Sri Raghavendra Swamy was a great scholar and teacher of the Vedas and other scriptures. He was also a master of astrology and palmistry. He had many disciples and followers who revered him for his wisdom and devotion. He was also known for his miraculous powers and healing abilities.
One day, a poor Brahmin named Appanacharya came to Mantralayam to seek the blessings of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. He had heard about his fame and wanted to learn from him.
Sri Raghavendra Swamy welcomed him warmly and asked him to stay in his mutt (monastery) for some time. He also taught him the principles of Dvaita philosophy and the importance of bhakti (devotion) to Lord Hari and Vayu.
Appanacharya was very impressed by Sri Raghavendra Swamy and became his ardent disciple. He also developed a deep bond of friendship with him.
He decided to dedicate his life to the service of Sri Raghavendra Swamy and his mutt. He used to perform various chores such as cooking, cleaning, fetching water, etc. for the mutt.
He also used to accompany Sri Raghavendra Swamy wherever he went and assist him in his spiritual activities.
He was very happy and content with his simple life.
One day, Sri Raghavendra Swamy told Appanacharya that he had decided to enter into Jiva Samadhi (a state of living death) in a Brindavan (a tomb-like structure) at Mantralayam.
He said that he had completed his mission on earth and wanted to merge with Lord Hari and Vayu in spirit.
He said that he would be alive in spirit for 700 years and would bless his devotees who came to his Brindavan.
He also said that he would enter into Jiva Samadhi on an auspicious day after a month.
Appanacharya was shocked and saddened by this news. He could not bear the thought of losing his beloved guru and friend.
He pleaded with Sri Raghavendra Swamy to change his mind and stay with him for some more time.
He said that he would not be able to live without him.
Sri Raghavendra Swamy consoled him and said that he should not be attached to his physical body, as it was perishable and temporary.
He said that he should be attached to his soul, which was eternal and immortal.
He said that he would always be with him in spirit and guide him from within.
He said that he should continue his service to the mutt and the devotees with devotion and dedication.
He said that he should also spread the message of Dvaita philosophy and the glory of Lord Hari and Vayu to the world.
He blessed him and asked him to prepare for his Jiva Samadhi ceremony.
Appanacharya reluctantly agreed and obeyed his guru’s wishes. He made all the arrangements for the ceremony with the help of other disciples.
He also composed a beautiful hymn in praise of Sri Raghavendra Swamy called “Raghavendra Stotra”.
He planned to recite it in front of Sri Raghavendra Swamy before he entered into Jiva Samadhi.
The day of Jiva Samadhi arrived. Thousands of devotees gathered at Mantralayam to witness the historic event.
Sri Raghavendra Swamy sat inside the Brindavan, which was decorated with flowers and lamps.
He looked radiant and peaceful. He smiled at Appanacharya and asked him to recite his hymn.
Appanacharya stood outside the Brindavan with tears in his eyes. He held a coconut in his hand, which he wanted to offer to Sri Raghavendra Swamy as a mark of respect.
He started reciting his hymn with a trembling voice. He praised Sri Raghavendra Swamy for his knowledge, devotion, compassion, miracles, etc.
He also expressed his gratitude, love, admiration, sorrow, etc. for him.
He reached the last verse of his hymn, which said:
“Poornabodha Guruteertha Karunamruta Varshine Hare Venkata Ramana Narahari Manohare Sakala Graha Bala Neene Sarvajna Drushtidaayine Sri Raghavendra Guruve Namaha”
The meaning is:
“O Guru Raghavendra, the ocean of mercy, who is the disciple of Poornabodha Teertha O Lord Hari, the consort of Venkata Lakshmi, the enchanting Narahari You are the strength of all the planets, you are the omniscient, you are the bestower of vision I bow down to you, O Guru Raghavendra”
As soon as he uttered these words, the coconut in his hand burst open and water spilled out.
He was shocked and amazed by this miracle. He realized that it was a sign of Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s acceptance and approval of his hymn.
He also realized that it was a sign of Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s departure from his body.
He cried out loud and ran towards the Brindavan to see his guru for the last time.
But before he could reach there, the disciples closed the Brindavan with stones and sealed it with mud.
They did not want anyone to disturb Sri Raghavendra Swamy in his Jiva Samadhi.
Appanacharya was heartbroken and collapsed on the ground. He felt as if he had lost everything in his life.
He lamented and wailed for his guru.
Sri Raghavendra Swamy heard his cry from inside the Brindavan. He felt sorry for his disciple and wanted to console him.
He spoke to him in a soft voice and said:
“Appanacharya, do not grieve for me. I am always with you in spirit. You have done a great service to me and the mutt. You have composed a wonderful hymn in my praise. I am very pleased with you. Your hymn will be chanted by millions of devotees for generations to come. It will bestow them with peace, prosperity, health, happiness, and salvation. You are blessed by Lord Hari and Vayu. You have nothing to worry about. Be happy and continue your service to the mutt and the devotees. I bless you with all my heart.”
Appanacharya heard his guru’s voice and felt a surge of joy and bliss in his heart. He thanked him for his kindness and grace.
He also apologized for his attachment and sorrow.
He said that he would follow his guru’s instructions and serve him till his last breath.
He said that he would always remember him and chant his name.
He said that he loved him more than anything else in the world.
Sri Raghavendra Swamy smiled and said:
“I love you too, Appanacharya. You are my dearest disciple and friend. You are like my own soul. We are inseparable. We will meet again in Vaikuntha (the abode of Lord Vishnu). Till then, be happy and spread happiness. May Lord Hari and Vayu bless you always.”
Saying this, Sri Raghavendra Swamy became silent and entered into Jiva Samadhi.
Appanacharya felt a wave of peace and calmness in his mind. He bowed down to the Brindavan and prayed to Sri Raghavendra Swamy.
He then got up and joined the other disciples in singing bhajans (devotional songs) in praise of Sri Raghavendra Swamy.
He also distributed the coconut water to everyone as prasadam (sacred food).
He then dedicated his life to the service of Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s mutt and devotees.
Subscribe , Follow on