for a suitable alliance for his daughter befitting his position
“Swamy, I am bound by your word, I promise. Bless me with a progeny and rank. He found one and elaborate arrangements were made for
so that the family line may continue”. Before saying anything, the wedding.
Chidambara observed “If you do as I say you will be blessed. Tell me
Marriage celebrations began. The longer the duration of celebration
will you”?
the greater is one’s importance and prestige in society. The next day
“Omniscient Lord, ‘This is my promise; your word is a command” the bride fell down unconscious unable to withstand high fever that had
replied desire-ridden Desai. affected her. Desai mobilized all his resources to rescue his daughter;
“You will get a daughter first. If that girl is given in marriage to the they didn’t work. He prayed to the gods and avowed a good many
one I suggest you will get a son”, Dikshitharu held out a qualified promise. things. Nothing happened. He sought the opinion of astrologers.
“Looking at the constellation of force, we find no hostile star or planet
The Desai happy with the outcome of the meeting went home causing ill health or obstruction. A great man’s wrath and displeasure
rejoicing. He was blessed with a daughter a year later. may be the cause for her present situation,” the astrologer observed.
Many years later a young man a poor brahmin named Rama came Desai knew who that great man was as he also knew the cause of
to meet Dikshitharu. “Have you come here with a wish to get married?” the present condition. He did not have the courage to face his own real
Dikshitharu volunteered even before he could say anything. self or the great man. The astrologer’s verdict was simple and clear.
The poor man replied: “Swamy, I have no relatives or friends to “You don’t have a tomorrow if you stick to your present untenable
support me; how can I think of a marriage? You are supreme and position. Sun’s brightness may be dimmed and fire pacified but the
powerful to protect the poor and the humble.” guru’s word cannot be falsified. Make bold and follow guru’s
instructions without allowing doubts and suspicions to override you”.
Chidambara ordered: “Go to Desai of Bhandiwada. Tell him that
He made unto himself a promise before the astrologer that he
you are my man and ask for his daughter’s hand. Hurry, waste no
would abide by the guru’s word. As soon as he invoked the earlier
time”.
word of promise his daughter stood up. Desai wanted to get his daughter
Rama fell at the feet of Dikshitharu and left. Desai was furious stood up. Desai wanted to get his daughter married to Rama but his
displeased with Rama’s impetuosity. He asked himself: “How can a wife intervened and said: “Our daughter is drained and exhausted with
worthless fellow ask for my daughter’s hand”? Rama was hurt and fever and she needs time to recover. Let us celebrate the wedding next
pained at what had happened. He conveyed the unfortunate event as year”. Several months passed. Desai’s wife spoke in privacy to her
he felt to Dikshitharu. The latter asked him to stay put at that place. He husband her mind and its clever arguments. “Look this daughter of
52 53
ours is our only possession and an unusual one too. I find greater before Rama in the meantime and said: “Young man, accept the bride
happiness in drowning her in a well than getting her married to a pauper. and take her as your wife; take her to your place. My words yield
For some godly reason she got fever and your astrologer predicted nectarine fruits”. Rama was awe struck at the sight of his guru there, as
according to his preconceptions. He is under the influence of Dikshitharu also his disappearance the next moment. Accepting the bride as his
and you stood ready to approve it. And we are not Dikshitharu’s yeomen. wife he took her to the Maruthi temple and placed her on the floor and
What does he do? We must find a wealthy groom for our daughter and began meditating on Chidambara. Around midnight, the bride attained
celebrate the marriage”. union with the five elements. Rama was shaken and frightened; his hand
Desai tried to speak the path of truth and wisdom. But his wife and feet became cold. He began crying aloud 'Chidambara and
disapproved and rejected any alliance with Rama and Desai had to Chidambara', outpouring the longings of his heart and the doubts of his
yield to his wife’s counsel. A wealthy boy was found and the marriage mind.
preparations began in style. No single detail was missed in the celebration Dikshitharu appeared in the temple from nowhere sprinkling on
and everything went around and the marriage was about to be sealed. her face the sacred ash and the holy water from his kamandala. The
Rama who was witnessing the proceedings from a distance cried aside bride woke up. Rama seeing Dikshitharu standing in the temple washed
in desolation, “Alas! Chidamabara, your omnipotence is cracked”. the guru’s feet with his tears and placed his head on the feet. Chidambara
Dikshitharu’s miracle was unleashed. The bride shivered in panic said: “Get the bride to my place early in the morning. I will get both of
fell down and became unconscious. She was burning with fever. Her you married at the auspicious time”.
parents tried to revive her spirits but she did not respond. Desai invited Dikshitharu informed Rama that marriage would take place the
the astrologer once again. The astrologer had no word of consolation next day and invited Desai for the celebration. Dikshitharu appeared
to give. On the other hand, he observed: “You have cut your own nose for the groom’s side. The marriage was celebrated without a hitch.
with your faithless conduct and through your acts you have sent a wrong Looking at Desai, Dikshitharu asked: “Chieftain, are you disconsolate
signal to the world. Auspiciousness embalms him who reposes faith in because the groom is poor and not of your status?”
the ‘Gurusword’. What can be done to the faithless? What do you Shame-struck Desai fell at the feet of Chidambara and did not
think of Chidambara vani, the voice of Chidambara? The east-rising dare to ask forgiveness.
sun may rise in the west but the guru’s word can’t be falsified”.
Dikshitharu gave two coconuts as a token of his blessings and
Desai said once again: “I give word and promise. If my daughter grace.
wakes up I will give her in marriage to Rama here in this very place
where all arrangements are made”. Desai was blessed with a son.
And Desai went meditating on the feet of Chidambara for a second.
Time rolled on and the bride did not wake up. Her upward breath was
fast and rapid. Desai begged Rama to accept his daughter as his wife.
Rama seeing the deteriorating condition of the bride began to think
about the pros and cons of his response. Chidambara presented himself
54 55
Chapter XIV the right path; do not be deaf, pay heed to my words. Violence, cruelty
and such other acts bring forth their own fruits of bitterness. Give up
The Wicked Conquered; The Honest your recalcitrant tendencies. Your downfall is certain if my words are
And Upright Protected spurned”.

It was said that a conclave of the heads of three Mutts, Sringeri, Ratnakara had grown too big to pause and listen to these words.
Koodli and Kolhapura was taking place at Hubballi. They were returning He thought of Chidambara as a poor brahmin unqualified to speak of
from their visit to various places meeting their disciples and devotees. life’s policies.
Mutts are religious institutions and they are also believed to be In the meantime one Gokale Dhondopanth came to Dikshitharu
repositories of wealth and riches. Rathnakar the chief of the Royal forces for darshana. On seeing him Dikshitharu said: “Come big man, come
of Kolhapura attacked the conclave with a view to plundering them. in. You are the one to fix Rathnakara and do away with him. Go now
The heads prayed fervently to Dikshitharu known to everyone as straight to Bajirao of Pune; (you) have my permission and endorsement
Shiva incarnate. Their prayers were heard and Chidambara presented to meet him”.
himself before them. Surprised the heads accorded a reception of sincere There persisted an endless feud between the Maharaja of Kolhapur
thanks and gratefulness. Chidambara assured them and said: “Shankara and the Chieftains of Pune. Ratnakara owed allegiance to the Kolhapur
is all powerful to thwart the intentions of this bandit; why think about Kings and was intruding into the territories aligned with the Bajirao
it”?
group. Dhondopanth had now become the second in command in
The followers of Ratnakara tried to enter the premises but made a Bajrao’s forces. He led his men against the Kolhapur tribe. A battle
hasty retreat on seeing Chidambara standing ready to meet them single ensued between Rathnakara and Dhodopanth with heavy casualities
handed. The followers later confessed: “We retreated, fear struck on on both sides. The two fought like warriors for a long time and
seeing Chidambara”. Rathnakara died at the hands of Dhonodopanth. Ransacking and
Ratnakara understood what they were saying. He was not unaware confiscating all the wealth of the vanquished, Dhondopanth began to
of Chidambara. Wily Ratnakara went to meet Dikshitharu with fruits perceive of himself in a new light. He was no longer what he was before!
and flowers in his hand. Chidambara directed Ratnakara to go to the With this frame of mind he went to Dikshitharu for darshana.
heads first and beg for their excuse and pardon after escorting them Dikshitharu was happy to hear that the source of one evil is destroyed.
respectfully back to their palces. He blessed the victorious Dhondopanth and instructed: “Get back to
Rathnakara did as directed and came back to Chidambara seeking your station and secure the good of ‘the cows and brahmins’ (symbols
forgiveness for his misadventure. Securing his pardon and permission of piety and kindness living for the good of the world). Take these fruits
he took leave and cleverly resumed his activities outside the forbidden as my benediction and live in peace and joy”.
sites and limits. Panth was in no mood to listen to these homilies. He stated:
Chidambara’s efforts to reform Ratnakara continued. He sent “Swamy, I will accept your blessings only if it ensures wherever I act.
messages whenever possible to this effect: “I continue to guide you into This is my vow. Otherwise I will not”.
56 57
Dikshitharu not amused with Panth’s recalcitrance said: “Son, do Dikshitharu came out with a smile on his face to meet the self
not be obstinate. Accept first the blessings given; If enemies attack you willed shudra, one born in the last of the four classes.
on their own success will be yours in repulsing and beating them. This is “Dhundappa I know you and all that is going on inside you. Get
as certain as truth”. “That isn’t what I care. Success must follow me
ready to receive the blessings of a durable and lasting nature. Follow
where I go. I ask for no other, second option. For such lasting success,
the right dharma and protect the interests of ‘cows and brahmins’Your
you must grace”. Dhondopanth satisfied with himself, asserted. “At
end begins the day you dishonor the brahmin. Don’t forget this word”
least take blessings conferred.” Dikshitharu now tried to persuade
cautioned Dikshitharu.
panth’s brother into listening. “How do I receive when a senior is
present?” questioned the latter’s brother, declining the blessings offered. Dhundappa went away receiving guru’s blessings. He got a suitable
Next in line was panth’s son. Dikshitharu undeterred said: “Bapu, son, position in Tippu Sultan’s army where he fought as a valiant warrior
I am giving this to you in love; take it and enjoy”. The arrogant brothers against the British forces. But Dhondopanth Gokhale, fighting on behalf
walked away bowing down to Dikshitharu as a formal act. They noticed of the British forces vanquished Dhundappa in a battle. Seeking revenge
the young boy receive that they had refused. against Gokhale who was fighting for alien interests, Dhundappa
regrouped his forces and waged a battle. A fierce and bloody fighting
Dhondopanth blinded by his own bellicosity, threw discrimination
ensued. The cry and moaning of the disabled soldiers rent the sky.
to the winds causing hardship to people. His tyranny was insufferable.
Gokhale enraged on seeing the ravage and the multilated bodies,
The forlorn and the abused complained to Chidambara and sought his
penetrated into the centre of the hostile camp and killed Dhundappa’s
refuge. “The Lord is competent to deal with your problems. Don’t
horse, in an encounter. The valiant and powerful Dhundappa jumped
worry and go back to your places” Dikshitharu assured them.
down to earth and pulled down the mounted Gokhale a brahmin to a
In the mean time, Dundia, shudra from the south of India had ground battle and killed him.
come to Chidambara seeking his help and direction. Uttering incessantly
Everyone in the world seeks happiness but when it comes to
the holy word Chidambara he stood one legged at the door step. His
treading the right path they do not care. They disregard the adviceof
determination and faith was incredible. He stood thus for three long
the guru and of the wise men. They forget that they can reap only what
days disregarding rain or shine without sipping a drop of water.
they have sown. The same fate overtook Dhundappa too. Drunk with
“Swamy a man engaged in a terrible penance like Hiranyakashipu the power he forgot the guru’s instructions and invited his own downfall.
is standing at he door step since the last three days” the attendants
Dhondopanth’s wife coming to know the way how her husband
reported to Chidambara. ?(Hiranyakashipu was a demon king, father
died bound her son with a vow that the funeral rites should be withheld
of Bhakthaprahlada). The Guru said aloud in response: “His fiery
until Dhundappa is defeated and beheaded.
devotion is compelling no matter what it unfolds. Nonetheless, (we
should be aware) the snake ejects poison even if it is milk fed and the Bapu her son, taking the help of British forces, invited Dhundappa
neem plant yields only bitterness even if nourished with Panchamritha- for an engagement. On seeing Bapu’s combined forces, Dhundappa
milk, honey, sugar, ghee and curd. Similarly if this man is graced, he ran away from the battle; his forces demoralized went into disarray
becomes a tyrant causing distress to the public. running helter-skelter. Dhundappa the deserter was caught within the
58 59
full flowing river Krishna and the sky-ward-looking mountain peaks all Chapter XV
around. The enemy forces chased him down wherever he went or tried
to hide. Remembering his guru Chidambara, with no other option open, Some Events
he jumped into the river Krishna and reached the other bank chanting Around 1803 A.D. Chidambara’s fame had spread all over India
the “guru’s name” for sometime. and Rajarama with his troupe had crisscrossed the nook and corner of
Bapu’s forces coming to know that their foe is hiding on the opposite this vast continent heralding the descent of Lord Shiva in human form
bank rushed to catch. Bapu faught single handed with Dudappa and his as Chidambaradikshitharu in Karnataka. Dikshitharu was in Kundagola
followers killed his father's foe. Dhundappa died with Chidambara on at that time.
his lips. A gentleman named Bava lived somewhere not very far away from
Bapu fulfilling his mother’s vow reigned his territory following the Kundagola. He had a strange dream. Lakshmipathi Lord
rules of the dharma and earning love and gratitude of his people. Venkateshwara of the Tirumala Tirupathi Hill, ordered Bava in his dream
as follows:
“I am to pay an interest of rupees one lakh and quarter towards
the debt I owe to Kubera the Lord of Wealth. Take my Utsavamurthy
in the palanquin procession, along with the usual paraphernalia to
Kundagola and deliver this latter to a resident Chidambaradikshitha
and deposit in my vault whatever money he gives. (Besides the idol in
the sanctum sanctorum there will be another idol meant for taking out in
a procession. That idol is called the Utsavamurthy. The procession is
usually preceded by the pipers and the drummers, musicians and singers
and dancers to herald as it were the arrival of the Lord.)
Bava was surprised by the dream command. He related this dream
to his wife and decided to carry out the dream order. Taking the ‘dream
letter’ he left for Kundagola scrupulously following the instruction in
letter and spirit. It was a long march passing through and stopping at
many villages and towns to enable to devotees to offer their worship to
the Lord in the Palanquin.
Here at Kundagola, Dikshitharu was getting ready to receive the
Lord of the Seven Hills. He said to his attendants and devotees:
“Lakshmipathi is visiting us today; get ready my friends; let us go
and receive him”. Dikshitharu, accompanied by his devotees, carried
60 61
with him, fruits and flowers, incense sticks, and other articles of worship the Moon if he feels sultry and warm? If the Sun sits in darkness, who
and adoration. He wanted to accord a welcome suitable to the name can give him light? If Yagneshwara the Fire Lord feels chill and shakes,
and fame of Lakshmipathi. When they reached the outer limits of the who can wrap him with warmth”? Who can respond to those words?
town, they saw the procession of Lakshmipathi coming towards them. Silence held them stunned Lakshmipathi visiting one’s residence is a
matter of grace and deserves joyous celebration. Dikshitharu thought
Sri guru Dikshitharu offered five fruits to the Lord and prostrated
like this and gave a grand feast to brahmins marking the adoration of
full length before him. Later he worshipped the Lord according to the the distant Lord atop the Hill visiting him. Sensing the air of contentment
prescribed rites and customs. Following this the Lord was taken to the and satisfaction on everyone’s face Dikshitharu called Bava to his side
residence of Dikshitharu and the entire town of Kundagola stood as and said:
one man and offered their prayers and respects to the visiting Lord.
The people of Kundagola declared that the happiness they felt was one “You must remain satisfied with what is offered and count it only
after you reach the Hills the resort of the Lord.” Dikshitharu placed five
similar to the one Pandavas enjoyed when Lord Krishna came to
coins at the feet of the Lord and gave a cordial farewell to the Lord and
Indraprastha.
his followers after suitably rewarding and offering gifts to the visitors.
After every one had offered his worship and namaskar to the lord, Bava took the long march to the Tirumala Tirupathi Hills and took stock
Bava stood up and gave the dream letter to Dikshitharu who looked at of the things to be offered to the Lord. He saw a few varahaas gold
the letter and smiled unto himself. He asked one of the devotees to coins and began counting them to make sure. As the last coin was
read out the letter in public. The devotee who opened the letter said: counted they were replaced by a few more. As Bava was collecting the
“This is a blank sheet; nothing is written. I cannot decipher its meaning. coins so were they appearing until the total amount exceeded a quarter
Only a man like Chidambaradikshitharu can unravel the massage and and one lakh gold varahaas. The entire amount was put into the Lord’s
glory of Lakshmipathy”. Saying this he returned the letter to Dikshitharu coffers. (Rupee is symbolic of a coin for our understanding)
who took it into his hands. On opening it a curious revelation occurred;
he saw in letters of gold a message. Its purport was: II
“Madhavesha (another address of Lord Narayana) bows down A trader of British origin located in Bombay had sailed out in pursuit
in reverence to Lakshmipathi who runs this universe. Lakshmipathi is of his business. While returning his ship ran into foul weather of gale
caught in a financial crisis. He has to pay rupees one lakh and quarter and winds. The ship lost its moorings and was swept away in unknown
as interest remittance. Chidambara a manifestation of Satchidandanda directions. The British trader called his brahmin assistant and said: “You
is to offer this sum and bail of out the Lord”. Hindus call for help several gods of yours in times of diffculty and dire
Addressing the large gathering of Sri Venkateshwara devotees need. If there is one who can save me now from this catastrophe, let
me know. I will offer a quarter of the profit likely to arise from this
Dikshitharu said: “Do you get what is written? Lakshmipathi is asking
transaction”.
for financial help; but how am I capable or competent to rescue
Narayana? Good deeds alone are my treasured wealth? You decide The greatly pleased assistant said with humble love and faith: “The
what I can give to this divine appellant? Who can blow pleasant air to glory of Chidambara is unsurpassed; at this moment it is he who can
62 63
keep us afloat. He rescues those who cry for help”. The trader deep in helplessness. He said: “Mother, the ghee is already offered to the Lord
his heart prayed for Chidambara’s help and very soon the ship met and the Fire God. When he has taken what about us ordinary mortals”?
with a sandy shore. The trader stayed there for some days and returned Dikshitharu took his meal along with the ghee offered to the Lord but
home as a satisfied person. suspected to have been poisoned. The evil that men do is harvested
soon after.
He sent a lakh and quarter Rupees a fourth part of his five lakh
profit to Chidambara in fulfillment of his word. The son of the woman of evil intent who had given ghee to
Dikshitharu reaped the fruits of his mother’s action; afflicted with a
Chidambara in turn passed it on to Sri Venkateshwara on the Hills,
poisonous disease; he was on his death bed. His wife (daughter in law
saying that the money belonged to him.
who had warned Dikshitharu) came to Dikshitharu and begged “Swamy
protect and ensure my status of a 'Muthaide', and excuse us for our evil
III deed”. (wifehood with the living husband)
Kindness incarnate Dikshitharu excused them and cured the man
of his fatal illness. He was given a pinch of sacred ash.
Chidambaradikshitharu went to Chibbi, a hot and dry place of
acute water shortage. He made water spring in that arid land and
returned to a place called Parshvawadi. IV
One day while Dikshitharu was offering fruits and food as naivedya
to the Lord a woman of evil intent came and begged: “Swamy please A gang of robbers accosted Dikshitharu once. But the latter
accept this ghee and bless me”. She insisted on its acceptance. outwitted them with his incredible understanding of human nature. He
Dikshitharu called one of his disciples and said: “See, whether this ghee recognized by telling them whose sons and grandsons they were. By
is fit for offering to the Lord”. The disciple went out and came back showing them that he was the one who knew all about them, he brought
saying it was fit. Dikshtharu asked, “Do not be in a hurry, check it once them back to Sanmarga, the right path.
again carefully”. The disciple lost his cool and said “Do you think I am
Some of them, however, tried to attack him. Chidambara stood
blind? Why ridicule me thus? If you don’t trust me try it yourself”?
before them like a He - man and invited them for a combat if they
“If it is so it is all right with me too” Dikshitharu said in acceptance dared.
of his word and offered it to the lord as naivedya.
The robbers were arrested by their own immobility. They could
The daughter in law of the lady who had offered ghee to not move their limbs. They were held fixed to the ground where they
Dikshitharu came running. She said to Dikshitharu who was about to stood. Struck with fear and apprehension they sought clemency.
take his first morsel of food which included ghee. She dissuaded him Restoring to them their mobility he set them on the right path and
from using the ghee as it was poisoned. Dikshitharu’s reply was one of conduct.
64 65
V Chapter XVI
Gurupura The Mentor Town
While Chidambara was at Kasugallu a nearby place he released Mahaswamy accompanied by brahmins and the local chieftains
eight ‘Brahmarakshasas from their ignominious existence instructing and their armies went once to the well known mount of Yellammanagudda
them in a variety of ways. (As the name itself suggests they are of to offer worship to mark the occasion. On his return journey to
demonic characters though possessed of great learning. They work for Murugodu he worshipped Maruthi whose temple is located on the bank
their own destruction overcome with conceit and disregard of the of the river Malapahari. The Swamy was impressed by the surrounding
interests of others). landscape and felt that it was a suitable location for forming a township.
Divakara Mahaswamy’s brother and the Royal followers inspired
by the nectarine word of the guru designed and built a new township.
They went to their guru to give the glad tidings and seek further
VI
instructions. Expressing his satisfaction over the building of the township
the Mahaswamy said, "it is your right; not ours." Whatever name you
The Desai of Yadagir a prominent public servant of that place approve that one will be its name”, the followers replied. Dikshitharu
came to Dikshitharu seeking two favours. One he wanted a son and pleased with the reply suggested: “The place deserves the beautiful
two a water spring in his well. name Gurunavapura and it is made for auspicious and good deeds and
actions”.
The guru Dikshitharu replied “If you want a son, give up your
affairs with ‘the other woman’, for water in your well, offer a meal to The Leeladhari he was, (the one who bore in himself the world as
twenty thousand brahmins”. sport) determining the auspicious moment entered the town and felt
happy about its design and plan. In the centre of the town is a beautiful
On both counts the Desai was rewarded. temple. The market place is to its east and brahmin households are to
After some time his faith and devotion waned. He failed to grasp the south and west. In the north are the big bungalows of the kings and
and imbibe the ‘spirit of feeding the brahmins’. He reverted to his old Royal households. In the north east is the open community of all groups.
habits. The water in the well dried up and he was afflicted with wounds Mahaswamy took residence in that town and his fame and name
all over the body. Unable to withstand pain the same old person Desai spread far and wide while he was here. We try to review his great
met Dikshitharu. Again Desai was made to renew his promise already deeds sequentially.
made. Both the problems were solved forthwith.
Dikshitharu,that is Chidambara, followed Shrouthaniyama and
“If feeding brahmins becomes soulless and a mechanical act of instructed his students and devotees in Sadachar. He had in his own
throwing food at people, the cumulative merits of thousand lives hearth Shrouthagni as laid down in the Shruthi. He taught what he
evaporate into thin air. The path way to hell is paved when one indulges himself practiced. He himself taught the Vedic texts that is the
in other women, believe me”. Dikshitharu warned. Vedamanthras. There were seven hundred who were proficient in Vedas,
66 67
Rg and Yajur. There were fifty eight Samapatis, fellow scholars. There Listening to the words of Chidambara the Jagadguru smiled and
were three hundred enrolled in different branches of learning. Some replied:
were learning the Yagna procedures and some were interested in and “The noblest among the Dikshitas, I came here to see the
dedicated to the learning of Nyaya and Vyakarna. Some were experts Vedapatashala, the school. I am pleased beyond measure. The sound
in Karmakanda and some were deeply immersed in what is known as of Shukla yajussu piercing the open skies has reverberated through the
jnanakanda. Some on the other hand were engaged in unraveling the expanse of the Brahman. The supernatural deeds you perform hereafter
jyothishya and some were specializing in samhitha. The sonorous will be many and numerous. For the good of the world, I have come to
recitation of the Shuklayajurveda in proper accent and pitch spread all remind you of the duties you are born to carry out. In the past I rejected
around the ten directions of the compass. Indra and other gods were the different perceptions and viewpoints and established the non-dual
listening to the recitation with single minded concentration. Even the truth. Through the ravages of time it is getting worn out. Revive it and
gods stood arrested and wonder struck looking at the way the Vedic spread it. Revive the Vedic paths of Karma, Upasana (adoration and
school functioned. devotion) and jnana. I have come to remind you”.
On a fateful morning Shankara Bharathi Swamy of Sringeri (Sri Chidambara falling at the feet of the seer said:
Satchidanda Bharati Swamy: (1770-1814) A.D) came to see
“Jagadguru, please permit me to say a few words. In the earlier
Chidambaradikshitharu. It was early morning. The seer of Sringeri was
times the rishis like Yagnavalkya and others established the Vajasaneya
clad in ochre robes and held the sacred staff and wooden urn in his
branch that got corrupted through time. The wicked ones slandered
hands. Looking effulgent like a nascent sun he arrived at the assembly the propounded new look at the Vedas. (Therefore) my first task is to
hall of Chidambara. The awe-struck student looking at the brilliant icon revive the indisputable Shukla Yajurveda and then I will certainly do
fell before him all their eight limbs touching the ground. The yathi of what thou hast ordained”.
Sringeri asked the students “Where is your guru”? The students replied
that their guru was in the homa hall the place where fire is worshipped Those who listened to this conversation felt that Chidambara was
and went to fetch him. Coming to know that the Jagadguru has arrived no other than Shankara of Sringeri and felt greatly blessed for what
Dikshitharu made haste to the assembly hall with the materials for they had witnessed and heard. It was their greatest day they felt. The
worship and greeted the Jagadguru. Offering and elevated seat of honour truth and identity of Shankara and Chidambara being one and the same
took root in their hearts. While people were rejoicing thus, the seer
to the visitor Dikshitharu washed his feet with water sprinkling the same
was offered ‘Bhiksha’, devotion filled alms and brahmins were given a
water on his head as a token of grace received. Dikshitharu addressing
great feast in celebration of this occasion.
the yathi submitted:
* * *
“Swamy, though bound by family ties I feel sanctified by the sight
of your feet. Deena, seeker as I am, your darshana is like the wish- A brahmin overcome by his evil mind felt disconcerted with the
fulfilling tree, Kalpavriksha appearing before a poor man. Today I feel outflow of miracles emanating from Chidambara’s deeds and wanted
satisfied with myself for doing what needs to be done. The merits of to profit by it. He wanted to rob the kalasha the pot-like vessel that
previous lives have fructified. For your orders, the slave awaits.” Dikshitharu carried with him thinking that it was the source of all wealth.
68 69
He wanted to get rid of his poverty through the kalasha. With this design Chapter XVII
in mind, he took discipleship with Dikshitharu and fatefully he was given
free access to the objects in and around Dikshitharu’s household. The Coming of Lord
One day Dikshitharu went to the river for a bath keeping the kalasha Venkatesha
in the temple. Seizing the opportunity the brahmin shut the temple door “Give this to Divakara’s wife. She desires to beget a son; her wish
and emptied the contents of the kalasha on to his spread out dhoti. will be fulfilled” (Divakara is Dikshitharu’s brother) a smiling Dikshitharu
Instead of gold and silver pouring out, an army of scorpions crawled said in a pleasant voice while giving a piece of date fruit left over in his
out of the kalasha. They spread round the temple and began climbing vessel.
on the brahmin. He did not have space left to place his leg. Frightened
by the invading army of scorpions, the brahmin cried out for help. He The disciple succumbed to a wave of temptation, a compelling
disposition to transgress. “Why not I take this myself? It is so difficult
began shouting: “Come and rescue me”. Dikshitharu hearing the call
to get his uchhista”, the disciple thought and ate it too.
returned from the river to find the temple doors shut from within. “Who
is in? What has happened?” Dikshitharu inquired. “Swamy, it is me the Later Dikshitharu inquired whether he didi what he was asked to
culprit. Open the door forthwith. I am disabled”. The brahmin cried do. The disciple stood in silence with his head bent and eyes down
from within. Dikshitharu forced open the temple doors. The temple cast. He was reprimanded openly before a large number of devotees
was scorpion infested “Shiva Shiva” said Chidambara immobilizing and others who had assembled there.
the scorpions and scooping them handful, into the vessel. He then asked “Stupid fellow, why did you eat the uchista; your act is indiscreet;
the brahmin “What did you intend? What do you want?” it is sinful. It is forbidden as it is inauspicious”.
The brahmin replied “Mahaswamy, I have committed a great sin Many in the gathering minced no words in adjudging his conduct.
and offence. You are Hari as well as Hara the protector as well as the The brahmin felt ashamed at his weakness and decided to inflict on
destroyer. Please excuse my misdeed and uplift me. Mistaking a live himself an equal punishment. He cut off his tongue with a sharp blade,
coal for a ruby I have paid dearly and in repentance, I beg your deciding all by himself, that his tongue was the culprit and offered the
forgiveness. You have banished my foul tendencies. I tried to obliterate severed part of his tongue at the feet of the guru “What did you do;
myself harbouring evil thoughts sitting under the shade of a wish fulfilling why did you take recourse to such a heinous act?” Dikshitharu questioned
tree. Sarveshwara, I embarked on this wretched act to get rid of my and sprinkled vibhuthi, the sacred ash, on his face and placed his blessed
poverty”. hands on the brahmin’s head. His tongue was restored to its normal
Chidambara’s kindness transformed into grace, warned: “If you state . He was blessed with nirmala jnana, clear and unsullied knowledge
don’t give up such evil deeds, destroyed you will be.” devoid of any ground for misconceptions. The brahmin extolled
Dikshitharu in many ways and secured ineffable pleasantness of being.
Dikshitharu then gave a handful of gold and money twice taking
them out from the kalasha. II
An erudite pundit of the name Srinivasacharya came along with
his followers to Dikshitharu’s daily-assembly of devotees and disciples
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coming from various parts of India. He had come to test the godly is Sri Hari. This is the proper attitude for one who wants to cross the
nature of Dikshitharu. Does not Chidambara know what is in everyone’s ocean of life”.
mind? For quite some time Dikshitharu engaged the scholar in talking
about the affairs of the world as one deeply immersed in it. The scholar’s
preconceptions got affirmed by this meeting. He had no idea about Listening to this exposition repentant Srinivasacharya fell at the
Chidmbara’s designs! Returning home the scholar and his followers feet of Dikshitharu; his voice was trembling and tears were flowing
had enough material to engage themselves in derogatory and slanderous from his eyes and he burst into loud crying. Kindness personified
talk about Chidambaradikshitharu. The scholar did not care to introspect Dikshitharu glanced gracefully at Srinivasacharya. Satisfied with that
how sinful slander was and how much more so it would be if a man like look bestowed on him the pundit said: “Sir, not knowing the extent and
Dikshitharu is disrespected and abused. He had to face the consequnces power of your glory I abused you; kindly ignore it. Indulging in such
of his actions mental as well as physical. derisive talk every day I have lost my sense. How can I then qualify for
He lost his voice. Every one very soon recognized that the disability a knowledge founded on discriminating ability? Since you with your all
was a direct consequence of his attitude and conduct towards round competence have instructed me into it I will give up the habit of
Dikshitharu. He was brought before the latter for his clemency and talking ill of others. I assure you I have given up the habit of slander
blessing. The disciples of the pundit appealed: from this moment”.

“Respected Dikshitharu, our guru has lost his tongue and his present Dikshitharu blessed and graced Srinivascharya.
mute state is due to our slanderous and derogatory remarks on you.
Our conduct is reprehensible but we seek your excuse and beg you to
III
restore his speech and health.”
One day, Dikshitharu came to the assembly followed by a retinue
Dikshitharu smiled and said: “The Lord has said that indulgence in
of kings, scholars and devotees. He was dressed in fresh and bright
praise or slander for personal profit is forbidden. Since the Lord resides
robes with marks of sacred ash on his forehead and a rudrakshi chain
in all beings those that indulge in praise or slander must take its
adorning his neck. His benign presence, smiling face and endearing
consequence. The saintly dictum goes that we should not ridicule or
speech enchanted everyone who set his eyes on him. Dikshitharu, sitting
mock at others' words or actions. The same secret is passed on to
on the mat meant for him addressed the devotees: “Meritorious fortunate
Arjuna in the Geetha. Since the slanderer licks others' lapses with his
ones, there is no greater merit than observing faithfully and sincerely the
tongue, those that seek 'the good and the benevolent' must not evaluate
code of conduct into which one is introduced in his family or society.
or deride others' acts. Talking ill of others amounts to talking ill of
You may experience it now. Lakshmipathi, the Lord, will present Himself
Narayana as He resides in every bosom. He who knows this truth will
before you wherever you are”.
not talk ill of others for its violation would lead to self destruction. The
principle underlying all the organs or instruments of the body right upto Those assembled were surprised to hear this statement of promise.
the discriminating intellect is its physical material; their operator, driver Naturally they began asking: “In what form?”
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“Since the Lord can take infinite forms, it isn’t possible to predict Chidambaradikshitharu replied that he was no Pathan but
the form he prefers. But remember, fifteen days from now he would Lakshmipathi who had come in that form. “Otherwise how could we
present himself here for all of you to see”. embrace each other? I had briefed you before lest you may get
confused” Chidambara observed.
The assembly as one man began counting days expecting the Lord
to appear before them. Friends and relatives from distant were invited Not only the Pathan his horse too was not there to be seen.
to join them. On the fifteenth day morning the expectant crowd was
ready well before time. Chidambara Dikshitharu was entertaining them
with his refreshing talks. In the meantime a good looking Pathan with a
beautiful turban on his head and decked with a variety of gold ornaments
arrived on the scene. He was mounted on his horse and a sword in its
sheath was hung to his belt. He asked the attendants of Dikshitharu to
get him an appointment to see their master. The attendant came to the
assembly and said to Chidambara: “Swamy, an alien Pathan is waiting
for your darshan at the entrance”. The pundits in the assembly began
wondering how Chidambara would receive an alien! Chidambara asked
his assistant "how many have come one or two"? And the assistant
replied "one".Chidambara sent back the assistant to find out for certain
whether there are two or only one. The assistant came back and reported
that there are two and not one. Chidambaradikshitharu asked again:
"Your reports do not tally. You first said one and now you say two. Go
back and report to me how many?"
Now the assistant said thre was only one.
Laughing at his report Chidambara himself went out to check. A
whole retinue followed the guru. The Pathan on seeing
Chidambaradikshitharu, dismounted from his horse and embraced the
latter. The sight offered a myriad of observations. The conversation
between the two the Pathan and Dikshitharu in the parsi tongue was
Greek and Latin to all others. Chidambara took the Pathan into the
temple and held conversation for quite some time and only one came
out and that was Chidambaradikshitharu.
The bemused assembly asked: “Where is Pathan”?
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Chapter XVIII “It is not possible for someone to divine my mind unless he is
gifted and godly. Chidambara must be Shiva’s descent” Shastry surmised
Shiva Shastry and Bhakthi in his dream and fell flat at the feet of the guru and extolled his glory. He
Explained washed the guru’s feet with his copious tears. Dikshitharu of
immeasurable kindness spoke lovingly to Shastry and said: “Since,
Sri Shiva Chidambaradikshitharu’s fame and glory had spread far people tend to be sinful I have come to re-establish dharma in their
and wide by 1800 A.D. People from all parts of India were converging
hearts”. The dream ended.
on his residence in Navagurupura the newly laid out township of
Karnataka. They had come to see with their naked eyes Lord Shiva, Shastry was no longer the same confident investigator he thought
Parameshwara, or a god of their adoration, living here as a human he was. Meditating on the form seen in the dream, Shastry left for
being. Among them were many who wanted his blessings to solve their Gurunavapura. He saw before him personified the very form he had
personal and many other problems. Some wanted to know the truth of seen in the dream. With folded hands Shastry went near the effulgent
Sri Shiva Chidambaradikshitharu being a descent of Shiva. and glowing Avathara. Girija the consort of Shiva was standing to the
Shri Shivashastry was one such investigator. left of the Avathara. Shiva with his five faces was all aglow. The serpent
decorated his neck. He wore a rudrakshi chain. On the top of his head
He had come from Machilipatnam now a part of Andhrapradesh. was Ganga. The auspicious Shiva mounted on nandi the bullock stood
He was a great devotee of Shiva, whom he worshipped all the three before Shastry.
times a day. Shastry gentle and cultured was a poet too. He wanted to
see in person Dikshitharu who was acclaimed as a very incarnation, an Seeing the Lord thus Shastry in a state of adoration prayed: “Hey,
Avathar of Shiva, in the present kali age. He had ofcourse read in the Ambika’s Lord, merit of my countless lives has come home to profit to
Gita, that god would take his descent whenever he felt the need for day. Thou inaccessible even to the Yogis hast come to me. I bow to
revival of dharma and defeat the forces antithetical to them. Shastry’s thee with all my eight limbs. Ocean of kindness, destroyer of sins,
skepticism did not give him rest until he decided one way or the other extinguisher of the molten heat of the World, you enable devotees to
through personal experience. He therefore went with his followers and cross the worldly ocean. You, a lifelong friend of the poor and the
friends to visit the Avathar. humble descent to this world to elevate and uplift it. You shield and
protect those from sorrow who submit themselves in faith and devotion.
That very night the all-knowing and omnipresent Chidambar clad
Kindhearted Lord, rid me of my worries”.
in fresh and bright robes with marks of sacred ash on his forehead and
rudrakshi beads around his neck appeared in Shastry’s dream and asked “Mahathma, protector of the sagacious, wish fulfilling tree of true
him where he was going. Shastry replied that he was going to devotees, provider of safe harbour to those who utter thy sacred name,
Gurunavapura the place of Chidambaradikshitharu. The latter with his Chidambara, world leader, grant me thy presence. Lord of everything,
half smile said: “How can Shiva, the consort of Girija, descend at a having come in my dream why do you delay the same now? Granting
time when the evil infested kali is so vibrant, domineering and what I sought fulfill my desire. A sinner conceited and snobbish, I am;
widespread? How can the skeptic seek peace of mind”? but take me as a devotee with kindness my Lord and look at me with
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thy profound grace. Like the clouds for one burning with heat, like a men presided over the assembly. Bowing to the lotus feet of Dikshitharu
raft to one drowning in the sea, like a path found to one lost in the meditating on the sacred name with his hands folded Shivashastry began
woods you are found to me on the pretext of my orphaned status. Oh reciting his compositions. The gathering listened to it in joyous silence.
Lord, world elevator and uplifter, please glance at me, with thy lotus Chidambara interrupting the song said:
eyes and promise me fearlessness on the basis of our close contract in
“Shastrigale what did you do? You are eulogizing a human being
my dream. Oh Lord, why this indifference in my dream: ‘I am He,
Samba who fulfills your desires, dispels your suspicions. Whatever you instead of invoking the divine? Stop your verbiage”. Shastry undaunted
wish I grant them you said’. Oh guru of the universe, act and demonstrate submitted. “Sadguru, this is no laboured praise of a mortal; this is indeed
that you do as promised. Save me from my illusion; I have sought your divine rhapsody and I have not indulged in human admiration. Well
feet”. informed fellow men, I will present you with the experience that this is
divine prayer. Before all of you I take a vow and it is this:
Listening to these hymn-like words of profound affection the
satisfied Chidambaradikshitharu talking like an ordinary human being “Singing these compositions I will offer arathi with burning camphor
asked: “Shastrigale (honourfic plural of Shastry), which is your place? on my plam. If the compositions are divine invocations I should remain
Where are you going? Because of my merits you have given me the unharmed. May my vow be fulfilled”.
pleasure of seeing you”. Shastry held in devotional trance, did the arathi in the avowed
Shastry replied: “Why mislead me by such inquiries, Oh Omniscient manner. He was singing the joy filled lyric and tear drops flowed from
Lord? Conforming to worldly customs and manners, I respond since his eyes as he fed the flame with one piece of camphor after another in
you have asked; please listen: “I am from an eastern land and I have an endless sequence. Agni the fire god, had forgotten his nature. The
come to do service at thy feet. Like delicious food to the famished, like muted assembly witnessed and felt something that it had never seen or
liberation to the one in bondage I have got you and where do I go from known before making ecstasy a common experience. Realising that
here? No-where do I go from thy lotus feet hereafter. I will be here like Chidambaradikshitharu was god they offered prayers in many ways.
a honey bee. “Protector thou art Truth and Guru, rescue me; sinner I Some fell at his feet and some danced in joy. Who can describe that
am and mother thou art to those in need and want”. Listening to the scene? Dikshitharu stood up from his seat and embaraced and fondled
poetic hymn of Shastry, Dikshitharu said in a mellowed voice in the Shastry in love and grace and said:
open assembly: “Shastrigale invoke Eshwara the way you have praised
me instead of praising an ignoramus like me. He will surely fulfill your “Son, stop it I am indeed the Lord Mahesha you adore. You have
desires. What can I give you”? He further said (aside) “I am Shankara, extolled only Shiva”. He then pacified the flame and uttered: “Dear
eulogize and sing and offer hymns and prayers in many a fashion; you devotee, I am very pleased. Ask what you want and however difficult
are my devotee dear and loving”. Shivashastry began composing in it may be I will plead with the Lord and secure it to you. My word is
Samskrita a symphony of prayers and hymns of profound value and truth” With folded hands Shastry submitted: “Chidambara, wordly ocean
meaning and got ready to sing them in the open assembly next day. The navigator I do not go anywhere near the wind of worldly happiness.
effulgent Dikshitharu surrounded by a galaxy of scholars and eminent But because of an unknown disharmony within, I forget you for a second.
78 79
If you want to give anything at all grant me bhakthi at your feet and  Cruelty to animals is a cruel act.
instruct me into its path”.
Misdeeds of others deserve our excuse
Chidambara replied: “May that be so. For your sake I describe
We must think good of those who slander.
the path of bhakthi. Those who listen to this sinner even if he is, will get
deliverance from samsaara the shackle of worldly ties. Peace within is not to be squandered.
First he must do and adhere to actions prescribed in the Vedas We must abjure the company of ‘the other woman’.
submitting all his doings at my feet doing ‘Namasamkirthana’ repetitive We must cultivate the company of wiseman and saints
utterance of my name. He must worship me with adoration and listen to with love and affection.
my life story every day. He must meditate on me. Knowing that god
resides in everyone, he must merge with him. To augment this bhakthi, It is wise and desirable to lead a solitary life.
he must follow these twenty four guidelines and for you foremost among You must always direct your attention on ‘My Form’.
my devotees, I am enumerating them. Listen with your ears open.
You must let your body serve me with the attitude of a
 We should not expect or desire respect or honour from others. slave.
However we must honour others suitably depending on the Never give up gurubhakthi.
circumstances.
You should look at your limbs and organs and ask: how can they
One should not work with prestige and fame in mind be of service to the divine? Deport lethargy complacency and sloth.
A god’s devotee should not recount before others work, deeds “He who practices these twenty four guidelines with sustained
done, for public or general good. interest I make his heart my dwelling place. Even though the yogis strive
Anger is useless at any time. for long periods I (Lord) am not visible to their sight. For your sake I
will let you know how I can be attained. He who is desirous of having
We should be humble in our conduct with everyone.
me, must have five qualities. “ The first requirement is: he must be free
We must seek perfection in the work we do. from all desires. Such a devotee, bhaktha, should discard and reject all
We must watch our mind and hold it remain, purified and poised other things as vomit. Only he will know my real form". The second:
cogitate and meditate on me. Forsaking all restlessness he must intensely
We must look at animals with divine temperament and love them.
and deeply think of me. Only such one is eligible and capable of gaining
We must be unsullied and pure within and without. me”.
Adherence to truth is a great vow. “The third is the symbol of peace. By peace is meant satisfication
We must employ the discriminating intellect, buddhi, in regulating and contentment. Come what may, the physical and bodily pain or
and controlling our limbs and organs. sorrow is not given to the mind to make grist of it”.
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“The fourth: absence of hostility or opposition. Others and their I hear the voice of my bhaktha invoking kindness, I lose my own
virtues and defects are not discussed or reckoned”. awareness. Poet Emeritus, listen to my secret, I disclose it to you.”
“The fifth one is: equanimity, samadarshana – disregarding the “I become he and shield him day and night who thinks of me at all
differentiation witnessed in beings of the world and firmly holding to the times giving up all other concerns, coming to know that the human form
view that everything is Brahman”. is not one, to be got for nothing. This I say, three times not once or two.
This is truth indeed. I do not have my meal without looking into the
“Appa, Shastry, impossible it is to get a person endowed or welfare of my bhaktha. No point in talking too much. Time hangs heavily
possessed of these fivefold qualities (Appa, an address of familiarity on me if I have no bhaktha. Without him this universe becomes empty
indicating a close kinship.). I want to embrace him; I am searching for and hollow. I am bhaktha’s subaltern. For bhaktha’s sake I incarnate
him. Although everything is available getting a person of these fivefold myself. To fulfill the desires of bhaktha’s I become their errand boy
endowments even to me, is next to impossible. I take birth for the sake provoked by bhakthi I washed Arjuna’s steed. I held in my hands
of devotees, bhakthas”. Draupadi’s shoes. I put my hand to the grinding stone clasping with that
of Janabai. I partook of the leftover of Namadeva. As a servant I toiled
“When dharma deteriorates, (is) degraded and derided, discarding
in Ekanatha’s house. I have rendered service in the house of my
the division between the high and the low, I descend to the world to
devotees in many ways”.
reestablish dharma.”
“Therefore Shivapanditha, trust me and believe my words and
“My form is that of joyous self, swanananda, and I am content take them to heart. Teach it and spread it having lived it. Since you are
with it. I am joy manisfested”. my top ranking bhaktha responding to your entreaties I will free my
“I am brilliance embodied”. single minded bhaktha from all his difficulties. This word of mine is
truth, truth indeed. The one who recites daily the sthothras you have
“I am indivisible and I am related to no other”. composed, his desires I will fulfill however difficult they may be. Real
“In order to enjoy the happiness of having a form and experience joy I grant to him who recites everyday your composition ‘Bhakthananda
it too in person, I became two, one as Eshwara and another bhaktha Lahari’ (The joy waves of Bhakthi.)”
his devotee”. “I have taken descent only because of the erosion of the path of
“Therefore, the devotee who does nishkamakarma, works without bhakthi”.
expectation, without desire, is dear to me more than Brahma and the
other pantheon of gods”.
“Dear devotee, you remain a witness to what I say.
“He who has possessed me, I will free him from all catastrophes;
I am at his back as his sentinel and all his burdens I shoulder. I will run
indeed rush to him the moment I hear his voice of distress. The moment
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Chapter XIX attention is held by another half-naked ash-smeared person who
communicated through signs. What transpired between the wordless
The Story of Rajarama (1768 -1843) holyman and much too young boy Rajarama remains a mystery. As the
This is a brief version of a long tale of Rajarama an illustrious and story goes the highly impressed reverent Rajarama feels like inviting
unique disciple of Sri Shiva Chidambaradikshitharu. His countless him home but pauses and waits to take prior sanction and permission
Abhangas constitute the main source material for his guru’s biography from his mother. But the naked man will not be there when Rajarama
in Marathi and Kannada. (Abhanga is a form of Marathi verse widely goes to invite him. How Rajarama a six or eight year old boy reacted to
in use). He was thus his master’s chronicler and one who proclaimed the events that would probably have gone unnoticed by any other is
and heralded the descent of Parameshwara in human form as Sri Shiva reflected in the following Abhanga:
Chidambaradikshitharu in Karnataka. He was his master’s viceroy, “Brother, don’t mind. Kashi Vishweshwara, the god you adore, is
delegate, representative, a surrogate and a messiah to the devotees already incarnated and to mark his presence he is playing his games of
spread across the length and breadth of this ancient land. ‘miracles ’. He, still a boy, remains hidden; not yet hearalded. To full
Rajarama went to the door step of the humble and poor devotees stature grown, he displays wondrous deeds. His glows will fill the
who felt isolated and excommunicated by their families and by the society. universe like that of a morning sun. He liberates many.”
He met them in person and affirmed and vindicated their faith and Rajarama in this state of gnawing unrest meets Baleshwar Maharaj,
devotion to an unseen god. The forlorn devotees saw in Rajarama and a man of Self -knowledge, ‘Athmajnani’. “Though young, your thirst is
his itinerant followers a faith confirmed and fulfilled. exemplary. Your longing for god as manifested will be fulfilled. God
We recount here the story of this disciple. assuming a human form will come to you, talk to you and fulfill you with
his grace and blessings. It isn’t time yet. You have got to wait for it;
Rajarama belongs to a Rajaput family that had come and settled
don’t get agitated. The seed of bhakthi is sown in you. Doesn’t it take
down in Babulgauam long, long ago. As village heads they were wealthy
time to grow big and give fruits”? These unsought reflections and
and prosperous. They were god-fearing people and their family diety
observations of the Maharaja not only satisfy the young man but tend
was Kashi Vishwanatha. Rajarama was born into this god-loving family.
to affirm his faith in himself.
Around his sixth year or so he heard the story of Dhruva from a Haridasa
who had come to the village as a wandering person. These itinerant Rajaram now a young man of twenty is tall, well-built and
holy men and sadhus spread the essence of Vedas as contained in the handsome. The Maharaja of Nagpur a scion of the Bhonsle clan spots
stories of Ramayana, Bharatha and Bhagavatha. Rajarama is said to the young man somewhere and invities him to join his army with promises
have asked himself the question: “If a six year old can win Narayana by of promotion. Royal invitations do not brook rejection. Though
a six months penance what am I doing here?” He is reported to have disinclined, Rajarama enters the choice-less Royal Service. From one
changed his daily schedule accordingly. He would get up early in the position to another higher he moves up noticed and appreciated by the
morning and refresh himself with a river bath and proceed straight to higher officers. The death of his father reopens the possibility of his
the temple to offer worship and pray in his own fashion for as long a return to his ancestral village but compulsions of Royal Service shut the
time as possible. While he was in this state of untutored self culture his door against it. Rajarama’s mother now widowed fears her son’s volition
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towards an inward life of renunciation and devotion to god. She gets “A disciple of Sri Shiva Chidambaradikshitharu has come
her son married and dictates him to abide by her word: “Do what you somewhere to a nearby place. A long carpet like object is spread on
like I don’t mind or care. But as long as I live, I want you to lead a life raised platform. The disciple is sitting there in perceptible self-
of a married man primarily responsible for his family”. composure. Clad is sitting there in perceptible self-composure. Clad in
Rajarama a loving and dutiful son promises to do as she wills. a loin cloth, wearing and elegant cap on his head, his body is ash-
Fifteen years of service in RoyalArmed Services of the Ruler of Nagapur smeared. Everyone is going to him for darshan and someone is making
do not subvert or affect the core of Rajarama’s being. His yearning to an announcement. “Shivachidambara has come; you may have his
see god remains undiminished. His reliance on prayers, adoration and darshana. “Rajarama too joins the crowd; the disciple calls Rajarama
contact with monks and wise men of knowledge continues without a aside and speaks with loving affection and orders him to go and have
break. His inner life rested in silence and dignity is neither encroached ShivaChidambara’s darshana. Rajarama bows down and returns after
upon nor disturbed by outward affairs or events. obtaining permission”.
Rajarama is now transferred to Hoshangabad as the head of a The dream was decisive. It decided the direction of Rajarama’s
cavalry unit in appreciation of his sincere and faithful service. Except thinking as well as his travel. It also had the power to recognize the
for his mother’s death, his cup of happiness is filled to the full. disutility and ignore the countless details that restless mind spins out at
all times. ShivaChidambara was his goal and direction.
He meets Krishnabhatta, a Vedic scholar of Telugu origin while in
search for a suitable person of competence to perform the last rites for Rajarama and his wife are both disabled in a sense; if Rajrama’s
his mother. Bhatta guides and monitors the obsequies proceedings to sight is poor his wife is lame, unable to walk they take an assistant
the satisfaction of Rajarama in all respects. The two had met earlier called Nimbaji trusted fellow-devotee and a pony for his wife to ride.
and had discovered common traits of abiding nature. When The trio one of whom is a pony rider leaves in search of Chidambara.
Krishanabhatta informs that he is on his way to Kashi Rajarama is at From Hoshangabad across the river Narmada the piligrims go to Nagpur
once reminded of his own wish for a similar pilgrimage. But the Royal Captial to secure permission from his authorities. And from
Krishnabhatta’s advise surprises the dutiful son. He says: Nagapur they walk in the direction of Pandhrapur around 1805 A.D.
“What madness is this? When God taking a human form has It was a simple adventure of a devotee, whose goal, so to say,
descended in our midst, what fun do you find in seeking darshan of a draws as it were steadily, irresistibly, the striving seeker; the unmapped
physical, material object? If you trust my words, listen to me: Go straight terrain, a haven for robbers and brigands holds no threat for them.
from here to Shiva Chidambaradikshitharu. All your wishes will be Rajarama had enough cash on himself but none chose to attack or rob
fulfilled. If you go elsewhere not an iota of satisfaction do you get? My although such encounters were not uncommon those days.
duty I have done in saying what I should. Now do as you think fit”.
After eight or nine days of travel the three enter a dense forest
Krishnabhatta leaves for Kashi and Rajarama is again caught in with no visible way out of it. They stay put where they are waiting
the eternal wrangles of his mind. He wants a power higher than his unmindful of time, for their good fortune to appear in one form or another
mind and intelligence to intervene and guide. That night he has a dream. and direct them out of it. They feel despondent but not disheartened.
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A boy of eight or ten appears before them. Rajarama asks the You don’t talk to anyone. But I learn that you are now reborn as the
destiny sent youngster: “Boy, can you show us the way out of this wood? son of a brahmin. Therefore, Lord of my adoration, come to me in the
Do you care to”? The boy replies pleasantly: “Yes, Sure, I will”. They form of Chidambara of my conception”.
fall in love with the boy; he is charming and bright; his voice rings a Even after six days of stay in the holy Pandhrapur, the trio are
familiar tone, endearing and fascinating. The boy in deference to their unable to plan and proceed further. They are unable to get a trusted
curious inquiries, says: “Sir, I am an outcaste a poor one”. He is dressed escort familiar with Kannada the language of Chidambara’s land.
in pants of sorts; a rug thrown carelessly across his shoulders he is
holding a stick. His leather foot wear appears new. His walk is brisk, A priest coming to know of their predicament wants to help them.
his movements quick and fast goading the strangers to walk fast and He says: “I have an assistant who can speak both Kannada and Marathi.
keep pace with him. He is always inaudibly ahead of them discouraging Moreover, I have to send some money to my friend who has gone for
any conversation. Shivachidambara darshana; I was planning to send a ‘Hundi’ an
indigenous demand draft for his use. My assistant will be yours for this
The leader boy on approaching a water source asks his followers journey”.
whom he has virtually rescued from wilderness to take food near a
pond that is close by. Rajarama invites the saviour boy to share food Enabled thus Rajarama and his wife and Nimbaji leave Pandhrapur
with them but he politely declines. The boy apprehending further pressure to Kundagol where Sri Shivachidambara is residing at present as a
from the strangers walks away saying: “Eat in peace and comfort. Once poor brahmin. The pilgrims at long last reach their place of destiny on
you are through with eating we will resume.” When Rajarama, his wife, Friday in the month Shravana Chathurdashee (1805 A.D.). Finding
and Nimbaji are ready to go, the boy appears to scout them again from some lodge for stay the group hastens to Sri Shivachidambara Darshana.
a distance far a head of them. The more interest Rajarama shows in On seeing the large congregation of waiting devotees seeking
getting close to the boy, the farther away he seems to go not showing darshana, they stand arrested at the main entrance. Rajarama says
any inclination for any conversation or friendship. Expect for a cryptic unto himself: “Has it been of no avail oh Lord, walking this distance
‘yes’, they get no closer to this boy of destiny. As they approach at last this long? If wait I must, I will; be it so Shivachidambara. Until you
a human habitation the pilgrim group is happy and expectantly joyful. grant me direct audience, water and food, I don’t touch. Do what you
Rajarama as a token of his gratitude to this boy of destiny tries to like”.
offer a few coins which he can easily spare. As they go closer to the The three return to their lodge. Rajaram’s wife and Nimbaji coming
village the unknown boy disappears in a way very similar to that of his to know of Rajarama’s resolve, follow him in word and spirit. Each
appearance. Rajarama has at last reached the holy town of Pandhrapur passing day is spent in anticipation and renewed resolution and repeated
after a month long walk. The search for the boy who led them during avowals. Rajarama spends long hours calling Chidambara unable to
the most trying circumstances is of no avail. withstand divine indifference.
Rajarama going to Panduranga Temple bares his heart to the Lord Rajarama witnesses a strange sight and describes it as follows:
and says: “Paramathma, arrange for me Shivachidambara darshan as “Sri Shivachidambara comes near me and sits down. He picks me up
fast as you can. Though inert in form you stand out here prominently. as one does his dear child and resting on his lap caresses me fondly and
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gently moving his hand gently all over my face. Then shifting me into a Rajarama. There was none with him at that time. Immense was
sitting posture, Chidambara feeds me with sugar mixed dried up coconut Rajarama’s happiness. He had brought with him from Pandhrapur,
sweet meals. Slowly and clearly uttering in whisper “The Chidambara ‘bukka’ ‘evil-sight dispelling powder’. He applies it lavishly to Sri
mantra’ into my ears, he initiated me into the manthra expatiating on its Shivachidambara disregarding the latter’s mild protestation. Rajarama
power.” sees his God and fills him eye full. God stood still for some time. Rajarama
Sri Shivachidambara Mahaswamy asserts: ‘no impediment or falls down, rolls on his feet. There was no limit to his joy. God
obstacle can lift its head before this manthra’. Saraswathimatha wife of immediately returned to his residence.
Sri Shiva chidamabara engaged perhaps in cooking comes out and Rajarama broke his fast. Rajarama took his wife and Nimbaji for
says: ‘Affectionate one, you have had the darshan of both your father Sri Shivachidambara’s darshana that very evening. The crowd was so
and mother. No need to worry; be happy’. ‘She is washing her dough large and dense they fear further delay of three or four days for them to
stained hand with water. Rajarama continues to be sitting on Sri get darshana. A direct meeting was yet to take place.
Shivachidambara’s lap. The Swamy says many pleasant and sweet
words to Rajarama as a father does to his son in affection. By his side One day the Maharaja came straight to where Rajarama and his
are two little girls decked in beautiful ornaments. Many such things wife were, stood before them and said in gentle affection: “Appa, you
happened…” seem to have come from a long distance. From where are you? Are
your horses and cattle safe? How is your Royal Service”?
Rajarama is awakened and feels well fed despite a three day fasting.
Copra shavings stuck in his dentures dispel disbelief and doubts about Rajarama seems to have given suitable and appropriate replies.
the happening. He is extremely happy and sleeps ruminating over the Coming to know that they have come from distant Nagapur the
events. Maharaja was concerned. “You must have faced and survived plenty
of difficulties and problems. What made you embark on this enterprise?
Another one follows: “Rajarama is sitting in some place is covered
I will fulfill them the moment you let me know your driving desire. No
with leaf-filled neem and mango branches as awnings. Clad in a lion
matter how difficult it may be let me know what your desire is ; I will
cloth, ash-smeared, Chidambara all the while looking at Rajarama is
talking gracefully to a fine- complexioned beautiful boy of five years. plead with the Lord and see it is fulfilled.”
He is saying: “Tell me all, all that you want to. I am ready to part with all Talking in this manner a persistent Sri Shivachidambara asked
that you seek. Why take recourse to an intermediary when you can Rajarama: “What do you desire”? Seeing Sri Shivachidambara at such
talk to me straight? To you my darshana is given at all times. Does it close proximity and listening to his sweet voice Rajarama was shaken
satisfy you?” and humbled. With folded hands he said: “Lord, thou art a witness to
But Rajarama feels all these sights and visions, however real and all our instruments (bodily organs and their functions) within. What
genuine, are no substitute to a direct personal contact. He finds no transpires in the domain of our heart is already known to you. Where
reason to break his fast; he extends his fast until he is granted direct then is the need for me to make a special petition of my wishes? Since
audience. Thursday afternoon nearly a week after the avowed resolution, I am asked by you, perforce I have to reply. It is my submission that I
Sri Shivachidambara’s grace flows and Dikshitharu walks towards seek an audience with you in person all alone. I feel fulfilled if my wish
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is granted.” “Yes. It is done” said a smiling Mahaswamy. Eight days anything else. But as long as we are stuck inseparably joined with this
passed. body, its consciousness intrusion of such body consciousness is likely
Mahaswamy is sitting all alone in some solitary place. Rajarama off and on. Don’t we experience such intrusions off and on? At such
goes there as called. Mahaswamy is standing presenting his uplifted moments of intrusion don’t we feel the necessity of the eye and other
right palm opened indicating the ‘No Fear’ sign of ‘Abhayahastha’. organs”?
Rajarama falls at the feet of Mahaswamy in reverent submission with Mahaswamy: “Look here you are to act according to my dictates.
his hands folded. A smiling Mahaswamy says: “Son, you wanted to If you fail to do so that very instant your and my realationship is cut.
meet me alone. Is that wish fulfilled now? We are the only two here. You will enjoy enormous happiness as long as you carry out my orders
You may now ask all the boons you desire without any hesitation”. in word, deed and spirit. If you act in consonance with my dictates, I
Rajarama full with humility submits: “My Lord, It isn’t my power to too will enjoy it. It is true I am a poor brahmin. But all that I say is truth.
stand before you and speak. In deference to your command I ask this: I will let you know the auspicious time when you should leave this
“let my mind forever be in meditation of the ‘Satchidandanaswaroopa’ place. Be here till then”.
(meditating on one’s own form: Sat Chit and Ananda). This is the first
Looking at Nimbaji the Mahaswamy asked: “What do you want”?
of my boons.
Nimbaji replied: “May my life remain attuned in devotion to thy
Mahaswamy: “Be that so. Ask another”.
Holy Feet. This is my submission and beyond it nothing else I have to
Rajarama: ‘God having set my eyes on thy feet, let not my mind ask”.
be distracted and wander and think of anything else at any time. This is
Needless to say what Mahaswamy said or did. A literal down
my second one”.
pour of experiences, instructions, institutions, suggestions and signs fill
Mahaswamy: “Yes. It will be so. Ask the third one. It is my wish Rajarama’s life from then on. ‘Many a time’, says Rajarama, he didn’t
to grant you one more”. understand what was happening; he had to wait for later events or
Rajarama: “Because of my misfortune my eyes have lost their power some other occasion to suggest or spell out its meaning? Each experience
of vision; may akshara be visible to my eyes. This is the third boon I was an addition to the sum of his understanding and knowledge spiritual
seek” or temporal. Once Rajarama was sitting on a raised platform and Sri
Shivachidambara came. He looked radiant with vibhuti marks on his
Amused at the kind of boon sought the Mahaswamy observes:
forehead. Rajarama fell at the feet of his master pleasantly shaken by
“What a fool are your! When your mind devoid of volatility is pointedly
his arrival. He was ordered by the guru to utter three times:
focussed in contemplation of its own Satchidananda form why think of
eye sight and vision? How can such a residue of desire remain clinging”? “My true form is Satchidananda”.
Rajarama: “Mahaswamy the question you raise is legitimate. When Rajarama uttered three times as directed. In a variety of ways its
the body consciousness is absent and gone, when mind waves are meaning was brought home to him; doubts were cleared and Rajarama
focussed forever on its own Satchidananda form, there is no place for was gifted with satisfaction complete.
92 93
Rajarama is a witness in another illustration to a congregation of immersed in their delusion. Illusion, (that co exists with God) is hard to
gods and divine beings with their heads bent in submission to Sri crack. Unless Ishwara, God wills it is not possible for men to decipher
Shivachidambara who is at the centre. Rajarama is called and fondly the play of illusion. All the scripted Abhangas have come from the mouth
embraced by the Mahaswamy. As though he is addressing the gods he of God”.
declares: “This is my boy and you are not to comment or say anything Rajarama passed away in 1843. Vithobai carried on the glorious
about him. I cannot tolerate if any one indulges in such acts”. work of Rajarama before she took her watery grave in the Arabian
The text concludes as follows: “God showered uncommon grace sea. (Jalasamadhi)
on Rajarama who as a recipient enjoyed it to the full. I don’t have
words for its description. No, it isn’t possible. “The Mahaswamy
instructed me in a variety of ways and methods. He dissolved the spirit
of my being into his own. ‘Those’ I felt in his presence I can’t translate
into words. He committed me into a path of bhajan, a compound of
bhakthi and jnana. He made me get the idols of his two wives and his
own as also that of Maruthi sculptured. From a variety of angles he
enabled me get spiritual experience. I began worshipping with basil
leaves his leather foot wear and for this purpose he presented a set of
new footwear every year. I was led to make promises and forced to
vouchsafe for it. Affirmative signs and illustration I used to get for all
deeds done in accord with his wishes; he did miracles so that people
would know and learn. But how many should people witness to learn?
I used to take in procession, wherever I went a portrait of the god Sri
Shivachidambara aloft a beautifully decked horse; a regal umbrella held
over it. Large fans were waved on either side of the portrait. Someone
held an unsheathed sword followed by others playing their musical
instruments. This procession was a part of my pilgrimage. The leather
footwear of the Mahaswamy tied to my breast adorned my heart. The
bhajan group, the flag bearers, the dancing folk singing Abhangas formed
a part of the procession. I was ordered to travel in this fashion and sent
to far off places. I covered Prayaga, Kashi, Gaya, Mathura, Vrindavan,
Delhi and Kurukshethra”.
“With all this, the delusion of many didn’t vanish. Even when God
spoke from his mouth and did miracles from his hands, people remained
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Chapter XX then, is our meal? When the Lord whom we worshipped daily before
our meal has left us how can we touch food”?
Vishnuroopa Darshana
Chidambara observed: “What are you saying? Isn’t it most
Chidambaradikshitharu had become a household name in what surprising? Is it possible for the Lord to forsake his bhakthas and go
we now identify as the Northern Karnataka region and the borders of away? Be certain. He never does so. Lakshmipathi savior of devotees
Marathi areas. Four vaishnavas wanted to see him in person and satisfy is right here. But tell me why and how he is missing from all the four
themselves. He was referred to as an Avathara of Shiva and his durbar boxes at once”?
attracted people from the four directions. The four visitors called
The visitors meekly replied: “That is something beyond us.
themselves vaishnavas because of their rigid adherence to the view that
Omniscient you are and you know it. Please resolve our problem first”.
Narayana, also called Vishnu alone is supreme among the gods and all
others are secondary. Dikshitharu was also known as a kind tolerant Chidambara offering a way out said: “Don’t be afraid; please wait.
host who never failed to appreciate the good and outstanding qualities I will replace with the new and more beautiful Saligramas. Worship him
of others. and have your meal”.

“Sir, tomorrow is a holy day a Haridina. Would you care to join us The visitor’s response was quick, decisive and clear. “We have
and others for your meal or like to have an exclusive arrangement made been worshipping the missed Saligramas since our upanayana and we
haven’t taken a morsel without offering it to him first. We would give up
for you”? Dikshitharu asked the Vaishnava guests for clarification.
of our lives rather than survive without him”.
The visitors replied: “We are vaishnavas and joining others isn’t
Witnessing their intense devotion Chidambara’s heart throbbed
done”. They were therefore supplied with the required provisions and
with kindness. He called the main cook and said: “See whether the
other facilities for cooking their meal. They woke up the next morning
Saligramas are lying in the sambar vessel”. The cook stirred several
and began their cooking near their mobile Devataarchana (puja) chest times with his ladle the boiling sambar vessel kept on the oven and
which they carry as a part and parcel of their life. (A box containing the began scooping one after poured all of them before Chidambara. “If
icons of deities the devotee worships every-day without fail). They your Saligramas are here please pick them up, worship and have food
opened their box to offer the food cooked to Saligrama the symbol of and give us happiness” said, Chidambara.
Vishnu. In each one of th four boxes the Saligrama was found missing.
On witnessing the great miracle, the visitors were surprised and
The four visitors met Chidambara in the Kitchen prostrated to him and
shaken, bowed down, prostrated and said: “Damn our superior status
with folded hands pleaded: “Chidambara, we are famished but we are
Chidambara, caught in our own delusion we shut our eyes to your
facing a big problem. Please solve our problem and enable us to have
greatness. Held by our petty logic we remained disinclined to appreciate
our meal”. your glory and rejected the great food you offered; we erred in insulting
Chidambara a little astonished asked: “Sir, you are Vishnu bhakthas you the omniscient. When Lord Vishnu himself has tasted the delicious
and how can problems trouble you? Don’t worry; they will be solved”. ‘sambar’ what about us? No blemish is attached if one eats with others.
The four lamented and said again: “When Lord Vishnu has left us where (we understand it now) Our superiority has led to making the priest
96 97
greater than god. Pride-filled minds of ours were deluded. We have difference. While Dikshitharu offered broken jowar, Narayanabhatta gave
identified your form. Our mind is at rest fixed on thy feet. Kindness rice.
manifest, lift us up, elevate us. You are Narayana dressed in human Because of this self-imposed responsibility his work load increased
form. Please permit us to partake of your food here along with others.
several fold. He became irritable, intolerant, restless and abusive. He
Oh, Lord, shower thy grace on us”.
found fault with every one and began to look down on others. He
Chidambara seeing their intense Bhakthi lifted them up and pacified spoke ill of brahmins at each step. His slanderous outbursts didn’t
them and revealed to them his ‘four shouldered Vishnu Form’. Having exclude Chidambara too. He didn’t hesitate to say to the diners who
seen the sinless form, a sight visible only to Yogis in the deep intensity of were in fact devotees,: “You eat stomach full and leave the cleansing to
their meditation the visitors invoked and prayed to him in a variety of me. Who is there for my help and assistance? You get rice here where
ways. as Dikshitharu serves only broken jowar and I have with me the vessel
inexhaustible; has he any such? After all what is so great about
II Chidambara”?
Narayanabhatta gave free vent to his enormous pride, arrogance
and conceit. The brahmins complained to Dikshitharu about Bhatt’s
Those who came to see Dikshitharu were always assured of their
conduct. The latter pacified them asking them to eat what he serves
food prasada the god-graced food. It was a sort of broken jowar soup.
Narayanabhatta, a Telugu brahmin wanted his accustomed ‘anna’, and not fall a prey to the superior grain of rice. He said further: “Come
cooked rice. Needless to observe, no one appreciated the brahmins and eat here; satisfaction derived from eating is the same, whether food
demand for a dish of his own liking. Moreover to ask from him who is ordinary or tasty. Shame and dishonour follow those who yield to the
would readily relinquish his own seat for the food of one’s own choice, cravings of the tongue. That which is served with love and affection
was infantile, thought everyone. The brahmin’s choice appeared when needed becomes nectar; even nectar ceases to give satisfaction if
inappropriate because it was like preferring intoxicating drinks to it is given without care or warmth”.
ambrosia. The mirror can reflect only the facial contours of the beholder; Sometime later Dikshitharu took a vow of alms seeking and went
similarly god gives what is desired by the human mind. Dikshitharu said
begging to Bhatta who was immensely pleased to find himself as
to the brahmin: “Preferential treatment in serving food at a public place
Chidambara’s choice and gave a handful of rice to the latter as sought.
is sinful to the server as well as the eater. Therefore cook your own
As the guru returned with that handful rice, Bhatt’s vessel became empty.
meal and be happy; the rice you want will be given”. He was given a
handful of rice. He was stunned and stupefied to realize that the game was over. He fell
at the feet of Chidambara and confessed in remorse: “Maha Swamy I
When Narayanabhatta put that hand full of rice into a vessel it multiplied accept my guilt and wrong-doing. I have insulted brahmins in my
itself into an inexhaustible measure. It was, so to say, a self-replenishing arrogance. Thoughtless I have slandered you in many ways and words.
gift. He felt extremely happy and satisfied and embarked on offering food I am despicable lowly being. Please excuse my deeds and utterances;
to people just as Chidambara did. There was however one major I beg your forgiveness”.
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The guru with his usual smile said: “Well, there is little that I can Chapter XXI
do. You will get what you have earned through karma. Keep that in
mind. He who is conscious of his own good will thank the brahmin Stone Turns Gold and Poverty
even if the brahmin misbehaves by his word or action. Our wealth, Eradicated
opulence and our Jnana, learning, will perish if the brahmin is insulted.
Therefore in your own self-interest surrender yourself to them and seek In the princely state of Agadi there lived a court priest called
their clemency. Through the blessed offerings given by the brahmins, Ramashastry. He had come with his family to see Sri Shiva
prasada, flows happiness of power and strength”. Chidambaradikshitharu. After the formal pleasantries, Dikshitharu asked:
“Shastrigale, I have a desire to listen to your rendering of the puranas;
Narayana in obedience to the instructions received fell at the feet may I ask for its fulfillment”?
of brahmins. Blessed by brahmins he became purified and later he got
Chidambara’s blessings as well. Shastry in obedience to the wish of the Mahaswamy got himself
ready for the rendering. The listeners had already assembled. Dikshitharu
We bow to Chidambara in concluding this note. His grace dispels sent his assistant Govinda to personally invite Thryambakashastry a
our fear of birth and death. well known scholar to listen to the Puranas.
Displeased with the messengers poor grammar and rustic usage
the scholar Shastry said: “You say you are a Chidambara’s disciple but
speak like an unsophisticated novice. What a Chidambara and what a
disciple? Alas! What poor diction and usage”!? The invitee chose to
decline the invitation. Govinda embarrassed and ashamed returned to
his guru and reported verbatim the reception he received.
Sri Shivachidambara sprinkled some sacred ash on the face of the
stupid Govinda making him into an all knowing scholar well versed in
all branches of knowledge. Govinda then went back to Shastry and
renewed his invitation in a scholarly language of variety, style, grace,
taste, prasa, rhyme, slesha, and Yamaka (a type of word play with
sounds).
Shastry was stunned and stupefied on hearing the stupid messenger
addressing him with authority like a scholar. Divining the infinite ways in
which the guru’s grace can radiate, Shastry attended the assembly
accepting the invitation.
Ramashastry seeing ‘the scholarly tiger’Thryambakashastry in the
audience felt self-conscious, diffident and distraught. Watching
100 101
Ramasasty’s discomfiture, Chidambara put some sacred ash into the till the village is reached didn’t appease her thirst for knowing. She
former’s mouth and sprinkled some more on his face. When Ramashastry wanted it to be known here and now. Quarreling thus they walked up
started his prefatory reading after the invocation, the scholar Shastry to a place called Doddavada where Shastry went for a bath keeping
didn’t forget to warn and caution the pauranika (the purana reader) to aside his shawl. Shastry’s wife untied the knot for inspection and got
be careful and watchful in his presence. disappointed on seeing a big stone and threw it away.
Ramasastry the pouranika drawing inspiration looking at the face “Wicked woman what did you do”? Shastry remonstrated.
of the Mahaswamy interpreted the word Chidambara in sixteen different Recovering the broken piece of the thrown out stone he hit his forehead
forms and meanings supported by the rules of grammar and usage. in anguish and distress. The stone shone in brilliance and half of it had
Thryambakasastry stood up at the end of the rendering and turned into gold. Showing it to his wife he said in sadness that the whole
embraced the pauranik in profound appreciation and warmth. stone would have turned into gold. If only she had cared to wait and
Overcoming his conceit he confessed: “The glory of Chidambara is see. He thanked Chidambara for giving at least a half instead of nothing.
inexhaustible and wordless”. Throwing aside his self importance and He returned to Agadi and lived his time in the company of
scholarly distance he became a devotee of Chidambara. Chidambara’s name and memory.
Ramasastry sought Chidambara’s permission to leave after
spending a couple days in the holy company of the Mahaswamy. But
II
his mind was seized by the Mahaswamay. But his mind was seized by
the thought of his poverty and the absence of any indication of its
eradication. But Dikshitaru could easily discern a streak of dissatisfaction Narayanabhatta a shivabhaktha dedicated to the Vedic knowledge
on the face of his beloved puranic. He was besieged by his mind which and learning was living on the banks of the River Thungabhadra. He
reminded him of his uneradicated poverty even under the benevolent was poor and his family was large. It was a daily struggle to make his
company and fellowship of Chidambara. both ends meet. Shelter less and thrown out from the house in which he
While sending off Ramashastry Chidambara accompanied the was living he had to beg for a living. He migrated to Pandharapura
visitor some distance. At some point the Mahaswamy took away Vittala’s holy place as a destitute thinking of suicide if Vittala didn’t
Ramashastry to a secluded place leaving all others behind. Chidambara care to help. A year passed by. One night Vittala came in his dream and
placed a big stone in the shawl of Ramashastry and secured it with a said:
knot. He further directed not to unite the knot before he reaches his “Brahmin, listen to me. Don’t worry your penury has come to an
village. He also pronounced: “With this your poverty is eradicated”. end. Parameshwara of oceanic kindness is living in Murugodu with the
Shastry’s wife was a self willed hasty and imprudent woman. Her name of Chidambaradikshithru. Go to him without a trace of hesitation
eagerness to know what transpired between her husband and the and free yourself from destitution.” Awakened, the brahmin reviewed
Mahaswamy appeared irresistible. She insisted on Shastry to disclose his dream and questioned the basis of its message and appealed to
to her the contents of their private meeting. Shastry’s suggestion to wait Vittala: “Aren’t you capable of helping me? How can a man do what is
102 103
impossible for Lakshmipathi ? (Lakshmi goddess of wealth and die as they are born. How can your poverty be eradicated by my
Narayana her Lord) Don’t dispatch me to a human being. I want Thou actions? I have however designed a plan for you. Stay here for a day
to grace me”. Resolute in his stand he again prayed to Vittala forsaking or two and proceed straight to Srirangapattana where an extraordinary
food. After three days Vittala came again in his dream and admonished: charitable person by name Purnaiah lives. (Dewan Purnaiah is a name
“Brahmin, don’t be impudent and spurn the divine. Give up your delusion to reckon with in the history of Mysore). You get five thousand coins
and proceed to Chidambaradikshitharu”. Vittala also made sure to visit from him which in turn extinguish your poverty. Don’t entertain disbelief,
the priests in their dream that night and warned: “Don’t let the brahmin trust me”.
inside the temple; drive him out”. Guru’s permission secured, Narayanabhat ta left for
When the brahmin went the next day to the temple early in the Srirangapattana the holy place of Sri Ranganatha. Good signs and omens
morning the priest had this message to deliver: “You are ordered to go greeted him on the way. He met a stranger who became close very
to Murugodu. If you don’t I have Vittala’s instruction to send you out soon. The stranger confessed: “I have in fact come in search of you.
of temple”. Terminating his fast and vow by feeding the brahmins Let us get back to our place. The five thousand coins you sent me were
Narayanabhatta went at last to Murugodu. timely. The debt is cleared and my daughter’s wedding is fixed”.
Narayanabhatta said to himself in disbelief: “When did I remit five
Seeing Chidambaradikshitharu from a distance Bhatta ran to him
thousand coins to a stranger who I am meeting for the first time now?
and fell at the feet of Vittala’s nominee. Lifting Bhatta up in love
This is Mahaswamy’s leela the divine sport-an outflow of his hidden
Dikshitharu said:
grace. His deeds are awesome. He spoke like a common man and sent
“Brahmin superior, you had gone to the divine, hadn’t you? Why me out saying “I am myself a poor man and I can’t give you anything”.
then did you come to a mortal? What is that a man can do which the “Greater than the greatest Thou art. I called you by names and teased
gods don’t?” Dikshitharu asked. Vittala too. Forgive all my misdeeds.” He prayed. Turning to his stranger
The brahmin embarrassed again held the feet of Dikshitharu. Tears friend on the way Bhatta said: “You get going. I am going on Swamy’s
trickled down profusely from his eyes and his throat got choked. The command”.
brahmin, addressing Dikshitharu, said: “Oh! Chidambara, in my delusion Chidambara now appeared in Purnaiah’s dream and said: “Listen,
I couldn’t comprehend your glory even when Vittala himself directed I speak this in your interest. You are likely to face a problem very soon
me to you. If you don’t rescue and uphold a stupid one like me how which isn’t insoluble! There is a solution and it is this. Tomorrow a
can your glory spread? I have come to you in total surrender, please lift stranger from the bank of river Thunga claiming to be sent by Chidambara
me up”. appears at your eastern door step. Receive him and extend a cordial
Guardian and protector of the lowly and the humble, Chidambara reception and give him rupees five thousand and a festive meal. Your
enquired in sweet affection about his family and how they were doing. problems hinted earlier will be solved with this act. You will be in trouble
Listening to Narayanabhatta’s description of his poor circumstance, if my words are ignored”.
Chidambara observed: “In this world there is no fire second to poverty. The next day was marked by events as foreseen in the dream.
But what can I do? I am myself a poor fellow. The poor man’s desires Wonderstruck Purnaiah paid rupees five thousand to Narayanabhatta
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besides scrupulously following the word and spirit of the dream Chapter XXII
instructions. Providing an escort Purnaiah gave a cordial farewell to the
poor brahmin. Water Spring at Thadasanooru
Narayanabhatta returned to Murugodu to relate his incredible and Thimmappa Gosai
experience. In gratitude and thankfulness he bowed to Chidambara Thadasanooru is too small a place to find a place in our school
and said: “Thou art the Lord of the universe who gives double of what maps. But no place or person is unimportant for Sri Shiva Chidambara
is asked” “You are enriched by your forces unseen called good fortune; Dikshitharu. One hot afternoon he went with his band of followers to
what have I got to do with that”? this arid waterless tract. Everyone in the group felt thirsty their throats
dry and choking. To fetch a pot of water the residents had to trek long
distances.
Walking to the North Eastern boundary of the village Dikshitharu
selected a point on a plateau-like land to dig a well. A shudra familiar
with the nature of the tract watched Dikshitharu’s activity. He could not
restrain himself. He said: “Brahmin the great, what are you doing here”?
Chidambara replied: “I am getting a well dug here; I am feeling
very thirsty”. “Are you mad or what? You expect a water spring here?
Why labour in haste? Expect water in this barren stretch! Isn’t it like
milking the ox, instructing the stupid, enriching the luckless, purifying
the butcher’s mind? I tell you, it is useless. Should not discretion inform
work? Should not you examine the earth and sub soil before embarking
on sinking a well? You will find happiness in all things you do if it is
supported by experience”.
Chidambara replied in simple faith: “Appa, I am very thirsty. If
Shiva is great and all knowing he will let a water fountain spring here”.
As these words were being uttered a fountain of water gushed itself
from the earth. Seeing the water fountain the shudra confessed: “You
are no common brahmin. You are Shiva indeed. Do not mind my words
uttered in haste. If you grace anything is possible”.
He fell at the feet of Shiva Chidambara.
A pleasant commotion disturbed the pilgrims who wanted to watch
the water fountain and the upsurge of water from that barren bosom.
106 107
Caught in the cause and effect nexus of things and events they asked to the Maharaja and touching his sacred feet he submitted: “Maha
Dikshitharu for an explanation and his reply was true to his being. He Swamy, you know as everyone does here that I am the dullest and
observed: most stupid of your devotees. I cannot talk much about it. Deformed
“Since Shankara is favourably disposed towards you, he has sent and ugly looking as I am what performance can I present? You must be
his Bhagirathi, the river goddess. She has herself come to save you and playing with me a poor being and that indeed is no small a grace. Let
quench your thirst. If you bathe once in this Ganga the river that knows not your word go unheeded. I am an illitereate unfamiliar with the written
no pollution’, the ever pure and clean river, your sins are burnt and word. What kirthana can I present before you, Swamy”?
your mind gets purified and the merit of bathing in the holy Prayaga Dikshitharu was moved by Thimma’s sincere and honest
accrues”. expressions of innocence. He asked Thimma to come close to him.
II When he did Dikshitharu, sprinkled sacred ash on his face. Thimma at
once discovered in himself a competence and scholarship and learning
A Haridasa came to the durbar of Shri Shiva Chidambara that sprang out from within. He began composing in prose and verse
Diskshitharu. Haridasa is a slave of Hari Sri Vishnu; slavery is a simple the knowledge enshrined in the books of the world of learning. He
life of innocence to be attained not a living condition that is deplored; began singing melodiously a variety of tunes set to a range of beats and
they narrate through a blend of simple music, lofty prose and dance notes touching the heart of every one present there. His first item was a
that is vibrant and natural the life and glory of Hari to touch the heart of eulogy on the guru. Those who wanted to leave early changed their
the common man. His proficiency was well known and his fame as a mind caught by the voice of Thimma. The Haridasa had before him a
performer had spread far and wide. Many devotees of the Dikshitharu yardstick to compare his own skills and proficiency in this art; he stood
too were attracted by his outward performance and perceived skills of awe struck beaten in every direction. He fell at the feet of Chidambara
narration. They wanted him to perform in Chidambara durbar. The seeking clemency.
Haridasa’s conditions were clear and not negotiable. He demanded
one hundred rupees for his performance and his tone was imperious. Thimma was turned into Thimmappa Gosai a saintly being.
He said “No money, no performance is my rule”. Go and ask if your
Dikshtharu is willing to abide by this condition”.
The devotees pooled their own meager resources and arranged
for the programme of course with the consent and approval of the
Maharaja as some referred to the Dikshitharu. The durbar was full and
the audience was eager with expectation. The Harikatha rendering was
all set to begin. The Chidambara Maha Swamy presiding over the durbar
called for Thimma his assistant in a loud voice. The assistant stood
before the Mahaswamy shaken by the call in that durbar. The guru
Maharaja said: “I am desirous of listening to your kirthana, (rendering
of a musical narrative). Go ahead and start”. Bowing down in reverence
108 109
Chapter XXIII and his followers a great and satisfying meal. Mallappa joined the
Mallappa The Munificent Swamy after his meal.

In the year 'Kshaya' of the Hindu calendar there was an outbreak In the meantime, two brahmins seeing the Swamy from a distance
of famine in the regions now known as North Kannada. Since rains joyously approached him and made a humble submission of their des-
had failed there was no work for farmers. Many walked to the place of titute condition. "Chidambara, protector of the three worlds, blessed
Dikshitharu leaving their hearth and homes in search of food and liveli- are we to see you. We are brahmins; we are struck with hopelessness
hood. Moved by the sight of hapless people, he arranged for gruel and want. We remain exhausted in caring for a family with no resources.
centers providing broken jowar soup and butter milk for the needy; but We never had a good and satisfying meal in recent days. Now things
conditions grew worse with each passing day. have gone worse and who can give whom when everyone is in dire
need"? Dikshitharu was moved and said: "Give up your desperation;
Dikshitharu was however conscious of the significance of kala, your problems have met their end. Stop worrying hereafter. Go and
time. All things happen in time and its dictates are not tobe transgressed. have your meal with a rested mind. Umapathy Lord of Uma will save
Let time run its course was what wise men said. "We must carefully you from your problems".
deal with the event by providing food and rescuing people from the
Dikshitharu called Mallappa to his side and said: "The one who
jaws of death", Dikshitharu thought and posted his son Divakara to
gives food during famine, money during normal times and words of
Gurlahosur the newly built town entrusting him with the task of provid-
assurance to the fear stricken is dear to Shiva. Therefore give pleasure
ing food to the famine stricken immigrants. to Shankara (Shiva) by giving away jowar to these two brahmins a
Dikshitharu marched to Betasuru followed by a large group of quantity that meets their annual requirement. In times of general desti-
volunteers and devotees. The townsmen received Swamy with sincere tution, Uma Ramana Lord of Uma will be pleased even if a small offer-
devotion and loving respect. The Swamy made kind inquiries about ing is made to fellow beings. This is true and certain. Don't entertain
everyone no matter who they were brahmin or shudra. Going close to doubts".
one Mallappa, Swamy said: "Do you remember me the one who lives Mallappa bowing down reverentially submitted: "Swamy, the times
under your munificence? Like the Chataka bird that remembers the are hard and difficult with no alms giver left. My own family is large
moon, so do I live in your remembrance. Today, I have come for your enough to reckon. Everyday a large number of visitors step into my
Darshan". threshold. Those who come to beg are migrants and often demand
Mallappa, a little startled recited this invocation in reply: "Lord of with vehemene. Everyday my foremost thought is about how I can sail
the universe, Jagannatha, prime mover, why do you enthrall me with through these difficult times? (Given these conditions) how do I carry
thy words? I have come in submission to thy feet. Your servant I am out your wish"?
and so I remain. This house is not mine; it is yours. (When) You go to Chidambara observed: "Let me first know how much jowar you
your house, where is the need for someone to accord a reception"? have. Then I will tell you what you should do in your best interest".
Pleased with what Mallappa said, the Swamy with his entourage en- Mallappa replied: "Sadgurunatha, I have with me nine underground
tered the house of Mallappa, who lost no time in offering to his guru cellars-cum-warehouses and similarly big and large is my family".
110 111
Mahaswamy pleased with Mallappa's transparent disclosure of that the instruments of happiness remain even if the body withers away
stocks as they truly were, smiled in satisfaction and continued: "Mallappa, inconceivably. 'The God in the belly' (The God within) who protects
how can you be so tight-fisted possessing such huge stocks? How can you naturally, does he forsake you now? Why wear the cloak of 'self
you expect fulfillment in life by such acts? Consider the real and the importance'? If God forsakes who can save? If man thinks that he can
unreal and be discriminating. Futile it is to get into passionate attach- protect his self why does death then visit him without ever being in-
ment. If you think your assets, land and buildings and your relation- vited"?
ships, wife and children and other resources like grains and cash are
"Therefore Mallappa, give up your body consciousness and invite
permanent and last forever, then be parsimonious. If not your ceaseless
and accept the attitude of dharma. You will then get happiness pure and
toil may go in vain".
simple. It is dharma alone that protects us finally. All that is visible to the
"In this illusory world samsara the conjunction of happy circum- eye mirage like, will vanish truly and really. In the final analysis, only
stances is like a lightning that vanishes as it flashes. The life-span of Atman is permanent and lasting. He to whom you attach yourself as
beings is like a drop of water on molten steel. Like a frog trying to your own poses difficulties and in the end becomes your foe. Your own
swallow a fly caught in the jaws of a serpent, fools except happiness in men and people each bound to one's own karma incapable of pursiung
this samsara the world. Consider carefully. Only sorrow befalls a man, their own interest, can they serve and protect your interests? Consider
the more he strives for happiness. Happiness is like a dream an ap- with care. 'The one who can protect one's own self is one's Self only' is
pearance. Our song of life 'companionship of wife and children', is like a vedic pronouncement. Repose faith in the Vedic dictum and redeem
the birds that fly away in the morning after night's rest on the tree. yourself from worldly worries. Happiness and sorrow and gains and
Wealth is a volatile phenomenon. Youth dies down like waves of the
losses are not under your thumb. Do not add one coin to another in
sea. (The human) body is a nest of diseases. If this is so, how can
greed and lust. Do not squander money thoughtlessly in evil ways
happiness happen in the world? Learned fools toil and devise clever
being a prey to passion. Sensing the wholesome spirit of dharma and
plans for bodily pleasures. The Atman is separate and different from
equipoise, apply yourself to work with single mindedness. Since Atman
the body which is but a compound of five elements. Thinking that se-
permeates in all things moveable and immoveable do work for his plea-
curing for one's living and food for belly ensures happiness, stupid is
sure. The Atman is in fullness in all beings including the four-faced
he, who fills his granaries nine. He must know it is like dressing the
donkey with the most expensive embroidered silk to protect his self Brahma; to secure the grace of Atman you must offer your life in sacri-
against cold and wetness. The fools unaware of the Atman that is dif- fice".
ferent from the body get into many difficulties driven as they are by "Therefore thinking that Paramathama is residing in these two
manifold desires and conceptions. Unaware of the secret of joy and brahmins give them grains that would last for an year". Mallappa's mind
happiness, action bound man goes on working and toiling. He himself always oriented towards dharma took hold of him with the instructions
thus becomes responsible for the repetitive cycle of his own birth and received. He called in the brahmins and asked them to collect as much
death. Do what you will the desired fruits do not come by. Caught in grain as they thought would last for a year. The brahmins lost no time in
the delusion (that the body is he and its happiness is lasting and real), he collecting their requirement of grain and bowed down to Dikshitharu in
becomes a subject of repeated births and deaths. He doesn't notice wordless gratitude and satisfaction. The incredible act of Mallappa
112 113
spread like wild fire in those bad times. A multitude of people were Instructing Mallappa in the manner described before, Dikshitharu
ready with their petitions before Dikshitharu who directed them all to collecting jowar in his upper garment came walking to the granaries
Mallappa saying: "This Mallappa is a munificent person; go and ask that were now empty. Moved by what he saw he threw a handful of
him; he will provide you with grains". grain into each underground storage bowl. Turning towards Mallappa
he said: Munificent one, open these bowls after three days.
Dikshitharu's nectarine instructions on the one hand and the sight
of famished faces on the other had prepared Mallappa for the act. Having given this parting message Dikshitharu left for Kusugallu a
Placing a couple of basil leaves on the mountainous heap of grains nearby place. Mallappa opened the sealed warehouses after the stipu-
collected from all the granaries he offered it to Dikshitharu saying: "Sri lated time of three days . Dumbstruck was he to find them full. Because
Chidambara with his manifold forms and shapes has come to me seek- of the Yoga of that sadbhaktha devotee true and sincere, people of that
ing alms. I place this heap at his feet." region survived the effects of famine with the least sweat or strain. (The
word Yoga is also used to indicate destiny).
The granary was literally looted for three long days by the poor
Mallappa earned fame as munificent because of the grace of the
and the famished. When everything was over Dikshitharu questioned
sadguru.
Mallappa:"Taking in earnest what I said as a matter of course you have
given away your grains. What do you do for your own people"?
Mallappa replied: "Swamy! why should I bother when the protector
and saviour of all, Jagannatha, is there? Burden of fending for the family
is on his shoulders. Samardha (One who is capable of doing anything)
Lord, listening to your nectarine words had rid me of all worries and I
am filled with satisfaction. Your presence I see wherever I look".
Pleased with his response, Dikshitharu said: "Disciple most dear,
keep in mind what you have said right now and hold on to peace.
Worldly business needs to be transacted. Achievement or no know for
certain that the business transacted is unreal and preserve and safe
guard the poise within. Every day take bath as required and perform
the daily adorations. Listen to the Vedas with love and worship Shiva
as resources permit. To your forefathers and other divinitied offer food
and oblations and then partake of your daily meal with the family after
extending hospitality to the uninvited guest. Let time be invested in re-
calling and remembering Shiva's name. The karmic dues and affiliations
get settled through this style of living. Actions done in response to the
flow of unknown forces do not fetter."
114 115
Chapter XXIV and immigrants. The make do canteen, was kept always open as long
Shirahatti and Around as the drought conditions lasted. Those that preferred to cook for them-
selves were given grains from Dikshirharu's inexhaustible stock of eight
Chidambara Dikshitharu came to the nearby Kusugallu on one measures.
hot afternoon from Betasur another draught affected village where ev-
erything was hot and scalding. Farmers had no work to do; village The effect of draught was far more severe in Shirahatti. He saw
residents had no food or water. Many left their home and hearth in the fire of anger and disappointment aflame in the unsmiling face of men
search of food, water and employment. Water had to be brought from and women.
long distances to quench their thirst. Dikshitharu had come with nearly On a morning of the Kartheekamasa of the Hindu calendar corre-
four hundred followers. The village had no resource of any kind to sponding to the month of November Dikshitharu climbed up to the
receive them and Dikshtharu knew it. roof top and bowed down in prayerful reverence to the Lord govern-
Dikshitharu, therefore, asked for a bamboo tray full of sugar and ing the four directions on the compass.
four pots of water from the local residents who fetched it from an in- Clouds gathered and a heavy down pour of rain lashed right
credible distance. through the day and night. When people prayed for rain to stop
He took on himself the task of distribution of sugar and water so Dikshitharu, again intervened on behalf of the village folks; went up to
that no one would miss his share. He began giving tray full of sugar to the roof top and communicated with the forces of nature designated as
his followers estimated at four hundred. Sugar supply replenished itself four directions. He asked the farmers to sow the seeds and harvest the
on the tray as soon as it was emptied. Everyone had his share which crop when ready. Thus draught was swept away from the whole region
was no less than that of the other. around Shirahatti. A large mass of people followed Dikshitharu where
ever he went.
With four pots of water received from the villagers he did the
One day he went to a farm land where farmers were at work on
same. Each follower was given as much water as he needed to quench
their fields. Proceeding to a particular stretch of land he instructed the
his thirst besides filling it up in their pots and vessels which they carried
farmer through Shiva Shastry his renowned disciple to follow the Maha
with them. He augmented the supply of sugar and water by four hun-
Swamy. Walking around the farm land he stood at a place and asked
dred times if that was the number of his followers. Satisfied with sugar
the farmer to dig the earth at the indicated spot. The farmer dug as
and water received they went to the shade of a tree nearby and rested.
directed and unearthed the hidden treasure.
Further Dikshitharu asked for eight measures of jowar to be
brought perhaps from some villager who could afford. Nearly the half
of jowar received, was milled into flour and the other half was con-
verted into granules; mixing the two jowar flour and granules together a A brahmin of the name of Annambhatta a normal and decent per-
broth was cooked and distributed. Again each one was served as much son left his home unannounced following a quarrel with his wife. He
as he liked thus opening a virtual canteen for the famine struck villagers came to Dikshitharu and stayed with him.
116 117
His wife coming to know of her husband's whereabouts came to and shooting pain made him come down on his knees. Unable to with-
Dikshitharu, prostrated to him, and presented her son before her hus- stand pain the intolerant brahmin knew within that it was the fruit of his
band and bowed down to him. own actions and conduct which he now regretted. He feared death and
Annambhatta infuriated with his wife's moves, picked up a stone ran to Chidambara for mercy and cried aloud seeking clemency.
to hurl at his wife. The latter fell at the feet of Swamy and sought his Dikshitharu with a smile on his face asked: Appa, why do you come
refuge. Dikshitharu said:Brahmin, What are you doing? The wise ones here? Go somewhere and be happy. I am a women's advocate and do
shouldn't enter into matrimony; having entered it, hell, you cannot es- not have your discriminating perception. Why come to me? Go where
cape through divorce. There are well established norms to seek di- you like". Holding replied: "Swamy, I am a pronounced sinner and my
vorce; listen to me with patience. wrong deeds are too many. I did not know or care to know the extent
of your glory. I am suffering this pain for I repudiated you. Thou, em-
"If there is no issue even after a decade of wedlock divorce is
bodiment of kindness, free me from this suffering. In a second you can
permissible." "A wife is to be divorced forthwith if she hates her hus-
burn asunder this earth if your anger is provoked. If you grace a straw
band or obstructs dharmic activities, or kills her off springs;" there is no
a mount it becomes. Save me from this pain, Oh sadguru; otherwise I
time duration.
will not survive. Oh, guru the great, crippled I cannot get up or sit
"In the absence of any of these faults no wife who is keeping the down. I will not hereafter disregard your word and I promise to go by
home and hearth is to be forsaken or treated indifferently. He who it. I swear I do not lie".
disregards these norms gets no happiness whatever. The wedlock must
be preserved by some means otherwise the decree of the Lord of death Mahaswamy asked:"Annambhatta, do you really care to listen to
Yama is inescapable. This is founded on the Dharma Shastra the eter- my world!? Then go and accept your wife if there is a grain of truth in
nal rule. In the codes and texts of Manu and Yagnavalkya the same is what you swear".
enunciated. Do not separate yourself from your dharma pathni wife by Bhatta: "Kindness incarnate I do and accept my wife but first re-
eternal sanction. Go and live happily with your devoted wife". lieve me of this pain and free me from this cancerous eruption".
Annambhatta infuriated at the advice given went away and lodged Guru: "Why clamout and scream about your boil? Show me how
himself with some unknown person. With grace-filled look at the dis- and where it is"? Annambhatta pulling off his robe showed his thigh to
appointed wife Dikshitharu said: "Mother, do not give up courage; de- discover for himself that there was no trace of a boil what so ever on
voted as you are your husband will join you on his own". Her trust in
his skin. Awe struck Bhatta exclaimed: "Omnipotent, thy powers are
Dikshitharu gave her the strength to live in peace with herself.
exalted and incredible. Please do not mind my misconducts." galore of
Annambhatta a man of narrow and limited perception did not like
Guru: "Take your wife and be happy; think not of what has passed".
Dikshitharu supporting and espousing his wife's cause or his wife tak-
ing refuge under the latter. He slandered Dikshitharu and questioned Bhatta: "Sadguru, in surrender I have sought your refuge thinking
his impartial status. The other devotees and followers did not approve that the world is listless but you ask me to rejoin it! Isn't it unfortunate
Bhatta's conduct or words. They feared its consequences and they that you being a Gnani the knower are asking me to go back to the
were soon to follow. A boil erupted on the Bhatta's thigh and its burning world? I don't see any other reason".
118 119
Chidambara Dikshitharu replied: "I am surprised at your words. Shirahatti had become a place of pan Indian conclave of
Do you know what they convey? It is like a thirsty man stretching his Chidambara devotees. From various parts of India people had come
hands to ice cubes in preference to rain water. Though the world samsara to see and meet in person Lord Shiva living as a poor brahmin. It was
is truly listless, for the one dabbling in it samsara doesn't affect. It is not a huge gathering far beyond the resources of that township. In this vast
proper to believe that vairagya detachment connotes the discarding of congregation were two persons from the village Anaji of Chithradurga
samsara. It is because of our body consciousness alone that we pas- District of former State of Mysore a Virupaksha Jois and his friend
sionately fall in love with our wives and children". It is moha passion Krishnappa. Jois had come to seek a personal benefit as a last resort.
that indicates hatred, happiness and sorrow in our mind. The body for He wanted a son to his son so that the family line may continue unbro-
whose happiness you strive all through your life is that which turns into ken. He had heard of Sri Shiva Chidambaradikshitharu and his divine
dust. As long as there is body-consciousness in you, how can you re- descent. The two friends tried everyday to meet Dikshitharu only to
main detached asanga? Kama and krodha (passion and anger) are the return disappointed. After six days of disappointment they thought of
root cause of samsara. These two culprits destroy the great penance of returning home reconciled to their fate. They planned to circumambu-
maha yogis at once". late the holy town where Chidambaradikshitharu was in residence the
"Therefore only those that are not subject to kama and krodha next morning as a mark of their sincere devotion and a willing accep-
are qualified and eligible for moksha deliverance. Doing penance in the tance of their fate.
deep forests will be fruitless and futile if you are afflicted with kama and But they were not to leave. Jois was called by Chidambara the
krodha". next day but someone else of the same name presented himself into the
"Moksha is more easily secured by being a grihastha a house- guru's precincts.
holder pursuing happiness following swadharma the dharma of one's Chidambaradikshitharu knew whom he wanted to meet.
own background and tradition rather than doing penance in the for- Virupaksha Jois from the Durga region sporting a green shawl as his
ests". headdress was called specifically, the following day. And Virupaksha
"The grihastha is better equipped to conquer the foe of sensuous- Jois at last was in the immediate presence of the Lord.
ness than anyone else. Like a king gaining success stationed in his for- Chidambara Dikshitharu innocently asked: "Mr. Jois, is your mind
tress, man can gain moksha being a householder". still a captive of anger against us?" Jois did not know what to say;
"When (your) sovereignty over mind is established, what does it silence held him.
matter if you are at home or in the forests if you are a grihastha or a "Do you circumambulate the town and leave?" Dikshitharu asked
sanaysi, a householder or a recluse? Nothing is achieved by one who without expecting a reply. The two were asked to extend their stay by
has no control over his mind. Therefore living with your wife and family another week and meet Dikshitharu again.
hold yourself in a state free from all attachments nissanga".
At the second meeting a week later Dikshitharu gave a coconut to
Annambhatta joined his wife and family after bowing down with Jois and said: "This is for ourselves". Jois received what was given. He
reverence to his guru. was too close to unravel or analyse its import. Dikshitharu continued:
120 121
"Your son gets a daughter; give her Chidambara's name. Chidambara Chapter XXV
will be reborn as a full blown descent in the family to which she is Ghantarava Shastry
married". Giving four more date fruits Dikshitharu continued: "This is
for your son. He will get a son. Give a feast to all when your desire is
fulfilled". Krishnappa was also blessed and he got a son later. As There was a proud and haughty pundit who did not know how to
Chidambara Dikshitharu foresaw Sri shankara Linga Bhagawan live in harmony with his scholarship. He challenged, derided and slan-
Saraswathi Paramahamsa was born as Chidambaramma's grandson. dered other scholars inviting them to a contest believing that he would
And Krishnappa's grandson became a saint called Brahmananda. emerge supreme vanquishing others into submission. He rode in his
palanquin accompanied by fanfare and umbrella bearers. He had a bell
tied to his wrist heralding his coming and his presence. The bell was his
brand to use a modern expression. From the vanquished he demanded
and got a parchment of Victory Certificate.
The pundit was on his way to Shirahatti; his target was Sri Shiva
Chidambara Dikshitharu whose name and fame he had heard. He
wanted to defeat the latter and the very thought made him joyous.
Chidambara's durbar that day was full and overflowing; there were
scholars, singers, dancers and men of varied talents and accomplish-
ments. He was surrounded by Vedic scholars and princes and nobles
and chieftains dressed in varied armours and colours. A large section of
disciples and devotees were sitting on their knees awaiting his close
presence sweet speech and pleasant and silent smile. The silver scep-
ter holders were proclaiming the fame of the poor brahmin. The princely
retinue and guards were in attendance. And to this assembly bell sound
Shastry walked in to regret. He couldn't retrace his steps. He thought:
"Why did I step into this durbar? why is it that I feel an upsurge of
stress tension and fear? The lustre of this assembly seems to delude
me. How do I design my victory plans here"?
Unsteady and perspiring Shastry split within and made bold to
walk forward. He saw people falling at the feet of Chidambara dressed
in bright clothes with ash marks on his forehead. The scholars were
listening to the finer and subtle intricacies of shastras and their explana-
tion and meaning. As soon as he went close to Chidambara the latter
122 123
stood up in respect and bowed down his head and offered him a high your conceit. If you have no taste for debate or argumenatation what-
chair and made pleasant inquiries: "From which place are you? What soever then hand me in your Victory Certificate."
has brought here? Where are you bound to? A bell is tied to your wrist; Chidambara Dikshitharu heard what the Ghantarava Sastry said
what does that mean"? with pride of erudition.
Shastry replied: "I am a scholar from the East. Bagging victories I He called a five year old mute boy standing close to him and put
have come to you. The bell tied to my wrist is my title. My name is some Vibhuti on his face and into his mouth. He became a Jnani an all
Ghantarava (bell sound). I am well-versed in four sastras. I have deci- knowing being that very instant. Securing the Guru's permission the
phered the meaning of Vedas. I am an expert wrangler. I have met Jnani turned mute boy announced his readiness for debate exchange
people and seen places. No one stood up to my wraggling. I have and argument with this opening remarks: "pundit respected, state fear-
taken 'Victory Certificate' from every one. Having heard about your lessly your proposition and present your premises". When Ghantarava
fame I have come here. Argue you must or handover Victory Certifi- Shastry began presenting his basic premises his heart throbbed with
cate". anxiety and mind went blank. Profuse flow of sweat ran down. No
Chidambara laughed and said: "Argue with you? No sir I have no Shastric proposition came to his mind. Struck with intense fear he sat
capacity or ability or qualification. You are sir, a great pundit. Those mute. Recovering after sometime he apologised for his misadventure.
that possess scholarship should also earn 'blessings of brahmins'; and Seeing Shastry's pride eroded Chidambara touched him with his blessed
hands all over. Shastry's scholarship and erudition returned to him and
not the taint of disrespecting or dishonouring the brahmin. A Jnani is he
he became a Jnani as before. Shastry addressing the assembly said:
who is equal-minded. Therefore dear pundit, forsake from this mo-
"Distinguished members my mind reflected on the company of the vir-
ment the desire for battle, for words and arguments; rest, in mental
tuous the expresssion that in a satsangha all sins will be burnt. "You
poise. Why hanker for title? Throw it away. I am saying what is good
have yourself seen how arrogant and hot headed I was. With the very
for you. If your mind doesn't receive my words or if you are bent on
sight of a satpurusha (He man of Truth) it was exorcised. My birth is
wrangling look, here are seated reputed scholars. They will lighten your
fulfilled. The feet of sadguru I have seen". He composed many hymns
pride within a moment".
on the guru and his glory reflecting his learning and scholarship. Divest-
Laughing, Shastry replied: "Even before listening to my unheard of ing him of his title he was accorded a seat in the company of scholars.
debating skills you are taking in the light of your own egoism. Who has Ghantarava Shastry stayed with the guru and became renowned for his
the expertise or merit to sit opposite me and argue? The four faced 'extempore repartee' on forty subjects at a time.
Brahma may get exhausted in wrangling with me. Therefore why do
you field in vain these scholars before me to argue? Why don't they
secure and preserve their reputation in silence? It isn't proper to detail
a flock of sheep for an elephant-fight? If you have a little respect for Chidambara then went to Mulugunda continuing his draught-miti-
yourself come, debate with me and accept my challenge. I will lighten gating deeds. He ensured provision of food and thus fortified them
124 125
against its fear. But something special happened here. There was in that Ignoring the company of erudite Vedic brahmins you came out to uplift
place a young prostitute of extraordinary beauty and charm. Leprosy me. You burnt with your graceful sight the ailment that didn't yield to
struck her and spread all over her body probably because of previous Dana, Homa, Japa and Thapa (offerings, sacrifice, repetitiv utterance
karma. She was thus depressed and despondent. She had heard of of the holy name and penance respectively). A grace treasure kripanidhi
Chidambara and his infinite power and love of fellowmen. She thought like you, wouldn't find if I search in all the three worlds. Vow bound I
in her mind: "From now on Chidambara, I surrender this physical body promise before all of you here; listen, I in my word deed and mind
of mine to thy feet. Come what may, freedom from this nasty ailment or surrender my all to him" (in a chocked voice). Tears of joy flowed
the very life breath; in Chidambara I live. Chimdambara the Omni- down on her cheeks. Unable to contain her joy she again began singing
scient is aware of my state of being". Resolved thus cleansing herself and dancing and pleased Chidambara. Satisfied with the lady's offering
with a bath she came to the door step of Chidamabara and prostrated and conduct Chidambara said "Conclude your recital. I am very pleased,
thrice and circumambulated his residence three times and again pros- ask what you want". The devotee replied: "Oh Jagannatha, Lord Pro-
trated three times. Standing there (in prayer) for three hours she re- tector of the universe, (see to it) My bhakthi in you should be steadfast
turned home. She continued this regimen for three days in succession. and unwavering and your Maya (delusory pastime!) shouldn't touch
me. Grant me this much. Not lessthan that."
Chidambara's heart was touched. When it was around three in
the noon, Chidambara came out of his residence. Seeing the sadguru at The Mahaswamy observed: "Since your disease is cured by the
the main entrance she ran to him and fell at his feet. When others pre- leftover food of brahmins you are required to adore them. I will also
ferred to distance themselves from her Chidambara called her. People be pleased and happy with the adoration of brahmins". True to 'Guru
nearby got the signal. The young woman came near the door. The Guru Word' she renounced her all like the celebrated Pingale* of yore.
with his smile said to her: "The sins of earlier births are insurmountable. Note: A prostitute who was awake in vain throughtout the night
That is why this reprehensible ailment. Since you have come seeking its waiting for her paramour. She realized within herself that desire is sor-
cure listen to me. If you roll upon 'food-plate leaves' thrown out after row and real joy lies in relinquishing desire. Meditating on this aware-
meals for three days you will be rid of leprosy; your body acquires a ness she attained The Atman. (Cf. Mahabharatha, Shanthiparva)
golden sheen".
A heap of such leaves was there outside the village. Reposing faith
in the 'Guru Word' she rolled on the heap. The colout of her skin changed
to the better after the first day and at the end of the third day her skin
got a golden sheen.
She presented a three hour dance performance to Chidambara in
the durbar as a token of her gratitude and devotion. She then respect-
fully submitted joining her two hands together "You are no ordinary
man; you are Parvathi's Lord Parameshwara indeed. With your grace
filled glance you cured me and rid me of my several births ailment.
126 127
Chapter XXVI Gokhale Vishwambara Panth came and surrendered all his wealth and
resources to the feet of Chidambara and chose to remain as his disciple
An Introduction to Yajna receiving Maha Swamy's attention as well as affection.
Chidambara's peregrination around the drought affected towns He asked one day "Mahaswamy, the whole country is afflicted
and villages was mainly to fortify the will of the humble and the destitute with famine and consequent destitution. Your descent under these cir-
against the dread of drought by a variety of measures of supernatural cumstances is timely and in a variety of ways you are sheltering them
dimension; they were miracles both in occurrence and impact. An as- from its heartless effects. Sadguru Maharaja I have a himble petition to
surance of such sincerity and daring was perhaps necessary for the make. Do something to eradicate the visit of these bad times off and on
drought victims to lift themselves up from their boot straps and take to and ensure lasting happiness and security to people. Please let us know
living in a refreshed perception and possibility. They found in Chidambara the technique; have mercy on us"
a fellow human being who could exorcise their ingrained doubts of Chidambara replied "Appa dear one, Vishwambhara, drought is
helplessness and detestation. Their grateful eyes and graceful postures the root cause and therefore we have to devise methods for regular,
of submission were expressions of an innocent soul. Darshana to them timely and adequate rains. Rains drive out famines and rains are a product
was a manifestation of a truth and Chidambara didn't disappoint the of Punya (meritorious thoughts and deeds). Since people of the world
true aspirant and the real seeker. He went to their hearths and homes are inclined towards sin drought and attendant consequences rule the
confirming the truth of a fore knowledge that resided in them defying world. In the Geetha Lord Krishna has elucidated to Arjuna the origin
external communication or expression. of rains. I reiterate it for you now."
The people of Navalgunda received Chidambara with joy and From anna are derived pranas, (Anna connotes anything that goes
celebration who in turn gave what they desired in their hearts. With into the human system). Anna is therefore a function of rain.
some he talked and made enquiries and to others he gave his smile and
poised dignity and to one a touch that was benevolent and satisfying. Yajna is necessary for it causes rain. Yagna is fulfilled and com-
He opened a free canteen Annasathra, providing food to all those who pleted with meritorious deeds. If you want people to be happy and
came for it and appointed one of his own assistants to supervise it. satisfied scout for a good brahmin and get the Yagna done by him. The
Chidambara was accompained by his wife Saraswathi Matha and dis- inference is: when it rains famines are swept away bringing happiness
ciples and devotees. Here too he commenced the feeding of brahmins to people". There was silence.
after the Agni hothra fire worship. He also initiated a large number of Vishwambhara broke the silence and asked "Swamy is there a
children into schooling and learning. brahmin superior to you on the face of this earth? please answer me"
He initiated his son Kashinatha and hundred others into the rite of Mahaswamy was quick to reply. He said "Let it be clear; I have
upanayana and adored the brahmins for four days. The brahmins felt nothing to do with the conduct of the Yajna, do you understand? Its
fully satisfied with the gifts received in kind and cash besides the festive processes and regulations are hard to comply. Therefore search for the
meal that went with it. In the meantime a friend of the Peshwa Rulers right brahmins and conduct the Somayaga. Rains follow".
128 129
The conversation was happily interrupted by the arrival of Divakara tance isn't ensured and forthcoming? Work taken up without adequate
Dikshitharu. Doing an eight fold namaskara to the feet of the thought doesn't get completed".
Mahaswamay he stood before him with folded hands. "Appa Divakara, Divakar was decisive when he said "No problem. You must avow
is every one fine in Gurlahosur? What thought and deed have brought yourself for this yagna; the gods are in readiness to serve your ends".
you here"? Mahaswamy inquired.
Chidambaradikshitaru didn't concede. He asked once again plain-
"By your grace everything is in its place. While I was happily en- tively " Divakara, consider once again your stand. Take a long term
gaged in my work I was listening to the rendering of the epic Bharatha view and tell me".
by a visiting brahmin. He was discoursing on the conduct of Rajasuya
"I have already considered (all possibilities). Please permit me to
yaga. I will recall the very rendering before you as I understood. I
mobilise resources for the yagna".
quote him 'the Rajasuya yagna as conducted by Dharmaraya has no
precedent in the past and none can replicate it in future'. I have come Chidambara resolved to do the Yagna. Vishwambhara was happy.
with a longing that you can simulate the Rajasuya. I have disclosed the
contents of my heart. If the Mahswamy wills he can fulfill our desire".
The Mahaswamy laughed aloud and observed "Your boyishness
has led you to conceive of this impossible and difficult venture. In this
age of kali we cannot think of doing by mere human effort a yagna
comparable to the one done in Dwapara yuga with the help of Lord
Krishna". Divakara Dikshitharu was ready with a counter argument: "If
you (accept to) be the Yajna Dikshita I will see through the
Rajasuyayagna even in the times of kali".
Chidambara was emphatic when he said "Brother, what foolish
prattle are you talking? Can any human being do the way what the
gods have done"? Divakara Dikshitharu was unyielding. "If (we) get
assistance from a human being like you we can achieve much more
than what gods have done. I know for certain of what mettle you are
made and what kind of man you are. Why be passionate and talk in
vain. Avow yourself for a yagna and that is all is needed".
Chidambara disregarding Divakara's insistence stood his ground
and said "Say what you will. Don't, in this kaliyuga, press for your
demand for a yagna. If I preside over it who will be there to assist you
in that stupendous work? How can big works go if large scale assis-
130 131
Chapter XXVII The invitees seeing Mahaswamy's inscription on their invitations
were delighted and got ready to leave for Gonnagere with their belong-
Preamble to Yajna ings and accompaniments human as well as material. There were armed
personnel like the Mandaliks and the Pattavardhans regional and divi-
Our actions are uplifted and elevated when others approve and sional heads, traders and financiers of repute. Shastrys and pundits,
endorse them. But when one like the omnipotent Mahaswamy approves
Vedapatis and Ghanapatis, Shrouthis and Jyothishis had come. Kings
the project conceived by Divakara-Vishwambhara team, how can there
with their four fold armies after a long march had arrived and had en-
be a deficiency of spirit and enthusiasm? Invitations inscribed by the camped. Stepping down from their official transport vehicles, bereft of
very hand of Mahaswamy were sent through personal emissaries of their regal insignias Princes and Lords walked to the Mahaswamy's
Kings and Royal families, brahmins and dikshitas and rithvija (partici- place of residence to announce their arrival and volunteer their services
pants in the Yagna) and devotees and spectators. and resources as an offering to the Lord Almighty and profit by their
Chidambaradikshitharu was happy to hear the way the process participation in some insignificant measure. They prostrated to the
was initiated. He said: "Dear one, listen to me. There lies a vast mango Mahaswamy. They offered tokens of vast resourves they had brought
grove in a place called Gonnagere on the bank of the River Malapahari. to deliver.
It can hold countless people besides being naturally endowed with un- Mahaswamy offering them suitable seats conversed with them in
limited water supply and the consequent arrangements for drainage sweet proximity. He said: "All of you have come here for my sake; you
and disposal. Such a place is singular and hard to find. The ground is have responded to this poor man's invitation a hall mark of your high
made for the yagna rites and if you approve we may proceed right now status. Believing that I am your protector of dharma you have come of
with Agni, to that place. Time now is auspicious". your own accord. The work contemplated is yours indeed. It must go
Cheered by Dikshitharu's readiness Divakara said: "Swamy, the on in its fullness completeness and totality. I am a Dikshita an avowed
transport is ready if you wish we may start now". Invoking and propi- president for name's sake. Carrying out the work is on your shoul-
tiating Agni as prescribed Dikshitharu started accompained by his wife. ders".
The rest followed the Mahaswamy. Some on their carts, some on their Responding to the endearing words of reception the Kings said in
horses and some carrying their belonging on their heads stepped for- one voice: "Swamy, you are the director of this universe. Why do you
ward. A whole population was on the move, merry, joyous, vigorous, mislead us by your kind words? We are in reality your footmen. If you
committed and devoted; proclaiming the name of Chidambara as loudly tell us what is to be done we will strive to the best of our abilities to
as their throats permitted amid pleasant and harmless conversation. fulfill. Your enormous spirit and potential will itself do what needs to be
Mother earth felt happy at the touch of their soles. Leading such a done. where are we before such power"?
magnificent procession, Mahaswamy reached Gonnagere where an
In the meantime there arrived clusters of brahmins from all the
attractive canopy and awning had been erected on the bank of the river
four directions. Those from the Dravida region were marked by the
Malapahari to receive the visitors.
vibhuthi marks on their forehead, rudrakshi beads around their necks
The Mahaswamy was lodged in a place close by. and a cap as a head dress. With their deer skin and a water pot, they
132 133
appeared like the Vedapurushas. Men of Vedic conception. In that He said: "Even then Mahaswamy, please cast a glance on each one of
assembly some were experts in Nyaya and Vyakarana and some were the articles stored here; (if you do so) they become inexhaustible".
well versed in Mimamsa and some were proficient in the four The Mahaswamy did as requested. He glanced at every article.
Vedas and some learned in Shathapathabrahmana sections. When this The Mahaswamy majestically followed Vishwambhara. He then showed
conclave of brahmins opened their eyes and saw the Mahaswamy they mountains stocks of rice and pulses. By their side were all kinds of
were blessed with the presence of Shyamasundaramurthy Lord Krishna. flours no less small in measure to other victuals. Thousands of ghee
Before that sight they fell prostrate at once and prayed and invoked cauldrons were shown next. Five thousand bags of sugar was next.
him with the melody of Vedic sounds. The manifestation of Eshwara Sri The heap of jaggery looked a mountain. He saw eighteen other articles
Chidambara, dressed in fresh and bright robes with Vibhuthi on the including salt. Smiling gracefully Mahaswamy observed: "Plentiful are
forehead and rudrakshi around the neck stood up in appreciation of the stores. No need to think of them".
their conduct and bowed down to the college of brahmins and made
polite inquiries with words of pleasant sweetness and requested them Divakara intervened to ask: "But we are not certain about who
to be seated. Later they were provided with suitable lodgings as di- should be in charge of the accounts relating to the yagna; that is to be
rected by the Mahaswamy. decided". The guru said: "Book keeping is the work of the wealthy. It
does not befit the Vaidikas. Do not go after (tracing) incomes or ex-
The kings had erected several clusters of living apartments called penses". Then Mahaswamy went to perform sandhyavandana on the
Mantapas. At the centre was Mahaswamy's living quarters large and river bank but not before the arrival of Shyamabhatta. Greeting most
commodious a cone shaped Mahamantapa. respectfully the visiting Shymabhatta he embraced him affectionately
In the East on the bank of the river there was the Vaidika Mantapa and each one touched the feet of the other experiencing the various
hall of recitation of Vedic manthras and beside it was the pakashala the signs of ecstasy. Tears trickled down from their eyes.
kitchen. In the South were the cantonment and the engineering sec- Addressing Chidambara Dikshitharu Shyamabhatta asked: "I have
tions. The Royal wing was in the west and the cottages for brahmins a question to ask: You were tempted by the Soma drink, the drink that
were located in the North. In the meantime Divakaradikshitaru came gives immortality; who then will be the god left to receive the havis the
and prostrated before Chidambara and suitably requested him to visit offerings of the yagna"? Dikshitharu smiled and said: "I did not have the
and oversee the resources mobilized for the purpose. The Mahaswamy least interest in the conduct of this yagna. All this is (the result of)
agreed and went round the store yard accompanied by Vishwambhara Divakara's compulsion. I did not have the heart to overrule his wish".
and Divakara. Vishwambhara gave a succinct account of the inventory Shyamabhatta observed: "Be that as it may. Mahaswamy has inaugu-
of all items in units of five bags beginning with five bags full of turmeric rated a very exalted yagna. I am pleased to hear about it. The yagna has
and kumkum. attracted worldwide attention and fame. I have come only to see it"!
Satisfied perhaps with what he glanced Mahaswamy said: Talking to each other in such pleasant fashion the two reached the
"Vishwambhara,(there is) no need to go through exhaustively the stores site of the yagna mantapa the ground of the holy hearth. The shroutha
mobalised by Divakara. All is well and full and there is no need to be brahmins too arrived at that time. Dikshitharu in this distinguished com-
concerned". Vishwambhara's request was meaningful and perceptive. pany went about to see the arrangements. The conical yagna mantapa
134 135
already referred to was built on the architectural rules and precepts of Chapter XXVIII
the shastras. It was decorated in multiple ways to suit contemporary
fashions and tastes, decked up in gorgeous material. Sugar cane sticks Yagnamahothsava
and banana plants had been fastened and erected. Flags and pennants
and mango leaves were hoisted and tied around to give a festive look. Dear reader, you are requested to read this descriptive account of
Several pictures had been pasted or hung. On the ground were drawn the yagna celebration with close attention and feel fulfilled.
several sketches and graphs of ancient geometric patterns and struc- Sri Chidambara Dikshitharu started the yagna on a Monday. It
tures called rangavalli. Chidambaradikshitharu was very happy with was the year called Prabhava the first in the Shalivahana sixty year
what he had seen. cycle. It was the month called chaithra the first month of the year. It
was the first day of the month prathipada or padya as we call here, the
A yavana an alien entered the mantapa abruptly unannounced.
first year of a sixty year cycle, the first month of that year, the first and
Divakara Dikshitharu was furious at the trespasser and went to hit at
bright fortnight of that month, the first day of the week somavara monday.
him but the gurumaharaj came forward and whisked away the alien
It was Chaithra shudha prathipada of prabhava samvathsara
and showed him round the mantapa from where he vanished unto open
Shalivahanashaka 1729 corresponding approximately to the March-
space.
April months of 1807 A.D.
The onlookers observed in wonder: "Who is this alien? And (how)
Getting up in the brahmimuhoortha around 4-5 in the early morn-
can the Mahaswamy take him round!? And how did he disappear into
ing, finishing his daily duties first he arrived at the congregation of seer-
nothing in the very yagna ground"?
like brahmins who had imbibed the Vedic learning and jnana followed
Dikshitharu observed in solemn dignity: "The visitor was none other by his elegantly attired twin wives Savithri and Lakshmimatha.
that yagneshwara. He was no alien. He (went and) hid himself in his The great Dikshitharu sought the permission of the invitee specta-
place". tors and all others to avow himself for the yagna after he had bowed
down in reverence to his family deity Sri Marthanda Bhairava and the
congregation of brahmins.
The "Somayaga Vow" was thus taken.
The cleansing ceremony preceded by Vigneshwara worship was
performed followed by that of ancestor's worship. Chidambara
dikshitharu appealed to the assembled brahmins: "Brahmins superior,
please listen to my request; sixteen rithvijas, (those who offer the vari-
ous articles to the Agni in tune with the appropriate manthra) are wanted.
I will instruct them suitably if the brahmin volunteers come to me".
As soon as the announcement was heard all the brahmins rushed
towards Chidambara in one go, creating as it were a virtual stampede
136 137
and a momentary disorder. Dikshitharu forced to renew his appeal said: Kings and members of the Royal clan dressed in various colours ap-
"Sir, favour me with your listening; why this unnecessary commotion? pearing like dikpalakas (Lords of Directions) followed the pundits adorn-
Please sit down and be at rest. Though a poor brahmin I am you have ing and brightening the procession. The surrounding armed guards were
come graciously on my invitation. I know all of you are well versed in to be seen everywhere. The heralds and proclaimers were announcing
the shroutha text. If all of you come forward at once when I need only the fame of the Swamy in their sonorous voices. The melody and its
sixteen how does it help? I assure you I will receive and treat every one reverberations of musical instruments like Thurya and Patahadi the great
of you as I do the selected sixteen. According to my mite I will honour sounds of the Veena and the Mrudanga filled the ten directions. The
every one of you with an equal mind. Please forsake mutual dissent and vipra the learned brahmins were reciting the Vedas.
permit us to go ahead with the conduct of the yagna". Mahaswamy's
The Vast congregation of devotees clapping their hands in ecstatic
words restored order infusing a sense of amity and fellowship among
joy was chanting Lord's name. The security personnel were making
the contending brahmins. Sixteen of them went up to the guru's place.
way for the procession regulating and controlling the crowd lost in the
The guru then, wasked the feet of each one of them and offered per-
music and dance presented by the dancing girls.
fumes and flowers besides gifting and decorating them with shawls,
silken garments and chains and necklaces of gold and silver. The gurunatha who is also Shyama Sundara and Kamalaksha (blue
coloured beauty, lotus like eyes refer to Lord Sri krishna), walking
This was followed by "Honey Worship".
slowly glanced at every one assembled and gave time for everyone to
Chidambaradikshitharu walked towards the yagnamantapa to in- see him and fill him in their eyes.
augurate the proceedings. I describe the magnificent picture of
A women whose husbands are alive are only eligible to wear aus-
Dikshitharu so that it may remain indelible in our meditative conscious-
picious decorations like kumkum, bangles. Such women are called
ness. Dikshitharu having had his morning bath, was dressed in robes
muthaidus. The muthaidus are carrying water filled pots on their head
clean and bright; the vibhuthi marks all over his body were visible promi-
followed by women who looked like divine damsels led Mahaswamy.
nently as the rudrakshi beads around his neck appeared befitting. His
He was more magnanimous than the wish fulfilling tree, kalpavriksha in
hands held the 'Amrithpoorna Kalasha' a narrow necked round vessel
meeting devotees' desires. He was the pearl of a Dikshitha. If one re-
filled with nectarine water. His two wives Savithri and Saraswathimatha
members this pearl of a Dikshitha and stores his name in one's heart
suitably and divinely attired followed him step by step unhurried and
center the Chitta consciousness, peace-filled he becomes. Looking at
majestically like Parvathi and Bhagirathi entwined Parameshwara.
the Mahaswamy's celebrated procession to the yagnamantapa, the devo-
Dikshitharu presented a picture of immeasurable brilliance enrapturing
tees' eyes brimmed with satisfaction.
them to a mood of devotion, his children five in all stepped behind
keeping pace with their divine parents. The rithvijas carrying materials On arriving at the threshold of the yagnamantapa, the Mahaswamy
for the yagna in their arms took position behind the children. Scholars took into his hands the two aranis after cleansing his own feet. He
and pundits with their vibhuthi marks and rudrakshi beads conversing entered the Mantapa rubbing the two aranis one against the other lis-
in samskritha were following next in the order. A great expanse of a tening to the Vedamanthraghosha (sonorous chanting of the Veda
robe canopy like was fixed above as laid down in the yagna manuals. manthras). With the spark of fire issuing out of the rubbing of aranis,
138 139
Dikshitharu established fire in the five centres as a disciple establishes done without a fault or a hitch and in meticulous detail, order and speed
his own knowledge in the fire bowl of his heart after deeply cogitating because the gods in human form were at work as volunteers.
on the guru's words and instruction. After serving ghee Shankara Dikshitharu sprinkled some water
The adhvaryakarma started according to kathyanasuthra. (These on all food as a purifier; and a spoonful on all food vessels as a token of
are ritualistic actions done to the accompaniment of the recitation of offering all the food to the Lord with an undivided unitarian thought
appropriate yajus formulae by one of the four main officiating priests in (Ekobhava). Also everyone was given ouposhana a spoonful of water
the sacrifice). as 'Permission accorded' to begin eating.
All the ritvijas, the officiating priests together, did the first day's Instrumental music was in attendance during dining. Since the
dikshaniyati karmas and bowed down to Mahaswamy's feet. The four sadguru had graced the food vessels the stock of food remained undi-
main priests (Maharitvija) of the sacrifice are Brahman, Hotri, Udgata minished regardless of the withdrawal. The more one ate, the more he
and Adhvaryu. was served. Thamboola chewing pan and dakshina money were of-
fered after food.
The guru who had avowed the Krishnajina deeksha sat in the
Mantapa as 'sacrifice incarnate'. In the first batch 52,200 persons were served excluding the roy-
alty the servers and the armed forces consisted of two lakh personnel.
He ordered Divakara to arrange for 'Brahmin adoration' as the
The Mahaswamy with his wives Lakshmi and Saraswathi took
afternoon approached. Brahmins enwrapped in purity came and sat in
cow's milk and sat in the yagna mantapa.
the mango grove. All the four sections (of Veda) began reciting the
Vedamanthras. Many did the Shathapathapanchaka; some were ren- The collegian of scholars came to Mahaswamy to seek and un-
dering the melodious Samagana. derstand the intricacies of interpretation and satisfactory derivation of
meaning.
Divakara Dikshitharu arrived and ordered that food may be served.
After satisfying every one Mahaswamy went to sleep on the
Each one was in charge of serving one dish. Bapugokhale was in Krishnajina deer skin as it was four past midnight.
charge of serving cooked rice, anna, as is popularly called. Parashurama
Panthpattavardhan of Jamkhandi was entrusted with the delicacies, In this way the first day proceedings were concluded.
(bhakshya). Havanur Desai was serving ghee. Ashta pradhans of Second Day
Chathrapathi were entrusted with Ambodi and other Apoopa (food
articles made from flour) while Narendra Deshapande was responsible On the second day of the yagna the avowed guru was sitting in the
for Kosambari and other vegetables and curries. Swasthikasana the body posture considered appropriate for the occa-
sion. The rithvijas bowed down to the Mahaswamy reverentially seek-
Food brought in cart loads was served row wise by a host of
ing permission for commencement of the second day proceedings.
volunteers. Some were loading the food carts chanting loudly the
gurunama and others were serving drawing from food carts. Some were The Mahaswamy then got up and adored yagneshwara Lord of
drawing food carts along the rows of brahmins. The huge task was yagna agni before he took his presidential seat. Satisfaction and thank-
140 141
fulness issued out as joy on his face. The priests commenced various Thus everyday faith in the guru spread wider and wider to confuse
rites like somakriya and began the pravargya dharma. those 'blinded by worldliness'
When the two accredited priests fed the fire the ajapaya the rising There was something more.
flames of the Yagna was awesome. The spectators saw and felt a sign Divakara Dikshitharu had come to share his concern; inventories
of divine approval in those ascending flames relating themselves with estimated to last for the whole duration of the yagna had dwindled and
the thoughts that led to the first act of yagna. The priests then savoured touched a floor level. He submitted: "Oh! kindness personified, three
the proceeds of the yagna the yagnabhaga. fourths of the provisions stored are used up; only a quarter is left. What
It was noon time. The brahmins assembled for their noon meal at about tomorrow? The congragation and the visitors are increasing ev-
the mango grove. Shankara Dikshitharu treated them to a great and ery hour and withdrawals are too fast to be regulated. I am feeling
delicious meal and Divakara Dikshitharu offered them a variety of fruits helpless and shaken. Do something and rescue us".
in accordance with Chidambara's wish. "Brother, didn't I tell you at the very beginning not to venture into
this yagna business? You invited this needless distress. Don't attempt
About 60,270 brahmins were fed that day; the others were as big
the brave. Why, book-keeping for brahmins living the "Vedas"? That
in size as they were the previous day. Having taken the 'prasad', the
(book-keeping) is for the wealthy. Our wealth, dhana, is "Satisfied
royal group met the guru who in turn spoke to them about the won-
poise", "samaadhaana". We need to preserve and protect it at all costs.
drous path of Jnana the Jnanamarga. (When it is so) why indulge in the annoying book-keeping. When our
While the guru was thus discoursing the news came of a brahmin protector, 'The world sustainer' Vishwambhara is awake day and night
feared drowned in the Malapahari river. The Sri guru lifted both his (for this purpose) (why get upset)? To help and sustain acts and deeds
hands up and sat still his eyes closed for some time; water began flow- of auspiciousness and benevolence Shambhu (Eshwara) is alive and
ing from his robes as the listeners witnessed the event in unspoken awake in the hearts of his devotees. Don't tremble in fear; continue the
surprise. work on hand unafraid". Chidambara assured.

Nearly at the same time when the sri guru lifted both his hands up The latter left the place with renewed enthusiasm and vigour. The
someone literally rescued a drowning brahmin in the Malaphahari river. stock yard was redeemed of the watchful eye of the accountant and
He was seen sitting on a rock head after being rescued. The fortunate the storekeeper. It turned into an open mall for anyone to pick up any-
thing on liked or desired. The freshened up rithvijas performing the act
brahmin looked around for his saviour. There was none not even the
of Sampravargya, bowed down to the guru and went to the malapahari
rock head as he walked ashore chanting the name of Chidambara his
river for doing sandhyavandana after obtaining guru's permission.
saviour for sure.
Chidambara Dikshitharu rested after taking some milk. The puraniks
The guru continued his discourse after changing his robes. In the were reading the puranas; musicians were singing as the highly profi-
meantime a large group arrived with the rescued brahmin to register cient veena players were playing on their instruments and the brahmins
their gratitude and bow down to Chidambara and herald his infinite were reciting the Vedas all serving to please the guru in their own fash-
mind-boggling powers. ion. The guru lost in his 'true bliss' enjoyed his rest.
142 143
Third Day That day about 80,000 brahmins were fed in the first batch be-
sides those that were a part of the personnel in charge of yagna cel-
The third day was marked by a reiteration and repetition of the ebrations.
previous acts and deeds. The brahmins were rendering the Vedas with-
out a fault. In the afternoon a ghastly accident held up the midday meal. The rithvijas after their meal met the Swamy in the yagamantapa
A cook slipped into the burning cauldron-like vessel where pumpkin and asked: "Mahaswamy how disquieting (it is for us to reckon) that a
was being cooked. The servers extricated him from the viscid heap of cook should suffer unbearable pain when you are in command? You
cooked pumpkin. His body too had been literally cooked and burnt revived a dead girl and conferred sowbhagya, to a widow by restoring
like the vegetable into which he had slipped. to her husband and brought back a lost boy. But why allow the cook to
suffer? How unfortunate"?
The servers ran to the Mahaswamy and begged: "Swamy, the
brahmin meal schedule is affected; a cook inadvertently slipped into Chidambara answered them: "Brahmins exalted, listen to his ante-
mountainous heap of the viscid vegetable. Though pulled out he looks cedent tale carefully. He had prayed once: "Mahaswamy I will serve
deathly. What next? Oh! Jnanarashi, knowledge immeasurable! How you till this body lasts; this body must fall at your feet in the end and I
do we proceed with the programme of brahmin- adoration"? must go to Kailasa. Please grant this wish of mine". His mortal frame
should have fallen to day. I didn't want an inauspicious event to take
Chidambaradikshitharu with a smile pacified them and said: "Speak place during this auspicious celebration. I therefore have secured a ten
the auspicious; utter not the unpleasant. Those who desire the auspi- day extension of his life by pleading with the Lord Karpuradhavala
cious and benevolent must give expression to the pleasant word. Let Lord Shiva. On the morning of the eleventh day from now he will cast
the inauspicious expression be stuck at the gullet". off his body and ascend to Kailasa and that is certain". Mind my words
Walking slowly among the devotees who stood up to greet him he of forecast. His body knows no suffering whatsoever. He is lost in the
went into the kitchen and directed his glance at the helpless brahmin joy of Shivanamasmarana, remembering the name of Shiva".
and sprinkled nectarine water from his water pot and finely applied While the brahmins left for sandhyavandana Swamy took some
honey on his burnt body. Shifting him on to a broad banana leaf Swamy cow's milk and rested after his mind-cleansing words of instruction.
declared: "Fear not, the worst is over. Eat now with a rested mind;
today is 'yours by choice' and therefore ask what you want and eat as Fourth Day
you like".
On the morning of the fourth day the rithvijas came to Swamy to
He thus satisfied the brahmins by bringing into being out of his seek permission for the commencement of the fourth day proceedings.
own will all that was in short supply or was unavailable because of But Savithrimatha's menses (considered unclean for holy acts) raised
seasonal conditions. questions regarding Chidambara dikshitaru's participation. The pundits
Mahaswamy the Somayaji went along the row of dining brahmins consulting the shastra texts observed: "No objection to continue pro-
pleasantly persuading and coaxing them to ask without hesitation for ceedings since the senior wife is present". Mahaswamy however said: "
their desired dishes and serving them accordingly in plenty. Who can The brahmins will be fed for four days more why not? Let us do the
describe the flavour and sweetness of those dishes of Guruprasada? agnishtomi on the fifth day"!
144 145
Brahmins were fed with love and respect. In the four days an music of samagana they forgot their meal assignments. Gods pleased
aggregate of the three lakhs and sixty thousand brahmins were fed. On with the soma drink sat chatting merrily with the brahmin scholars.
the Ashtami (eighth day of the fortnight between full moon and new The expert rithvijas started the second episode of the afternoon
moon) the rithvijas came to the yagnamantapa and bowed down first somayaga and brought it to a conclusion. Then the dakshinahoma was
to Sri gurucharana, guru's feet, to inform him about the successful completed. Sri guru then arrived at the mantapa to honour the rithvijas.
completion of the sites. This was followed by a feasty meal to the He first washed their feet with water and sprinkled that washed water
brahmins. on his head. He adored them with several robes and ornaments. He
A strange thing came to notice. The man in charge of the invento- gave to rithvijas a hundred well-decorated cows along with cash as
ries came to Mahaswamy and pleaded: "We found ghee stock ex- dakshina. Then he rewarded the Chamasadhvaropa rithvijas, shastrys,
hausted when half the gathering is served. Interruption caused to a pundits and brahmins crowded in the mantapa to their satisfaction. Giving
brahmin meal is a grave lapse and I take the blame. Save this orphan". away liberal dakshina to any hand stretched forward he rid them of
Mahaswamy remained unperturbed and Said: "Don't bother. Get their poverty. The wants of others were fulfilled by the large hearted
ghee a plenty from the river malapahari and finish the job". As the giving of the Sri Guru. When Chidambaradikshitharu began giving, the
malapahari water was filled in pots chanting the name of Chidambara known and unknown wihses of all except 'kali' were fulfilled.
they became aromatic ghee pots and it was served to the rest of the The rithvijas completed the residual formalities of the yagna. He
rows without any delay. The ghee served that day was a delight to then ordered Divakaradikshitharu: "It is already late. Arrange for the
everyone and many asked for several helpings. Divakara Dikshitharu brahmin meal". 96,000 men and women were fed that day. With the
himself was serving ghee. Every one complained of overeating and many departure of the invited guests the Somayaga was concluded.
felt they were rid of their ailments. An estimated 94,800 were fed that
day.
Fifth Day

On the Fifth Day the brahmins woke up in the middle of the night
to get ready for a long haul. The sthuthyakarma was initiated and
prathasthavan began at the yagnamatapa as the skies reverberated with
a low tuned melody.
The heavenly beings surged and rushed forth to stretch their hand
fo a fill of somajuice. Extraordinary and incomparable devotees like
Rajrama and others have testified as eye witnesses to the phenomena
mentioned earlier. The rithvijas raised their voices in the enthusiasm of
their anticipation of getting their share of left over Somajuice; they felt
satisfied with drinks served and receiced. Held captive by the pleasant
146 147
Chapter XXIX Completing thus, the Avabrutha fulfilling the vow taken, the Mahaswamy
was sitting in the yagamantapa. Divakara Dikshitharu arrived with a
The Terminal Ritual
request seeking permission for the kings and wealthy noblemen and
The terminal ritual, as the inaugural one, is an event of celebration. others to offer gifts to the Swamy on this occasion.

The Mahaswamy with his wives and rithvijas and brahmins went The Swamy observed: "Brother, gifts received are difficult to swal-
to Malpahari river for the celebrated bath. The Kings with their armed low. I do not accept gifts. Do not press or compel".
retinue followed them as body guards. The four armed escort consist- Divakara Dikshitharu responded: "When a great yagna as postu-
ing of the elephants, horses, chariots and the footmen marched behind. lated by the vedas is started is it not incumbent on you to recieve at
The countless flags adorned the skies. The heralds astride the elephants least a 'Chandramana' a symbolic camphor which leaves no trace be-
were announcing the name and fame of the Swamy. The 'Gold Cane' hind when burnt? If Chandramasi is an impervious injunction then I
contingent was making way for the Swamy surrounded by a battery of allot three hours for that event provided the poor and the humble get
kings to step forward in an unhurried pace. The five children led by
precedence. I do not accept offers later beyond the time limit" insisted
Divakara Dikshitharu followed. The devotees were chanting aloud
Chidambaradikshitharu.
Chidambara's name and the brahmins were chanting the Vedas in uni-
son to the joy of listeners. The four corners were filled with the sound Kings and wealthy people who came forward with their gifts and
of musical instruments, thurya, mridanga, dundhubhi, thala and Veena. grants disregarding the instruction were politely sent back to the end of
The harmony of music and dance of the professional dancing girls cap- the line. Chidambara specifically announced: "Let the poor come first;
tivated the onlookers. The sound of Devadundhubhi the celestial drum others later". The brahmins were called first by Divakara Dikshitharu.
played up above in the skies surrounded everyone. The heavenly gods The mantapa was filled with countless brahmins of one or two rupee
rained flowers on the Mahaswamy and the procession. The elephant offerings. When at last the kings came to make their offerings the Swamy
wielding the iron chain in its proboscis prevented the onrush of people firmly declined and said: "Time is up; no more".
watching the spectacle.
When the disappointed Kings felt excluded from an opportunity
Divakara Dikshitharu holding the white umbrella over the head of of a life time the Mahaswamy consoled them with the familiar but un-
Chidambaradikshitharu kept pace with the honoured guru. Many holding heeded truth and said: "Do not get restless. Your kingdom is indeed
a fan in their hand were sending waves of their affection and devotion always mine".
to the Mahaswamy. With ecstatic joy the procession reached the bank
of the malapahari river. Dikshitharu doing the residuary acts for the completion of the yagna
and offered all the fruits of action, karmaphala, to Eshwara and ar-
Dikshitharu accompained by his two wives got into the river and
ranged for a brahmin feast to mark its conclusion.
thus fulfilled the requirement of Varuneshti. The Malapahari river in joyous
participation in the celebrations varied its depths depending on the par- Nearly 90,000 brahmins were fed that day and for the entire du-
ticular needs of the bather. Everyone was below the water in complete ration the number was eight lakhs thirty one thousand and five hundred.
sync with the Mahaswamy when he dipped his head into the water. The total for the armed forces was 20,00,000 and others were 1,16,000.
148 149

Chidambaradikshitharu was however not satisfied with the extent Chapter XXX
of people served with food. The quantity fell short of the Jyothishtoma
norm. He expressed his dissatisfaction and said Divakara, despite his Easy Way to the Other Shore
dissuasion had persisted and started the yagnakarma. The Mahaswamy
addressing all the participants and supporters said with an affectionate The Royal princes came as a group and met Mahaswamy a living
and endearing smile: "You have all laboured for me because of the example of right living and pleasant speech. They asked: "Swamy, you
yagna. Impossible to do even for Kings and Emperors, I a poor brahmin, have concluded a sacrifice that is difficult even for the Royal Kings.
could do because of your help. The work was concluded without a How did you arrange for it? How can people without a similat ability
hitch or obstacle". undertake such a sacrifice? Have they no other choice except to de-
pend on and wait for the like of you? What returns are expected from
The kings replied: "Supreme God, why speak deceptive words it? How many kinds of sacrifices are there and which are those that are
pleasant to hear? You are Parvathipathi Parvathi's Lord come directly simple and easy? Please enlighten us on all these".
to us. You have descended in human form. Within the short span of a
Chidambara said in reply: "Honourable Kings, your questions are
batting of eye lid you bring into life millions of beings, sustain them, and
relevant and appropriate as they widen our awareness of the world. I
destroy. When you have started the yagna how can shortage arise,
am pleased to explain the meaning of sacrifice so that it may help people
lapses occur? What help can human agencies provide to one an Eshwara
develop the right attitude for its appreciation. The yagna, sacrifice, which
manifestation? For reasons wholly selfish we would like to say a few
I concluded just now is suited to those who affirm their faith and be-
words; if permitted we submit, the kings requested. "Go ahead and say
lieve in karma. The Vedas say that 'Jyothishtoma', a type of 'sacrificial
what you want", Mahaswamy agreed.
ritual' secures heaven and all it denotes".
''But listen to the 'Easy to do Yagna', I outline. It will clarify all your
doubts. The mindless stupid clinging to the 'Path of works', karma,
hold on to the view that those who seek heaven should do yagna. Do-
ing yagna is open to all and all are welcome to do it. All the four castes
are qualified to do whether he is a Jnani or a believer in Karma. Who-
ever does should do it in a spirit and attitude of nishkama, 'desire-
relinquished state' of no longing for rewards consequent on action".
"He who is handcuffed to the desires of the world cannot over-
come the desire for money and wealth. From this desire for worldly
resources arises 'adharma' counter dharma. 'Adharmi' one who indulges
in adharma cannot escape from the cycle of births and deaths. There-
fore, Vedamatha Vedas our mother indeed taught us into yagna to de-
liver us from our desire for worldly things. From yagna arises inex-
haustible happiness and heavenly life said Vedamatha Veda our mother".
150 151

"Fired by a desire for another heavenly world of happiness, the anna, wiht bhakthi and going on a pilgrimage and such other karmas
believers in karma expend themselves towards doing a yagna. Their actions denote karma yagna. This is what the Rishis of the smrithi say.
inner instruments their mind in short, anthahkarnas, get purifiied by the These karmas free and open to the poor as well as the well-to-do can
merit derived form doing a yagna. It erodes desire for resources. When be done by any one and bring big returns with small efforts".
desire is thus destroyed with careful and watchful subtlety, the yagna-
"Now listen attentively to the way of jnana yagna. It has three
doer gets released from the clutches, dispositions and inclinations in-
arms called kayika, vachika and manasika, (Physical bodily, oral and
herited from previous births and begins invoking Ishwara". The path of
mental thought vibrations,) respectively. Giving up body consciousness
deliverance is then opened effortlessly. The Vedas contain elaborate
that is thinking and firmly settled in the belief that "I am not my body" is
description of yagnakarma, yagna for chittashuddi by which we mean
kayika yagna. He who is free of body consciousness is a jeevan muktha.
keeping one's conscience clean and pure. Since no one takes to action
He is regarded as one who has attained deliverance alive or redeemed
without the promising pull of benefits and fruits, Vedas assign great
many fruits to yagna. You need to walk the path of karma to enter the alive. But it is not easy to overcome body-consciousness. It is not easy
gates of deliverance. If one looks at the innate form of yagna all are free to think, feel and act always that I am not the body. Therefore one has
to do it". to submit wholeheartedly to the guru in a spirit of surrender a state of
willing enslavement to the guru. A sadguru is to be reckoned as he who
"Now listen to my exposition of the meaning of the term yagna. has Brahmanubhava, experienced the Brahman has himself ,imbibed
The shruthi states 'Yagnovaiy Vishnuhu'. The (all) pervasive Chidathma the shastras in word and spirit and who through many a fine and subtle
(atman as chith and chith as atman) is designated by the symbol Vishnu methods drives doubts away and effortlessly establishes the shishya
(as distinguished from a specific and individualized divine personality).
the disciple into a state of redemption. Day in and day out the body
Therefore yagna that is the format upheld for adoration of Jagadeeshwara
must wear out in the service of the sadgurunaatha, sadguru the saviour.
Lord of the universe is foremost among all types of such adoration.
One should not be passionately attached to the pleasant and unpleas-
From such a yagna arises indestructible heavenly joy. It is truth and
ant consequences issuing out of service rendered to the guru. We must
truth it is, I repeat purposefully. Mukthi, deliverance, is realised natu-
understand that this other dependent body, paradheena, {subject to
rally if Eshwara is worshipped without desire. All karmas, (actions) it
others and not your own dictates} jumps and dances as Sarveshwara
must be undrstood, are fruitless and in vain if they are done, without
wills. Love of one's self as a physical body is to be forsaken under-
devotion to god. All karmas done with devotion to god are yagna. That
indeed is the sign of yagna". standing that the body is not one's own and it is not related to one's self.
The most important one in this world is Parameshwara; nature appear-
"There are two sides, perceptions of yagna: Karma yagna and ing as the world is the second. When this is so, from where has come
jnana yagna". the third one the intervening robber the sense of 'I and myself '. One
"If Eshwara is worshipped with a burning intensity thapas follow- must ponder deeply. Like this and through various devices such as
ing the life style into which one is born the outgoing mind will be cleaned giving up one's passionate attachment to the body constitutes kayika
distilled and purified. This purification is the signal for Karma Yoga. yagna. Through this Eshwara residing in one's self will manifest before
Accordingly morning bath, Vedic prayer, daily oblations, gifting food us. The jeevan muktha state the state of those who have realized lib-
152 153

eration is thus attained with ease. Heavenly happiness inexhaustible is as the mind dissolves. The Vedas lay down that one who is 'mind-free'
its sign". attains a state of Brahman as a direct and personal experience,
'Brahmasakshathkara'. A being through his attachment to mind suffers
"Exalted rulers, listen to me as I now explain vachika yagnas.
multifarious sorrows. Moksha is attained as the mind is dissolved. Body
Adoration of the Lord through speech is vachika yagna. Recitation of
is a concept (function) of the mind. The being in his delusion believes
Vedic texts, singing hymns on Eshwara and manthrajapa repetitive ut-
that the body itself is he. And because of this he passes through many
terance of the sacred word is to be a daily discipline. Always one must
sorrows like birth and death. 'She is my life, these are my children, this
be uttering the name of the Lord. We must speak and write words and
is my land and property, this is my treasured deposit, my friends and
expressions thinking that Girijaramana, (Girija's consort Lord Shiva)
relatives are these'- such ideas are only the constructions of the mind.
manifesting as sound and its vibrations has pervaded all sounds and
Since the feeling that they are ours is rooted in all these objects and
utterances. The speaker must give up his pride of being the speaker in
products of mental construction, the being suffers a whole gamut of
the understanding that the one who speaks is Shivakantha, Shiva's light
sorrows. Understanding, therefore, that the mind the cause of all sor-
and that there is nothing of his own in his speech. Since Shankara lives
rows is the enemy and if it is destroyed carefully, watchfully, then unfet-
equally in all living beings our speech must be pleasant to all. He who
tered freedom from bondage will be attained. This is the sign for this
thinks of seeking Eshwara's blessing must speak those words that give
manoyagna".
happiness by merely listening to them. The guru forsaking his own im-
portance of 'Guruhood' must instruct his disciples on true learning and "I now tell you the method of dissolving the mind. Take a vow of
knowledge. The disciple holding that guru's instruction is equal in im- vairagya dispassion and kindle and fan the fire of jnana in the hearth of
portance as Vedic learning must grasp his teachings". your heart. Erect therein a perpendicular pillar of dhyana. Now fasten
with a multi strand rope of vichara intellectual inquiry the mind cow and
"I now point out to that which is opposed and inimical to vagyagna
sanitize process it with the mahavakyas and take it to the ignorance-
the word uttered as an act of Yagna. Speaking ill of others and speak-
free, cattle shed called nirajana and with the weapon forged out of
ing mainly with a view to please others and tale-bearing are not condu-
nirmamathva (the detached attitude of looking and living in the world
cive to right conduct. Harsh words and expressions, slander and cal-
that "it is not I and not mine") mercilessly slaughter it being a witness
umny are forbidden. He alone is considered in this world as an Abhigna
unto it and cremate it in the fire of jnana".
'The Knower' who practices unblemished Vagyagna of the kind men-
tioned. Parvathipathi Lord Shiva confers on him ahethuka bhakthi cause "If you do so, Nagabhooshana the serpent adorned Lord Shiva,
less and hence consequence-free bhakthi and delivers him from worldly will be pleased and grant inexhaustible happiness. Yagnas delineated
tangles. Understand this as Truth". by me so far needs to be practiced subject to one's circumstances and
one who practices will be conferred with endless happiness".
While the Kings and Nobleman felt enlightened with what they
heard Chidambara continued and said: "I will now explain manasika PS. The last paragraph may call for some explanatory analysis.
Yagna which confers timeless contentment and satisfaction. As the mind Let us go about this way:
wakes up so does samsara the world of our transactions and dies down How to dissolve the mind? The process suggested is as follows:
154 155

First, take a vow of vairagya by which we mean dispassion, indif- Chapter XXXI
ference, renunciation, a requirement of the spiritual path.
Navalagunda
Next kindle and fan the fire of jnana, in the hearth of your heart.
You must always be fanning the fire so that it never dies or loses its It was time thought Chidambaradikshitharu to give a formal send
heat. off to the Royal visitors who had so enthusiastically participated and
Erect in the hearth of your heart perpendicular pillar of dhyana. helped in making the yagna fulfill the intended purpose. The Kings and
Your dhayana is both a pillar and a perpendicular upward-looking and the Nobles on the other hand wanted to provide a Royal escort to the
straight. guru on his return journey to Navalagunda. Before leaving Swamy called
his son Divakara and said: "The time is auspicious for us to leave to-
Now catch hold the cow of your mind and bind it with the many morrow. Let serving food to brahmins continue as long as the provi-
strands of vichara intellectual enquiry. sions last". Divakara replied in submission: "Swamy, without you how
And sanitize, process it with the Maha Vakyas. Everything is Brah- can food be offered to brahmins"? Smiling Dikshitharu, proceeded to
man and so you are also That. When you realize the truth of this state- the store room and observed:"Divakara, provisions stored here last for
ment you tell yourself, Yes: I am Brahman. five days; feed the brahmins that long". "Swamy, I did not see or par-
Then forge a sharp weapon out of the attitude of nirmamathva. ticipate in the yagna that concluded now. I had no idea of the stocks.
We have a congenital predisposition to look at the world from the point Since there are enough provisions, I seek your permission to do an-
of view of how it affects me. We see the world through this 'I and mine' other yagna". Divakara pleaded. Dikshitharu smiled in reply.
glasses and interpret it accordingly. We are enslaved to it and we need Divakara did a five day soma yagna with the assistance of quali-
to emancipate ourselves from it. We need to cultivate this attitude of fied brahmins. During that period 2,98,000 brahmins were fed.
nirmamathva as to make it a part of our being. Through this sharp Dikshitharu satisfied with the successful termination of the yagna was
weapon we need to slaughter the mind which has already been bound ready to leave for Navalagunda. In the meantime the manager of the
by the strands of intellectual inquiry about our purpose of coming to nearby mango grove complained: "The brahmins have plundered my
this world, living and death. While slaughtering we have no second grove; they have eaten away my annual yield; how do I survive this
thoughts. We are determined and we are clear about what we are do- loss"?
ing and so we remain a witness to our act of slaughtering and consign- Unruffled Dikshitharu replied: "Do not commit the sin of brahmin
ing the slaughtered ones to the fire. If we do so Lord Shiva who has abuse without basis. First go and see your garden". The manager was
adorned himself with a serpent around his neck will be happy. surprised to see each plant and branch loaded with fruits. He felt
ashamed and sought Mahaswamy's clemency. Dikshitharu returned to
his place in a brahmin driven chariot after blessing the people of
Gonnagere. He was accompanied by his two wives and the two arunis.
The Kings with their royal guards and troopers followed the
Mahaswamy.
156 157

The people of Navalagunda accorded royal welcome to Sri Shiva can I alone accept your hospitality? Is it impossible to host the army
Chidambaradikshitharu and his followers. He went round the gathering and my followers? You may grace me after the meal" said Bajirao who
and personally inquired their welfare and arranged a feast for all appeared unmoved. Chidambara settled the argument when he de-
brahmins. He rested for a while after taking his meal following the feast. clared: "No other way if you are intent on testing my truth. All powerful
The next day he gave phalamanthrakshatha benedictory offerings to jagadisha is there to protect. Be satisfied with only the feast. You may
the visiting Kings and Nobles and accorded them permission to leave. with your army included take what we offer".
Peshwa Bajiraya II came to pay his respects to Swamy with his Sri Shiva Chidambaradikshitharu went into the store; there were
army of troops and ministers. They were received and fed as befitting provisions sufficient for about 125 people. "We have enough to spare",
to a royal guest. Bajiraya awe struck felt that he was unequal to Dikshitharu observed. Within three hours festive food was ready. The
Swamy's incredible resources or hospitality. His ministers however did reception was many times more excellent and delicious than that of the
not approve or endorse Bajirao's perception or appreciation of Swamy. previous day. There was not an iota of defect to point out. An unrepen-
The ministers argued that there was no supernatural power behind tant Bajirao ashamed of himself came to Swamy. "Royal King, (man's)
Swamy. It was the result of support extended by other kings and rul- Intellect functions as time determines. None can prevent what is des-
ers, their advance planning, efficient supervision and overall manage- tined to happen. Listen to me carefully. Accept this what I offer now. In
ment. They further argued that they would accept Dikshitharu's great- you resides the food (welfare and prosperity) of many. Therefore do
ness if similar arrangements are made for the next day also. not exceed my sanction. This prasada what I give you in my grace do
Bajirao, true to the dictates of the times listened to his minister's not pass it on to the other. Keep it with you until you reach your place",
critical explanation. He thought of testing the Swamy's powers seen as Swamy ordered while offering the blessed phalamanthrakshatha.
well as unseen. Such are the fruits of evil company as ambrosia loses its Bajirao gave away phalamanthrakshatha he had received to his
potency when mixed with poison so do the good, in the company of servant right before and in the very presence of the Swamy. With tears
evil. When Dikshitharu sent for Bajirao to bless him with in his eyes Swamy bemoaned: "How generous are you, Sir! you handed
phalamanthrakshatha, the latter pleaded: "Swamy, grace me with per- over all of yours to your servant. Is there a remedy to this? Who can
mission to savour what you offer to me for one more day. Permit me to stop the divine dispensation"? Mahaswamy turned to others gathered
receive your blessings later". there and said: "The non-brahmin time has come".
With a smile on his face Dikshitharu replied: "Oh Royal King, lis-
ten to me. I am your protective shield of dharma. Do not try to test
truth or its efficacy. With the help of noble men around here I have
fulfilled myself in giving a reception suitable to your position and status.
Do not put it to further test".
Bajirao stuck to his wish even after listening to Mahaswamy's
words of displeasure. Dikshitharu suggested: 'If you are so interested;
come alone; you are welcome". "Come as I have with my retinue, how
158 159

Chapter XXXII
Concise but no less II
A yathi seeker of mastery over self had come to Gurlahosur in-
There was a king on the banks of the river (Saptha) Godavari and stead of going to Rameshwara to complete his pilgrimage to Kashi. (A
his name was Chaturbhuja. He lived a life of Sadachara, a discipline pilgrimage to Kashi the holy place on the bank of the river Ganga, is
that forbade slander and evil talk about others, desire for the other completed only when one visits Rameshwaram too) He had dreamt
woman and other's wealth and indulgence in fruitless disputation. On that Lord Rameshwara was now in the human form as Sri Shiva
two occasions he had survived external attacks through the grace of Chidambaradikshitharu. The yathi with his pot of Ganga water met the
Sri Shiva Chidambaradikshitharu. Now he was on his way to Swamy and said: "You are Rameshwara come alive. I want to fulfill
Mahaswamy after crowning his son as the King. He had avowed to myself by doing abhisheka (give a holy bath) to you with the holy Ganga
fast until he met the latter who deeply loved his warrior disciple. water".
The retired king on fast dream that he ate a meal that was suffi- Dikshitharu's reply was well known. He said: "I have two wives
cient to keep him as energetic as ever. He met the Swamy in Gurlahosur and six issues. How can I be (the Lord) Rameshwara you think I am?
and chose to remain with the Mahaswamy as a personal volunteer or- I cannot accept your abhisheka". While the yathi insisted on doing what
dering his forces that had accompained him to return. His dedication he had resolved Dikshitharu persisted in denying him permission. This
was incredible. went on for some time. Very soon Dikshitharu got a sound of Yathi's
devotion and its intensity; he made an offer. He said: "Exalted yathi, get
Once he brought up from the river Narmada eleven bana lingas
ready to do the proposed abhisheka. I submit myself to it on the con-
diving deep into its depths on the instruction of Dikshitharu his guru.
dition that you do it with your eyes shut till the end".
When the King gave the lingas to Dikshitharu the latter declined to
accept them. The poor king cast them away into the river malapahari Chidambaradikshitharu sat in a large brass plate ready for the
before he himself seeking a watery grave in the depths of the river. abhisheka. As soon as the avowed yathi began reciting the Rudramanthra
eleven times, the earth below caved into a river bed for Ganga to flow.
The Mahaswamy pulled him out and said: "I want the eleven The yathi with his eyes shut joyously performed Abhisheka accompa-
banalingas but not your life prana". nied by eleven rounds of rudramanthra recitation. As soon as each
Avowing himself again to a food-less life till the task is accom- round of manthra and abhisheka was over, the yathi felt the touch of
plished he set out to river Narmada to fetch the ordered object. On the linga. When the yathi opened his eyes after the completion of the avowed
way he fell down exhausted and fatigued. Once again he was served in rounds a linga had materialised close to him. (Lord) Rameshwara said
his dream what he did not touch while awake. Energized thus he dived to the yathi: "Since you have opened your eyes the abhisheka is com-
into the river, scooped the banalingas and presented them to his master pleted".
and felt satisfied and fulfilled. Resting in yoga in the caves and mountain Lord Rameshwara presented himself before the yathi as
spaces he attained jnana becoming a leading light to many. Chidambaradikshitharu. The yathi became ecstatic on seeing
160 161

Chidambara and broke himself into singing several hymns and prayers. Ganga water. The blessed lady so to say looked at the person from
Pleased with the prayers Chidambara instructed the Yathi into head to toe and identified him as her husband who was missing. The
'Brahmopadesha' knowledge of the Brahman. The yathi attained mukthi man from Kashi with Ganga water too identified her as his wife. Se-
alive. lecting and auspicious time Mahaswamy celebrated their wedding anew.
III The lady lived happily with her family adoring Chidambara in her heart.

While Chidambara was in Gurlahosur a person of the name V

Ramamuni came to have the former's darshan and took lodge in From a place called Gavala Mahaswamy, accompained by a huge
Annambhatta's residence. But the visitor never went to see Sri Shiva following left for Hipparagi where he wanted to have darshan of his
Chidambaradikshitharu much to the surprise and dismay of every one family deity Marthandabhairava and do a mahabhisheka to the lord as
who indeed knew how deep and intense were the visitor's devotion. a part of his adoration. Pouring water from the palm of one's hand to
Ramamuni's desire for darshan and instruction was fulfilled with- flow slowly, gently letting on the deity to the chanting of manthra is a
out ever going to the Mahaswamy. mode of worship known as abhisheka.
He became a Rama yogi and wandered freely instructing those One afternoon while Swamy was immersed in worshipping the
that came to him with an open mind and heart. Many sought his light family deity the meal time for the brahmins passed. Divakara Swamy's
and direction. son wanted food to be served and he was ready. Swamy however
withheld permission to the annoyance of his son.
IV
Divakara disregarding Swamy's intention went ahead asking
Mahaswamy went to Gavalakshetra a sacred place to take a holy
brahmins to squat for the meal. Food plate leaves were also put before
dip in the river Krishna. A large congregation of pilgrims assembled for
them and various items of food were also served one following the
the same purpose was taking the darshan of Swamy in an endless line.
other. However permission to begin eating had not been accorded. No
Swamy blessed a lady: "May you have eight issues and live happily in
one touches food until the sanction is given by serving ouposhana.
your husband's company".
At that moment a hurricance-like wind blew across raising a dust
But she was widow as they came to know later. People were
storm. In the consequent disorder a poor brahmin died hit by a stone
dismayed about this blessing. Husband's company for a widow was as
slab that fell from above. His forlorn wife began weeping beating her
inconceivable as Mahaswamy's blessings becoming untrue. The lady
chest. Sri shiva chidambaradikshitharu coming to know of the event
bowed down a second time to seek a further confirmation perhaps.
prayed: 'Shiva, Shiva, Shiva'.
Dikshitharu's blessings remained unrevised even after skeptics sought
further clarification. Dikshitharu observed: "It is the divine word that I Shutting his ears with his palm he went near the spot of the acci-
have mouthed; it can't go untrue". dent uttering: 'Shubham bruyath', let the auspicious be invoked.
The next day Swamy called the widow to identify a person who The dead person bundled and covered in a cloth was taken to a
had come from Kashi to see the Swamy. He had come with a pot full of secluded room. The separated limbs were joined uttering the mruthunjaya
162 163
manthra the 'death conquering prayer' and he was infused with prana Chapter XXXIII
the life breath by Chidambaradikshitharu.
Lingavathara
Dear readers, who can complete and conclude the infinite tales of
the Mahaswamy and his leelas? I am compelled to leave out many Sri Shiva Chidambaradikshitharu was fifty six. He thought: "Deeds
captivating and instructive episodes to make the book handy and con- and actions to be done through this descent are concluded; its purpose
cise. I seek from you the very reflections of Sri Shiva Chdambara is fulfilled and it is time to return to its hidden source".
Dikshitharu forgiveness for my disabilities and unsound sense of
economy. Elsewhere not far away from Murugodu Yamadharma the Lord of
Death had already taken his position as a recluse in a cave waiting for
Dikshitharu. If anyone asked why and for whom he is waiting he would
reply cryptically: "The All knowing Chidambara would himself come
and grant darshana".
One day Dikshitharu called his close devotees and spoke at length
in private as though he was discoursing on the life to be led in future:
"My exalted devotees, listen to me with attention. The times to
come are hard and difficult. You need to observe and follow dharma
with a great deal of courage, effort and perserverance; do not give up
your prescribed daily prayers and remain complacent. Give according
to your mite. Receive not that which is tainted either food or resources.
Even if poverty visits do not give up courage. To put it in a nut shell very
soon it will be the time of disrespect for the brahmin. Then one must
seek happiness in doing and acting right. According to the law of gods
descent, Eshwara will be reborn after a lapse of time to uphold and
strengthen dharma. Till then hold fast and safeguard truth spending time
in Shivadhyana".
Rajarama and other true devotees saddened by the nature of the
times to come appealed: "Mahaswamy, why do you entertain this for-
lorn feeling? We believe you are capable of doing, undoing, and fore-
stalling anything. Why desire to terminate this descent? The time spent
so far at your feet seems to have passed off like a second. While sitting
or at rest, eating or talking or thinking or in a public assembly, you
never left us out but now. Why do you think of going away from us? If
164 165
you are bent on going take us too along with you. A second without equal in spirit and mind. I live in my fullness in those who think not of
you live we cannot". the other woman and the wealth of others and those whose poise is
With tear stricken eyes, their sight fixed on the guru, every one fell neither temporary nor whimsical and who would not cause or inflict the
at his feet begging for a change of mind. Sri Shiva Chidambara slightest pain to animals even in their dreams. Truly do I live in those
dikshitharu's heart was touched by the outflow of their sincere devo- who speak the truth and those who do not steal the brahmin's food. I
tion. He was quick to comfort and console them with his sweet and live in those who put faith in Rajarama's abhangas and those that recite
tender advice. He said: 'Men of benign intellect, never have I left you the samskritha and prakritha hymns composed by Shivashastry. I live
behind and gone in the past; I will not do so in future too. This is truth. in those who go ecstatic while singing my bhajans. Great among bhaktas,
I had come out into the open so far to uphold and establish Dharma; to you I say in one word, the heart of my devotees is my residence"
hereafter I remain hidden taking care of and protecting my devotees. Chidambara assured.
Do not have any misgivings. Deeds of descent are done and concluded. To convince and prove as it were that Kengeri is Kashi indeed, he
But for the devotees their work remains". made the sacred Ganga flow from the oudhumbara tree for a week.
The devotees dissatisfied and unconvinced, asked: "Oh Lord, Further the of food, pinda, offered to the ancestors was seen floating in
without you how can we live in the present time of Kali bedeviled by the well that was down below. The devotees felt satisfied with the as-
darkness"? Devotees exalted, do not lose heart; the secret of my being surances given and all they had witnessed.
I will let you know, listen. Leaving behind my devotees, I am not the The Sri guru, Sri Shiva Chidambaradikshitharu finished the morn-
one to run away at any time. My favoured spots are Kengeri and ing prayers of the day and worship of agni. He then went to the plat-
Gurlahosur. Know for certain they have become holy places. Kengeri form on the central assembly and taking the lotus posture padmasana
is Kashi in fact. Residing there at all times I will fulfill the desires of my said: 'Aham Brahmasmi', I am indeed the very Brahman and got merged
devotees. Uphold Chidambara tradition and extend augment the realm in Chidananda the bliss of consciousness. The day was Margashirsha
of bhakthi. My six children who know my mind will help and assist Krishna Chathurthi. The devotees witness to this event sat silently mourn-
you". ing over the inevitable.
"I reside in him who carries forward my way of life. Do not get In the meantime Divakaradikshita, the eldest son of Dikshitharu
worried. The gods are expecting me and Brahma's emissary is waiting the person responsible for carrying out his father's instructions into cor-
for me residing in Siddha cave. Therefore give me a warm send off. I responding actions and deeds arrived. His vociferous and irressible
depart to please the gods". dissatisfaction was visible as well as audible. He protested and struck
"Right here on earth casting aside the worldly form (physical body) work saying that he would not conduct the last rites of his father. He
I continue to live unseen. I reside in the hearts of those who are calm turned violent raised his hand against even Shivashastry and asserted
and unruffled in temperament and obey the dictates of the Vedas. I that his father cannot go to Kailasa all alone leaving behind him.
reside inside those who sing my songs and hymns and listen to my Shivashastry unafraid of Divakara's threats appealed to his Mas-
stories with rapt attention. I live in those who do not indulge in slander ter Sri Chidambara with folded hands: "Mahaswamy, this is
and do not feel divided between Hari and Hara and those that are Dakshinayana the sun is on his southern path. The doors of heaven are
166 167

it is said, narrow during this time. You are Shiva come to earth to uplift He then called his wives and children, devotees and disciples,
it. Why seek the infamy of exiting now? It is not right and set it right" near and dear and pilgrims and addressed them:"To day, ask whatever
As soon as the disciple uttered the words mentioned above, boons you care to I have discharged all dues I had to clear during this
Chidambara woke up from his eternal silence. He said 'Shiva Shiva' descent; they are cleared, done and completed. I will be here alone
(around you) to uplift my devotees. Therefore be happy".
and resumed his daily routine saying: "Young man, it is sundown time
the brahmins are famished; Have you not started cooking? What..."? He was thus fulfilling the desires of 'seekers' the want-ridden devo-
tees.
Divakara delighted and surprised ran and held his father's feet and
said: "How can I keep track of things when you had planned your In the meantime Prabhakaradikshita, brother of Chidambara/
unannounced exit"? Divakara came and pleaded:"Oh Lord, how can you push us into the
sea of kali and go away? Take me with you". Mahaswamy responded
Chidambara replied instantly: "What do you say? Is your intellect
consolingly: "Brother, fear not. Take courage. Let Galava the holy place
deranged? Leave my devotees (behind) and depart? No, impossible.
be your place of residence; your fame spreads across the world. Live
Even if a deluge sweeps across I remain in Kengeri and that is for
with my devotees and spread our way of life in the world and then
sure". Consoling his son and other devotees Chidambaradikshitharu
come and join me".
arranged for food for brahmins and fed them. After four such days of
return to normalcy he called his son Divakara to his side and said: "You In the meantime, Brahma and other gods and divinities came as
know the accident of the previous days was a divine dispensation. I brahmins to have 'darshan'; they bowed down with reverence and sang
have prayed and appealed to our family deity Marthandabhairava and hymns in his praise. The guru with vibhuthi marks all over his body was
Panduranga for terminating successfully the previous accident. I do not sitting in the center of the glowing five faced fire. His clothes were
want others to offer thanks on my behalf; I want you to go". bright and neat. An enchanting half smile lit his face; his half shut eyes
were inviting and arresting; the bunch of basil leaves adorned his ears.
Divakara endowed with the grace of sun and his brilliance though The Sri Guru bore in his heart the Panchayathana idols (Five god con-
in part (Suryamsha) could not escape the net cast by the pleasant and clave Adithya, Ambika, Vishnu, Gananatha and Maheshwara), bright-
sweet voice of Mahaswamy. Divakara went to Hipparagi and then pro- ened the 'House of Homa', the yagnashala making the devotees feel
ceeded to Pandharapura. fulfilled by his very sight. The visiting pilgrims and the rest were focus-
According to the Saka calendar it was Yuva Samvathsara (Year) ing their sight on the guru while Brahma and other gods were singing
Pushya Masa (Month) Shudha Chathurthi (Day). Chidambara hymns.
Dikshitaru rose in the brahmi hour finished all his daily oblations and The Mahaswamy gave the panchayathana idols to his son Shankara
offered worship and adored the cows and the brahmins. He then adored and the other tear struck children implored: "Mahaswamy, leaving us
the sun god, enkindled the panchagnis, the five fire gods, gifted away behind you seem bent on going. How do we live without you in this
decorated cows and bowed down to all the brahmins and sat on the frightful and dreadful world"? Take courage and do not fear. Listen to
grass mat spread on the platform. my deal. I will take care of the interests of those who discover the
168 169
secrets hidden in right actions as demonstrated by my life and living. standing before him and asked:"Mahaswamy, where are you going alone.
This word of mine is a truth indisputable and settled" Mahaswamy said. We are on the way to Rameshwara and my assistants are close behind"
The guru then called his two wives and took back the lustre they Mahaswamy replied and disappeared.
reflected so far by placing his hand on their head. He then fulfilled the Desai's mind was clarifying to itself, the sequence of events. 'How
desires of all and invoked agni and its eternal glow. awesome'? I am proceeding to the Dikshitharu on hearing about his
Chidambaradikshitharu sat in padmasana on the grass mat as prescribed death and he has himself come before me to grant darshana and disap-
and directed the sight of his half shut eyes onto his nose tip. His two pear! What do I make of this? How come I am granted darshan while
hands were near the heart as befits the jnanamudra, the jnana posture. I hear the bhajan group singing? That is how he related his experience
Through Kumbaka his breath held arrested, he sat motionless for a
to other devotees when he saw them witnessing the last rites.
stipulated time span muhurtha and then gave vent to the sound
"Brahmasmi, Brhaman I am", and attained the joy, true and real curtail- The same afternoon Mahaswamy gave darshana to his son Divakara
ing the respiratory cycle. on the banks of the river Chandrabhaga in Pandharapur and went along
While the guru was thus manifesting into a flow of light, men and with him to the temple of Panduranga. After Panduranga darshana he
women were crowded into silence as birds do at the time of sunset. looked at Divakara and said: "Stretch your hand and take this
The grief ridden were comforted by Chidambara presenting himself phalamanthrakshatha. When Divakara stretched his towel to receive
alive and pacifying them the returning to his invisibility. Everyone was the graced articles, Mahaswamy had gone invisible. Divakaradikshitharu
thus satified and comforted. Some were reciting the Vedas; some were felt that Vittala (instead) gave the graced articles and placed a lace of
singing bhajans and some prose verses and some were dancing in their basil beads around his neck. Divakaradikshitharu surmising that his fa-
ecstasy. Lighting the ahithagni Shankaradikshita commenced the last ther must have exited from his body made a quick return to Murugodu
rites as directed by the Vedic scholars. after reviewing the sound and scent of his experiences. Mahaswamy
The Mahaswamy was placed in the chariot (cartage) and it was had given darshana that day to all his real and true bhakthas in a similar
drawn slowly by a band of pure and upright brahmins. The bhajan way.
group singing in the forefont was accompanied by the sound of cym- Kashinathadikshitharu and others had marked out a ground for
bals and drums and pipes and stringed instruments. The Upanished 'Chidamabara space' to the south of Ramachandra temple and north of
reciting brahmin team was ahead of the singing group. Some were of- the Oudhumbara tree. And it was here that the mortal remains were
fering date fruits and rice flakes and some sandalwood flakes and per- cremated with the sacred fire known as shrouthagni. Taking a post
fumes of various scents. The chariot moved in the northerly direction cremation bath avabhruthsnana, all of them arrived at the Chidambara
and reached the oudhumbara tree at Kengeri. The entire village had
space. The Oudhumbara tree remained green and fresh unaffected by
assembled to pay their last respects to the Mahaswamy.
the crematory fire. It stood and looked fresh and green as it would
Desai of Rudrapur was on his way coming to know of during and after rain. In the bright light of that fire the brahmins had their
Mahaswamy's eternal departure. Chidambaradikshitharu met him on meal. One of them a brahmin did not partake of the food thinking that
the way. Desai was wonder struck to see the Mahaswamy alive and the crematory fire was impure and contaminated. He felt a bout of
170 171

stomach ache thereafter but he was rid of it when he ate the prasad, the
blessed and graced food.
Divakaradikshitharu walked for three days and reached Murugodu.
He ranted and turned violent unable to withstand his grief and disap-
pointment. Mahaswamy pacified and comforted Divakara with his
darshana and sweet advice. He said:"Divakara, be poised and listen
and mark my words. I say that which is auspicious to you. I have gone
away only in a worldly sense. Here I live in the privacy of the timeless.
For the time being I manifest myself in the holy place of Subrahmanya
as a linga the physical symbol at the root of the oudhumbara tree. I
have gone to the darshan of the guru supreme Swayamprakasheshwara,
Eshwara, the Self Luminous and Effulgent".
"Kengeri is my home where I reside; trust me. Go to the holy
Subbapura and install the linga at the specified place. I will as before
fulfill the wishes of my devotees. My words are truth and truth indeed.
Believe me".
Listening to the guru's words of assurance, Divakaradikshitharu
pierced through the web of delusion and adored the brahmins with
renewed faith and poised in peace within. The brahmins were very
happy with the variety of food served and multifarious gifts received. In
the Chidambara space a commodious and large temple was built. At
the holy place of Subbapura a linga was found at the root of the
oudhumbara tree and the same Linga was brought to the newly built
temple where it was consecrated according to the prescribed rules.
The Lord of Kailasa manifesting as linga is fulfilling the wishes of devo-
tees spreading auspicious influence and granting darshana to true and
real devotees.

Shubham-Mangalam.