TH E

L I FE O F

RAMAN U JA G HARYA
TH E E X I O N E N T
'

O F TH E

A A
V I IS HTA DV M TA P H I LOS OP H Y

A K 39: a

mdac ha rya
A lko ndaw lle
g ov

A m
man G E

Liam

. P a ncha md .
Ques ti on gm &a , ,
.
,

anabr as :

mv hu m ? SillR E E F
-
.
 TH E

LIFE O F R A M A N UJA
AND O TH E R S :

I N TR O D U CT O R Y .

Afte r A zhvar s c ome t he A char y as The for mer w e

the .

ha ve c a lle d S a ints and the la tt er w e sha l l des ign a t e a s t he

,

B oth S a i nt s an d S ag e s p o s s es s t he t w o -f o l d

S a ge s .

c har ac t er i s t ic s o f Know l edge and Lo ve i e Know l e dge . .

,

o f G o d a nd L o ve t o G o d W her ea s t he S a i nt s ar e pr e -e mi
.

ne nt ly o f t he or der o f L o ver s o f G o d t he S a ges a r e o f t he ,

o r de r o f K no w e r s o f G o d B ot h S a i nt s a nd S a ge s a r e S e r v a nt s
.

of G od .

We ha ve w ri tt e n t he Hol y L i v e s
S ai nts alr eady of t he .

A nd no w by G o d s gr a ce w e w r i te the Hol y L i v es of t he

S a ges T hese a re hea de d by t he B les se d N athamu ni (g a l)

.
,

( r a n k ing as the E ig hteenth i n the H i er a rc hic Tab le a ttac h e d t o

o ur L i ve s o f t he A z hvr s ) The s u b s t a n ce o f the p re sent w or k
.

i s t he L i fe of R amanuj a .
2 r un L I FE or mi ni mum . on 1 . .

CHA P T E R I .

N ET H A M U N I .

A l ong t ime el a A zhv ar s ( S aints ) a nd t he p s ed be tw e en the

Ac har yas ( Sag es ) At t he d ate 9 16 A D o r w h en t he S a ge . .

Y amu nachir ya w a s bor n N at ha muni hi s g r a ndfa ther w a s , , ,

a li v e We have i n r ecord tha t l s var a-b ha tt A zhvai w as t he

.
,
.
'

fa ther of N it tha mu ni ; and l s var a -muni w as hi s ( N atha-

m un i s ) s on A ll the th ree toge ther li ved i n V i ra nar ay ana

.

p ra m w h er e ex i s t s the Ho l y S hr i ne of M a nmt r K Oi l ; t he

l
u

Res i dent D ei ty there mani fes t being M anna mir ( = Lord

, ,

Kri s hna or Ri j a G o pala) - .

G od s o their hou seh ol d D ei ty

man ifes t O ne day the
w as .
,

fa t her s on (N tha muni ) and gr a nd so n w e nt to t he S hr i ne a nd

, ,

s ub mi ss i ve ly p e ti tio n ed of M a nna na r to p e r m i t t h e m to u nder

t ake a pil gr image to the N or th of I ndia w h er e the y w er e ,

a n x i o u s t o v i s i t all those Hol y S hr i n es to H i msel f or a t w h i c h ,

H e had i ncar n ated i n var i ous for ms i n or der to acc o mpli s h

2
,

the three fol d obj ec t of s av i ng the g ood p u n is h i ng the w i c ked , ,

T hi
pla ce i s a ou t 1 5 m
s il es b g o any c ha ng e
i n H is es s e n c e or
fr o m C i
h da mbnr am h
( C tri a k ti ta m

b
s u s ta nc e R amanuj a
. ha s ex
a ud w he re the famo us t a n k V i rz
i ua m pla i ne d t his i n his pre fac e t o G i te .

(a bbr n r ayana puraui) i s

for V ira - t hus b
H e , e i ng t he vas t O ce an
o f i n ni te M e r c
S m at ha muni i s
'

y a nd C onde s ce n
s i tu a t e . ga N
.
o
in -
s i on , L ove a nd B o unt
y , w i ll e d t o
the f a ll O
na me of t he S ag e .
a s s ume
( ma ter i al) forms s i mil ar to
3 M uch has een w r i tt e n o n the b t hos e of H i s c r eatur es m tho ut .
'

su bj
ec t of D i vi ne I nca r nations i n a bandoni ng H i s ow n e s s e nt ial di vi ne

t he w or k s Ta t tva t ra g a and E u (i mmater ial ) natu re [ s 8

'

ti ona le of I mag e Wor s hip b y P artha T he s ame t ha t we s ay of o ur Lords

s ar a thi , Y o g i (2) O ur B ha g a va dg i ta , M at sya, K r is hna , & e , t he C hr is t ia ns .

( 3 ) L i ves of A z hvdrs , an d (4) D i vi ne s a y of L ord J es u s Chr is t W e c an

is dom of D rdu da S a -i mx We ag a i n
.

no mor e z
'

s ay the
y, g a e upon
.

c al l t he a t tention o f o u r r eader s H is i ne ab l c b
r ig htnes s t ha n w e
t o v ers e I I Leo I X of o ur G it iz ;

c a n l ook u on t he noo n-da

p
.
y s un
.

T b
.

a nd V i s hnu -P ur i na v ers e he n G od i n H i s
M o und l es s M er c
y
& c [v I 51, and v 9 23 t o 2 5]
. . . . . s haded hi s b
r ig htne s s i n t he c l ouds
t t o f hu ma m na ture vei l ed H i s f ace

a nd s t at e f ur her ha t b y I ncar n ,
w e d o no t mea n t hat G od s o that t hr o u h t he ve il o f huma n

at i o n g
w ho i s e veryw he r e a nd eternal , es h, huma n de eds and hu man
c hang es H i s pla c e, n o r a t o ne mo w ords , w e mi g ht l ook u o n G o d and

p
men t H e i s i n H eave n, a nd at ano live .
[E p ip ha ny] P 6 , J a n : 10th . .

t her on E ar th nor d oes H e unde r

on I
. .

a nd e s at b li s hi ng v ir t ue i n the l a nd (r i de B hag avad-G it a I V -S) -

.
,

s uch S hr i n es G oha l a B r i ndzw a na the H ol y

a s M ath ur a

, , ,

b a nks o f Y a m nna ( J umna ) G eva r dha na s w a ka Ay odhy a , ,

, .

S itla g r ama B adarik ii s ra ma N a i m iS r a nya N r i s i mha g ir i a nd

'

-
, , ,

o t her s .

Lo d M r a nnan itr deig ne dt o g i v e t he m per mi s s io n t o do s o .

T hey t te d s ar for thw it h w it h t hei r fa mil ies , and i n t he c o u r s e

o f t he i r ho l y per eg r inat io ns t hey c ame u p on a pl ac al l d h . e c e

G Ova dh na p u r a s i tuat e on the b a n k s o f H ol y Y a n u na n d

-
r a -
,
i
,
a

t he e p ai d t he i r homag e t o L o d K i s hna k no w n t o th D a v i
r - r r , e r

dia n s a s Y m nai t t m i n n [v ide Tzmppdvai by S t A ndal v

'

a a - - a a .
.

The Lor d a nd all t he

nd ing s w er e s o fas c in a t ing a sS ur r o u

t o i nd u c e th e m to d ec i de to s pe nd t he r es t o f t he ir d ay s he re .

T i me ag reea bl y s pe d thus B u t o n a c er tai n ni ght S age N atha . .

,
n

mnni ha d a d r eam i n w hi ch Lo rd M annanar ap p eare d a nd

c o mm a n de d hi s d e v o tee to re t u r n t o V i r a-N aray anam .

The v iv id l y i m p r es s e d by this exp er ie n c e a nd

Sa ge w as ,

r es o l ve d to r etu r n to hi s N a t i v e L and H e acc or ding l y s u b .

m i tte d his des i re t o Y a mu nai -t t u r a i van w ho g l ad ly a cc or ded

,

hi s s a nc t ion a nd h on or ed t he s ag e w i th the H ol y r tha a nd

i da
p ras v .

B i dd in g a d ie u
p l ac e t hey bent t hei s te p s t the
to t he ,
r o

P u us hetta m a-K s h tr a w he e L o d J ag anntha i s r es id nt

r ,
r r e .

Afte p ay in g r ever en ce t o the Lo d her e t hey n ex t w ent o n t o

r r ,

S imh rd i o A hbb i l am w her e L or d N r is i mha s h eddet h hi s

-a

r r

s a v i ng r a di an c e ar ou nd and t he n c t hey p u r s u ed t he i j o u n ey e r r ,

ti l l t hey ar r i ve d at t he S ac ed Hi ll of T i ru p a ti cel ebr a ted s r , a

t he a bod e o f L ord Sr i n i v as
'

t he a b o de on t his ear t h w hi h H e
a, c

i s s ai d to ha v e p ar t icu l ar l y c hos e n a s H i s c e nt r e for t he s a l v a

ti o n o f ma nk i nd after ha vi ng a li ghted there o n f rom H is c el es
,

ti a l ab od e Sr i V aiku nt ha or w ha t i s called P ar a m apada , ,

P a amak as a & c
r - T h i s l ocal i ty ag ain w as so p r ep os s es s i ng
,
.
.

that i t b id N at hamuni t o d w ell th er e p er ma n e ntl y b u t

M a nna nar s c ommanda i mpe iou s l y r equ i r ed hi s r t ur n ho me

r e .

T he S a g e co u l d not res i s t t hi s a nd s o l eft the H ol y l i u pa t i

'
r ,
4 TH E L I FE or R RM XN U J a .
CH . 1 .

a nd en r ou te v i s i t ed , a mong ot he rs, the h oly s p ot s k no w n as

G ha t i k ac hal a (o f L or d N r i s imha ) r r of
,
H as t ig i i ( o K anc hi
L or d Var ada-R j a) Tir uvahi ndr a -p u r a near m oder n G u dda
,

lo r e of L or d D eva Nay a k a ) Ti r u k k val r ( o f L or d T ri v ik

-
,

r a ma) S r i r an g a m (of L or d R a ng anat ha )

, T i r uk k u da nda i ,

or K u mb ha k nam of L or d A r a-v -a mu du o r S r u ng a p ni )

a nd nall y r et u r ned t o hi s nat i ve pl ac e Vi r a N r y a napu r a m

- .

H e r e t he s ag e r ec ei ve d an o v at io n f r om the ho ly i nh a b i t a n t s ,

a nd w a s c ondu c ted i n p r o c es s io n t o M a nna nzi r T he L o rd w a s

h ighly plea s ed and m ade H i s w ishes k no w n to t he a s s emb l ed

c o mm u ni t y t ha t t he nc efor w ar d t hey m u s t l ook u p o n the S a g e ,

as H is s p e c i a lly b l es s ed de vo te e p r ovide hi m w i t h s ui t a b le ,

lodg ings a nd al l ot her neces s ar ies o f li fe a nd t ak e s u ch ot h er

,

c ar e of hi m as hi s f a vou r i t e des e r ve d A l l t hi s t hey g la dly .

did . A nd N at ha mu ni ( g a l ) m a de ga den fo the L o d a o w er - r r r ,

a nd m ploy ed h i m el f i n i ts c a e s er vi ng the L o d w i th t he
e s r ,
r

o ffer i ngs o f g a l nds s ce nt l ight s ; a nd i n s uc h w i e u s

r a ,
s, s e

fu lly p ent hi s ti me i n t he co m p any o f w i s e a nd holy men

s , in
t he c u l t i va t i o n o f D i vi ne K no w l edge and i t s p ro p a g at i o n .

O ne day, t h er e c ame a p ar ty of S r i -va i s hna vs f r o m t he

u pl ands ( o r the t ab l e -l a nds t o t he no r t h o f T r i c h i no p ol y ) to ,

vi
s
it M a nnanar , a nd t h ey w e re h ea rd to s in g t he s a c r ed Hym n ,

A ra -v -a mu du or t he D e cad : V 8 - of St . N a m mz hv zt r s

T ir u v ay -M oz h i ,
a nd end ing w it h the 1 1 th ver s e of t he sa me , i n
w h ich i t is said : Thi s Ten ou t o
f the Thous and, s un
g by K u r u.

g r S afha g par atham u ni , hear in

.

N
t is , e b gg g h ed o f the
vi s i t or t o r e p eat t he O e Tho u s and
n

B u t t eyh sa i d t h e y .

o nl
y k ne w t h i s f a g me nt of T n a nd no mor e
r O n b ei ng a ga i n
e .

a sk e d w hethe an
y one el s e k ne w t he s ame
r r w h et h e the , .
o r re

we w i tt en
re ecor ds p r es er ved o f t he s a me
r r t h ey c o nfe s s ed ,

t h at t h ey k new not h ing w h ate ve of i t T he s age dis mi s s e d r .

t h e m w it h t he u s u al ho l v Ti th a nd P sdd fro m M nna n r r a ra a a .

N ath a w as anx i ou s to tr ac e o ut the re s t o f t he P r a b andha

( the D r avi da S
H ymns of t he a int s ar e s o c a lled) a nd s u r mis ed
h at th ey gh
t h
mi t i n al l li k e li ood p rove r ec o ve ra le in t he b
K ur ug u L and ( = A zhvar T ir unaga r i near Ti nneve lly ) . H e
on I . . N KTH A M U N I . 5

t r a velled h t o th i s plac e a nd paid due h onors to S t N am

s out ,
.

m a hv i a nd L or d Pol i ndu nin a-P ir n (or A di natha ) and se t

z r, - r

ab o u t i nq u i r i ng for t h mi s s ing P abandha H e m et Paran e r .

k u s a D s ar , a dis ci pl e of and a sk ed hi m
for i nf o r ma tion . H e said S ire ! N ot on ly the Tir uv ay
M oz hi o f S t . N a mmzhvar b ut t he P r ab andhas as we ll of the
ot h A zhv r s h ave al mos t b een for gotten as a ver y l ong t i me
er ,

has e l a p s ed s i nce the days of t h ei r comp os i t io n My .

Ac h ar y a S t M adhur ak a vi (g al ) has lef t th i s mes s age th a t

,
.
,

w hos oe ver w ill c oncent r at e hi s m i nd xi ng hi msel f i n a Yoga ,

p os tu r e befor e S t N ammazhvar s ( Hol y I mage ) a nd repeat

.

t he te n-ve rs ed H ymn, the K a nninu n-S ir u t t mb u , t w el ve

t hou s and t i mes , al l t he t i me devo u tly dw e lli n o n the H oly g
fe e t of S ai nt w ill place hi m s e lf en r ppor t w ith the S aint
t he , a ,

w ho w i ll t h e n b l ess the devo te e w i th the vis ion of h ims el f .

N at hamu ni w as j i
r e o c ed to h ear th i s . H e fell at t he fee t

of P a r nk u Sa-D as ar i mp lor e d him t o teac h t he (M antr a-lik e)

and

K a nni nu n S i r ut tamb u D as ar ndi ng N ethamuni a fi t s oul for

- .

t he c om m u ni c ati o n taught hi m t h is D ec ad ; and N atha

,
mnni
w i t h du e p rep ar at ion and in all au s t er it y sat do w n i n medita ,

t io n fo r t he t er m r eq u ir ed and du ly i nvoked N a mm az hvar b y ,

t he t w e l ve t h o us and-t i mes -r e p eat ed M antr a as enj oi ned , .

E nt i t led as i nary revel at ion b y the

he w as to an e x t r a or d ,

q u ali c at ions he p os sess ed o f a t r ue di sciple Fa i th , ,

v r t u e devot on to G
i i
,
od s er e ni ty w i s d o m a nd co ur ag e

, S ri , , ,

the U n ive r s a l L ady of M er c y c o mmanded S t N a mmazhar , .

t o a p p ear t o N at h a muni A s if a voice c a me fr om H eaven

-
.
,

t he h ol y I ma ge o f the S ain t o p e ned i ts mou th and as k ed

atha mu ni t he obj ect of hi s i nv o cation Nat ha mnni s ubmitte d
T
.

to hi m hi s p r ay er : t o r ec ov er t he los t k now l edge of the P r a

bandha T her eon the S ai nt w as please d to di ctate to him Le
.

,

p re s ent t o his s p ir it ually o pened s ight like t he s i gh t Lo rd ,

1 S ee hi s life i n o ur H ol y L ives o f the g l a m( i -

r e.

ma s m m w d W W W "

[ P anc har atra]

6 TH E L I FE o r R RM XN U J A . cs .

K r ish na ga ve to A r
j una
l
the H o ly Tir uvly-M oz hi of 1000
ver s es , as w e ll a s t he 3000 vers e s ofH y mn s s ung b y t he ot e r h
N a mm zi z hvar ; a nd

sa i nts who a pp ear e d b e fore a nd a ft er S t .

in add it i o n t au gh t hi m t he ho ly D oc tr i ne of the T re e h
R ahas yas [Vide P . xx i-x xi i o f I nt r o : to L i ves o f A hvar s ] z ,

as w e ll as t he s e c r e ts of Yo ga (o r the ph y s io phy c hol og ical

-

w ay of a pp roach ing

N tha muni (g a l) fe lt hi ms e l f b les se d; and r e mai ned i n

Ti r una gar i bs r bed in t h se vices o f t v a nd Kdi ntha
'
a o e r r .

B ut l o rd M annaniir a gai n a pp e ed to hi m in a d e am w h i c h ar r ,

w a s to t he e ec t t h a t w ha t N atha mu ni (g al) l ear nt s ho u l d be

r ehe ar s ed b efore hi m H e com mu ni c at d the dr eam to L or d
. e

A dinatha and A hvar w h e eu p on he w s p er mi tted t o r etur n to

z ,
r a

hi s nati vep l ace and w as fu t h e e nj i ne d to s p r ead the i ns t ruo

r r o

t i on he had r ec ei ve d am ng s uc h S i v is hnavs as w er e tt ed
,
o r a

by thei r spi r itual c h a act e vi vi tu es s u c h as s o me a nd

, r r, z .
, r

de mo (or c onques t of t he s enses a nd t he mi nd) .

Nathamuni (g al) bent his s te p s h ome w ar ds and on the w ay

vis i ted ma n H ol y Sh r ines and l ear nt mu c h of t he traditio na l
y
l or e c onnected w it h t h em and nally r eac h ed V i r anarayana ,

p ur am Her e he w ent to L o rd M a nna n r and as c ommanded

.
a

i n t he dr eam du ly r ec i ted al l t he P r a b a ndh s he had now -

,

r ece i ve d b efore H i m
, .

Lord after thus g iving au dience to N ath a t h ough t to

T he
Hims el f t h us T h at the s ou l m ay ha ve life We p r ovided s
,

t h e m w i th bodies and s e ns es W e gave t h em S as tr as t o gui de

t h e m i n t he r i gh t dir ec t i on W e o u s e lve s o ft en took u p on U s r

es h ( i nc ar nat ions ) and yet O u w ork ( of w hol esal e s alvation) r

rema i ns i ncomplet e . T he P r ab a ndhas of t he A z hvar s

.
ar e a

val u a bl e mea ns by w hi c h to c it e d t . h is re generat ion . T h ey

1
[B h g G i ta X I] C p : E h : G i z l V l to 3 A ls o
q m
, .

a _

g V da s a r e o ft e n l o s t, r e oo ve r ed, o r

D i vi ne k nowledg e is t hus of te n r ev e al ed a g a i n a nd ag ai n

l os t an ar i a: II
.

d ofte n r e c over ed .

2
S ee no t e on Y og a f urt he r o n.
CH . 1 . N RTH A M U N I . 7

th eref r e ough t never agai n to b e allow ed to fall out o f u s e

o .

So t h i nki ng H e c omma nde d N at hamu ni (g a l ) to s et t h em to

,

mu s ic and i n th i s manner di ss emi na te Hol y K now ledg e .

In o bedience to t h is
Nathamuni ( g a l) s et t he
c o mma nd,

H o ly P r ab andhas to mu s ic ~celes t2 al mu s ic it i s wr i tten

'

w i th t he h elp of his nep h e w s Ki zh a i-ak at t -t van a nd M el a i

a k a tt A z hv an
-
a nd t he P r a b a ndhas b ei ng no w lik e t he V edas ,

as s o c i a t e d w i th t he t h r ee fo l d i nt onat i o n of U dti tta A mul ci tta

-
,

and S va /r i ta s p r ea d fr om t h at t i m e o nw ar ds far and w i de i n

,

the l a n d .

K i ng ChOl a i s sa id to h ave r u ed
l i n t h os e days in a pla ce
ca lled g ai -konda c ho ha p ura m w h en t w o cour te s ns ca m
G an - z -
,
a e

to hi m O ne c oul d s i ng ac co di ng to t he mode ca lled d v g dn a

. r a-

( c e le s t i a l mode) t he ot h er acc di ng t o t he mode c alled m nu or a

shy g ii n
a-
( h u ma n mode) a, E c h tho u ght s he ex c elle d the . a

o t h r ; a nd the o bj ec t of t h i
e app oac h i ng the k i ng w as t o e r r

h a v the di s p ute s ettled betw e en th e m a to w ho ac t ua lly w as

e s

t he b e t te T he ki ng or de ed a c ou ncil to meet b efore w h ich

r . r ,

t he s i ng e s w er e made to p e for m t h ei r p ar ts
r The di s p ute r .

w a s de c ide d i n fa vou r of the mmw hya g dna ; a nd r ic h p esen t s o - r

we reb e s t ow ed on t h a t p rf or me w h ile the ot h er w as c on e r,

s ide ed to h av e fa iled
r .

T he l ady of the de va -g dna t ho u ht t us

g h M y method
of s n g i ng th ese manling s c a nno t a pp r eci ate
i ,
and I s h all c o n

s ecr t e t he s ame t h er efor e t o t he d v is ( cel es t i al

a t

S o s he w e nt fr om o ne Holy S hr i ne to anoth e r ev er yw h e e di s , r

pl ay i ng her art t o the D ei ty th ere i n mani fest She i n due .

c ou s e re ac h ed Vi t a-nar ay a na pu a m and as w as c u s to mar y

r r

w i t h he s he w e nt to t he Sh r ine o f M anna n r a nd t h er e s ang

r

her s on g i n the au di ence of ou r s age N atha muni (g al) He

'

h eard a nd unders tood her mode and mightily pleas ed vouc h ,

s a fed o t her as a mar k of his a pp r ec iat io n the , ti rtha andp ras dda

of L ord M anna nar She now p ur p osely retr aced her s tep s to
.
,

king C h o l a and s p oke th us

_ ,
T h e e i s one s on] at l ea s t 0
,
.
r , ,

K ing w ho can unders tand the beauties of my deva -g dna H e

,

.
 8 TH E L I FE or nuf nnm . on . I .

is b y na me N i tha mnni (g al) ,

the bles sed votar y of L ord M an
na nar at V ha '

The k in gs
i ity w as rou sed H e sent mes se nger s to

c ur os .

N athamu ni (g al) begg i ng hi m t o de ig n t o vi s it hi s cour t

,
He .

o n hi s s ide on r ece iv i ng t he i nvit at io n

,
th ough t t h u s We ,

h a ve s et t he Bles t P r ab andhas to exquis ite mus ic Let u s v is it .

the k i ng s c our t and t ak e thi s o pp or tu nity of maki ng t h e s e

,

k now n to t he w or l d
T h u s he dir ec ted hi s step s to t he king s
.

c o urt O n his a rr i val t he k i ng r os e and w elcomi ng t he S ag e

.
,

w i t h e ver y mar k o f h o nor o ffer ed hi m a s u i tab le s e at W h er eo n

,
.

t he S ag e b l es sed the king and i nq uired as t o his o bj ec t i n ,

i nvi t ing hi m T he ki ng s ai d . Holy S ag e ! cans t t hou

dis tingui s h betw een t he t he manus hya-g dna
'
d va -g dna a nd of

t hes e mi ns tre l s The S ag e the n re qu es ted t h at the p erfor m

ance b e g iven b efor e hi m W h en th i s w as done he dd es s ed .
,
a r

the ki ng t hu s Y e men h a ve ea rs for t he manu hy g dn s a- a

O nly the D eva s c an u nder s t and the oth er

only . B ut the .

king r e s pec tfull y as ked ho w S ir e c an w e be made t o ,

, ,

h a it T hereon the S age di ec ted th a t the 400 kinds o f tdl a

e r r

( hyth m) be mar ked a nd ex pla i ned to the ki ng t he r a te of

r ,

eac h The king under s tood f r om t h is ex planat ion t he re g ul a

. r

h ar monical p ro g res sion and s ym ph ony w h ich thi s meth od lent

t o the d va g dna mus ic w hi ch p od uced i n hi m a b l is s never
'
- r
,

before e x per ienced I t i s a l so ela t d th at a pai r of c ym ba ls w a s

. r e

placed near a co ns ecrated po s t a nd t he dec o-g i m; w a s s ung ,

r
,

w hen i t w as found th at the p ost bega n to mel t Th e y s top p e d .

the mu s i c and w h en t h ey a t t em p ted t o li ft t he c ym b a l s t h ey

, ,

s tuc k t o t he p os t ; and w h e n t h ey b egan t he mus i c a nd lif ted

t h em th ey c ame ad The ki ng w nt i nto r a p tur es ove t h i s a nd

,
. e r ,

falling a t t he f eet of t he S a g e p ro p os ed to r ew ar d hi m a bnud

a ntl y B u t the S age to w ho m e ve n the o ffer of L ords h ip o ver
.
,

Wor lds w as no t em p tat ion, polite ly dec li ned the pre sent s
o ered ; and bles s ing the king , ret ur ned to V im-nar ay ana

p uram .

Ei gh t
di s c iples had our S age z ( l ) U yy o kk ondar

,

2
( ) K u r uk ai -k -kav al a
ppa n, (3 ) Na mbi Kam pak ara D i s a r,

4s E r u t ir u-vuc l aiyar , ( 5) T i ru -k -k a nna -maiig ai

( )
-

m
_

m a a la i D vi - -i ndi n
y , ( 7 ) U r u - att l r-A
pp cc han-pill ai
, an d
on . I . N XT s A M U N I .
9

( 8) Sok a t tr -r z hvan l

. T hey w er e di s c ipl es of the des cri p t ion

g i ven i n J ay a- L a
'
mhi ta (of P aii c har atr a)

H e i ndeed i s a tr u e dis c iple

Who o w ns , s o e l for the G

ur u s s a ke ,

A ll i
r c h es
al l w i s do m
A ll w or k s
hi s body i ts elf 1

S uc h de se r vi n g d is c iple s t h e n, N athamu ni (g al) i ni t iat d

e

i n to a ll t he H o gh t t hem the D ivy a

M ys t er i es of R eli i on, tau
ly g
P a b a ndhas
r g , li k e t he Pu r us h a
a nd l eft a l e a c
y o f w or ks ,
n i na a a nd N a a t at v a tr ea t i ng of S ub li me T u t h s o f R eli
r -
y

y y , r

g io n beg in ni ng w it h G od the L or d of t he Kos mo s a nd a l so a

, ,

w o r k o n Y Og ( or t he ar t of c ommu ni n w i t h G od) c all ed t he

a a ,

Y og a w ha sya - H e hi m s el f r et i ed f r m ac ti ve h a b i ts of life a nd
. r o

bec a me i m mer s ed i n t he on templati n o f t he B les sed D eit y c o

xi ng H i s es pl ende nt Fo m e ver before his ment al g aze

r r .

T h is s a nu idhi s ta te of t he S age c ame to b e k now n to the

-

o u t s i de w o r l d and nall
y r e ached t he ear s of ki ng Chola To .

s ee t he w o nder fu l S age a nd pa
y h oma ge t o L or d M annanar a s
w e ll he l eft his c a pi ta l a nd a cc omp ani ed b y hi s co nso r t s
, , ,

re ac h ed V i ra -N ar ay a na p ura m T h er e he s aw N i thamung a l)
-
.

a b s o r b e d i n Y og a ( m e di t a t io n ) a nd l os t i n r e s p ec t a nd w o nde r ,

a t t h i s u nu s ua l s igh t w as qu ie t l y r e tr ac ing hi s s t e p s
,
B u t the .

s a ge t oo k t he m for L or d K r i s hna a nd H is H oly C o ns or ts ,

t h at t hey ha d b ee n ple as e d t o v i s i t hi m Thu s fa ncy ing in his .

deli r i u m of Y og a he r an a fter t he m U yyak k o ndar a nd ot h er s

,
.
,

his dis c iples o b s er vi ng t hi s di vi ne ha ll uc inat i o n pur s u ed the

, ,

S a ge a nd me e ti ng hi m a t G an ga i k onda -Choz hapur am b esought -

a n ex pl a na ti o n f r o m hi m a s t o t he a pp ar ent ly i ns ane na t ure o f

his co nduc t H e t ol d t h e m t h at i n his eyes t h ey a pp ear ed a s

.
,

L or d K r is h na a nd H is C onsor ts a nd this vi s ion t hr e w hi m i nto

a f r enz y o f l o ve The di s c ipl es r emi nded hi m t h a t s er vi ce to
.

G o d a nd t he G odly w e r e t he h i gh es t ai m a nd t h at w h e n t h is ,

demande d w ak i ng l i fe o n hi s p ar t he w a s no t to a llo w h i ms el f .
,

to b e ecs t as i z e d i n t h i s manner t o the p r ej udi ce of s uc h s er v i c e .

H e c a me to h im s el f a nd r et ur ne d to hi s Di vi ne S er vi ce a t L or d (

M annan i r s
2
 10 r un L I FE or ni n xuu . on . I .

M a tter s w e nt on t h us fo r a c er t a in le ng th of ti me, an d t he
S age bec ame bs o be d i a his i ll u m i na t ion
'

mo r e a nd mor e a r .

On a ce r t a in day he ca lled i n his dis c iple K ur ug a i -k -k i va l

A pp a n ,
a nd co mma nded hi m t o l ear n t he E i g ht-limb ed Y og a ,
a nd tau gh t him th e sa me .

T he S ag e lled his o t her i nt ima te dis c ipl e U yy a k

no w ca

kondar a nd as ked him a ls o to p r ac t ic e t he Yoga met ho d B ut .

he hu mb ly ans w er e d the S ag e Holy S i re w hi le I s till ,

car r y the c o r p s e w i t h me ho w i s marr i a ge p o s s i b le I t w ill 2

,

b e t i me fo r me to co ns i der t he m a tter w h e n I a m a bou t to g i ve

up my b o dy

T h e n s aid t he S age e m pl oy t hy se lf i n the
.
,

di s s e mi nat ion o f t he S i s tre s and t he P rab andhas

.

Thi s Y og a is no t o n t he l i nes o f
1 as P admds a na & c , w hi c h hel p to .

t he Y og a a s ta ug ht b y P a ta j a l i , produc e c omfo r t , a tt e n t i o n a nd
i nas m u c h a s t he la t te r i s repud i s teadine s s o f mi nd, [as des c r i b ed

a t ed as u m V edi c i n t he B ra hma b y V as i s ht ha a nd o t he rs ] ( 4) i s .

d E te na Y og a h p r aty uk ta h tion

S tr :e
a t he r eg u l a of br ea t h ( P rti ntt .

[II -l . a nd i na s muc h as i t ydm a) di vide d i nto R eck a ka , P ti r k a

d .

pos t ula t es G od as b u t t he i nstr u a nd K c mb ha ka [a s des c r ib ed i n t he

menta l ca us e o f t he U ni ver s e, t hus vayu-purana] T hese
.
pro c es s e s
det rac ti ng fr om t he o mni pot e nc e
he l p to s t ea dy the w a nder in m i nd
of t he G o d -head ; a nd a t t he s am e g .

( 5) is S ens e -conqu e s t (P r a tyd h ra) ,

t i me l o ok i ng u po n G o d as b ut t he
o r mak i n t he s e ns e s o b e t he mi nd
M ea ns o f p roc ur ing K a i val ya, o r re g y ,
no t t he mi nd t he s ens es a s de s
s O W n s o ul , no t as

l
a iz t i n f o ne ,
a o o

t he E nd i t s el f to b e a s pi r ed af ter .
c r i b ed b
y ar ti s an P
[V i s hn u-P u .

T he Tr u e E ig ht -l i mb e d Y og a o f t he V I, is xi ng (D li dr a na )
G od-a s pi r a nt (b ha kt a) i s de s c r i bed t he mi nd on t he Pu re P ers o n of
in P p : of t he l at V ol ume G od
[as d es c ri b ed b y Sa unak a] .

of t he B ha g a vad V i s ha ya , Te l ug u
E di tio n, 1 8 71 , M adr a s ; b ut w e
(7 ) is c once nt ra t io n,
(D hyana) or
t he co nt i nu e d xt ure o f t he m i nd
c a n s ub j o i n he re o nl y a n ab s tra c t of
The E ig ht a r e ( l ) Y a ma ,
o n o ne j
s u b e c t,
de s c r i b ed i n [a s
t he s a me V i s hnu -P u V I , 7 . A nd t hi s
(2 ) u i ya ma , (3 ) ds a na , (4) pr ud
.

i s of ve k i nds
.

( 8 ) i s a b s o r p ti o n
.

ydma, (5) p rat ydhdr a, (6 ) dlui r aita , or o r r ea l i z a

(7 ) dinydna , (8 ) w mti d hi The l ow e r

.
ti o n o f G od as d es c ri b ed i n V i s h
[
l
four ar e e x t er na p ro c e s s es , t he n u-P u V I 7 .
, ,

upper t hr e e ar e i nt e r nal ; l ) and

(2 ) a re as de s c r i b ed i n t he V is hnu .
9 M a rr ia g e mea ns U ni on
purau a V I , 7 C elib a c y 'or
= c o nt i
c a ) w i t h G o d T his i s no t pos
. .

H a r mle ss nes s ;

n e nc e ; l r nt hfu l s ib l e so l en
g as the b ody ha ng s
n es s ; N o n -c ove tous n e s s ; N o n ac o n t he s o ul l ik e a
T he
v
cor ps e .

c epta nc e o f g if ts ; S c r i pt ure -read G o d-w ar d alw ays l ook o n t he b od

P
i ng ; u ri t y (out er an d i nner ) Con a s n d etes tab l e cor s e to b e c
p
y
as t
te nt me nt A us t er it i es (s uc h a s aw a a s s oo n as os s ibl e R ead,
y p
I
.

facts ) n c l i ning
the m i nd to G od M ey k u nda msk a

vir umb uva re
'
.
,
(3 ) is P as tures (A s aua ) des c rib ed G m, [4i h Tim vandi di, ;vc rs e
-
on . I . N RT H A M U N I . 11

T he Sa ge no w ca lled his s o n I sva a M uni and ai d r - s

S o n t h o u s h al t h ve a s on T he name Y amu na i t t u ra iv ar
, a .
- -

t h o u s h al t g i ve hi m
A nd he comm a nde d his di s c ipl es .

U yyak k o ndar a nd K A pp an to c o m muni c te i n du e c ou r se t o

. a

t h i s w o u l d b e s o n al l t he k no w ledg e o f t he S as t as and t he
-
, r

Y og a he ha d i mp a r t ed to th e m Leav i ng hi s i ns t u c t i ons th us . r ,

he r es u me d hi s Yog a .

T i me p a ss ed K i ng C h ol a ha d go ne o u t i nto t he cou ntry

.

w i th hi s fo ll o w er s o n a h u nt i ng e xc u rs i on a nd he ha pp ened t o ,

p as s b y V i ra nzt r zi va napur a m o n hi s j our ne y bac k O ur S age s

'

yo u ng daug hter w a tc hed the g r and c ort ege w it h bow s arro w s , ,

fe mal e a tte nda nt s m o nk eys an d w h at not B ut to her i t al l .

s ee med l ik e a v i s i o n w h ic h r u nni ng u p t o her f a t her she

, , ,

des c r i b e d a s if t w o m e n w i th b o w s a w o man and a monk ey ,

c a ll ed at hi s pl ace a nd i nqu i r e d f or N at ha m u ni ( g a ) a nd w e nt
l
t h e i r w ay A nd ou r S a g e at onc e co ns tr u e d t h i s ( i n his Di vi ne
.

ll ed i m a g i nat i on) as i f L or d R ama h i ms el f w i t h H i s b ro th er ,

L a k s hma na foll o w i ng H im w i t h b o w s an d a r ro w s ( as H i s b ody

g ua rd) w ith Quee n S i te bet w e en t h em c ondesce nded to vi s it
, ,

hi m as des c r i b ed i n R dma a na
,

y [II I I I ] . .

R ama w ent for emos t of t he t h r ee ,

N S i ts fo llo w ed fa i to s ee
e xt ,
r ,

A nd L a k s h ma n w i t h hi s b o w i n h a nd

\V lk ed h i ndmos t o f the li ttl e ba nd

a .

Fo r th w i t h he s t a r t ed fr o m hi s Yog a -
seat and w ent in
s e ar c h of t h i s H o ly B and, a nd a s ki ng th o s e w h om he met on the
w ay , fo r t races of j ourney
t he i r . T h ey s aid G o t hi s way g o ,

th i s w ay ,

ev i de nt ly fa nc y i ng t h a t he w as in s earc h of t he
ki ng and hi s i
r e t n ue . H e i nc reas ed his s p eed a nd ar r ived
i n the v c n i i ity of G ang ai k o n da -S -p u r a m ; a nd a s ki ng t he

re s ident s t h er e to dir ect him f ur t h er o n t he w ay w h er e the

Hol y B and w ent t h ey s ai d they had not s een a ny H e looked
'

.
,

f ar w ar d a nd far o u t a nd s idew a y s a nd s e e i ng no th i ng o f w h a t ,

12 T H E L FE O F R XM
I AN U J A . CH . 1 .

hi sh ear t y earned fo r h ea ve d a d ee p s igh w e p t and S w oo n ing

, ,

a w ay fel l o n t he g ro u nd a nd de p a r te d f ro m th i s w o rl d

.
,

qz angai Pa ana: g a lasq r

ni srr g qi mm m
'

W
' ' '

ll

m
'

Q EF
FTER iTEER W a : a l
HW W m am

II WH i
qa : u

d i s cipl es a n d the s o n of o ur He a ven d e p ar te d S a ge

The ,
-
,

rece i ved t he tid i ngs of th i s extra or di nary tr a n s l a ti on a nd

c o u l d no t b ea r t he p a i n o f s e p a ra t io n
; but f a t e m u s t b e s u b
m i tte d to by a l l S o th e y tra ve ll e d to wh ere t he S a g e w as
.

ly i ng i n s t ate a nd a fter pros tra ti ng th e ms el v e s be for e the

,

dea d b ody d u ly c remat ed him ac cor di ng to t he B r a hma m edha

,
-

ritu a l pres c ribe d i n t he V eda s R e tu rn i ng home all th e res t

.
,

of t he c ere mo n i e s w ere d u l y p er for m e d by i s v ar a m u ni

( g al) t he ,

s on . A n d K u r ug aval A pp an s el ec t e d a pl a c e nea r wh e r e hi s
-

M a s ter w as ac c u s t ome d t o sit i n Y o ga a nd s tead ily pr a c ti s e d ,

Y og a T he S ag e i s s a i d t o h a ve l i ve d 540 y ea rs 1
.
.

The memo ri al v erse to hi m r u n s th u s :

m i W e a w n i m am rw a l z

1
A dam l i ved 930 ye ars a nd s o o n . R ea d t he C h r ono o l g i ca l i nd ex
t o t he O ld Tes tam ent See G enes is V 5
.
. .
14 I
T H E L FE o r R KM RN U J A .
CH . II .

Holy A z hvi r s . The c h i ef of th e s e d i s cip le s w ere ve, v iz .

,

( l ) M anakk al N ambi (2 ) l i r u va ll ik k ni P anperu mal A r ayar

'
, ,

3
( ) S o tt ai pp su i-S endal ank s ra r
o 4
( ) S r i P u n d at i k a
,
-d i s an and
,

( 5) U lag u-p era mal N anga i O f th es e d i s cip l es M a nak k al

.
,

N amb i or S r i R ai na -mi sr a ( r ) w a s t he g rea te s t i n as muc h as ,

he bo re to his G u r u ( U yyak k o nds r ) t he r el a t i on of Lak s hmana

to his M as ter and B roth er S ri R i ac m ha nd r a

T h i s w as so .

mu c h th e cas e th a t w h e n t he G uru s w i fe A ndalamma d ie d

,

R i ms -mi sr a d i d al l the m e n i a l s e r v i ce s th a t t h u s n ec e s s a ril y

de vo l v ed o n hi m in the ho us eho l d o f th e G u r u I n illus trat i on .

of th is imp l ici t ser v i tude to hi s mas ter i t i s recorde d th a t on a ,

c er t ai n occ as i on he acc om p a n ie d t he t w o d au ght er s of hi s G u r u

,

o n pi l g ri m ag e to a b a th i ng pl ace T h ey w ere re tur n in g and .

th e d ams e ls shrank a t a s mall s tr ea m in th eir p ath becau s e i t ,

w as s lo u gh y R ama mi s ra s a w t he s i tu a t i on a nd i mme d iately

.
-

coming to th ei r resc ue s tretch e d h i ms el f a t l eng th acro ss th e

,

cha nnel and le t th em walk o v er on his ba c k T he G ur u h e ar d

,

th i s i nci de nt and draw i ng th e dis c ip l e to him w i th e x cl ama

,

t ions of j oy touc h e d his h ea d w i th his fe e t a fa vou r not

,

b estO v V ed on all i nd i s cri m i n a tel y I s t h e re any th i ng mo re

.

th a t I c an do to thee fur th er a ske d th e G uru

"

W h at .

more can I as k s a id the di sc ipl e

, th a n t h a t h av i ng alr ead y
, ,

atta i n e d m
y h i ghe s t amb i t i o n v iz th a t o f s er v i n g at y ou r
, .
,

Holy Fee t thi s ser vice s h ou l d b e co nti nu e d to me for e v er

,

U yyakk ondar w as ove rc ome w i th th is e xe m p l ary a tti tud e

and i n hi s irrep re s s i b le w i s h to do to hi s d i s cip l e th e h i g h e s t

good co mme nd ed to him once more for m edi ta ti on th e D vaya

,

M a ntr a th e e f cac y o f wh i c h ha s be e n d e s cr i bed thus inth e

,

P aiic har atr a

'

mam as w s warm I

W ant WW I [R ama ya na -J
I i da page xxii

. I ntrod to T he H ol v L iv es of t he Kauvare .
CH . II . U Y Y A K KO N D XR AN D M A N A KK KL-N A M B L 15

U yya k k ondar oj ou rn i n th i s e a r th w as no w approac h i ng

s s

i t s e nd a nd R ama r e vere ntly b ro ach ed to hi m the

s u b e c t o f w ho a fter hi m w as t o b ea r t he a p os t l es h ip
j for thei r
B less ed D zsp e s a tion W e ll m y s o n s a i d he I had h o p e d t o

'

n .
, , ,

c a rry o u t my s e l f the beh es ts o f my H ol y M as te r N at ha mu ni (g a l ) ,

c o mmu ni c a t ed t o me w h e n he w a s p a s s i ng a w a y v iz to e x p ec t , .
,

t he a rri v a l o f a g ra nd s on fo r hi m ( La s o n t o Is var a , ,

t o w h o m to i mp a r t a l l t he M y s t e r i e s of o u r Fai th nam i ng hi m ,

Y a m u na i -t -t u r a iva r a s my G u ru w ill ed ; b u t P rov i d e n c e ha s

,

w ille d i t oth e r w i s e T h i s duty th e re fo re de v o l v es on th e e th e

.
,

ne xt a nd m y m os t tr u s te d d i s c iple a nd th ou th erefo re w il t ,

b e qeath ou r m y s t eries to pos t eri ty i n t he H ol y S ott a i li ne of

des c e nt
So d e li veri ng t he me s s age U yyak k ondzn le ft hi s

.
,

bo dy s ea t i ng h i m s el f i n t he F ad m -ds u na p os t ur e a nd u ni t i ng hi s
,
-
,

h ear t w i th t he Ho ly fee t o f hi s A c hzi r y a S r i N 5t ha mu ni ( g a l) , .

i th e r R ama
N e n hi b re t hre n c o ul d bea r th i s or s ,

p a ng of s e p a rat io n b u t g r d ually th ey r c v red nd g i de d

,
a e o e a r

th e m se l v e to a rry o ut t he l a t s r v i ces nd s ac r ame nts fo

s c s e a r

t he de p a r te d ; w h i c h th y d i d w i th a l l due ce re m ny
e nd o a

s o le m ni ty T he m e m o ri a l ve r
. d ed ic a te d to hi m o n t he se

o c c s i o n i th u s rec r de d
a s o

W W II

i s ra w a s now w i th hi s d i s c ipl es e ng ag d i n th
R am a -m , ,
e e

w ork o f fu r th eri ng hi s h ol y m i s s i o n a ll the t ime i n e ager ,

e xp t t io n o f the h o p ed fo h l y s o n to b e bor n to ISva r

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u nd e r t he a s te ri s k U tta cirl J oy o v e r s prea d their c o u nt n nce

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t he s ac r m e nt s t fo r t he oc c as i o n th ro u g h the med i u m o f the

a ,

fa th er e nd i ng by n m i ng t he c h il d Y mu nai t tur a ivar

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( a cc o r d i ng to t he w i s h es of N ath mu u i ) a nd ob ser v i ng a ll t he a

1 V i de N o . 2 0, H i erarc h i c T bla e to o ur L iv es o f A z hvars .

 16 wa s mm; or s ns o aa . CH . II .

n eed fu l prelimi narie p res c ri bed for the s V a s i hn a v as a cc ord i ng

to the P aiic har at ra te xt :
Essrii iii
'
svi s
-

t hi s h ol y ch il d b ut Y am u n t c li arya l ( t he S a m s
\V ho w as
'

'

c
,

kri t s yno ny m) A lava ndar (the T a mil na me ) the f a mo u s ,

fo re r u nner o f S ri R amanuj a w ho w a s t o c o me ,

\V e w e e mu c
1 r
a mu s ed t o h r ead t em t p . H e t he n mi g ht hav e c oin

i n S v mi D a yana nda Sa a s r v ti a

s ed n ew t hi n s g
gai ns t t he B r a h a

S a ty r t ha-P rak s a , Y amu c m mw a mi ns a n d t hei r S c r i p t u r e s s u c h a s

tra ns m u ted i nto Y a ra u dc ha yu t he f ore he a d ma r k c a u te r i s i n g t he ,

w ho i t i s f ur th e r n a ivel y adde d
f o r e ar ms di s c u s , dzc
w i t h t he H is .

is bo r n of a G r eek or M os lem
l
di s c i p e w as M u ni b a ha n , or n of a b
[ V ide p 6 2 E ngl i s h C ha nda! o r lo w c a s t e a m i y H e f l .

,
l
.

tra ns la t ion by D u rga P ras iid o f ha d a di s c i p e , n a med Y a va n

. .

L a h o re A nd a ga i n i n pag e c b rya , o r n o f a M o s l e m o r G ree k

b .

73 ,
,

i t i s w ri tte n The r s t f ami y l

B ut hi s name w a s c han e d
. g
tea c h er o f t h is fa i t h (V ais hn a vis m) t o Y amu n c hzi r ya

O ur r ead e rs .

w a s Sa t hak pa w ho acco d i ng t o
v
ha e onl v t o read t he i v e s of L

r , A

y b

t he B ha k ta mal a w r i tte n by N a b ha
A z hv iz rs W r i t te n u s a nd t hi s

w as o f t he D oom (l o w ca s t e ) t r ib e.
,
lf
i e of Y zl muna , a nd t he n he may

i
For , t s a s tha t the Y og Sa ty i ha mo r e t ha n s mi e a t t he r id i c u o us l l
a c c o u nt gv
i e n y D ay na n d b
k opa u s e d t o mak e a nd s e l l w i nno w .
.

W
v ry m h p r ll l t Thi
o
i ns fa ns (13%? t ) ,
2
s is e uc a a e o
t h t i t ay h w
a s b n f th J hn th
o s e i t p di g J
as or o e o e B a pt s re ce n es us
trib f K nj r W h n h h d V id N 2; Hi r hi T bl i n
.

e o a a . e e a e O. era c c a e
W nt d t
a e d w i t h t h B r h mi n
o r ea Li fA h d B rn 9 1 6 A O
e a s o ur ves o z r rs, o

t h ir S ri pt ur th y mi l fr m
. .

or t h o ear t K pp ng l i
e c n es , e a u a a , o e e o
m t h v tr t d hi m w i t h
us a e n K at t m nni k i l
ea e co u a i r- o .
on 1 1 1
. . A LA V A N D Ku .
17

C H A P TE R I I I .

ALA V A N D AR .

S uch w as the a dvent of A lava nda w h ich had b ee n fore s e n r, e

by his pre deces s ors n a dv e nt d es t i ne d to i naug u ra t e a s ys

a

te m o f th ought w h ic h w a s th e nce for w ar d t o g ro w ampli fy ,

and v i v i fy t he nas ce nt r l ig i o u s s ens e i n man A lavandar

e .

s i g ni e d l i ter al ly He w ho h s c o me t o reign to re ign a

i n a s y s t e m of reli g io us th o u ght w h i c h w as to gl o w in ma n s

h e ar t u pli f ti ng hi m to G od i n love .

D ul y w ere per fo rmed

g rew th e s acre d ri tes of , as he ,

a nna
p r dsana c hau l a a nd up a u yana a nd t he l i fe of th e s tudent
-
, , a

began in e arne s t A l a va nda w o u ld a ttend t he s c h ool for a day

. r

a nd s tay a w ay at h ome
Ques t io ne d by his fell ow s tu d ent s a s to
.
-

th e ca use o f hi s ab senc he w o u l d te ll th em e, Y e ar e lear n

i ng t he s ame th i ng s ag ai n a nd a g in Que s tione d by hi s a .

p a en t s h e w o u l d s a y
r

, T hey a e re a ding th e s ame th ing r

o ver and o v er ; b u t I h a v e l ea r n t i t al l al r eady A p r eco

.

c iou sl y cl e v er b oy th us A lava nd ar w a s ; and he w as ex cus e d

,

r e g u l a r a tt end a nce at s c h oo l He ni s h e d hi s s t ud e nt s c areer

.

r a pi d l y a nd th e n e xt s ta ge o f l i fe w edl o ck w as du l y e nt e r e d , ,

i nto B y th i s t i me the end o f l s i a a

. d r ew ne ar '
r ,

and h e b id fa re w ell to al l w i t h t he co n s o li ng re ec t io n o f h av i ng

l e ft a mod el s on for t he s e rvi ce of th e w or l d The noble s on .

had all the s a cr amenta l rou t i ne for his de p a r te d p aren t s tr ic t l y

g one th rough ; and now s e t o u t to f u l l hi s o w n v oc a tion .

ra mmar log ic p hi los o p hy and a ll ied s u bj ec ts w ere t ake n

G , ,

up . A nd h e s t ud i ed the m as s iduou sl y u nd er M ah a-b hashy a '

bh atta Th ere w a s a t th i s t im e a n A kki-y-az hvan re s i d ing i n

. ,

th e cour t of the mona rch of the c o u ntr y as P a ndit andr oy al ch a p

l a i n H e w as t hu s i n hi s ow n o p i nion th e h ea d of all th e li tera ry
.
, ,

men i n th e count ry from w hom h e as s e s se d tr i bu tes as a recog

,

ni t io n of his s uz er ai nty The t r i b ut e w a s dasabandha m or one

.

t enth of the i ncome of eac h l ea rne d m an A d emand for th i s .

w a s s e nt ou t t o M -bh a tt a w ho th ereon w as t r ou b l e d i n mind ,

.

O n A lava ndar i nqu iri ng a nd be i ng t ol d all the circ ums tance s

of B h utta s d i sco m
t ure h e rece i v e d th e d e ma nd -no t ice and
,

3
18 TH E LI FE or R KM KN U J A . C II . I II .

tore i t i nto p iec es in the pres enc of the royal m ss nge r w ho e e e s

had co nvey e d it T he v re tu r n d a nd n rr t d th
. c u rre n e a a e e o c ce

to A kk i w h ag i n s e nt m n t o B h tt
,
o a t kn w w h t h r it
e a a o o e e

w a s a ne w p oe t o a ma n o f l tt e r w ho had d ed o t
r ff ro nt
e s, ar s o a

hi m l l v anda gai n i nte rfe red bet w ee n his t eac h r nd t h

. z a r a e a e

m en nd a nt th m b c k w it h t he a n s w
se e a er

a w ai t w? W W W =I
-
a

W WW m4 m m
"
l

A kk i had f l t hi s pri de lre dy p i qu ed nd n w t he c nd

e a a a o se o

m s s age s et hi m me w i th ag e I t h er sc ho l to
'

e a a r . s e a ar

o pp s e m o ie d h fra ntic ally a nd ppe l ed t hi k i ng

e cr e ,
a a o s

fo prote ti on and ed e s s a g in t t he i ns ult he ha d rec ei v ed

r c r r a s .

I t w a no t M ahab ha hy B h atta b ut a n i ns ol ent b y of hi s p r ty

s s a ,
o a ,

w ho had t h u s i n ul te d hi m w as sf co u r s e t he re p o rt o f t he
,

o

me n T he king n w de s p tc hed o me mes eng e s w i th w r i t te n

. o a s s r a

c mm nd t o the b oy t o co me t o hi pres ence ; b ut t he p o u d

o a s r

b oy s u nce re moni ou s ly des t oyed t he

a y l man da te and le t t h
r ro a ,
e

mes s eng rs dep a r t e T he ki ng w s d uly to l d of the i n di gn i ty so

. a

o ff er ed H e r eflec ted a m ment nd th ou ght to h im se l f t h a t i t

. o a

m us t b e no o d i n r y pers on w ho cou ld m m nd ou r a ge t o
r a co a c

s l ight e v e n ro y a lt y ; he w o u l d th er efo r s nd env oy s w i th e e

esc o t r nd l et te s
a a for mal i nv i ta t i o n
r w
to th e e xtra o rdi na ry

boy t o c o m and g ace the roy al c urt w i th hi s a u g us t

e r o

pres ence T hi s w as a ppro p i at t o hi m a nd s o the b oy

. r e ,

a cc e p ted t he invi ta t ion nd i vmg a l igh te d i n th e roy a l h l l

a ar r , a

of u di enc e w i th al l h on rs p a i d
a A ll as s e mb le d to r c e i v e
o . e

t he c u r io us v is i to A kk i of co urs e w a pres ent to w i tn s s t h

r . s e e

pr digy o f b oy c om i n thi s s ty l e and fe ve ri s h ly fe a ri ng

o ,
a e ,

w ha t t h n e x t e ve nt w o uld pro v e t b e
e H is fe r s w e r e w ell o . a

fo u nde d h o w ve for i t w as l ik a bomb burs t ing be fo r him

e r, e e ,

w he n s c ra p o f p a p e r w as t h o w n by the dis ti ng ui s hed v i s i to r

a r

be fo r the ro y l p andi t I t w as a t nce a gau ntle t a nd c h l

e a . o a

l e nge T he c rap c ontai ned this f amo us v er e

. s s

I s r a m
ag m a W as I :

a"? W at IW M W W
CH . 111 . KLA V A N D KR . l9

F in d i f yo u , w il l , t ha n me a s e ond so ul ,
c
W ho nti re al l V edic dog matics
w ots e ,

I n all t he s t r et ch fro m U m ( a) t read H i mal ay -

,

T o R ama s br i dge t he j oy o f Si tas soul

'

O r E as t t o W e s t w hic h m ou nt ai n r a ng es b ou nd
, ,

W i th s u n and moo n i n t u n t h eir c rest s ado n i ng

r ,
r .

O n ea din g t h i s A hk i s w a t h g e w t ur ni ng to t he k in g
'
r r :
r ,

M y r oy al p at r on ! i mpl o e d he p er mit me t o a g ue t hi s
r r
,

b oy ou t o f hi s i n tol er ab l e va n i t y a nd c ru sh hi m b e f o e ye all ,
r .

T h e k i n g g e n tl y a s k e d t h e b o y i f h e w as c ap ab l e of s t n di ng a a

c o mb at s u ch a s hi s p an di t w o ul d g i ve Mos t cer tai nl y y our .

,

M a j e t y g ive me lea ve an s w e ed he b ut you w ill not b e

s ,

r ,

c a p a b l e of j u dg i ng b et w ee n u s a n d deciding as b et w een t he
n
w i ne a n d
r t h e l o s e r ; n o c a n w e o w n t o you o ur m u t ual v i c to y
r r

o r dol e n t A pp .o i nt p r a y j u dg es v er sed i n t he m at ter s

, ,
f o

ou r c o n t nt i n
e o W e l l.
s

a i d
a g r eed the ki ng a nd sel ec t ed,

t u m pi e s to a d
r j u d g e t h e i s s u e s o f t h e i nt ell e c t u l c ont e t a s

p e ndi ng I t w as .
a n u n p ar a ll e d n d e x ci t i ng c en e A nd s o a .

ki ng c n t b t h t k th eir s ea t s t o w at ch the
a nd hi s o s o r o oo
t he
i n t e es t in g p ro ceedi ngs
r .

q u e en k ee n i ns i ght a nd
t he b oy a nd w it h her
T he s aw
ci
ene t r a tio n de ded
t o h er se l f t h a t h e w as g oi ng t o b e t he
p i ng ki ng
i f h i s bo
My lor d ! she i s a d a d d r e s s t he t y ,
v i c to r ,

n ex cl a i me d t he
.

I f h w i
w i n s no t t h r ow me to g
t he do s e s . ,

I w i ll p ar t w i t h h al f my ki ngdom for hi m
,

k i ng i n hi s tu r n ,
.

a i n s tr i pli ng N o dr a w n c o n tes t
n o n A kki s p k
A o e V
u t t h ee do w n t r i ck s u fc es t o
,

b et w e n u s i s n eeded A
e
m er e . p

l l ! h e s a d to
be for e t h is au gus t asse b y m l w i t n e s s y e a
i; ,

u r n i ng t A l v n d a r sa i d i f th ou pr du d :
t he as s e m b l y a nd t o
,
a a ,

i m t t er I w ill p r o v e t he no
b oy s h ou lds t s ay
n a ny a
yes ,

nner i n the w i the

,

t o t hy no and
and vi ce vers a,
es
of it ; y
to uc h h t he ead of t he l os er th hi s foot
wi
"

h a ll
.

e nd s
t d A l avandar ; and w i th o u t fu t h er r
A g r ee d
p r omp t y
l r e or t e

ch allenge d A kki to
,

m and
a do , made th ree s h or t s t a t e e n t s
20 T H E LI FE or R RM XN U J A . on . m .

nega ti ve th em if he co ul d Li s ten p ro ud p eda nt to t h es e a nd

.
, ,

di p o v e i f th u c n s t
s r o a

l
( ) H W YHT 3 K m = T hy moth e r is not a b ar r e n w o m n a .

( 2 ) t13ft n T h is k ing i s p ar amo u n t

:

.

( 3 ) ( m a d 11?a = T his qu ee n i s a g od w i fe
' o .

A kki w as si m pl y s t u pe ed, a s he co uld n o t dare to di s

p ro v e t h es e fac t s and t here fore k ep t hel p le s s ly s ilent .

T h ey no w e nter ed t he are na of l ite r ar y de ba tes ; and h er e

a l s o A kki w as bea ten A lavandar addr es s i ng hi s o pp o nen t
.

s a id A s for the v ic tor t o u ch i ng the h e a d o f his v ic t i m 0 ,

P a ndi t l for t ha t w as our ag r ee ment I s ha ll des i s t fr om s o

b as e a n a ct t h o ugh a g r eed to by t hys el f a nd i n c on s i der a t ion o f

,

t hy gr ey h ai r s a nd thy e min ent s t at us as G u r u i n t he R oy a l

ho s e h old O n hear i ng t h i s de claration t he le ar n ed a s s embl y

u .
,

a ppl a u de d A l a v a ndar s a t t a i n ment s a nd no b l e demea n ou r a nd

w or s h ipp ed him w i th the ho nor s of a B v-a hma -r a za

t r iu m p h al pr oc es s ion & c ) , .

T he Qu een v j y nd t h at he r i n s i ght had n ot

w as o er o ed to

bel ied her as t o the r es ul ts of t he co mba t a nd draw i ng t he c o n

u er or -h er o t o he breas t excl i med Y em ai fi l a va nd '

q r a
c z zr o z . .

D ids t th ou c ome t o f ul l me A ta va ndd th u s mea n s He r

w ho c a me to f ul l ( 1) fu t/it hi s s p ir it ual mi s s i on on ea r th

,

and ( 2 ) fu ll t he q u een s p rev i s io n of his s u cc es s W it h the

.

king th e qu een A la vanda w i th her e n t re d the i nner

, ,

r e

a p ar t m ent s her, j oy k no w i ng no bou n ds .

T he mo n a c h t rue t o his p r omis e i nves ted A lava ndar

r , ,

w i th h a l f his k i ngdom I n royal b lis s t hus did A lavandar an d

.

hi h ol y w i fe w ho by t h i s t i me j o i ned him r e mai n

s , , .
 22 TH E L I FE or ai mi N U J A . on 1 v . .

th i s unex p ec te d r e vel a tion a nd p l ac ed his men u nde i ns tr uo

, r

t ion s to admi t t h w or t hy v i i ta nt f ee ly w i th o ut ca i ng for

e s r r

cere mony .

i s r a no w bega n t o te ac h A la va ndar t he B h ag avadgita,

M
the es s e nce of al l t he U p an i s h ads A s A lavandar l i s te n ed .

attent i vel y t h ro u gh t he e i g ht ee n b ook s o f t h is S ubl ime P oem ,

his s pi ri t ual se ns e w a s a w ake ned a nd a cr a vi ng ca used i n his ,

h ear t to r eal iz e G od as is s p o ken t her ei n , H o w s h al l I .

reali z e H i m a s ked he o f hi s A chary a T h a t i s taugh t in

.

t he G reat Char a ma 516 s l p ro m ptl y re s p onded the teach er and

m
.

taught i ts s ignicant y ster ies The more A lavandar meditat .

e d on th es e tho more t h ey e n t ere d de e p i nto his h ear t

, T he s av .

i ng Gr ac e taught ther e in m ade hi m mor e and mor e i ncl i n ed to

s ur ren der h i ms el f t o G o d and m o r e a nd mor e c ul t i v at e t he sen s e
,

of res i gn at i on to H i s w i ll H i s s o ul ben t mor e and more t o H i m

.

w i th the nour is h m ent the teac h i ng s g av e j us t a s the r ip e n ing ,

g rai n-stalks ben d as they recei ve more m ilk A s day s p as sed .

,

hi s love for t he Mer c i ful g re w w ar mer a nd w ar mer ; and a s

this lov e i ncrea s ed his at tac h me n t t o other th i ngs became
,

w eak er and w eaker T he T eac h er w a t ch ed t he s pir i tual p rogres s

.

of his di scip le a nd t ho ug ht the t i me w a s r ip e for l eadi n him

'

,
g
t o w h er e hi s p ro mi sed p at r i mo n i a l w eal th l ay h idden He .
.

l ed hi m t h er e fore t o t he Hol y Sh r i n e of S ri ra ngam w h ere , ,

p oi nti ng to G od r e pos i ng t h er ei n i n t he s er e ne glory of H i s

p rese nce to all w or s hipper s acces s i bl e he s aid
, 1W ? ,

te
a Who wi ll .

not w ors hip R ang a m the mos t H oly

f he be wis e 7 for doth
,z , .

not Wi sdom blossom her e a nd k eep Y uma dea th out o ei ht

( ) f g .

Th is i s yo ur tro ve you r h er i tag e a nd my t r us t w h ich I h ere

, , ,

di sc h arg e on th i s au s p i c io u s day .

A la vandar w i th t he s p ir i t ual
, v is io n th
h ich he w as
wi w
by God s Grac e endow ed s a w i n

, the Holy I mage of R anga ,

1 The o6 th vers e Bk . XV I I I ,
Bh : G i . V i de p . xxii , I ntrod : Lives f
o

A s hrd rn .

9
Sr tr a ng a -M d hdt mya , I , 8 0

.
on 1 v
. . KLA V A ND ZR S S P I R I T U A LI Z A T O N
'
I . 23

t he T r ea s ur e o f the U ni ve r s e e ns h r i ned an d exc l a i med w i t h ,

( a) feel ing s of remor s e i n hi s hea r t for p as t days w h ic h had ,

b e en s p ent w i th o u t t h i s B l es s ed V i s i on a nd ( b) fee li ngs of ,

b li s s o v er o w i ng i n s tr ea ms o f lo vi ng t ear s at t he fa s c i na t ing ,

s i gh t he enj oy e d O Bli s s ful G o d e x c l a i m ed he many days ,

h ave I l os t in t he v a i n p ur s u it s o f the w o r l d I m our n for th i s . .

N o w I hav e s ee n T h ee r ec l i ni ng o n T hy S s ha l I s er v e T h ee
m
.

for e ve r mor e I nd my s el f r ec l ai med fro t he dea th o f w o r l dly

.

e nj o m e nts a nd i n i t i at e d i nt o t he life o f Thy ser vi c e

y ,

m am 3W
.

m W a snt

eanqr : I

W W W aa w
"
u 8

L or d la nds an d fri ends an d r i ches ,

S ons a nd w i ves , c a ttl e a nd hou ses ,
T o hi m w ho has thy s e r vi ce tas ted,
m
H a tefu l obj ects beco e they

.

A f ter t h is , a de te r m i na t ion ca me to hi m to r e n o u nc e t he
w or ld ,
a nd don the ro bes of the S anyas i n, i na s mu c h as the love
of the w or ld and of G od w er e i nc o mp at i b l e w i t h eac h o th er .

T he nc efor w a r d he devot ed h im s e l f to div i ne conte mplat ion

an d s er v i c e .

A l av a ndar pi r it ua l f a me a tt r a c ted to hi m many dis c iples

s s ,

o f w h o m t he f o ll o w i ng w er e no tab l e P er iya -Na mbi Tir u k

,

k ettiy r -N am b i P er i y a -t i r u m a la i N a mb i M r a n r i N a mbi
, ,
-
,

Tir nk -k ac c hi -N a mbi A la va nd r A z hv ar , Tir umala i -y -andan - -

, ,

-an da T i -v ari - -andan l a n-a ndan J iya r

van am a m a l a i y n a
- v a y s
, , ,

andan T i ruk -k ur ug r A pp a n T ir um hn A ppan Tir u m h r

-
, ,
,

m Si r an ; T a i v a - - er u m a
p p l V a k u l -ab har ana -S o ma a i r
y j,y Ti ru .
,

k k ur g
- u r -d a s a r T i r u m a l i r u j o l a
,
i das ar V a da -mad ur a h ir
-
p an
-
,
'

dar A lk o ndi -a mm ang i t w e nt y i n all

,
T h ey w er e al l l earned
,
.

a nd b ec a me e va n ge l i s ts a s w ell
o f t he Fai th .

1 For a l u c id d es c r i ptio n of t he ha ve i n t he te xt a r epr e s e nta t ion o f .

hi s n a m e o ne mo de o f dhytm u or c o nt e m l a

s v m b o l is m c o nv e ye d b y t p
ab d r e pr e s e nt a t i o n o f t he
G od head, t i o n, i n w hic h t he t ho ug hts a r e mo r e
3 1 ff r e a d ily c o nc e nt rat ed b y b e i ng a d
t he r e a de r s a r e r e fe r r e d t o p
.
.

E s o t e r ic H i nd u is m, a rt W i l s on P I . dre s s ed t o a s e ns ibl e e mb l em .

i n his V is hn u p m d nfl z We i n s t e a d of a n a b s t r a c t t r u t h

.
s ays

3
B r a hma P urdu e , 8, 32 .
24 r un L I FE or R KM XN U J A . CH . iv .

M a na k k al - N a mb i ( R am
m i sra) w ho ha d ve di sc iples viz ,
a- ,
.

A la va ndar h i ms e l f, Tai va ttuk -k -ar aSu-N a i n b i G oma tha tt ut ,

t ir uvi nnag ar -a pp a n, S i r u p -p u ll r -udai i l la i, a nd Va ng i w

pn r a t t wl c c hi, w a s no w to de l iver his las t m es s a e to A la va ndar
.
g .

b
To K u r ug a i -k -k ava l -a pp a n has een entr us t e d a no t er M y s ter y , h
v iz .
,
t he Yog a p roces s b y w h i c h to k no w G od not
t he ,

mer el y t o conj ec t ur e or b elie ve b y dee p i ntr os p ect i ve medita

ti o n) w hic h t ho u sh al t lear n fr o m hi m s a id he to A lav a n dar

, , ,

a nd e x pl a i ned w he n t he l a tter a s ke d w h h e c oul d no t hi m

, y
s e l f i m p ar t t he M y s te ry M y G ur u U yy ak k ondar t o w ho m

yo ur gra nd s i re N at ha mu ni ( g a l) w i s h ed to i m p a r t t h i s s c i ence ,

ex p r e s sed h i msel f as u nw or th
y t o r ec ei ve the s ame i n t he
w o r ds Wh en the cor p s e l iet h w h er e i s ,
I did
not t h erefor e r ec e i ve t he s c i e nc e N atha m u ni entr u st ed i t .

to hi s o t h er i nti mat e di sc iple K A ppa u L ear n i t from hi m

. . .

A nd I a m no w goi ng t o de p ar t ; to my di s c ipl es g ive all lear n ,

i n g a nd i ns t r uc t ion and m ak e S r ir ang a m y ou r c a pi t al and

, ,

p as s on to p os ter ity t he Fa it h beq uea th ed to u s by N atha muni ,

y our s pir i tua l a s w ell as b odily g r ands i r e

S o deli ver .

i ng h i ms e l f he p as s ed a w ay w i t h hi s h ear t x ed u p on t he h ol y
, ,

f ee t of hi s G ur u H i s memor i a l ver se r uns t h u s :

.

Ti me pas sed w it h A lavanda h appily i n the w or k of pro r

pag at i ng the fa it h a nd w r iti ng w or ks of w h ic h t h os e t h a t ar e ,

e x t a nt ar e the S tri tr a-mtna, aSiddhi -tm a and I g a ma -pr dmdaya

y :
,

t he bul w ark s of the V i Si shtadvaita -Vedant a A t th i s s tag e he .

b eth ough t of vis iti ng Kur ug ai k kava l -app an A ccomp a nied b y

- -
.

his di sci ples he p r oc eeded t h it h er and ndi ng A pp an w a s

,

a bs or b ed i n Yoga a pp roac hed t he s anc tuar

,
y w i t h t he u t mo s t
c a ut i on and r ever enc e a nd pl a nte d h ims el f b
,
y t he w a ll o n t he
o th er s i de o f w h i c h A pp a n w as s eat ed W it h al A pp an .
,

e x c l a i med I s t h er e one of the Se tted-r ac e de sc enda nt l

of N atb amuui ) s ta ndi ng t h ere S ur pr ised and w i th fear ,

Corps e mea ns body, Wedlock mea ns the unio n o f s o ul w ith G od or Y og a .

 ias
A
on i v. . A LA V A N D
'
S P I R I T U A LI Z A T O N I . 25

A l av a ndar v e nt ur ed to s p eak t hu s : Hol y S i re ye s I am a

mos t hu mb le s c ion of t h at r ace ; my na me i s Y amu nj ai -t tu r ai var

( Y amu nachzi rya) I a m come h er e to do t h ee . bi

o e s a nce

So s ay ni g ,
he w ent for w a r d and fe ll at A ppa n s

h oly fe t e
R i s i ng, bei ng bless ed he as ked of A pp an how des
af te r , ,
pi t e
c a u t io n o n hi s p ar t he had b een di s cover ed b y hi m
, T o w h ic h .

A p p an s aid S on w h en G o d i s w i th me H e s o lo ves m e
, ,

a s t o b e lis tle ss to al l els e ; eve n S r i I l i s S p ous e i s una ble to

, ,

w i t h d a w H is attent ion w hil e H ei s so eng aged ; b ut no w H e

r

l oo k ed a w ay fro m me th r ee or fou t i mes I concl uded thence r .

that no ne o t h er t ha n a c h ild o f S otta i r ace w a s c lo s e b y

A t w h ic h accou nt A la va ndar w a s del igh ted ; a nd e nt rea t e
,
d
A p pan t h a t the Yoga M ys te y mi gh t b e re vea led to hi m as - r ,

di rec ted b y his G ur u M an kk al N a mb i ; for he had c o me i n a -

q u es t o f i t C er tai nly i t i s i ntended or th ee son s aid A pp a n

f

, ,

T h at
.

B u t I can only i mp ar t i t a t the moment of my dea t h .

mo ment c mes t he next P us hya month G ur u p u s hya yoga

o
-
,
- -
,

A b hi j i n muhii r ta- T ake th i s sc rap on w hic h the t i me is noted s o

.

as to pu t t h ee in mi nd of i t C o me p r ecis ely a t t h a t mo e
m n t . .

P ro str ti ng to A pp an Y amun ac harya r etu rned to S iir a ng am

a ,
i .

A dhya a n- y ts a va , or o n eof the g r

eat annu a l fes tal ce el b ra

t io ns , i n co nnecti o n w ith the H o ly T emple he re ,

c a me r ou nd .

I t i s t he fes t iva l w h en all the 4000 P rab andhas o f the A hvar a z

a e s u ng
r a nt ipho nall y I n t he c our s e of t h i s r c i ta l t he .
e ,

A a iy a
r or t he c h ie f c h o is te o f t he T empl e s ang t he ve s e
r, r r r

o f T ir u vay m o z h i v i z K rl u i nai ( X 2
- i'n w,
h i ch cc u s t he
. a - r . . o r

p a s s age N adami no n ma g l u l r etc meani ng

r a r a z .
,

l
Speed, g ood s ou s , to A na nta
S y ,
- a a na "

R emi nd l Ve thi s

oh sp eed
p eed,
s

.

1 Ti r u -v-ara n a-p-per u mal A rni p r na P e riya -tir umal a i -N a mb i ,

or
g
.

t he maternal u ncl e of R mnuj a

I t may b e
.

a r , s o n o f Y mn
na
y
Y amnna w as
.

( vi de R am n uj a a l e)

i f
n oted her e t ha t w hi le
.

See ou r j z hvdr s L i ve s , pp x ii ,
9
s : Tey va t u
a G r i h i h e h a d f ou r s o n
t .

205 a nd 22 2, and O ur D i vine Wi s dom

,

k k ar a s u N a mb , i il a i { a
-
xas u P l
of D rdvida S a i nts
-N a mb i a nd T ir a va
.

N am S t t i
b i o a
t he
The 3 H
oly S hr i ne o f A na nta
mi l The s o n of
r a ug a -p p e r n .
p adma-N b ha (Tre va ndr um, Tra
is S l-s il a )
fi rs t of t hes e s ons f a va nc or e .
.

.
 26 T H E LI FE o r R KM XN U J A . on N. .

T h i s p as s age r ei ter at ed by A f aiyar w a s t a ke n by Yamu na

char y a as a si gn th a t a s h i ne s o de to S ai nt N a mmazhvar r ar

vi z A na nta saya na w as one w h i ch to v i s i t b ec a me i m p er a

.
, , ,

t i v e o n hi m H e i mmedi atel y r os e a nd p l acing hi s di s cip l e

.
,

Te y va va i y an dan i n cha ge of his ma t k m ( mo n as te y )

r - - r a r ,

w ent o n p ilg i mage to A nant as ayana w her e he v is ite d t he

a r ,

Lo d S e s ha s ay ana by w ay of the thr ee ~

r doored s a nct u m S o me .

t i me p a s s ed t h u s H e s u ddenly m m ber ed the s c a p g i v e n

. re e r

hi m by A pp a n and c al l i ng fo i t fou nd t o hi s s u r p i e
,
r r z

t hat i t w a s t he v er y m o me n t he o ught t o h av e b n w i th ee

A pp a n fo r ecei v i ng t he Y og a J /Iys te ie s
r W i th so ro w i ndes r . r

c i b ab l e he c hi d hi ms el f fo
r ,
hi s fo ge t f ul ne s s and w i s h e d i n r r ,

hi ag o ny fo a P u s hp ak a v mdn to w a ft hi m inst a n tl y t o - z
'
9
s r a
,

A pp a n ! H el p l es s and i n s he e ang ui s h he l eft A n a nt a sa yana r

and s t ar t ed b a ck fo S i r a ngam r r .

S g am mea nw hi le Tey va -var i -y-andan

In r i r an , ,
w as u nab l e
_

to bea the s e p ar at ion of hi s G u r u Y amu uacharya and cou e

r , ,
s

qu e nt ly b eca me i ll and w or e a w ay daily P hys ician s w ere .

b ou gh t by hi s fr iends t o exa mi ne the p a tie nt Th ey all

r .

de cl ared that s ome dee p ment al afi ct io n Was a t t he r oot of

hi s i ll n es s B ut as ked the f ie nds
. I s i t w o dly afi c t i o n r : r

o f a ny k i nd m ay b e w oma n gnaw i ng at y our h e ar t

,

t o ub l es me b ut a ec tio n w h ic h I
"
No a fict ion s ai d he , , r ,

h a ve fo my G u u hence i f I am condu cted to hi m p r o m p tl y

r r , .
,

I m ay h o p e t o l i v e D es p ai ri ng of hi s l i fe the fr ie nds l ai d

.
,

hi m on a s t e tc h er and car ied hi m to w ar ds A nant aSay ana

r r .

A s they p oc eeded on t hei j ou r ney A ndan dai ly pick ed u p

r r ,

s t eng t h and ev i v ed s u f ci en t ly t o b e a bl e to
r r
g o on foot A t .

K a ai ma nai i v er s ide the G u u a nd the di s ci p l e met

r r -
T he , r .

l a tt er fel l at o n s i gh t i ng his G ur u o v e c o me by o
j y The ,

r .

G u u n di ng hi m thu s l y i ng mo tio nl es s addr es s ed him th u s

r , ,

S r i R ama w as a M as t er , hence H e had the p o w er to m ak e

hi s b r o the B h ar ata car r y out hi s beh es t (viz to s tay at
r
, .
,

A y odhy a t i ll he r et ur ned fr om hi s e x il e i n the for es t ) b u t I

fj
1
S ee his l i e i n L ives o zhvdr s .

f m
'

9-A a e r ial ve hi cl e s u c h as t ha t ney ro Lank a to A yodhya

us e d b y R amac handra for hi s j o ur [Ramaya na ]
on 1 v . . KL A V A N D RR S M I S S I ON
'
.
27

s ee m ch ma s ter to th ee as I am p ow er l es s l ike R am a
no su
,

to e xac t o b e di e n c e fr o m t h ee T his s ar c as t ic r em a r k penet r a t

.

e d de e p i n to t he h ear t o f A n dan and he fel t that by t r an s ,

g r es si ng the c omma n ds of his G u r u to r e mai n i n Sr ir ang am ,

he ha d di sob ey e d him S p eech les s there for e he l a y

. .

The G g c omp a ss io n hi s a nger a t the di sob edi

ur u t ak in

e n c e of A ndan a b at i ng by t hi s t ime I b eli ev

s aid on
z
e, s ,

t hou d s ir es t t o e e s t a bl i s h w i th me t he el a t i o n s hi p of m a
e r - r s

I f s o I b id th ee i se O n h ea i ng t hi A n

t e a nd di s c i pl e
r . r . r s,

dan o s e t re mbl i ng w i t h f ea a nd s tood du mb

r ,
T he g ood m e n
r .

s t a n di ng n ea r emar ked that A n dan s t em p er a me nt w as l i k

r e

t h at of L ak s hma na w ho said t h at his s e p a a ti on fr om R am a

,
r

w oul d b e l i k e t aki ng the s h o u t o f t he w a t e [R am ay ana II r .

Y amu nac harya h ear i ng t h i s s id A ndan di s cipl es a

co ns ti tu t ed l ike t h ee ar e a e I a m pr o ud o f t h ee B u t oh
r r . .
,

m u c h di s tr es s I nd i n th ee T k e c ou r a g e S o s ay i n g he

. a .
,

s o f tl y s t ro k e d hi m and b id hi m g o and v i s it A nanta say a na .

T ho u ar t my A nanta $ aya na I k no w no ot h e bu s t ou t
. r r

A ndan op e ni ng hi s mou th for the r s t t i me Y am unac ha ya

,
. r

w as s tr u ck w i th t he ex t ao di nar y c ha a c t e r o f hi sr di s c i p l e r r

a nd t a ki ng hi m to b e f or one w ho a n s w er s the des cr i pt i n o

aw W W W ?IW W WM WE W W
T hat Tea cher i s al l W ho F wi th bestow s on hi s di s cip le

H e i s Vai ku ntha i tself, the M i lk -sea a nd the D vd/r aha

l e d hi m ba ck to Sr irangam ,
w h ic h t he y al l r ea ch ed i n due
c our s e .

I n t he c om pany
fai thful fol low ers Y amu nac har y
of hi s , a

w a s h er e e ng a ged i n
t he p r os e c ut io n o f hi s s pi i tua l mi s s ion r

b u t a t h ou gh t no w b eg a n to [a ma s s hi m t h a t t o c ar r y o n t he
good w or k he had begun no co m p e ten t s ou l w as yet fo und ,

a mong hi s dis cip l es .

1
V a i k u ntha i s P ar ama -p ada or the t he N e b ul a , s ai d to b e t he s o ur c e o f

S pi ri tua l U niv er s e ; M i lk -s ea i s t he a llSys te ms ) D r r a ka i s t he pl ac e

.

c e nt re w hi c h i n t he M at eri al U ni
W her e K r is hna , o ne of the I n c ar
v er s e , G od ha s made f or ims el , H f nat i o ns , e s t abl i s he d i ms el on H f
ear t h a nd i n I ndi a
a nd w hi c h i s t he so urc e of al l I n
.

c ar na ti o ns (l i k e th e M i lk y Way o r
28 T H E LI FE or s unum . o n v. .

C HA PTE R V .

R AM AN U JA .

H i s bi r th and s tudi es .

Y emu nc har ya th us t oubled i n his mi nd as to a c om

w as r

p e ten t s u cces s o to w h om t o h
r T o r c h of F ai th f r o

p os teri ty H is dis cipl e Nam b i or rn a had p r o ee de d c

to The Hol y M ou nt of Ti r u p a t i to li v e t he re for a t i me i n t he

se r vice of t he Lor d s eated t her e i n ( V enk a tac ha l a p a t i ) H e ha d - .

t wo s i s ter s B h mi p-pi r mi and P er iya -pir at ti or B h -d vi an d

, ,

s p a-dew . T he e lder B hu-d vi w as marr ie d t o A s i a-i Ke $a va p

p er a mal pe r for mer of ma ny Yagas
, the ,
-
re s i di ng a t S i
r
er u mb d r r i -dev i w a s ma r r ied t o K a ma la na a na -bh a t ta
a
p S .
y
of t he V a tta ma ni clan r es i di ng at M azhal a i -m a ngal a m
-
, .

O f B hu-dev i borhR amanuj a the G rea t R e for me and

w as , r

Re l i g ion i st of t he 1 2th c e nt ur y j u st as R am w as bor n o f , a

K au sal ya and K r i sh na of D evaki O f him it i s w r i tte n .

I t i s the Fi rs t A nanta that became L a k shmagi a next,

A nd B al abhadoa '
newt, a
g ai n the One next i n K a li .

A nd t his One w as t he G r ea t R amanuj a bor n i n the K al i

A g e , as t he S pir i tua l S un to di s pel t he d r k nes a of in and
g n
i nora c e, re ig ning rampant as s aid i n the v e se r

s is i n e n i m was sit ar am I
'

sa
wi n ? a se ats {I {i t as? s is al"

1
S ee N o 23, . H ie ra rc hi c Ta bl e ,
Li ves fi
o m am .

9
N ea r M adra s .

3
A ls o ca ll ed D yuti mati .

A ls o cal l ed Kt nti matl .

6
See N o 2 7 , . Hi erar c hi c Ta bl e to o ur Li ve s o f A s hr am, ( A o . .

Y dda r a g ir i-m htmya, I , 3 2 .

7 B ha vi s hyut-p urdna .
30 TH E L I FE or R KM RN U J A . on v . .

M h ile Kamala naya na -bh atta at M azhala i ma nga

eanw ,
- -

l a m be
, came t he fath e o f a b oy t he mo th er be ing his w ife
r ,

S i de v i as noted
r - Ti umal i Na mb i e ce i vi ng the ne w s ha
. r a - r ,
s

tened to t he pl ace a nd c o ng a t ul a t ing B hatta o n the h ppy r a

e v e nt fore tol d th at the c h il d w a s one of g r eat p r omi s e ; he

,

w o u l d g r ow to b e very w i s e a nd g ood a nd u nw or l dly nd n ,

a a

a rde nt C h ampi on of R el ig i o n H e w as to b e na med G c wi nda

a
. .

A ll t he Sams k ar as (s ac a me nts ) w ere r egu lar ly admi nis t e ed

r r

i n hi s case . He ca me o f ag e a nd a s o enter ed
l the o r der o f t he
ho use holder . Hearing of hi s c o us i n- br ot h er s t udy n i g u nder

Y ad a va-pr ak ag a he ,
gladly j o ined hi m to p rose c u te s tu d es i
i n his g ood company .

I n the cour s e o f t he ir re ad ings , Yada va ca me ac ro s s the

p ass ag e mW ITa z tt : U p : I I , I I ] and he e x
'

pla i ned i t in a w ay mo s t r e p u g nant t o t he s pi r i t o f the

p as s age i ts elf . For the p a s s age means

Br ah man ( G od) is Tr u th (s al tg um) ,

K no w ledge
(j fu ina m) and I nni ty
,

B ut Y M ava sa id th a t t he a tt r i bu te s of Tr uth, a ledg e

a nd I n ni ty cou ld not co -ex is t in B ra hma inas muc h a s br oken
n,

ho rn-nes s , hom -lesmess, a nd j ul l- hon mess , cou l d not co -exi s t in a .

co w , for ple ; i e a co w c annot h a ve b ro ken home no

ex a m .
,

hor ns a nd b e fully horned a t o ne a nd t he s a me t i me ; a nd

t h ere for e B rahman c anno t s i mu l t a neous ly p os s es s var i o us
a tt r i b u tes Br ah man w i th a ttri bu t es w as th er efore a log ica l
.

i mp os s i b ility R amanuj a p ro t es ted w i th his teach er t h at t h is

.

U p ani s h ad p as sage c ou ld not b e th us mi s i nter p r ete d a nd

s o to r tu re d as to s ui t his o w n i ma g i na r C h allenged
y B r ahman .

b y t he t eac h er to f ur nis h his o w n e x pl a na t i on R amauuj a ,

a r g ue d thus To beg in w i th a s e nte nce ca nnot mea n o th er

,

w i se t h an w h at i t is i nte nded to mean T h at Bra hm an i s .

T r u th etc is w h at is evide nt i n t h i s p as sage I t do es no t
.
.

r u n t hu s B h m o T ut h s o as t o make Br a h man

r a an i s n t r ,

N ow k now n as M adhura -mang al a m (near Conj ivaram ) .

0 r E mb r, N o 3 1 f A s hram
3
. of B ierarc hi c Table i n our I ts Li ves o .
on v . . ms B urr s A N D ST U D E S I .
'

31

de vo id oi a uy a tt r i b ut e, t hu s redu c i ng I t to a no n-e nt ity .

A nd t h en ,
if t he re i s B r ahma n, I t mu s t ha ve a t t ri b u te s ; fo r an

a t t r i b ute l es s h B ra m an c an have no e x ist e nc e ( tr u th) . A thi n g

m us t b e so me th i ng -
,
h i dly t he a tt r ib u t
no t no-t hi n g . A nd t r es

T ru th & c . ar e n t i nc ns i st en t w it h e ac h
o o t h e s o as to p ec l ud o r r e

t h ei r c o -e x is tenc e i n B ah m n s u c h s t he i ncon s is t e n y o f
r a ,
a c

l ig ht a nd d k nes s c o e i ti ng i n s pac e f o e x am ple

ar - x s Th r . e

m eant t o s ho w t ha t B ra hma n e x is t s
'

a tt r ib u t e Tr uth i s no t a t

o ne m ome nt m er ely a nd cea s i ng t o ex is t b eyond tha t mo me nt

,
.

B r a hma n i s Tr u th i s t he r e for e i nte nded to e s t ab l is h B r a h m a n s

exi s tence i n e ter ni ty, o r I t s e ter na li ty i n t i me B r ahm a n i s .

K nowl edg e i s

ne x t i nt ended to es tab l is h t hat B r a hma n i s Spi r i t,
for Kn ow ledg e means Thou g t . Thoug ht m ea ns Intel li g ence , S ens a te
i ns ep ar ab le a dj u nc t
.

n ess a nd s o o n . A nd t hus Know ledg e i s an

of B ra h ma n ,
f or ot he r w se i B r ah man w o u l d b e no Sp

r i t, b ut
s i mpl e no n intelli gent or no n sens a te o r non -t h inki ng st uff li k e
- -

li feles s ma t ter B ra hman i s Know ledg e t her efore e s ta b l i sh es

.

t h a t B r a h ma n is Spi r i t or L ife B ra hm an i s I n ni ty is nex t

.

i nt ended t o e s tab li s h t ha t B rahman i s w i t h o u t li mi ts or co n

di t i o ns o r I t s i n ni ty i n s p ac e and mode Tr uth t here for e i s
'

.
,

t he t er m w h i c h c h a r a c t er i z e s B ra h m an as E te rn a l di s t i ng ui s h ,

i ng I t fr om w h a t i s non eter na l Know ledg e is the ter m w hic h

c h ar a c te r iz es B ra hm an a s Sp i r i or
t L ife di s ti ng u i s h i ng I t fr o m ,

w h a t i s n on S p i r i t o r nau dite ; and I

- n ni ty i s the t e r m w hic h

h
c a ra c t e r i z es B r a h m a n a s I n
n i t e di s t i ng ui sh i ng I t fr om w ha t ,

- i mi t s o r m o de - mi t s
i s non i n ni te ( o r c o
- n d i t i o n e d b y s p a c e l li ) .

A n d t hes e a t tr ib u te s a n d i n n i t e o t h e r s c a n c o h
-e x is t i n B r a m a n

d i t i d s s o ft nes s p er fum e & c

w i t ho ut m ut t n n e s
u a l c o n r a c o as re , , ,
.
,

i t i th w T h e a na lo gy o f the
c a n har mo nio u s ly co e x s n e - o er .

co w i s no t a
pp r o p r i a t e i n t h i s c a s e ; t h e ana lo gy of th e o w e r
l

q g gh d h -ex i s t n

t 1
u o t e d o r the s un h a v
i li t n g ar e -
c
r
n a e a o , ,

as ,

a p p r o p r i at e A n d t h er.
e f o r e t o t r
y t o p os t u l a te a n att r i b u tl e s s

B h m i h m d i er e nt attr ib utes c a nno t

B ra h m an or a ,
ra a n n w o

i i t h l g i l n o co n s i s te nt w i th t he a i r ma tor y
co e x s t i s ne
- e r o c a r
,

c h a r ac t er o f t h e V e d i c p as s a g e i n q ue st i on Y a d ava a f ter .
"

i i n T h t o ar g u e w i th
h ear ing t h is , s i mply i sa d i n d s d a : ou ,

me i and k e p t s il e nt
.
32 T H E LI FE or R KM XN U J A . on v . .

h er day, R amanu a, ~ di s ci pl e he
On a no t j
as
w as

an
oi nt i ng h is G h o il ; w h en mam
ur u w as w it too k i n to
his h ead to des can t o n t he V edic verse
as: ms w as? m us in W T [0 11 11 11 11 6 U p I 6 , 7 ]
, .
.

B
rah i d ( or H e w ho i s the G olden -li ned i n the
ma n, he

sa ,

S un) ha s
,
hi s ey es r e d l ik e t he po s.te r i or s o f the m o n k e y
"
.

W h en R amanuj a h ear d t h is he fel t a pa ng s h oot i ng a cr oss hi s ,

h ear t to nd t h at he shou ld hear nobl e V edic p as s ag es th u s

ab uSe d a n d i l l -t re ated by Y ada v a H i s g r i e f w a s s o kee n th at a .

hot tear s to l e i n to his eye a nd dro pp ed o n t he l ap of Y ada v a, ,

as R amanuj a w as b en ding o v er him to r u b hi s h ead w i th o il .

The dr o p s corc h ed Yada va H e s ta r ted and look ed u p .

S ee . .
_

i ng R amauuj a tr oub led, W h a t ai ls th ee a s ked he I am .

grieved he s ai d tha t beau t ifu l V edic l ines are so a w k w ar dly

, ,

cons tr ued
W h at i s thy i nter petatio n then
. a ng r i l
y ,

voc i fer a ted Y ada va S i r

cr ied R amanuj a ca n you not s ee
. , ,

that he mea ns w ater and pi ba ti mean s to dr i nk Water-dr i n k er

, .

i s t h u s k ap i t he s un or the l o t us -s ta lk 1i sa is t o op en mik e
, , ( .

cane ) or to r es t P u ngl a lca i s t he l o tu s . A nd t he re

for e G od i n the S un is H e w hos e ey es a re li ke t he lo tus w hi ch

b loom d
u n er llze ba l my bea ms o
f the mm, or lotus w hi c h r es ts on

i ts etalk belo w ? I t is to p udia te G od to deny H i m P er s on an d

re

w h en V edas p os tul a te s uc h a P er so n al i ty i t i s doub l y t o ,

r e p ud a te H i m by r ea di ng b l as p h emous s i mi les i n t o t he
i
V eda s w h ere re ver en t i al g r a vity and g r a nde ur are i nten ded
, .

S uch co ns t r u ct io n s betoke n noth i ng sh or t of her es y Yada va .

heard this ir r es is tible o ra tio n of R amanuj a a nd ar ed u p ,

s ay i ng Hau gh ty youth ! i f th ou c a ns t not ab i de by my

i n s tr uct io n t h ou mus t leav e me R amauu j a s p oke no t a
, .

Sy llable i n r e pl y b u t took hi s dep ar ture

, .

T he pr is i ng i nte ll igence of R amanuj a his o r i g i nal w ay s

s ur
, ,

and di vi nel y dis p osed h e ar t al l co mbi ned to se t Y d ava ,

1 U f
n ort u nate l y, e ve n a nk am , had l ik ed, s e en t hr ou h t he bli nds
g
m
.

w ho pre c ede d Y adavn er g ig ts i n t hi s H e howev e r adds a c laus e i n his

.

-
o e ng i ve i nter pr etat io n t ho u h eomi nentar
g y t hat t hi s ill us trat i on
as a V edi c s cho lar he c ould if he 1 9 0 6 meant i n de r is ion
, .
on v . . H IS BI R T H A N D S TU D I E S .
33

h
t i n ki n g ; and his cog it a tio ns l a nded hi m i n vice i nas muc h a s

he bel ie v ed th at R amanuj w a s a i val w ho w o uld an da a r

y y ,

b e hi s s u p e i or i n l a n ing s u bv er s iv e o f his p hi l os o p hy f
r e r , o

a dv i t ( m o n i s m)
a a in s ho t an o ddi ty w ho may i nj u e hi s e /
r r r r
.

p u t a t i o n a s the teache i n the l a nd and a p o s ibl e evol ut io n is t

r ,
s r

w h o m i t w as e x pe die nt t o pu t a n e nd t o .

T h u s th i nk i ng he c al l ed togethe thos e di s cipl es w ho w e e b

,
r r

a ft e hi s w ay s
r nd s ai d Look al l of y u do qu ie tl y s u bs c i be
a : ,
o r

t o my v i e w s b u t th i s R amanuj a alo ne i s a dve s e a nd p er ve se

,
r r ,

a nd en te tai ns o pi nio ns r o pp o sed t o m i ne H e i s l ikel y to .

beco me our decl ar ed enemy Can you devi se s ome mea n s by .

w hi ch t o do aw a y w ith hi m T h ey s ugges ted many w ay s of

di p os al b u t none o f the m ec omme n ded i ts el f to Yada v a as
s ,
r
,

i t mea nt s i nn i ng f o w hi c h S as h,
as dec lared th at o ne mu s t
-
r

e x pi a t e a nd s u ff e ; and econdly in w hat ev er w a

r s
y R amanu j a
w a s t o b e do ne a w ay w i th th a t mu s t b e abov e s u s pici o n, .

A f ter m u c h co n s ul t atio n an d del i be a t ion t h ey pi tc h ed u p on a r ,

p l ot v i to i nv i te R amanu j a back i nto t hei r fol d t eat hi m as

,
z .
, , r

t he i r bes t f i end a s o ne w i th ou t w h o m t hey cou ld no t l i v e

r

a nd t he n t hey w o uld s tar t o n a hol y pil g i ma ge t o V a ana si r r

( B en a e ) a n d there dro w n R amanuj a i n the G ang s (G anges )

r s .

r i ve n ea M a nik a nik a g b at the os tens ible obj ect be i ng -

r, r r

p i l g i m ge t he r eal o ne bei ng R amanuj s death death

r a ,
a

w hi c h ta k i ng p l a ce i n t he H ol y G ang a w oul d b e cou n ted a s

, ,

a n a ff a i of m er i t w h ich they t h ou gh t w o u ld not i nvo l v e t he

r ,

a c to r s i n s i n W hat tra v es ty of s pi r it ual et hic s by Yadav a , .

A v er i t ab l e w hi te d s ep ul ch r e he mu s t have bee n
1
.

I n to a h el l i s h co n s p i a cy s u c h a s th i s the n Y ada va and

r ,

hi s a cc o m p l ic e s ent ed ev en as D u yodh na di d as r egards

er ,
r a

D ha m apu tra an d hi s b ot he s w h om he had c o n t i ved to k il l

r r r , r

i n a w ax h ou s e T hey t h e e for e i nv i ted R amanuj a to j oi n

- . r

t h e m a s w i th o ut him t h ey s ai d t h ey fel t un cong e ni al and ,

begged of him to pr osecu te his s t udies as he w illed undi s ,

t u b ed
r S ome ti me p as s ed th u s
.
.

p r oba bl y Y adava s moral (i m of t he w orl d, w hi c h t hu s s ee ms t o

1

m ora l ) s e ns e t ook r e ug e in his pa n f p ro vide no s tr o ng mot i ve f or .

t he i s tic theor y o f M aya , o r i l l us io n f

s t re nu o us e f o r t a t er ho l ine s s f .

5
 34 T H E L I FE o r mi ni mum . on v . .

Y adav a n o w an no u nc ed his i ntent io n of g oi n g on a pi l g r i

m age to K as i ( B e nar es ) a nd mak i ng d ue p r e p a r at ions ,
s t a r te d

on the j o ur ny e w i th R amanuj a of c o ur s e , G o v inda b ha tta -

.

R am an uj a

s ma ter nal co u s in ,
fol lo w i ng . G o vi nda s o meho w g o t
c en t o f t he e v il des ign s o f Y arl a va o n R amanuj a The o the r
s .

di s c i p l e s t oo ha d t he i r s u s p i c io n tha t G ovi nda mi g ht di v u l ge

a nd de fe a t t hei r ma ch i na ti o ns T h e y to o k c are t her efor e t o .

k eep hi m a nd R amanuj a a p ar t as fa r a s p oss i bl e T h ey ha d .

no w ar r i v e d a t the V i ndhy a r an g e of hi ll s and w h i le c r os s i ng a -

,

val ley R amanuj a s to pp ed a li t tl e beh in d for p u r p os es o f na t u r e

,
.

A i d G o vi n da c on tr iv e d t o t ar r y w i th hi m T he other s w e r e
a li ttl e i n a dvance G ov i n da t oo k a dv a n tage o f th i s s e c l u si on
.

t o di s cl os e t o R am anu j a t he des ign s of Y ada v a i n as fe w w or ds

as p os s i bl e a n d a dvi se d hi m t o es c a p e S o s ay i ng he l e f t .

R amanuj a .

R aman uj a t aki n g n ed
t he hi nt, l e t the f m ai n p a th a nd tu r
as ide oo n h i di ng h i ms e l f i n t he w i l de nes s o f the V i ndhy a
,
s r .

H e oa med a bou t i n the j u ng l e a i mles s l y t he ce s u n be a t i ng

r ,
er

u p on hi s h ea d nd s tones a nd t ho n s h ur t i ng his feet d a w i ng

,
a r - r
,

f th bl ood
or W a n de i ng a w ay thus i nto u n kn o w n egi o ns for
. r r

s o me t ime he w as fagg e d o u t ; a nd h u ng y th i s ty a nd foo t s or e

, r , r
,

w a s u n ab l e t a dv a nc e f u the O nl y g eat es t s i nn e s
o r r . r r ,

he c i e dr de e ve t hi s fate H e nc e i t is w i t ten
s r r -
z

im I sw a m i rth t W
.
,

mg sw EI" e g
:
Thos w ho

r . . e

stea l oth

l a n d a re born i n the w a ter les s w i lds
f the l i ndhya ,
'

er s o

as da r k s nak es lodg i ng i n dry a nthzlls

'

.

H e w as bew ilder ed ,

no t k n ow i ng w h er e to g o a nd w h a t t o do r . H e l ooked o u nd
for hel p m i nd t r o u b l ed and hear t s ick
, Wh i le he w a s in t hi s
- -
.

s tate a ll o n a s u dden bu r s t u p o n hi s s i gh t a Fo w l er a nd H i s
,

W i fe .

G od has de ne d i ms el h fa s O ne w ho c an ha ve nej ey w i tho ut H i s

f ai th u
f l ( mes :
(W m 111 % (m m ); and On e w ho i nc a r
azul es w i th 170 10 , a rr ow , s w or d a nd even a wi
fe ,
to bef ri end H i s a i th
f
j ul i n ti mes o
f p er i l : (W W m W
m m
ag i I
:

m S eei ng th em
2
, R emanu j a h eaved a s ig h and w a s
1 V i s lu zu -D ha r ma , 6 2, 3 1 .
a
B ra hmanda -P m da a '

.
on . v . H IS B IR T H A N D S TU D E S I .

co mfort ed a t the t ho ugh t t h at so me o ne had me

co or been
de p u t ed by G od to s u c c o ur hi m i n hi s di t s s R amanuj a a o s re .

c o s t i ng t h e m as k ed w ho t h e
y w e e a nd w h i t h er th ey w e e g oi ng r r .

W e a r e Fo w lers c om ing fr om S iddhasi ama in the No th and

'
r

a r e w e ndi ng o ur w a i n the S o uth

y t o S aty a v r a ta k s h t a - r
,

sa i d th ey M ay I ac comp any you to t h a t Hol y s h i ne

. r

s k ed R amanuj a M o s t w ill i ng ly s a id th ey foll w u s

"
a .
, o .

T h ey l adi ng R amauu j a t r udg e d o n til l Vi ndhya w as now o u t

e , ,

o f s i gh t a nd the s u n w a s s et t i ng
,
R amanuj a p er fo med his . r

eve ni ng p rayer s A nd as i t w a g ett i ng da k all the t h r ee s at

. s r ,

do w n u nde t he s h e l t e of a b ig t r ee and w e e i nki ng i nto the

r r ,
r

s o ft e mb a ces o f s l ee p The Fo w l er s w ife addr es s ing her hu s

r .

b a nd s a id D e ar c a n you g et me a dr i nk of w ater t o all ay

-
,

my t h i r s t 9

Wa it a li ttle ans w er ed t he h us ba nd dire ctly

, ,

i t da w ns I p r omi s e to nd you c l os e b y a b eautiful p ond f ull

, ,

o f co o l a nd f r ag r a n t w a te r B amanuj a o ver h ear d t h is con

.

v ers a tio n and t h o u gh t : O h if onl y i t w ere in my p o w er to do ,

t h i s ki nd P ai r a ser v i ce now a t l eas t a s a r equ ita l for t hei r ,

kin dnes s to me l B u t I a m i n u nk no w n r eg ions

A nd he
. .

doz ed a w ay i n s uc h r e ec t ions .

T he ni gh t had no w near ly w or n aw ay , a us h s uff us ed the

E a s t, an d a mor ni ng
gent ly b egan to br ee
R amanuj ze bl ow . a

r o s e w i t h t h ough t s o f G od i n h i s b re as
t a nd o e ed u p hi ,
rr s

mor ni ng p r ayer s A fte r t h is he l ooked ro u nd for hi s G uide

. s,

i n or de t o p u r s u e t he j our ney b u t to hi s amazeme nt he di d

r ,

not n d t h em H e cal l ed f or t h em alo u d and s a ch ed i n

.
e r

ever y di ec t i on b u t al l to no p u p
r r ose
,
H e p o c eed d a f e w . r e

s te p s i n a l ar m no t k now i ng w h i h ,
t er he w as goi ng B ut b y .

t h i s t i me t he s un had a pp eared a bove t e E as e

h t n h or i z on r .

R amanuj a cou ld s e e hi s s u o u ndi ng s b et ter ; and he h ear d rr

p eo pl es vo ices H e too k h ea t and

.
fe w s te p s m ore dis r ,
a ,

g a nd a fe w men s t andi ng
a
pl t d n a p ond
co ve re d a ea s an ar e ,

h h s day i s w it h yes ter day g
'

adly
by . W at
a c o n t a s t t i r l ,

va ra m
T he p uranic or l eg e ndary nam e o f Conj ee
1 .

3 T hi s i s c all ed Sdl ai h-Kinar, s t i ll e xis ti ng and f rom w hi c h w ate r

o

is da il y b r o ug ht t o L crd V arada raj as v a m i for ab l uti on .

 36 T H E L I F E or B KM RN U J A . on v . .

c r ed i he , a s to n s i h ed . Wha t c o un tr y co ul d t h i s be Is t h er e
an
y to w n l
c os e by he as k ed h i m s elf .

T he p eo ple g ga
A rt thou ze d at him w onder in gly ,
sa
yi n :

mad B ah mana D o t th ou n t se e be fo e t h e
,
r b ig ht P u nya s o r e t he r

k eti v iman m - A t this R amanuj a look ed u p a nd s w the h igh

a a

G o p u am ( o c u pol a ) o f th T e mpl e of L o d V
r r da aj a the e r ar a r ,

w o s h i p f ul D ei ty of K anc hi p u a m
r H e w as s t u k du m b w i t h r . r c

J
del igh t nd as tonis hme nt I t n w da w ned u p on hi m t h at H e
a . o

w ho had di ec ted hi s s te p s i n th V i ndhy an w i l ds w a s no o t her

r e

th a n G o d hi ms el f w ho not only gu i ded hi m b u t m i ac u lou ly , r s

t r a ns p or ted hi m o ver a di s ta nc e of nearl y mi les i n a

ni ght h i lled S ita w h en s he h ea d o f

L ik e t he j oy t ha t t r r

v i s h ed R ama w he n he h ar d

R avana s f ll li k e t he j oy t h t a , a ra e

H a n u m an s y I ha ve f u nd S i t a lik e t he j y f H numan
a 2 o o o a

w he n he e nt e ed the M dhuv na o n hi s e t u n f r o m L a nk a w as
r a a r r ,

R aman uj a

a f ter the w onder fu l ly
s j oy a dven t u r es he had r e c ent

p as s ed t hro ugh . H e si mply f ai nte d

y w i t h deli t, aw a gh e s pe

c i al ly w hen he r eec ted ho w G o d de scends to t he w ea k a nd

h l ples s ven as S aint P ar ank us a fa inted w h en he r e ect ed

e ,
e

ho w K is h na t hough G od ub mi t t ed t o b e b o u nd b y a ro p e
r , ,
s

by Y S o l a ! C h a me d i nt o ecs tasy he c i d
a e T o A r j u na O
r , r e
,

G od ! T h u eveal ed t Thy B ea t i c Fo m b ut to me T h o u
o r s r ,
1

hi ds t T hys el f u nde t he g ui se of a Fo w l e I to k T hee fo a r r . o r

me e Fo w ler and I b es ea c h T hy p a d n f
r ta k i ng T h ee for a n r o or

o di n
r y rea t ur e E ve n s A j u na bes ug ht T hee s o do I
ar c . a r o ,

K ishna ! Yada va ! A c hynta ! O v e look i t i f ta k i ng T h ee fo

r r , r

f i e nd I c ll e d T hee b y na mes s u h a s t hes e u nm i ndf ul o f

r , a c ,

T hy G eat nes s as G od ; e mi t O G od ! a ny s li g ht I ma ha ve
r r
y ,
,
u nw a il
y s ho w n T hee w h ile w e move d t oge th
r s a t t og et h e r , er ,

a nd a te t ge t h e a nd j k e d t og t h e as e q ua l s
2
o r
R amanu j a o e r, .

w s t hu s d o w ned i n a p t u ous del igh t aft er t he w o nd

er ful
a r r r

e x p e i e n es he had
r O u t of s h e r j y he fell p os t a te
c
os e
. e o r r r
, ,

fe ll ag ai n s h d t a s o f j oy w a b at h ed i n p e s p ir a t i on in
,
e e r , s r

s ho t f e l t hi s w h ol e b ei ng div i el
y tr ans p o te d b ey on d hi m
r , n r

s el f F o m t ha t day o n he ca i e d w ate dail f om t he h o l

r rr r
y r
.
,
y
w e ll ( s i t i k k z ) to the Lo d V ar adar aj
'

t -
,
v a z ar r

1 i ta, KI t h B ook
B hag a va dg .
9
B hag a va dg i ta, X I 4 1 42 .
, .
38 TH E L I FE or a KN U J A . c u vr . .

Y ada va-p rak asa as al r e ady s a id had arr i ved at K anc h i

, ,
.

Her e to his as to nish me nt he fo u nd R ain auuj a w ho he had ,

b e l ie ve d had bee n los t i n t he j u ng l e s H e fei g ned j oy ho w e ve r .

a t s e e ing hi m and s ai d O u r gr ief at you r los s i n t he

V i ndhyan w ilds w as very g r ea t a t seei ng you no w i t ha s
, ,

g i ve n plac e to boundless j oy
R amanuj a narr a ted t o hi m .

how he los t s igh t of th em as t hey w e r e muc h i n adva nc e ho w ,

he l os t his w ay ; a nd ho w w h ile w a nder i ng s ic k a nd s or e in

t he maz es of t he for es t a Fo w ler b r o k e u p on his s i ght s u d
,

de nly ; a nd?how H e g u ided hi s s t e p s s o t h a t to hi s w onde r ment ,

he f ou nd he had t ravers ed a g reat dis tanc e w h ile he t ho ugh t

he s le p t u nder a t ree b u t w a ki ng u p to nd he had b een b ro ugh t
,

to K anehi T h i s ac cou n t made Y ada v a to s tare at R amanuj a

- .

i n c o mb i ned fear a nd w onde r ; w ho m he now l ooked u po n as

a b e i ng no t o f the ordi na r y r u n o f ma nki nd ; no t t o b e de s p is ed

b u t l o ok e d u p o n as one des er vi ng r e ver ent i a l r eg ar ds ; a nd

fe eli ng r e mor s e i n hi s h ea r t for his e vil i ntents t ow a r ds hi m .

H e c ou ld no t t her efore b ut t u r n hi s ha te i nto love for hi m a nd

t h ere fore i nv ited R amanuj a to gr ac e his s c h ool w i th his p r esenc e
a nd t o co mpl e t e his s t udi es i f he s o w ill ed .

W hile h es e events w e e p as s ing at K anc h t w o S i

t r

i, r

V is l n vut s o f K anc h i t av e lled t o Sy i a ng am to pay t h e r

a i a r r , i

de vot io ns to R ang anatha w h ic h t h ey did and th en w ent to

'

A l a va nda ( Y amunachay a) t he gr eat ap os tle of t he Fa i t h w ho

r i ,

w a s t he e t ea c h i ng at the t i me A f ter due exc hange o f "

r .

c o u r t s i es Y amu na charya a k ed t h em for a n

e ,
y new s o f a n i n s

t er e s t i ng na t u re at K auc hi T hey l
r e at ed to hi m ho w yo u th a
.

R am anu j a b y na me, or n a t B h ta u r i
p b
( S ri P e r u mb dur )
c a me t o K A nc l i i t o re ad V
e dant a u nde r a u ni-s t affeda S a nyas i ,

Yadava p r ak asa ; - ho w i n t he c o u rs e of t h e ir r ead n i gs , differ .

e nes e ro se be t w een t h em as ega ds i ntepr eta tions o f Veda r r

te xt s , Yadava contendi ng fo a q ua lity -les s G od a nd R ama r

,

un ja f o r a qu ali t y -full O ne a nd s o o n and ho w o n , cer ta i n , a

1 D e vout fol low ers of V ishnu . t he A dvai ta S c hool , a nd t he Tr i

2
V ide hi s l ife . s ta e d

t o t he V is ib td va ita s c hool .

3
U ni -s ta ff ed Sa nyAs i ns b el o ng t o T he s ta i s madeof b am boo s ti c k s .
 mni
A

YA DA VA , G ov AND ni ni s uu .
39

day, a i n b l as p h emo u s e xege t ic b y Yada va o f a Veda

c ert a

pas s a g e e xc i te d and p a i ned R amauu j a a nd dr e w for th b u r ning

t e a r s f ro m his e e s w h ic h ac c ide n ta ll
y fa lli ng o n Ya da va s

y ,

t h i h s cor c h ed hi m l i k e r e
g ; ho w o n hi s c ha l le ng i ng R amA nuj a ,

g ave his beaut i ful i nte r p r e ta t io n th a t the pas s age mea nt th a t

G od s eyes r es e mb le d t he lot us op e ni ng u nder t he s un s ra y s

a nd ho w t h is a nd o th er dis p u ta t io ns o f t he s or t l ed to t h ei r

s e p a ra t io n ; Y ada va s

pl o t o n his l i fe a nd t he r es t o f e ve nts ,

a dve nt ur o us and mir ac u l o us w h ic h foll o w e d th er eaft er i n ,

s ucc es s ion .

Y dmundcharya h ea rd th i s ac c ou nt w i t h r a p t attent ion and

e xc a l i med
w a r? s n mw W is? rams l
'

s rs

ci :
v v

s ism

el t
a nn m
a e st a W lm ll m
The bad a re leg i on like re -sp ar ks i n a
fuwzac e .

B u t the g ood, if found i n the fi r e, ar e li ke lotuses ther ei n .

So i g he fe l t a grea t long i ng to i mmedia tely g o and

s ay n

s ee R am anu a
j H e r e p ai r ed to t he L or d R a ng a natha a nd t aki n g
.

lea ve of H im l eft S r i ra nga m w i th his fo llo w er s O n his w ay

,
.
,

p ay i ng h onor s t o G o d N aya nar and t he T h ree Fi r s t A zhvar s a t

'

re ac h ed K anc h i i n du e t i m

Tir n k k il ii r ,
e .

Ti r uk k acc hi-na m bi ,

on h ea r ing his Ad a m co mi ng ,
ga th e d t og ethcr the
re h l y p eople of
o K anch i a nd ,
w it h $ 7 2
S a thag p a , T ir tha a nal P re s i de of the H o l y Te mple of Va r ada

j
r a a, w ent fo r w a r d to m eet and w e l c o me hi m . Y amune harya
i
r e ce ve Ho ly g if ts o f G od a nd seei ng T i ru k k ac c hi N a m b i
d t he ,
-
,

hi s di s c ipl e lyi ng p ro s tr a t e at hi s fee t fo r j oy and vene r a ti o n

,

fo r t he G u r u l i fted hi m u p w i t h a ffec ti on a nd i nq u ir ed
,
.

G aj ndr a das a !

art t h ou s tea dy at thy fa n nin g s er v i c e to
Lord V an da ?
"
B y y o ur g r a ce, S ire ,
T he Lo d r is ac c e p t~
i ng my h umb le s er vic es ,

sa id b e . A nd then t hey p r oc eeded

S e e L i ve s of A z hvars .

3
N o. 36 , I bid , H i era rc hi c Ta ble . H er e r e ad pp . 3499 , V O L V I I .

B hag a vadvi s haya .i mudaiua n .

3
A Sans k rit na me f or T ir uk kac c li i-N a mb i .
 40 T H E LI FE o r mi ni mum . CH . VI .

toge th e r to the T empl e , w h e re Y amu naeharya p ai d due h o no rs

to t he Lo rd V a rad a .

W hil e he w a s th us
ploye d Yada va -pra k aaa ca me o n a
em ,

vi si t to t he temple w i th hi s follo w e rs Y amumtc harya s a w

, .

th e m a nd a s ked w ho among his follow ers w a s R amanuj a

, _
.

T h ey po i nte d him ou t T hat br ight a nd g l orious c ent r a l

.

g ure s a id th ey p os s es s i ng th os e ne s h o ul ders b roa d a nd

, , ,

long l ike R ma Hi ms el f th at i s
, Y amu n c har y a
,

d ra nk hi m i n w ith h is ey es a nd sent his pray e rs afte r hi m as , ,

the h os t w as moving a w ay .

Y amu mw har ya now

mo u nte d
tral Sh ri ne o f u
p to the Cen
Lo r d V a ra d a (called H as tig i i) a nd stand ing befo re t he D e i ty r

s ent u p a pray er to H i m th u 0 G rea t L o r d! grant m e a s .

boo n T h ou ar t Va a d a ( B oo n G ra nter) for 118 1 31q

. r
WW -
,

m n wa N ari? s ?3 ? 3 3
f 15 I w e m m ? w as? a aw n a {a 3 3 : :

in W M ni ls fi w ll Le B y thy f v ur the (l eaf hea

.
the l me a o , rs , a

r uns , the du mb sp eak s, the b li nd s ees , a nd the ba r r en b e a rs . I

ha ve g ht Thee
s ou .

G ra nt
th e n th at th i s R amanuj a sh all
me ,

b e come th eb o f t he T o rc h o f o ur Fai th
eare r A u u g en t c all . r

f ro m S ri rangam no w ob lig i ng Y amunacharya to re t u rn i m

me d ia te ly he fou nd no l e is u r e t o do a nyth i ng mo r e no r t i me
,
,

e ve n to s ay someth i ng to T i uk k ac c hi N ambi a b out his w is h e sr -

,

and f u tu re pl a ns To S r i r a ng a m th us he ret urned

.
.
en vn R AM AN U J A eo r novs ns ms A N D M I R A C L E S
n 41
'
. .

CH A PT E R V II .

R KM A N U JA
ms A N D M I R A C L E S
c o n r no v s ns
'
.

Y ad va p ak itSa w a c nd u c ti ng his V d ant cl s

a r s os e a a s es a

u u l
s aI t s o h p pened th t t h p r i nce of the th n R aj of
. a a e ss e a
l

t h d mi ni ons t
e o w h i c h K an h i h d th n belong d bec m
,
o e a e e ,
a e

o b d w i th a n v il s pir i t ( b hm
s es s e e Th R aj w ra a e a as

e nd v u ri ng to nd n b le ex rci t f dem ns H w
ea o a a t ld o s o o . e as o

th t Y ad a v a w a w ll ver d i n uch lore The R aj nt m n

a s e se s . a se e

t o i nv i te hi m T h ey w nt nd t l d hi m the sta t f ff i r
. e a o e o a a s

w i th t h pri ncess a nd th t h w a w ante d Y ad va i d to

e a e s . a sa

th m w e G o ye b ack nd t ll t he piri t
e

Yad v a m e s : a a co

m nd t h th e e to lea v e th prin ce s Th y re tu rn d and

a e e s . e e

d l iv r d the message
e e e Y ad va co mmandeth Le v th u a . a e o

th ep r ince s th ey d m nd d f t he s piri t
s,

e G o ba ck
a e o .
,

b ll w ed the ak sha a nd t ll Yad va from me t o d p r t fr m

e o r s, e a ,
e a o

th i c untry T he R aj
s o .
m n an to Yadava g i n nd a s

e r a a a

d l i v r d th i s message fr m th m k has Y ada va n w w nt hi m

'

e e e o e s . o e

se l f w i th a t ro o p of h i s d i s ci pl nd stat io ni ng h i msel f b f re es , a e o

th b s d princess b g n t mu tt r p o te nt mag ic l i nc nt
e o se se ,
e a o e a a a

ti n o n d h o w i ng his t b i d th d v il d ep a r t
s a s B u t th d v i l
s ,
e e . e e

pr ince ss) st ret ched it l g nd p oi nti ng th m to w r d s e s a e a s

Yad v a i d i n sov rei gn c ntem p t of him

a sa ,
e Thi nk t th u o es o

Y ad v th a t I do not kn w thy m gic and magic l f r mu l 9

a a o a a o a
e .

K n w s t th ou not I a m a b r hm
o e k h s N e i ther thy m nt a a-r a s a a ra

no thy p rs on can b e e f c c i ou
r e s gai nst me T h u h t n a s a a . o as o

k n w l dg o f m no hast k no w l edg of thy s el f G et th gon
o e e e, r e . ee e .

u
B ut p u t ,
i n

Y a d a v h st th u know ledge of m
a, nd f
a o e, a o

thys l f the n boa steth

e as
L r n th n fro m m r t t d ea e e,
"
e or e

th m
e k h as
t ho u
s w e r t
,
a g u n i n thy p ast bir th li v i ng i n a a ,

th he l
o e o f t h e b a n
s k o f t h M dh u antak a t ank A b t
ech f a r . a o

S i V i h na v s
r - a sa w er e t r a v e l l i n g t o Tiru mal ai ( Tir up t i ) n a o a

li ly Pil grima g
o e
T h e y st o pp d t .
t h e ta nk c ooked ate nd l ft e a , ,
a e

t h pl ace
e
T h e y h a d.
l e ft t h e l v i n gs of th e r f od nd h d ea i o ,
a a

s pil t m e w a
so te r T h e n d i dst t h n c amp er to t h pla c
.
nd e s e e a

l d h i r t i m i n p i n f P nj
s s uc c e s s o
m e oss ess o o o ever a

P m? ; :i
1 a
l
sa
ar
l t h [ S th I ndi n I n r p t n V l I I
as a so e ou a sc i io o . .

W t rn
a
es e C h l k y w r ba u t th i p
as
1 17 f t ]
e e a ou s .

6
42 TH E LI F E or R KM KN U J A . es . V II .

ate o f th a t foo d and dr a nk of th at w a te r T h i for t ui tou s me ri t . s

b rou gh t th ee t o th is pres nt j nm ( birth ) f th ine as a e a a o

B rah m a na w ith lea r ni ng A s f my s el f I w it a B rah ma na . or ,

s

in m a st b i r th I b eg n t o p e r fo r m a n ( a B r ah a a
p y .

m anic c red r i t u l ) b u t th e r e w e re o mi s s i n i n the r e gu l a r

sa a ,
o s

c h nt i ng o f t he ma nt r a s
a nd t he t s c nnec te d th e re w i th ,
a ac o .

A nd h nc e t he e ha d e v ol v ed o n me S ee t s . s

t he n h w I h a ve k no w le d g e a nd th u h t not 9 V ry

o ,
o as e

good s ai d Yad v,
"
t e ll m e th e n w ho w ill ma ke th ee d i l o dge
a a, s

from t h p r inces s e T h er s ai d t he d e v i l p oi nt i ng w i th i t e,

,
s

h ands fo l ded in fea r a nd w o rs h i p i n thy r ank s th ere i s th at ,

a ngel f r om H e a v e n i nc a r na t e m o ng men w h om th ou h a t the a ,

s

g l or y f c ou nt ing a thy tu d nt and w h o s e n me i s R amanu j

o s s e ,
a a .

A t hi s b i dd i ng I mu s t ee Y ad av t u r ned to R amanuj a a nd l
a

b gge d of hi m to c o mm nd t he e v i l s p i r i t to l eav
e R am anuj a
a e .

did s o B u t I w i ll n t
. i t s a id unl e s s O Ho ly s o u l t h o u
o , , ,

pl ace thy H ly Fee t u p on m y h ea d

i

o R amanuj a di d s o I . .

no w s l u t e th ee H o ly R am anu j a i d t h pi r i t i n a l ou d to ne

a ,
sa e s
,

I a m l ea vi ng t he p r i nc es s B ut s ta y s a i d R ai n anu a
j .

,

ho w s hall w e k n w th a t th o u has t le ft ? oB y th i s s ig n

repl ie d t he S pi it i nt th a t s v tth t ree y onder I s ha ll

r , o a a a ,

en te t he e v i denc e th e r o f s h all b e the b rea k ing f a b r anc h

r, e o .

A nd s o i t h app ened T h R aj a w as o v e rj oy ed a nd l a de d
. e , o

th em w i th p res ent s a nd h no r s Y ad v a p r k asa s h w ered o . a - a o

pl a u di t s o n R am anuj a nd gl d at leas t th a t his pres tig e w a s a a

so me w h at s aved by hi s n b l e d i c i pl e r e t ur ned to hi s r e t r ea t

o s , .

I n S r i r ai i g ani , Y amu nac har ya w as i n the mea nw h i le c on

du c ti ng hi s e x p o i ti on
s s of T he Fa i th , of w h ic h t he Fo u r T h ou -

s a nd P co ns t i t u t ed c h ief docu me nt s W h e n
2
r ab andha s t he . he
c ame ac r os s St N ammftz hvar s
v er s e ( T i r u v i i -mozhi J I" 1 0 5)

.
- a . .

w h i ch p r ocl a i ms th a t t h e r e i s b u t O ne G o d, On w h om , all

y e, O L ai ng as , S am ana s a nd S aky as ", sh a ll belie ve 7

, he fe l t

Cp Lu . k e I V 33 35
. . A nd i n t he u nc e a n l d e vil 510 .

A l so Lu k e X . 38 ff .

3
S ee o ur l i z hrdr
s Li ves .

9 L m ng a s = Sa i vas , S a ma na s z J a i nas , Sdk ya s

B a udd has .
on vn . . nAM A N U J A e nnr s ovnus ms A N D M I R A C L E S '
. 43

mo re an x ious th an ever
c a pabl e s uccessor ; a nd s t il l to nd a

mo r e fer vent ly pr aye d to L o r d V ar a dar aj a to w ea n B amanu j a

'

f ro m the h e retica l as s ocia tio ns o f Y ada va and a ppoint him for ,

T he Fa i th I n a ns w er a s i t w e re to h is a rdent p et i tion a cri s i s

.
,

w a s p r e p ar ing .

For , Yada v a xpla i ni ng the V edanta te xts

w as o ne da y e -

(61% as :n ns a { 313 1 ? as i f th ey me nt t h t u l
g ! ) an d : a a so

( m an ) a nd G od w ere i d nt ical T h rst p ass age me ans "

A ll
e . e

thi s i nd ed is B a hman a nd t he se co nd means

e r i no t
, s

th l as t di ver si ty her e
e e A cc o rd ing to Y adav a the r s t pa. s sa ge , .

m ea nt th at a ll this Cos mos i G od ; the second p ass age m e n t s a

th a t ll the di ve si ti es th t
a een i n the Cos mos a e i l l us
r y a a re s r or .

R amanuj a took obj e c tion to th ese i nterpre tat ions and s ai d th a t

t he c o mo s c a n ne ve r b e i de ntic al w i th B rah man ( G od) no
s an r c

i t b p ro v ed u nreal
e Fo t he r s t p as s ag e al l thi s i nd d
. r : ee

B hm n mea nt th a t the c os mo i s p e rmea te d w i th H i s S pi r i t

ra a s ,

i e f ull of G od ; i n o th e r w o r d s t he c os mos has no e is ten c

.
. x e

i nd e p ende nt of G od i t e x is t by Hi s will H e i s i ts Crea to r s .

,

P s e r ve r and D est roy er H e i s i ts R ul er and r ules by H i s

re .

i mma nence A nd the s eco nd p a s s age mea nt th a t t he d i ve r s i ty

.

i s o f t he co s mos a nd r e l i na mu c h s i t i s s u st ained by t he a s a

U ni ty o f G od ; th a t th e re fo e w hos e s e s the d i ve r s e co m s r e s o

a s s e ve r e d f rom G od s ees no t a ri ght T here i s b ut O ne G od .

,

n ei th e t w o no r many
r I n H i m i s all T h a t i s the meani ng
.
.

o f t he t e xt Cos mo s i s not de nie d i na s much as i ts e is ten ce

.
x

i e t e r na l s ubstan ti ally t h ou gh i t e xte riorly u ndergoes adj ec

s ,

t i a l c ha ng e I t i s a n a xio m tha t nothing can come ut f

r .
o o

n thi ng
o ab ihi l nihi l t
: T he c o s mos i s real
a I t is in G d .
. o ,

w ho i t hu s one o nl y no t m ny
s T h i s p ass age i s th us a n as s e r
,
a .

t io n not a negat ion o f the co mos

, ,
s .

CM Ki/nd og ya U p a n is ha d III 14 1
l - '
. . .

9 B r ihad r an a U p V I 4 -1 9
y . . . .

9 A C hr is ti an w riter sa ys To c en u t ri h b n l d i g I nd i
es as ee ea n a,

v th t m a n, wi ht al l his pas s io na t e e ve r f rther l ng th p th g

u a o e a P
sa a

t e in pe r s , his e ce i u d tf l w ay s , hi s o u f l de ca dn e[ E p p h gb p ;
ce . t a ln

rd h r XX I I We mn ,

u nc a i ta bl e V i s i hta d va
i ma g i na ti o ns , his ha
.

th htou g s , i s G o d, i s t he f tal a n d a s ay tl y th
e xa c e sa me th ing , b ut,
d tr t
es uc i ve e o w hi c rr r hf or s o ma ny w h i h t h C hri ti
c e s an kn o w s no t v e t .
44 T H E L I FE o r R A M A N U J A . o n v1 1 . .

A bs t in ately as Yada va pr ea ch ed his p anthe i m s o

s o s ,

o b s t i na te ly did R ami rmj a r eb u t hi m Yad av a g ot e n r ag ed a t .

.

l as t . N o mor e can you r e ad w it h me S ir he c ie d yo u ,

r ,

mu s t h e nce for th nd yo u ow n co ng en ial te ach er

r .

g lad to l eave t h i s teac her o f i mpos s i bl e nd

R amanuj a w as a

ab s u d pil sophy Str aight home w ent he and in for med his
r o .
,

mot h S i -D vi of a ll t h at h a pp en ed
er r E n ough o f t hy .

s t udi es ; s o n sai d s he t h er i s Tir uk k acc hi -N amb i w ho i in

e s

g r a t fa vou w i t h L or d V ar a da t j a S eek his adv i and

e r -
. ce

se v ic
r nd a bi de by hi s w i l l
e, a T h a t w il l do t h ee al l the goo d
. .

R am anuj a at on ce sough t T N mhi a nd beso ugh t hi m to e m plo y

. a

hi m i n di vi ne s er vice s i n t h Te mple e v e n as La k s hma na

e ,

be so u ght of R ama :

[R dmdya gt a III . 18 .

R ama ! s ay : do,

a nd I a m thy se r va nt .

S N a mb i s a id
. L or d V a ra da ra a
j muc h l ik es t he w a ter
f m t he S ci la i -w el l yo u w er e
ro o nc e br i ng i ng him Fe tc h t he .

s a m e da il y a nd ser ve H im herefore

. T hus t did R amanuj a
em p lo y hi ms el f .
 46 r a n L IF E or R A M AN UJ A . CH . V 111 .

kee pi ng h a t ve y doubt
of G o d, t r is p r oo f of hi s w ant of t r us t in
G od A t ue b el ie ve i n G od i
. r r s o n ly he w ho feel q u ite s ure
s

s a fe ty i n H is a m s , a nd t ha t hi s b ody i a te mp o

o f hi s s o u l s r s

a y f m b go t b y K m c g K arma ceas es
1
r r or e ar a, ea s in w he n . . A

p rap mm a i s t hu s o ne w ho has i nte l lec t ual l d i e s te d i m s e l y v h f

n
th us o f a ll c o c er n, e i t her a s r e a r ds hi s s ou l or hi s b c dy, o t h g b
b ei ng kee pi ng of t w o di v er g e n t de t er m i n ing a gents
i n t he .

T hi s r es ig n ed a t t i t u de o f t he m ind c ons t i tu tes t he tr ue pr ap amm

( be lie ver ) D w el l o n t he sen s e c ont ained i n t he Hol y Na me
.

N ar aya na as it c o nta i ns t he su m o f a l l divi ne w i sdom I t i s

,
.

Ku r ma me a ns a c t
l T his is t he . t he Chr i s t ia n i n ord e r t o i nve s t
i n he r e nt w ill i n t he s o u l T his . p
G od w i t h a l l- ow e r , de mu rs t o K a r
w i ll i s s u bj e c t ive T his s ha p e s o ut
. b
m a e i ng o w ne d b y t he s o u l, i s he
.

a n o bj ec t i ve, f o r w hi c h ma t t e r is t he n p p
r e are d to t ra ns er a ll a r ma f K .

a s s o c ia ted w i t h Lik e G o d, S o ul i s
. t o G o d , a nd i n o r de r t o mai nt a i n
e ter n l k
a , li e t h e e t e r n a l i t y o f G od

s t ha t G od m us t c r e a t e s o u l , a rm a K
a t t r i b utes , bec a us e o G od s e t e r

f
'
o
a nd a l l i n ti me T
he n t he s o u l i s
na l i ty . K
a r ma, o r w i l l w hic h is e x o ne r a te d o f a l l p
e r s o nal re s o ns i p
i nna te i n t he s o ul, i s e te r na l w i t h i t . b i li ty I t ha s n e i t he r m e r it nor
.

A C hri s t i a n mi g ht s a y t hat t his de mer i t ; r e w a r ds a nd u n is hmen t s p

gl og ma p u t s a l i m i t t o G o d

s p o w er , a r e no t for i t A n o n-e t e r n al w i ll,
.

i na s m u c h a s K
a r ma o r s o ul i s s o me a s c re a t i o n s u pposes , t he re for e der o -

t hi ng w hic h H e did n o t ma k e , g a t es f ro m G od
s p o w e r r a ther t han
f f
.

and t he r e or e c ir c u m s c r ibi ng t he
. e nha nc e a nd
g l or i y i t, a s w he n
so ve re ig nty of G o d a r ma be . K H e i s e ndo w e d w i t h e ter na l w i ll .

c o me s t he r h

U nk now n Ti me -l i mitati o ns o n G od is t hus a s
'

l t
'

c o r e a n o e r

G od c o nt a i ni ng i n i t s e l p os s i bil i f .
b a d at he i s m, as t ha t of ident i y i ng f

t ie s f o r t he s o ul s f ut u r e , a nd t he r e .
m a n w i t h G od, p os t ula ted b v
f r e t he s o u l c a n s t r i ve f o r i ts e l
. f mo ni s m . K
a r ma i n s o ul , n ot o r i i
g
w i t ho u t o r i nd e p e nde n t o f G o d In na t i ng i n ti me , a nd i ts b e i n s o b
g y
.

s ho r t, b y t he dog ma of

a r ma , G od K G od s
e te r na l w i ll , r e c o nc i le s a t
i s m ade de pe nde nt, i f no t al t og e t her o nc e , s o ul s res p o ns i b i l it

y f or hi s
r e nde re d n ug a to ry a r ma t he re . K .
a c ts ( K
a r ma , a nd G od s s u p r e me
)

f o r e i s i nc o mpa t ibl e w i t h a n i nde pow e r t o r u l e o ver t hi s s ta te o f

p e nde nt s o vere ig n G od T o t his . t hi ng s as l o ng a s H e m a
y pl e a s e ,
w e say , t ha t Ka r ma , b y i ts e l a s a f a nd r e s e r v i n
g to H
i ms e l t he po f
f a c t i n he r e nt i n t he s o ul , e te r na l w hi c h may b e c a l l ed g ra ce , b
y
w i t h i t, a nd a s o p e ra t iv e o n t he w hi c h to a n n ul K
a r ma i n t o to a nd

H f
,
de s t ini es o f t he s o ul , is a ll t ha t , b y g a t he r li is o c k to i ms e l E t er
K f
.

virt u e o f a n e t er nal G od e t e r na lly nal a r ma t he r e or e is c om pa t i bl e

s o w i ll i ng I f G od i s ca pa ble of
. w i t h s o ve r eig n G o d s O ne ne ss H i s
,
w illi ng s o me t hi ng i n me , his c a pa u n r e s tr i c t e d l o w e r a nd H i s u nc o n


'

b i li t y i s a l l t he mo r e g r e a t e r , w he n di ti o na l G ra c e T o c a l l i n qu e s t ion
.

H e c a n w il l t hi n g s fr o m a ll eter ni t y . f
t her e or e t he p o w e r of G od to
T his i s c al led t he nit ya -sa nka lpa eter na l l y o r de r t hi ng s is t o l i mi t
p o w e r of G od Wi th t hi s bas i s
_

H im To e ndo w H i m w it h e ter na l

. .

t he n of G o d s eter na l w ill , t here i s

w i ll i s t o tr uly c o nc ei ve o f H i s
no thing c o nt r a dic tar y o r i nte r i o r I n n i te na t ur e I f -i t s t ill b e c on
.

ing Wi t h G d s p a r a mo unt cy If K
a r ma , e ve n w he n e ter

o . te nd ed t ha t
on v m . . A L A V A N D M rs L A ST DA Y S A ND LA ST wonns .
47

t he N a me s ig ni f yi g n \ve are i n H im, and H e is in us .

" 1

f H e i s i n u s p ro ve s the bond b e t w e e n H i m a nd s ouls the bon d

,

by w hich H e is bo und by H is G r ac e t o s av e u s l l e a re i n H i m .

pr o ves t ha t w e c an f re el y and w ho ll y t r us t H im fo r a ll o u r
A nyt h i ng les s t ha n t his t r us t s a vou rs o f di ide nc e

w e l fa r e .

o r w hic h o the r w is e co ns t i t utes t he r eb e ll io us at t it ude o i t he s o u l

'

O n t he o t he r h a n l t o c ompe l G o d t o s ave us by ou r i mpor

,
.

t u ni t ie s a l s o s avo ur s o f dis o b edi e nc e and to th ink th a t G od

,

m us t b e o ne a t ou r bec k a nd c a ll i s equ ally i m p ious and dis ,

l o ya l A b s ol u te t r us t i s w hen w e t h i nk of ou rs el ve s a s des
.

t i ne d by H i m t o s er ve so me m igh ty pu r p os e o f H is a nd as
'

, .

me r e i ns tr ument s req ui red i n w ill ingnes s t o do H i s b iddi ng

,

s o t h a t w ha t H is p u rpose ma y b e m ay b e f ul lled T h e re i s , .

no p ur p os e o f o u r o w n a s a pa r t f ro m H is G od is t he P r o .

pr ie to r a nd w e ar e H is p ro p er ty o f w h i c h H e alone ha s t he , .

f ul l p o w er o f di s pos a l ; i n o the r w ords H e i s the M as te r a nd ,

T he di s c i pl es a s k ed ag a i n ; S ire w ha t

We a re H i s va ss al s .
,

ar e ou r M ea ns an d o ur G oa l ? T he M as t er sa id :
S a vi ou rs ar : t he mea m, b ut do not t h i nk I am one . In '
h
t is
m a t te r , it is fo r me t o d ic t a t e , you mu s t us e y o ur o w n
no t
j udgment . S
Ag a in Yo u r a vio u r s a re t he g oal as w ell To s er ve .

t he m e t er na lly is t he g oa l A nd t hes e a vi o ur s a re one w it

. S h
G od a s t h eir minds a re an r app o r t w i t H im, s o t a t to s er ve h h

n al l y ille d b y G od ma k es G od
w G o] s ho w s
g r ac e , w e ca nnot s ay
a d e pe n de n t B e i ng , de pe nde nt H e is depe nde nt u po n his g r ac e t o
o n Ka r ma , t he n i t may b e e q ua l ly s a ve us A g a i n t hi s e te r nal Ka r ma
.

a r g u e d t ha t a pc t mak er w ho hi m i s q u i te co mpat ib l e w it h a mos t

s e l f c o ll e c t s a l l ma t e r ia ls t o m a k e a i nde pende nt G od Ka r ma , w e s a i d,
.

p o t w i t h , i s lepe n c nt
" o n t ho s e
. w a s a ct We m us t b e u nde r s tood
.

j
m ate ria l s ; a n e n o ye r o f fo od, w ho t o me a n by t his te r m t he i nhe r e nt
hi m s el f a c q u i re s a ll t ho i ng redi c nt s
'
c a pac i t y o r po te nc y i n t he s e a l t o

f or t he f o o d is depe nde nt o n t he a ct T his i s f r e e -w i l l ( w i ll a t na l i z c d

.

f o o d ; a. d o no r o f g ift s t o a ne e dy i n t o a c t) i n othe r w ords ; a nd t his

is b e s t ow e don t he s o ul b y G od fro m

p e rs o n ,
m o ve d t o pi ty b y t eh (l o ne e s

e t i t io n s , i s dep ende nt o n his pi ty e t er nit y I f i t i s pe rt inent to s ay

p
.

o r t he do nee s peti tion !

If G od i s t ha t Kar ma ca nnot b e e ter na l , i t i s
a s we ll pert i ne nt t o s ay t ha t G od
s t i ll t ho u g ht de pende nt , how ca n
H e ha ve t he pow er of a nn ul li n g m us t ha ve een c reate d b y s ome b
Ka r ma i n o t her w ords pos s es s t he b ody S ee ri r ang araj a -S ta va
.
,
II
g i ft of g ra ce ? W e
so ve r e i g n h n 43 S v d d h i ne

.

1 E q u i val e nt par tial ly to, We l i ve a nd move and have o ur b ei ng in

H im .
 43 T H E LI FE o r ni ni x uu . on . VI I I .

th e s e rve H i m and w h a t pleas s them plea se s H i m

m i s to ,
e .

F i nd your te mpl e o f bli ( bh g ) i n t he Ti m ma ntm y o u rss o a ,

temple of o w e rs ( pu l p ) i n t he Ch amas loka and y u r s z a ar o

t m e of
e pl b o u n ty (g g )
t i i n t he D vu y

I ec h o b ut w h at o u
v a a . r

S a ints have sai d be f re O n h ea i ng th es e T A ra iy a

o .

r , . r

sa id O h S i e after y ou r de p a r t u e to P a a ma p a d
,
r ,
r r - a

Heav e n) w h a t ma t ters i t if w o rm l ike u s die

,
Y t mu na ,
s, , ,

h a ri ng thi s mad e no r eply t o s u c h a token o f affec tion ; a nd

e ,

fea r ing lest su ch prai s e i name his p r ide a nd destroy h umili ty .

T . A Periy a -na mb i a nd othe r s w ent to the T em pl e

f a iya l ,

and ther e pres ence of Lo rd R a ng a natha stood re volv i ng

i n the
i n the i r mi nds a s to w h a t ha d t ra ns p i red Pe riy a-namb i a nd .

o th e r s Sai d th ey had d eci d e d to g i ve u p th eir li v es i f Y am u na ,

p as s e d :a w ay fo r th ey c o u l d h a r d l y he ar s u c h
,
sep ara tio n .

R anga n ath a rea d th eir th oug ht s a nd a v oic e c a me I co n

-

j ure ydil all not to t h i nk in t h is w is e Y ou mu s t a b i d e b y .

M y w ill as ta h o w long i t may ple as e M e to k ee p me n on e a r th .

a nd w h en I may c h oos e t o d is m is s the m f ro m th e re T a ke .

A i a iyar for y o ur g uide a f t e r Y amu na s d e p a r t ure T h ey a ll

"
'
.

h eard t h i s d iv ine manda te a nd s pee d ing t o Y amuna r elate d to

m
,

hi the e xtraord ina ry o cc urr ence H e s a id z I e c h o t he .

ma nda te Gr udge me not th at c el es tial bli ss i nto w h ich I a m

.

a bou t t o ente r no r g r udg e t he s e rv ic e w h ich R a ng a nat ha w ill

-
,

de ma nd of yo u for so me time to co me after me B ut i f o v e r .

co me by g rief a t h a vi ng to l ea ve me yo u p er s i st i n y o ur i n te n

tions to g i ve u p your lives on my acco unt i t w ill b e mos t ,

h os tile to the w il l o f ou r M aste rs U yyak k ondr and o th e rs , ,

th a t a conti nuou s s ucces s ion o f s pi r it ual teach er s of you r fa i th

s ha ll b e mai nta i ned D o not th e n los e h ea r t
. R e si g ne d to H is .

w ill, li ve o n

T h ey w e r e s t ill u npac i ed To put h ea r t

. .

i nto th em the M as ter co nt i nu ed

,
K no w th es e t r uths ag ai n .

E nd eav ou r t o s e e no d i ff e re nc e b et w ee n G od and G od s s ai nts

'
.

I n Go d s s ai nts G od Hi mse l f i s p r e s ent O n the o th e r h a nd

'
.
, ,

k now th a t w hen yo u do a s er v ic e to yo ur d is cipl es yo u sh all .

,

tak e no cred it to you rs el ves for do i ng i t T he cred i t be lo ngs .

Cons ult our L i ves of i zhv rs and

. D i r-i nc Wis dom of M o m Sa i nts

f or e xpl a na t ion of t h ese mys t r es

e i .
CH . V I I I A LA
. V A N D A R S LA S T DA Y S A N D L A ST WO R D S .
49

t o t he M as e t rs
h o m k now y o u a e the a cc r edited ag ents
of w r .

A nd w h e n yo u s e r v e G od th i nk y o u r se rv ice s ,
e t r ans m i t te d ar

to H i m by t he S a i nt s a nd Sages w h o m y u u c eed Fu ,
o s c . r

ther w h en yo u d i p ense t o y o u d is ci ple s l t t he mo ti v e fo

,
s r ,
e r

s uc h di s p e ns ing i m p a r ti ng i ns t r u c ti o n bes to w i ng gi ft or s

& c ) b e no t o ne o f el h ne
.
(i e f s a r t u rn f r o m th e m o f
s ss .
, or e

m o ney o ,
t i fa ct ion of
r sa s w o r l d l y e nd) I f a p i ri tu l
a . s a

p r ec e p to r ha s s u c h m t i v es a nd i f he e v e r o n id r h im s l f
o ,
c s e e

s u p er io r i n t he m id s t f a n as se m b ly o f h l y m n he d es e r v e
o o e ,
s

to b ed i s c rd e d a T he d i s c i pl es w e re s ti ll d j e c ted
.

nd t he e , a

M a ster ag i n c o nt i n ue d hi s d is c ou r e th u s
a Fi y ou r hea r ts s x

o n L or d R a ng a natha H e i s y ou r so le E nd nd A i m E nou g h
. a .
,

i i t he fi r s t th i n g yo u do e ve r y mo rn i s to l ay a o w e r t H i s fee t a .

H e r e re th ee o bj ec t s f yo u r w o rs h i p
a r or G od t he G ur u
, ,

a nd H i F i th ful I n the mi dd l e o f the s e th r ee ter m c entr es

s a . s

t he i de a s o f the rs t a nd t he l s t t e r ms T h i s conc enter ing in a .

a G u ru w ho is s ens i bly p res en t w ill b e y o u r mea ns to c r s ,

os

t he s ea o f th is w o rl d I co ns i g n you th e n d a r di s ciple
.
,
e s,

i nto the h a nds of T A lj aiy a no w add ress edt he

. A aiy r . r ar

d is ci ple s Hea rke n t o t he p a rt i ng w o rd of ou M as ter s r .

T ke cou r a ge I al s o l ay i t u po n yo u not to th ink o f dy i ng

a . ,

b ecau s e the M s te r l a ves u s I f yo u bre k th ese co mm nd

a e . a a s,

o u sh all fo r fe i t b oth the L a nd o f B l i s s a nd th U nio n w i th e

y
t he B le s s e d A fte r h ea r i ng th es e ass u ri ng w o r d s o f A ai ya r r,
.

Y am u nacha y a fo u n d p ea c e i n hi s
r ul so .

Y am unacha ya rec o v e red s o me w h a t r a nd t oo k hi s ba th o f

h eal th Fo j oy the y ma de g rea t feas t a nd i n body p r oce ded

. r ,
a e

t o t he T e m ple t o pay h no r s t o L r d R a ng acco mp nie d by

' l
o o a, a

Y amu na The c u r t i n acros s the sa nc t u m w s d r w n as ide

.
a a a .

T he c o g r g t
n a io n we s f u ll Y a m u na
a t o o d s il e n.t fo w h i l s r a e

be fo re t he D ei ty w i th f l ded h a nds and th en s poke th u s

o ,
2

St nge i s th is Hea ven A m I a mo ng the C les t i l

ra ,
e a s,

g l s tt r d th i t h g a r l an d of o w er f rom
t he A n e A s h e u e e s e ,
s

L or d R a ng a nat h a s n e ck s l i pp e d

a n d d r o pp d o n t he g ro u nd e ,

d t

p ck i o n A l a v ndar
T A raiya r p ro mp t l y
.
i e i t u
p a n d p u t
:
a

ne ck s ay i ng
,
I s u pp o s e s i r e y o u r w i s h es a re no w f u l ll ed
, ,
.

i th i th m d d m th ey al l
D is mis se d by R a ng an
l
h t n

a
t t a w a
c a p s r ra ,

R a ng a is ab b re via t EO n for lta ng a nat ha .

 50 TH E LI F E or R A M A N U J A . 0 11 . ml

re t urne d to A l a va ndar s mo nas te r y He re a fte r s ee i ng eve ry

.
,

o ne p a r t ak e o f h o l y food A la v a ndar pro s t r a t ed b e fo r e th e m a l l

,

a nd a s k e d fo r g i v e nes s o f th e m a ll for a ny w r o ngs H ow c an .

y ou do w r o ng S i r ,
e , a nd w ha ti s t h e re fo r us to fo rg i v e So
sa y i ng A i a iy a r i d hi m u p i n re v er e nc e
,

r T he mas te r
a se .

n w t
o k hi food a nd w ent n s ay ing m a ny p r eci u th i ng
oo s ,
o o s s,

k n o w i ng th a t hi e nd w as fas t p proach i ng
s a .

S o me th ing more w as ye t i n st r e be f re G od w a p leased o ,

o s

t t a k e t h i m el f th i s P i ne r o f the V i s i ht adva i l
o o s o F i th e s a a .

N e w s r ea c h e d K anc h i o f t he cri t i c a l ta t e f Y amu mtc ha y a s

'
s o r

h ea l th T w S i V a is h na v a ha te ne d to S r i ra ng a m to v i i t
. o r s s s

t he s ge pe rh p
a ,
f o t he l a t t im ea s Y amu na rece i ved t he
r s .

v is i t r s w i th g r ea t ear nest nes s and a k d th em t o tell hi m ho w

o s e

th i ng s w e re g o ing w i th R amamuj They i nfo med him -

a . r

t h a t o w i ng to a n a l te r c a t i n be t w ee n Y ada va and R amanu a t he

o
j ,

l tte r had s ev ered his connec ti o n w ith hi m a nd w as e mpl y d

a o e

so l el y i n th r v i ces of Lor d V a da aj a
e se G od has g ra nt d ar r . e

my fe r v en t p r ay e r s th en and b e H e p r aise d c r ie d Y amu na

,

, ,

el a t ed w i th j 0 y H e c ll ed P er iy n mb i ( = M a hapii na ) t o
. a a a r

h i s p res ence a nd s aid H er e a e gl a d ti di ngs for u s R ama r .

n uj a i h a pp i ly d is c onnec ted f r o m Y a
s da v a G o fo r th a t once to .

K anc h i nd b ri ng hi m t o me M ahapi na i mmedi a tely l e ft

a . ir .

B Y amu na i n t he mea nw h il e g ot w o r s e d es p i te his

ut
,

w ill t o l i v e ti ll R am annj a s a rr i val A nd al l the d i s ciples w e r e

.

m ad e u neas y a nd h o p ed agai ns t h e p e th a t the M a ster might

,

liv e I t w as the mon th V aiy as i a nd t he u s ual te mple -j ubi

.
,

l a ti o n s of t he s e as on w ere p r oc eed i ng T he a r a b hr zta clo s

'

( .

i ng ) day c a me ; and Yamu na w e nt t o t he T e mpl e a nd p a i d

,

h i s l a s t w o r sh i p a nd h o mag e to R a ng a natha w h o m as w e ll , ,

a s S a i nt T ir u
ppanaz hv ar s ta ti o ne d a t H i s fe e t he de v o u re d
,
,

w i th hi s e y e s fro m t oe to t o R ecei v i ng
p a nd to p t o t oe , .

t ir tha a nd r a s dda
8
he r e tu r ne d t o hi s mo na ste ry
"

p ,
; a nd

1 A bl u t io n a ft er a r i l r mo ny

sac c ia ce e .

2
Wate r c on s e c a te r dt o t he D i e ty d ring
u the w o s r h ip and di s tr i
b ut e d to the d e vo t e e s .

9 F l owe s
r foo d o
d a nd dis tr ib uted t o thf l
'

o e te d to G
,
t he Fa i u ,
CH vm ALA v n nni u s
LA ST DA YS A N D LA S T WO RD S
. .
.
51

g a t he r e d to get her all his di s c iples a nd tem ple-aut h or ities

ro u nd him . H e fe ll p ros tr a te before t he a s se mb ly, a nd o nce

m or e h ei p ar don fo all hi s faul ts I n o ne voi e they

c rave d t r r . c

c i d
r e Holy S i e w hy Sp ea k es t tho u of fa u l t s
: r , H no w e

a dd e s s d t h em t hu s
r e I b es eec h ye al l t o t k e c ar e o f the a

v e ner a b l e A 0 ye o f cer s of R a nga s Sh ri ne ! I p y

rai y ar . ra

to y u to c ondu t all t he s eve a l i te ms o f w or s hip s u c h as

o c r
,

m nt ap us hp a t o L or d R ang p unc tually

a r nd di s tri b ut e hol
y a, a

fo o d t o al l y ou g u r us and h ly s ou ls of t h pl ac e and t o a ll
r o e ,

p i lg r i ms c omi ng f om all q ua te s t o vi s it t Sh r i ne
h r

Th ese r r e .

m u s t b e his L as t w o r ds tho ught al l sorr o w i ng mu c h in th eir

, ,

h rt s T u rning to Yamu na t hey s ai d

ea . A l l s h a ll b e do ne ,
'

S i e as you w is h S r i Yamu na now as s u m d the p udm i n

r ,

. e i sa a
1

p o s t u e h el d his b r ea th and ing all hi s mi nd and hea t on

'

r ,
x r
,

t h H oly feet o f hi s
e M anak k al N am b i c omm ande d -
,

3
the di s c ipl es t o peat loudly t he B hn g u va llz
'

re

S m
h i zt b &0 A
'

P ur us ha -s tik ta ,

A rc hzr ddi , vi z w u
"
. nd a s t he

m o m ent A b hij i t ( m i dday) , pl ed w i th S rav a na cons t ell ation c ou

a r r i ve d 0 n the s i x t h day of V ai y asi and as t r u mp et s b e g an ,

t o b lo w t he Hol y S ag e w as e leva ted t o N i tya -vi bh ti (E ter na l

,

R ea l ms ) .

H ow A l a vanddr w as i nter red .

T i r u va r ang a -p-per umal A ra iyar and o t er s h fe ll to t he

g
h g
r o u nd s ense les s w i t h b
r i ef a t t i s er eave me n t w h i ch w as so

h d t o bear B ut t h ey had to p e form all the

ar .
r s e r v ce s i for the

de p a t ed a nd r a ll y i ng t h e efor e t o t he t a k
r r s ,
t h ey bade t he

1
S ee any w or k on Y og a .

and ; ca ll ed a lso G
g uid e
2
S pi ritua l pre ce pt or ur u .

3
S ee Taittiriya U panis hat .

S ee Chandog ya U p . and o n e o f t he 18 R a has y a s of Lok c h r ya .

5 Tir uvdi-moz hi , X , 9 -1 .

6
We had t ho ug ht mi tti ng t he
of o O r ie ntal S c hola rs , w e hav e tr a ns
d e ta i ls of t hi s
'

l a s t s a c r ament ad la t ed the s am e a s b es t as w e c a n .

m i ni s ter e d o n Sa nyzis ins ( mona s

A lso i t i s a s t u dy i n nd
i an

M ag I
w hi c h may b e i nte res ti ng

B ut thi nki n g t ha t a n ac n e t ies
ti c s ) .

t o t haumat ur g i s t s
.

co u nt m ay b e of m u c h i nte res t to

.
 TH E L I FE or B A M A N U J A cs vm
52
. .
.

s o n of the S age ( 1 1. a , s on befor e he took t he ro be of S a ny as i n)

to do w h at w as nec es s ar y .

T h ey S p r ink led w a ter o ver t he pl ace (s l ha la -s uddhi ) a fter

s w ee pi ng ; cons tr uc te d for e p ol ed ma u t a pa m ( bo o t h or - '

a -

be and ador ned i t w i th fes too ns o f da rbha ( s ac r ed

gr ass ) a nd ezl g azhumi r ow er s s ilk h ang i ngs w ere h u ng a nd
,

c lui m ar as (chou r zes or s t r eamer s ) w er e ar r a ng ed i n tas s e l s To

'
'
.

t he fo ur p os ts w er e t ied you ng pl anta i n t r e e s w it h b unc h es o f

gre en a re ca-nu t a t the capi tal s Fr ui ts of di er ent kinds w er e .

h u ng fro m t he ca no py and a ag hois ted at one c or ner To

,
.

t he f our fac es , E as t S o uth W e s t a nd N orth w ere h ung r e s pe c

, , ,

ti ve ly fe s toons o f t ender f oli a g e of p ai iipa a s r a ttba khci dzr a

'

v
, , , ,

a nd u du mb am P addy g r ai n w a s s p read on t he oor (o f t he

.

b i e r ) a nd p il i n a k u mbha ( w a ter l led ve ss e l ) w as pl a nted i n

,
- -

i ts m i ds t a nd fo ur ot h er s at the cor ner s

,
T w e l ve more v es s el s .

w er e pl ac ed o u t s ide the b o w er a t di ffere nt cor ner s re p ea ting

, ,

t he T w el ve H oly Na mes K e$a va & c T h eir ne c ks were w o und

, .

w i th k us a di v-v t dar bha vi s hg m kr dntha and v ar io us o w er s ;

,
e
, ,
-
,

t he s e w ere w or s h i pp ed after re p eat i ng the D vag a -nw ntr a a long -

w it h the na mes o f t he g um -pa r a mp a rd ( t he a p os t olic s er ies ) ,

a nd w i t h t he T w el ve H ol N a mes K $ a va & c t h ey w ere

y , .
,

c ons ec r at ed Leaving the ves s el i n the R ang e -quar ter ( Nor th

.

E as t ) c a lled the S a nk ar s hana ves se l t he fo ur o t hers w er e t a k en

-
,

up a nd w i t h th em t h ey l a ved the body of t he S age af te r t he

,

p unc h-dmr i ta ( the ve ar tic l e s o f mi lk b utte r h o ney c ur ds , , ,

a nd coc oanut -w a t er ) ab l uti on w as over r ep ea ti ng t he P m us ha

'

s zik ta al l t he ti me The ge nt r y of the plac e (made li s ) now

'

took u p t he re ma i ni ng t w el ve v e s s el s o u t s i de t he b ier a nd ,

a b l ut ions w ere p er for med w i th t he se a fter present i ng t he

a s s em b l e d mag nates w i t h ro ll ed b ete l and n ut (p ain -su ci ri

p )
and o b t a i ni ng t hei r p er mi s s io n a f ter dext r o a mb ula ting t h e m
,
-
.

T he pla c e a t t he o ut er -door w a s ne x t c le a ned w i th c ow du ng -

,

a nd o ver t he s p a ce s o con sec r a te d r i c e g r a i n w a s s p read A , .

ta r a nd pes tle w e r e br o ugh t and s acr i c i a l l y w a s h ed w i th

w at e r a nd ne w p iece s o f cl o th w ere tied t o t he m
,
. T urm er ic .

T he b ier of t he Kryans .
54 TH E L IFE or Mi ni mum . CH . V II I .

li ng do w n t he i r c h eeks ,
a nd s e nt fo r th l o u d l a me nta tions .

T he w or t h ies o f t he place p r es s e d r o u nd t he m o ur ner s , a nd by

ki nd w ords as s u a ged t he i r g r ie f . T hey the n l ift ed the b i er ,

t he S ag e se a t e d i n it , on to a s t r e t c her (o r l i t t er ) , w hi c h t h ey
b or e re ve r e nt ly on the i r s ho u l der s , a nd c a r r ie d in plendid
s

p r o c es s io n i n t he s t re e ts , c o uc hes b lo w i ng ,
m u s ic dis cou r s i ng ,

a nd me n a nd w o men s e tt i n g u
p a s a c r ed da nce . T he P r a b an
dha s w er e re c i te d i n the f r o nt , Veda pr z
- t y a na b r ing i ng u p
W hi t e c lo ths la i d in the s t r e e ts in fro nt of t he
'

t he r e ar . w er e

p r oc e s s io n ,
t he memb er s of w hi c h b ore su ga r -c a ne s t ic k s in

t he ir ha nds , a nd c ar rie d g
b r i ht ve s s e s l lle d w i th w a te r on

t he ir heads .

A s t he p r oc es s io n w e nded i t s w ay , Mj c o w er s
a nd s c e nt ed po w der s w er e b r oa d ly s ho w er ed o ver all , t he

ve s t a l v rg i i ns of t he s a nc t uar
y b ear i n g tor c he s a l o ft a nd

l eading Chdm a r as (c ho w r ies ) w a v ed o n ei t her s ide a nd whi te

. ,

l
c o t hs w er e b r n di she d i n t he a i r
I
a A nd t o c r o w n al l b u g le s .

v
,

a nd t r u m pe t s p r o c l a i med as i t w e r e T he G r ea t S a ge A la

va ndar t he D efe nde
,
r o f o ur Fa i t h has g o ne for th t o H ea ve n ,
.

A f ter t hus p e re g r inat i ng t he H oly S t reet s t he S age w as ,

a s po t c l o s e b y t he S ou th
c a r r i ed
to Ti m kkar a m f ba n J u r ai ,

ba nk of Col er oon ( Kolladam) l i ve r in t he N or th a nd t h er e ,

p ur ify ing the s po t w it h t he u nu s e d w ate r o f t he S ank ar s hana

ve s s e l (k e pt in r eser ve ) al l the s ac r ame nta l r i t u al e nj oi ned for
,

S a ny s i ns ( mo nas t i c o r der ) w a s gonet h r ou gh p u nc ti li ou s ly .

T he S ag e w as no w du ly i ns t a lled i n a c a v er n m a de i n t he
g r o u nd W e s h a ll leave t he elder s a nd dig ni ta r ies o f the temple
.

t hu s b us y a nd t u r n for a mo me n t t o e ve nts w h i c h w er e i n t he
,

mea nti me t ra ns pi r i ng i n K anc hi .

C lo th
'

1 i s fo l d e d a t o ne e nd a nd held i n the ha nd , t he o t he r and

o u r is he d i n t he a ir , pr od uc i ng a c ircle or t he g u r e o f a n umb r e l la .

C o ns ul t a l i dha r ma -Sa m ucc ha ya Y ada va

'

3
l by .
on I x
. . RL A V A N D AR A ND R AM AN U J A . 55

CHA P TE R IX .

ALA V A N D KR A N D R KM KN U JA .

WeM ahapur na s e nt t o i nvi t e R amanuj a to Sr i ranga m

s aw

to j o i n t he h oly fol d of the Fa i t hf ul H e duly r e ache d Knc hi , .

a nd de l i ve r ed t he mes s ag e o f hi s i c lu i r ya t o K anc hi -p ur na i n r ,

w ho se hol y co mp any he du l y pa id hi s de vo t io ns
,
to Lo r d V ara da
aj ; a nd taki n g the p a th l ea di n g t o S dl ui w ell , fr 0 m w hic h

r a

R amanuj a w as b ingi ng hir s c u s to m ar y w at er {Or t he s er v c e i

o f L o r d V ar ada~ he i t ing i Y mu na

w e nt o n r ec his { clui r ya - s

hym n

N i i rdya pa w ho, i n l edas ve r sed, mill disp ute Thy N atu r a l

'
'

G r eatness a n d Soverei g nty ,

va s t
fo r k now tey not that B r a hma,
S i va , I ndr a a nd celesti a ls a ll , a re b ut as dr ops o
f foa m upon
the Oce a n o f Thy G lory

R am auuj a w a s co mi ng f ro m the w ell and he hea r d thi s

r ec i ta t ion N ot o nl y w a s hi s a t te nti o n arr es t ed b y it b u t w a s so

.

s t r uc k w i t h i ts

b ut n e t h os a nd li ter ac
y t h a t he
ea y se s
p a , , ,

a nx io u s l y i nqu i r ed o f the re c i te r ( w h om he did n t k

o no w ye t
,

o f co u rse ) w ho w as i ts w o r t hy a u t ho r \V h os e co u ld s uc h .

-m u n s
d m r e a di l y r e s
'

w o r ds he s a v e m y ch a r
y a Y u na i

p onded M ahapiu na I m u s t t he n v i s i t th i s g reat s ou l
s a id

'

. ,

I s h all c e r ta inly t ak e yo u t o hi m r e pl ied

R amanu j a
'

.
,

P ur na j ubi l ant at the s uc ce s s o f his mi s s ion

,
.

T he ti r a -ma nj a na m ( hol y a b u t io n
l ) w at e r , R amanuj a

du ly de l i ver ed a t t he Sh ri n e a nd he mitt ed to L or d V a r ada

su b

his

gre at W is h to v s i i t Y zun n na
a nd t ak i ng H i s lea ve as a l s o
-
p ur g a s

K anc hi - p ur na s
,
he i mmedia te l y p ro c eeded in M al i a-

co mp any a nd by forc ed m a r c hes ,

r e ac h ed the K averi r iver .

T h ey s a w fro m th at dis ta nce g reat c r o w ds g t h e ed

a r , and

e mpl oy e d ev i dentl y in v e ry i
s e r ou s w or k . Wh at i s al l

t he b u s t l e ab ou t as ked R amanuj a a nx ous i ly o f s o me w ay

1 T he b ea uty of t his ca n o nl y be r e al i z e d b y thos e w ho ca n under

s ta nd th e or ig i nal . It s uffers i n the t ra nsl ati on .

56 TH E LI F E or mi ni mum . CH . 1x .

fa r e r s T hey s a id t hat Y amu na w as no mo r e . T his ne w s

ma de M ali a-p um a and R am an uj a dis t ra u ht, g a nd t he s hoc k

p r os tr ated the m an d s t ru c k t he m s e ns e e s s l . R ec o ve r in g
s o m e w hat , t he y w e p t i nc ons olab le t ea r s , as al l t he ir p l a ns
w e re foil ed ,
a nd ho p es b las te d . A n i r r e p a ra b l e l o s s , i t w a s .

M a hapfi r r a j fo u nd R amzmuj a di s c o ns o l a t e,

a n
d te a r i ng w o r se

co ns e q ue nc es , fo r got his o wn g rie f fo r t he mo m e n t i n o r de r

to p ac ify R amannj a , i n t he ma n ne r , i t i s s a d, t ha t
i n t he
t he ti ng

s w o rd-c u t , u s is fa rg ) t 53 -i .

b r ea t h s o me w ha t , he e x ho r te d hi m t hus Ta k e hea r t R ama ,

j g amnag ar I fm m q l
'

un a k no w es t t ho u
-
no t t he s a i n
y z
'

gr a m artisaniw
'

mm O bs tacles to m
) t ne a tta ck e ven

g rea t men ; b u t w hen vi ce se ts i n , obs ta cles ee somew her e and

r a is i n g
R amanuj a i n his a r ms , l ed hi m b y t he ha nd to w he re t he
S ag e Yamu na w as lyi ng in . s ta t e . l ha ve at l ea s t b e en
see t h i h

ab l e t o s, sa id R amanuj a , and drank as it w e r e , w i t hi s
e ye s ,
t he H o ly Fi gu re b ut as he s ca nned it u p a nd do w n, he
disco ve re d to hi s s ur
pr i se t ha t t hr ee of t he ve n g e rs of the
i
rght p al m of the S age w er e c o s e d l . H e t ur ne d ro u nd t o t he
as s e mb ly a nd q ues tioned th e m a bo ut t h is s tr a nge s igh t We .

mar k e d t h i be for e S i e th ey s a i d
"
neve r s R amanuj a r e ec t
, r , .

ed for an i ns t ant nd i m gi ni ng t hat the S a g e m i ght have

, a a

so me ar de nt w is h i n hi s mi nd u n sa ti s e d, w hi c h he pr o
b ab l y so i ndi c a ted, as k ed the b ys ta nder s i f the y w e r e a w are o f

any s peci c w i s hes o f the S age ex p r es s ed to t hem at an

y t i me
in t he c ou r s e o f his re l ig ious t a lk s w i t h t he m We ar e no t
p a r t ic u a r
l ly a w are of
- a ny s uc h di r ec t ly ,
the y s a id; b ut .

i ndir ec tl y w e k no w t ha t he o f t en u s e d to sa
y t a t he w is he dh
ve r y mu c h to pet ua te d
s ee t h r ee t hi n gs p e r . F i r s tl y, r a t i t ude g
m u s t b e s how n to the me mor y o f r i s na -V y as a a nd P ar asam K h .

S eco ndly, a t r i b u te of lo ve s hou ld he p a i d t o S t N am i n az hv ar .

.

A nd thi r dly, V y s a - utra s o r B r ahma - ut r a s m u s t b e c o m S S

ment ed on to b r in g o ut t he r ea l V i s i s ht adva i ta s e ns e c o nt a in
ed in t h em .

1
'

I i s is h md r a t ia m ea ns , o rg a ni c j
u n a s c o mme nta r i e s

P ro M Ran
m
, . .

m o ni s in i n et her w o r ds i f i t may ,

S ac hi rya

s Sf i
l l ya" a nd B r
I
o

b e s o c a l led, a T r i ni ty i n U ni t T hi b aut s nt roduc t io n t o V edan ta

y .

Re ad o ur B hag avadg i tzi w i th I til uui Si m

-as , Sa nk a ra b hi s h a
y

.
CH . IX . A LA VA N D AR A N D mi ni mum . 57

R amanuj ah ear d th is and s a i d O Ho ly Sag add res s e,

i ng hi s F i g u re i f th is i s t hy mi nd I promis e I s h all
, ,

ca rr y i t out pro v id d I h a v the h eal th prov i de d thy g rac e i s

,
e e ,

o n me a nd pr ov i d e d G o d g a n ts my pr ay ers N o s ooner t h i

,
r . s

w as s a i d th a n th e t hr e b e nt ng e rs of th e S ag e o pe ned o u t
e ,

a s i f t o s ay ay e Th w h le e mb ly w a s w i tne s s t o th i s
e o as s

m ir a cle and i n o ne v ice t h ey al l d ec l are d

,
o S i e doubt not r ,

t ha t th e S a g e s g r ace i f u lly n yo u the v ery po w e r a nd g lo ry

s o

o f hi s s pir i t w ill e nt e r i nt o yo u ; y o u a e th e ne xt t s ucce or r ss

t o hi m for th e e va nge l ic a l w o rk o f ou r Fa i th We al l a n i n t . o

yo u h ere for t he t s k R am anu j a lo v i ngl y and s teadily

a .

a e d at t he Hol y Fi g u re o f t he S a g and c ont e m pl ating H im e,

g z

t o his ll pre s s e d H i s fee t t o hi he a r t a nd ey e s and ba th ing in

,
s ,

th e ri ve r a s the l as t s rv ic e r ende red to the d ep ar ted to k

e
o

leav e of M al a P ur n and s tart ed immedi at ely b ack for KA nchi

i - i
a
,

not c a ring to v i s i t L o r d R ng a o n acc ount of th e s ore di s -

a ,

a p p o i nt ment w h ic h ha d b ee n ca u s d I t i s ch roni cle d of e .

R amanuj a th at h e of te n u s e d to ex pres s to his h ol y as s e mbl y

that i f h e ha d b ut b een p er mi t te d for one s i ngle day to he i n
t he li v i ng c o mp a ny o f S i Y amu na he w o ul d h av e cons t ruc tr ,

e d a s t airc ase to H a v en a nd pro u re d free admi s s i on t o al l

e c

th ere to .

The mag na te s o f t he plac e th e n did the remai ni ng p r t f a o

th e i nter me nt condu c ted w i th du e obs equ ial li turgy a nd i n due

,

co urs e rais e d a ce n ta p h ( b i ml dm n am) and mantap a m ov r

o r
l 2
e

t he s i t e M mori l v e rs es w e re th us s u ng
. e a :

as w at as su me a s ! rm? m m qu

1
A n o r na me nta l s ho r t pedes ta l w i t h a. as i b l pl ant pla nted on tap .

2
A s to ne p avi l io n over

)
U
53 TH E LI FE or mi ni m . on x . .

CH A P T E R x .

R KM A N U J A A N D K XN C H i -P fI R N A .

R amanuj a, w it h
h vy h a rt rea h e d K anch i a nd a ea e c ,

reco u nt d th e v nts he had r t w i tnes s ed to Kanc h i p u n

e e e s ,
- r a.

P na m u r n d mu c h ov e r t he l os s o f hi s i clu i y
r o e gg ra v a ted x r a, a

by t h th ugh t t h at all the pr j c t s th ey h d f r med i n th eir

e o o e a o

m i nd s w er e th u s fru s tra t e d ; b u t rev ivi ng c om forte d R ama ,

nu j b y ayi ng
a .
Lord V a ra da i s al l k n w ing nda l l po w er
s - o a -

f ul L et u s s u b mit t o H i s w i ll
. H e w ill m k e g od ou l os s by . a o r

a pp int i ng y ou i n his s te ad f e o u Fa i th a i ng he

o S y , r r . o s ,

c o nd u t e d 5 pa n p i l u a nd Ti m v

c dhy y n -
fo a a, - -a a a
-
a
.
r

hi s i
l chdiy a .

g ai n em pl y ed h i ms el f a be fo re i n t he Ti
R amanuj a a o s ra

mmvj m s r v i c e to L ord V a rad a a nd s f i nd hi

p a nd re p ec t
"
za e , a r e s s

fo K anchi p lga dee p e ned he f u nd m uc h s p i i t ual w o r th i n

r -
r , o r

th is istaunch deirotee o f L ord V a ra da O ne d y R aman uj a . a ,

ea r nes tl y begg e d o f hi m t o b e me t h p ns o r for hi s o ul co e s o s .

Co m e Ho l y R amanuj s a i d P na Y u de s i re th i s o f me
a
'

, r , o ,

b ec aus y u t h i nk I am w o r thy o f s uc h p os i tio n b ut k no w

e o
,

t h at I a m a n u nw o r thy non e nt i t w h om L o r d V a ada has e - y r

p , r

ha ps ch os e n t o th i nk of s s o m b ody A nd yo u a e e v ide ntlya e . r

i ntent on c ti ng o n the pr inc i pl e

a 2

sw a mm
l

m ( R
is ti
A

ng :

Y og i s spi r i tua l m en) mong

'

(o r a re bor n a al l c as tes a nd no

c as te -odi u m s ha ll hold i n thei r c as es ,

for they ha ve .
s een thei r

s o uls L or d .

h d ic tu m h ol ds good a s re g ards o u s oul r l a ti o n b u t

T is r - e
,

i t c a nn t b e a ppli ed as reg a rd s o u e x te r n l c ond i t i ons of

o r a

bi r th a nd s oc ial pol i ty a s o rdai ne d by t he S c rip t u re s (V edas ) .

T he ce re mo n y of t he t ur me r ic m w de o r (r ide p . a pp l i e d to t he
fac e .

9
The f un e ra l cer e mo ni e s o f t he S r i - v ai s hna v as, w he n t he P r a ba n
dha s a r e r e c i ted an ti p ho na ll y a nd a g rea e as t i s g ive n , t f !

C a r ryi ng w at e r -po ts for a b l uti o n c er e mony to t he D e i t y o

.

B ha r udmtj a

4 '
l , 44
.
.


on x . . R AM A N U J A A N D KA N C H T-P IJ R N A . 59

Y ou s h a ll no t the refore e x ternally profes s to me bond s wh ic h

m il i t a tes ag a i ns t t he ty pi c al s oc i l s y s t em o f V p a nd a ar o
l

As m f ra Y o u rs i s B dhm n bo dy a nd mi ne a V isy b ody

a
"
r a a- a a- ,
V

a nd as l o ng as th es e l s t w e m u s t res p ec t t mp o r a ry di s t inc a ,
e

tio ns for t he s ake of the s a fe ty o f ou s ocial fa b ric w hi h w e r ,

c

ca nno t v io l a te w i th o u t i nj u ry .

9
V a l-1
3
a = t he f our t yp i ca l c a s t es
t ha t me n a r e n o t e u al l e ndo w e d q y
of B r dhmun a , K s ha tr i ya , l

a i s ya a n d o n t he s pi i
r t u al s de he n i t ha s i . T
Szl dr a .
A s ra ma = t he f ou r t ypic a l t o b e r e me m er e d t ha t t he l a w o fb
Ka r ma w a s o ne of t he r oot c o n c ep
orde rs of li f
B r a hmac ha ry a
e, vi z .
,
y i
t o ns of t he cas te -s s t e m M en
S
( t u de nt ) , G r i ha s tha (ho us e ho de r ) , b i p i l w ere or n n to a ar t c ul ar c a s t e
.

V dnap mst ha (a nc hor i t e ) , a nd S a n

.

n yds a ( mo na s t i c ) A r e c e n t s p eec h
i p vi i by t he r K a r ma of a re ou s l f e .

M e n o f l ow e r c as t es cou ld g o up to
.

b y M r N N G ho s e a t the ar e H i i y
t he h g he r i n a no t he r l fe i f t he
v
. . .

A n ni e r s a r y M e e t i n ( 1904) i s i m
g
por ta n t a s ea r i n o n t he ve ed
b g x pi i p had ma de s r t ual r og r es s e n oug h

i o n o f c as t e i n I
nd i a , w hic h
i i i i n th s l fe N o m e r e n t el l ect u a l
.

q u
t he
e s t
Chr i s ti a n w i ll no t u nder
q i i i i i ual c at ons o r m a t e r a l cond t o ns
i i
.

w o ul d ra s e a ma n t o a h g her
s t a nd .H e s ai d v
T he di i s i on
b i c as te E ac h m a n w a s or n nt o
i nto c a s t e s c a nn o t b e u nder s tood y b .

a ny o ne w ho do e s n ot r e a i s e t a t l h
i i t he c a s t e f or w h c h he w as de s t n

al lH i ndu i n s t i t ut ions w e r e i ns p ir e d
by p ibi i i ed hi s ow n S us c e t l t es .

b l
y o ne p r i n c i p e I t w a s no t p o it i l T he r e w a s r o om e noug h f or ad

c a l e p e di e nc y , n o t s oc i a
x l v
.

c ou e
v i i a n c e m e nt a nd u s e ful nes s w t h n

n ie n c e , no t t he ha pp i ne s s of t he
i i t he l m ts o f hi s o w n c as te B ut .

g b
r e a te s t n u m e r , n o t t h
e de v e o pl p i p i
he w a s no t to b e e r m tte d t o s o l

m e n t of ht i n c a pa c ity M a t e
g g hi w b d by m yi g in s o n r ee ar r n a

l g b
o o d w a s a s u o rdi na t e e n
d l w pi i t l pl
.

p i l th o er s r ua a ne , or s o e
r ia
l g l
T he r u i n p r i n c ip e w as t he s p ir i t
b d f hi g h t by m
.

y ree o a er c as e ar r

l i ng n hig h p l n M d lif o a er a e. o ern e

ua l e vo u t i o n o f ma n, t
he per fe c
m y m k i t di f l t i mp ib l
l
t io n of c hara c t e r , r e a is a t io n o
f
t y t th i d B t in
a a e cu or os s
u
e

t he s e lf Fo r t he p ur p os e s of
th m i t b f nd t h i t p t
o c a rr ou es e eas .

l n er
.
e s o e ou e re a
s p ir i t ual e vo u t i o n, a s e g g
r e at i o n o f
ti f n i nt y t m w hi h on o an a c e s s e c
l p
c a s s e s a nd o c c u a t i o ns
w as co n
h p l d nd p v k d m as uz z e a ro o e en
s ide r e d n e c e s s a r y T he B rahma n s ,
wh
.

id l di ff t f m os e ea s are er en ro
f or i ns ta nc e , w e r e to b e dev o te d t o th f i t t a nc e n a nc e s o rs .
lg
re i i o us w o r k a nd m
ed i ta t i o n a nd
N t m l nd i t ll t n t
os e o o ur

n e ec o
f g
t he u n c t ion o f t e a c hi n , a nd s o
on
h ppi n t p l iti l n a
o us c es
ne s s , o
a

o ca
,

a s ee
It n m
n y b t pi i t l p f t i n nd
t w as o ere
w i t h th o er c a s e s
d
.

ua e r ec o
d iv i i n f l b
a c u s r a
th t w th ,
s o o a o ur
p i ty w
a
th
as
ly nd
us
Th ur ere e on e

e
m p li h d i
.

It w in t t u
ni g v i i n t p mi
s e as an s
a c co
v t t h pi i t l i t w n s ro s c uo us
.

g ar o ce a a
nt t p d mi t u
ua
ti n m o re en e s r
ea f
o nd n e r c o ur s e a a x re o
g m b y t h mi x i n g
d e a d rt i n f a o o en
i f
e
nd i n t h Bh g d
p i it l t c as es s ou e a a va .

ua
G i ta I 4 0 t 44 ; w hi h m y b
up f o d n er an c our s e : s r

n t a ur e s Th f l di g t e o ur
d by
'

ea
ll t h
n
d v t
c as e s
f t hi
, ,
o c a e

f r ea a e e o ees o s
.

m h th
H l y B ibl nd l i d t h t b f
er
w m
er e k d ff
ar e o ro ea c o

by h c t i ti
a ra c th t er s
ld n t
cs
v nt i ng
a
t n th m ti
c ou o
th e
o

ur
e, a

o
a

a a
o
e
ea r

a ze
e ore

e
d i i i n w n t
t i n t it t i f I di
h as o
b m
e i t k s a T en .
e v s o
c as e - s u on o n a.
ll xp i n h w s o s
ar bi tr ar y .
A e er e ce
60 TH E LI F E or M a i s on . on . x .

R amanuj a ad mi tt ed t he leg ali ty a nd ex p d iency of the ca ste e

syste m a nd e t h e f el t i t ou ght t o b e d i s e g a rd ed i n s p e c i al r
, y
c a s e s w h e e s uc h pi i tua l ly ad vanc ed soul s as K aneh i p u na s
r s r - r

w e re co ncer ne d H e ther efore . s ol v ed the next day to i nv i te re

P r na to h i s h ou e for a r ep s t A ccep t S i e a n ente ta i n

s a .
,
r ,
r

men in my hut pr ay ed R aman uj a

t
,
M os t g a t f ull y s ai d .

r e

P uma n t t o d is a pp i nt him R amanuj a w a s r ejoiced a t the

,
o o .
-

p ros p c t of obtai ni ng the r emn nts of food ea ten by a s pi i tual

e a r

elder ,
a l b ei t he b lo ng t o a l o w c l s s i n s oc i ty
e G oi ng h ome a e .
,

he o d e e d h i s w i fe to p ep are a s ump t uou m ea l for a d i s ti n

r r r . s

g uis hed gue st A nd he h i ms el f ba th ed p e for med

. ll t he ,
r a

cer emo ni s o r d a i ne d for the h o u s e h ol der

e c ar r i ed t he d ai ly ,

s er v ice w a t r t o L o d Var ada a nd p er for mi ng w or sh ip t o his

- e r ,

h o u ehol d Lor d l s o Var ada l e ft h ome t o br ing h i s g ues t

s , a ,

to his door H e w en t by the S o u th S tree t a nd t ur ned W est

.
,

to w ar d s the r etr ea t of P r na B ut Pur na had alrea dy l eft .

his pla c e t aken a no ther d i re c t io n p r ay e d t o Lord Var a d a as

, ,

u s u al a nd d oi ng hi s daily s er v i c es th er e had p r oc eed e d to t he

, ,

co tta g e of B amanuj a H ere no t ndi ng him he begge d t he

. , ,

w i fe to gi ve hi m food i mmed ia tel y as he had to ret ur n to t he

T emple for u rgen t s er v ice S he d i d so a nd he left She th en .
, .

p us he d a w ay the l eaf f r om w h ic h P r na had eate n by means

, ,

of a s ti c k p ur i ed t he pl ac e w i t h w a t er a nd cow dung an d co n
,

s ide r i ng h er s el f i mp u r e by th i s ac t b ath ed a g ai n R am anuj a , .

nd ing P ur na abs e n t from his c loi ster had r e tr ac ed his s te p s t o

his hu t and nd i ng th a t his w i fe had ba th e d for a s eco nd t i me
, ,

as k ed her w h S he s a id S i r e y our S dtl dda ( non -B r a h

y ,

man) g u es t ca me a nd h avi ng eaten is g one B ei ng a lo w c a ste .

man I h a ve p u ri ed the place w h ere he a t e a nd h a ve m ys el f

, ,

he c rie d in a nger

b athe d .
I g nor a nt w oma n ! w ha t
h as t th ou d one H ow th ou h as t f rustr ated my pl ans

W hat sh a ll I do next R amanuj a p o nd er ed w h at I ,

had w i s hed ha s f a il ed P ei ha ps i t i s G od s w ill tha t I sh ou l d

.

not v i o l a te c as t e r es tr i c t i ons eve n i n s p ec i a l c a ses B e i t so . .

A nd he ag ai n 1 ( i C C-k h i ms el f 10 P rna s C loi s ter

5

S ir e

.

pardon me for c ons tr ai ni ng yo u to do a th i ng a g ai nst you r w ill ,

I n! now do m e a no t h er f a vo ur I h av e a f ew dou bts i n m
y
.
 r un Lt r n o r a l ui mnum . c u x1 . .

CH A PT E R XI .

RM A N U J A S C A L L ro s ni a A N G A M
'

R .

Leav ing Itamzi uuj a a t K nc hi for a w hile w e s h a ll t ur n

'

back to S i ng m The Fa ithf ul of t he pl c e f l t no w a g e t

r ra a . a e r a

bla nk a mongs t t he msel ves nd i n t h ei r hea ts a f ter t he pas s a r ,

f A a va udzt r the i S pir i tual G u ide

i ng a w ay o H o w to l l
,
r .

u p th i s v ac a nc y w a s th ei r h au n ti ng th ough t
, They res or ted to .

M a hapdr n nd p r ayed to hi m to de vi s e p ro pe m ea ns fo r a t
a a r

M ahapi u- t t h em a nd For ge t

s ucce s s or . na loo ked id a sa

y e t he pa t s i g n s gi ve n u s
s D id not l l a va ndar h i mse l f :
,

w h ile he w s i n Kanc hl p oi nt o ut R amanuj a t o u s a s his s ucc es

a ,
.

no t e re me mbe t he mir a cl e o f t he cl o ed r
s or y s

ngers o f t h t S age ope ning at his u tt r a nce f" R amauuj a

a , e

t he n i s o u r s u cc e s o r O ur A ha y a coul d not ha ve b een m i s

s . c r

t ke n i n his w i s s elec ti n

a o e \V e ll s aid w e ll a i d c r i ed t he
.
, s ,

w h o l e co mmu ni ty w e p ay to yo u S i r e to b es to w you r s er io us
,
r , ,

t h o ught on this matte r ki ndly imuu j and p r ep a e

e k o ut R a , se a r

h i m fo r h is h i g h ffi c e a nd c o
o nd u c t hi m h i t
, h e to S ri a
r ng am

r, .

M ahai p r na gl adl y asse nted a nd i mmediate l y made p re para

t i o ns to s tar t H i s w i fe w a s to ac compa ny hi m
.
H e w e nt to .

L d R a ng a a nd ob ta i n i ng his l ea v e to p r oc ee d o n t he holy
or ,

e rra nd l ef t; S r a ng a m a nd r ea c hed by r a pi d m a ch es Madh u

ir , r

r ant-ak a m ( n ea K auc hl) a nd t he e s topped for t he day i n t he

r , r

Sh r i ne of E r i k dtt -permndl or H w ho p rotec t the tank

- a , e s .

T his ta nk i s not e d as unde r t he look ed to by ma ny a v i l la

g e aro u nd,
s p e c ial p ro te c t io n o f t he Loca l f or t he wa ter i n g of t he i r g re e n
D e i ty, S ri -ltai na, a nd he nce H e i s el ds .

"
T k -G ua r d E ve n I ts
c al l e d h
t e a n . s t orag e ca pa c i ty w as im
r e c e ntl y, a s t o ry i s t hus t old : w an e, a nd e ve r
y ye a r, a ft er t he

The i nc ide nt t o b e rel at ed ha p co p ious r ai n al l , t f

he v as t vol ume o f
pe nded about 25 ye ars a g o, a t w a te r w ould w a s h a w a
y t he Knl i n
M adhii rzl ntak a m, a s mall t ow n, a

g a l ( w as t e-w e i r ) o n t he r oug h,
f e w miles t o t he s ou t h of M ad ras . s to ne ~
b ui lt o u tl e t o f t he ta nk t hus
T hos e w ere the da ys o f J ohn C om f
de ying e very e or t t o nd
,

t he
pa ny, and a Co l lec t o r o f t he na me f
n e e d ul el eme nt t o t he r equ i re d
of M r . P r i ce r ule d t he dis tr i c t of qua nt ity M
ore t ha n o nc e dur i n
.
g
C hi ng al pe t , of w hi c h M adhurant a hi s r eg i me , M r P ri c e r e b uil
t t he
f
.

k am i
'
s a l a l nk S oo n a ter he t hi ng s trong e r t ha n o f old a
s he
.

,
c a me to hi s O tl i c a, he had t o up e r t ho ug ht, b ut a l l t o n o p u r p os e
; t he
i nte nd c er ta i n re pa i r s i n t he big x
n e t rai ns w o ul d me r c i le s s l l
y a ug h
re s e r vo i r of t he pl ac e , w hic h w a s awa
y the nas c e nt s t r uc ture .
G E . XI . R AM RN U J A
S CA L L T O S ltl ltA N G A M .
63
.

l had i n t he mean t ime r es ol v ed to p r oceed to

R dmzi nu j a

a so .

Sri ra nga m and acc e p t lll ahdp r na his l c h i rya for hav i ng bee n '
.
v

Wh i l e th i w t h h th s as e c as e ere, e ru ns r d t h n t u ry A t th
ou n e sa c a . e
C ll t r h pp n d t v i it t h i
o ec o a e e o s e n en d f i t th ro t d n t h r nmll
e e s oo a o e s
t ri r f t h t w n m p i d by b ild i g nd i n t nt f i t m ny

I- o o e o ac c n an e u n a ro o a
, ,

th e l h i ld
'
nd
a th r b di
s ar a o e su or ne w ly h n t
- cw nd l b w r
s o nes a s a s e e
n t a W hi l
s.
e
ppr hi g h e a oa c n t e g th r d
a e h e h w i ng m n
, t us s o so e co
s m ll n t l k i g t w p d i n
a , ea c
oo r o n- o n s tr t i n w n h nd T h p l
uc o as o a . e ce r ,
t h middl h w n ld v r b r i g t h i t rn d r nd n
'

e e, e sa a o , e ne o se v n s, u e ou o
a bl l k ing t mpl f m d t di
e - oo e e o o es t h pri t
e w h n th y h
es s , tnd t e e as e e o
m n i n
e its o t d t t h w t f it
s, s ua e o e es o . ex pl i n th t th y h d w n t d t
a a e a a e o
Wh n h e m b f r i t fr nt h
e ca e e o e s o , e e nl rg a th D v i e S hri n b ut th t
e e

s e, a
s ot pped nd k n w i ng t h d p , a o e ee f d f lling l w t h y h d t
un s a o , e a o
co n rv ti n f hi ubj t i
se a o o s s ec s n t p w rk T h n n h r b g n t
s o o . e
_

a ot e e a o

m tt r r l ig i
a e s h k d hi e ous , e as c s ex ap ti t n th
a e g r t m rit f
o e ea e s o

T h ild r w h th r h m i g ht
a s a e e e ve n th i r J n k i D vi ( R am s Qu n)
e a a - e a

ee ,

t ur in B y th i t im m y B rah
e . s e, an h w o h s h d w y s rr w
e c as e a a o o ,

m n th t w r i n id t h h i
a as a e e s e e s r ne , p r d pl nt y n ll
ou e e nd wa v r o a , a s e e
k n w i ng th t t h g r t C ll t r
o a e ea o ec o so l i it f h d v t ; g ra i
c o us or er e o e es c
S h ib w
a w i ti ng u t i d asr hd a o s e, us e o us h ld r i d th E ng li h
o c e e s
o ut nd e i ng t h t h w n t d t
a e a e a e o m n mi l i g
a s i f a y u ay y ur
n , , s o s , o

co m i n t ld hi m th t
e , hi H n r o a : s o o D v i i l l th t i
e s a r ib d t h a s as c e o e r,
n ed n t f e r ny bj
e o t i n t nt r a a o ec o o e e l t m pr p
e e h r n th i ng I
o os e e e o e .

th ut r pr
e o i t f h t mpl
e ec nc s o t e e e.

a m v r mu h put ut by t h
e y c n o e co

Th C ll t r g l d f t h
e o n
ec o , a o e co ces. t
s an t ll p f y ur g r t t nk
co a s es o o ea a

s

i
s ou g r nt d nt r d i a w i th hi e , e e e n s K li g l
a n a E n n w i t i b i ng
. ve o s e re

m n w ith n m d mil
e Wh t
a a u se s e . a b i lt I f th i w ld t nd th r u h
u . s ou s a e s

a pl e f w r h i p H w d i ff r t
ac o o s o e en o f th n t h w re ex th n I h uld
s o e s, e s o
fr m t h n h w
o e tmd o es e as a c c us o e a ttr ib t i t rt inl y t y ur D vi
u e ce a o o e ,

t !o In t d f th l g dr w
s ea o e

on - a n a nd I my lf w ill b ui ld H t he
se er
i l
a s es nd fr tt d v lt t h a

e e au s,

e n ee d d hri n I f i t h pp n th r
e s e . a e s o e

m g ni ntl y w r g ht p ill r
a ce d ou a s an wi s e, th n y u ll h uld ll w
e o a s o a o

r vi h ing l y t i n d w i nd w f hi th t S h d n t d rv t h n
,

a s s a e o s o s a e oe s o es e e e e .

s pl nd id e bb y d h rh h a e s an c u c es, e co mi m y u h p nh
s ou A t ea o e r.
"
s o

s ees bef hi m h mbl d i f

o re a u e e ce o h i h d b y nd b und
s e e th t v n
o o s, a e e

s ot n imp i ng nl y by it g r t
es , os o s ea th h lf in pl y their Sir r L d
us a a , ca or

a g v id n d by t h h r y m
e, e e ce e oa os s s h ld nd nd t n ti th i r
ou co e sc e o o ce e
nd h lf d ubti ng i f ll th i
g r wn p r p t nd t h h lf r m D i
-c u v a a - o a s
o a a e a e a ,

bl i ng up l Thc tr t r i o a . e s uc u e
s a w r e e no t pl nt r ill ry
a n thea s a a e o e

pr tt y l rg p ll ll g m p rt f th i r r u l r gr d ri d


e a e ara e o ra a. a o e e , a ee , c e
th y m r l y t put n nd t t h
,

thi rd f i t int r pt d to f rm t h
o e ce e o e e ,
e e o a e o e

i nner h ly f h l i
w h ilo th o o es ,

e e co ll q y M P ri p d ut
o u . r. ce as s e o

A f w m nth p d
,

r t i v
es t t h r f ph ld by
s aca i e oo u e it e o s as se .

u tl t w b uilt nd
,

t pill r B i g ht g i t th
s one - a s a a ns e Th en w e o e as a

ni h d T h r i ny
.

e ntr n i t h i nv r i b l D hm j
a ce s e a a e a s e .
n b g n e a s eas o e a ,

s ta m bh m t h g t tf
a h g or e a -s a a u e a nd i t b g n i n rn t G r t
e a ea es . ea

f l ud n pi d t h l nd
,

t imber r i ed p rp d i l rl y w i t h a s e en cu a , m as ses o c o s ca o e e a ,

r ug h r n ment ti
o th r n
o a a o ns e eo . a nd p d nni nt mitt nt h w r
o ur e er e s o e s

O b rvi ng ll th i i n f w mi u t t h t rr i d rth b l w T nk e o

se a s a e n es , on e e e ea . a s,

t h k ind O lli
e turn d t t h l tt ce r e o e e p nd
o ri v r
s, al l n i v ble s, hl co ce a e o

o t t h m i n b ui ld i ng i nt t h
'

e a p n , o e o e l w w r g l utt ed nd mil
o s e e , a es

c eal ring b ut 50 f t br d th t a o ee oa a r und t h l nd w s i nund ted

a o e a . a a
 64 T uu LI F E O F R AM AN U J A . CH . XI .

so co mma nded by Lord V ar ada . Taki ng l ea ve of H im a nd

K anc hi p ur ua he i ved at M adhur ant ak a m T h e y me t

- ar r .
, .

f o r mi ng l oc al s e as , a nd a ll
B a h , w ha t a l i v i ng
oo l a m ,
t io n
"
. f I
be i ng s s hut t hems el ve s i nt o t he ir c ri ed he, a nd s ta r t ed t o t he s c e ne
o f t ur mo il M a ny o f his s e r va n t s
ho m e s a nd s hi ver ed . .

T w o da ys b e ore t his ra in, M r f r u n be o re hi m ho lding la m p s a nd

. f
P r i c e c a me a nd ca mped at M a dhu l e a d i ng t he w a y A l l t he ca m p .

x
m ntak nm, a n io us to t e s t t he c ler k s ab o ut hi m g e t u p t o o a nd
li a li ng al

f
a te for t he o ur t h t i me f
o llo w ed hi m o u t o f res p e c t . I t isf .

H e had n ot org otte n hi s s pe e c h f p i t c h da rk T he deep no is e of ro l l .

at t he t em pl e a few mo n t hs i ng w at ers s mi tes thei r ea r s a s t hey

a o
g .I ndee d long ag o, o cc as io na c o me nea re r t he b und l
B ut i t i s .

r u mo urs had r eac hed hi m t hr o ug h t ha t o f t he maj e s t ic ro ll o f w a te rs

hi s me nial s , t ha t t he p eopl e a t c o nta i ne d w it hi n bo unds a nd no t
,

la r g e beli e ved t hat the o ft-r e t ha t o f g iant ma s s es das hi ng bey ond

'

c ur r in g da ng e r to t he lak e w a s c o nt ro l Somew hat r ea s s ured , t he .

d ue t o t he d i s re p utabl e la c k o f C ol l ec t or eag e r ly s t ra i ni ng hi s e ye s
s upe r v i s io n o f t he t e mp le ma na g e r s i n t he di r ec t i on o f t he ne w b u il t
-

o ve r i t s a f a i rs f
T his w a s i n pa r t o utle t , c o uld des c ry a bl ue , e t he
.

r ial ra dia nc e p l a i n
w ha t i nd uc e d hi m t he ot her da y y g la mbe nt a bo ve
t o sa y t he w o rds he s aid, eve n t he Ka thag al H e e lt s ur pr is e d a nd . f
t ho ug h l ig htly We he w a s . ll
a l i t tl e t hr i ll e d H e adva nc ed a nd . .

t hi nk i ng o f al l t his , a s he w a s w he n near t he pl ac e w hat d i d he '

to ss ing o n his b ed o n t he t hi r d b e hold H e s to pped s ho r t, hi s

n ig ht o f t he s tor m I t w as a t re w ho le. rame t hr il l e d, a nd he w as f
me ndo lia d ow np our t ha t da y s p ell-b ou nd La r g e dro ps o f s w ea t
. .

E ver s i nce noon t here had b e e n s to od o n his b ro w N o t ma s te r o f .

no i nte r mis s io n N ew s w as bro ug ht .

hi ms e l t he n he t hre w do w n hi s f
to M r P ri ce t hat e ve ni ng t ha t t he u m bre l la, w i t h o ne a r m he s w e p
t
f
.

b ig r e s er voi r was near ly u ll It hi s ha t a nd i n t he w e t co z

.

, y
w a s e l e ve n a t ni g ht I t m us t b e g ro und o ve r ru n w i t h poo l s o f w a te r ,
.

o v e r fu l l I ndee d a hoars e, t hu n
. he s udde nly el l O n hi s k ne e s a nd
,
f
de r o us n oi s e a s o f t he g rea t r us h o f
'

pr a yed, p r ayed, er ve ntl y a nd long f

va s t v ol ume s o f w at er r eac hed his a l l t he ti me no t r e mm i n
g hi s e ye s
'

ea r s . l i e w a s s ure i t w a s t he r om t he p la ce H is s e r va nts f .

b reak i ng up o f the outlet A t t w e lv e o b s e r vi ng t he s udde n a c t io n of

.

t he s t o rm s

ury l ess e ned f He t he i r ma s te r w e r e t hu nde r s t r uc k
.
.

co uld r e s ' ra i n hi s i mpat ie nc e no T hey tho ug ht he w as s uddenly g o ne

l o ng er H e w a nted t o Se e h o w
. ma d T hey r u s hed to him, t hr o w .

f
.

f
_

g rea t t he da ma g e w as Y ea r a ter i ng o ff t he i r . ea r, t o r a is e hi m
ye ar t his w ork w as p ro ving ut i l e ; f
T he n he s eeme d t o rec ollec t t he m
.

a n d a w as te o f money t o t he G o v
.

H e g o t up a nd c r ied o u t :
'

D o n t
er n me nt, a w as te of lands o f t he y o u s e e ; s ec , s ee, s e e t her e ,
yo u
r y o ts , be s ide s dang e r t o p u bl ic idims ! Why do y o u s ta r e a t me s o
se c ur i ty w e re t he res ul ts This D on' t yo u s ee t hos e g lo r ious , tr ans
.
'

x
.

yea r he had e mployed e per ts a n d c e uda n t be i n s s ta nd i n

g g t here , o n
g re a t c a r e ha d bee n b es to w e d i n e it her s ide o f t he Ku l i ng a t w i t h
t he w or k H e w ould g o a nd s ee dra w n a r row s H ow s p l e ndid t he
y
. .

A mids t all t hes e, t he s mal l l ea ve n a re ? W hat ma ni c nt l

g y pr o po r
e

o f c ur io s it
y w as w ork i ng i n h im t inne d me n ! H o w l u mi no us t he i r
ane nt t he pro mise made by t he ac e s ! T hey s mi le at O h t he f
B rahmanas , of the D e vi s p r ote o have vani shed
y .

.
 o n x1 R AM AN U J A '
S CA L L To s ni nA N G A M 65
. .
.
.

R amanuj a w as th r illed w ith joy a nd s ur pr is e a t th i s u nexp ec ted

m ee ting H e e x cla i med. O m y hear t ! s ees t th u ho w thy : o

des i e ha s met t h e e
r a nd p r os t a ted b e fore M aha ii n r

r a
p .

M hai p r na w a s eq ua ll y o ver oyed a t n di ng th at his mi s s ion

a
j
w a s o s o n a nd s o r eadi l y t o b e f ul lle d and ra ised R amanu a
s o
j , ,

fo n dly holdi ng hi m to his b eas t Her e and now p ayed r .

,

r

R amanu j a a dmi t me as y o u , di cip l e a nd teac h me all th a t r s

i s g o d for my soul M ahapii n So near a e w t

o ai d r a s : r e o

the H oly H ast ig i r i wh

1
L ord V a r ada resi des w e s h ll g o,
e re ,
a

t h e r e fo r the i ni ti a ti o n you s o m u h des i r e No S i e no t a

c .
,
r , .

mome n t i s t o b e l os t s ai d R i manuj a i s not t he ex amp l e of

, ,

ou r Y amunac hary a s ti ll f r s h vi z his h av i ng breathed hi s l ast e , .

,

j us t w he n I w a s a bout to se him T hi s is a w ar ni ng agai ns t e

w as te o f t ime A e not o u l i ves her e of l i ghtni ng durat ion

. r r

S o ay ing he dr opp ed a t hi s fee t g ai n P ii r na r ai s ed hi m u p

s a .
,

(N ot e fr o m p a ge 6 4 contd .
)
The t r ut h daw ned a ft er al l o n t he I w i ll neve r f
I al ways mor e
org et .
men . H ow c oul d i t b e o t he r w i s e o r l e s s beli eved t hat G od w a s n ot

H
T hey w e r e indus , t he t i me, p la c e, t he mono poly of t he C hr i s t ia n
f
t he ac t o f t he C ol l
e c tor s w a g e r C hu r c h I a m s ure of it now
. So .

w i t h t he Br ahma nas , all co mbine d d o yo u al l g o to your homes E ar l

y .

to as h o n t he m t he tr ut h ! T he i n t he mo r ni ng s ha l l t he D e vi s

E ng l i s hm an has s ee n t he bl es s e d te mpl e b eg i n to r is e " .

vi s i o n o f g l o r io us R ama a nd La k s h
S o s a id he a nd di s mi s s e d the m
ma na e s po us i ng t he D e vi s ca u s e

.

T he te mpl e was b ui lt, a nd now i n

J a i , J a i, S i ta ll ama c r i e d t he y ;
f
o

i t s ront i t has e ng raved o n it o n

o u r L or d hat h s e n t e e h v i s i o n .

a s ton e, how i t w as b uil t b

A nd s o c ryi ng , t hey r us he d in t o t he y Mr .

s l ee p i ng to w n T he i n ha b ita n t s T ho mas P r ice , Collec tor , in the year

A md t he re ar e g re y bea rds
.

Wha t de il s riot i s t his

a w ok e . v
n o w , w ho talk o f i t sole m nl y o f a n
c r y t he y T he n t he ac t become s
. f e ve ni n , f
r o m one of w ho m t he
k no w n A nd al l , c r yi ng i n a b ody,
.
g
J a i , J a i, s na nam ,
"
r u s h to t he
w r i te r: l ea r nt it [K E Centr al . . .

H i n du Colleg e M a g az i ne p 1 73 if
cam p T her e he is
'
C ll t
. . .
o e c o r s .

V ol I V
s ea te d i n t he f
r o nt, b r ig ht li g ht
. .

f
b e or e hi m H e s eems c o mp os e d
. The f oll ow i ng i nsc r ip tion a pp ea rs
G r a ve a nd dig ni ed he look s o n t he s t om a beam o f t he D e vi s

no w .
.

S om e o f t he i mpo rta nt peo ple t ha t T em pl e in Ta mil z I nda da r uma m

t hr o ng to hi m, he r ece i ve s a nd K mnp i ni j ag ir Ka lektar Lionel P r ice
ma es t
k h e m s i t G e n tl e m e
. n,
"
s ay s dur a i aver g al adu (Collecto r Li o ne l
w hy co me i n t hi s nig ht here , P ri ce ) a nd a nother i ns cr i pti on i s
'

he,
a nd w hy s o mu c h e c ite me nt The x n ear the w as te w ei r [R ead t he .

o u t l e t i s not br ok e n, n or w ill i t k i ndly l e tter t o me da t ed 1 3 t h

e ve r b e I s ole mnly te l l yo u
. I Oc t obe r 1 904, b y M r P S es ha g i r i . .

h a ve r ece ived a l ess on to nig ht, t ha t R ow , Ta hs ildar of M adhurz i nta k a m J

1 Kanc hi, (Co nj e veram) .

9
66 T H E LI FE o r R i M i N U J A . o n x1 . .

lov i ngly W h at h all

.

z eal i ndeed ,
he sa id , it s be as you
w is h A nd leadi ng hi m t o t he Hol y V k u la t ee n ea a r r the
T n k G T m d p l c i g hi m hi i gh t p e fo r m
( a u ar-d ) e p l e a n a n o n,
s r ,
r

ed al l t he s a cr ament s i i ni ti t io n a l id do w n i n t he P aneha
o a s a

r at r a-S as tr a

T h at p oc es s i s br e y t hu s
. r i

Pr ep ar a to r y dis ci pl ine f m a n t ic i n it i a t io n re q ui res the or r

ma rk o f the dis cu s ( Ch k ) or f t he ve w ea p o n s (o f
a ra ,
o

V i s h nu viz Chak r a S nkh G l i K hady a nd Ch ip a ) be i ng

,
.
, , a a, ay i ,
a c

s t amp ed (o n t he s eve l p t s of th b dy ) w it h a pp r o p r ia t e
ra ar e o ,

m nt as
a r T h is is enj i ned fo t he s a ke f e n der ing t he ma nt as
. o r o r r

imp ar ted efcaciou s T he w e a ing o f thes chuk ra a nd o th er

, . r e

mar ks is t o s igni fy th t th ou l h s b en w edded to G od

, a e s a e
,

a s t he w ear i ng f ba ng les & o b y a d me s ig ni fi es t ha t s he i sc a ,

j i ned i n all fai th to a hu s band Th di c i p l (o r t he p os t ul a nt)

o . e s e

s h all s it b efore t he G u u h u mb l e w i th j i ned p al ms r The, ,

o .

G ur u s hall medi tat e on his G u u a nd all t he o t her s p ec edi ng r r

hi m a p os tol ic al ly a nd i mp es s the h k , s y mb ol on t he di s ci
r c a ra

ple s r igh t s h o ulder ; nd t h n p l a c i ng hi s r igh t p al m o n t he

a e

h ead and the l e ft p al m o n t he hea t o f t he d is cipl e a nd look r ,

i ng a t hi m w i th ey s b a mi ng w it h g a c e s h a l l r e p ea t t he
e e r ,

G e m o f M a ntr a s ( m nt a w tn ) nd ma k e t he dis cip le r e p ea t

a r a a ,
a

the s a me w i th hi m al o ng w i th t h Chh n l as and the R i s hi

,
e a z

a t tach ed to t he man t
I n t hi m a nne M ahapur na pl aci ng
ra . s r, ,

R amauuj a to his r ig ht l le d t o m i nd his G ur u A l a vandar fs

,
ca

fee t and S p ea k i ng i n the i ght ea of R amanuj a i mp ar ted to

, r r ,

F m s m wma rm=I
3 e s ea m s u

a We had ag ai
t ho ug ht o f omi t
n .
sa c ra me nts ma k e a f
or mal or e xter
t i ng t hos e deta i ls ; b ut O r i e nta l na l S ri vais li lj a va , l ik e t he m om
S c holars may requi re to k no w w ha t
.

me nt o f t he Chr is t ia n Bapt is m, & o .

CH . XI . . n mi s U J A

i IN I TI A TE D
-
. 67

hi m t he M a nt r a G e m ( D va ya m) w ith a l l i ts adj u nc ts a nd
-
_
,

s o le m n l
y or da i ned hi m th u s I a dj u r e thee ho l y s o n mo s t , ,

s o l e m n l y t o dee m thy s el f as the n ex t a pp o i nted o f Y am un a

, .

H e ha s d e p a r te d k n o w t ho u p l a c i ng hi s hol y fee t on thy hea d

, , ,

c o n s ec r a t i ng thee to f u l l H i s hol y M i s s io n o n e a r t h i n t he s ame ,

w a y a s R am a pl a c ing H i s s a nda l s o n t he he a d o f B ha r a ta
, ,

de p a r te d t o t he f or e s t t o c a rr y o n the w or k o f H is K i ng do m

.

N e x t t o Y amunac har ya th u s s uc c eede d R amanu j a M ahap r na , ,

pl ay i ng b u t t he p ar t o f a n i n s tr u me nt o f the fo r mer i n o r dai n .

i ng R am an u j a T hi s s u cc es si on P il l a i A m uda nar or l ir u va
.
,
'

ra n att a m u da nar
1
r ec o r d e d i n hi s R a m nnj a n tt a n gl zi di
2
Ra

g
- a - .

m anuj a r e v e r entl y as k ed M a hap r na t o ex pl ai n t o him t he

,

tr i p l ic i ty v iz ( I ) P r a m i zm
,
. P r a m ya a nd P r a m i ta or
i , r ,

l i te r a l l y t he ( I ) mea s ur e ( 2 ) the mea su r e d a nd (3 ) the meas u r er

, , .

P r na e x pl a i n ed t hu s 2 P 1 -a mcizm or t he me a su r e o f G od


,

k no w l edge i s t he a u thor i ta ti ve Re vel a tion s the es s e nc e of

, ,

w hi c h i s co nt a i n e d i n t he D vaya M a ntr a (o r the M a ntr a w hic h -

,

e x pl ai ns t he d u a l n a t ur e v i z t he M o ther -Fa th er of the D e i ty ) .

, ,

P r a m ya or tha t w hic h i s meas u r ed b y thi s m e a s ur e of R e ve l a

t io n s i s G od H im s el f t he Mother Fa ther ; P r a m ta or t he
, ,
-

me as u r er i s t he p r o phet or s eer w ho k no w s G o d and so k no w

-

m ak e s o ther s t o k n o w H i m T his m ea s ur er i s y our s el f

i ng ,
. .

S o s a y i ng they b o th p a i d o b e is a n ce to R ama the T a n k G u a r d

-
, , ,

s a y i ng T ho u ar t reall y R a ma o r H e w ho deli g hts t he '

w or ld B y T hy bl e s s i ng t her e s ha l l b e o ne u n di v ided fa i th i n
. ,

t he w orl d s o t ha t al l me n m ay l o v e eac h o ther a nd li ve i n p ea c e

,
.

T hi s is R a m a
T hey no w both l eft for K anehi t o v is i t Lor d
'
.

V ar ada K anc hi p ur n a met t hem o n t he w ay i n due hu mil ity

.
-

o t he H a s t i i r i S hr in e
a nd c o nd u c t i ng t he m t o K an c hi a nd t g ,

i nv ok e d L o r d V ar ad a t o m ani fes t H i ms el f t o the w or thy v is i

v

to r s e ve n a s R ama mi s r a ca ll ed u p o n Ra nga t o m a ni fe s t H im
,
-

s el f to A a l v a n d ar

T hey w er e b les s ed w i th t he B eati c
.

V is io n of G o d w hi c h they r a p tur ous l y enj oy e d .

D i s c ipl e and conte mporar y t o R amannj a .

2
R e ad V e r s e 2 1 : N i di ya i e tc .

T hi s w or k s e ts fo r t h t he g l o ry

o f R ai n annja a nd hi s mi s s ion o n ear t h.

9
R ead Y am unac harya

s Li fe, a nte .
 68 TH E LI FE or R A M AN U J A . CH . xi .

R amanuj a l ed his G ur u M ahap r na a nd hi s c o n s or t t o hi s

hou s e, a nd a c c o mmo dat ed the m i n the u er s t or y , pp
r o v i d i ng p
a ll o ther comfor t s neces s ar y For s i x mont hs R amanuj a s at .
,

a t t he f ee t o f hi s G ur u and r ec ei ved f r o m hi m i m p or t ant l e s

, ,

sons on t he D r avida S c r i p t ur es an d o ther My s t er y l o r e o f the -

S r i -v a i s hna va F a i th .

On t n m or n ing t w o S r i v ai shna v as c ame t o R ama

a cer ai - .

unj a and did hi m the s er v ic e o f anom t ing w i t h o i l

,
T hey as k ed .

for food a s they w er e hu ngr y R amanu j a i nq u i r ed o f hi s w i fe

.
,

i f s he had any foo d r emai n ing fr om o ver nig ht N0 not s o o

.
,

muc h as a g r ai n o f i t s he s aid ; b u t R am anu j a s us p ec t e d her

,

si nc erety and b i ddi ng her g o o n o t her b us i n es s e nter e d i nto

, ,

the cook r oom a nd e xa mi n e d the v es s el s a nd 10 he f ou nd food

-
, ,

hidde n a w ay H e c a l l e d hi s w i fe a nd ang r il y s p ok e to he r
.

thu s A r t thou c a p a bl e o f this tha t w hen hung r y sou l s a r e

,

w a it ing a t the door thou l ie s t ,I s ther e w ors e mea nn es s t ha n ,

i n this w i s e r e f us i ng f ood t o t hos e w ho c o me i n d ir e n e ed 9

, .

A nd a l ie added t o t he meann e s s ! O h s i n ,

On another day R amanuj a w as ou t for hi s mor n ing ab lu

,

t ions H i s w i fe a nd t he G u r u s w i fe met a t a w ell for d r a w ing

.

w a t er . An al ter c at io n e ns u ed betw ee n them as t o the com

par ati ve p ur i ty of t he p o ts t hey hel d P ur na w a s ob s e r v ing .

t his A s s oo n as his w i fe r et ur ned home he thou ght i t wi s e

.
,

to p ac k u p i mmedi a t el y a nd ac t u a lly l eft K an c hi for S r i r an

g a m after s ou ndl y c ha s t is i ng hi s w i fe for t he u n pl ea s a nt

,

o cc urr e nc e o f w hi c h he hel d her to b e the c au s e

, R amanu j a .

r e t u r n e d ho me a nd as u s u al
, w e nt to v i s i t hi s G ur u b u t ,

he fo un d hi m not H e a s k ed the p eo pl e a b o u t t he pl ac e to
.

ac c ou nt fo r his s u dd e n ab se n c e T hey s a id S i r e y our l ady

.

a nd y ou r G ur u s l a dy had a q uar r el n ea r t he w e ll o v e

r a
po t .

The G ur u to ok his w i fe t o t a s k for gi v ing occ a s io n for t hi s a nd '

thinki ng tha t if he s tay e d l o ng er u nd er y ou r r oo f her c onduc t ,

might agai n g ive r is e to u n pl eas a ntnes s he con s i d er ed i t ,

ex p e die nt to l eav e the p l ace for thw i th R amanuj a w a s w h i te .

w i th r ag e on he ar ing t hi s a nd r eco v eri ng a dd r es sed hi

, s wi fe ,

thu s T hri c e ar t thou s inn er b as e w oman ! My G u r u ,

Kanc hi pur na c ame and took his food und er m r oof in m

y y
 70 TH E LI F E or R A M AN U J A . CH . XI .

R amanuj a be took himsel f t o V ar ada a nd ther e p ro s t r a t ing ,

befo r e H im p r ay ed t hu s : O G r a nt er of bo o n s ! War d er o f
,

de a th ! Bes to w er of t he L a nd of the Ang el s ! I ha ve see n

e n o ug h o f a ll the v ar ie t i es o f w or l dl y de l u s i o n s f a t her s a n d ,

mot her s w i ves and c hildr e n a nd a ll w or ldly g o od s

,
L fe e l .

s ure t ha t thes e t i es b l o c k o n e s w ay to T hee T hin e a nd S p i r it ua l

P r ec e p tor s I v al ue them not ; I v a l u e T hee a nd T hy H o ly

.

B l es s ed fee t a l o ne G r a n t me d e l i v er a n ce f r om thos e a nd
.
_
.

s er v i ce t o thes e I nves t me ther e fo r e w i th a ll the i n sign ia o f

.

t he V a is hnav a a sc et i c t he T ri pl e s ta ll t he Holy -t hr ead the

- -
, ,

Unde r -d oth the Loi n c lo th t he Upp er c loth and t he begg i ng

,
-
,
-

hoo p ( or r o p e s w i ng for r ec ei vi ng a l ms ) 1
-
S o did R amanuj a ,

s uppl i c ate . L or d V ar ada w as pl ea s ed a nd thr ough H i s o fc ial

,

age n t
(a r cha k a) H e w as pl ea s ed t o g r a nt his pr ay er s a nd g av e
, ,

hi m f o m tha t day the n a me o f R am anu j a mu n i

r
My o w n -
.

R amanuj a thou s ha l t do n t he ro b e o f the S a ny as i m a nd ser v e

,

Me w as t he co mm a n d g i ven thr o u g h K anc hi p r na R e cei v -

.

i ng t his c omma n d i n du e hu m il i ty R amanuj a r e t i r ed a nd ,

b ecame a Sany as i n fro m t ha t day .

m m
i a ll [ Y e ti -
( N I( Ir ma -s tu n ucd mya ] .
on. x 11 . R A M A N U J A 'S c u ms D I S CI P LE S .
71

CH A P T E R X II .

R A M AN U J A S C H I E F D I S C I P LE S , 8

m .

S o R amanuj a had no w w e a ned hi ms el f f ro m thew o r ld "

T he d is c i pl i ne a nd d ai l y r o ut i ne or da ined for mon as t ic s he

,

we nt t hr ough p u nc til iou s l y ; a nd w a s gl ad w i thi n hi ms el f to

nd t ha t Y am unac har a s ey e s of g r a c e w hic h had fa l l e n o n

y ,

hi m ha d w r o ugh t w o n der ful r es u l ts i n re mo v ing al l obs t acl e s

,

i n t he W ay o f ser ving G od a l on e a nd i n ca us ing all c onv e ni ,

e nce s fo r le ading s u ch a l i fe I t w as t ime now to t hi nk ho w b e s t

.

to c a r r y o ut t he ( p os t -mor t al wi s he s of t ha t p io ne er -s a e o f t he
) g
Fa i th S r i Y ruuna Alo ne he c ou ld not acco mpl is h i t ; he
, .
,

w a nt e d a co m p ete nt c o lle a g ue H e co ul d t hin k of no one b e t te r

'
'

tte d t ha n G ov ind a Bha ta w ho ha d a ll the t hr ee fol d u alifi

t , q
c a ti o n s of d el i ty
(to hi m ) abdic a tion (of the w or l d ) a nd
, ,

e nthu si a s ti c f ai th
(for s p ir i t ua l s c ie nce ) B ut he had turn ed a n .

a r r a nt S a i va ; a z eal ot i n S i v a s s er v i c e a t K a a has ti as a
l

l r e ady
r el a t e d W hic h s ai nt w a s ther e to sh ow him that the p a l m
.

w hi c h to uc hed the l i ng o w a s r ea lly s ti n . k ing \V ho w oul d s ho w

hi m tha t th er e w a s the O ne G o d w hom S c rip tu res dec l ar e d a s:
A l l s c e nt a nd A ll -s a vou r
-
S o he mus cd and his t hou g hts ,

l ighte d on T i r u mal ai -N a m bi (S r i Sa il a -P ma) the ve n era ble ,

w o rs hi pp er of V enk a te s a a t T i r u p a t i lear ned i n the V e d a s , ,

ver s ed in the n ec tar eous P r a b a ndha s and o ther w ise p os s es s i ng ,

s p i ri t u a l u a l i t i es c al c u la ted t o i n u ence m e n o f G o v inda s

q
s ta mp and r edee m t he m fr o m thei r w ro n g w ay s H e des .

p a tc he d a co n d enti al Sui V a ishna va accor d ing l y to N amb i

'

P u r na d t o del i ver t o hi m a mes s ag e thus H ol y s i r e !

( ) an
y o u r ne p h e w V a tta -mani G o v ind a B ha tij a w as my s ch oo l ma t e - - .

I n u en ced by ev il as s oc i a tio ns his mi nd w ent w rong H e i s ,

. .

no w lo s t i n t he th ic k t a ng l e o f t he K al aha s ti w
_

- ilder nes s I .

p ray yo u for my s ake to e xte nd y our g race to hi m ; a nd

r e de em hi m t o y ou r b les s ed fee t
"
.

I n the mean w h i le K ra tt az hvan

, , ca lled Tir uma f u- mar ba n
f mily a nd M y andau o f the K a ndzula i
u da l i

of t he H er i t
-
a- a ,

fam ily ,
hear d of R amanuj a ha v i ng j o ined the monas t i c order .

s

msmim z Ur : 21 '
72 TH E LI F E or i i m
M n um . c nxxu .

Th ey w e re j
r e o ic e d a nd for t w i t h h p r oc eeding to K anch i ,
fell
at his fe e t l
a n~ p r ayed t h at t hey m ay b e ta k e n i nto t he Sr i
V ai s l ma va fo l d b y t he s ac ra me nt of . P a nc ha -s a ms lmi r a to
.

R amanuJa w el co med t he m, a nd o r da i ne d t he m as t hey des ir e d .

A nd a s s t a ted in :

A fter r ec ew m g the m a n tr a the D uzj , . a s ha ll

w o r s hip hi s zl c lzdrya , l l p u r i ty e ver r e m a i w i mp li c i tly i n

a nd in a

his t hey r e ma i ned ( l e vo ted t o R amanuj a ( I n t he .

se q uel , we s ha l l u s e t he S
a nsk r i t n a me s o f t hes e di s c ipl es , v iz , .

Ki Ki 2
-
n a natha o r l l e sa
-
fo r K ura t t az hvan, a nd D its ar a thi
z fo r
M u da l i -
y andan) A c ot er ie o f
-
. p u pi l s \ve re t hu s g at he r in g
r o u nd t he f u t u r e P on t iff o f the Va is h na va C hurc h .

A s to Yada va -p r ak asa h a p te i n hi l ife w as

,
a ne w c r s

abo ut to o pe n F . or his mo th er w as a g od w o m a n S he w as o .

a f eq u en t vi i to
r s r to L d Va a da ; nd had w o n t he g oo d
or r a

g ac s o f S ge K anc hi
i

r e a
p r na S he ha d fi i e ndly c onve r sat io n
- .

o ft e n too w i t h R amanuj a A ll t es e fo rc e s co m ined t o m ou l d

. h b
h e r dis p os i tio n for t he N ew Fa it h;

a nd at l as t m ade her to
w s h t at
i h her s on Yad a va had a ls o belonged to t h i s ba nd .

W i t h t hi s wi s h s t r ong i n her s he w as o ne day mou nti ng t he

'

s te p s t o L or d Var ada s Sh r ine w he n s he o ver hea r d s o m e o ne

e j ac ula t ing : S he c ons tr ued t h is t o b e g ood a ug u ry

so b e i t .

fo r her ; a nd on r e tur ni ng home i n for med her s o n of w h a t ha d

ha p pened a nd ex hor te d hi m t o g i ve u p hi s s i ng l e s t a o f t he
,

advai t in a nd w ea r li k e R amanu a t he t r i p l e s t a li s ac r ed t h r ead

j , ,
-
, ,

a nd s ik ha ( t u f t o f h a i r o n t he he a d
) t he reb y e mb r ac i ng the ,

V a i s hna va fa it h Fo r a lo ng t i me Y ad a va had b eg un t o dou bt

.
,

t he so undnes s o f ad va i ti s m R am a nuj a s r eas ona b le a nd dec ent

'
.

i nter pr eta ti o ns o f V e dic te x ts a s a g a i ns t hi s o w n w er e w or ki ng ,

s t ro ngl y i n hi s m ind ; a nd o f t he g r e a t ne s s o f R amanu a h i ms el f

j ,
,

t he B r ahma r e li s he s or the s pi r i t w hi c h ha d p o s s es s ed the p r i n

-
,

c es s had c l e a r l y p r o ved T he di vi ne s u c c ou r w h ic h G od dis ui s

g
.
, ,

e d a s R ama had r e nder ed t o R amanu a w h o m he had b eg ui l ed

,
j ,

o n t he s anc t imo n iou s p r e te x t o f a K as i -p ilg r image a nd t he ,

m
2
ag ma ma hst rg r

: u [Sdtra t a Sa mhi t d
S e c 30, H i e r ar c hi c T ab le i n o ur L i ves of dz hrdrs .

D as a r a t hi i s ne phew ( o n s is te r s s ide

) to R amanuj a .
en . mi . Y AU A VA B E C O M E S V A IS B N A V A .
73

i
s nc er e e x h or tatio ns of his ow n moth er to b oo t , had f ur the r a ll

c o nt ri bu ted to di s p os e hi s ear t T e r e he w a s c onver te d, b ut , h . h

M o t he r he s a i d, as a mon k o f t l -
e adva i ta p e r s uas io n, I had
-

di ve s te d mys el f of the t uft a nd ho ?y t hr

d ( Y aj nop a w ita) to
ea

w ea r t em a ai n,
g h a p enance has t o b e p e r for med b y me ; and t a t h
is l ai d down t o b e a j our ney r ou nd the w or ld I am ol d a nd u n t .

for s uc h a tas k nd
I eed I k o w no t ho w o g o
n .t

Yada va w as .

ha r ro w ed b y t hes e though t s d y a fter day ,

a . B ut o ne ni gh t
he ha d a dr ea m . The L or d Var ada a p pea re d and s a id

T h er e i s no nee d t o g o r ound t he w or l d, Y ada va T a t i s do ne h

b y g oin g r ound o u r R amanuj a D o i t t en a nd ear the i ns i nia h b g
o f t he N ew Fa i th w h ic h he may pre s ent to y o u .

Y d a va w oke
b u t had yet no fa i th i n the dr e am b h i ms elf to K an . So he et ook
c hi p u n -
a a nd b egged o f hi m t o c o ns u l t L or d V ar ada
r , P ur na

be i ng a fa vo ur ite vo tary of H im ~ as to s ome matter s ag itating -

hi s mi nd T h at s ame ni gh t K anc h i P r na su b mi tte d to Lord

.
,
-

V aradaYadava s petit ion , I k no w i t al l s ai d L or d Va ada

.
, r .

H is mot h er had a l r eady p e s uaded hi m t b ecome a th r ee r o

s ta fe d S any asin b u t a doub t as t o how it w a s p os s i ble t a mend

, o

th p as t b y t h p d k s hi gta pr eyed u p on hi s mi nd and I h ave

e zo- r a a ,

b y a d e m qui et ed hi m b y s u gges ti ng t h at ins tead he need

r a ,

b u t g o r ou nd R amanuj a Be ing a d e a m a s i t w as he lac ks . r ,

f a i t h a nd r efe s i t to th ee ag a i n T h fol low i ng mo ni ng

r . e r ,

P n de li ver ed thi s mes s ag e t Yadava w ho w a s now sat i s d

r a o , e .

S tra igh t w ay he w ent to R amanuj a and as k ing his forg ivenes s ,

fe all the p as t be gged to b e o da ined as a monk and a dmi tt ed

r ,
r

to t he N ew Fai th B u t p r o pi ti ation b e fo e conve s ion i s

. r r

demanded b y ou r L aw s and t h a t i n th i s c as e i s cir cu mamb u ,

l a ti ng t he w orl d onc e s aid R amanuj a E nough to g o ou nd,

. r

t h ee s i e s o c o mm a ndeth L o d V ar ada

r e pl ai ned Ya da va r ,
x
, ,

p enit ent ly a nd p u tt ing the s me i n exec u ti on w i th out w ai t i ng

,
a

for a e ply s tood b efor e R amanuj a w i th fol ded h ands

r ,
K eSa . r

and D asar athi the new di sci pl e s w atc h ed th es e events i n i n

, ,

ni te w onder ment a nd exc a l i med If s ome r each G od by love,

other s r eac h H i m by hate as w el l l
M ay he join our h oly

W m li l w aits : i a a i wd
[B hag a za tal
-
1 s ll ,
.

10
 74 TH E L I FE or R A M A N U J A . o n xu . .

band .
"
R am anuj a w as mi gh tily
plea sed a t the va l ua bl e ad
here nt w on t o his Yada va u nder go all t he
ca u s e, m ade
s ac r ament s f6? t he B r ah mana o ver a ga i n s uc h a s Cha ul a ,

a nd U a nayana i n v es t ed hi m w i th t he t r i ple -s t a & c a nd

p , ,
.
,

na me d hi m G o vi nda j i a s ta mp ed him w i th t he hol

y sy mbol s
-
y ,

ank ha a nd Cha kr a ga ve hi m t he H ol
of
y M a ntra and e nj oi ne d
-
.
, ,

hi m t o w ri te a w or k on Y a hI-dk m-mxz 2 ( or t he I ns t i tutes of

monk s ) s h o w ing the har mo ny that ex i s ts among va r ious tex ts
, .

G o vi nda -j i ya a cc or ding ly w r ot e a w or k of ele ven c h a p te r s s ,

eac h c ha p t er t r eat ing of a n a s p ec t and S u b mi tt ed t he s a me to

R am anuj a H e r ead i t a nd ex p re s s e d hi s a ppr o va l o f t he s a me

.

N ot long h ow e ve r w a s G o vi nda -j iy ar s p ar ed t o s er ve hi s
A chary a; for he s oon af ter left the ear t h and dr ew h im self a w ay
to the G r ea t B e yo nd .

K ii re s a and D aSara thi w er e m uc h a t ta c h ed to R amanuj a,

w ho took t h em th rou gh a c ou r se of t he T w o M i mams as (t he tw o
E xe ges es o n t h r i tu ali s tic a nd the c onte mpla ti v
e e Divis ions of
t he Ve d ) W hi le s uc h st udi es w e e being p os ec ut ed t h
a . r r , e

t idings t a vell e d to S i anga m of t he as ump tion b R amanu a

r r r
y j s

o f the S n a
y s i n o der a nd o th er e vent s ra pidly s uc cee di ng i t
a r , .

M ahapur n a a nd o th e di s c iples o f Y am nnac ha

r rya r ece ived t he

t idi ngs w it h j oy a nd l nged fo R amanu a s c o mi ng to S i am

,
j o r r r

g a m m k i ng i t hi s p e manent q u te s B ut th y w e e h elples s
, a r ar r . e r

a nd R amanu
j too had once before i n gr ief nd des p ai r e tur ned
a a r,

fr om t he pl ace w i tho u t eve n vi s i t i ng L or d R a ng a bei ng dis

,

a pp o inted a t t he s u dde n death of Yamu na

So t h ey w ent .
,

i n a body to L ord R a ng e and p et i t ioned to H i m to p re vai l .

u p on H i s T p e a t K anc h i the L o d Var ada to S p a e R ama

y , r
r

nuj a fo t he m
-
r So a mes s g e fr om L o d R a nga w ho g anted
. a r r
,

th i e r
pet i t ion w a s s ent t o L ord Var ada
, B ut re pl
y c a me to . a

t he effec t I f i t i s p oss i ble fo one to for ego hi s lo ve I to o r

,

aw m W
W WW u [ Rdmd ya u a V I 18 . .

2
C alled Y a tip dha r ma-Sa mu cc ha a
y .

m m
u a m : It [U p ca 1. .
 CH . XII M M RN U J A 'S C A LL TO S R l RA N G A M t

70
.

pa t r w i th my R amanu j a .

On h e ar i ng th is , M aha
pr na
an d th e r w or th ie s w er e mu c h di s co nc e r ted b u t a fter some
o
,

d e li ber a ti o n d e ter mi ned t o d ep u t e a n e l d e r i n p er s o n to a p ro ac h

,
p
L or d Va r ad a a nd p er s u ad e H im by h y mn s to g r a nt t h e m
R amanuj a i nas mu c h a s t he L or d s v er y na me Va r ad a mea nt :

G r a nt er T h ey b es o ugh t ac c or di ng ly l i i a y a r a nga p
.
'
-
-

pe r u m al A r a iy a r t he Ve ner a b le E l d e r
, o f t he pl ac e to
ma r c h t o K anchi o n th ei r b eh al f a n d s o ext o l L or d Va r a d a ,

a s t o mak e H i m c ond es ce nd t o g r a n t th e m R am anu a A ra i

j .

y ar i m med i a t el y l e ft S r i r a n ga m o n th i s h oly e rr and a fte r ,

o bta i ni ng l e a v e t o do s o f r o m L or d R ang a O n hi s nea r i ng .

K anc h i hi s r el a ti v e th er e by na me V a r ant a r u m P e r a m a A a i
l i
'
,

yar m et hi m a nd es cor ted hi m to t he H oly C i t y a nd te nd ed hi m ,

u nd er hi s r o o f a s b e t ted a d i s t i ng u i s h ed v is i to r T he n ext .

m or ni ng i n du e fas h i on A ra iy a r p r oceed ed t o t he Te mple

, , .

L or d Var ad a ha d th a t day tak en H i s a u g us t s ea t i n t he p a vilio n

c a lle d Kacc hzkku r dyttdn s ur ro u nd e d by t he Ho l y A s s e mb l y
'

-
.
,

K anc h i -p r na s t a t ione d befor e t he L or d r e v er e nt l y d oi ng hi s

a llo tte d s er v i ce o f f anni ng R amanu j a s tood by hi s s i d e d e vou t l y.

u t te r i ng t he D er a n ij a -A s ht a k a hy m n s u n g by P r na R amanuj a .

s a w A r aiy ar w ent f or w ar d and r ec e i v ed h im mo s t c or d i a lly

, .

M ay I b e a l low e d t o pay m y o b e i sanc e t o L or d Var a d a

en qu i r e d A r a iyar P r na l ed hi m to Hi s a u g u s t p r esence i n
.
,

f u ll Holy Co unc il s ea ted a n d A lj a iy ar fell p r o s tr ate befor e ,

H i m r e p ea t i ng Y am u na s ver s e O h w h e n 0 S tr i der of the

, , ,

T h r ee S p her es w ill T hy L o t u s Fee t d ecke d w i t h a l l the s i g ns

,
-
, ,

s u c h as t he di s c us bedec k my h ead ,
R i s i n g he w a s ,

h onor ed w i th tir tha p rasdda a nd r 2 a thag op a A g aiy ar th en

-
.

, ,

s e t t o c el es t i a l m u s i c ( devdg dna ) c h a n ted a s el e c t n u mb er o f t he ,

Lyr ic al P sa l ter o f the A zhvars ( S ai nts ) and as he s a ng da nce d ,

a nd w e nt i n t o r a p t u r es .

Wh en Hi s fa i thf ul s n i g a nd d ance for j oy , G Hi ms el f

od

keep s t ime i t i s s a id
,
. So , L or d Var a da w as pl ea se d w i th
1 Se e L i f e of Y am u na . H e is al s o c a l l ed R an g a -n t ha G avak a, ( r ide
N o . 22 , H i er ar c h c i T bl
a e to our Li r es f S a i n t s)
o .

W W SW unwashaa g wt II [S totra -m tn a .
]
76 TH E LI F E or R KM RX U J A . on x11 . .

t he dev otio n of G ey s ka and v o u c h saf ed to H i m all the h onor s ,

belongi ng to H i s Sh r i ne Why do I w a nt th ese i

s ai d .
'

G ayak a my w i s h i s not for th es e

,
P ray gr ant me a boon .
,

as T h o u ar t 0 G o d f amou s a s t he
"
,
B oon-G i ver A nd s o s ay
,
.
.

i ng he co nti nu e d hi s s ong a nd dance w i th mor e fe rvo u r

,
.

Pleas ed Lor d Var ad a s p oke th us : A sk my belo ve d a ny

, , ,

th ing excep t M e a n M y C n rts

,
d o s o

H m p r ay gr a nt
i
.
, ,

r ea dil y r e pli ed G ayak a p oi nti ng to R amauuj a w ho w as c l ose

, ,

O h l ost e x c l a i med the L or d I w i s h I had t he for e

by .
,

tho ught to i nc l u de R amanuj a o n t he s id e of ex c ep ti ons H ow .

s on excep t m
e ver ,
R a a n,
uj a a s k f or any o th e r boon B ut , .
,

r emonstra te d G ayak a d os t T h ou r etr ac t a l so like m or tal s

,

A r e n o t T hy o w n w o r ds th es e R am a h a th o t
n t w o o g ue
n s "
5
O n hear ing th i s L or d Var ad a had no alter na ti v e b ut t o r el u c t
,

ant ly s ay : \Vell w e g r ant you R amanu j a ; t ak e hi m , A nd .

w e bes tow on hi m t he ti tl e Y a t ir aja

N o sooner w as th i s s a i d , .
,

th an al most convu l s i vely G ayahe gr as p ed R amanuj a by the

h and and sai d : Pr oceed S ir e R amanuj a s ai d not a w or d , .

H e fell p r ostr at e be for e L or d Var ad a and s ay i ng T hy w ill ,

b e done he i mm ed ia tel y s tar t ed not e ven c ar i ng t o ente r

, , ,

h i s c loi ste r A s he w ent he mer ely ordere d hi s pu pil s K r e sa

.
,

and D asarathi t o br i ng u p hi s c h ap el i mag e V ara d a R ama -

, .

n uj a th u s follo w e d G ay ak a t o S rir angam K r e s a a fter

es cor ti ng R a manuj a s ome w ay r e t ur ned to K anch i b u t D as a , ,

r ath i acc omp ani e d D asar athi w a s R amauu j a s s i ster s s o n b ut

.

he w as the onl y re l a ti v e w h om b e re ta ined .

Looki ng stea dil y tow ar d s Sr i r angam hi s fu t ure h o me a ,

-

h ome the vest i b u l e of t he E te nal Home w i th j oy b ou ndi ng

,
r

i n h i s h ear t w e nt R amanuj a I n du e t i me t he nor t h b anc h

, .
r

K ll ada m = Co l eroo n) of the K ave ri enci r c ling t he Hol y I s l and

( o ,

o f S i rangam w as
r each ed R amanuj a t a r i e d h er e t o t ak e a
,
r . r

h ol y b th and d ec k hi s b ody w i th the t w el v e ma ks cons ec r a ted

a r ,

by t he Hol y N mes of K sa va a nd so fo t h I n the mean a r .

w hi le ne w s had s p e d t o S r i a ng a m of the ar i v al o f t he Hol y

, r r

P e sonag e M ahapr na and o th e d isc iples of Y emunac hary a

r . r
,

ll [Rdmdya gzm]
 78 TH E LI F E o r ILA M AN U J A . on . XII .

cou r t y ard ca lled

the A pi-y-a ra ng a n - Ti r nmu tta m w a s e nter ed ,
w h er e R amz
t nuj a pres tra te d a ga n a nd w h ee ng r ou n d the i . li
inne idor lov i ng eyes xed o n t he P
r c or r ,
like vi m n r a nava - a
'
a,

( t he go l d -c o vere d c upola o v e the s anc t um s anc to u m ) t h r r ,

e

s h r i ne o f V is hvak sena w a reac h e d w h ere maki ng o b is a nc e s , e ,

he w as no w i n the p r ec i nc ts o f the ce nt ra l Fath er s sh i ne

In ,
r .

th i pl c e w h i ch goes by t he n me of A zhag i ya -mana v il n

s a ,
a i a

ti um ntap a m the L or d R a ng a ( the mov eab l e I mag e c a lle d

r a ,

N mbe u mdl) came for th in a dv nc e t o meet R amanuj a e v e n

a r a ,

as t he L o d i n He a ven l ea v es Hi s T h r one of G l or y t o g o a nd
r

e mb ac e a nd w el come the s ou l s w ho ar e sa ved and a re a i ving

r r

a t t he go l den g a tes o f Hea v en R amauuj a w as thr ill ed w i t h .

j oy . B li s posse ssed hi m H e fe ll do w n ros e fell agai n a nd .

, ,

h el d his h ands u p fell ag ai n and os e thus d i d he re v e ently , ,

r r

p ace up t the Hol y of Holie s w h e e s u pporting h i ms el f a gai ns t

o ,
r

t he ma na t-tn pilla r he s a w the b le ss ed g ur e o f R ang a

-
,

re c li ni ng on Hi s M anta c ou c h } a nd r i vetti ng Hi s ey e s on t he
[ -

Hol y Fig ur e enj oy ed the B les sed v i ion in the manner enj oye d
,
s

by St Ti ru ppnnaz hvar i n hi s A mal n cidippi i n ; and r ec i t ed

.
- a ri

i n a ccents of b lis s the Ti mpp l l dndu of St P er i y a hva

- - - z a
a . r,

a nd the follo w i ng be w i tc h i ng v e s e s of Y amuna cha rya r

B ow to Thee, B ow to Thee, beyond r each of w ord a nd tho u g ht ;

B ow to Thee, B ow to T hee, r eac ha ble by wor d and thoug ht ;
B ow to Thee, B ow to Thee, I n ni te i n R i ches ,

B ow to Thee, B ow to Thee, I n ni te i n M e my .

K now I bli nd to my soul,

not vi r tue, aye,

N or do I love Thy H oly B lessed Feet ;

l V ayless and G oal-less , I , 0 R efug e
all a t
M eekly s eek a nd
f Thy H oly Feet .
5

T he Lor d R ang e was . e nc hant ed w th i th ese out pou r ing s o f

R amanuj a

s h ear t , and w as plea s ed to pl ace on his h ea d Hi s

I b i s m ea ns G od, the cos m c i D ra ma t i s t on t he s tag e o f E te r na l

Ti m e .

For s ymb ol og i cal ex pl a na ti n
o , r ef e r to p . li . and Ii i of ou r Li ves
f A zhrdr s
o .

2
R ead th i s i
Sa nt's Li fe i n o ur Li ves o
f dzhvdr s
. .

a R ead hi s l fe in our Li ves i f A zhvers

o .

4
Stotro-ra tna, ers e v 5
I bid, ve rse 22 ,
on x1 1 . . R AM AN U J A I N S T A LL E D .
79

B l es s e d Fe et w h ic h R amanuj a r eceived i n hu mi lity as t he

,

g re a te s t h o nor and b les s i ng c on ferre d on mort a l ; and s too d a

trans xe d w i th t he th ou gh t tha t f rom th t day o nw ar ds he had a

bec o me one w h os e li fe w as t o b e o lely d dic ate d to th e s er vi ce s e

o f G od A s h e w as th u s r u mi na ting Lo r d R ng a
. P e riy a P e ,
a

r u ma l or L o r d s ta t i ona ry res ti ng n S erp ent S es h a ) s p oke th u s

, o

A ll t he r ic h e s of o u r K i nn m h e re a nd o f O ur U pp e r R e g ions ,

a e g i v en t o t h ee and t o thy fo ll o w er s The t i t l e U d yavar i 2

r , . a s

co nf erre d n t h ee T a ke c h a r g e o f O u r h ou se h o l d he e of w h i c h
o . r ,

W e a pp oi nt t hee guar di n a nd t ru s tee and ma n age al l it s a ffai rs a ,

w i s ely R amanuj a r cei v e d t he mand at e h u mb ly a nd tur ni ng

e

t o M ah a-p ur na s a id Wh a t b l s s i ngs bel ong no t t t h ose w ho e o

h a ve t r us te d A ch ary as like y o u S i re T o my s piritual co n ,

nec t ion w i th
you i s d ue th e x t rao r d i na ry fa vo ur L o d R ang e
, e r .

ha s b es tow e d u p o n m e t h i s day O no b l e p u p i l

P na s a i d . r :

o f mi n e t he prop h ec y f St N mmaz hv a to w h ic h w e w ere

,
o . a r,

keenl y l ooking fo r w ar d has t his day c me to p as s The pro , o .

phecy i s t ha t co nt ai n e d i n hi s v e r se 0 M n le n that K li : e ,
ar a

w i l l oon come to ; a nd th i s i s w i t h re fe re nce t o

" i
s n end a

yours el f P ray t h en nt er on y ur h oly du ties w i th ou t fu r th e r

. e o

th ou ght
R amanuj a ob ey d a nd as s u me d c h a rg e of hi s
. e ,
/

e x a l t e d p os it i on T a king hi s s ea t i n th Ha ll calle d the P eriya

. e ,

Ti mna ndap a m he i ns ti t u ted s e a rc h i ng e nqui i s a s t o w he

r ,
r e

t h er th e w e i ghts a nd m e as ure s u s ed i n the i -bhanda a ( s to re ) r r s

w ere c o rr e c t ; w h e th er the ow e r s er v ice s andal p a s te -

,
-

s er vice foo d s er vi c e li ght e rv ice a nd all u ch s er vic e s

,

,
7-
s ,
s

w er e all d u ly d o ne ; w h e th er t he T e m ple s e r v ants w er e c are fu ll y -

s elec t e d a nd c a re d for ; w h e th e r th e p u b lic w or ks of t h e

Sh rine s nob le s truc t ure s w ere d uly attend e d to w h ether t he

ow er g a rdens a t t a c h e d t o t he T e mpl e w er e pr o p e rl y t e nd d
9 e

a nd c ons e r v e d ; a nd w h e th er t he l a nd pro per t ies

l
a nd o t he r

1
Call ed t he at ha -G o pa .

2 L iter lly a H e w ho has g ot,

me ani ng H e w ho has b e e n g i v
en the

Kin g dom o f G o d, a s hi s p r o p erty .

"

3 T i m -M y-M oz hi . V . 2 .
7 T iru vi l ak k u - .

Ti ru maa i l .
T iru ma di l -tiruppani
- .

9 T i u -v -a nnnda -vana m
5
S at tu -p-padi
.
. r .

A mudu-padi . l y ttu-c chima i

1 T ir u vi a i - .
80 r ue LI FE o r lt A S C-
JA . c u an
.

p t i ni ng to the Te m ple w re w ell l ked ft r A nd th u s

er a e oo a e .

f m day to l v w s R amanuj e ng g d in r s to r ing rd r a nd

ro ( a a a a e e o e

sy s te m i n t he v as t c n r n o f t h T mple H e p ic k e d o ut
o ce s e e .

A It l l N at f a l v a nd m a k ing hi m his d s ip l 1
a ( ti t ed - .
- z i zi , t a s c e, se

hi m ve r t he T mple a s hi a s i ta nt ; a nd a w t
o e t he t ri t s s s s o s c

and p u nc tu l dis h g f l l th
a re m nial dut ie o nnec ted
c ar e o a e ce o s c

w i t h t he da ily fort nig htly m n th ly nd y e rly f s t iv a ls of

, , o a a e

h r ine
.

th e s .

1
H is w i fe is Tr ip ur tidc u
'

,
V ide p
'

. 2009 . V ol . IV . B hug a r ud-r is lm ya m

( l s t T e l ugu E di t io n .
)
c u x . m . K OR E SA J O I N I N G R RM RN U J A .
81

CH A P T E R X I I I .

K e E sn J O I N I N G R M N U JA .

Kureaa hav ing re t ur ne d t o K -nchi

des pa tch e d R amanuj a, .

F ro m h er e he w e n t to his v ill age K i n-a abou t th ree mil es t o ,

t he w es t of K aneh i B e i ng t he lo rd o f th i s v ill ag e a nd very

.

rich h e w as c alle d Kfi r a nat ha or K r esa He w a s as bounteo us

, .

a s r i ch F rom mor n t ill l a te i n t he n i ght th e b li nd l ame

.
, , ,

p oor a nd d is ab le d w ere f re el y s er ved w i th food a nd cl oth i ng .

O ne ni gh t w h e n th e d ay s d u ti es w ere ove r the b ra s s -mad e d oo rs

, ,

o f hi s mans i o n w ere cl os e d v i o le nt l y T h is ma d e s uch a ri ng .

i ng n oi s e th a t i t w as h e a r d a t K anch i L ord V ar a da s Consor t '

L a ks h mi qu e s t i one d H i m a s t o th e c au se o f the no is e T he L or d .

e x pl ai ne d to Her th e g reatnes s of K iIr e Sa Th en I w i s h t o

.

s ee hi m s ai d Sh e K aneh i p urna w as c omma nd e d t o g o and

"
-
.
,

fe tc h him P r na d uly ca me a nd w a s w elc ome d w i th e very w or

.

s h ip due t o s uch a d i s t i ng ui s h e d gu es t P rna t h e n di s cl os e d .

t he obj ec t o f hi s m i s s i on r es u l ti ng fro m th e d eli bera t io ns w h i c h

,

V a ra d a and L ak s h mi h e l d o n h ea r i ng t he crea k ing of his b ra s s

doors Kure $a w as d i s may ed o n h eari ng th i s
. W ha t ! he

.

crie d a s i nner like me a w re tc h a w o r m to a ppe a r s o b ig

,

, , ,

i n th e Lord s E y e C ra w l i ng i ns ec t t h at I a m ! M y d oo rs to

.

c rea te d i s tu rb ance i n G o d s Ho us e ! P ri d e h a mpers sal v at i on

'

h umili ty p a v es th e w ay for i t
S o re ec t i ng Kure s e .
,

fo r me d a r e s ol ution to fo rs a ke al l a nd j oi n R amanuj a a t S r i
r a ng a m H e put his r e s olu t io n i nt o ex ec u t i on a t o nce by
.

a b a ndo ni ng all hi s ric h es h e l d w h i c h h e gav e

1
o u s s a nd a n s
, ,

a w a y in c h ari ty to all t h a t c ame an

d b i dd i ng hi s w i fe A ndal ,

a mma g i v e u p e v ery ar t i c le d ea r t o her w i th o ut reg re t a nd

a c co mp any hi m l e ft K r a ,
.

ret ur ne d to K anch i and recount e d the e xtra

P uma ,

o r d i na ry d ee d s o f s acri c e fo ll o w i ng on repe ntance and t he ,

d ep a rtu re of K resa Lo r d V a ra da w as as to ni sh e d at su c h
,
.

1 Op .
S ll e all t ho u has t a nd g ive t o t he poor a nd f ll
o ow me, and I

w il l gi ve yo u p ea c e [ M a t h 1 9 -2 l .
]
G i v e up all a nd f ll
o ow C hr is t ,
ll
32 TH E LI F E or R AM A N U J A . cu . XIII .

sw i ft p e o i
ra t o n o f Hi s G rac e o n K r eS a s

h ear t , and t ol d hi s
Co ns or t : \V e ll
i h f ul ll ed no w
, yo u h a ve ha d y ou r w s .

K re sa w as now w ell o n hi w y Wi th u t fea he t u d s a . o r r

g ed on T h ey w e e w i fe a nd h u sband th ad i ng th e i r w ay
. r , ,
re

th o ugh t hi c k for es t and nigh t al so fell o v e th e m T he

r a ,
r .

w i fe u nac c u s to med to t a vel i n th i s manner dr ead e d th i e v e s

,
r ,

i n su c h f r s ak en tr ac ts
o nd t u ni ng to he h u s b a n d a sk e d hi m
, a r r

t e mb li ng w h eth e
r th e e w as no fe in s uc h p l ac es
,
r He r ar .

q u i ckly ans w e ed D ea i f th o u h ast s t uff any w h e e h i dd en

r r, r

i n y ou pe s on th e e is fea Fi s h feed on w a ter w o ms

r r ,
r r .
- r .

Fow l s f ed o n l and w o m s D ea th feeds on li fe A nd s o

e - r . .

th ie ves feed o n i h es I s us pec t de th ou h as t some

r c .
, ar ,

t h i ng w i th th e t h ou gh I c omma nd ed th ee t o
e , el i nqu i sh r

al l b eh i nd P do n me lo d s aid A ndal amma I h a ve

. ar ,
r , ,

left all beh ind b ut th inki ng yo u might need a c u p to d r i nk

,

f om o n y ou r l ong j ou ney I sec eted b ut a g old en cu p

r ,
r So , r .

s ayi ng s he u nfo l d ed the v es se l fr o m her c l o th and s h aki ng

, ,

w i th fea h a nd ed i t to her h us b and H e took i t and thr ew i t

r, .

a w ay i nto the j u ng le and s a i d t his w i fe N ow l ady w alk

, o :
, ,

on . T hy fear has been cast o ut T h us d id th is ma tc h l es s pa i .

r

tra vel on and in t ime r eac h S ri r ang am R amanuj a w as j ub i .

l ant at hi ar r i val ; a nd sent ou t hi p u pils to r ec ei ve hi m

s s

w i th e v y ma k of es p ec t and cond uc t hi m t o hi s M t h
er r r , a .

R amanu j a on hi s a pp oac h ose a nd w a mly e nfol d i ng hi m i n

.

,
r r r
, ,

h i s a ms w elc omed hi m to S r i r ng am to h i ms el f and to all t he

r , a , ,

gr ea t w or k th a t j oi ntly th ey w e e desti ned t o a cco mpli s h i n r

t he nea f u tu r e r K e sa th u s fo sook h i s i ch h ome and all at

. r r r

Kur a and m ad e S r i r ang am h enc e for th his p e manent r es i d enc e

, r
,

s ub s i st i n g h e e by a l ms Th u s d id a g eat a nd most i mp or t
r . . r

a nt p e s onag e fo the li fe w ork of R amanu a j oi n hi m

r r
j We -
, .

shall l ea v e hi m fo a t i me and se e how far ed G o v i nd a a t

r

K al ahas ti .
on X I V. . G O V I N DA S C O N V E R SIO N . 83

CH A PT E R X I V .

G OV IN D A
S C O N V E R SI ON .

is h na v a had been de s p a tc h ed i t w ill b e e me mb er

A $ r i va ,
I s

e d to Si i s a il a P r na
,
'
-
Ti r u mal ai N amb i) to del iber a te O n
-
,

t he mode o f rec l ai m i ng G o v i nd a w ho had acc i denta ll beco

y ,

a S ai v a a nd ha d b n mad e t he di r ec t or o f t he K a a has ti
,
l ee

T e mple The m essenger s r e tu ned w i th a j oy f u l u nte na nc e

.
r co

t o R amanuj a B efo e th ey b ok e the ti d i ng s R amanuj s aw

. r r ,
a

by hi s face th er e s uc cess and b ad e hi m reco un t w h a t

w as ,

had ta ken pl a c e H e b eg an th u s Hol y S i re w i th you r

.
,

h ol y le a v e I r each ed Tir u p at i i n du e t i me a nd maki ng o b ei

, ,

s a nc e t o P r na c on vey e d t o him the i nt elli g enc e

, y ou ha d
e nt r u s te d me w i th P r na w as re j oi ced to nd th a t w h a t he
.

h i ms el f ha d co nte mpl ated do i ng w i th r eg ar d t o G ov i nd a w as ,

R am anuj a s w i s h as w ell a nd th a t his ow n i nte nti on w as th er e

,

by s w eetened So s ay i ng he i mmed ia tely star te d w i th a k no t

.
,

o f fo ll o w er s i nc l u di ng mys el f W e reach ed K alahasti and

, .
,

P r na s ea te d h i ms e l f und er a t r ee nea t he Tem pl e pond r - .

U ll ang ai K ona r auda N ay a nar

- G ov i nd a) c a me th er e w i th
-

v e ss e l s to t he p ond i n or d er to carry w a ter for the a blu tio n

c e r e mo ny o f S i v a al l t he t i me c h ant ing s o ngs o f Hi s p r a i s e
,
.

P rn a sa i d : t at fr u i t w i ll you g et by cold-bat hing the Kom a i '

G ov i nd a h ear d th i s looked u p i n P r na s fac e

decked Thi ng 7 .
, ,

s mil ed a nd w en t hi s w a T hi s w ill do for onc e Le t G od

y . .

w or k u p on h i s h ear t P r na e x c l ai med to h i ms el f and r e t ur n

, ,

i ng to l ir u pati atte nded to hi s u s ua l stu d i e s a nd teac h i ngs

'
.
,

S r i -s ail a-P r na now mad e anoth er vent u r e H e w e nt t o .

the s a me t ree a nd p ond as be fore i n Kalahast i N ayanar .

( = G o v i nd a ) w a s co m i ng a s u s u a l w i th v e ss el s to fe t c h w a ter .

P r na th o u gh t he w o u l d tr y a pl an e v en like t he pla ns of G od ,

w ho w or k s w i th ou t be i ng s een and i s un k no w n by men a s the ,

Planner To t he w or ld G od s ee ms a s i f s l eepi ng b ut H e i s al l
. , ,

w a ke fu l S o reas oni ng w i th i n h i ms el f P r na w rote h i s G ur u

. ,

Y amu na s ver s e

T hi s w as t he na m e he b ore as a Sa i va. It mea ns he w ho found

t he l i ng o; i n hi s p al m . See C h pt a er VI .

3
M ea n i ng iva w ho i s fond of boun d -now er e .
84 TH E LI F E or R AM A N U J A . cu . X IV .

S v i bhdvi kdna r ad hi k & c

r
,
.
[S ee p .

on a pie ce of p a l m -leaf , a nd a llo w ed i t to l ie i n the p th a of

Naya n w ho of c ou s w s u n w a of the d s ig n H e c a m
r, r e a a re e . . e.

T he pi c e es te d h is s i ght
e H e too k i t fo c u i s i t y r ead i t
ar r . r r o ,

b u t th ew i t a w ay a nd w e nt o n hi e
r nd B ut as he w as s rr a .

re t u ning w i t h his p o ts f ull he fel t a n i mp ul se t pic k u p t he

r ,
o

piec e g ain and ead the c o ntent o nce mo e d eli be atel y H e

a ,
r s r r .

did so and looke d ou nd T h e e w e w er e s ea te d u nd e t he t e r . r r r e,

H e c a me near a nd s ai d T h w ail ha s t u ne d i nto v e s e

: e r r ,

s i d Va l m ik i a nd li k e hi m r e ec t i ng o v e hi
a ,
p o nta neo us u tt r s s er

ance I h a v e b e n
, eec ti ng o v e the me a ni ng o f th i
e r c h a nce r s

fo u nd st ip Di d y o u s i e th o w i t I s t h i s y u p o p e t y
r .
, r , r o r r r

add e s s i ng
r P na O n th i s the fol l w i ng r o nv e s a t i on
. o c r

e ns u e d
Hav e yo u l os t y ou pr o per t v
N ciya mir :
2

P i na We c nn t l s e o u p o pe ty
r : a o o r r r . O th e r s on ly los e
th ei s ( me ni ng w e c annot lo e ou r G d
r a ,
s o . Y ou h a ve l os t o ur

G od ) .

N . Ne ve r m i nd tha t . H ow i t yo u a e al l
is r a s se m bl e d in
o ne body yo u are all belongi ng t o o ne c u l t ,
a nd s e e m to
pu p ec ulia p ath)
rs u e a r .

P W ell w e h a v e been b ou ght t oge th e as v a io u s w ay s

.
,
r r, r

m et he ee t he P th t o G od w
r a e pu u i ng i s t he O ne a e r rs

P ath i nto w h ic h ll o th er p a th s i s s ue ) a .

N B u t i t h e e a P a t h for t ho s e w ho s t a nd a l o o f lik e
. s r

you ? al o f nes i s ol a t i n K ly i s t he s t t e o f
'

-
o o s r o or a cr a a. a

sou l w h i c h o n t h
s o ne h nd h v e c h w e l m a te i a l fe tte r s
e a a e s e r r
,

b ut n t he th
o h nd h a v e not ecog ni d G od T h i s i s o l a
o er a r ze .

t ion i s w h a t i n mod n d y s c alled t he -E oni su spen ion o f er a

c s

sou l s equ i v alen t t o e te na l d mnati on )

, r a .

W m mrra :
[Rdm ya na II . i . e .
,
V al mi k i utte re d a c ry
o it fd s re s s w he n he s aw a fo w l e r k ll ng i i an i nno c e nt c ur l e w b u t val
m ik i t o hi s s ur pi r se fo u nd he ha d u tte r ed a v e r se .

9
T he w hol e c o n ve r s a t o n i has T a mli w d h i ng d ubl
or s av o e m ea n i ng s .

We ha V e tr i ed to ma k e i t as c le a r a s p ibl by p nth ti
o ss e a re e c al ex pl a na
t i o ns .
86 TH E LI FE or ni ni nuu . o n xw . .

P . E xac tly
And tha t is the r e as o n w hy you s h ould
.

f ully inq ui re d ive i nto the very de p ths o f kno w ledge as to w h a t

,

is t he H i ghes t T r ut h i n t he U ni ve r s e ; and di vi ng b r i ng up ,

the P ear l o f t r u th fr om a l l the m u d a nd ooze ( i s nd ou t , ,

N ar aya na f ro m al l the ta ngle d s ke i n o f t he V ed as ) .

N . N ayanar thus w as du mb-fo u nded H e s imply n odd ed .

his h ead , s ca nn ing P um a a ll t he w hile f r o m t o p to toe, a nd w e nt

hi s w ay w i th c ea r s igns l o f se r i o us thought i n his hear t v i s ibl e
i n his cou nte n ance .

thought t hus : Y es his hear t has no w qu ic k

P um a no w ,

the res t is G od s o w n w or k I con s ign the t ro ubled

e n ed ,
.

so ul ther e t o H im S o s a y i ng he r e t ur ne d to t he Hol y H ill

.

( T ir umal ai
T h u s did t he S ri vaishna va na r r a te to R amanuj a the r e
s ul t o f hi s m i ss ion to r ec l a i m G o v i nda to V ai s hna v i s m R ama .

unj a on h ear i ng t his w e nt i nto a ra i oxys m o f j oy and t ur n i ng

-
, ,

t o D asar at hi and o th er di sc i pl e s s aid Look how our gr ea t , ,

G ur u Y amun a s Ho ly vo ic e has fo u nd its entr y i nto G ovi nda s

h ear t ; a nd b ow G ov i nd a p l ay ed a b ur les que a nd s p oke to o ur

Sr i -sail a-P rna thereo n i n s ar c as tic qu i bb les A nd s ee how .

o ur P u rna re to r t ed to G o v i n da i n t he s ame c l ever s ar c as t ic

s ty le Be ing w ell versed i n S as t r ic l ore s ee ho w G o v i nda

.
,

ac k no w le dg ed P rna s s i gn ic a n t s ar c as ms a nd allo w e d hi m

s el f to b e beaten i nto s i le n c e W ha t a p olemica l v ic tor y .

A nd hear me no w ex pou nd t o yo u t he mea n i ng of th eir c y p h er

re p ar te e I s i mpl y c ite a n u m ber of au thori ti es bearing on the
.

q ues tio n .
"

(1) T h ere ar e t w o thi ngs Ks ha m and A ksha ra Ks har a .

i s al l t his b ei ng ; A ks ha r a is l ib era te d so ul s And dilI er e nt fr om .

t hese i s P mm hotta ma My s e l f t he P er s o n pa r excel lenc doc

.
, ,
e
.

[B hag a vad -G i tai, X V . 1 6 to

1
R eaders are i nvi ted to t he pe r us a l of B hug a u l r i s lw ya m . V ol . IV
or Ti r u-vy- moz hi ( ) nm m-t r um
. .

I
W [ S dtr ata -S a mhl i d]
-

8
The reader mus t b e s at i s e d w i t h r ea ding t he c ita io ns t me re ly .

T hi s is no place for expa ns io n t here o f .

CH . XIV . G OV I N D A 'S C O N V E R SI ON . 87

( 2) H ( Vi s h nu ) of the I mmo r t al s a nd

e is t he rs t ,

P r io r to t h em
(3 )

T he S o ul of t h os e w ho w alk i
v r t ue s

p a th

[N dr adi ya ] .

( 4) H e i s t he D oor to S l va tion
a 7P r aba ndha ] .

( 5) H ar d ly o ne k no w s M e tr uly [G i tan V II
m T h i ne , T h ou V

(6 ) 1 a and ar t mi ne . M oz h i ,

1 1 -9

( 7) H e mus t b e l
c as s ed w it h beas ts w ho has no k no w
ledge (o i [ H itopades a ]
(8) H o w e ls e w ill th ey S p end t h eir t i me ( if no t by

,

t hi nk in g o f Vi s h n u) [P er iya ti r u v-a ndddi v

- -
,

( 9 ) T h os e w h o w ear ve r ti c al mar k s on t h ei r for eh eads ,

& c ar e V a i s h av s
.
,
n a
3
[S r i
( 10) S pr i nkle the H ly
o D us t of the fee t of g odly men

[ T-p
a y
-M oz hi I V 6,
.

vert c a mar ks
92 3
(l l ) A ll tw i h
ce- o r n s ha ll w ear i l
Y a n a -va l/
I: j y y ]
r a

( 1 2) Vedas ar e the s o u rc e o f aut h or i ty [M a nm 11

( 1 3) S al , 0 S a umya , w as i n the begi nni ng [A ita re ya

U p: V I Q]- .

( 14) : i t ma S a u mya , ,
w as i n t he begi nni ng [A i ta reya
U p : L I] .

1
m mi mqfig m

ga e a aa m : l

= m a ra mawm= W s f- at: I
 88 T uE L I FE or R A M AN U J A . on .

( 15) B ra h man O S au mya , ,

w as i n t he b eg inni ng [ V aj a
1
s a ne y a : I II -4] .

A nd if it b e as k ed w ho is the S a t, t he i
A t ma , t he
B ra hma n .

2
I ndeed i t i s the N a m y a na [ M ahO pa nh
A A

( 16 ) ,
one

s h at :

( l 7) ( Nar ayana or ) Vi s hnu i s t he hi g es t h G od ; a nd

A g ni is the l o w es t A . ll ot he gods
r
g o e t w ee n

b [A zta r cya
'

B rti hma n a, I -l -l ] .

( 18 ) Pr anava is the b o w A tm a i s
T he , t he ar r o w , a nd

B r a hman i s the T arg e t T he w is e m a n s h a ll . hit the T a r ge t

and b ec ome lled w i t h I t

[ M un d z U p : II
( l 4) Fr om N a ay anr B rah m a
a is bo r n, fr om N a ay ana
r

( S i va )
5
i s R udr a b or n [N araya gt a U p ] .

A nd S mr it is ,
P ur ana s . a nd I ti hasas su pp or t t h ese au t ho

ri ties , f B ha g a va d G i ta , X -2 , X I -3 7 , I X -I O ; M S m tz

or s ee a nu -

I -8 , X I I -13 2 ; Vi s hnu -P a r a na I ,
1 -3 2, I ,
2-20, IV , 1 -3 9 , I ,
22 -6 4
and 78 , VI
, 4 10 ; M a hd-B
har a ta, S ci nti -M oks ha , 1 6 8 -78 a nd
- -

79 1 6 9 -1 9, 3 0 a nd 3 1, U dyog a, 6 7, a nd H a ri r a ms a , 3 2 , 223 -3 9 ,
2 79 -47 , & c .
,
&c .

W
J i l m WW 34TSE IE I

5
W W I W EEW

N ote F
ro m (3 ) t o i t may por ta nt t o u s t ha n the g r ea t es t c o n
b e ob s e rved ho w t he c o nc e pt i on o f q ue s t s o f t he Ki ng s o f E g ypt or
G o d e volved fr o m t he t e r m Sat up B ab ylon N ot o n e of o ur g r ea tes t
.

to N dr dya gm I f ou r reader s a r e e xp lor er s ha s u ne ar t he d w i h

.

t hi s
e ty mol o g i s t s , t hey w il l at o nc e nu s pade or pi c k a xe mor e s pl e ndi d
-

de r s tand t he s pl e ndid dis co very of pala c e s a nd te mpl es , w he t he r i n

R amanu j a i n t he i ntr ic ate w i ndi ng s E g ypt or i n B ab y lon, t han t he e t
y
o f t he V eda s Says M a x M ull er
. mol og is t E ver y w ord i s t he ala c e
p
.

E ver y n ew w ork w as a dis c ove ry , of hu man thou ht

a
g [ P 17 ,
I
.

I
.

and t hes e ear l y di s cover ies , i f b ut V ol .

, Tr a ns o f t he N i nth nte r na
properl y unde r s t o od, are more im t io nal C o ng res s o f O ri e ntalis t s
] .
CH . X IV . G OV IN D A S C ON V E R S ION .
89

W h en th er efor e Sr i -s ail a P rna ans w er ed N ayanar i n hi s

o w n r i ddl es he w as c onvi nc ed i nas much as he w as w e ll v er sed
,
-

i n S as tr as A nd P r na feeli ng s u r e t h at N ay a uar w as w ell o n

.

t he w ay t o w ards c onver s ion r et ur ned t o Ti r umal ai H ow

, .

c l e ver o f P rna ! So say i ng R amannj a c ong r a t ul ated t he Sr i

,

Va i s hna va w ho ha d r et ur ned . A nd w h a t ne x t as k e d he .

Si r e,

cont inu ed t he Va is h nava ,

l is te n t o t he r es u l ts
of the t h i d
lly o f P r na
r sa H e made o b e is ance t o L o r d
.

S r i ni vas a o f Ti r u p at i and enter ed the p in-li ens of K alahas ti

a n d c a m p i ng t h er e in a to p e s p e nt hi s t i m e i n t eac hi n g hi s
,

dis c i ple s t he com mentar ies on Ti w w dy-m oz hz ( al e B hag ava d

'

, .

N ay anar came t hat w ay and g ot u p a t r u mp et

o w e r t r ee (p ddi r i to cull o w er s for S iv a s w or s h ip ) P r na
.

h ad t a k en u p Ti nnan-vigi a or C ent : II D ec 2 of St N am , . .

maz hvar s Ti r u v ay -moz h i for comment ; a nd as he w ent o n

-
,

r ec i t i ng and ex pla i ni ng N ay anar a t tenti vely p ur sued the dis

,

c o ur s e . P r na c ame to the four th ver s e t h er e of w h i ch ended ,

w ith E xcep t the One G od ( Kr i shna) w hi c h othe r deser ves ,

O n h ear i ng t h i s N aya n r j ump e d do w n

ors h
o e o
w r r w ip
7 .
,

the t r ee a t o nc e ung a w ay hi s ow er -re t ic u le t or e a w ay the

, ,

r udr dks ha beads he w as w ear ing a nd fell at the f eet of P ar na , ,

over c o me w i t h e mot i on a nd exc l ai med ,

N o no no one el s e ,

can de se r v e H o ly S i re ! I a m a n i g nor a m u s and a p os tate

.
,

a nd a m u nc l ean a nd w all ow i ng i n t he m i r e o f w o d
rl l i ne ss

.

S ave me s a ve me A l as t h at w he n G od of the t w o U ni ver s es

,
.
,

( N ar ayana) has b ee n I p rofes s ed feal ty t o the N ude deit y of

,

the D i s h e velled H a i r ( S iva) w h en w e h a ve had t he L ove

b eami ng Lo tus -E y ed I pl ac ed my affect io ns on

Fi r e vo mi tt ing U g ly-E y ed ( S iva )
- w he n w e have had
_

K r is h na the sea-a nd-l and S w allow er w or s h ipp ed the P o i

, ,

s o n-dar k -nec ked ( S iva ) ; w h e n w e h ave ha d t he Ka lp aka

t ree w h i c h had s a ve d t he h er ds and h er ds me n f r om I ndr a s

b ail a nd s t o r m ( K r is h na) I h on o r e d t he ,
D ea d -sk ull -h a nded

( S i v a) w h e n w e h av e had t he S r i b r eas ted ( V i s h n

- u ) I b o w ed ,

The b er ri es of U socarpus G a n itr us , s acr ed t o Si va .

man: summit I m W
C

ne w
x

an tras
K
u
A
:

[N dradi ym]
l2
 I FE or R AM AN U J A c u xrv
TH E L
.

90
.
.

to t he B e gg ar ( S i va) w h en w e h a v e h ad t he g l or iou s S ilk

bj
i

l t t h T i e r s ki n -
ma nt led ( Vis h nu ) I t g
e
w as a n a ec ve o s a
,

m a nt led ( S i va ) w h e n w e h a v e h a d t h e G ang a toed

-

I c irc um m ab ul a ted the G lker ( S ivaY w hen w e

r av e-ya r d s t a
-

g t T l i
I o rte d t o t he
ha ve ha d the
.
G od o f t h e f r a ra n u as re s ,

a nd w as t ed m y s t reng th by p o u i g p il
r n a s

B i l e( il
'

f nl of w a t er t h e v i l e ha ll u s S o w e n t o n N dy a nar
o ve r p ,

lly i g i h gh t h w h l g a mu t o f t he
no w r ea G ov nda o n g
,
t r o u e o e

Vi s hn u- S i va legends and ve ry co ntr it e at h ea rt for hi s va g

ppl d P t h i l l s t i n t he w i l ds o f
r ancy s u ,
ic a t e r n a o sa v e s so u o ,

l
fa s e f a i t hs G o vi nd a th us .
l a
y p r o s t r ate P r na look e d a t .

i pl d i g R p ent n h w as h ed thi s s o u l
hsi di s c e s a n s ay n : e a ce as

c l ean and A l avandar w ill no w ac ce p t t he p urged h e l ifted
art ,
,

hi m u p w i th lovi ng h a nds p a tte d him on the bac k an d dis

'

c ou r s e d to hi m i n soo th i ng to nes dr i nki ng G ovi nda as i t

, ,

w e r e w i th his gr ac io us eyes and hugg i ng him a s it w ere to

, ,

hi s he ar t .
3

i dents o f K ala has ti came to know o f N ay a

T he S i vite r es

n ar s re mor se r e c a nt atio n a nd r ede mp ti on a nd h e mm i ng ro u nd

P r na r emons t r a ted w ith hi m t hus :

,
H ow c a ns t th ou
en t i c e S i r o ur N ay a nar b y m e s meri z ing hi m w i t h c h a r m
, , ,

W hy do ye as k me ? r etor ted P r na

there i s ,

you r N aya nar ; as k hi m . Kn o w , o ur w ays are h idden to yen ,

and w e never T hen t hey t ur ned t o

s w er ve to ot her s

w ays .

N aya nar and sei zi g his h a n d C o mo s ai d th ey G o vi nda

n , , , .

s w i ft l y s na tc h ed his h and a w ay fr o m th ei r c lut ch a nd s a i d in

ang er H ow dare ye p o ll ut e my h a nd w i th you r touc h ?

H ere t ak e aw ay the templ e k ey s the Sig net -r i ng a nd o t h er

,
-
,

ar t ic le s o f
your c u l t and creed M y connec ti on w it h you .

1
T he ba s il s acr ed t o V is hn u (read p . l vii . o f o ur Li res : z i hrar s .
)
2
E g le M ar
- mel os , l eave s o f sac re d to Si va .

ll [B rahma J
ur J
A mman-pods:i n Tami l, a ma g i c -dus t s upposed to pos ses s the pro

p ert
y j
o f s ub ug at i ng another s

w ill t o o ne s ow n.

CH . XI V . G O V I N D A
S CO N V E R S I O N . 91

ha s f ro m this mo ment c eased ; a nd I ha ve nothing mor e to do

'

w i t h yo u I am e nt ir ely r id no w o f o ld s hac kl es
.

S o s ay i ng .
,

he s u i te d ac ti o n to w or d by c l a pp i ng hi s ha nd s 1 a nd t ur ne d
, ,

hi s fa ce a w a y fr o m th e m T hus bea te n they s a i d t o P r na

.
,

S ir e w e had k no w n a l l t his y e s terd a y a nd ye t w e thou ght

,

w e w o u l d g o t o yo u a n d m a k e a s t a n d and t ry t o f o rc e o r
p ers u a de N ay a nar hac k t o u s b u t i t i s ho p eles s w e nd Hea r , , .
,

ho w e v e r t he d re a m w hi c h w e had
,
O u r G o d o f K ala ha s ti .

( S iv a ) a pp ear e d t o u s and s p ake thus L is te n my fai thf ul ! ,

I n the old d ay s t he V ed a s a nd S as tr a s s u ffer ed a t t he ha n ds o f

,

t he P as ha n dins B au ddb as and Char v zLk as ,

Th ey w er e r es tor ed

by t he thr ee s ta ff ed S a nyas in D at tat reya Ag ai n now as of

-
,
.
,

o l d t he V e da s ha v e s ulf er ed by he r e t ic a l
,
va ndal i s m T o r e .

es t a b l i s h t he m t he c e l es t i a l s V i s hv a k s e n a An a nt a a nd V ai n a
, ,

t ey a ha ve b ec o me i nca r na te on e ar t h u n der t he n ames o f ,

Y amu n a R amanu j a a nd G ov i n da
,
T o he l p t he m t he D i v i n e .
,

Sy m bol s o f V is hnu the C on c h a nd the D is c us ha v e a pp ear e d

a s D as ar at hi a nd K r Sa r es p ec t i ve l y S o t he V e di c V a i shna
,
.
,

v i s m w hic h i s g oi ng t o r e v iv e u n der t hes e Ma s t er s i s a s y s t e m

w hic h i s a fter my o w n hear t G ovi n da ha d e nter ta i n ed a .

w i s h o n c e fo r l i v i ng i n K i wi ; a nd thi s des i r e I f u l l l e d by
a pp e ar i ng a s t he li ng a in hi s p al m a nd g i v i ng hi m thu s a ,

c ha p te r of S a i v i s m ; s o tha t he m a y b e i n a p o s i t io n t o s ho w

a nd p r o v e to o the r s t he c o m p a r a t i v e mer i t s o f t he t w o s y s

te ms w hic h c an be s t b e do ne o nl y a fte r p er s on a l ex p er ie nce

,
.

V a i s hna v as a r e a f r ee p eo pl e I nter f er e n o t Le t t he m a l o n e

. . .

S uc h w a s o u r dr ea m t he S ai vas r e p r e s e nted a nd s o S ir s
,

, , ,

P r na s pl a ns w er e thu s w o r k ed

o u a r e f r ee a nd w e r e t u r n
y
.
,

ou t . H e t oo k G o v i nda t o hi s home a t T i r u p a ti a nd has ha d , ,

a s e x p i a to r y t he to n s u r e & c ,
p er for med a s a l so the ve-fo ld
,
.
,

S ac r a me nts 2 o f t he V a i s hna va s ou t he s hore s o f the Hol y

P o nd c all e d t he S v ami P u s hk ar i n i a dmi n i s ter ed

,
-
After thi s
.

t he Hol y T e achi ngs c o nt ai ne d i n t he P r a b a ndha s o f t he S ai nts

A z hv ar s ) w er e d u ly i m p ar ted a nd t he F i ve Fu nd a men ta l
( ,

1 T hi s m ea ns w as hing o ne s

hand s o .

m g usg mm W
x aqa mII [Kdy g upa -Sumhit
92 TH E LI F E or R AM AN U J A . cs . X IV .

Tr u ths of r e ligio n w ere

pla in ed to hi m th u m aki ng G o vi nda
ex , s

a n a ll round V ai shn av a for e v a nge l i s tic w o k w i t h R amanu a

-
j r .

G o v in da looked u p on P urna his M a s te r as G od Hi ms el f ,He , .

k n ew o f no o the G od exce p t his S av iou P na to w h o m he

r r, r ,

w as a ser vitor i n thought s p eec h and de ed e ve n as L a k s h

, , ,

ma n a w as to R amac handr a .

And I M as ter remai ned

, , w i th th em so long enj oy i ng the ir
,

c o m p a ny as w el l a s s t ud ies T hu s l

. r e at e d t he V ai s hna v a to
R amanuj a .

On h eari ng t his R amanuj a r a p t ur o us ly e yed t he Sr i va is h

,

h a m a nd u tter e d b le s s ings The r s t s uc c e s s fu l e vangeli s t ic

.

w or k o f R amuuj a had thu s b ee n a c c o mpl is hed by t he r eco v er y ,

o f G o v i nd a f r o m hi s ap os t asy .

1
The A rtha -pu c ha ka , or the na t u re of ( 1) G o d, ( 2) Soul, ( 3) G oa l

(4) M ea ns , (5) Si n . A s e para e t t r ea t i s e on t hi s tapi c co m pr i se s o ne of

t he e ig htee n My s te r y J 3ook s of Sag e P i llai L ok ac har ya .

W o ws W u [ Rdmd z
Th o u s hal t w it h t hy V idehan s pous e,
R e c l ine u pon t he mou ntai n s
b row s

B e m i ne t he toi l ,
b e m i ne t o k ee p
Wa t c h o
er t he e, w alk ing or as l e e p .

[G r i itln]
94 TH E L I FE or R AM AN U J A . on xv . .

fee t T ir u-k -k ottiyr N ambi ( = G oshfhi P ii rna) w ho w as

of -
,

a n i nti ma te d is c i pl e of Y amu n a .

R amanuj a took l ea v e nd p roceed ed t o l ir u k k ottiy r

'
a - -

( nea P uduk b ta ) ;
r nd o n a i vi ng th er e as ke d the p e s b y
a ,
rr as s r -

w h re G es hthi P n
e a w as li v ing -
T h e i n th a t poo l o w
r . er , r

hu t s ai d they p oint ing R manuj a fell on his k nees a nd a l l

a
.
, , ,

t he w ay f ro m w here he s too d u p t o t he hu t he w e nt p os t a t e ,
r r .

On ly those k ne w Nambi w ell w ho k ne w ho w not to s ee d efec ts ,

i n th ir Mas te s b ut on ly s a w p er fec tio ns and th es e t o e xag

e r , ,

ger a tio n R amanuj a app oac h d Namb i a nd fa ll i ng a t his

.

r e

feet pr ay T eac h me Ho ly S ir e a ll th ec ond i te doc tr i nes , , e r

of o u F a th I m e hu b f
i r t h m l . t o f M al p um a
a a -
I n or der to e ee

i .

tes t t h s trength of R amauuj a p o fes s ion s G os hthi P na s a id

e

r ,
o
r

i n an c it hand ma nner - W ha t ha ve I to t l l a nd to w hom e ,

a nd g v e hi m no co un te na nce
a R amanuj a ne v er s po ke a no ther .

w o rd e i the r of s upplica t io n o
, o f re p ro ac h ; b ut s i mpl y p o s r r

tra te d hi ms el f and e tu r ned t K oil r

-
o

G P ur n a had to v is i t S r i a ng am for t he s ea son s fes t i v i

. r

t ies c o nnec ted w i th tha t Holy P ne H e c ame a nd p aid homa ge a .

t o t he Lo r d Ranga w ho w as p lea s ed t o d o w e hi m w i th a ll
, r

he nor s a nd comma nded throug h the of c ia t i ng p r ies t

, , In ,

s t uc t ou r R amanuj
r i n al l t he oc c u l t lor e of t he Fa i t h
a B ut .
,

0 G l o i ous G o d !
. r s ai d G P na I t i s T ho u w ho has t . r ,

r ule d T ll not th W ho ha ve n t been

: e
pp ntice d at lea t f r a
os e o a re s o .

yea r R eveal not hi g h tr uths to the sw i t -s ei i ous , nmml u ti u l

f
.

,
w ho lo ve me not, g o 5 S o tha t i f I have t o c ar r y o u t t he
.

s r ic t
t .
le tter of Thy l a w , I mu s t wa it and t ry T hy R ani an uj a .

1
S ee H ie rarchic T bl a e, N o 24 i n
. o ur Li ves of A z hvars .

3
Thi s a tti ude o f t mi nd t ow ar ds a t he s e t hi ng s p re ar e
p t he so ul to
T e a c her c ons t i ut e s t
di s c iple ; a real r e cog nis e his G u r u w he n he u
p
a nd o nl y t he n i s his s uc ces s ful p ea rs M a ny a o ne mi s s e s his
.

s pi r i t ual ca re er a ss ur ed

The . t ea c her b
y t he me ntal ha it of b
g l ad a nd cor dial r ec og ni tion of e x xi ng t he a t t e nt i o n on le mi s hes b
c o ll o n c e,
"
says A B esa ut , w he r
. ra t her t ha n o n ea u t i es b y s ee i ng b
e ver f o und, t he c hec k i ng of t he o nly the s un-s po ts a r d no t t he i
cr i ti cal a nd ca r ping s pi r i t tha t S u n [ l a l ue of B er etta
.
'

p 26 3 f
xes o n defec ts and i g nore s vir tues , T he os : R evie w V ol X X V I . .
. .

]
.

T hi
.

3
s i s t he I ndian idi om for a tr ue di s c ip1s
Let 0 1' r ead er s
be
.

co me a cc us tomed to it .

m [B IL c t X VIII
.
on xv . . R RM AN U J A A N D MA NTR A . 95

N ot s o i n his c a s e,

an s w er ed Ra nga ,
as he i s f ully q ual i
ed ac c or d i ng t o t he r e u i r e m e nt s o f t he te x t
q
.

B ody, w ea l th, mi nd, life i ts elf belong to the G ,

ur u ,

c .
,
I
a nd

t her efo r e he m ay b e i n s t r u c t ed .

C om e to my p l ace ,
"
s a id G . P r na to R am nuj a . an d le ft
S r i ra ng a m . R am anu j a w e nt all t he w ay , as di r e c t ed, t o T K ott i
.

y ii r a g a i n

n he w e nt the re ; N ot this ti me ; c a n yo u g o
. B ut w he

no w and c om e a g a i n to ld P r na R am anu j a n e v er tho u ght o f .

a p r o te s t a nd n e v e r f el t i rr i t a t e d b ut s i mp l y o b ey e d t he co m
, ,

m a nd a nd r et ur n ed to S r i r a ng a m
,
E i ght ee n t i m es 2 thu s it i s .
, ,

c hr o n i cl e d did R am anuj a j o ur n ey to l K Ofti y r a nd r e t ur n

'
.
, ,

ea c h t i me b e i ng to l d t he s a me thi ng G P r na had a t t he . .

s a m e t ime n o o t her i dea e x c e p t t ha t o f t es ti ng R amanu a s

j
fa i t h a nd z ea l a nd t es ti ng hi m t hro ugh an or deal o f no vi t iate
,

p r o ba tio n to s ee if hi s s p ir i t w as s tr ong a nd c a p able o f o ver

,

c o mi ng p as s io n s o f the mi nd H ad his w i ll been w ea k he .

,

w o ul d l o ng a g o ha ve gi v e n u p hi s e n dea vor a s u n w o r thy o f

o f p ur s u i t H a d he s u cc u m b ed u nde r the w e ig ht of dis a p

.

p oi nt me nt and c hag r ine t ha t w o ul d ha ve pr o ved hi m an nu ,

w or t hy d is c i pl e t o w ho m i t w o ul d ha v e bee n u s e l ess to r e v ea l
,

occ u l t t r u ths S uch w er e P r na s t ho ughts And o n the o ther

. .

ha n d R amanuj i s t e na c i t v o f p ur p os e w a s r a i s ing him e v er y

z
,

ti m e i n P r na s es t i ma t io n W he n he r et u r n ed t o S ri r a nga m
'

fo r the e i gh tee nt h t i me ho w e v e r he f e l t s o me w ha t a nd w as
, .
,

mo ved t o t ea r s a t t he f u tili t y o f his r e p eated e ff o r ts a nd w a s ,

fo u nd d eepl y r e v o l vi ng i n h is m i n d a s t o w ha t he s ho u ld do ,

n ex t ; w he n a dis c i p le o f G P r na c ha nc ed to c ome f ro m T

. .

K oftiy r a nd c a m e o n a v i s i t t o R am anuj a
,
R aman u a b id
j .
,

d i ng hi m b e s ea ted a nd a f te r p r el imina r ies w e r e o ver p ou r e d

, ,

be fore hi m hi s b i tt er g r ie va nc es a nd c o ns ul te d hi m as to how ,

he s hou l d ma k e hi ms el f w o r thy And he n is hed t he c o n s ul t a .

tio n by s ay i ng I s no t G o d pl edge d to s a v e us f ro m e v il ,

a nd g r a nt u s b l i s s

9 E ve n s o a r e G o d s r ege nt s o n ear th
. H ow .

a m I t o b ec o me w o r thy i f by t he w or thy my u n w or thi n es s i s

, ,

no t e aced a n d u n l e s s t he b e n e fa c t or g i v es ho w i s the r ecei ver

'

W hat g E
-
mm a : ll [s atva sa -s a mhua ]
2
S ee M un mhs h uppa di , I nt r o t o Cha r a ma -S l oka .
 T H E LI FE or R A M AN U J A

96 . on xv . .

to b e b lesse d The d isc ipl e r e t u r n e d t o K b ttiyii r and to ld

'

hi s mas ter ho w R amanuj a w as p i ni ng for k now le dge H as

b e s uc h kee n a pp et ite ? T he n I m us t a t o nc e fe e d hi m A .

moment s delay more on my p a r t b r i ngs si n L et R am anuj a

.

c o me t o me al on e w i t h hi s s ta if a n p nant So d i d G P r na
1
d e n . .

e x c l a i m ; a nd b ad e t he s a me di s c i p l e g o f or th at on ce a nd b r i ng

R amanuj a t o hi m S w iftly c ame he a nd p r os tr ati ng him s e l f

.
,

be for e R amau uj a begged o f him to p r oceed H e s t ar te d .

i m medi a tel y t ak i ng hi s t w o i nt i ma te d i sc i pl es w i th hi m
, ,

K ur s a a nd D z arathi ; a nd fe ll a t P il r na s fee t

T he s e
.

i n s tea d o f thy sel f a l o ne a s I had c omma nded ! e x c l a i med

,

P ut na i r ate Holy S ir e ! ex pl a i ne d R amanuj a

. co me ,

w i t h s taff and p enn ant

S o I ha v e c om e

w as t hy or der . .

S t a a nd p e nn ant l w h ic h i s t hy s ta w hic h i s thy p e nn a nt

, ,

as k e d P r na S i re D aSar a t hi is my s taff K r s a i s my
, ,

p ennant I a m n v . e e r w i th o u t t he m n or t ey w i thou t me
h

, .

P r na s ir r ita t ion v an is hed a nd he w as moved by R am anuj a s

e x e m pl ar y c o ndu c t and as t ut e n es s Well s p oke P r na w ho .

,
"

by t he b ye had b een co mm anded by L or d R ang e i n a d r eam .

a ga i n t o u nb os om H oly s ec r et s t o R amanuj a as the l a tt er w as no

, ,

o ther tha n A di $es ha hi ms el f i n c a r n a te d I ma ke exc e p tion s o f

thes e t hy I n se p arables ; I c omma nd th ee tha t to no o ther s
,

s ha l t tho u i mp ar t t he s ac r e d t r u ths I a m go i ng to di vu l ge t o

thee . S o s ay ing he led R amannj a t o a s ecr et c or ner of hi s
,

hu t and th ere r eveal ed to hi m t he hidden t r u ths of the Ti m

,

ma ntra o r the M ant ra of the A shtak s ha r a -Up a n i sh ad t he e ight

, ,

s y ll a b l ed and thr ee w or d ed M a ntr a t he gr a v i ty o f w h i c h i s thu s

-
,

de s c r i b ed P r e na va the r s t N a mas t he mi dd l e and N ar ci

u a n t he l as t S o r un s th e E ig ht -s y ll ab led M a ntr a t o b e
y .
,

e v er u s e d i n p r ay er by s eek er s a fter G o d I t i s the g a nt er .

r

of e ve r y b oo n a nd p r o mo ter o f d e v o t i on and
,

1
S ta i s t he Trida ndu o f the Sa nyas i n. . a nd pe nna n i s t he t c ol o r e d
pi e c e o f c l ot h a tta c hed t o i ts to p
mmed m m
.

su '
qa qsz m nln
m a m a?Ergsrs m
'

l
ll {Sdtva ta -S a mhitdj
A l s o s e e our Li ves o f Sa i nts a nd Wi sdom of Sa ints fo r de ta il ed
e xpla nat io n s .
98 R A M AN U J A S D E FE N C E on x v
'
. . .

as
, it b r i ng s s a l va t i o n to m a ny

M o reove r a l l t he me r it o f t ha t
.

w h o le s a le s al va t i o n g oes to y o u b e ca u s e o f t he H ol y S ecre t
-
,

h a v ing e manat ed fro m y o u r g rea t s el f T h es e r e as ons e m bol

dened me t o inf r ing e thy h oly c o m mand I t w as c o mp as s i on .

fo r ma nk i nd th a t re ndere d m e b l i nd to thy i nj unc t ns 2

io I as k .

f rg ve nes s D o w i th me h o ly S i re w h a t t h ou w il t

o i .
,
G P r na ,
. .

w as s t r uc k d u mb a t th is reas o ni ng a nd his o w n h ea r t mo v ed .

t ,
th a t th is idea ne ve r entere d my cri ppled h ea rt s aid h e
,

e x c itedly my h e ar t w h ic h w o ul d no t e re t h i s w a r m w i th
, ,

l ov e for manki nd I a m h a ted S tr a nge I never fe l t t he a ll

. .

e m b r ac i ng lo ve o f R amanu a R amanuj a ! Y a l ir aj a ! I ndee d

j .

t hen ar t H e co me on ea rth ,
I see i t a ll no w
T h us . .

veh ement ly venting fo rth the ne w and s t range emotions s tir r

,

i ng i n hi s b reas t P f una r u s h e d forw a rd a nd e mbra c ing R ama

u nj a cont inue d Hol y son t h ou a r t mi ne my ow n i ndee d , ,

ar t th o u T hy na me s ha
. l l h enc e fo rth be E mbem nuindr T he .

c ree d t h a t I ga ve th ee w as h i t h e r to k no w n a s t he Cr eed o
f
the H i g h Vedduta b u t h e nce fo r th it s h all b e k no w n t o th e w o rl d
,

a s t he G r eed o E mber zmui ndr

f N ot only th a t w hi c h th o u has t .
,

a lre a dy h e a rd fro m me s h al t th ou pr oc l ai m from th e h o u s e -to p s

, ,

b u t more s h a l t thou h e ar f ro m me S ecre ts t h ere ar e y e t Com e . .

,

w il t th ou b e or ar t t h o u s a t i s e d as t he n seemes t w i th w h a t
, , , ,

th ou h as t g ot S o w ent on P rna in the e xuberanc e o f hi s ,

s t range ly a w a kene d l o v e fo r R amanu a Holy S i re s o ftly s ai d

j .
,

R amanuj a I a m no t to l ay do w n l a w for y ou H ad I i n t he lea s t
, .

t h ought th at th ere w e re ye t o th e r S ec re t s th an th os e yo u h a v e
a lrea dy so g ra cio u s l y div ul ge d a nd th e re fo re s too d i n nee d th a t , ,

w o u l d pro v e l ack o f t ru s t i n m e ; as i f I har bo u re d d o u bt s

as to y ou r s i nc er i ty B u t i f I s a y no w I need n o m ore th a t
. :
,

w o u l d pro ve th a t I ha d no t w e ll u nders too d t he b ea ri ng s of t he

rs t s e t of s ec re ts g iv en m e S o 1 h old my p eace I t i s for you . .

th erefore M as ter t o dec ide i n th es e c irc u ms tanc e a nd from

, ,

ev ts h c h h v e t ra s p red w h a t I dese rve M y o w n s o n

e n w i a n i , .

B amanuj a d ear ,
s a i d P r na th e n le t i t b e de ferre d G o ,

.

Cp t his w ha t R ai nanuj a
.
(i . e
.
,
La k s hmana) s aid
u
W W W "
[U t tara Ri m ; 105
9 R ead P p 3 56 1 B hag . . avadvis haya m V ol V I I E nd ( Te l u g u edit io n )
. . . . .
.
 o n xv FU R T HE R MY S TE R I E S 99
. .
.

no w a nd
c m eo a g i b t mi nd c o me alo ne
a n u

, ,
. R am anu j a
t tch ed
s re
h i ms el f befo re hi s G u ru ros e and left for ,
S r i rang am
W ith h s i s ta f a nd p e n nan t .

S ome t ime a fter R amanuj a j our ney d as hidden to hi s , e , ,

M a ter fo f u r th e i ns t ru c t i n
s r a nd h u mb l e d h i mse l f be for e
r o s,

hi m . C me n o w aid G o P na c l p i ng R amanu j a s h a nd

s r as

, .
,

l ov in gly T a k ing hi m t a seques t ered p t a nd ado t i ng v y o s o

p e er
.

prec a uti n th t no o ne may di t u b th m

o a t o u c h m y f ee t s r e ,

s a i d he a n d pro mi s e th o u w il t no t v nt u r
, o n f u r th e r di s e e

c l o s u re s o f o ur m s t c h r i s hed s ec re t
0 u R am anuj a s ol mnly

s o e . e

pli ghti ng his w rd P na b e g a n i n t he m nne r f L o rdo , r a o

K ri s h n a

L is ten , A r j u na , ag a i n , to M y lof ty sp eech, the S ec r e t o

f
S ecr ets I s ay i t a s i t i s ood
.

g for thee, a nd a s then a r t any r i end

f
a nd de votee
,

[E h G i X V II I
. .

I t is L as t W or d ( Ch m t he a ra a lok a) of the s p i ri t u a l
s c ie nce co nta i ne d i n t he L o d s v ers e
, r

s ai d P r na .
'

T hus
G i ve up en ti r el
y a l l othe r l V a ys ,

Choose M l
e a o ne a s Thy l Vay ;

Thee, f ro m a ll s i ns , I w i ll a bsol ve, J

N o mo r e the n s hal t tho u mou r n . .

[E h G t X VI I I
. .

Son, r e vea l ne t these H o ly Tr u ths to the un

p rep a r ed, n u
dese r vi ng , u ns e r vi n
g, a nd ha ters o f G od [t G t X VI I I . .

R amanuj a , i f y o u v l ue th e se T r u th s then l et not a t h e i s t s

a ,

n
.

a nd h
ere ic s ea r e m t h th . G uard th e m ag ai ns t s u c h .

L et it
S ire a s th o u w il t s i d R amanuj a b ut may
b e, ,
i
a ,

I n t m ke e xc p tions o f s uc h w o r thy G o d lo v i ng sou l

o a e - s as

K r sa H o w c a n I co nce l f rom him i H e may b e w r thy

. a . o

en o i ne d P r n b u t o u s as tra l y co ndi t ions s uc h a s

j a, r s a

O ne yea r ha lf yea r , qu a r te r yea r

,
at le as t, s hall the p os tu l a nt
be ex a mi ned i n eve ry w ay and then s ha l l the G um i ni ti a te hi m ,

m inziiaw m m m


1 00 K IJ R E SA T A U G H T . on x v . .

g r ac i ouslw, di s i nter es tedly '

pu tt i ng him
.

A nd t her e fo r e , a f ter

t o tes t a nd s e e ing that he r ea lly c r a ves for k no w le dge du r i ng

t hi s t r ia l -p er iod t e ac he hi m R amanuj a r ece i ved t hes e c om
"
.

ma nds a nd r et u r ned t o S r i ra ng am as a v i c t or r et u r ni ng ho me .

a f te r a s uc ces s f ul c a mp a i g n H e t ho u gh t t o hi ms el f that e v e n .

l i k e the E ig hteen C h a p t er s o f t he G i t a p r eac he d b y S r i K r is h na ,

befor e the L ast W ord ( Cha r a ma s lo k a ) w as r evealed i n or de r -

,

t o tes t A r j u na s mi nd w er e the e igh tee n t r i p s i mp os e d u p o n

,

hi m b v hi s G ur u I am C row n Pr i nce no w he e xc l a imed
.
,

ra
p t ur o u s ]y ,

a nd I am h ei t r o t he K i ngdom of G od .

K u e$a r w a s ne w long ing to l n t h i s Tr uth

e ar . H e w as

a nx io u s l y w a i ti ng p po r t u nity to de c l a r e his mi nd H e
fo r an O .

fo u nd o ne a nd t hr o w i ng h i ms e l f a t t he fe e t of R amau nj a s a id -

H o ly S ir e ! ho w I r ea l i s e the e ifcc ts o f Y am u na s pet i t i ons t o

L o rd Va r ada B y th em ha ve yo u b e co m e the P io neer o f o ur

.

Fa i t h a fte r dis c ar ding a ll w or dly co ncer ns A h oly ba nd i s .

ga th er ing r ound y ou I a m h a pp ily o ne S ee ho w ag a i n . .

,

Y amu na s dis c i pl e G P fi r na has do w er ed y o u w i t h hi s s p e c i a l

.
, ,

g r ac e M ay I not b e s o b less ed b y you i n t u r n ?

.

S on

,

bel oved s a id R amanuj a y o u m us t b ide yo ur ti me one yea r

, , .

T h at is my c ommand M a st er

hu m b l y s u bmi tt ed K r g a , ,

O ne year ! A h i t i s i nt o l er a bly lo ng C an I s t and i t

, Sh a ll I .

l i ve s o l o ng s o l ong I ha ve hear d t ha t one mo nth s fas t ing an d

ly i ng a t t he door of t he M a s ter i s c ons ider ed a good e qu i val ent ,

S o s ay i ng Kil r Sa put hi s w or d

fo r t he year s pr ob a t io n ,

i m medi ately i nt o exec u t i o n R ama nuj a w as m o ved b y pi t

y a nd .
,

a t t he e nd o f the mo nth he i ni ti at ed hi m i n to t he na l p r i n c i
,

ples o f the G i ta 2
.

D aSai -
at hi w a s w a tc hi n g al l t he w hi le . H e fou nd no r e s t
for his mi nd ti ll he l ea r nt the s a v in g t r ut hs . S o he pp r oac hed
a

R ani annj a a nd fell

T e a c h me at hi s fee t .

,
also I p r ay
, ,

M a s te r s a id he S o n my per mi s s i o n w a s for K re sa o nl
,
y
.
, .

Y ou mu s t g o to P r na a nd ob tai n hi s p er m i s s i on .

D as ar athi
r an to T K fi ttiy r a nd t hre w hi m s el f b e fore
.
, P r na . B ut
P rna never g av e hi m c o unt ena nc e . D as a r at hi h el d t o hi s

1
S ee C ha pte r V I , p 40 . .

See M u muks lruppa di , I nt rod : to Cha r ama S l ok a

- .
 1 02 R A M As U J A -
s I N T E R P R E TA TI O N S . on X V I . .

C H A PT E R X VI .

E RM A N U J A
S I N TE R P R E T A T I O N S .

S o me ti me ela ps ed th us . G o s hthi -P r na ca me i it
on a v s

to S i r ang m w he he met
r a ,
llege fr ie nd
re his co T i ru mala i
A udit-n ( m adma n) H e t oo k hi m w i th hi m a nd w ent t o s ee
R ai nan uj a i n his ret r ea t R amanuj a on s e ei ng his G ur u co me . ,

r os e a nd r ece i v i ng hi m w i th du e r es p ec t ent ered i nto co nver s a ,

t io n R amanuj a
. he addr es s ed yo u ar e no w t o h ear t he ,

H oly S a ints , t he l i r u-v ay mo zhi of S t N a m

'
u t ter a nc e s of o ur '
.

m z hvar , to b egi n w ith I c om me nd you to t he c ar e of m y

.

fr i e nd M eladha ra, w ho has i ns tr uc ted i n t h a t be en f ull w e ll

So s ayi ng he pl ac e d R am nu j a s

y Y am mw hary a

l or e b u

.
,

h a nds i n th o s e of M lztdhara a nd begg i ng o f t he lat ter to take

his tr us t t h r o ugh a cou r s e of t he P r a ba ndhas l eft fo r hi s o w n ,

to w n .

T hey began the n e w cour se o f s t udies . .

B ut a s M aladhar a
ga ve ou t t he planat io ns of each vers e as he had hear d t h em
ex

f r o m his G ur u Yamu na R amauuj a ga ve e x pa nded or i m

, ,

p r o ved ver s ions of the same M al adhar a us ed to say t ha t he .

never r e me mbe r ed s uc h ex pl a na ti ons g i ve n o u t b y Y am u na .

B ut th ey a re r i ght S i r e ! a n d Y amu na s mind w a s r eally

'
,

th a t

R amanuj a u s e d to re pl y
, I n due c ou r s e t hey c am e to .
,

the vers e : A r i yi i h-c l a ltu [T V ay-mo z h i I I 3

-
M al e .
, , .

dh ara ex pl a ined it t hu s 0 G od w he n I w as i g nor a nt t ho u

, ,

g a ves t me the know le dg e of my r el a tion to Thee, a nd yet Thou

ha s t coalined m e i n thi s car ca s e W hi ch des tr oy: this knowle dg e

h S
T i s ca nno t b e, ire ! pr o tes ted R am anuj a, if y o u c o ns ider
the t r e nd of t he w h ol e dec ad he r e i t is a n a c k no w l e d
g
ment of all the mani fo l d good G od did , to the S a i nt . W hile
so, o ne ver s e i n t he mi ddle of the Dec a d ca nno t c onvey a n
ac c u s a t o n a i gai ns t G d S o b y a o .
, t ra ns p o s i tio n o f t he te r m s o f
t he i n q u es t i on t he m ni ng beco me s

l l hzlst 1 w as

ver se , ea

yet con ned i n {hi s ca r ca ss w hi c h des tr oys know ledg e , thou . w er e

p leased to bes tow know ledg e of my r elati o n to Thee, 0 G od !

3
I
S ee N o 2 5, H ie rarc hic Tab le , i n
.
our Li ves f l iz hrd r S
o .

9
R ea ders o ug ht to r ea d t he o r ig i nal of t his i n t he 2 u d V ol u me of

B hug ut a d-r is hu g u m, i f t he y w is h t o f ul ly e n oy j t his i nte llec t ua l ba n q ue t .

c u x vx
. . nXM A N U J x s
.
'
1 m mw nnm ri o xs ' '
. 103

me mber
Y amu na s o ex pl a i ni ng to me ex p os t ul a te d
9
do n t
a o n

re
,

M a adha r a
l I like not s uc h i nte r preta ti ons fro m th ee S o s ay
,

.

i ng he c e ased teac h i ng fu r the r

, T he ne w s o f t h is i nte rr u p t ion .

of s t udie s h ed the c a o f G P na
r eac rs . j o ur neyed t h eo n
r . H e er

to S r i m ng am to i nq u ire i nto t he ca us e M ee ti ng M aladha a he

. r ,

as k ed for an e x pl a nat io n : Co m peer i beg a n M al adh "

a ra ,

ou s t ud es i ne ver g o on s mo othl y , for R amannj a , I nd, is too

r

m u c h fo r me . H e has a n e te r na l s tor e of ne w i nter p r eta t ions .

Fo r i ns t a nc e, w e had a p a s s age -a t -ar ms o ve r St . N a mmaz h

Wh er eas I c ons tr ued i t as

var s A r iyti Jae 3
ve r s e .
[I L .

c o nv e i n g a s i ri t o f i nvec t i ve a ga i nst G od fo r H is w a s o f
y p y
de ali ng w i t h sou ls R amannj a c o ns t r ued i t as an ex pre s s ion o f
,

gr a t i tude to G od so as t o mak e ve r se 3 h armoni z e w i t h the

,

o t h e r ver s es o f t h i s D ec ad Suc h a pmtes tiug s pir it s ee med

to me a vi o la tion of a dis c ipl e s dec or um w h i l e his cons tr u c t io ns

a l s o s ee med at va r i ance w i t h o u r Y am una s mi nd Hence I ha d

.

t o s to p s tudyi ng w i th an ecc entr i c p u pil lik e R amanuj a

B ut .
,

R amannj a i s r igh t fo r I

p a r do n me i nterr up ted P r na , , ,

r e me mb e r our Y amu na hav i ng s o e x pl ai ned Y ou s eem t o h a ve .

fo r g o t te n Fr i end R amau nj a i s i ncap ab le of g o w g w r ong

.
-
.

I f a ny one k no w s Y amu na s mi nd i t is he Look up on hi m as

,
.

lik e a not h er K ris h na w ho w e nt to s andi pani fo r i ns tr uc tion .

Y o u ar e b u t a p re tence H e k no w s a l l N o mo r e b e u nde r the

. .

de l u s io n that yo u ar e teac h ing hi m t r u t h s not al re ady k no w n to

hi m S o p er mi t me as a fr i e nd to l ay i t o n you h enc e for th
.
, ,

as a s ac re d duty t o conti nu e t he Ti r u-vay mo zh i f r o m w he re

-

o u dr o pp e d i t ; e ve n if t o do s o i t w er e nec ess ar y o n you r p ar t

y , ,

t o w a i t o n R amanuj a i ns te ad o f hi s w ai t i ng o n you ,
H e is .

s uc h S o say i ng

di s c ipl e as his G ur us mu s t g o to hi m .
,

P r na w ent to R ama nnj a s monas te r y ac compa ni e d b y

G . ,

M al adhar a and M ahap rna S ee i ng th e m R amanuj a ro s e .

,

e x u l t i ng ly a n-l pro s tra ti ng

,
h i ms e lf w elcomed t h e m a ll ,
.

G P r na t h us m ad e p eace a nd s a w to the P rab andha s t udi es

.

be i ng a ga in p ur s ued i n r ight ea r nes t .

T h ey s at to the s t udy ag ain u nder these ter ms o f c onc ilia

ti o n . A p as s ag e w as ag ai n be i ng ex pla i ned by M al adhar a N ot .

Co ns ul t V is hn u-P ar do n .
104 R A M A N U J A 'S G R E A T N E SS . on X V I . .

so, S i re ! n
i te rr u p te d R amanuj a Yamu na meant i t a n other
.

w ay .

H ow dos t tho u k no w Y amu na ex ci tedl y q ue r ie d

M aladhar a, of R amanuj a ,
t ho u ha s t ne ve r c o n ver s e d w i t h hi m
'

o nce in thy day s T h o u b ut sa w s t hi m a f ter his death A nd

. .

y e t T h ou da rc et to i nt er p e t hi m i nd t o me ! W r i t h t hy leave
s ,

M as te s ub mi t ted R amannj

r, l ook u pon me as the E k al avya
a,
l

t o Yamu na T h a t w ill e x p l ai n how I u r s ta n d

. nd e hi m I .

u nders t a nd t h ee no w H o l y R amanu j a I nd t he w ords of my

,
.

fr iend G P uma i ndeed con m ed by my o w n e xper ie nce of

. r

t hee . T hou ar t e ven a n A va tara T o me ar t thou teach er not .

,

I to t h ee I h av e lear nt fro m t hee ma ny t h i ngs t ha t I had no t

.

l ear nt fro n Y amu na S o s y i ng M al adhara rose and ma de

. a ,

ob ei s a nce to R amanuj a .

T hu s w i th out f ur th er i mp ediment s t o p rogress the s tudy

, ,

o f a c ou r s e o f t he P r ab a ndhas w as i n du e t i me co mp l et ed .

M a hap r na no w s ugges te d t o R amanu j a th at th ere w er e oth er

my s t er ies yet w h ich i f he s o des i r ed he mi gh t l ear n fr om the
, ,

ven erable Tir uvarang a p-per u m al A r a iyar R amanuj a took - .

t he h i n t a t on c e and fr o m t ha t day for w ar d e ngaged h i ms el f

,

for s i x month s t o off er mil k da il y to A rai yar as a pr emi um for

l earni ng A nd to t h is he a dded t he s erv ice o f p re p ar ing for
.

A t aiyar a t urmer ic -pas te ( ma fij a l k ipp a) for a b la tio n -p ur p os es - l

,

w h en t he ad hyaya ua i es t iva l ca me r o u nd i n the y ear O ne day .

t he p re p ar a tio n w as fo u nd not q u it e to A r ai yar s liki ng

Ra .

manu j a t h rew i t a w ay a nd i m medi a tel y p re p ar ed it a ne w

, .

A yaiy ar w as w a tch ing t h is s ol ici t ude on M manuj a s part

.

H e lo ves me as o ne may l o v e G od H e lov es me a son of .

,

G od as G od Hi ms el f i nc ar na t e t h o u ght A ra iy ar

, Co me , .
,

noble dis ciple said he y ou a r e t to kn ow the h igh est my

, ,

s tor y . B y your ser v ic es to me y ou hav e ear ned i t So you .

l ay c l a i m to al l t h at I h a v e K no w t h e n th at God s ap os tl es
.

and r ep r es en t at i ves on ear t h a r e G o d H ims el f v i s i b le i n th a t

for m O ur s as tras h ence p r oclai m

.

S ee 182 nd A dhyaya, A di-P um a, M a habharata fo r t he S tor Ek a

y .

la vyn made a muddmag e of D rona, a nd l ear nt r om t hi s more i ma e o f a

g f
G ur u, all the s c ience of arc her y .
1 06 MA N Y G U R U S E X P LA I N E D . Cl l . XVI .

Her e i t may b e as ke d, ho w h av e mor e th a n

o ne di s c ip l e ca n
o ne G ur u I t w as M ahapu na w ho not ed the fi r s t sac r a menta l
r

G ur u to R amanuj a at M adhu ant a k a m as al ready na r r a ted

,
r , .

A nd yet w e nd R amanuj e o ti ng t o many T each er s fo

a r s r r

i ns t r uc t ion T h ere is no ri u s p i i t ua l obj ec tio n to s uc h a

. se o s r

p r ocedu r e i t i s s ta te d Fo a king m ay en tr us t mor e t han

,
. r

o ne m i ni s ter o f his w i th the w eal th of his r eal m to b e made

, ,

o v er to his h ei r w h e n he c o me s o f ag e E a c h mi n is ter dis .

ch ar ges his p ar tic ul ar t u t i n d u s e o n S u ch w as the cas e

r s e as .

w i t h R amanuj a For t he g a t Y am u n ha d made many t he

. re a
,

cu s to di a ns of S pi ritu al T u t h w hi ch w r e to be i mp ar ted to
r s, e

R amanuj a eac h i n his t u n

, R amanuj a w as t o h av e re cei ved
r .

th em di ect ly fr om Y amu na b u t f t es had ordai n ed ot h er w i s e

r ,
a .

R amanuj a s h op es w h i h had b ee n das he d to the gr ou nd w h en

, c

Y amu na s uddenl y pass ed a w ay w e now ful ll ed Y amu na

,
er .

had s i gni ed to hi s dis cip l es t h at R amanu a w as to be the

j
H igh P ontiif of t h eir r es us c ita te d A n ie nt Ch ur c h ; a nd t he c

d p os i t of s pir i tual tr uths he had l e ft w i th t hem w as t o b e

e

p l aced i n his h ands T he G u u s of R amanuj a therefor e w ere

. r

th us bou nd to dischar g e t hei s ac ed tr us t Wh en th ey did so r r .

,

each i n hi s t i me t h ey w e e r el i e v e d a nd h a pp y
, r I t may b e .

the tea ch er o r the disc i pl e T h c a n on l ai d dow n i s t h a t

. e

w hos o is qual ied to r ece i v s p i i t ual t uth s mu s t b e to ld th

e
emr r
,
r egar dles s o f for mal i t ie s o the w i s e
p r es cr i bed for the di s ciple
r
,

t o w ai t o n the te ac h er a nd s o on A teac h er i t is e ve n s aid .

, ,

becomes a teach er o nly w h en he has found a t p u pil on ly ,

w h e n he has t ra ns fe ed to hi m his w is domrr

T h us B ameu n .

j a s teach ers bec ame e n tit led to t h at h o no r o n l y a fter teac h i ng

R amanuj a and di s cipl e be a me t u e di s cip l es o nl y a fter b e

, s c r

coming dis cip l es oi R amanuj a R amanuj a i s th ere fore des .

c r ib ed as the Ce nt a l G em i n t he p eci ous

r
neckl ace made u p of r

t he g ems of T each er s a nd D is c i pl es o f the V ai shna v a a

pos tol ic .
c u x vu. . uxrr r o r G U D H O U D . 1 07

CH A P TE R X V II .

R AM AN U JA
S M I N I STR Y B E G IN S .

R amanuj a

s s t udents h ip w as no w co mple te . H e w as

l
a r e ad
y S pir it ual befor e i ntellec t u l a . The natur a lly S p ir it ua l
man w as b y mea ns of i ntellec t ua l a cc ompli s h ment s ,
to bequeat h
a le g a c y to the w or ld in the sh a p e o f w r i t t en w or k s . H e co m
p os ed th re e i n the begi nning e mb ody ing the pr inc ipl e s and pra c
t i c e s o f t he V ai s h na va fai t h Th es e w er e t he g adya tr aya ( T he
.
-

T hr ee P r os es ) the D aily W or s h i p -M anual call ed the N i tya

, ,

-G itc 1
a nd t he C ommentar es i o n t he B ha g w
c a d i T he c ar di na l .

doc tr ine es t a b li s h ed b y hi m i n the e w or k s i s t he U ni ty of

G odhood ex p r es sed b y t he te r m N ar ayana of t he T a i tt ir iy a
p
U a nis h a d a nd ot ers h 2
A nd R amanuj a di s s em inat ed t he
.

doc tr ines a mo ng many w ho w ere g a t heri ng a b o ut hi m ; a nd

t hu s di d hi s m i ni s tr y b eg in .

p r ac tic e of R amanuj a as a mendi can t w ho h a d

I t w a s t he ,

a b a ndo ne d the w or l d to v i s i t s e ve n h o us es da ily

.

a nd c oll ec t
,

a l ms O nly u p on t h i s i s the S a ny asi n t o s ub s is t ac cor di ng to

. ,

t he Y a ti -dhar ma A l ms ~ b eg g ing i s en j o ined on the p r i nc i pl e t ha t

.

t he a sc et i c ha s not h i ng to c a ll or o u gh t not to ow n a ny w or dly , ,

goo ds a s b elong i ng to hi m as s uc h o w ning beget s a s er ies o f ,

h
a t t ac m e n ts n e ces sa r il y a nd w ed s h i m a g a i n t o w o rdl y i nter es t s

a nd t o s h o w t o t he w o r l d t ha t th e w or l d t o t h e s pi r i tu a l ma n i s

b e gg ar e d b efor e G od in b egg ary me a n deat h to

o ther w ords , s

t he w o dl irn o r d e r t o li v e u n to t h e s pi r i t T h i s i s t h S pi it u a l .
e r

i nte r p e t a t io n of the donee s m endic ancy comp ass i ng e le mosy

r

e

n y m
ar e i t t o trh e d on o r B o th ar e a b u s ed i n I ndi a
.
T h w ld . e or

gh t t b d t h pi i t u al man o ug ht not t o
l y m an o u t n o o eg a n e s ,
r

bes to w t h i
,
s i s
re v er s e d in m o der n t i mes T h e la w is the .
:

r i t ua l ma n s b o dy

m an i s the pi
c us to dian of t he s
mater ia l ,

m The co m

and t he s
pi r i t u al m a n of t h e m a t e r
,
i a l a n s s ou l .

modi t i es of e xc h a g n e be t w e e n th e t w o a r e s ub s tanc e a nd s p i r i t .

E ac h p ar ty has h i s l a w s a n d c o n d i t i o ns f or t he exc h ange .

pi i l -b gg i n b u r d e n u
p o n s oc i ety O t h er
H e nc e a s r t u a e ar s o .

w e have E ng l is h tra ns l ated

-
T his i s t he one .

and Topi c 84 in D ivi ne

9
V i de I ntr bdnc tion to ou r Lives f Sa ints ,
o ou r

Wi s dmn ,
f or a dis q uis ition .
108 I IN G
'

R A T O N A LE o r B E G G , so . on xvn . .

begga r s are gh t to b e inte dic ted fr o m th ei r

indeed s o, and o u r

p of es iona l p rey ing u p on ot h s h ones t l bo ur

r s A s pi i t ual er a . r

beggar is a benefac tor i nas m uc h as his ve y p resence a mong r

men not to s ay of the i n ue nc e of his w o ds on th em is a

,
r
,

grea t mor al and s pir itual i n uence elevat ing them from the ,

g os s to t he eth e ia l f o m t he eeting to the las ting S uch a

r r ,
r .

monk -mendic a nt w a s o ur R amann a j .

\ve h ave s a id bove that M m nuj a s main endeavour w as

a

to es ta blis h t he U ni ty of G odh ood I n do i ng so he did not .

,

a b s t r ac t G od f om H is U n i v a pr es s tr ied b
y moni s m
r se er oc
,

endi ng i n ne at io n b ut res to r ed G od t H is U nivers e i n

g o

al l t he full nes s of H is I nni te na ture, so to s ay . By his

p r ac tice , he ill u s t ra t ed i t bout hi s begg
,
e ve n w en h he w e nt a

in g e x ur s i onsc For it is c h onic led t h a t R amanuj a w h i le s o

. r
,

eng ge d o ne day i n t he th ro u gh fa e s o f S i a ng a m a fe w bo s
a r r r
y , ,

fo m mer e fr olic w ay la id hi m a nd po int i ng to

r , g ur e like ma n a

w h ic h b y th ei toes th ey d e w o n the du s t s a i d
r B oa st ed
r , :

fr i ar ,her e i s yo u G od If H ri s every w h e e h e re H e mus t

. e r ,

be . Wo s h ip H im t hen
r

R amanuj a w as d ligh ted to h ea r
. e

the boy s s er mon to hi m t h us A non he pu t his bo w l do w n .

,

pr os t ated h i ms el f before the Fig ure on the oor a nd t h a nk

r
,

ing the boys w ent his w ay .

O n ano th e occ as ion he c me acro ss a num ber of bo s in

r a
y
t he s treet s T hey w ere e nac ting all th a t t hey s a w thei e lde s
.
r r

doing i n t he Temple T h ey had des c i bed i n the dus t a di a g ra m

. r

of t he S r i ranga m Te mpl e w i th s ever a l c h a mber s a llo tted

,

t h e e i n for G od for H is C ons o t H is S ai nt s nd s o on R eg ul ar

r , r , a .

wo h i p th ey commenc ed and it w as no w t i me to o er food to

rs ,

t he s e ver al D ei t ies The boys procured the food eas il

y fo r
.

Kpas ta mba i n his D har ma-S t ras , says [I L 5 1 0]

m
,

W as? W : ul u

T he g is t of this i s tha t u nl es s co nditi ons s ta ted a re re s ent b e

p , g g ing
is to b e dis courag ed R ead i nfra , R amann as ex la na tions o
j t Kong il

p
.

p i -
ga m, o n w hy g r ea t men g o to
poor hous es maki ng b eg g i ng b ut a
 110 KI D A M B I -AC C H A N . on xvu .

hi m r is e K idamb i-A cc han b y na me , a disc i ple o f R amanuj a ,

.

w ho l o ve d hi m m u c h and w ho ha d ac c o mp a nie d hi m, w at c hed

t his w i t hp pec t a nc y Finding the s us p ens e i ns u ppor t
a inf u l ex .

a b le a nd p r o vo k e d b eyo nd p a t ie nc e he c r i ed t o P r na :
,
S ir e ! ,

ar e the se t he e x ac ti o ns o f c i vil i ti e s b e t w ee n Teac her s a nd D i s

c i l e s ? D o th t h c ode o f e ti q ue t t e p e r mi t s uc h i n i c t i on o f c r ue l
p , y
ty Dot h thy s t ony h ea rt dema nd t ha t a t ender ow er li ke my ,

R amanuj a s h o u l d b e fr i ed { and r oas te d b efor e t hee l ik e t hi s

H as t thou s e ns e H as t thou t he milk of huma ni ty I c ar e no t

for thy ab s u rd r eg ulat io n T hu s f u l mi na t ing hi s o bj ur ga t ion

.

a t t he G ur u he s w i f t l
y r a i s ed R am annj a and h u gg ed hi m to hi s
,

br ea st A mo ment of t he mos t p ainf ul anx iety a nd S u s P ens e

.
,

i t w as t oo, for P rna ; for he w a s b y this mea ns t r y i n g to nd

o ut t he per so n , w ho t r uly loved R am anuj a o ok in . L g no w a t
A cchan w i th ey es be ami ng i
w th a pp r o b a t i o n P r pa s a id : , .

Aec h en th ou a t the s or t of
, r p er s o n I h ave b een look i ng for .

N o w t h at I ha ve fou nd thee my f ear s , for R amanuj a

s f u t ur e
s afe t
y are di s p ell ed I a pp oi nt t hee his ody - u ar d ; a nd no
. b g
o ne h
b u t t y s e lf s a l l cook for R amanuj ah T ou a l one s al t . h h
dis c h g ar e t hat mos t i mp or ta nt a nd ho ly dut
y enc e for t h h .

K i damb i -A cc han bec ame thu s the M a hdnasdc hdl

y a, or R ama

nuJa s M f the H ea rth
as ter o .

T hu s sh ielded fro m sc he mes ag ai ns t his li fe R aman uj a ,

w as s pir ite dly di ff u s i ng t o a l l ear nes t c o me r s the p h i lo s o p h

y ,

o f tr ue r e l ig i o n A n i mp or ta nt eve nt c ame a bo u t a t t h i s j u nc
.

tu re A p ro found B r ah ma n s chol ar t h ere w as b

y name
.

Ya j na-mii r ti W her ev er he w ent he en tere d i nt o deb a t es w i th

.
,

lea r ned men o n k not ty poi nt s o f the Vedan t a i nvar ia b ly ,

c ar r i ng o ff t he p a l m o f v ic t or H e w e nt for a b a t h i n h o l
y y .

y
G a nga and t h er e a l s o he ent ere d the a r e na of V e dant ic dis
,

c us s io n and vanqu i s hed t he di s p u t a nt s H e bec am e t he o ne .

s t aff ed S a n as i n a p r o c l a ma t ion t hi s t h a t he w a s

y ,
pr ofe s s or i n
t he s uc c ess ful e s tab l i s hme nt o f t he M d d vdda o r t he i ll us o r i -
y ,

ne s s o f t he K os mos .

Fas ci na te d b y s u t i li ties of hi s so p i s t r b
y , ma ny ec a me h b
a dher ents to his c a u s e
; a nd he r os e i n fame, a nd p r i de a s w e ll .

h
B u t he w as tol d t a t t her e w as a R amanu a at r i r a n am a
nd j S g ,

unt il he cr o s s e d s w oxd s w it h hi m, hi s i
v c tor y w o u ld no t be
CH . xvu . M a mma l . 1 11

co mpl ete T hi s roused hi s van i ty M i ghtily did he p re pa re

. .

h ims el f for the contes t H e a rmed h i msel f w i th he a p s o f .

books a nd argu ments a nd c a me do w n to S r i ranga m w ith hi s

, ,

ba nd o f d i sciples and w i th a l l the os te nta t ion a nd demon s t ratio n

,

o f a b ig P and i t D a sh i ng u p t o R amA nuj a in al l t he sty le o f

.

a n egot i s t he i nv i ted hi m t o a n i ntellec t ual w ar fa re R ama

'

, .

nu j a d ecl ar e d he w as rea dy Wh a t is the w age r fo r o u r .

co mba t he a s ke d o f t he s a v a nt I f I am defea te d he .

,
"

s a id ll embrace y ou r fai th I f you w i n s ai d R ama

, I w i .
, .

unj a I sh all g i ve u p my m inis try i n the w orl d

,

S o sta ki ng .
,

they xed eighteen d ay s for the d is c uss ion For s i xtee n days .

i t w a xed hot ; and ye t th ere a pp ea re d no odd s be t w een the m .

B ut on t he s ev entee nth da y t he b al ance b ega n to s w in g i n ,

favou r of Y aj iia-mii rti R amanuj a h a vi ng fe l t the w an t o f a n

,

a r g u m e nt to o v erpo w e r t he e r y ar r ay o f th e m o n t he s id e o f

the adver s ary Y aj ii a-m ii r t i r ea d i ng the s igns of di s c om

.
,

t ure and p uff ed w i th p r i d e l e f t R amanuj a i n t ha t s it ua tion

, , ,

a s i f i n co n te mp t and s talke d o ut o f the monastery for th a t

,

day . R amanuj a fel t t he s i t ua t io n ke e nly a nd p oi g na nt g ri ef ,

e nte re d i nto h i s h ear t T or tu r ed w i th th ought he sh ut h imsel f

.
,

u
p i n t he c h a p e l a n d a ft e r w or sh i ppi ng h i s o w n Lo r d V a r ad a
,

th ere i n t he u s ua l rou t i ne p r a y ed to H i m thu s i n agony ; ,

Hol y G od i f I a w e a k m or ta l am rep ul sed i n t he ght

, , ,

Thy Ca u s e can ne ve r b e re p u l s e d a c a u s e w h ic h ha s be e n es ta

b lis hed o n ear th of y ore by s u c h s aints as N a mmazhv ar and ,

s ag e s a s Y amu na charya S o f a r t he s uccess a ttendi ng our D i s

.
,

ens ati o n i s b ec a u s e o f T hy w i ll B T hy H o ly Wo r d ( R e v e
p y .

l a ti ons ) T h o u h ast been j u s t i e d a nd d e monstr a te d i n al l T hy

.

va r ie ty o f ma ni fes ta t ion as w el l a s esse nce N ow i t h ath .

pl ease d thee t o pi tc h fork a fal s e p r o p h et on Thy w orld s tage -

and l et hi m d a nc e Let i t b e if s uc h i s T hy w ill
. I mpl ori ng
,
.

th u s R amanuj a fasted a nd s lep t The L or d V arada a pp ea re d

,
.

to him i n a d ream a nd th u s S p oke B eloved b e no t ve xe d ,

.

We ar e g i v i ng th ee an a b le adhe re nt to h elp T hy mis s ion .

To -morro w t he l a st day l e v e l a t Y aj iia mr ti all the qu i v e r

, ,

full of a rg uments a ga i ns t mdydvdda to b e found i n the w ork s ,

o f th
y G r a n d -G ur u Y amu na R a m anuj a b ou nded w i th j oy . ,

and p e r for mi ng al l the r ou ti ne d u t ie s of the day and p ro st ra t

e

ing to h i s ch apel -G od v entu r ed for th i nto the deb ati ng h all

,
.
 Y A J S A -M
'
U B TI o n xvu . .

1 12
.

th m uj a s d i g ni d man

Y ja ii a - mur ti w as dy e r e R i a n
al rea .
e

ner ,
st t
a e ly g ai t an d g l o ry o f c
,
o u n te n a n c e s t r uck t e
rr o
r ,

i nto hi m A .
pr s
e a g e o f d e f ea t i t s e e m e d t o h i m a l e a dy
,
r .

t
Wha a on a c t r st
e x cl a i m e d h e b,
e t w ee n t h e st te i n w h ic h
,
a

I l eft hi m y e ste rd ay and th a t i n w h ich I s ee hi m th is day 1 ,

dv c i g t w r ds m i n ll t h e m a j e sty of m ad e l e a
H e is a an n o a e a

p hant T h is i s s urely xt r rd i ry
.
e ao n a H e m u s t b e m o re tha n .

h uma n S o th inki ng t o h i mself he instinc tively rose and

.

, ,

a
dv a n ci n g t o w a r ds R a m a n u j a c r ied S ir e no mo re w or ds ,
: ,

bet w een us I pray I conf s I m b ea ten A s he s ai d he
,
. es a . ,

j s d l s h i h d d i m pl o r ed hi m t o
m

n a n
pl aced R a a n u a n a n a o s e a ,

deign to g a the r him to h i s holy fo ld Wh a t is th i s ? sa i d

.

R amanuj a s u pri s
,
e d I nre v e r e x p ec t e d th,
is f r o m y ou O ur .

cas e i s still co nte ste d Le t u s rg ue i t th rough and s ee w h e re . a

i t w ill la nd u s Pa rdon me S h e su b mi tted Y aj fia mii rti

" -
. , , ,

no mo re ght Wh en I a c tua ll y s ee yo u ar e one w i th G od

. ,

I da re n t O p n my mo uth aga i n
o e

A nd ye t rej oi ned .

,

R hmanuj a I w ish to say th a t the M dydvdda o illu s io n doc

,
r -

t ri ne neces sa r ily strip s G od ( P r br ahman) of any a ttri bute a a- .

B ut f ro m ou S crip tu re s w e de ri ve no s u pp or t f r an a ttri b ute

r o

less G od S uch texts as tha t G od i s T ru th & c become

.

.
,

u ntr u thfu l B ut i f yo u j us ti fy the G od o f a ttri b u te s becaus e

. ,

o f H is b ec o mi ng s o co nd i tio ne d by a vidya ( i gno r a nc e) th en ,

how is s uc h a G od w ho llow s Hi s L i ght t o be ete rnall y ,
a

o bs c u red by s uc h i g no r ance e v e r t o g e t ri d of i t ,
If
o u s ay w h a t of i t th e n you w ill th ru st y o u rs el f i nto a
y , ,

p os i t io n f m w h ich th e e i s no es c ape F r yo u w ill h ave

ro r . o ,

p ost ula ted t w o eternal th in g s G od and I g noranc e o k now l edge ,

r

and non k no w l edge w h ic h i s d ua l i s m and th ere fo re a nt ag o ni st ic

-
,

to m ni s m o I n y o u r a tte mp t to esta bli sh moni s m or non

.

d ualis m yo u necessa rily nega te eve ry th ing else th a n B rah man

,

b ut i n th a t v e ry ac t you p o s it a d ua li ty, v iz i g no ra nc w h ich

, .
, e,

eter na lly th w a r ts th a t B rah ma n ! T he p a mp er ed el e ph ant of ad

va t ( mo nis m) there fo re g e ts a l l u naw ares stu ck in the mire of

z a ,

M a w Ii [ R em ai n
T h is i s t he controve s r y t rning r
u o un d r
t he te m persona li ty, ag ai n

and ag ai n c oppi ng u p i n a l l r V i s i s htd va ita w o k s r .

1 14 D E V A R AT I N STA LLE D . CH . xvx
n .

fer r ed on hi m all the s ac ra ments of a Va is h na va ,

1
an
'

l the na me

of A rn al
i p a - -p er a mal E mb er um anar
, w hic h w a s hi s o w n na me
co mb i ned w i th t h a t o f the L o rd V a r ada , by w h os e g ac e he w as
r

ena bled to ac q u i g olde n conver t to hi s

re a r Fa i th T he S a ms k i t
.

of t hi s is j
D e var a a -m u ni or D e var at R amanuj a le d hi m to .

R an ga s
te mpl e , w he r e he w a s m ade a r ec i p ie nt of a ll t he
honor s due to a me mb er of t he Fa i t h ,
a nd b ro u gh t hi m .
b a ck to
his mo nas ter y , w he re he w as i ntr odu c ed t o the w or s hip of his
Lo rd Va da a nd cons c ated food t h er eo f g ive n hi m The pa
ra , e r . r

t a k i ng of food co m ple t d t he i n iti a t i o n a nd t he c onve t b ec ame

e r

a
pa t and p a c l o f t he V i s h na va c m mu ni ty
r r e A c o u r se o f a o .

s tu dies el at ing to t he P ab a udha s a nd o t h e

r es o t e ic teac h ings
r r r

w as go ne t h o ug h and t he l ov e e l ig io n o f t he Va i hna va s w a
r -r
s s

t hus p ead be f e hi m a t w hic h his h ea r t mel ted nd t h

s r or , a e

i ntellec t b o w e d .

R amanuj a had i n D e var at a g r ea t a c ces s o f st ren g th . H is

a ddit on i made his j oine d the oc k
two b illiant
r . H e o th e r

j ew el s of R an anuj a s ba nd D as athi a nd K uresa

i

la s es i n , ar . s

p hiloso p hy w e e ab ly c o ndu c te d w i t h th es e memb e s

r
r .

R amanuj a fa me

s w e nt ab road . A nand-z hvan or A na nta s ii r i, 2

E c c han, T ondanii r

a-
Namb i a nd u N a mb i, h as tened t o
M ar ud r -

bec ome hi s dis c iples . When t hey c ame he di re c ted t h es e t o ,

D e va r at i niti at ion i nto t he Fai t h H e o bey ed b ut dec l ar ed

for .

t ha t R amanuj a w a s t hu s tr i ng to ha ng h ea v
y y s t o nes to t he
n ec k o f a p oor s p ar r o w B e w ar e he s a id to the ne w dis c i pl es
,
I am b ut his vas s al his tool R amanuj a i s y o ur real S avi our
, .

M e, for get ; b u t hi m , r e memb e r .

Whhg as arsta m in a II
m a m a W W I

W h am W WW W II [I bi dl
9'
No 28 , H i e ra r c hic T a b l e ,
.

[s ee o ur L i ve s of Az hvrs j H e was
b or n i n Ki r a ng

ii r, n ear S ri r a ng a pat na , M a is r .

3
Aho ly pl a c e near M e l k o te w he r e t he b
i g M o ti ta lai v ea r l -tu nk
p
is s i t ua ted S e e i nfr a w hen R amanu a c omes to t hi
.

j s pl a c e .
ca . xv m . a s a nu s ma 1 13

CH A PTE R X V I II .

KN U J A


R A M S FI R S T T O U R .

R amanuj a
s Sc hoo l w as thu s lli n g . A c our s e o f s t ud es i
i n t he P r ab andha s w as being c o nduc te d, an d the ve r s e in
S t N a m mazhvar
. Ti ru-vay -moz h i : Ozhi vi l k i ila m w as rea c h ed

s -
,
.

T h is vers e is of t he D ec ad III 3 addr ess ed to L ord Venka ta .

,

p a t i or S r i ni vas a o f t he H oly T ir u p a ti-H ill I t s ays : .

E ver
j oi ned to Thee a t a ll ti mes ,
S er vices al l, we mus t r en der These,
0 FathM ! d Li g ht of the H i l l,
'

an

Fr om w hi c h li mp id wi lls tri ckle down

On r e ad n i g a nd e x p a ni n l i g th i s R amanuj a w en t to t he
Sac ed H ill call d P ehp mantap a i n ecs tatic t hough t and
r ,
e zo
o

a-

,

g lanc ing on the a s embly of s cholar s befo e him ask ed I s

s r , :

t h er e a ny one a mong s t ye p re p ar ed t o s tay in Tir up at i mak e , ,

ow e g a r de ns a nd daily s er ve S r i ni vas a w i t h o w ers t h ereof

r- ,

A nant a S ur i s tood p B id m g o Si r e s ai d he and q ui c kl

- u e
, y , ,

w e nt to Tir u p ati a nd th ere g ett i ng u p a o w e g arden ar r i ed ro , c

ow er s da ily to t h L or d t h e e H e ca lled t he gar den R ama

e r .

R amannj a w a s i nfor me d o f a ll t hi s
i me to t ime and fr o m t ,

he lo nged to vis i t T ir up a t i h i ms el f
Fo r t h i s p ur p os e he .
,

s w if t ly w e nt th rou gh t he Ti m e dymozhi co u r s e and pr oceeding ,

to the T e mple p r ay ed to the Lor d R a ng a ther ei n to p er mi t hi m

,

to g o on a t our t o K anc h i Ti r up ati a nd other s h r i ne s , , .

G r a nte d b ut r et ur n soon w as t he r e ply th a t c ame

.
, ,

b g thus the h oly per mis s ion of Lor d R ang e R ama

O tai ni n ,

u nj a l e ft S r i r ang am w i th hi s di s c iples o n a tou the s t o f r, r

i ntment
'

the k i nd a fter his a no as t he P ont ilf of the r is ing V a is h

nava - a ith O n hi s w ay nor th he vis i ted M ah it a-k s h tra and

f . , ,

ot h er s hr i nes ar r i vi ng at D hal i N ag ar a Tim -k -k val r , -

or ,
,

w h er e b e rendere d h o mage to Lord T r ivi k r a ma w ho a ppeared ,

to the T h r ee Fir s t A zhver s T he nce he p r oc eeded to C hitra

2
.

1 S ee p 206 , for t his a nd other te r ms , of o u r L i ve s

.
of A z hvars .

S ee thei r account i n o ur Li ves of A z lmtrs .

 1 16 Y A J S ES A
'

A ND VARADA . on xv . m .

hi m C h i da mbar am b u t hea r ing t h at i t w as i nfested w i th

or .

t he mos t b ig o tted Sa i va s l e ft the place th i nk ing that i t w o u ld

,

no t b e p oss i ble fo r hi m t o i ntroduc e a ny r e for m i n the pl ac e

in a hu rr
y .

He nex t a r r i ve d at A s ht a -s a h(i s m - g ra ms , w h ere he had

na me
1
di s c ipl es b v Y j eS a a nd V ar a dizr y a O f t hes e ,

tw o a .

Y a j esa w as ve ry r ic h a nd V a r a da ver
y poor . T o the for mer
R am anuj a s ent tw o of his di s c ipl e s to a nno u nc e his ar r vai l , a nd

a sk hi m t o b e hi s goo d h os t g his h l t du r i n a . Y a
j iiesa , w he n
t he dis ciples ca me , w as i n a n ro gant m oo d ar an h eeded them
d
no t ; t hi nki ng tha t w h en R am anuj a c h os e t o c ome h i m el f t o s

hi s door s, he w o u l d r ec e i ve hi m i n p r o p er fo r m A t t h i s c ol d
.

t r e a t me nt, the di s c ipl es r et urn ed to R aman uj a w i th falle n face s

a nd re por ted t o hi m the c ondu c t o f Y aj esa . T h en we s h a ll

not e nte r his door s , sai d R amanuj a e
, w e sha ll g o t o o ur poor
Var ad a t
dis c i pl e a not ic o nc e a nd w i th o u t
S o s ayi ng they e .

,

t h e ded th eir w ay to V a rada s l o w ly hu t B u t he w as a bse nt

r a .

o n h is dail
y b eg g i ng r o unds H is w i fe t h good P ar t ti k .
, e a -

k ol lai es pied them c o mi ng

, S he w is h ed to s te p for w r d a nd .
a

w elco me th em b ut she had s uc h a th r ea d b e g ar ment t

,
- ar o

ow i ng t o a bj ec t p ov e t
c ove her
y th at s he co ul d no t w i t h any

r r

deco u m s h o w herse l f to a ny
r S o she s h l te e d hersel f b h in d .
, e r e

a do o and c l app e d her hands s

r, th a t R amanuj a mi gh t t ak e i t o

fo a s i g nal of w el c ome and not g o a w ay e lse w h er e a s th at

r , ,

w ou l d b e di sas tr ou s to her i na smuch

s ou l s we l far e , as R ama
j
un a s conde Sc ens io n in h a vi ng me to her p oor hous e w o uld
co

p r o v e pr otl es s R amanuj a a t . o nc e under s t oo d t he de li ca te s i t u

a ti o n i n w hi c h t he
poor l ady w a s plac ed a nd taki ng o ff t he ,

co l or e d c l oth w hi c h co vere d hi s hea d ung i t th r ough a w i d

n ow ,

i nto t he h ou s e S he pic k ed i t u p a nd w ea r i ng it a pp roac hed

.

,
R amanuj a w h o m i n w el c omi ng to her h o us e s he p ros tr a t ed
,
,

mo s t h u m bly a nd s a id O my gr ac iou s G u r u
you ar e mos t , ,

w e lc ome to my hu mb le c ottag e P r ay acc ep t th is w ater for .

1
l tte s f ull na me i s P ar al l i-lw koll a i V a r a dac har n

T he a r
a nd
y , his
w ife i s t he famo us P ur utl i-k -kol l a i N ac ohi r S a ns k r i t iz ed into K
.

y , ar pas
armamb a .
1 13 V A ILA D A R Y A . on x v . m .

i
r ed to the mer c hant , a nd for c i n ga mos t b e w i tc h i ng s m il e i nto
her fac e to pleas e hi m s ai d : ,
G ood ma n, t i me ha s now a rr i ved
for t he f ul l me nt o f t hy long -c her i s hed des ir e M y G ur u .

i s pl eas ed to co me t o my hou s e A nd I h av e t o e nter ta i n .

th e m fo r w hi c h al l food s tu ff s and ves s el s a r e w a nt ed

,
P leas e - .

o r der t h e m a t o nce T he me r c hant s t u dy i ng the s ta ndi ng

.
,

beauty more t han ever a nd i n a med a t the o ver tu r es s he her ,

s el f made thi s t i me o be ye d her c o mm ands w i t h o u t a w o r d a nd

, ,

s ent a n a bu ndanc e of gs w it h h r T he good w om a n s tood

t hi n e .

befo re R am anuj a i n al l h u mili ty w it h t hese t h i ng s H e w as .

s tr u c k w i th her devo t io n a nd commanded t ha t s he s hou l d her

s e l f c oo k for hi m a gr ea t p r iv i leg e i ndee d b es t o w ed o n a
,

, ,

w oman b y a h oly p er s on ( i n I ndia ) S he did s o A nd R ama . .

n uj a a nd hi s di sc iples a fter b at h ing a nd w ors h ipp i ng G o d , ,

p ar took o f the h oly food o ffer ed hi m i n lo ve a nd r es ted i n he r , ,

hou se his w hole bei ng p u l sat i ng w i th bles s i ngs f or her

, .

W hi le h
t u s R amauuj a w a s r es t ing in hi s l o v i ng vo tar
y s

ho us e, V a r a darya, the h u s b and , r et u r ned h ome a ft e r hi s be ggi ng .

T he goo d w ife l
r e a te d t o hi m al l t he i ms t ances
c rc u b eg i nni ng
w it h the G

u r u s a r r i va l a nd u
p to the r e p as t w h i c h she w as a b l e
t o s p r ead b efo r e hi m du ri n b sence nd the w o s h i p a nd j oy g his a , a r

w h ic h s h i n his bs e nce w as ab le to g ive t the illu s t r io u s

e, a , o

gu es t M da m s aid t he hu s b a nd j u bi l nt
. a ,

th o ugh t h ou a t a , r

you ng thy w i t s a e eld el s e how coulds t t hou h a ve don e s u c h

,
r

a g a nd t s k
r T ho u ar t no t a w ife b u t a goddes s I k e n th ee
a , .

N r o t t ho u a nomi nal di s c i ple fo for thy s a vio ur th o u has t

ar , r,
,

A pplau ding he th u s

s acri c ed all even t hy w om n s hono

,
a r . r
,

he w nt to R amanuj a a nd c l as p e d his feet r mly

e t h en r i s i ng
and w i t h p a l ms j oi ne d p r a i ed him t hus 0 P i nc e o f me n !
, s : r

Ki ng of a sc et ic s a t ho us a nd s a lutat i ns to t h ee Fo the o . r

r edemp t i on o f t h i ng s l i fe f u l nd li fel es s t h o u a t bor n a mo ng s t -

a , r

us V is h nu H i mse l f t he L o d o f t he U ni ve
, , e T h o u ar t a ll r rs . .

k now ing a nd a ll w is e a nd a t t h very r eflec t ion o f H a i A s

,
-
,
r e r .
,

i n a dee p d rk w ell w all ow cr ea tu r es e n tang le d i n t he me s h e s

a ,

o f th ei v ar ied deeds
r w ho els e b u t tho u a t a bl e t o l i ft th e m
, r

f o m t h i s di s ma l a bys s
r w ho b u t the mag i c ian c n dr a w t h
e a

veno m o ut o f t he c b a b i tte n p e s on ? w ho b u t t he o r -
r
s u n c an
dis p l dark nes s w h at b ut c ool w ter ca n alla a ma n s th ir s t
e a
'

y ? .
cu . X V I II . PE N I TE N T M E RC H A N T .
1 19

T he sa mi aa- s
'

mit ten i
b y W O I S hi P P i ng
s n ne r nds re l ie f o nl y
'

thy oly fe et h Pra is e b e to my G u r u, b y w hos e ma ic t he

.
g
e vil s pi r i t l eft t he p r i nc es s a d i
n ts el f w a s r e dee me d H ads t .

t ha n no t a ppea r ed a mon s t u s how coul d a s i nner l i k e m e g ,

ha ve been s aved L ea r ne d me n t he r e ar e by t he hu ndr ed, b u t

th e i w ay s e p d h
r ar s an d a , le a ding t h em do w nw ar d . H ow

g a c io u s ! t h v h o ly t
r s e
ps w er e di r ec ted to the a b o de o f a p oor
c r eat u r e l i k e my s el f . g
T he ver y s i ht o f t hee has ab sol ved m e
o f a ll m y s i ns I am p ea ce a nd s o do my
. c o n te nt . I r es t in

a nce s t or s R amanuj a b 10 3 s ed him an d g i vi ng hi m the S r i
.

p de ti r tha l e t hi m p ar tak e o f food (p r a sdd a ) H e w as

-
, .

s t r uc k w i th o
j y a t t he u ni ty o f hear t a nd p ur po se th i s e x c ell e nt ,

p a ir p o s s es s ed a nd dw el t w i th t h e m for s o me t i me
, .

p ai r no w t hou gh t of r eturni ng the k i ndnes s o f the

T he
me mha nt T h ey bot h w ent w i th R amanuj a s ti r za and p ra
.

s titl a a nd deli ver ing t he m t o hi m as k ed hi m t o p ar t ak e o f t he

, ,

s ame a nd t h e n do w h a t he lik ed w ith t he w i fe

, H e l e ft T he . .

m er c hant s h ear t lea p t w i th j oy b ut w hen he dr a nk the ho ly

w a t er and a te t he hol foo d he fel t w i t h i n hi m a s t r ange r evo l u

y ,

t i o n H is c a r na l i nte nt for t he da ms el gave w a t o w i s dom and

.

y
w or s hip H e w alk ed r ou nd her a nd t hr ew h i ms el f b e for e he r
.
,

and w i t h ha nds u p ra i s ed i n de vo t io n s a i d M a dam th ou ar t ,

my mo th er , a nd t hy h u band i
s s my fa th er . T he dark nes s of u n

w s do m
i had o v er s p r ea d my m i nd mak i ng me , a foo l a nd l us ti ng
a fter t h ee I . fall a t thy fe et , mot he P ardon me P o tec t me
r . . r .

T a k e me to g
yo ur r ea t G u r u a nd t h o w me a sl ave at hi s h oly
r , ,

f e et . S u bject me to any pe nanc e b y w hic h my s i n m ay b e ex

pi a te d . Let m e w a l k i n the p ath o f r igh t eo us nes s a ny
ho w

. g ood da m e tol d her hu s ba nd of a ll t hi s mo s eful
T he re r

c onfes s ion a nd b egge d hi m t qu i t t he convu ls d s ou l o f o e e

t he mer c h a nt A ll t h i s w a s ma vellous. A non V a a dary a r . r

b ent hi s s te p s to the p e ni tent ma n a nd leadi ng hi m to R ama

nu j a c as t hi m at hi s feet
,
R amanuj a w ho i nq ui e d ho w a l l .
,
r

t h i s c a me a b o u t w as t old a ll H is s ur pr i z e w as e q u a l to his
,
.

j oy H e had made a go od di sc i pl e to w hom t her efo e b e duly

.
,
r

a dm i ni s t er ed a l l t he ve Va is h nava s ac r a ment s I t i s ch o u i
. r

The P aqzc ha -S ams kdm , al r eady des cr i b ed Cp He s ha l l

'

Le . .

b apti ze you wit h t he; H ol y G hos t an d Fi r e [8 D uke, I I I . .

120 Y AJ nE S A cu . X V III

c edl t ha t this dis c iple t he nce fo r w a r d s ho ne as b ri ht g as t he

su mm er moon ,
h aving pl a ced al l hi s w ea l th at the d is pos a l of

R amanuj a , w h os e fa me t hus s p r e a d a ll o ver the c o un t r

y .

Y a
j ga , t he r ic h di sc iple , k ne w not h i ng of all t his .

W herea s he ex pec ted R emane ja w ou l d b e co mi ng, r to hi m ;

p ro bab ly b e w as on hi s w ay . S o he ha d g a ther ed toget h e r many
t h i ng s at ho me t o feas t hi s G uru a nd w as p r ep ar ed i n oth er
w ays to rec e i v e him, as he t ho u gh t . H e w a i ted th u s w it h hi s
l
r e a t i ves , b u t the r e w as no s i n o f g R amanuj a co min g . T h i s s et
hi m po nder i ng , a nd he le ft ho me i n u es t a nd des a t c ed o t e r q p h h
me n a l s o T hey l ear nt t hat R amanuj a had b ent his s te p s t o
.

V ar adarya s

ho u s e, a ft er t he i ndiffer e nt m a nner i n w h ic h his
t w o mes s e n ge
ha d b een t r e a ted b y Y a j s a
rs . T he se tidi ng s
c a r r ied t hey t o Y aj s a O n hea r i n i t, he fell t o w ee pi ng ; . g
a nd h
ur r i n
y

g
t o V a r a darya s ho us e, c a s t hi ms el f at t he ol
y h
feet of R aman u j a , b ese ec i n hi s pa r don R amanu j a lovi n l y h g . g
li fted hi m u
p a nd read to hi m a s er mon t h us ,
l
c a c u ated l
t o b e u s e fu l to t he w hol e w or l d j $a l is te n t a t I : Y a .

u t ter i s g o od fo r thy s oul A Va i s hna va s h oul d r e qu i re t he .

ve Sams k ar a s s h ou l d k no w t he ve T r u t h s a nd fo llo w
, ,

hi s s aviou r B u t m or e t ha n a l l t his is t he ser vi c e to th os e

.

w ho ar e go dl y T he t w o mes s e ng er s t h a t c a me to th ee w er e
.

V a is h navas g odly me n T h ey c a me as gues ts bes ides

, .

a nd w e re w ay -w o r n . B ut t h e m t h ou dids t j
e ec t from t hy
t h r es ho ld . T hi s did not bec o me t h ee . T h ou s h o ulds t ha ve
w e c o m ed t
l h em ,
w as he d th i e r fe e t, h em fed th em fa nned t ,

a nd w or s h i pp ed t he m in e ve
y w ay b e t t i ng Va is h n va
r a _

v s i t or s
i . T hey ar e V is hnu H i ms e l f i n that fo m A fte i h y r . r e

had ea t e n, t ho u s h o ul d st h a ve e a te n w hat w as l eft as t hy

p r a sd h e n th is cour se i t ic tl y follow ed th at s how s a a l
da . T s s r
, re

V i hn va B ut w h en i t i s follo w ed f the s ake of h w

a s a .
or s o
fa me or g ai n i t i s a good a n t do n , H o us es o f s ho w f me
s s o e .

, a
o r g i n Y aj e$a are no t o u ho us es W h a t pl eas es G od is
a , , r .

s a cr i c e ma de w it h ou t mot ive
(sdt k

Y aj e g a hc md rz a

t h is a nd w as as h a med L o d he p ayed lo w ly I am .

r ,

r
,

u ndone ex t nd t o me fo gi vene s s e a nd a c c ep t me r
S on
,
, .

li s ten s ai d R amanuj a
, th ou h a l t ma ke a mends by dai l : , s
y
w as h i ng c l ean t he c lothe s o f the V a i h nava s
h er e and thus b e s
,
122 V I I P '
S T T O TI R U A I I . on . XV I II .

a nd th en P em n dvi -
,
the C o nsor t of Lo rd Va da, dedic a t i n
ra g to
H er t he v er s e

wra na qsq m z i i n I

irs a ufrzra aw aeu m 1

'

s r II

T he nce Cha k r a -
tt Zzhvdn ( t he A
-( r c ha n g el D is c us ) , G a m t mdn ,
ca ll ed t he L g e foot
ar -
( P o r z a ti r u r a gl i ) , V i s hv a k a s ena, t he
y
'

L ord
i -G (or
'

of H os t s , a nd then as c e ndi ng t he s te ps of the H as t zr i

E le p ha nt -H i ll ) , Lor d V a ra da w as d, K a ch i -p r na a l l
r eac he

t he t i m e l e a di ng ,
a nd R aman uj a f ollo w in g
R amanu j a t hr e w .

hi ms el f b efor e hi s ol d P a tr o n G o d, a nd r ec eiv in g t ir tha , pr a s dda ,

a nd S a tha k a , r et ur ned w it h m ind s t ee p ed i n div i ne b l i s s .

H e info r m ed P i n-na

p r oceed nor th to
of hi s inte nt io n te
T i r u p at i to vi s i t the Lor d Ve nka t a P iI I -na c ongr at u l ated R ama .

nuj a o n t he j o y that w as i n s to r e fo r hi m b y the int ended tr i p ,

and b a de hi m g od S p eed H e w a s j o ur neyi ng o n th u s w i t h hi s

- .

adh er e nt s w h en he los t hi s w a y
,
O n look i ng r o u nd a man .
,

w as fo u nd dr a w i ng w a ter fr o m a w ell S ho w u s the w ay . ,

good man he as k ed

,
T his w ay gent lemen . s a id he ,

s ho w i ng t he w a y I n w h a t w ay c an I s h o w my g r a ti t u de t o
.

t hi s p er s o n Ques t io ni ng h i ms el f t hu s R am annj a pr ost r a ted ,

h i ms elf befor e the pik o tt a man S eei ng t h i s al l the di sc i pl es - .

,

did the s ame as t on is h e d t hou g h a t R am anu j a s s pi r i tu al vie w s

,

of men and thi n gs ,

u nc om mon o f c ou r s e to ot he r men . The
t r ac k s how n w a s a s tr ai gh t o ne ,
a nd l ed u nmi s t ak a b ly to t he
foo t of t he H o ly l i r u pa t i H i l l
'
. H er e t he Ten A z hvar s ar e

e nshr ined . D ue o bei s a n ce w as m ade t o t h em a nd t he H

'

ol
y H ill
i t sel f, r is ing fro m t he re i n s a c r ed g r an de u r . R amanu j a w ou l d

no t m o unt t he hi ll for fea r o f des ec r a t i ng it w i th t he to u c h of

hi s feet ; and s o r e mai ned a t the foo t for so me t i me , w h en

1
M e ani ng :

S pous e b e lo ve d of Va r ada, pra i s e t o T he e .

I n t r a i t s T hr e e, pe r fe c t I n L otu s e ve r a b idi ng ,

M ot he r of all t he w o r lds .

T he Thr e e T ra i t s ar e A 1 10 3: yar ha t G o d. The s e a r e mys te r i e s of r e
r a , A n an ya ses ha tr a , a nd A na nya l ig i on w hi c h c an n e ve r b e r o e rl
p p y
b li g a t va , me a ni ng t he T hr e e r e u nde rs to od b
y me ans o f e ve n t he
l at io ns hi ps i n w hi c h s o uls s t a nd t o b e s t t r a ns l at ions O u r r s t di ai .

G od, Le . D e s t i ne d for c ul ty i s t he w a nt o f a
ppr opr iat e
E nj oya b l e b y

p o s a b l e b y G o d , w or ds .

2
T he Ke r ub .
 on X V . III .
I
K NG V l TT H A LA D E V A o .
1 23

V i ttha la -D eva, t he ki ng of t he Tou di r a c ou ntr

y, s tr uc k w i th
t he fame of R amanu a beca me his di sc i pl e a n d b ro ugh t to hi m
j , ,

a bunda nt w ealth , w ith

w h i c h he es tab li s h ed a village o f thi t
y r

h ou ses w i t h thir ty s mall es tates attac h ed to ea ch and g r nt ing

,
, a

th e m to th i r t
y deser vi ng fa mili es att c h ed to hi s b a nd a ,

na me d the vill ag I a M a nda a m The ne w s th at R amanuj a

l y e .

had a i ved r eac hed t he ear

rr f t he vene b le S r i saila P na s o ra - r

and o t h e rs es iding o n the H i ll

r T h ey s w i ft ly des cended a nd .

h ea ti ly gr eet i ng R ainanuj a as k ed him t g o up the h ill w i th

r
, o

t h e m t o see the L or d Venk a t a ( A L ook S i re R ama

pp an) .
, ,

u nj a addr ess ed P f na th T n A zhv ar s h a ve r ema ined at

ir , e e

t he f oo t w i t h out dar i ng to t ead on the H i ll H ow c an I do s o r .

no w I t s ati s e s me q uite t e m ai n w i t h t he A hva s he e and o r z r r ,

do th e m s er vi c e s I f you w on t g o B amanuj a said P r na

.

,

ne i t her sha ll w e
g o T he n b e i t as
y o u w.ill"
S i e

so , r ,

s a y i n g R amanu a b a th ed and p oc eedi ng t the T amar i nd t ree

, j ,
r o
,

at the foo t of t he Hill Holy Hill and s ay

, did ob se i a nc e to t he
i ng : B y the foo t he as cends t r e mb l i ng l y c limbed he
"
, A s , .

he c r o s sed t he s even h ills a nd da les he enj oy ed the c h ar m i ng ,

panar oma of natur e p resente d to his si g ht t he ri lls tr ic k li ng , ,

dow n t he h ill s lop e s vegetat i on l ow a nd high ador ned w i t h

,

ow er s of all im ag i na ble color s and t he h i ll s and thevalleys

t eem i ng w i th a ni ma l li fe the m os t i nter es ti ng and misch i evo us

of t h es e b ei ng the monk eys P ii r na had gone i n adva nc e and

.
,

b y t he t i me R amanuj a r eac h ed the Ti r u p p ari yatt a r oc k he -

- -
,

retur ne d w i t h Lor d V enk ata s ti r tha a nd p r asada t o w el co me

-
,

him C oul d not s ome you ngs t er b e dep ut ed for th i s w or k vene

. ,

r ab l e S i r e i ns tea d o f y ou r s el f c o min g to do m e th ese h onor s

,

as ked R amanuj a o f P r na H e r e pli ed S i r e I sear c hed al l

.
,

the fou r cor ner s of t h i s pl ac e for one you ng e r th an mys e lf I .

coul d no t nd one I am the you n g es t h e nce I h a ve c om e to

:
.
,

O n h earing t hi s l angu ag e o f h umi li ty o n the

l
w e co me y o u .

p ar t of a vener able p er son l i k e P r na B amanuj a and his fol ,

m k
t o V a i un t h m i id t pl aq

a nka-r i d ya
r

iif ih
P ar y a s sa o e
zz
hi 8 f C O t on the H oly S ea t of G od ,
'

'

s e G o d- medita tio ns
z 8M
o
e ve n as a c hi ld fe ar less l y t re ad s o n
au U pa nis hads [r i de
by the
i t s me t her e lap See Kaus hi ta k i

N 0 1 ] i n t he Tab l e of the V i dy s ,
.

U pams ha t. l s t C hapter
p z
. ei f b
o ur B hag avad G i ta
-
] The .
.

as pi ra nt to G od, w he n he pr ocee
ds
124 T RUI PA T I . CH . XV III .

lo w er s ex pr es s ed h onor s
w onder , a nd h umbly ac ce p t ing t he

th a t had been b ro ugh t p r oc eeded to t he s ton fenc i ng w h er ,

e- ,
e

a l l the monk s r ec l us e s ac o lyt es t he el de s a nd a ll the es ta b

, , ,
r

l is hme nt a tt c hed to the H oly Fane met hi m i n a g ea t body

a ,
r ,

and es co ted hi m R am anuj a no w c me i n s igh t o f the Fa ne

r . a

i ts el f nd p os t a ti ng hi ms el f befo e the l k m tha gate b a t h ed

' '
-
a r r r r
at z ,
,

i n the K on i ( a ta nk ) dec k ed hims e lf w ith the T w e lve

r ,
.

H oly M a k s w ent o und the fou s t r et s d ink i ng i n w i t h his

r ,
r r e ,
r

eye s t he ha nds o me dw ll i ng o f th F i t h fu l the a mp ar t e a r s,

e s ,

c l o is te s c ol l o nnade s
r ,
th e n sa w t he o w e ga de n t ende d b y ,

r- r

w ho ha d g one to l i ve there u p o n hi di ec tio n

A n nt s iI i
a a- r ,
s r

th e e fr o m s he e de l ight he e mb ace d hi s fai th ful di s c ipl e

r ,
r , r ,

s y i ng h a v i ng nu s ed th ee I no w r eap the fru i t

a :

He r ,
.

e nj oye d t he s u r ou ndi ng s c e ne o f gar de ns t hi k w i th l ku t

r c a a,

Pt l P u nmi g a a nd o th e t ee fr a gra n t a nd o w i ng w i t h
a a, r r s,

h oney a o ding ete nal s h de to w ea y tr a veller s a nd d l igh t

,
r r a r ,
e

i ng t h e ir v i s i o n w i th bu nc h e s of ow e s hang i ng f om t h e i r r r

br anc h es and e nt e ta ining t h ei ea s w it h st a i ns of mus ic

, r r r r

p ou ed fo th b y b ees a nd all k inds of beaut ifu l pl u m ged

r r - a

bi ds H er e a nd the r e embos omed in the g ar dens w e e cool

r .
,
r

p onds c overed w it h w h it e a nd viol et lot u s es i n the mids t of

, ,

w hic h sw a m a nd danc e d cr anes a nd s tor k s a nd al l s orts of

bi d in a ll the vol up t uous nes s o f natur e s bou nty

w ater - r s,

.

P ss ing on fr om t h es e bew i t c h i ng cenes a nd songs he w ent to

a s ,

V a aha s Sh ine b efo e w hi c h he b w e d a nd th en to the gat e

r r ,
r o

of A r dr -a g a cchzhnddn and t he A ttdm Ta mar ind T ree a nd

'

o

t h en the B a l i -p i llar , a nd t h en t he p avil io n c alled Y a ma na i

ttu r a i va /r . H e t hen s ippe d the holy w ate r o f S eami P us hk a r i ni ,

1 S om e
i ns c r i pti o nal i nfor ma w as dis c i pl e of t he r e for mer R
a
t i o n ma y b e u s e ful t o o u r rea der s : manuj ac hiz rya , a nd t he only o ne

EP 24 , l o l I I I , E p ig r ap hia Ca r na a mo n hi s d is c i l e s w ho vol unt eer ed

' '

g p
. . .

t a ca , b y B L R ic e] I t r ecord s t o acc e pt t he du ty o f dai ly re ar

p p
. .
.

t he g ra nt o f M a ndya , o the r w is e i ng the g a r l a nds for t he G a l V e n

-
cal led Kr i s hna r iaya pu ra, t o G ov i nda

k at f a o f T i r upat i This he di d .

R aja , a de s c e nda nt of A na ntac har s ol el

y f r om bha k l t o r de voti on to
ya , on w ho m ( t he g o d) V e nk at esa (of hi s g ur u H i s me mor ial ve rs e i s
.

T i r upa t i ) ha d plac ed t he g arla nd . as f oll ow s

A na ntac har ya (o r S r i) it a ppe ar s
ar
m a l wzw uw -w I
 1 26 G O V I N D A 'S D E V OTIO N . on xv . m .

G vi nd a s ubmi s s i vely s ai d :
o S uc h an ac t S i r e ! s ur e ly ,

des er v e s p er d i t io n b u t lis ten I f by my tr y i ng y o u r b ed

, .

my se l f befo r eh and I make my s el f s ur e th ere b e no th i ng i n

,

it r o ugh or k no tty w h ic h may p res s a ga i ns t yo ur sof t body ,

s ure t h er e b e no i nsec t t o b i t e a nd d i s t ur b you w h en yo u s le ep ,

i t ma tter s litt le i f I g o to h ell

R am anuj a w as de li ghtf u l ly .

a sto ni sh ed a t th i s str a ng e e x pl a na ti o n a nd h i s lo ve to w ar d s ,

G o vi nd a i nc r eas ed .

On a no gone ou t on a v i s i t to
th er day R am anuj a ,
ha d -

P r na s Ho l y G ar d e n ; w h il e he w as r et u rn i ng on t he w ay he

,

o bs er v e d G ov i nd a pu t hi s ng e r s i nt o t he f a ng s o f a s nak e
,

a nd w i thd r aw i ng th e m g o t o ba t h e a nd p r oce ed t o P u r na s

,

h ouse to p er for m the u s u al s er v i c es Feeli ng c ur i o us a t th i s .

u nu s u al ac t o f G o vi nda s he qu est i o ned hi m H e e x pl a i ned

'

, .

th a t he s aw the s nake O p e n i t s m o uth a s he a pp r oach ed a nd he

fo und on exa minination th a t it had a th or n on i ts to ng ue H e
, , .

e xt r ac t ed the s a me f ro m i t to r elie v e t he s u ff er i ng cr ea t ur e a nd
_
,

th en w en t a bou t his b u s i nes s W ha t a t ender h ear t p os s es .

G ov i nd a ! s ai d R amanuj a t o hi m s tr u c k w i th

s est th o u , ,

wonder .

d i ng o f the H ol y R amayana w as now ni sh e d l

T he r ea .

A nd R amanuj a h u m bly b egg ed P r na s p e r mi s s i o n to r et u r n to

S r i r ang a m Y o u h a ve come s o fa r nob l e s o u l s a i d P au l a

.
, , ,

w h a t h av e I d one for yo u S i r e a ns w er ed R amanuia:

,

w h e n I lear nt th at ou r d ear G o v i nd a w e nt a s tr ay i t c aus ed ,

1 T he follo w ng i
ns c r t o na l i ip i c har ya , t ha t o ne day w he n he w as
notes w ll b e u s ef ul i [pp 28 -2 9 ,
. e ng ag ed i n t he s er c e o f G od vi
V ol . I II
E pi g r aphi a Ca r na tac a ,
.
V e nk at a a t l ir upa t i , t he G od w a s
s
'

by B R c e]
. L . i
T he g r a nt i n he a r d t o s ay t o hi m , G e me iv
i
t h s c a s e w a s ma de, i t i s s a d, t o a i w a te r , Tat e w he nc e he a c u r ed
. q i
g r a nds o n o f S l i s a i la pr na or T
'
. m .
t he na me o f Tatac har ya
iv i
.

c harya , w ho ha d re c e ed t he na me T he f oll ow ng memdr i a l e rs e v

m i v by
,
o f Ti fr o m ( t h e G od) V e nk a t f a re c t e d e e n n o w a ll S r iva i s h

(of a nd w as g ur u t o t he v b
na a s e f or e c omm e nc i n
g E dmd ya
O

a utho r o f t he B hA s hya ; (mea n ng i i

31 a , w as ded ca t ed t o P r na : r {im
t her e by
l l amanuj ac hr ya , w ho
mm w f em i nis m !
w r o te t he V i s is ht hadva i ta - edant a v
mfm m ei rm irs am
=
iqm
'

b has hya ) T he r e fe re nc e here i s t o

.

t he s to r a o ut y b
S t i f a i la pr na , W E II H e is sai d t o hav e e x
i
k now n a s B hur -S ri fai lap r na (i n p i
la ned t he Ramaya na i n 24 die r

T a m l, i
P er a iy Ti
r umal a am ), i N bi e nt w ays , or w t h 2 4! di er e nt i
t he ma t e r n al unc l e o f R amanuj a i
me a n ng s, to l l amanuj ac harya .
ca . X V II I . G ovI nnA . 127

me h ear tach e p onder i ng ho w to rec laim hi m w h en you

I w as , ,

S ire f ulll ed my he ar t s w i s h by c i c u mvent iug the poo h e ti c

'

,
r r er ,

by p re ach i ng to him the T u e F i th p ointi ng out to him t he r a ,

d nge s o f t he p ath he had st ay ed i n to and oth er w is e c onv inc

a r r

i ng hi m o f t he T r uth s o f o u R li gi n a nd th u s by d es t oy r e o : r

i n g t he p er vers e noti on he h d for med i n his w a nd e i ng s i r

m i nd r es tor ed hi m to o u h l y f ol d
,
Wh a t better ac h i v r o . e e

men t c an b e eff ec t ed t h n t h i s Per mi t me t o k ye t a as

a no th er f a v o ur of yo u S i c n you p ar t w i th him nd let a

,
re , a ,

m e have hi m W i th out a mo ment s th o ugh t come G ov i nd a
, , ,

c a ll d P ai ne th ou ar t f om th i s moment R amanuj a s o w n


e r ,
.

I m ak e a fr ee g i ft o f th ee t o hi m G o w i th hi m nd b e to

. a

hi m I com ma nd al l th a t th ou h as t be e n to me
, ,
Noth ing les s .

w ill pl e a s e me

.

v i nda s ai d not a w or d b u t follow ed R amanuj a a f te r

G o , ,

r os tr a t i ng h i ms el f b efo r e h i s G u r u T h ey al l no w l e f t Ti r u
p
.

p a ti a nd vi s i ted on t hei r w ay h o me the Holy Plac es of G ha tik a

,

c h a la m Tir u-p-putk uzhi w he r e the holy w ell G ri dhra S a r as

,

a n d o t h er h ol y w a t er s ar e s i tu a te a nd l ir uvehk a and i n
'

d ue cou r s e reac h ed K aii c hi w h er et o he w as w el co med as u s u al ,

by S ag e K a c hi p rna .

G v i nd a w as fo und to g ow c hee r l es s and w as day by day

r
o ,

los i ng heal th B amanuj a w as w a tc h i ng him d ecline ; a nd

.

d i v ini ng th at sep arati on fr om his b e lo ved A ch ary a mus t b e

gna w i ng a t h i s h ear t p ro du c ing a ll the ou t w ar d sy mp to ms o f
,

gr ie f he thought i t p rudent to s e nd hi m b ack to Tir up ati S o

,
.
,

he b a d e hi m d epar t g i v i ng hi m t w o S r i vai shnavas as es c ort s t o

,

s ee hi m s afe to hi s d es ti na t i o n G o v i nd a r eac h ed Ti r u p a ti .
,

a nd s t oo d ou ts i de h i s A c h ar y a s h o u s e
i n mu te d evo t ion T he

.
,

a tt end ants ent er i ng i nfor m ed

Sr i sai l a of the r etur n of h i s ol d
d i sc iple w ho w as st and i ng a t the door P ii ran w as d i s plea s ed

.

a nd i nd i gnantl y c r e
i d L et the mad f ell ow d ep ar t He .

o ugh t not t o cross my th r es h o l d

P r na s w i fe w a tc he d th i s

.

t p s i g b gg d h h u s b and th a t one w ho had come

a nd i n e r o n e e e r

d t i d sh ou l d not b e s o su mmar ily dis

s o f ar a n d h g y
u n r a n r e ,

i
m s s ed b u t t
,
h a t h e m i g h t b e p e r mi t t ed t o h a ve re st and f oo d

No

g ru y
,
l s a i d th e h u s b a n d no s uch c ons i dera t i on c a n ,

1 28 R ET U R N TO s ni e mm u . o n xv. m .

be s ho w n to a. so ld th ing . A so ld co w c a nno t be gi ve n g rass .

Le t hi m b e

G i
ov nda s po e k not a w o d, r a nd t i r ed and hu n g ry as he
w as , he le f t w it h i mmedi a tely a nd
the t w o S r i vai s hna vas ,

re ac h i ng K a c hi w h ere R amanuj a w as s t ill s oj o u r ni ng

s tood

before him lik e a dumb s tatue The Sr i vaishnavas told R ama .

nnj a a ll t h a t had taken place at l ir npati R amannj a admi re d

'
.

the fa rs igh te dnes s o n the one h and o f S r i Sai la a nd on the ot her , ,

the i mplic i t o bedi ence o f G ovi nda w h om he g r adually w on ,

o ve r ,w it h k i nd treatme nt a nd s ag e cou ns el s to h i msel f .

G ovi nda t h us became i n t i me reco nc iled to his ne w e nvi r on

.

ments .

M mannj a now bade adie u to Kaiichi and P drna and d uly ,

t aki ng lea ve o f Lord V an da l eft the pl ace a nd i n due t i me

, ,

retu r ned t o $ i r an am H e w as met by al l t he nota b les

g r .
,

e lders and dig nitar i es of R a g a

s Fane , and c onduc ted thereto
wi t h j oy ful Has t th ou beloved vis i te d M y Nort h
c er e mony .
, ,

A bode 9 th us enqu ir ed L ord R ang e o f R amA nu a

.
j .

w ho s too d re ve rently a t t he doo r ; a nd bes to w in g on hi m ti rtha

a nd bd
p r asdda , a e hi m g o to hi s old monas tery and r es u me his
h o ly g
minis t r y to the ro w i n co ng r eg at ion g .
1 30 G OV I N D A S C H A R A CT E R . C II . xxx .

G ov nda i I e mbr ace me t ha t I m ay b ec o m e as en li g h tened as

thou art . B y t is h e mbr ac e , co nvey to me so me of t hy g race .

O ne day, G ov nda i w as fo u nd s t a ndi n g at the door of a

s tr u mpet

s , s t npe ed as i t w er e . T hi s loo k ed s tr an e g t o peo

pl e w ho p as sed t hat w a y . Ne w s of h ed R amzmnj a H e

it r ea c

.

s ent for hi m a nd as k ed :

w ha t m ade t hee b r ot h e r li nger at , ,

the doors of i nfamy Si r e,

h s a id
e t he i nmates th ere
, ,

w h oever th ey w er e ( I do not k n o w ) we ,
i ng i ng your p r ai s es
re s .

T h is fasc inated me s o m u h t hat I w as root ed to t he s p o t and c ,

s o l ong a s t he mu s i c of y o u r p ra i s e ra ng i n m
y ear s and li fted
me i nto b l is s I cou l d not s t i f o m t h S p ot
, R amanuj a r r e .
"

m ade i nqu ir es w h eth er th y w e e rea lly hy mni ng his p r a is es e r

th er e ( tdldtt u) a nd fou n d it w s t ue , A n ang e l on ea th a r .

r ,

t h ou a t G ovinda ! c n s uc h l o ve a s t hi ne b e fo und on t h i s
r , a

dus t exc a l imed R amanuj a .

I t i s w r i t ten t h a t G o v i nda w as an ex t r aor d nar i l sou

y ,

w ho had r ea li zed i n hi s
l i fe w ha t i t w a s to l ea d a s pir i tua l

l ife T h is w as fur th er dis play ed i n a c ro w ning e vent i n his

.

c h a p t er ; o f li fe I n R amanu j a he r ea l i z ed G od ever -p r es ent

.
, .

T h is p resenc e made him e ve r feel t h at th e r e w as nei th er soli .

t nde nor dark nes s G od i n R a ma-nuj a s for m eve r lle d hi s

.

o ut er ey e as w ell as his ment al v i s i o n H ence he fel t no s oli .

t ude C ons tant s pir i tual i ll umi nat i o n a nd l ight o f G od lli ng

.

all s p ac e made any t h i ng l ik e n igh t o r da r k nes s i mp os s i b le f r

o
him H e ne ver le ft R amanuj a a n d w as e ver eng aged i n li s te n
.
, .

i ng to his ex p os itions o f the D iv i ne S c ie nc e O ne day w h ile .

,

th ey w ere so eng aged G ov i nda s mo t her found oc cas i on t

'

,
o
ent er the h all a nd w i thi n R amai i u a s h ear ing nfor me

j i d her s o n
t h at his w i fe had c ome of a g e G o vi nda t ol d her : I f so .

,

moth er l et her c ome w h en t h er e i s s o li t u de a nd dar k ness

,
.

B ut t he mot h er w ai ted fo r day s a nd fa ili ng to nd her s n

o in
s oli t ude a nd i n dar k nes s co m pl ai ne d t o R amanu

j a ab o ut ,
I

hi s w ay w ar dne ss a nd p r o bab le u nw i ll ing nes s t o k ee p h

ou se
w it h hi s w i fe i n the ma nne r o f the w o r l d
, R amanuj a ther eon .

c all ed on G ovi nda t o a b i de b

y his moth er s pleas ur e and for

,
one ni gh t at l eas t to r e mai n w it h his w i fe , H e bo wed a s sent .
.

A nd th ey made feas t for t he nu p t ia l c er e mo n and u

y t G ovinda , p ,
CH . X IX . G OV IN D A S

C H A R A CT E R .
I3 1

a nd w if t og th r i n b d m nd w e nt th i w y L ft
e e e a e -roo a e r a . e

al o n e w i th hi s w i f h b g n a d i s cou s e n th e l gy
e, nd e e a r o o o a

th eo s ophy an d l l t he nigh t th o ugh p eac h ed t o h G od a nd

, a r r er ,

H i G l i es H i s R i ch es and H is Wo nde s H i s B li s s fu l P e
s or ,
r ,
r

s au ce i n t he h ea t a nd H is L o v e t o H i s C r ea t u r e s
r a nd s o o n ,

h i m e l f as he p eac h ed evelli ng i n t he ap t u ou s enj oy ment of

s , r ,
r r r

G od I t w s now m o ni ng a nd el at i v es c me t o o ffe c ong a

. a r ,
r a r r

t u l t i n o n the h ppy t t e of th c u pl e B u t the moth e w a

a o s a s a e o . r s

aw a e rby o v h ri ng w ha t h d l l night t a n pi ed w i th i n
, er ea ,
a a r s r

H o w is i t s n

re mo n t a t ed the mo the
d oo s r .
, you see m
o ,
s r r,

t o h a v e be en engag ed ot her w i s e w i th y o u w i fe W e c ou ld h ea
'

r . r

e g u lar e li g i o u s s e mo n i n a nu p t i al c h a mb er

a r r M o th e
r r,

r e pli e d G o v i nd w h e n G o d i i n my h ea t a nd i s ev eryw he e
a, s r , i

p e nt a nd e ve r w a tch i ng me h w c n I esc p e f om H i m
r es , , o a a r ,

a nd f ee l l o ne ly e no ugh t o b a b l e t o do a ny o t h w o k th an e er r

th a t f H is c nt em pl tion a nd p a is e
o o W i th no s oli tu de no
a ,
r ,

s e c et ac t i s p o ss i bl e w i t h no d a k ness no d a k ac t i s p os s i b l e

r r r .
,

T h is i nte v ie w b et w een so n a nd moth er w as epo ted to R ama

r r r

G o v in da he s a i d cal l i ng hi m t o h i s s i d e

nuj a so th o u , , ,
.
,

h a s t p as s ed t he g ea tes t o d al w h ic h c an b pu t u p n a p u e
r r e e o r

s ou l like th ee T ho u c a ns t ne ve b e a w o l ding s eei ng ho w

. r r ,

th o u h a tes t t hi ng s f th a t s o t B u t c ome S as t a s equ i e o r .

, ,
r r r

e v e y m n t o b el ong t de ni te O d e an d a s t h ou
1
r a O me o n o S e r r

c a ns t no t b e a h o u s h ol d er b e f the O d e of t he S anny as i n
e ,
o r r .

T h i s w a s e xac tl y the w is h of G o v ind and he b gg d th a t he a, e e

b e s o o d a i ne d a t once
r I t w s done a nd R amanuj confe ed . a ,
a rr

u p o n hi m h i s o w n n a me o f E mb m mdnd T h t noble S i e e r . a ,
r ,

s a i d G o vi nd a i s t oo g re at a n honO t o pu t u p n a n h um b l e
,

r o

c r eat u e like me B l es s me w i t h a n a m e w h i c h
r .
s h ad o w lik e a

m e d e v es es T he n g a ef ull y s a i d R amanuj a l et i t b e
r .

,
r c ,

E mban, the s h ad o w ( or a bb e v i t e d f o m ) o f

r a r

a ti-dha r ma -s amucc ha ya
1
lari q q [ Y
1 32 D E V A R AT .
on . xx .

CH A PT E R XX .

D nv na fi r
'
.

\V i th R amzm

u a and
j hi s ex e mpl ar y a dher e n s , t lik e G o vin
D i vm e I n
da day w e th u
,
s p a s
ers i ng i n Di v i n e Di
s s c o u s es r ,
ci

dent a nd Di v i ne O c c u p at i n
s, s I n a p r e v i o u s c h p t e w e l e ft
o .
a r

Y aj na mur t i r e named A P E mb m ma d afte hi conve

-
,
- . . e r,
' 1
r s l"

s ion by R amnuj a T o th i s age s m e i nci dents h appene d .

s o

a bou t th i s ti me A nu mb of S i vai hnava s f rom a f o ei gn

. er r s r

land c a me on a vi s it to Sr i anga m and i nq u i d of the s t eet r re r

goe s w h e e the mon s t y of E mb er u manar w as l oc ted

r r a er a .

Wh i ch E mb e u mana th ey a sk ed The tr aveller s fe l

r r . e

i ng s t nge as k ed w h eth er th er e w ere tw o S uc h s ag s for

ra ,
e

t he F a i th ? N o b ut h e e i s A
,
P E mb er umnar bea ring r . .

th at name a n me aft r R amanuj ,

a H ence our ques tion I f
e a . .

ou mean R amanu j a h im s el f th r e is h i s m ona st er y S o e
y .
,

inst uc ted the tr a vell s f u nd th eir w ay t o R amanuj a T h i s

r ,
er o .

c onv er s at i on h o w e v er acc i d entall y r c h ed t he e rs of A P ea a . .

E mb er umanar ; a nd i t gr i v ed hi m m u c h t thi nk tha t he e o

s h ou l d b e conf oun d ed w i th R amanu j a N0 s uc h con .

fus i on he tho ugh t

,

w ou l d h a v e ar i s e n had I not li v ed
,

,

a p a t fr om R amanu j a i n a sep ate monas ter y ; and th at w i th

r - ar

hi s name as i f I w ere a i v a l h e e s et u p a g ai n st him ! M y

,
r r

d w e lli ng h ence ought no t t o s tand

S o s ay i ng he i mmedi .
,

a tel y p u ll ed i t t o pi e c es and has t ening t o R aman u a c l as ped

j ,

h i s f eet c ry in g , O h my H oli nes s ! w as i t not en ugh

:

,
o

th at th i s s infu l sou l of mi ne ha d i n all the past e terni ty

b een e tr anged fr om T hy H ol y Fee t and w hy shoul d th i s
s ,

a li en a ti on
y t pe s i s t B e l oved s a i d B amanuj a
e r thou , ,

ar t talki ng i n r i dd le s w h a t i t he matt er w i th th e e Why a t s r

th ou in su c h g ea t af icti on rH oly S ir e sai d he a fter nar , ,

at i ng t o hi m t he st ee t -conv e s at i o n o f t a v ell er s
r r an d how i t r r

aff ec t e d hi s r ep u t a t i on no mor e c a n I liv e a p ar t f om T h ee, r

a c onti ng e ncy th i s w h i c h g i v es o cca s i on f or mi s tak e s w h ic h

-
,

ar e i nj u r i ou s t o t he w ell b ei ng o f m
y s o ul a nd w h ic h j eo p ar di e
-
, z

i ts e t er nal i nte est s M y soul c an onl y th i ve by bei ng made t o

r . r

li ve e v r w i th th ee and move abou t as t he mar k s of thv sol e

e

Call e d D e va rdj mum, D evardt i n Sams k r i t

'

a- or .
 D I S CU S SI O N S on . XX I .

13 4 .

C H A PT E R XXI .

SR i -B H A SH Y A A N D o rH ER W O R KS .

m m a te l ear ni ng w er e
O f t he mos t t r i e d d e li t y a n d c o n s u ,

ra t hi D evar at a nd
now hi s o r f u d is c ipl es v i z K r ,
s a D a Sa
.
, , ,

E mb er ( G o n a) v i d T h r
e e w.e r e c o u n t l es o t h e r s o f c ou r se , ,

g g t i D il y l n th eo l o g i c a l s u bj ec ts
i n hi s co n re a o n a c . as s e s o

w er e c onduc te d A s th y e
. w e re r e a di g S t
n N a m az hvar s .

I -l i n a t -tat t a
T i r uv aymoz hi th e y ,
c a me acr os s t e h v er s e z g

r dya ttir u m am a z t ar u m S dk kzya r um & c [ I V

'

p u ,
.
,

D i ve rs e fai l hs as tau g ht by the L izi g a p w dz the

la -
,

S uw a nee (J ai nas ) a nd S dky a s ( B auddhas ) d c A nd th ey ,

s
.

di s cu s s ed t he d e fec t s o f th es e s ys te m s a s a l s o th ose o f t he ,

advazta d ic t u m th a t li b er at io n ( mok s h a ) i s ma de s ur e o n the

'

mere k no w l edg e o f t he meani ng o f s u c h Ved ic texts as Ta ttoo s

mend T h ou ar t T h a t z e Th o u Sou l ar t T h at G od ; of the

,
. .
, , ,

syst em of thos e w ho ma i ntain th a t n ot mer e k now ledge alone ,

b ut w or k s as w ell as k no w l edg e c om b i ne d b r i ng a bou t d el i ver , ,

a nc e (mok sh a) None o f th ese s y s te ms th ey ar gued h ave h i t

. , ,

the t r u e s pi ri t of t he V a i dik a -r eli g ion Vedanta and th at ,

w h ere th ey h ave hit the tr u th i t i s p a r t i a l The na l verd i c t

,
.

of the Ved as i s B y l ov e to G od i s e ma nc ip at ion ( mok sh a) t o

b e w on L ove to G od or G od lo ve is w h a t i s i ntend ed by suc h
.
-

ter ms as V edana D hyctna U p ds an a a nd B ha kta S uc h l ove i s

.
, ,

fo stered by good w or k s a nd k no w le dge of G od M er e k no w .

l edg e of G od as l ear nt fr om Vedi c tex ts i s i ne i cac io ns a s al so ,

are g ood w or k s done w i th o u t a h e ar t for G od Wh erea s k now

. .

l edg e and good w or k s are c al c u l a ted to l ea d to l o ve a nd love ,

alo ne s ec ur e s s al vat i on ( mo k s ha ) k now l edg e o r good w or k s , ,

w i th ou t lo ve j oi nt ly o r s e p ar a tel y can no t d i re c t ly l ead th ere

, ,

u nt o . T h us th ey d i scu ssed and ar r i v ed a t a d eci s ion th at a ,

tr ue i nterp retat ion of the Ved ant a a ccord ant w i th th es e v i ew s , ,

sh ou ld b e systemati call y ma de a nd R amanu j a accor d i ngl y s at

dow n to p re p ar e a st and ar d w or k e mb ody i ng an e xh a usti ve
r ef utat ion of moni s m ( adva zta) a nd s i m il ar th eor ies a nd a

c ons e uent d efenc e o f Vi S i s htddva i ta o r q u ali e d moni s m

q .

K ur esa w as l t ed
s e ec to h elp
th i s g rand R am anuj a i n
t ask . B ef ore he began , R amannj a enj oi ned u pon Kuresa th a t


on X X I
. . KIJ R E S A A N D L E I G E S H I P T O G O D . 135

i f i n t he c o ur s e of hi s re duc i ng t o w r i t i ng hi s di c t a t io n , he
s ho u l d nd a ny thi ng v ie w s he s hou l d
no t a g r ee i ng w i t h his ,

c e a s e w r i t i ng T hus w a s S r i B hashy a the s t u p endo us s ta n

.

dar d w o r k on V i s is ht advai tap hi los o phy o f the V e dant a o r a

c o m menta ry o n B r ahma S u tr as b eg u n to b e w r i t te n A s t he
-
.

w o r k w as p rog re s s i ng R amanuj a dic t a ted a p a ss ag e w her e in he

,

ga ve t he de ni tio n of s o ul a s tha t w hi c h i s

consc i ous or tha t w hi ch ha s cog ni ti on l

a one as i ts di s ti n g u i s hi ng
a ttr i b u te . H e red w r iti ng for t o hi m s uc h a deh
K r Sa ceas e ,

ni tio n t ho ugh v al id w as a s go od as no de ni t io n i n as mu ch
, , ,

a s t he m os t e s s ent ia l c har ac ter is t ic o f t he s o u l n ame ly i ts , ,

a l le g i a nce o r
( S sha tva) w a s a s e r iou s omis
lei g es hip to G od ,

s io n a nd t ha t s u c h a n a ll i m por t a nt o m i s s i o n w as t an t a mou nt
-

t o d e ni ng t he s o u l a s ide nt ic a l w i t h t he b ody i t s e l f ; for

no b a s i s for t r ue r el i g io n w a s r a is ed by m er el y a pp r ehe n ding

the s o ul as tha t w hi ch i s cha r ac ter i s ed by consci ous ness u n les s ,

t he s o ul i s a l s o t he s ole p r op er l y or p oss es s io n o f the U ni

v er s a l s o ul G od D e n i ng s oul as that w hi ch has consci ou s ness
,
.

m er e ly w i tho u t any re fer ence t o i t s bei ng es s e nti al ly r el a ted

,

t o G od as qu al i ty i s r el at ed t o t hi ng or a s p r o p er ty t o a b a se
, , ,

o r a s mode t o s u b s t a n c e a s l ig ht t o t he s un , or s c ent t o the ,

o w er amou nte d to ta c i t ly ignor i ng such es s en tai l r el ation

,

s hi p and t ha t w i tho u t thi s r el a t i o n t o G o d r s t e m p ha t ic all y

a s s e r t ed and d e fend ed a nythi ng s ai d o f the s ou l w a s i neffec

,

t ive i nas mu c h as a sou l w i thou t G od i s non ex i s te nt i n the

,
-
,

s a m e w ay as w i t ho u t t he s u n l ight i s non ex is tent W ha t ,

-
.

ma de the s ou l r eall y s ou l w as i ts i n di s c er p ti ble r el ati o n to

G od o ther w is e it i s non ex i s t ent
,
A nd w here w as the b eau ty
-
.

or u t i l i ty in loa di ng s u c h a se par at e d s o ul or s o ul o r pha n ed ,

o f G o d w i t h a ny n u mb e r o f a tt r ib u t e s s u c h as c o n sc io u s n e s s
,

S
a nd b l is s i u c h w a s t he tr ai n of t ho u g ht r u nn in g i n the

m i n d of K r s a a nd he n c e w hen R amanuj a d e n e d t he s o ul ,

as t ha t w hi c h i s c onsc iou s he s to pped tr a n c i bi ng t he s a me

s r .
,

B u t R amannj a w as a bsor b ed i n hi s thoug ht s ; a nd cont i n u ed

1 S i mil a r ly t he i d e nt i ty of U ni ver s al S o ul w i th I ndi vi d ual S oul , of

t he A d vai t i n, i s as g oo d a s mat er ial i s m .

9 We i nvi t e o ur r e a de r s pe r u s e t he Cha p ter

to on s o ul , or Chit .

mm i n t he Ta tva -tru g a by Y o g i S P ar t ha s ar a thi

p r uha r
. .
 I 36 K ltE S A S E X E M P L A R Y TEM PE R . C II . X XI .

d i c ta ti ng f u r the r b ut K fu sa ha d c o me to a f u ll s to p T hi s
'
.

in c e ns e d R amanuj a w ho c r ie d ,
S i r i f you mea n to w r i te t he ,

c o mmen t ar y o n t he V tis a S tr a s (
y B r a hm -
yo u m ay 2

do s o a nd k ic ke d h i m a nd c e a s ed dic ta t ing

, B ut K i n- Sa w a s .

n e i the r tak e n a b ac k no r r uie d b ut r e ma in e d i ni pe r t ur b a b ly

c oo l a nd c ol le c te d B u t f r ie n ds ve x e d him w it h t he q u e s t io n :
.

H o w do s t t hou vi e w t his a lf r o n t 9 C o m r a de s

he re plie d, ,

I ha ve n o v ie w o ther t h n tha t I a m my m as t er s p r o p er ty
a

( c ha ttel ) w hi c h he is a t li b er ty to u s e o r tr ea t in a ny mann er
,

he t hi nk s fi t R am annj a by t his t i m e r e ec ted o ver t he

.
, ,

w ho l e p o s it ion i n hi s r e t r e a t ; a nd i t fla s he d o n hi m t ha t hi s

o mi s s io n to de fi n e t he s o u l as tha t w hi ch i s a be lon i n
g g of G od w a s ,

a g r a v e mi s t a ke i n as m u c h a s t hi s es s ent i a l i ty o f s o u l w a s the

v er y fo u nda tion o f his the ology I f tha t w e r e m is s ed all t he .

,

s u p er s t r u c tu re w as b ui l t o n ai r K r s a did w e l l i n c ea s i ng
.

t o w r i te t o R am anu j a s d i c t a t io n b u t i t w a s a t v a r ia n c e w i th

,

t he r ig ht v ie w of t he q ues t io n w hic h K r s a k n e w b ei ng a
,

p er fec t s a v a nt as he w as A l s o K r Sa s o w n beha vio u r a fter

.

t he har s h t r ea t me nt w a s a n a c t u a l il l us tr a t io n of t he V i e w he
s o r igh tl y e n t er t a i n ed T hes e t ho ughts conver ted R amanuj a s
.

r age i n to r e p e nt a n c e ; a nd c a ll i ng K r S a s t o n ee l o v ing l y t o
'

hi s s i de S on yo u ar e r i ght s a i d he a pol og iz i n l ; no w
, , ,
g y
p r ay w r ite do w n t he tr u e nat ur e o f the so ul a s tha t w hi ch i s
G od s a nd l e t us p r oc ee d w i th t he r es t of our w o r k

, .

I n this m an n er did R amanuj a co mpo s e the s t a nd ard w or k s

S r i-B hds hya , Vedan ta -D ip a , V edanta -S -r a , V eddr tha - S an r a h
g a,
a nd B ha g a va cl G ita-bhds h a
'

y And thus did he f ul one o f t he

.
l
w i s he s o f Y am u nac har a l
y .

1
R ead 56 .
1 38 R AM AN U J A TE A CH ES s on: on X X . II .

t o her the h oly V a i shnava s ac r a m ents ; a nd all o tt ed he r

a pl a ce i n the Sh ri ne w he e ,
r her image is to th i s da y s oo n

a nd r ever enced T h e nce he t u r ned

by al l t he vi s i t or s .

to the s ou th goi ng t o T i r u mal -i r u n j ol ai ( 1 0 m i l e s nor th o f

,
-

M a du r a ) a nd other S hr i nes i n t he P andya m an dal a an d hel d

, ,
-

di s p u t a ti ons ther e w i t h t he l ear ne d on p h ilos op hy a nd w on

l au r el s Thence he tr avell ed t o Tir u -p-pul l ani ( D ar b ha saya n a m
.

near R amn ad) Setu ( o r R amas B r i dge ) a nd ret ur ned t o T i r u

'

, ,

g
na ar i t he b,
i r th -pl ac e o f S t I
Ta m m az hvar
1
b efor e w ho m he .
,

r ev er e nt ly r e p eat ed t he K anni nu n S i r u t t amb u o f S t M adhu r a

- - -
.

T he S ain t w a s deli gh t ed w i th R amanuj a s devo t io n

K v g al
a i z
.

and bl es s ed him w i th ti r tha p r asada a nd oth er h onor s A nd , , .

R am anu j a dedi cati ng the v er s e

,

WW W WW W W E N
too k l eave of t he S a i nt a ft er vis i t i n g the H o ly T amar ind T r ee
u nder h i h he i s nsh ined nd L o d A dinatha esident the e
w c e r ,
a r r r

T he var i ou s S h ines i n t he v i i ni ty w ere ll v i i t d e ng ag i ng

r c a s e ,

i n pol emi c c ontr over s i es w h e v er he w ent and ov r th ow i ng re e r

hi opp onent s D u ly he r each ed Ti u k k u ung u di ( K u ang a

s . r - - r r

nag i a b ou t 20 mi les s o u t h of T i nnev ell y) a nd vi s i t ed th L or d

ar , e

N a mb i A voi e c me f om hi m t h u s
. c R am anu j a w e h av e
a r ,

o ft n i nc a nat ed o n ea t h
e r as R ama K ri s h na nd so on i n
r , , ,
a

o r de t o s ave m ank i nd ; b u t w e h ve nev e b ee n ab l e t o p e s u a de

r a r r

p eople to O u w ays a s t h ou h as t done H ow dos t t ho u do it

r .

A l m igh ty s ai d R amau uj a i f t h ou w i l t as k m e i n t he w ay

, ,

t h at a di s c ipl e o a p u p i l i s eq ui ed t ra k hi s t ea c h e or r r o s r

tut I w ill ans w er the

or , N m b i und tood R amanuj a a nd e .

a er s
,

c o mm anded a t h o ne b in g b o ugh t a nd b egg ed R amf mu a t o

r e
j r

1
, R e a d t he Li ve s o f t hese j
n u a w he n he w a s a s l e e p to a r oc k
S a int s i n ou r Lives of i zhrti r s . .
( c a l l e d P a r idhdnrt -s i l u ) o n a n i s l e t
-

3
A n o t her ve r s i o n ha s t ha t nam e .
i n t he S i ndhu r i ve r , a m i l e f r om
n uj e w e n t fr o m he r e t o T ir u -v K ur an g a -N a g a r i i n di ng hi ms el f F
.

a nun ta p nra i n
(T r i vandr u m) r st . al o ne , he c al l ed f o r a di s c i l e o f hi s
p
A nd he r e he w i s hed t o i n t r oduc e b y na m e N a mb i B u t L o r d N a mb i
.

t he P a c har at t r a m od e o f w o r s hi p,

a ppe a r e d i n t he
g ui s e of t hi s di s
b ut t he N a mb ii dr i B r ahni a n s , t he

c i pl e , s er ve d hi m a n d l e d hi m t o

p r i es t s o f the T e mpl e , o b j e c t ed . t he T e mpl e , w her e ho w e v e r H e va

B zu nm

z u a
j per s i s ti ng , t he L ord n is he d o u t o f s i ht , t o l l zunfu i u a
g j s

A na nta -pa dma nab ha, s idi ng w it h g re at as to nis hme nt .

H is old pr ie s ts , t rans po r te d R ama

on X X. II . r w r T O no nr n A N D Ki s uni a . 13 9

be s eat ed t h er e and fr om t ha t p o s i t ion ans w er the q ue s t i o n

R amanu j a mentally pl aced his Ac ha y a r ,
M ahapil r n

a, o n t he

t h r one and t aki n g hi s s t and b e fo r e it , w hi s p er ed i nto or d L

K a mhi
s r i gh t ear h
t us

O f all the m a ntr as , t he M a nt ra -r a ms ,

and the D ra
g/a ar e
g r eat . E as il y do t h ey c a rr y o n e t o t he S u pr eme S t at e . T hos e
t ea c h t ha t the w ay of R es i na t ion o r u r re nder t o G g S od v a r i

o us l
y c alle d nyds a , p r ap a tti , s a r aztdg atz, i s t he mos t
'

b ene fi c ia l
t o m a n a nd c omp ass es f or hi m e ver y ood

g .

T h us G ,
r eat G od,

s a id R amanuj a , by Thy ow n be s t
i ns tru ment s of l
s a v at on , i ha ve I pr evai led u p on the h ea r ts o f

m en Lor d N amb i w as mightily pl eas d w i th this de l a a t ion

.

e c r
,

a nd p r oc l ai med t h at H e w as henc e fo th R ama mj cm i r ? za

R amanuj a g av e N a mb i t he H oly N m of Sr i va is hna va N a m b i a e -

a nd t e nder i ng hi s a p o l og i es fo wh t had occ ur r ed l e ft r a

,

K u r ang a nag ar i - .

h er e R amanuj enter ed i nto the M al ay al am ( M al a

Fr om a

b ar ) cou nt r v i s i ti ng the S h ines Ti uvan par i sar a m Ti ruv attar r r -

, ,

a nd o th er s and p a i d h o mag t o L or d A nanta p adma nabh a in e - -

T ir u va nantapu r am ( T i v nd am) t h ough the th r ee door s of r e r ,

r

t hi s S a nc t um a nd l eft t he pl ac e af te o ve co mi ng opp onents

,
r r

a nd es t a b li s h i ng a R a m a uu
j M t h t her e w i th the h elp of t he
a- a

t hen k ing w ho b ec a me a di s c i ple o f his

,
H e p r oceeded nor t h .

l on g t h e w es t er n s e a c oa s t o f t he P eni ns ul a t o s uc h
- H oly
a

Shr ines as M at h u r a (M u tt ra ) Na nda v aj a G o va dhana . ,

- r
, r ,

B r i nd av a n a a nd o t h e s a nd S al ag ama
,
M uk ti uatha K he t a
r r ,
- s r ,

ene m as s a m -
ea m n [Fat wa -W m] .

On M antr a -r a ms a nd D / u, c ons ul t
ra g Pp . xxi i . I nt r od : to o ur Li ves f
o

A z hr drs .

W R am anuj a
"
2 M eans e w ho ha ve as O ur ow n.

3
T hi s i s e mb odi e d i n t he ve r s e
140 ni nA N U J A A N D s anas va r i . CH . XX II .

G a nda k i -r i ver ; (
s al a gr am a H ill is s t a t ed in ano t h er
w or k . I t mu st b e a p ar t of t he H imalaya s . V a ik u nda m,
D v ar ak a, a nd A y odhy a , B a dar ik -as r a ma ) , ai mi sar any a a nd N
P us hk a ra, a nd t he nce o n t o B ha t ti -ma n dapa ; (t his i s pr o
ba bly Bhatti - ma nda l a near L a hor e ) , a nd K a hmi s r, t he s ea t o f

Sa r as va t i , t he G o dde s s o f L ea r ni n g ,
w as no w r e ac h ed S a a s
. r

va t i q uested R amanuj a to ex p ou nd the

re me a ni ng of t he
Vedic p as s ge m qm m xi guz fmamml}
a : c

B amanuj a di d s o
a t g e t l eng t h a nd emb odi ed i t i n t he v e s e
r a r

i m s fss rms rmm

whe ar
A R

t I
m s aew m g as n
s mzumm mm
'

s ah
2
z
an ll

O n hear ing th i s , S R aman uj a ! S ank a

'
a r a s vat i s aid ra ha d
er e t ish u nha pp ily i nte r p r e ted t is po s te ri or s h as m o nk ey

s
- 3

a nd I w a s m u c h gr i e ved a t hi s
per ve r s e u nder s tandi ng a nd
w a r pe d hear t T hou has t no w w ip e d my tear s
.
So s ay i ng ,

s he pl a c e d R amanu a s S r i B has h a o n her h e ad dr e w R ama

'

j y
-
,

unj a to her br eas t a nd g a ve hi m t he t i t le B hds h a -k dm and

, y
h anded him t he I mage of H ay a gr i va for w or s hi p
. .

The p andi ts of t he pl ac e o n seei ng t h es e s p eci al f avor s of ,

S ar as vat i bes tow ed a n R amanuj a gr ew enviou s a nd c a ll ed up on ,

hi m for a di s p u ta ti on T hi s w as gr a nted a nd i n the e nd t h ey

.

w er e r o uted T he ki ng of K as hm i r s il ent l y w a tc h e d th es e
.

eve nts an d w h e n he fou n d t he pan dit s dis c om t ed he l ook ed ,

u p o n B amanu a a s no or di nar
j y m or tal a nd p er mi tted h i ms el f
to b e enli s ted i nto hi s fo l d T he k i ng a s k e d R amanu a to ex
j
.

pl ai n t he Tr adit ions o n w hi c h he b as ed hi s V i si s ht advai ta

i nter p r e tati on o f t he B r ah m a S utr a s R amanuj a s ai d t h a t the -
.

old Tr a diti o ns w e r e t he B o dhayma V l i tti and t he gl os s es b

-
f y ,

Tank a G u ha deva K apa rdi B har uc hi a nd o t h er s

, , The ki ng
, , .

w ent w i th hi m and the p a ndi ts i nt o hi s l i b r ar

y a nd had a sear c h ,

1
Cladndog ya U p 1 7
. T he . f ul l -b l ow n b ea uti f ul l o t us i s t hu s
r e ade r s a r e re fer r ed to p 3 2 , w he r e . a s i mi l e f or t he b ea u t if ul eye s of
t he co ntr over s y w i t h Y ada va i s G od .

f ul l y e x pl ai n ed .
3
R ead S ank ar a -b luds hy a o n t he
3
S u n i s call ed Kap i, b e cau s e b e O h : U p : her e H is i nt er pre ta
. .

dr ink s (pi t a ti) w ater ( tra m ) S r ut i t i o n i s a r epr oac h on hi s r e u ta ti

on
p
.

i ts e l f e x pl a i n s K a p i t o m ea n s u n

s as a V e di c s c hol ar ,

ra y s K op i i g ubha s t i tj a nam .
4
R amanuj a B has hya on B ra hma
[Co py-(i s mi s t he n t hat w hi c h, b y s tr a g w as s o na med, Le SH
i s b l ow n (a sa = r -
. .

M sa ne t o
'

r ay s , . _ _

B has hyw
e xpa nd) ; a nd t hat i s t he l o t us A .
1 42 B l M il N U J A S
i
nnr uns S O U TH . c u xx u . .

c ame t o hi s know l dge ;

pi i tu al g ia nt as he w as he r e
e b ut s r

mai ne d und aunte d a nd im pl y w tc h d ho w e v ents w oul d

,
s a e

de velo p th ems el ves T h y o ted t o b lac k mag ic

. eb ut r es r ,

i ns tead o f th eir pl ns s ucc di ng it had a c ont y effec t ; for

a ee ,
r ar

th ey w e re all s udde nl y i ed w i th ma d nes s a nd b eg a n to ra vese z ,

a nd pl ay s uc h ant i c s a t o b e i d i c u le d by al l,
The ki ng s a w
s r .

th i s a nd pi ty i ng the p oor w r etc hes a pp oac h ed R amfmuj a and

, , r ,

fa lli ng at h is feet i m pl o ed hi m to r eli eve th em as he coul d

,
r
,

not l oo k on th ei r s u i ng s R amannj a by a si mpl e ac t o f h i s

er .
,

w ill c u r e d th m ; a nd the ki ng mad e th em memb er s o f t he

,
e

Fa i th and esco tin g R amannj a w i th l l his staff a fe w stages

,
r a ,

on h i s r etur n j u r ne y took l ea v oa nd j i ne d h i s c a pi tal

,
e o .

R amanuj a to ok
d to w ar d s V zt r anasi ( B enares )
the r oa

w h i c h he r eached i n du e t i me a n d b a th i ng i n t he H ol y G a ng a , .

G g e s ) and v i s i t i ng t he L or d o f K anda mennu m K adi na a r

1
( an , g
p r oceeded south t o P ur u shotta ma K s het i a (J ag a nnatha or -

P r i on t he eas t c oa s t of t he I ndi a n P en ins ul a)

,
-
H er e al s o .

w er e d i s p u tat i ons h e l d on p h il o so p hy a nd re li gi on R amanuj a ,

comi ng off v i c t or i ous ; a nd a R aman uj a M a t h al s o w as estab -

l i s hed Her e on h i s a ttem p t to i ntroduc e t he w orsh ip as l ai d

.
, ,

do w n i n the P a char atr a i nt o t he T e mpl e there t he p r i es ts , ,

obj ect ed ; b u t as R amanuj a s till r es ol v e d to r efor m the p r ac t i ces

p r ev al ent th ere w h ic h w er e not c le anly and t o h i s liki ng L or d ,

J ag annath a i s s ai d to h av e a pp ea re d to hi m i n h i s d r eam and

p revailed up on him not to a ttem p t t he re for ms as h i s p riests ,

w er much a ttach ed t o H i m w i t h the ir ol d w ays of w or sh ip

e
,

w h ic h th erefor e he m i gh t not d is tur b A nd w h en R ami nuj a . /

a w ok e he found t o h i s s u r p ri z e he had b een tra ns p or t ed al l

,

the w ay to Sr i -K r ma Her e he p ai d ho m a ge to the L ord i n

.

t he K arma-for m and j ou r ney ed on to S i mhag ir i ( A hob i l a)

, ,

a nd o th er sh ri nes Wi nn ing his w ay th rou gh ou t by p ol emic al

.

t r i u mp hs he nall y ar r i v e d a t Ti r u p at i H er e a S ai va-Vai s h .

nav a co ntrov er sy o f a c u r iou s c h ar ac ter had b een w ag i ng .

St P yazhvar w ho li ve d c entur ies b e for e R amdnuj a ha d

.
, ,

s ung of the Lor d of Tir u pa ti as w ear i ng b oth the S ai va

e mblems s uch as matte d loc k s and s er p ent gir d l e a nd the

, ,

1 D p
c va- rayag on t he w ay f r o m I l ar idvar t o B adari ndth .
CH . X XI I . T I R U P A TL G O D
V I S II N U on S I V A ? 143

Va i s h na v a ones s uc h as t he Di s cu s a nd the gol den g i r dl e a nd

, ,

t he S a i nt e x pr ess ed h i s w o nd er ment at Vi s h nu h avi ng c h os en

t o a pp ear t o him i n th i s d u a l c h ar ac te r of B a r i H a m or -
,

V i s hy u i va O n the a u th or ity of th i s ver s e in al l pro b a b i

.
,

l i ty t he S a i v a s made an a ttem p t to c l ai m Ti r u p a t i a s thei r

,

o w n e x c l u s i v e S a i va Sh r i ne ; b u t R amanuj a c ontende d i t w a s

Vai s h na v a b u t t he S a i v as w oul d not gi v e i n R am anuj a

, .

p r o p o se d th a t b oth S a i v a a nd Va i shna va embl em s s u c h ,

T n s l a a nd D a ma a nd Ch k S -
ha b e
'

as ru k a a r a an d an k , ,

p l a c e d i n front of V enk a te Sa s I m age i n the s anctu m s anc

for u m a nd the d o or s b e
,
c l o s e d and s ec u re l y l ook e d a f ter ,

c a r e f u ll y ex ami ni ng t he c ha mb er th a t no o ne l a
y h i dd en th er e ;
a nd t he c h ar ac t er of t he D e i ty m i gh t b e d e ter min e d by the

c h o i ce of the e mb l e ms ma d e by H i m T h i s tes t w as gl adl y .

.

a g re e d t o by al l T he e m b l em s w er e ac cor d i ng l y pr ep ar e d a nd
.

p l ac e d b e for e t he I mag e Next day b oth the p ar ties c ame in .

,

a b o dy w i th eag er e x p ec ta t i o ns of thei r ow n O pi ni o n b ei ng

r eali z e d B ut w h en t he d oor s w er e th r own open in full day li ght

.
-

a nd i n t he p res enc e of the w h ol e a ss em b l y i t w as fou nd th a t ,

t he L or d had a ssume d the Va i sh nav a emb l ems w i th the S a i v a -

,

e m b l e m s ly i n R amanu j a s j oy k new no
g u nu se d o n the oor

.

b ounds H e s ang and da nced ey es str eaming w ith tear s of

.
,

d e li gh t a t t he miracu l ous e vent a nd the B eatic V i s io n pr e

s e n te d t o h i s v i ew T he S ai vas w er e th u s .

1
R ea d v 63 f 3 d Ti
er s e o r r uv p hi et to G v
o er n ment [ 1903
T h d i y m

a n dadi : &
az a a u ,
c . 1 9 04 A -C ]
N ar a a na y i l d S iv I n Na
nc u es a . ra pi
T he E g raphis t ha s me a n w h l e i
y a na s

( V i hnu ) b dy
or s pl
s o , a ac e i n f er re d fr om a s e t of e r d u ous v y bi
is a ss ig n d t S i v i n t h m
e o a e sa e i
c o nc l us o ns a s t o the r u ne d t e m l e i p
ma n n er hi n v l i
as ig d t
s
_

a e s as s ne o a nd Tir uc hc haniir , t ha t ru at Ti p i
t he f o u r -f ac ed B rahma, a nd hi s t em lep w as erha s p
o r g na ll p i i y
b os o m t o S r i 0 r ak s hmi ( og o s ) L L . iv
S a a i n c ha ra c t er ro m t he f ac t. F
R ea d B hag a vad-G i ta Ii i -1 5 P a eydmi , . p
t hat t he tem l e i s me nt oned i n i
J o , a nd nu me r o us ot her a u thor t e s

. ii . t he ins cr ip i
t o ns as I l a a g oyi l a nd
S o t hen t his d ual a eara nce r o ed pp p v t ha t t he s am e w or d i s u s ed i n t he
i
V s hnu , not g a e xcl us i V el y, a s iv a i va P er i yapurdna m a nd i n anot he r
Sa iv as t houg ht ip i
i ns c r t on as t he name o f a t e m
i y b
.

p l e w h c h mu st certai nl hav e ee n
2
A p i ec e of E pi g phira c I nf or ai va and that a not her n s c r t on i ip i
ma t io n is her e annexe d ( or t he u s e y
s a s t hat t he t e m l e n o w i n r u ns p i
o f o u r r eade rs b i
w as u l t as an acc om a n m en t t o p i

v
We ha e r e c e e d th s ear a er iv i y v y i
t he s hr ne at Ti mpa ti , he r s t i n
i i
n te r e s t ng r e o r t f rom the E pig r a p fe rs that t he Tir uchchan u r t e m l e p
1 44 T i R U P A T I -G O D -
V IS H NU 0R S VA I ? Cil . XX I I;

( C o n ti n u e d ) f o o t no te on p ag e 143 .

m u s t b e a i va a nd t ha t a f ort i or i i
no t c e a b l e i n hi s e r se v
t ha t he
i '
t he s hr ne at l i r u pat i for w h c h t he i y
a l w a s m e nt o ns i t he $ i va e mb l e m
f o r m er w as m ea nt a s a n a c co mpa ni
rst . T i
h s d ua l c ha r a c te r s e e ms
m e nt, mus t a l so b e a a i v i t c one . t o ha ve Co m i nu c d t l l t he t me o fi i
i
\V e f e a r e ver y l nk i n t h s a rg u i M i l l l l l lj et i n t he 1 2t h c e n t u ry ,
p
m e nt i s ho e l e s s l y w ea k Mr. . w he n t h s c u r o us i i i i
nc de n t i s r e
V e nk a yya has n ot s ho w n sa t is fa c la t ed byt he T i
a m l R aman u zi rya
j

i
t o r ly t hat t he T i r u c hc hau ur r u ined D i vy ac ha r it a t I i lla ilo k a nj iy u r t o
'

p
t e m l e w a s a s a mat te r o f fac t, v p
ha e t a k e n la c e Il am zm u j a w a s
.

b i p i
u l t a s a n a cc o m a n m e nt t o t he y a n no e d t ha t i i
o w n g to th s d ua l
Ti p i
r u at p v
t e m l e w ha t e e r t ha t e x c ha rac te r o f D iy t he e t , t he S i v i t e s

p ir e s s o n ma y m ea n . T he G a ng a ip w or s h i
pe d hi m a s t he r N a ya u a r o r
i ip i
P a ll a va ns c r t o n o f D a nt i v i icr a m a G od . p p
H e t her e f o r e ro os ed a
i i
V a r m a n w h c h i s s a d t o r o e t h s, p v i by i
s c he m e i
w h c h to t e s t w h c h w a
y
i q
he ne the r u ote s f ro m n o r g es iv t he G od i
l e a ned a nd s a d t hat
t he c o nt ent s o f . T i p i
h s e xa m l e w ll t he e m b l e ms o f b o t h i va a nd
p i
e m has z e i
t he n ec es s t y o f t he i V s hnu s ho u l d b e p lac ed i n t he
v i i i p
G o e r nm e nt ns s t ng u o n a u l p bi i i i
nn e r mo s t s hr ne w h c h w a s t o be
i
c a t o n o f all t he i
ns c r ip i
t o ns c o l .
y
c a r ef ul l i i
lo c k e d u p t ll t he m o r n ng
v yy
l e c te d e e r ea r , s o t ha t i nde p e nd i
a nd t ha t ac co r d ng t o t he e mb l e m s
i
e nt s c hol ar s m g ht w o r k a t t he m i
t he G o d s hou ld b e fo u nd w e a r ng i n
a nd d e d uc e f r o m t he m a ll t he his i
t he mo r n ng , his r ea l c hara c t vr w a s
i y
t or ic al c onn e c t o n t he a r e c a a l e pb j to b e u dg ed W hen t he G ar t ha
yi i i q i
.

of e ld ng . A g a n i t is no t u t e p
g n ha w as o e ne d i n t he mo r n n g

i
i
s o c e r ta n t hat t he T ir uc h c hanr p i
t he G od w a s s e e n r es l e n de n t w t h
p
t e m l e w a s s ole l g a i vay . i
I t m g ht iv
t he c o nc h a nd t he S a e mhh n u .

p b by
m os t r o a l ha ve e e n a c o m b bi y
w e r e f o u nd c a r el e s s l t hro w n a t
ne d $ a i va -a 11 d - l i s hn u t e mp l e a s t he

hi s fe e t i pi i
. A f te r t h s e x l c t de c la
o ne at C i b
h da m ar a m a nd m a n y i ivi i y i
r a t o n b y t he d n t h ms e lf t he r e
o ther pl ac e s. I t i s a f a c t t ha t i
c o u l d b e n o q u e s t o n a s to hi s r e a l
yi p
m a n m or ta n t $ a i va te m le s ha e p v i i
na t u r e a nd he ha s c o n t n u e d V a s !
a i i
s hr ne o f V s h n u t o w a r d s t he v i
n a v i t c e e r s nc e T he fa c t s g o :0
y i Ti p i T m
.

w e s t , g e ne r al l m e nt o ned i n the s ho w t ha t if t he p
ru a t e le
i ip i
ns c r t o ns a s M c l a i S r i K o i l At .
iv y iv
w a s a t al l e xc l us el S al a , w l i c h
a ny r a te t he Ti p i
r u at p
t e m l e w as i y
s e e ms to b e u n l k e l i t m u s t ha ve
b y i
u nd o u t e dl v
V a sh na a i n t he 4 t h b i by p i
ee n s o co n s d e ra l
,

r o r t o t he
c e nt ury dur ng i i
t he re g n o f t he Tv
a u t ho rs o f t he e a r am
[H i ml m]
C i
.

j j
ho la k ng R a ar a a , the g r ea t , w ho A n other I
e xtr a c t i n h 3
v
g a e g ra nt s t o t he V a s hna a G o di v p i p y
l a te s t R e or t o n E p r a h
g Mr
i y v b pi
, .

t her e I t mu s t c e r ta nl ha e ee n a t
. V e n k ay y a ha s o ned t ha t t he re i s
i
l eas t c la me d a s V a i s hna t a d u r ng '

i pp
a n a ir o f t r ut h i n t he b i o u la r el e f
i
t he t m e s o f t he t hr e e g r e a t S a va i p
t ha t t he te m l e o n t he Ti i r uma la
i
S a nt s , t he a u t ho rs o f t he Te r m-a m, i i y
w a s o r g na ll a S fi i v it c or e In
p
.

S a i n b a nda r , A pa r a nd S u n da mr , hi s l ya r pa , s ta n z a G 3 , P r - fi z ln ar

y
'

w ho s a ng T hir uppa ra uk nn r a m , i i y d s t nc t l i m e nt o n s t he d ua l a p
Ti v iy
r u a nm ur , Ka la ha s t i a n d ot he r I
p ea r a nc e o f t he ma g e T he s t a n za
p i b
.

l ac e s i n t he n e g h ou r hoo d, a nd i
r e f e r red t o m i
g ht b e r e nde r ed nto
i
o m tt e d a ll r e f er e n c e t o Ti p i
r u at . i E ng l s h t hus
T ha t t he r e w a s a lo ng s ta nd ng i L
H o w w o nd er f ul I o u r or d w ho
ip
d s u te as t o t he r ea l c ha r ac t er of i Ti p
i s o n t he S ac r ed H l l
( ru a t i )
t he D iy
e t of t ha t p
lac e i s c er ta n i .
i b
w h c h is by a t hed t he g re a t mo un
i v i
T he ol d V a s hna a S a nt, P e yaz hvr, i i
t a n s t r e a ms s u r r o u nd n
g i t o n a ll
i
s ng s i n t he I ar
y pp a, t ha t t he G od i bi
s de s c o m ine s i n h m s e l f t he t w o
of l i r u mal a i w or e t he s m ol s o f
'
y b iv i
f or ms (o f S a a nd V s hnu
{ by ) his
b i
o t h S va a nd V s hn u a n d iti is p i i
ap ea r ng w thi o w ng ma t ted
1 46 RE TUR N T O S R l ll A NSG
'

A M . on . xx rr

re tur ned h ead qu ar ter s Sr ira ng am H e p r oc ee de d t o t he

t o hi s -
,
.

Te mple to v i s i t L or d R anga a nnounc ing his ar r i val and a fter

,

t he u s ua l c e r emon i e s R ang a s v oi c e c am e i n q u i r i ng

,
A rt
th ou s a ti s ed R amanuj a a ns w er e d Ho ly L or d ho w c a n I ,

b e o th er w i s e w h e n t hy B les sed Vi s i on i s e v er r eec te d i n my

,

m ental mir r or w h er ever I may b e I h av e b ut ful lled T hy

.

h ly err and on ear th

o

R ang a com ma nd ed ti r t a a nd p r aseida
.
'

t o b e gi ven hi m R amanu j a th ence b ent h i s s te p s to hi s o w n

.

mo nas ter y h i s s ou l ste ep ed i n p eac e a nd bl i s s

, .
 OH . xx m . KCR E S A s

-
F A ST . 1 47

CHA PT E R X X I I I .

TH E B IR TH or v sa nu a r r a A N D

PA R AsA R li -B H A T T A .

T hus had our B hashya ka a accompli sh ed his second - r

p il g i m a g e thr ough B h a at a kh a nd a T hos e w ere d ays f

r - o
r .

r e lig i u s ej u v enes cence i n I nd ia b o u ght ab ou t by the i ns pi

o r d r re

p e s na li ty of our R anmnuj a F h i s i n uenc e s p ead f o m

r o . or r r

h o us e t o ho u s e v ill ag e to v ill g e nd th r oug h ou t B h a a t a

, a a r

l a nd a nd h i s spir i t f anne d t he r e o f eli g i on s mou lde i ng i n

, r ,
r

hu m a n h ear ts .

K ii r Sa w as the very s oul a nd s h ad ow of R amanuj a I n .

e ru d i ti o n he w as a s a vant ; i n co nd uct he w as a p arag on of ,

e xce lle nc e Ne ver a . da y w as he fou n d r emi ss in all the du ti es

o f t he da
y c lass ed as A bhzg a mae a, U pddda a, i a, Svddhydy a

a nd Y og a .

W e h a ve al rea dy tol d our rea der s th at Kurese li ved b y .

a l m s ; b ec a u s e he had g i v en a w ay h i s al l at K r a and co me

t o S y i r a ng am t o l iv e w i th R tz nri anuj a 8 O ne day i t r a i ne d al l

.
,

t he m or ni ng t i ll i t w as p a st t he S e ng tw a or the Up ddzi a a t i me ,

w h i c h i s s et a p ar t for exc ur s io ns for co llec ti ng a l ms K in-eg a s

'
.

s tr i c t r u l e i t to b eg eac h da y s requi r eme nt a t the

w as ,

ho u s e s of vi r tu ou s fol k and ne ver t o st or e a sec ond d ay s pr o

,

v i s ions i n h i s h ous e Pre vente d th e n by t he rai ny da y fro m

.

s ti rr i ng o u t K r e Sa a nd hi s pi ou s w i fe A ndal am m a fas te d
, ,

a fter ta ki n g t he u s ua l b a th p er f or m i ng t he mor ni ng s a ndhya a nd

,

o th er c er e moni es and offe r i ng to h i s Chap el G od a f r u i t a nd ,

so m e w a ter

w h i c h l att er s ipp ed b ei ng s ac rament a l I t w as no w
, , , .

e v e ni ng a nd K l Sa p er for ming the evening s andhyd ne ver

, , ,

b es tow e d a th o ugh t for hi s h u ngr y s to mac h b ut d evo u tl y w en t ,

thr o u gh a r ead i ng o f the Ti r u -vay -mo z h i ( P r ab andha ) c ons id er

i ng thi s a s h i s manna and th u s w en t to s l ee p ,
B u t the w ife .

S e e pag e 140 for Ramanuj a w in i n ng th i s na me .

9
A w or k

r ec e ntl yp bi u l s he d i n M adr as by D T . .
: rin ivas a
S

'

c har ya, ca lle d P a;i cha -hdl c

gi v es f ul l deta ls i of the s e ve -fold

d a y-oc c u p tia ons .

3
See Cha ter X II I p .
4
S ee B hug avad-G i td, I X , 2 6 .
 ms WI F E xx m

148 KIJ R E S A A N D OH

. .
.

w as aw a ke a nd w as s o e r grie ve d at h rt t h t
ea her g od-lik e a

h u b nd w a s fa s ting A s he
s a . s s a t , s he he a r d t he t e mpl e dru ms

nd b ug le s nn un i ng th a t L ord R a ng a w h a vi ng hi s ni ght

a a o c as

o if i ng o f food ca l led t he P
er iy v m T h i s di t u rb e d
, er a -a as a r a . s

he r mu s i ng s a nd s he ga v v ent t o her fee lings th u s e

R ap g a w h en t hy b h kt i s fas t ing ho w c a ns t th ou re v el th u s
, a a ,

i n feas tings A c y f d i s tre s s l ike th i s w a of c o urs e h ea r d

r o s

by t he L ord ; and th e c y i t is aid p i erce d hi s e ars l i ke r ,

s ,

a rro w s .

U t tam au amb i temple fu nc ti onary w as as lee p o n a

, a -
,

p i l a nd he drea m t a dr am i n w h ic h Rang a appea ed to hi m

a e
r

and co mma n ded hi m th u s N a mb i my b h k t K e s a i s ,

a a r

fa ting ris e g o to my T e mple and c arr y o n t hy h ead the h ol y

s , ,

A l f oo d w h i c h has j u s t be e n o ere d m e i n r igh t

r a r a p az pr oc e s ,

s i o n l s ty l e f rom the T m ple t o hi s h o u e

a U tt a ma N a m bi e s .
-

a w o ke s t ar t l ed a nd h as t e ni n g t o t he T empl e
, ,
did as c o m ,

m a nded A s t h m u s i c and o th er di n f the proces s i on re ac h e d

. e o

K Sa do ors he w as d i s tu r bed f rom hi s lee p and aw o ke

.

r s ,
s ,
,

w o nderi ng w h a t w as h pp eni ng at th a t h ou r o f th e n ight ; m et th e a

proces s io ni s ts nd i nqu i re d of t h em w h t bro u ght th em th re

a a e .

U ttam N a m b i ai d
a- Si re L rd Ra ng a b id me c a rry y o u
s : ,
o

H i s h o ly fo d P ray cc p t K eSa rec ei v e d th e s ame d ev ou t l y

o . a e . r

b u t h e w ou l d n t h a v e t he w h o l e qu nti ty o H s a id to th e a . e

m e engers
ss Holy s i res I s hou ld not de pr iv th e Lo rd o f H is ,
e

income by dis p os i ng of th is f o d as usu al B u t I ca nno t re fus e o .

i t a l toge th e r a s i t has b een s o g rac iou s l y s e nt by H im

, I .

s h o u l d b u t t ake t w mo rs el s o ne for my s el f a nd th e o th e r fo
o , , r

m y w i fe L ord R ang a h s s f u lly m ade me H i s w n th a t I

. a o o

do no t s t nd i n need o f anyth i ng on e a r th
a I th a nk you .
,

s ir es ; pl ea re tire w i th the rem ai ning food t o t he Te m pl e

se .

A f te r th u s d i s mi s s ing t he T e m pl e s e rv a n t K Sa s a t do w n s, r

a nd a s k d his w i f w h e th e r s he th o u ght o f
e ny th i ng i n ar t i c u
e a
p
l ar w h e n he w s le e p S h c o nf ss d to hi m s he did s o Sh e
as a . e e e .

sa i d s he e nv i ed R ang a e nj oy i n hi s l as t s u mp t uo us c o ur s e o f fo o d
g
f o th e day w hi le H is bl ak t w as h ung r y
r , G ood la dy s ai d a a .
,

K s a p e t u l a n tly
r
yo u s h ou l d not h a v e b ee n th us g u il ty
,

.

D o not th i a g a in A nd th e y bo th de v o u tl y p ar took ea ch
'

s .

one o f t he t w o mors el s t h a t ha d b ee n re ta i ned ; and K fu sa '

.
1 50 Y RM U N fl s WI S H E S

FU L FI LL E D . on x x . m .

sa m kd/ra ,
n aming t he i nfa n t s P a ra$ar a B ha ttr ya , a nd

Vy as -B ha
my a,

us f ul l ll ing a no th th er o f the t h ee w i h es r s

o f his Gre a G ur ,u Y am u n ac htarya

. T h us w er e t wo g r ea t
l u minar ies for the Faith ushere d i nto the w or ld ia t he w a ke
of R amamuj a .

U tta ma - N amb i in a w or k called Lakshmi -K at ya

, ,
co mpo s ed
b y hi m, s in gs of th em t h us

W W W :

ma mam
wi ms

A n oth r event lso e bou t th i s ti me e n bli ng

a o ccurre d a a

R amanuj to f ull t he
a r mai ni n g w i s h o f his Grea t G u r u e

Y amu na t o na me some t p e s on by t he n a me of P r ank u S a or

: r a

N a mmh hv r i n p er p etuat i on of t he memor y of the Sa i n t o f

z

t h at na me .

T he r eader w ill v i nda b y

r eco ll ec t t he r ede mp t i o n of G o

g r i sa il a P rna of Tiru p at i d cr i b ed i n a p re vi ou s c h a p
-
, es

te r Whe n Go vinda j oi ne d t he V a i s hnava band he f l t s o

.
-
, e

bles s ed in his reg ener a te l i fe t h t he w oul d no t al low his ne w l y a

a w a ke ned del i ght to r es t i n hi m s l f a lo ne So he s ou ght e .

,

o w n br ot h e r by name S i i -G o v i n da
o u t hi s
p per e mal a nd r - -
y ,

e x pl a ined to hi m t he be aut ies of t he N e w Fa i th : H e

b ought hi m t o Puma w ho g aci ou sly accep t d him a s
r , r e

hi s dis ci pl e Gov i n da and G P eru mztl had th u be co me

. .

s pir i tu al as s oci a t es as w ell a nd h d b oth c ome t o l i t e w i t h , a .

B amanu j a at S r i mng a m .

v t w h i h came a b ut w s th a t G Pet u n a] had a

T he e en
c
o a . i

s on b orn to hi m a nd t h i s to B amanu a w as a n o t he va l ua ble

j, , , r

a cq ui s it i n t o his Fa i t h S o he h u ried to P e r uma s p l a ce

l

o . r
,

a nd b l es s i ng t he c h i l d n amed hi m P ax ~
ank u$a N m b i
, T h is -
a .

1 S e e N o 32 , i n the l l i er ar c hic
. Ta bl e o f our Lit es o f : lz ht drs .

9
$ r i -R ma -ppiai is a not her name .

a
S ee pa g e 56 , l ur ank uea = St N umi uaz hv .

on xx
. m . Y AM U N A S WI S H E S
'
FU LFI LLE D .
151

fu l lment o f Y amuu a s th ird w is h

w as c
r e or de d by U tt ama
Namb i in hi s L ak hmi K dvy th u s
s a,

mmam I
' " "

q qaq s ari s : !

W e s h all cl os e th is ch a pt er by as king our r eader s to re

memb er t he thr ee- ng er m i ra cl e o f Y am u na
-
rel at ed i n ,

ch ap ter I X a nd tha t the t hree fu l l ments th er eof by R amanuj a ,

o n w h om had de v o l ved tha t s ac red du ty w ere i n or der the com

, , ,

p os i tio n of Sr i -B has hya the Co mment ar y on the B r ah ma

,

S utr as the n ami ng of t w o ch ildr en i n memor y of P ar a$ara and .

V yas e ; and a t h i r d ch ild i n memor y of St N a mm azhvar

. ,
. .

S e e pag e 56 .
152 H O W T H E B nA R s G as w on XX IV
' '

rl . .

C H A P TE R X XIV .

B H A TTA R Y A .

O ur rea de r s , in t h is Ch a p te r , w ill he tr ea te d to the i n ter es t

i ng traits w hi c h t he new l umi na y P a l-as r ar a B hattarya , or

s i mp l y B hatt a y a di s p l ay e d as he g r e w
r , .

L or d R ang a co mmanded t he t w o lit tl e hr ot her s to b e c on

veyed t o H i s Fa ne a nd ado p ti ng t h em as f as hio n req u i red a s
, , ,

his o w n son s ha d c radles s w u ng t h ere i n H is ow n c h amber

, ,

called the M a aa ttnp and Hims el f and H i s C o n s or t Laks h mi .

ta ki ng c ar e of t he m i n e ver y w a y T he Lor dhad w i l l ed th at b efo r e .

H e acce p ted t he c o u r s es of da il y fo od offer ed to hi m t he c h i ldr e n ,

s hould b e r s t s er v ed ; nay t h a t t h ey s h ou l d he l p themsel ves

,

t o w h at dis h e s t h ey pleased b y all o w i ng t h e m to toddle a bou t

t o t he p l ace w he re the food i n s e ver a l di s h es w as s p r ead befo r e
H im .

O ne day the c h ildren , as u s u a l , t l

s o e a ou t a t b pl easur e a nd
h el p ed t h emsel ves to the vi a nds th a t had bee n p l aced b e fore
R ang e th at d y as the s p e c i al s r v ic e of t he R aj a w ho th e n
. a e

r ul e d .The p ie s ts w ere o ffe nded th at day a t the c ondu ct o f

r

the ch ildr en a nd h andli ng t he m so mew h at o u ghl y co nvey e d

, r ,

t h em ou ts ide the T empl e p e mi s es T h at ni ght t he R ej a had

r .

a dr eam The L or dlappe ar i ng t o him decl a ed

. I ha d j us t , r :

t ast ed your f oo d s er v ice W he n t he fool s of my o f cia t i ng

- .

pr ies ts i nte r fere d w it h my c h ildr en t he B ha tta r s p re ve nt i ng , ,

t h em from h a v ing t h ei r full s h ar e and tr eated t h em r o ugh l y ,

,

I coul d not p ar ta k e of t hy food any mor e I am t h i s day no t .

p ease w i h h ee
l d t t

The R aj a a w ok e and m ki ng i n q u i r i es
. a
,

fou nd his d eam to b e corr ect and s tr ic tl y decree d th at s er v ices

r ,

s h oul d th en c e for ward b e co n duc te d i n t he ma nn er w h ic h b

es t
pl eas ed the L or d .

B hattarya w as now a b oy
how ed s ign s of ve y ears , a nd s

o f extraor di n ar y i nt ell i ge n c e for his a e H i s f a th er K r es a

g .

w as o ne day r e ci t i ng the D ec a d o f St N ammaz hvar beg i nn i g

n .
,

w i th N edumdr k adi mai ( v i i i 1 0 I

) I n t h i s D ecad t he

- / . . .
,

g rea tnes s of God s Saints i s des cr i bed I n the thi rd vers e t he

.
,
1 542 B Ii A r r ii R r A
'

. on X X V. I .

ch e k ed the P a ndi t and he w a s s o confounded a nd c onfu sed

c ,

th t he coul d not c om p as s

a e dy a ns w er I s ee c ied the a r a ,
r

lmy y u
, e du m b fo unded b y t he p a l tr y q ues t i o n o f a b oy
o ar .

dus t ? y o u do n t

C o ul d yo u no t s ay :
y ou ha v e a ha ndfu l of
deser ve t he t i tle a ll - k now i n g .

So sayi n g , the i m p er tinent
l itt le dants a nd as k ed t he m never

b oy t ur ned t o S ar vaj a s a t te n

m or e t o e xhi bi t th ei r poo r ma s ter pompou s l y i n t he s tr eet s, and

e xhort ed t he m i n t he s w ee t w o r ds of v e, t o drop t he i ns i g ni a
t h ey w er e car ryi n g , and c eas e lo w ing t he t r um p et s .

T he s ur

p r i ze of the Pa ndi t at t ish s t ran ge beh avio u r an d t al k of a mer e

ur c hi n , no w t ur ned i nt o w o nder a nd ad mi r ation . H e in q uired
of t he b y-s t a nder s w h os e s on w as t h is p rodigy T hey s ai d :

Si r e, he i s t he l of our G ur u R amauuj a
s on o f Kui es a ,
t he s ou ,

S a r v aj ri a e xc l a i m i ng T he edge

the P o nt i ff o f o ur Fa i th
'

l g s e ly ies not c ree ps

i n u r

lo v ingly l ift ed the l i tt le m a r vel
, ,

i nto hi s s e da n a nd mo ve d o n t i ll t he p roces s i on a p pr oac h e d the

,

hou s e of K arm a P e n-nayech iy ar or K a nak amb a the good w ife

.
,

w as s tandi ng a t the doo r w atc h i ng

o f D ha nu r das a , E s li y ing .

t he b oy B ha ttar y a s ea ted i n the s edan w i th a s t rang e p e r s on ,

s he r a n u p a nd dra w ing hi m f ro m the v eh i c l e co v er e d hi m

, ,

w i t h her gar ment a nd r u s he d w i th him i nt o t he h o us e mu t

,
,

teri ng t he D va ya -Ill antr a a nd de li ver i ng the p rec ious load

'

u nto t he ar m s of it s mo th er A ndal am ma c h i ded her for hav i n

g ,

a llo w e d he r g e m t o s t r a
y ou t t hu s into t he s t re et s a nd e x pos e
hims el f t o e vi l ey es a nd a n x i o u s l
y s p ri nkl ed him w i th R ama

nuj a s S r i pd da w at er to w a r d off e vi l i n uences w h ic h m igh t

' -
,

h ave i nj u r ed the b oy S he als o v ag uely fear ed les t s u ch a .

,

p rodigy as her b oy w oul d b e a ll o w ed to l i ve long on ear th

B hat tar ya g r e w ol der A b ou t e i t he w as no w a nd t he .
gh ,

holy -t hr ead c er emony, U p a n a yc ma , w as dnl v made a nd he w a

; s
s ent to s chool to l ear n t he eda s a nd ot her s u ec t s The b oy V bj .

a t t ende d the r s t da
y a nd l ea r n t s o me eda T he s ec ond da ,
y
V .

h
w e n he w e nt t o s c ool , he f o u nd t he teac her r e p e t h a in t he g
s ame l e s s o ns as t os e of th e p r e vi ou s da h b
y to the oys He .

ther e for e l ef t the s c ool and w e nt to pla

y h
H i s p ar e nt s ndi n
g
.

R ead ne x t c hapt er .

2,
H ol y w a te r w as hed of t he fee t of B amanu a w a
j ; ter t hu co ns ecra t
Ca i s c o ns ider ed an anti dote to e ve r
y k i nd 0 ! e vil, mater ial .

or s pi r i t ual
on X X V . I . B uA T T A R m . 1 55

hi m t h us mpl oy ed ques tioned hi m as t o w hy he did not at tend

e ,

s c ho o l . I did at tend father s a id he b ut t h ey w er e read

, , ,

s a me l es s ons ag ai n a nd s o I l ft

i ng the e i t B ut did y ou ,
.

K ii r Sa

l e ar n t he l es s on in o ne da y i a s k ed . Y es , was

t he r ea d
y a ns w er T e n l et me hear i t, dema nded t he
. h

f a the r . T he b oy r ep eat e d hi s l es s o n w i thout a aw , eve n i n

the di f c u l t i nt o nat i ons o f
ll ed t he uddtta t he V e dic s y ll a bles , ca ,

a n u ddtta a nd s va r i ta T he pr ec oc it y o f B hat tar ya t er r i ed t he

.

p are nt s w ho s er i ou sly t ho u g ht of de l a y i ng hi s educ ation fo r

,

s o me t i me I n due c ou r s e ho w e v er the b oy r a pi dly pic ked u p

.
, ,

a ll le a r ni ng K reea a nd G o vinda p e r s o na lly i ns tr u ct i ng hi m i n

,

the art ha , a nd t he ta tva , s as t r a s .

I t ha s l
a r ea dy be en s id th a at L or d R an
ge . a nd H is C o ns or t
L ak s h mi w ere the a do t i v e p Fa t he r a nd M ot he r of B hat tar y a .

A s a c hi ld an d b oy , he r ea ll y l o o k e d u h em as s uch B u t
pon t .

he ha d no w g r ow n up in to you t h, a nd w as t au gh t t h at R anga

an d L ksh m i
a s hou ld be a dor e d a s G o d and G oddes s of t he
c os mos . W ell the you t h w as once on
, a v is it to the Te mple ,

w h en R a ng a and L
ak s mi w e r e ha vi n h g t h ei r r et re i d mom en ts
a f te r a ll b u s t l e of t he day s w o hi p had s ubs ided R ng
t he

rs . a a,

i n fei g ne d a ng er b ade B ha t ta y d p ar t The you th w nt a

,
r a e . e ,

f w p ace s w h en R ang a
e de d hi m b ac k
,
H e o bey ed A nd or re . .

R ng a a s k ed hi m
a w h e n t ho u dids t v isit u s now w h at did t , s

t h u th i nk u s t o b e ?
o A G od nd G oddes s of the unive s e s a r ,

L or d meek l y r e plied B ha t ta y R ng

,
B ut a s k ed r a .
, a a,

b e b efor e t h i s ?
w hat di ds t t hou t hi nk u A s my

t s o
"
Fa t her a nd M ot he r , res
po nded he . T hi nk of us in t hi s
l
r e a t io n a l w ays T h at ple a s e s u s mor e t h an t he rel at ions hi p
.

T h e r e a de r w i ll ga t h er fr om th is t ha t

of G od l
and s ave .

G o d is mor e i n s e ar c h of me n

s hea r t s t ha n t h eir h eads .

A no the r i nc ident is r e a t ed
l a b out h
t i s t i me . A S mar ta

p a i i di t took i t i nto hi s h ead to te s t B hattar ya . H e e nter ed a s

t he l at ter w a s s eat ed i n hi s ho u se, a nd afte r pr el i mi nar ies a s k ed

hi m t o ex pl ai n ho w a V a i sh na va i s dis tinqu i s he d f r o m a

s marta B hattar ya di d not ca r e t o enter i nto a n e la bo r at e

,

co n tr o ver s y w i t h hi s a dver s ar y on t h is ques tion, delica te i n

as muc h as it i s a. bone of co nt e nt on i be t w ee n t he tw o g r ea t
 1 56 B H A TT K o n x xxv

IH A . . .

di v is ion s of B r ah ma na s i n I ndi a , the

S mar tss ( a dva i tins ) a nd
t he V a i s hnav a s ( ms i s ht ddvai tzns ) b u t s im p ly c a l l e d the q ue s
' '

t ione r s attent io n t o the s ign s o f C ha k r a a nd S a n k ha i ns c r i b e d

on bo t h hi s ar ms a s ac ra me nt e nj o i n ed

by S as tr as on a l l
V a i s hna v as I s ee t he P andi t s aid
. b ut w h a t a ut hor i ties ,

mas te r c a n y ou q u ot e fr om t he S as tr as j u t i fy i ng y ou t o
, ,
s

se t to yo u rs el f t his k i n d o f c us to m q ue r ie d he Si r
.
,

r ep l ied B ha tt ztr ya I s hall not tr ou b le you w i t h a l l tha t for

, ,

w he n I s hal l q uo te o ne a ut ho r i ty t o w hic h w e i n c o m mon ,

pr ofes s all eg i a nce you s ha ll g o s a tis ed Has t t he n not l ear nt

,
.

t he r s t an tra o f A pas ta mb a-D har ma w hic h s a y s uam q ,

harm
,

, the w i se p r acti c es of ou r w i se elder s ar e ou r bes t

a u thor i t
y ; the n c ome t he V ed a s My fa ther K ur esa o bs er ved
t he s ac ra ment i n q ue s ti o n and t here for e I do E no u g h ; for do .

you not fol l o w i n the fo o tste p s of you r el der s I l he P a n di t

'
"
!

w as th us s ile n c ed and w e nt hi s w ay .

T he

y ou n g stu dent s cour se w as now ni s he d a nd i t w as
ti me that a m ate shou l d b e fo u nd for hi m A s the r e ad er .

k no w s Kres a had le ft his k i th a nd ki n i n the K anc hi l and

,

and had ado p t ed S r ir a ngam fo r hi s c o u ntr y S o w he n t he .

,

mar r ia g e-qu e s tion of hi s b oy c a me u p Kur es e did not k n ow :

w her e to b r i ng a gi r l fr om H enc e a pp eal ed he t o Rama

. .
.

nuj a s ire no t on l y ha ve I no r e l a t i o n s o f mi n e i n thes e p ar t s

,
,

b ut thos e ot her s w ho m a y w ill i ngl y oe r a g ir l b el o ng to a l ow er

r an k i n s oc i e ty C ontrac ting matr imon ial a lliance th er e fore
.

wi t h them ca n o n l y b e d i st as te fu l to u s as un w or thy o f o ur
statu s Wh a t s ha ll w e do i n this x
. S uc h w a s t he gr eat
s oc i al q ues ti o n w hi c h R ama nuj a had t o s ol v e in t ho s e d ay s
(W e .

k now how thi s s ame q ues tion i s s til l u n sol ve d i n our day s) .

R emanuj a s ai d z W e have ou r M ahapr na and h is p eopl e We

.

mu s t choose fr om them A s for S t ra S dkha B r dhmana and .

, , '

V a is hzza va ou r t w o c l a n s a gr e e
, B u t they ar e o f t he B r iha .

cc hara na set T his i s the on ly di er ence w hi ch I th i n k ma

.
2 '

,
y
S ee C hak r ank ana w ij ay a a nd o the r w or k s o n t hi s V a is hna v Q
a ac m
me n t I t i s lik e the r e-s a c r a ment w hi c h o tai ned a m o n
.

g the r i mi
b ; :
t
ive C hr is ia ns t .

T he M ahap r nas el o ng to hi s de nomi na tion The

2
b t
V e da mo s have
i
.

no c ons a ng uini ty w t h t he m M ai -r imc, now ta k e

P I3 0 e b utw e eu t he
. , _

B huttars and P e i -i va xamb i s .

.
 1 58 D H A N U RD AS A . on . xxv .

C H AP T E R XXV .

D H A N U RD A SA .

I n t he l as t C h pt a er , a p p ea r e d t w o ne w t
c har a c er s , a s
'

ou r

r e a ders ar e a w a r e Th y
. e ar e K a na k ang a na,

w ho w as s ta ndi ng
K r sa he r h us ba n d D ha n u r das a ,

at t he door of s hou s e , a nd

(in T amil
,
P i l l a i -U i a n
j g a-
v i ll i -das a r
) he y b e c a me dis c i pl e s . T
o f R am anuj a H o w the y bec a me i s w ha t s hall b e n ar r a te d i n
.

this C h p te
a r .

I n N i c hu l ap ur i or M
( nea r l r ic hi n O pO Iy ) oder n U r a iy u r ' a

d w el t D hanu r das a so c a ll ed b ec a u s e he w as a good a th le te and

,

b ng g M cas t e T o hi s c as t e m e n he
"
a r c her el o
,
i n t o t he a ll a .
-
,

l oo ked as ter r ibl e as d ea th H e l o ved a g ir l by n am e K a u a .

k amb a who w as v er y b ea utif ul S o m uch w a s he en am o u r ed

,
.

o f her th a t he n e v er l e ft her s ide for a mo me nt and n e ve r to o k

his ey es 0 3 her moo nl i k e fa c e T he C ha i tr a fe s t i v ities of L or d .

Ra nga no w c a me r ound K a nak amb a w as a n xi ou s to w i tnes s .

them and so she le f t U yaiyu r T he lo ver of co ur se w o u l d not

,
'
.

l e t he r g o al one S o he ac c o mp a n ie d her and w alk i ng by her

.
,

s i de held hi s c o v er l e t o ver her hea d in gr ea t s o l ic i t u de t o s c r ee n

,

he r hands ome face f r om the s u n s r ay s N o t a r ay s hou l d

.

e v e n s teal i n So eage r l y di d he w a t c h her f ace

. .

R aman uj a w a s b l u tio n s i n the K a ver i

r e ur t n i ng f r om hi s a

r i ver s u r r ou nd ed by his di s c i p le s to j oi n t he p r oces s io n o f

, ,

L or d Ranga A s he w a s c om ing hi s eye fe ll u p o n this l o v ing

.
,

p air and w ond er ing a t the i nten se c ar e t he l o ver w a s b es to w

,

i ng u po n hi s b el o ved t u r n ed t o hi s dis c i p l es and s ai d

, S on s ,

look at t hi s cur ious s p ec tac l e Her e is a des pic abl e s pec i me n .

o f hu man i ty w ho i s the s l a v e o f a w oma n S ha mele s s i n ,

the p ubl i c s tree t s s ee he p ay s s uc h a tte nt io n s to a cou r t e s a n

, ,

M an may b e bl i n d w i th l ov e for a g i r l b u t he g e n e r a l l y k e e p s
i t all a s ec r e t ; b u t here i t i s a bol d ou tr a ge on p ub l i c dec e nc y .

I t i s i nter es ti ng t o me ho w ever t o s ee ho w lo ve c a n b e b l i nd .

0 r Kaua kamb a, t he T a mi l n a me b e i ng P on-nayc c hiy r .

A
9
S ec S t Ti r u ppana z hvar
.
A A l u

I l l ow n L i ve s of A z hvars ,

5
A m i xe d t r i b e (w r e s t l er s ) , by an ou t -c a s te Ks hat r iya on a K ant .

tr iya w o ma n .
o n x xv
. . D H ANUR D A SA . 1 59

L e t m e tr y to tur n thi s ma n s l o v e fr o m the g i r l to Lor d

S o s a y i ng , he s et a fe w di sc i p l es to sha d ow the p air a nd nd

w he r e they l iv ed ; t n w i th n ew s O n his disc ip les
and r e u r .

b ri ngi ng him t he nec es s a r y i ntel li genc e R am auu j a s ent for ,

D ha nu r d s a and l oo k i ng o n hi m mos t g r a cious ly as ked w ho he

, ,

w as a nd w h at bro u gh t him t o S r i i a ng a m The looks of R ama '

.

u nj a ll ed w i th k i ndn es s a c t e d o n hi m l i ke a s p ell ; f or D ha nu r
, ,

d as a ma de obeis a n ce and ex pl ai n ed tha t his res iden c e w as U r ai

y ur w he r e he w as a r eu o w ned gy mn a s t a nd t hat he ca me t o
, ,

S r i r a ng a m on a h o ly v is i t to R a nga
B ut sa id R amanuj a .
, ,

w i l t tho u al lo w me s o n t o c hi de thee fo r thy o p e n v i o l a tio n

, ,

o f p u b li c m oral i ty T h ou s a yes t t ho u ar t a p o wer fu l g y mn a s t ;

b ut ho w i s t hi s con s i s tent w i th thy o p e n lov e-mak ings to a g ir l ,

s h a m el e s s ly A s e n s e o f s ha me s tol e on D ha nur das a at thi s

w el l m ea nt r e b uk e b ut he r e p l i e d : Hol y S ire how ca n I help
'

-
, ,

it S he i s s o lo v el y thi s dea r K au ak amb a H er ey e s a r e mor e

,
.

b eau ti f u l than the l o t us My hear t a nd those eyes ar e one T he

. .

l eas t e x p os ure t o t he su n how c a n th ose cha r mi ng eyes bear ,

D id t he y f ade my hear t w ou l d b ur s t
,
T hi s is t he tr u th 0 .
,

S ai nt ; no w tell me i f I am w r ong
R amanuj a l i s te ned to this .

g u i l e l es s s p eech i n s il en ce and look i ng on D ha nurda a wi th

, ,
s

p i ty s a id
, B ut son i f I c ou l d s h ow you b etter eyes than
, ,

A h S i re i nt er r u p t e d D hanur das a

t ho s e 9
, ,
if s o i t , ,

w e re a g rea t gai n to m e ; an d tha t by y our fa vou r

C o me .

the n a t o nc e s o say i ng R amauuj a l ed hi m i n t o the T em pl e

, ,

a nd s ho w i ng him R aug a s F ig ur e r ec umb ent on H is couch

, ,

l oo k at t hos e b e w i t chi ng ey e s s ai d b e c a t chi ng hol d

S s ha ,

, ,

of hi s ha nd th ey ar e the eyes of B ang s Lor d R anga

, , ,

t he F a the r of th i s u n i v er s e l ook s t ead ily and s tudy thei r

D hanu r das a did s o a nd he s a w s omethi ng ther e

b ea u t v . ,

ext r ao r di n ar y d i v i ne a nd he fo u nd he coul d neither s tir

, ,

fro m the s p ot w h ere he s tood nor mo ve his eyes fr o m the ,

V is ion b e for e hi m H e w a s c om pl etel y hy p noti z ed as i t w ere

.
.

G od s g

r ace h a s d e s ce nd e d on th i s p er son m u r mu re d ,

Ra m a n u
j a to h i m s e l f a s h e w a t ch ed
,
a nd l e ft f or his

h d a g v fo o d and s leep fr om tha t day

m o na t y s e r D an u r s a a e u
p

a nd w as da il y found i n the temple , l ooki ng Ra nga w ith

on

R amanu j a now s ent for him and a s k ed hi m

s t r a i n ing y
e es . .
16 0 mms uuni s s . CH . XXV .

ho w he fel t . HM a s ter ! ho w c an I b e gr ate f ul

e sa i d .

e no u g h t o y o u f or t he b l i s s i nto w hi c h y o u ha v e de ign e d

t o s t eep a w r e tc h l i k e my s e l f M ake me thy s l a ve a nd .

c ompl ete t he w o r k o f s a l v a t i o n y o u ha ve u na s ke d ta ke n , ,

R aman uj a s m il e d an d c o nf er r i ng o n hi m

i nt o yo u ha nds .

the s ac r a me nt a l P a ficha s amskar a took hi m i n to his floc k

-
,
.

K anak amb a c a me to k no w o f a l l t his a nd a w i s h r os e i n her ,

mind t o b ec ome her s el f a disc i p l e S o s he s p ed t o R am an u j a . ,

and r e penta ntl y i mpl o r ed hi m t o t a k e he r a l s o i n to hi s V ai s h

na va fol d R amanuj a o ver come by her s ol ic ita tio n s di d s o

. , , ,

a nd j oi n i ng her w i th her l o ve r no w a s w i fe t o hu s b a nd ,

,

b les sed t hem both a nd al l o w ed the m t o w or k i n his ma th as

,

hi s mos t d u ti f u l s er va nts I t is chr o ni c led t ha t t he w i fe

.

e v e n ex ce lled her hu s b a nd i n w i s do m a nd a ll o ther s p ir i tua l

,

pr efec ti o ns by t he w o nd e r f ul g rac e s hed b y t he H o l y F e e t of

,

R amanu j a L ike Ha n u m an w ho did e v er y ser v ice t o Rama

.
,

w as this p a ir to R amanu j a .

D ha nur ds a had so far b een m e tamor p hos ed th a t , he

b eca me t he grea tes t fa vou ri te of R amA nu j a s o rar e too w a s his
piety tha t thoug h he belonged to a low er cas te he had pr ivi
, ,

liges c on fer r ed u p on him For o fte n R amanuj a w as fo und .

,

r e tu ni ng fr o m hi s r i ver -b a t h l ea n i ng o n t he s ho u l d er s o f D ha
r

nur das a ; t ho ug h w he n he w e nt to t he b a t h he l ea n on D ds ar athi

,

a B ra
. hmana A B r ahman a i s u nc lea n b e for e ba t h a nd c lea n
.
,

a f ter i t ; and t hus D hs nu rda s a a s a S ud r a a nd D as ar at hi as a , .

Brah mana mu s t have changed places B u t R amanuj a ha d it .

t he o ther w ay as tol d a bo ve w hic h muc h ex er c is e d the mi nd s

, , ,

o f his B r ahman a d is c i pl es They o nce made hol d to as k hi m

.

for a n e x pl ana t io n w hic h he eo nde s c e nded to te nder t hus

,

O V a i shn a v as h av e ye not hear d th a t l ea n i ng r i c h e s and

,
r

h i gh-b ir th s w ell a fool w ith p ri de b ut ador n a w is e ma n ,

T his M alla i s u tter ly des ti tu te o f this thr eef ol d v ic e b ut y e a e ,

r

not .
Hence he is t e nough to b e tou ched by me a nd to p rop

on .
On hear i ng this the d is c i ples be nt th eir head s i n sha me
,
,
a nd d ar ed mak e no p r o tes t b u t al l the s ame ma lice ra n kl e d in ,

nis h us e: W W : I
16 2 K A N A KA M B A . c u xxv . .

t hey w er e Vais h navas ,

f or w ho m s he had no t h i ng b ut love
a nd re ver e nc e . S he w as g l ad t h y e w e r e t ak n i g a w ay b ut t he ir
o wn p ro p er ty ; fo r w h a te ver e ffec ts s he o w ned i n th is w or ld
w ere not r eally h e r s b u t e nt r us ted t o he r f or t h e i r s ak e T h i s i s .

how p ro p er ty i s to b e s p i ri t ually vi e w ed a nd w e h ave a l

ready s aid t h a t i n s pi r i t ua l p e r fec tio ns K a na k zunb a e xcelled

even her h us b and W ell s he l ay t hu s qu ie t t ill e ver y o ne of t he

. ,

j ew els w as r emoved fr o m o ne s ide S he w as no w a nx ious th a t

I

t he Va i s h nav as s h ou ld c o m ple te the ir w o r k a nd no t g o a w ay ,

w i t h o nly h al f w or k do ne S he t her e for e ge n tly r olled over .

to her oth er s ide as i f i n s lee p T hi s movement h o w ever

, .

c r eate d fr i gh t and put t he thi e ves t o igh t T h ey r et ur ned .

R amanuj a s eei ng th em b ack g av e l ea ve to D ha nu rdas a now to g o ,

h ome as i t w as u nus ually late A s s oo n a s he w ent a few

,
.

s t ep s R amanuj a c all ed t he r ob b er di s c i ple s

, a nd t aki ng fr o m -
,

th em the j ew el s b id t h e m deg the foots te p s of D hanur das a i n

,

t he dar k u nob ser ved b y hi m a nd w a tc h a l l th at mi gh t ta k e

, ,

place in his h ous e and rep or t t he s a me to him cor rec tly T h ey .

did s o I n the h ou s e K a nak amb a w as ex pec ti ng her h u s b a nd

.
,

b ac k fr om his r a th er l ong ab s ence th a t ni gh t and w h en s he ,

heard hi s foots tep s she r os e and w as h ed hi s feet and w el comed

.

him h ome H e l ooked a t her b u t s he looked ver y s tr ang e w i t h

.
,

one s i de of her b ar e a nd t he o th e r s ide o nl

y dec k ed w i th or na
ments W h at i s this l ady
. he c r i e d t ak e n a b ac k
, Not h , .

i ng w rong L ord s aid s he s oo thi ng ly
, , I w ill ex plai n al l and ,

you w ill b e pleas ed The B r ahmana s w ho

you k now ar e o u r
.
,

G urus c ame h er e and I w as lyi ng a s i f as l ee p

, , Th ey l aid .

h ands o n me a nd took a ll t he j e w els on my ri gh t s i de O u r .

eff ec ts ar e t h ei r s S i re as yo u k no w So to let them h a ve

, , .

all I qu iet ly t u rn ed r o u nd o n to m
, y le ft s i de Wi th al l my .

care in doi ng s o t o m ak e th e m be l ie ve I w a s fas t i n the ar ms

,

i t g ave them a la r m a nd t h ey t o m
y g reat r egr et
of s l ee p
, , ,

r an a w ay h ear i ng th is D hanur dasa e w at her in r ag e

.

On ,
,

s ayi ng Fooli s h w oma n ! th o u [h a s t s p o il ed t he w or k It .

w as thy duty t o h av e l ai n q u ite moti o nles s I f thy j e w el s .

w ere th eir s t h ei r s al s o w a s the li b er ty to t ak e th em i n th ei r o w n

,

w ay .B u t i ns te ad of l e t ti ng t h e m ex e c i e t h at li ber ty th o u r s
,

di ds t dar e exer c i s e i t i n all o w i ng thy s elf t o movej us t w h en t h e

y
had done h alf th eir wor k They w ould prob ab ly h ave tur ned ,
c it xx v M O RE
'

. . V I nrU
'
E THA N c as rs
'
.
16 3

t h ee r ou n h ads t
been p e fec tly s ti ll l V ell th ou h s t
d, t hen r .
, a

s p o il t i t a ll A t a ny r a t e h l f thy j e w el s have been w e ll

.
,
a

i nves ted t h ot h er h a l f i s va n ity

e T hu s h a l f c o nsol ed as i t .

w er e he w e n t t o s l ee p w i th hi s t ho ug ht s xe d on t he H o l
,
y ,

Fee t of R amanu j a .

T he V a i h nav a s B r ahma na s w ho w er e o uts i de ,

eaves dr o p
pi ng ,
he a r d al l t hi s c onv e r s a t i o n a nd hur r y in g ba ck to R am 2
-
1

un a ,j ga ve him a f u ll re p or t of it . R amanuj a on r ec ei vi n g it
addr es s e d t he m t hus O i
w s eac r es , do you now see o me S
fello w s , fe e l s ve r y likely m a de , a w ay w it h yo u r c l o t hes so me

t i me bac k . B ut o n t h a t tr ii ng acco unt , y o u fe ll to ua r r e l q

i ng a nd, ca ll i ng e ac h o t he r names , made s uch an i ng l r iou s
o

u p r oa r . B ut he re is D ha n ur das a, w hos e mi nd w as not in t he

lea s t dis t ur b ed a l b ei t ,
he l os t s o m any l
va u a b le j e w els . Plea s e
t ell m e s ir s w h os e
, , w is do m i s g r ea t , you r s or hi s ? no w K
t h en t h a t c as t e is o f no i m p or ta nce . I t i s v i r tu e t ha t i s m os t
p r iz ed . T h u s did R amanuj a ser mon to t he di s c i p les w ho bo re

a gr udg e a g a i ns t D ha nu r das a T hey . w er e cr e s t-fa llen and

s p o ke no t .

T he ni gh t w as s p e nt t h us . T he nex t mor ni ng , he s ent for

D ha nur das a , a nd dr e w fr o m hi m a n a cc ou nt o f a l l t he i nc i dent s

w h ic h took plac e in hi s hou s e, a nd r es t or i n g to hi m hi s j ewe s , l

b l es sed hi m . D ha nu r das a n ever r efu sed w hat w as gi ven him ,

f or , i f he di d lik e oppos i ng hi s
s o, i t w ou ld b e
r G u u w h ic h .

be h oves no t a t r u e dis c i ple U nq u es t ioni ng o b edie nc e to t he .

s p ir i t u a l p r e ce p t o r i s o ne o f t he mo s t i m p o r t a nt cano ns l a i d

do w n b y Va i s h na vi s m A nd t his t he h ero o f this c ha p t er .

,

o b s er v ed t o t he ve r y l et ter I t i s r ecor ded t ha t D ha nur das a s

.

r eg e ner a t e l i fe w a s fu ll of s u c h i nc id n s
e t O ne s u c h i nte r est ing .

e ve nt i s r ec o u n t ed b y P er i y a v a
- c c han i
p llai i n hi s c omment ar y -

m maz hvar Tir u vir u tt a m, 99 I nac chol

St N s v :
on . a

K r sa r ea d l i r uv aym oz hi ,
'
a nd D hanur das a , w ho h ear d it ,

mel te d i nto tears O b ser vi ng th i s p a ss ionat e e b ulli t ion of

.

feel ing , K r S a exc l ai me d : Fie o n u s , belo ve d D hanu r das a !

W e a r e k no w n to fa me a s ver y c l ev er dialec t ic g y m nas t s over

k no tty p h
q ues t i ons
i l os o p h y a n d a ll t h at s o r t ; b u t no ne of
of

g b h c h b r i ng s to t hee
.

u s c an c a l i m t he p r i vi l e e o f t h y i r t w hi

a l ove -l or n h ear t w h i c h w e s o h a
r dly s tr ugg le t o p os s es s It .

,
16 4 nAM AN U J A , ms s av mua .
on x xv..

is r e at el d a gai n i n the c eni mentar y T ir uvay m oz hi

on

A zhi ) th at D ha n u rdasa w as

c alled M a hamat i
( VII 44
-

b y the w or th i es of S r i ra nga m i nas mu ch a s hi s l o ve f or R an ,

a s s o i nt ense t h at w he neve r t he L or d w as
t a k en m
g a nat ha w ,

p roces s ions in the s tr eet s M ahama t i w alked i n fr ont w it h ,

his s w ord dr a w n, tha t he m ay c u t a ny w ho dar ed to do a ny

so

ac t , i n t he least off ens i ve t o t he D eit V i dura of t he M a ha y .

bh a a tar lled M a hamati i nasm uch as his love for

fa me w as ca ,

K is hna
r made him to ex am i ne the s eat w h ic h he had hi m sel f ,

p r e p a r e d for hi m i n hi s O W II hou s e les t he might hav e un w i t t

'

i ng l y a ll o w ed a ny da ng er t o l urk i n t h er e M ahama t i li t er ally .

me a ns ni cer tha n w i s dom t h i s e x p r es s ion h av i ng t he f or c e o f

,

w i sdom b li n ded by love for G od D hanur das a al s o w as t h us s o .

w is e i e s o lo ve -bli nd a s to fear da nger for one ( G o d) w ho

,
. .
, ,

is ab o ve a l l dan ger s .

K anak amb a, t he pr oved to b e a n

w i fe of D ha nurdasa,
e x e m pl ary de vo tee of R am anu j a for s he l ooked u p o n hi m as ,

the S avi o ur I t i s r el ated t ha t a number o f di s c ipl es a ppr oa

.

c h ed t he l a dy one da
y and e x p r e s s ed to her t h ei r dou bt s a s to
w h o m t hey s h ould l ook u p on a s t he ir tr ue s avi our for i t w a s ,

i n th e ir ex per ience that ma ny pr ofe ss ed t h ems el ves as s avi o ur s

'

a nd the
y a lso s ever ally o w ed to m ore th an one p r ece p to r the
s pir it u a l k no w l e dge w h i c h t hey had r ece i ved and t he good

co nduc t w h i c h t h ey had ada pted i n th eir li fe ; a nd i t w as t h u s

e vi den t t ha t i f R amanuj a w as to b e l oo k ed u p o n as s a vi ou r ,

t here w e re oth er s as w el l t o w ho m a meas ur e o f t h i s qu al i c a

t io n w a s as c ri ba b l e K anak zt mb a on h ear ing th i s s i mply

.
,

o u r is hed her l ock s and ga t h er ing t hem togeth er i nto a k not ,

t ied i t u p w i th a r ed t h r ead a nd ke p t s il ent The di s c i pl es

, .

u nder s to od w h a t s he mea nt to co nvey b

y th i s b eh av i our T he .

n u me r o u s b l ac k hai rs si gni e d ma n
y te ac h er s b u t the s a v i ou r
w as R em ane j a al one re p re s e nt ed b y the red t h r ead
, R amanuj a ,

w ho c r o w ned t he m al l and b o und th em a l l toget h er into his

r e p res enta t i ve s el f ; i n o t h er w ords u nited into hi s u ni q u e

per s o n a ll t he func tions of mi nor teac h er s w ho w ent before
,

a nd ca me after hi m T he di s c iples w ondere d at her s te adfas t

.

nes s a nd deli t
y to R amanuj a a nd w ent aw ay cong r atu l at i ng ,

her o n he r s pi r i tua l e mi nenc e .

16 6 D ASA R A T H I . CH . xxvi .

T hus w er e m a ny days s p en t i n u s e fu l oc c u p at i on and i n ,

t hi nk i n g o u t p r oj ec t s fo r t he a m el i or a t ion of t he w o r l d O ne .

da y , A t tu z hav t he da u ht er . g o f M ahapil r na ,

l eft her m o t h er
i l
n- a w s s

ho u s e t o he r fa the r

s . W hat i s t he mat te r , dau g h

he as k e d he r . Fat her , s he co m pl ai ned, y ou k no w
w e w o me n h av e t o g o t o t he i
r ver to b a th e , a f ter o u r m o nthl ies .

I a s k ed m y m o t her -i n-l a w t o -
ac c o m p any me, gi l r I am
as a nd

ha vi n g t o g o a l o ne B ut s he . c hos e to b e i ll ~te m p e r ed a nd

f ur the r t a un te d m e b y sa y i n g : You r p a r e nts h a ve i ndee d

s ent s o ma ny s er va nt ir l s as a g p ar t of
y o ur t r o u s s e a u (s tr id
ha na ) w hy no n t a k e one o f t em h w it h you i ns t ead of a sk i n g
me

! I f e l t t hi s j eer so k neely t ha t I hav e co me t o y o u .

I do no t k no w a ny t hi n g of t h es e m a t te r s , p oo r gi l !
r s aid

he coa x i n g ly ,

go a nd i nfor m R amanuj a , w ho i s o ur H ea d.

So A t t uzhay h a st ened to R amanuj a a nd l ai d her g r i e va nc e

b efore him . O h, I s ee
y o ur m o ther -i n-l a w w a nts a s e r va nt

f or t hee at h o use s aid R amanuj a he e i s o n t ak e

he r ,

,

r e,

S o s ayi ng he c all d D as a at hi and b id hi m ac c o m

hi m .
, e r

p any t he y o u ng l ady and w o k u nde h o de s c ons i de

,
r r er r r r
,

i ng h im el f s p a t o f h s t idhan a D as ar a thi i mmedir er s r a .

a tely ob e e d nd follo w i ng t he
y y o u ng l a dy t o t he
,
a i ve r r

w h e e s h ba t he d w o k e d i n he h o u se l i k e a l a ve
r e , The s u d r r s .

de n a dve nt o f D as ar a thi , a nd tha t for p u r p os es of m e n ia l s er

v ic e , ex c i te d t he c u r ios i t
y of t he me mb er s of t he h ou s eh old ,

for t h ey k new hi m as a vener a ble p ers on a tt ac he d t o R ama

u n a,j a nd fo r w h om th ey had de vou t eg ar ds S o t h ey r .
,

a s k ed hi m to sa y w h at made hi m l ea ve R amanuj a and c ome

to t hei r hou s e u nas ked a nd t ha t fo g r at ui tou s s e v ice
, r r

he s a id,

I a m no t ma s ter of m ys e l f, nor c an I
j udge w hy my M as t er R amanuj a w i s h es me to ser ve i n y ou r
ho us e b id me g o w i t
h ol d . H
t i s ma i de n a nd b e a t her
e h h
se r vi c e .
h
I av e do ne s o For r ea so ns and mot ives , if yo u a r e .

p ar tic u l ar , I m us t refer yo u to o u r R amanuj a They a l l r an .

t o the m o nas te r y and hum l fa ll i n a t t he fee t f b g

y o R amanuj a,
b g
es o u ht hi m t o s a
y w hy s uc ha i g
p er s ona e a s D asarathi h gh
w as di ect ed to g o t o th e i h u mbl e dw ell ing f r d udg
y T h ey
r r
e o r r .

s u b m i tt ed f u t h e r th a t th i s meas u e i mp eri ll
ed t he s afe t
r
y f
r o

th e ir so ul s i nas muc h a s t h e w e e u t to t he neces s i t i g

y p y o f u s n a
r
CH . X XV I M AR A N E R I N A M B I .
16 7

s a i nt a s a s a ve l . I Vc
y l
ar e a r ea d s i nners , S i r e plead d th ,

e ey ,

p r ay l e t no t t h is addi t on i he m a de .

ll amanuj a s i mply an

s w er e d z G ood men , w e s e nt o ur D asa rat hi as a p art of our

b ri de

s o u t t, for the li tt le A tt uz hay i s my ur u s da u te r , g
gh
a nd t he r e fo r e ou r dau g h ter . I f y ou a r e no t w illi n to ac c e pt g
w h at ,
i n d u ty bou nd ,
we h a ve s ent , you are w e lc ome t o r e t ur n
it .

T he y r e t ur ned h ome a nd be gg ed D a3 ar a thi to ki n dly
r et u r n t o R amanuj a .

A t t h is ti me anoth er
moment ou s ques tion tu rned u p O ne .

o f Y am u na s di s cipl es w as M ai an er i -N amb i of M ar an r i o f t he

-
,

P andy a c ou ntr y H e w as a S fi dr a i e , a member of t he . . .

fo ur t h c as t e o f the H indu soci al s ys tem H e lived w i th .

M ahapii rna , w ho w as a di s c i pl e hi ms el f of Y amuna a nd a ,

Br ah mana b ei ng . M ar an r i a b el o ve d di s c ipl e of Yam u na ,

M ahap rna had g rea t r eg ds for his mas ter man

'
ar s . M ar a n r i
f e ll '
s ic k . H e p r ayed t o . M a hap r na th us S i r e th ough my
,

bo dy is of t he i t o my mas t er
S fi dr a, i t is one w hi c h by s er v ce

Y amu na is s acr ed I t is g oi ng t o die no w P ray c as t it no t

,
. .

t o dog s \V ho w i ll t h r o w to do g s the obla ti ons (pu r oddsj a ) s e t

M y b y ;b l g h

a p ar t f o r D e vas od e o n e t t o Y am u n a P rna .

q ui ete d hi m by s ay i ng t h at he need h ave no a nxiety on t ha t

ac co u nt ; th at al l w ou l d g o w e ll W i t h th is as s ur a nc e M ara .
,

n r i b rea th ed his l as t a nd P ii r na cremate d hi m

i ns t ea d of,

b u r y i ng w h i c h i s the c us to m fo r the S dr as a nd had t he

,
-

B r a hm a medha r i t es p er fo r m ed w hi c h 1 8 only or da i ned for t he ,

B r ah ma na s .

R am anuj a,
P r na s di s c i pl e

,

ca me to k now t h is . T hou gh
he w as h i ms el f a r e for mer ,y e t, i n his o pi ni on, t i me w as
no t y et r ip e for i g ex t end n g a l l B r ah mani c p r i vil e es t o udr a s S _
.

T h ey mu s t b e g r adually r a i s ed r s t i n s pi ri t :1 , , . e .
,
in pr in
a nd c us toms and mora l s and t h en o nl s uc h s oc i a l
c i pl e s y ,

p ri vi leges g r anted ,
as may no t o ut ra ge at o nce the co m

m u nal s e ns e of A rya ns R ama

the m mpos i te body of the .

unj w as
a doi ng t h i s w o k c a ut i ou s l y even s o h av i ng to r ,

f ac e m u c h ob l oq uy from t he h i gh e cas te men W hi l s o fo r - . e , l

.

h a t h t nd ed t he h igh est p r ivil eges o f a B r ah

M a p r na o av e e x e

h B -
hm M dh o b sequi es to a S u dr a h o w e ver
ma a n v iz t e
,
oa a e.
a
,
-
, ,
16 8 M RR A N E R I -N A M BI . cn XXV I
. .

hig h he may b e S pir it u a l ly , w a s a s ho c to the c o mm u n a l f eel k

i n g w hich i t w as no t e x e d ie n t t o de i ver p
R amanu j a g o i ng t o l .

k
M ahapfi r na , a nd m a i ng du e o be is a n c e , a r g ued w i th hi m i n
t hi s manne r a nd ni shed by s ay i ng : S ir e, I a m b u i l di ng a

s y s tem , b u t y o u ar e p u ll i ng i t do w n
T o w hic h, P r na an .

s w er ed thus R amanu j a, I ad mi t the f or c e o f y o u r o bj ec tio n s .

B ut I am for ra dic al r e for ms ,

no t ha l f -me a s ur es a nd t he n w e , ,

ou g ht to have a mar g i n for s i gnal ex c ep tio ns li ke M ar aner i .

B es id e s hav e I not p r ec e de nts t o j us t i fy my p r es e nt a c t ? A m

,

I s u p er ior to R ama t he Her o o f t he I k s hv ak u r ac e ,

Is ,

M ar an r i i nfer i or to t he B ir d J a tay u for w hom R ama p erf o r ,

med the B a r h m a m ed h a ? 1
A m I g r ea t er tha n D ha r ma p u t r a -

and i s M ai a n er i l o w e r t ha n V idu r a t o w ho m the s a me S a m s

-
,

k ar a w as adm i nis ter ed And a r e t he tr u ths u ttered by

S t N am maz hv ar i n hi s T ir uvay moz hi :
.
,
P a yi l u m [i ii 7 ]
-

a nd N e dum al [v iii d es ca nt ing o n t he gr ea tnes s o f go dly

me n ir res p ec ti ve of c as t e and c ol or me r e s e n s el es s ba bbl e
, ,

On hea ring this R amanuj a w as s il e nt ,

B u t i n m y t ur n
;
.

I ha ve to pro p os e t o y ou o ne q ues ti o n beg a n P um a and

,

tha t i s thi s H o w i s i t t ha t I fou nd M ar an r i u t ter i ng n ei t her

.
,

Ra nga is m y r e fu ge nor Y amun a i s my r e f u g e w hen he died ?

,

,

Y ou k n o w t his i s w ha t i s enj oi n ed o n a ll t he Fai t hfu l a t t ime

o f de a t h R am anu j a s a id
, S uc h a n o mi ss io n i s no gr ou n d of
acc us a t io n ag ai n s t hi m For I k n o w he ha d a b a nd on ed hi m s el f
.

e nti r el y a t that m o m e nt to G od t r u s t i ng H i m i n H i s p ro mi se ,

t ha t : at the time of d eath i t is not fo r t he dy i ng ma n to

,

r ememb er or s a
y a nyt hi ng b u t fo r G od to r e me m b er the d yi ng ,

ma n and do t he n eedf ul 2
B tu r e tor t e d P r na thi s .
,

i s a P r omis e mad e by V a r ab a w he n he w he n he w a s c o n ,

s u med w i th l o v e for H i s C ons or t B hii H o w ca n s uc h

.

M adma n s W o r d b e d e p ended u p o n ? R amanu j a a n s w er ed ;

Know y ou not S ir e t hat ou r s al v a t io n i s s ur e w he n o ur

, ,

1 R amaya na , I I l 6 6 .
.

Li bations of the s t rea m the y po nr c d

I n ho no r of t he v ul t ur e l or d,
W ith s ol emn r i t ua l t o t he s la i n,
A s s c r i pt ur e s hol y t e xts

o rda i n .
2
[ V a rdha P a rana]
170 SA I V A B IG O TRY . c u x xvu
. .

CH AP T E R X x vI l .

CH OLA
S P E B SE CU TI O N S .

It i s w r itte n :

W he n g o o d G ur u
t he g r ac io us e y es of a

fal l o n a p er son his s al v as io n i s s u re b e he du mb or de a f fo ol

, , ,

or w i s e old or y oun
, g R a m m u a w as s ho w er i ng hi s gr a ces on
j .
"

al l i n t hi s w a a nd w as hol di ng hi s V ed ant a -d i s c ou r se s i n
y
s p l en did s ty l e w i t h a s pl e nd id arr ay of d isci ples h eaded by s uc h ,

ill us tr ious p er s o n ag es as K r sa D as arathi and D evar at The ,

.

Chola ki ng for the ti me b eing ha pp ene d t o b e a mos t bigo te d

-
, ,

S ai va H e w as b ent u p o n des tro y i ng V is hnu t emples a nd

.
,

o ther w i s e p r os ec u ti ng V a i s hn a v a s though hi s son ( V ik r a ma , .

C hola 1 113 . w is el y hi nted th a t he had s e t t o hi m

s el f a n i mp os s i b l e tas k i n as m uc h a s he co ul d n e v er
, d es tr oy
t he t w o s tr ong pr eps o f t he V a i s hn ava s t he Ti ru vdymoz hz of
'

St N ammazhvma nd R amaya n a o f val mi ki T he S a iv a s y s te m

.
'
.

i s a nt i-V ed ic and V ai s hn a v a s c o nd emn i t a s nu -A r y an a nd

,

e rr on e ou s The k i ng t he n r e s i de nt at C hi d amb ar a m (or G a n

.
,

g ai k onda C hol ap ur a m) w a s s o b ig otted an adh er e nt of t his s ys

t em tha t he ad op t ed c oer c i ve m eas ur es t o b r i ng men of a ll
o ther f ai ths i n to i t s fo ld For thi s p u p os e b e had a
pr e c la
r
.
,

ma tion i s s ued i n w h ic h w as w r itte n : T here i s no ( G o d)

gr ea ter than S iva a nd e v er y o ne es eci a ll y e v er y l e ar n ed
p ,

man w as cp mmanded to af x hi s s igna t ur e t o t he doc u m ent i n

,

pr oof of hi s as sent to thi s pro pos i tio n M a ny obey ed ei ther for .

fear of being p u nished i n c as e of r e fus al or on gr ou nd s of c on

,

s c ien ce or ent ice d by h o p e s o f re w ar d s o f l and and mon ey fr o m

,

the ki ng ; and o th er s d es er t ed t he c ou nt r y and h i d t he ms el v es .

N alr an a d is c ipl e of K ii r sa ha p p e n ed to b e the k i ng s mi ni s

, ,

t er . W hat i s the use y our Maj es ty I s ai d he of your obtai n

,

i ng s ign atur es from a ll me n i nd isc r imi n at el y N 0 good p ur p o se .

i s s er ve d t hereby I f you c a n o btai n t he s igna ture of t he t w o

.

v ete ra ns of the V ais hnav a fai th K r esa and R amanuj a l i vi ng , ,

i n Sr i r ang am that w i ll b e a c a p i t a l s tr oke of p oli c y a nd y o u

, r ,

dec lar ation a b out S i va s pr e-e mi n enc y w ill o n l y the n ha ve

 o n xxv n R AM AN U J A NXI E T Y
S A 1 71
. '
.
.

r ece i ved i
f t b l e tes t i mo ny
r re Ch o la i mmed ia tely d i r ec ted
u a .

me s s eng ers t 0 g o t o S r i ra ng a m and b r i ng R ain au nj a T h ey

- .

a r r i v ed a nd s a n
_

t d i ng b efor e t he g at e of the mona s ter y decl ar ed ,

t h e i r er r and a nd s ai d t h at R am zm u a
j mus t g o w i th the m to

.

t he K i ng s Co ur t for th w i t h
'

The d oor k ee per s r us h e d i ns id e .

-

a nd w h is p ere d t he ne w s s o ft l y
t o KureSa w ho w as th en ,

e ng a ge d i n s er v i ng b a th w a te r t o B amanu
j a K r s a fores aw -
.

t he d ang er s of p er s ec ut i o n t h a t th r eate ned

; a nd w i th o u t tell
i ng R amanuj a w h a t he mea nt d oi ng he donne d t he co lore d
,

r o b e s o f R amanu a and t a ki ng u
j p his tr idanda e mer g ed fr om
, ,

t he m onas ter y and s ay i ng : I a m R amanuj a p r oc eed to t he , ,

K i ng s men st e pp ed on

M ahapr na obs er v i ng th i s foll ow ed
, .
, ,

K r Sa on th i s omi nou s e x pe d i t i on .

R amanuj a , co mi ng fr o m hi s b a th
d r ob e , ca lled f or his co or e l
a nd s t a b u t D asar a t hi t o l d hi m th a t Ku
, i es a ha d w o r n th em

and d e p art e d w i th t he K i ng s m es s enger s w ho had c o me for

R amanuj a i n or d e r t o c o m p e l th em to s i g n a d ec l ara t ion

,

p a p er mai ntai ning S iva s s u p er ior i ty o ver all oth er go ds O n

_

.

he ar ing th i s R amanuj a e x c l a i me d i n s ore d i str e s s of h ear t

,

thu s O h w h a t w il l bec ome of K ur ese and M ahA P r n

, a i n th is ,

w a r o f b i go tr y ! Pr a y l e t me w ear the w h i te gar ments of K u r ese ,

t ha t I may not b e d i s cov er e d by th a t h ere ti c-ch i ef s my r mi '

Y o u mus t not Holy S i r e e ven i e ma in i n t hi s s p o t

d ons 1 , , ,
"

s ub mi tte d D asj ar at hi i n fear l es t h ar m sh oul d c ome to your ,

va l uab le li fe
R amanuj a s fear s w e r e f ur th er ar ou s ed b ut he
.

,

k ne w not how he sh oul d ac t i n s uc h a n emergency a nd s o he

h ur r i ed to his Ch a p el D ei ty Va ra d a and mad e s uppli c at ion to

,

hi m me l t i ng l y to w ar d off t he e v i l w h i c h th r ea t ened t o eng u l f

th em al l a nd t o ob li tera t e by one s tr oke all the goo d w or k th at , ,

had fo r ye a r s b e en s o p a t i entl y d one A nd i n g i v i ng v e nt to hi s .

fee li ngs he p ray ed i n t he fas h i on o f S t B hak t ang hri R enu

, .
-

t h us
I f the l uc kl ess B ud dh a s J ai ns and th os e , ,

T h a t foll ow R u dr a s fee t i n p oignant w ords

, ,

1 R ea d T pi o c 1 46 P p . 1 6 1 ff . i n o ur

Divi n e Wi s dom of D vi d
ra a

Sa i nt s .

R ead his l fe i n i o ur Li ves ( f i s ma -

s. The v ers e i s t he 8 th i n hi s
Ti ru mala i I or uppod u $ um
'
ap ur , Q T .

 s i mi xc m 13 1
'

R F
C-E D . on . x x vu

D h at efu l t al k of T h ee O L d Thy sla ve s

o , ,
or
'
.
,

\V i th a n u i s h k e e n pi er c ed s u r e s i c k e ni ng die
g
.
,

H ence T he n th a t s w ell es t B un s e n: hu g e pr a y li s t
, , ,

I f c h a n c e e er th r o w s a thw ar t m y f ur i o u s p a t h

,

S uc h G o d den y i ng s o u l s b u t r i g h t eo u s w or k I w e en
-
, ,

I t h e n a nd th e r e th ei r h e ad s l a y l o w

.

G ood i d he th Ch ol ki ng i v y p w e fu l j u t
G od,

sa e a s er o r s

n w o I le v t
. T h e h w an d w h n t h u w i l t do a w a y w i t h
a e o e o e o

hi m I w i ll n w l e v th i c o un t y
. o a nd l ewh r I w ill i f
a e s r e s e e, ,

y e s o t to m e u w hi ch w i ll h t n th i

n e c e s s ar ,
r r t y an t s as re s as e s r

d s t u ti o n y ing he l ok e d no t h w ar d i n t he d i e ti on
7
e r So c . sa , o r r c

of M el k ot and t aki ng hi di s c iples w i th him l e ft S i rang am

1
e, s , r

w i th h e v y h e t I n t he me n w h ile Ch ol s men c mi ng
a a ar . a ,
a o

to k no w that i t w as n t t he r ea l R am anu j a w ho w as t r a pp ed o .
,

c m a i n p u s ui t
e B y t hi s t i m e R am anu j
r . w as c o s s in g a r a

b a d sandy i v ; a nd s i ghte d t he p u r s ue s
ro r er Wh a t Sh all r .

w e do he cr i ed dd ing hi d i i pl es l et u t k e h nd
,
a re s s s sc ,

s a a

f ul s f nd a nd w i th th i
o sa m a n tr e p ea te d o v e i t th o w s a r r , r

th em i n th ei p a th as w e p roc eed a nd l ea v e t he es t to G od
r r .

T h ey al l d id as h s aid Wh en t he o ya l emi s sar ie s t od o n e . r r

t h e nc h ante d a nd t h i fee t s t uc k a nd t h ei p u s u i t w a s th u s
e s , e r , r r

ch ck d e A h t hes e B ah ma n
e . ha v , u se d ma g i c ga i ns t r as e a

us x c l i m d th y nd hea t b k i n c onfu s i on R amanu j a

e a e e ,
a ac .

p c ed d no w on hi s w y w ith L o d R a ng a fo hi s h elp
ro e e a r r .

T h ey th ead d th ei w y th ou g h t a ck l es s w il ds and
r e r a r i

b efo e th ey a i v e d t t he b e f t he N i l ag i i Hill s R amanu j a

r rr a as o r
,

a nd hi d i s c iples m i s d e
s h o th e i n t he w ild ne s s T h ey s e ac r er .

w er e w a nd e i ng in se h f e c h o th e w h en one d i s c ipl e me t
r ar c o a r,

a fe w fo es t men b u y pl o u h i ng l a nd
r T es e h app e ne d t o b e
s
g . h

the d i s c ipl s of Ti r u m l a i N l l an C ha k a v a t i
e a n o l d di s c ipl e
a a r r
,
.

o f R amanu j a M e e ti ng S r i va i shn v
.
th ey n t u ll y fel t a a a, a ra

th em l v es a tt c h ed to him and c c sti ng hi m a s ked z

se a a o

S i e w h enc a t th o u co mi ng
r ,
e F om S ir angam goo d folk
r

r r
, ,

S r i -N ar ya na -pum m, on a i
h ll, 30 mi l es nor t h o f t he c i ty o f
Ma i s ur .

n
i The 4t h vc r s e Kml u l -l u da i ndu
"

of P er iy z hvr s Timm
'

:
oz hi
[V A
 m p o un d i t i n to
a n ce ; p i n h ic h t f t h for e r
a nd n e w ot s w o r y e
,
,

m a a nd hi s
po w der a nd m i x w it h ho n y
,
e a n d e a t i t R a a n u j .

g f y p k f h m f t h v i ng b ee n g r e a t l y
men r a t e u ll ar to o o t e s a e a er a
,

m d r e t i re d
exh a us ted by j o ur n ey s and e m l nci
l e e n ta l i c
n e e e s a n

for a g w is h ed for res t

l on - - .

The n x t m or n i ng t
e h e y w e e a l l up a nd p re p e d to
,
r ar

cont i nu e t heir j our ney no thw a ds tow ar ds the hi ll s a nd r r

beyond O ne of the fore s t men a nd one dis cip l e w ere

"

-
.

ch os e n to c y t idi ngs to S irang am a nd inqui re ho w i t f r ed

ar r r a

w i th K r esa ; and t he res t fo t y - ve dis ciples it i s w i tte n r

- r ,

j our neyed nor th w ard gu ided by the forest -men Th ey per fo m ,

.
r

ed a bo ut s i x d y s jour ney and r e ached a certai n fa s t n e s i n

'
s
a

the h ea t o f the N il ag ir i Hil l r ange w h er e t he ch i e f o f t he

r

fores t m
,

en l iv ed
- The c h ie f w s gone out h u nt i ng T he g u i des
. a .

condu cted t hei r h ol y p ar ty h ow ev e to hi s h ou s e w he t hey r ,

re

w er e i n tro du ced to the ch ie f s w i fe w h o m a s th e i r h i gh mi s

, ,

tres s t hey a ddre s sed th us

,
M adam th es e h ol y men ar e our ,

Gur us ; w e commend th em to y our care Pr ay atte nd to all . ,

th eir w an ts and w h ate ver i t m ay cos t deb i t i t t o u s an d w r i te

, ,

off t he s am e i n the accou nt s a gai n s t w ag es due t o u s by y our

mas ter
T h u s e ntr us ting th eir hol y bur den to good b a nds
.
,

t h ey de p ar t ed The ch i e f now retur ned from hi s h u n ting and

. ,

w as told al l H ow c an w e eat w h ile th ese good men ar e

.
,

h ung y he sai d and des p atched his men to co ndu c t them to

r , ,

a n ei ghbou r i ng v i l l age t o the h o us e of a B r ah ma na n a med

, ,

Kat tal ai v ari s e nding a n a b u nda nce of p ro v i s i on s to e nte tai n

-
, r

th e m w i th w i th ou t the l eas t de lay

, T he mes s engers s aw th i s .

don e and ret ur n ed a nd re p orted t he s ame t o th ei ch ie f r .

The w i fe of Ka tfal ai v a i w as the re p u ted K ong il pir at ti

u - r -

or C he la chal amb a S he p r os t a ted h er s el f b e fore t h e m r

and as k ed w h eth er she mi gh t not cook for t h em T hey r eplied .

i n the negati ve To w h os e feet s i rs do ye b el ong ? s he

.
, ,

1 T his is sai d to b e M ar uti -y -andn . A nother , A mmang i -a mmal , i s 0

s aid t o ha ve al s o ac co mpanie d t he m .

2
For brevi ty , we s hall c all her K ng
o .
CH XV I I K 0 8 G I LS A C CO U N T

. X . .
I 75

in q i u r ed . th ey r e plied D ou b t not s irs I

R amanuj a , .
, ,

a l s o b el ong t o hi m r e j o i n ed s he S tr ange pr a y g ive an

, .
,

a ccou n t how t ha t c a me a b ou t as ked t he gu es t s S ir s " "

.
, ,

s he began o n c e r ai n s fa i led a nd f ami n e w as o n t he la nd We

, ,
.

t her e for e l eft o u r n ati v e la n d and w ent t o S r ir angam ; w here

my s el f and my h usb an d engaged a h ous e li v i ng on the s eco nd ,

oor t hereof I w as da il y w at chi ng R amanuj a emerg i ng i n to

.

t he s tre e ts a ft e r his m orn i ng s du ti es i n t he t emp l e w ere ful

,

l led fo r the s ake of enter i ng s ev en h ou s es t o col le ct hi s dai ly

,

a l ms A s hi s h ol i nes s s tr oll ed i n the s t reet s l ike a ver y g od on

.

e ar t h m a ny p eo pl e fel l at hi s fee t ; among t he nu mber I p ar t i

,

c u l a r ly o b se ved A k al a nk anatt azt n the h u s ba nd of Tr ipu r a

r -
,
c

dev i O ne day R amanu j a e nter ed my p oor h ou se

.
, O bser vi ng .

i t I io n dow n the st a i rs and s tood behi n d a door a tte n t i v e

, , .

Good dame w hat i s i n thy mind he as k ed me, a nd I

,

,

h u mbl y s aid Hol y S ir e t h ou c omes t a-begg i ng to p oor

z

,

p eo ples h ous es w h il st I s ee ki ngs fall at t hy feet in the

,

s tr ee ts Pleas e sol v e t h is mys t ery for me D ear

. H e s aid .

dau gh ter, I t el l th es e men b it s of n ew s ab ou t G od ; and they b e

co me a ttac h e d t o my p er so n A nd i t i s my du ty to g o to p o
. or

h ou ses and g o a ny w h er e w h er e ther e may b e p eo pl e w ho w i s h

,

t o h ea r goo d t i di ng s of G od T h en Hol y Fa t h er

ai d I
.
, ,
s .

may I not b e t he re ci pie nt o f a li ttl e of i t P S urely s aid

,

he ,
a nd he t l d me w h a t w a s good fo r me a nd too k hi s de p ar
o

t ur e N ow r ai ns fell and fami ne had l eft ou l and, and w e

.
,
r

res ol v ed t o j o i n ou r na t iv e count y ; b u t I ha d forgo tten r

the g oo d advice g i v e n to me by R amanuj a

'
I w a s t oub l . r

e d a nd di d no t k no w w h at to do A s I w a s p e n s i ve how .

ev e R amanuj a s u dde nl y d o pp ed i nto ou r p oor h ouse

r, r

a ag i n I r a n d
.o w n th e s ta i r s to m eet hi m a nd ex cu s ing

m y s l f f o
e r m y b a d m e m o y b egg ed of h i m to tel l
r th,
e
.

t idings of G d on ce mor e to me as I w as abou t to leave S r i

o ,

rang am fo r m y na t i v e v il l ag e L oo kin g u p0 n me gr aciou s l y ,

he i mp ress e d up on me on ce mor e the D vaya ma ntra al ong

-
,

w t i h the H o l y N a m e s of al l th e A p os tl es of ou r fai th G od

do w nw ards a nd endi ng w i th h i ms el f H e w as l ea vi ng me b ut .

I e n tr eat ed hi m to s ta y a w h i l e and b es to w on me s o meth i ng

w h ic h I mi ght c arr y i n r e me mb r an ce and
w h ich I mi ght
 KO N G I L S T E S TS c u x xvn

1 76 .
.

w or s i p as h my sa v iour . A nd he w a s so ki n d a s to gr ant me hi s
hol y san da ls A nd th en my s l f and my hu ba nd r e tu n d
. e s r e

ho ni e w i th th is bles sed g i ft Ne ver si n ce ha ve I had the j oy .

o f seei ng R am anu a ag a i n s ma ny y ear s ag o no w R am a

"

j I t i .
.

n uj a h e ar d l l t hi s b ut he w a h al f i n cog n to w ea ing t he
'
-
a s z ,
r
,

w h i t e g ar ment f K ur esa a nd many da y s had gon e p a s t s

s o ,
o

t h at Kong il had no t r ecogn i s e d him yet Le r ni ng as he di d . a , ,

the accou nt g i ven he g av e he per mis s io n t c ook a nd c om

,
r o

m anded a dis c i pl e of his to w a tc h her per for m nces She l e ft and a .

her p ro cedu re w t h us B y e p ea ti ng
as B l es s ed b e R am a
r :

he s p i n kl ed her h ead w i th w a ter s o c nse c r a ted

n uj a , s r S he o .

w as h ed the w ho l e h ous e w i th c o w dung and w a te r

. took f e s h , r

p ots and w ea i ng a cl ea n w a s hed cl oth c oo k ed me als all the

,
r , ,

t i me mu ttu i ng t he hol y p e t ndha and af te p l ci ng t he v i ands

r r e ,
r a

i n clean bas ket s enter ed into her c h a p e l , H e e s he pl a ed . r c

R amanuj a s s a nda ls on a ra i s ed d i s and r e p eat i ng R am a

a ,

u nj a s H ol y Fee t a r e my s ol e ef uge d t he v i a nd s he

o ff e

r , re s

c ar r ied and r et u r n i ng to the g ues t s begg ed th em to w a sh

, ,

t h ei r fee t and g et r eady to di s c u ss the meal s b e fo e i t bec a me r

co ld The di s cipl e told ou t to w a tc h her w a s now cal l ed a s i de

.
, ,

by R amA nuj a to gi ve an acco u nt a nd he reco u n ted ex ac t ly a ll

that s he did b u t he s a id ,
I t w a s dar k i n t he c ha pe l The e . r

w e e t w o bl a ck o bj e c t s w h ich l oo ke d l ong w hi ch s he w or s h ip
r , ,

ped and t o w hi ch he offer ed fo d D augh ter c alled he

s o . r
,

R amanuj a, p l eas e l et us s ee w hat you w or s hip ped in the dar k .

She br ough t t h e m and s ai d Ho l y S ir e t hes e a r e the s a nda l s ,

o f my R amanu j a w h ich he g a v e to me at S r i r anga m

, I dai l y .

w o r s h ip th em a nd ea t onl y a fte r o eri ng food t o th e m A nd .

t hi s day I did t he s ame N oth ing mor e R amanuj a me a

. .
"

s u r ed th em w i th hi s feet and s a id C ur i ou s e noug h th e y

, ,

s u i t me ; b ut come h ere da u ght er S he a pp ro ach ed a nd he

, .

w his p er ed i n t o her ear s th us Daughter k no w t h at th es e ,

dis ciples of mi n e ar e v er y s tr ic t T h ey s ee the s a ndal s s ui t my .

fee t b ut th is does not q ui te sa t is fy t h em h o w e ve r pleas e let me

, ,

hear w h at R amanu j a taught t h ee

K ong il re p e a ted the ma n t r a .

t au gh t her b efor e Good b u t do s t th ou di s cov er R ama nu a

j
.
, ,

i n t h i s band a sk ed R amanuj a Kong il r et ur ned i ns ide a nd .

bringing a lig ht examined R emanuj a s fee t a nd e xclai med

,
 1 78 S A LI G R A M A . cs . xxv m .

CH A P TE R X X V II I .

R KM A N U JA A N D 24 11 1 8 6 3 .

il ag iri R ange w as th u s t ra vers e d and th re ad ing their

The N ,

w ay w i t h t oil nor th e t th ey reach e d V ahni -P ush kari ni

- 1
w s ,

Res ting h ere for a few d ay s the y m a de th eir w ay to M i thi l a ,

S ali gr ama " Here th ey found the pl ace full of V i ra-S ai va s or

.
,

s t au nch a dh erent s of S ivai s m w ho g av e th e ne w ar ri v al s s c a n t ,

o r n o w el c ome R ama nuj a h i t u p o n a m e th od t o t urn th e i r

.

minds He cal le d D ag arathi t o hi s s ide and sa i d

. S on ,

h er e is th e fountai n f rom w h ic h the v illag e folk car ry th e ir

dr i nki ng w a ter for th eir h ou se h o l ds U nno tice d by th em d ip .
,

you r fe et in to the w ate r a nd w a th

c th e e ec t
ff

He d i d as b id . .

The v illag ers d rank th e w a te r and th eir h os t il i ty for th e ne w

c omer s t u r ne d i nt o ci vili ty Th e y e v en w e nt so far as to ,

b e c ome R amanuj a s follow ers i n Fai th A memento of thi s

.

i nc i de nt of th e water ma gn e ti z e d by t he h ol y f eet of th e b e s t of
,

hi s d i s ciples effecti ng a mi racl e i s t o th i s day s t ill pre s erve d i n

, ,

th e sh ape of a small sh rine erec te d on th e s p ot i n w h ich ar e i n ,

s t alle d th e f ee t of R amanu a f or de vout w or s h ip by al l and

j ,

th e h ol y fountai n i s clos e by c onnec ted w i th th e s h rine by a ,

i ght of s t ep s by w h i c h e v e ry pil g ri m d es ce nds i nto i t and

,

r eve re ntl y s prinkles the w a ters o ve r his h e a d The to w n .

des er ves th e name of Sdlzg r dma z e th e s tone s ymbol of '

,
'

. ,
,

V i s h nu s ai d R amAnuj a i n j oy on a ccount of thi s s tr ang e e vent
, , .

0f th e many mbrace d
h er e th e ch ie f w as
w ho e th e Fai th ,

V ac{u ge namb i or A ndh ra p ur na

-

w ho b ec am e a mos t d e v ou t
r - -
,

and i nt i m at e fol l ow er R am nu j t ught hi m all th e arc ane a a

t r u ths of el ig ion for day s

r in t he T emple of th e Lo r d N a ra ,

x
no e a c t rout e i s no t r ec or de d N ow kno w n as M ir l sa i
e an d l
rar a s o ur i n or mat io n g oes f .
g ra ma , tw o vi ll g a es , about 80 mi es l
s ee ms t o have o ow ed f ll w es t o f M ys or e .

t he c our w o f t he K ver i a s f ar a s
S
The hri ne abo e named be on s
g v l
S a t y ama ng a a m, l
t hen t aki n g a t o t he des ce ndant s of t hi s dis c i p e l
c ho r d l
i ne , r ea c h Kaver i a gai n at w ho a r e re ated to mys e l
, t he w r i ter
lf
R ama natha p uram . o f t hi s book T he i a ge i s e pu t v ll r
v
.
3
R emnath pr , on t he Ka er i ed t o b e una f e c te d by c ob f
ra poi so n,
R i ve r , abo u t 4 0 mi es w es t of l f or R amauuj a i s g os ha
M
.
y sor e .
C II . xx v m . KI N G - DEY A . 1 79

s i mh a i n th e outs kir ts o f t he v illag e A nd h ere a ls o i t

, .
,

ch ro nic le d R amanuj a prayed fe r vently t o Lor d S r iniv as a of

,

T iru p a ti t o pu t a n end to t he cr u e l P ar a lnt ak a or th e Ch ol a ki ng .

a nd h e re t ic hi s t o r me ntor
p er s ec u tor and th e d e c lare d enem y o f
, ,

t he S r i vai s huava fa i th I t w ou l d appear th at th i s i ntens e

-
.

i nv oca t i on to the D e i ty r o du c e d i t s e ec t i nas muc h as Ch o a

p l
f oun d a c a r-b u nele the k i ng s e v i l fo rming on the nap e of hi s

n ec k fes ter ing w i th w or ms a nd e ventually killi ng him after

, ,

m u c h t orme nt He nce h e i s kno w n as Kr i mi kautha Chb la or

.
,

w or m-necked Chb l a .

R amanuj a now left

g r am a and proceeded eas tw ards s ali
t o To nda nii r w h ic h s ee ms to h a v e b ee n t h en th e cap i ta l o a

, r

c a p i ta l ou t p o s t of th e H o s a a B ail al a ki ng s o f the J ai n
y l
p e rs u a s i o n r ul ing at D va a s amu dra or H al eb i d V i th a la r - .

D e v a Ray a w as th e na me of the r u li ng k i ng and h e had hi s

-

h ea d quar t ers at the ti m e a t T o ndaniir He had a da ughter , .

w h o m an u ncle an s pir i t had ta ken p os s e ss ion The king had .

c all e d many phys icians and ma g ic ia ns to treat h er b ut i t w as all ,

i n v ain and h e w as ver y g i e ve d

, T h ere w as a good man r
.

i n th e t ow n by name Tonda nr N a mb i w ho li ve d by alms H e -

, .

u s e d t o fre u e n t th e p al ac e and one da y nd i ng th e u een S an

q q , ,

ta la-D evi i n grief aske d her the ca u s e th ere of Sh e e xplain ed

,
.

th a t i t w as due to th e condi ti on i n w h ich h er daughter w as

found w ho e v en s h ameless ly a n a bou t th e s tree ts naked a nd
,
r ,

di d o th er ant ic th ing s all i n c ons equ ence of th e d evil w h ic h

,

had e n ter e d i nto h er T N a mb i s a i d : N ob le Quee n may

. .
,

I te ll y ou th a t a gre at and h oly man by name R amanuj a , ,

has a rri v e d at our to w n I h av e b ec ome his di s ciple ; a nd

.
.

I h a v e le a r nt th at he onc e t re a t e d a s imilar c ase to th at

o f y our da ught er a nd s u c c e eded in d eli v erin g a pri nc es s
,

from a n e v il s piri t a B hma k has I f you w i ll g et hi m ra -r a s .

1
V i de R ic e s G
'
az ettee r of M ys or e .

3
K now n now as Tonnur ,
a bout 16 mi les no rth of M ys ore on the
w ay to M el ulro te. E v en s o l a t e as 1316 A O . . the ki ng s us ed to re tire to

Tonda nu r .
[s 24l w-2 V ol . I R i ce s ysor e
M

Be l ag ol a I ns c ri ptions
"
S ee p 4 1 I ntrod

3
. R i ce s .

t S ee pag es 41, 42 .
1 80 K IN G S
'
I N V I TA T I O N . CH . XX V I .

to s eeyour d a u ghter w i th hi s gr a c iou s e y e s I h av e ho p es o f a ,

p
s ee dy c r e fo
u her

The q u ee n w as ov erj oy ed at th i s r ev el a
r
.

t ion a nd com m u nic ate d i t a t onc e to her r oy al s p ou s e H e .

s ai d L ady i f R amauuj a w ill c a st t he d ev il out of ou r

,

d a ug ht er and r estor e her to a s ense of s h ame w e sh all fall at ,

h i s f ee t a nd a cc ept him a s our g u r u

.

I n the meanw h l e, the i gi ve a feas t to h i s ki ng intende d to

c as t e m en t he J ai nas w ho ab ou nd e d i n t he cou nt r y
-
,
T he qu een .

h ow eve r w ar ne d her h u s b and th us L or d t h ou g i ves t a ,

feast no dou bt b u t thy cas te men the J a i na s w ill rej ec t thy

, , ,

i nv i ta t ion on t he s cor e th a t th ou ar t w a nti ng i n a nger of thy

H ow can th ey d ar e ref us e a ki ng s i nv i tati o n

h and
s ai d t he ki ng i r ri ta te d a nd c ons ul te d h i s k i ns men a bou t
,

i t T h ey s ai d
. K i ng the T u r ushk a emp er or of D elh i
, ,

c ap tu r e d th ee a nd th y count r y ; and s et a m ar k on th ee to

s h ow th a t th ou h ad s t lo st thy i nde p endence and s o ver ei gn ty

. ,

by de p ri vi ng th ee of a nger B ut our c us tom doe s no t allow .

u s to eat i n the hou s e o f a ng er -l ess m an Dos t th ou for get .

th ou ar t calle d B i t ti -deva or the ng er -Lor d W e r e fuse to

,

eat i n thy he us e

T h i s gr ea tly ince ns ed the ki ng a nd he
.

v ow e d v engeance aga i ns t them .

T he queen a pproach ed B i t t i-d eva a nd s ai d Lord ,

w hy
ar t th ou conc e r ne Wh a t c ar e w e for our ki nsmen P L et
d th us

u s d i s s oc i ate o n sel v es fro m t h ei r co m m u ni ty a nd j o in the

'

Va i s h nava r anks by beco ming di s ciples o f R emi nuj a H ast .

th o u forgotten w h a t ou r Namb i tol d us a bou t hi m A nd i s

no t ou r mad d a ught er al s o to b e s et ri ght Well s ai d w e ,

sh ll
a a t o n c e s e n d for R a m anu
j a

s a i d B i tt i-d e v a a nd s en t
o ut , ,

m e n to i nv i te R amanuj a to h i s p alac e B ut w h en the me n .

deli ver ed th eir mes sage to R amanuj a w ho had c a mp ed ou ts i d e ,

t he to w n li m i t s he t ol d th em th at he w ou l d no t l ant his foo t

,
p
i n ki ngs c i ti e s N a mb i w as th er e a t the t i me H e ro se a nd

.
.

falli ng befo r e R amanuj a pl ead ed th us Hol y S i re w e

,
,

b es eec h th ee no t to b e s o deter m i ned b ut ent er the ki ng s h ou s e ,

.

1
Or Tu k g n r ,
a e eral n a me f or al l
for e g n i n ade rs , ex ce t the Y i v p avao
p an a n d th F i g h er n ees R ead A B ar th s R el i g i ons o I ndia 3 P 2 1 1
e . .
f . .

c m l d i nt S i
a ns k r t as l i l thal a -de a v

er e o
'
o .
182 vrc ro nv o vnn
'
mu m s . cu . x xv m .

The J a i na s vol t a ga i ns t R emanuj a I t is s ai d

ro e s in re .

th at a b ody o f o f th em ma r c h ed to R emu nuj a w ho ha d ,

t aken h i s abode i n L or d N r is i mha s t emple at Tondan r and

,

d emand ed of hi m th a t he sh o ul d r st arg ue w i th th em on
r eli g ion and p h il os o p hy b efor e h e i nt er fer ed w i th th e i r k i ng ,
.

R amA nuj a s eei ng this t r eme nd ou s o ns l aught of a n i nf ur i a t e d

c row d t hought t o h i m s el f th u s
, I n or der to es ca p e f r om
lightni ng I h ave c our ted th u nder ; fear i ng the sc or pion I
, ,

h a v e fall en a v i ct im to t he fa ng s o f a cob ra ; br eaki ng a w ay

fro m fetter s I h a ve thr us t mys el f i nto stoc k s Wh a t i s t he
, .

w ay no w Namb i n di ng his g u r u thu s embar ass ed sa i d , ,

Hol y S i r e th ou ar t no ord inar y mor tal I s not i t thy

, .

w or th w h ile at Suc h a cr i si to r e vea l thy t r ue cel esti al na t ur e

M ay not al l men r ea li ze thy g re a tne s s and b e s a ved R ama
nuj a s ay i ng : l et i t b e s o th en r e t i red i nt o an ant e-c h am ber

, ,

in t he templ e and command i ng a c ur tai n to b e h u ng u p

,

b e tw een hi m and t he c r ow d bec a me a tho usand~ headed s er ,

and ar g ued w i th t he J a i na diaput ants i n a th o u s an d

1
p en t ,

w ays v anqui sh i ng th em c ompl et e l y

, T h is i nc ident i s memo .

r i al i zed to th i s da
y by means of a p ai nti ng of R emu nuj a over ,

sh adow ed by the th ous and h eads o f S es h a on a w all i n the

,
,
.

Nri si mha templ e e x i st i ng to th i s day i n good r ep ai r in Tond a

( C on tinu ed) f o ot not e on p ag e 1 8 1 .

v
H e g a e the name of M el uk bte and A . So M mauuj a mus t ha ve
T im u ryan apuram t o t he llag e vi v
li ed for not le ss t han 20 ears i n y
of D o
ddag ur ug a nahalli, co us tr ucte d
'

y
t he M s ore co unt r M udal iyan y
v p
.

s e eral tem les and plac es , a n d dan ( D i sara thi ) w as d eputed t o '

p
ca us ed s te s to b e ere c ted to t he B e l ur ( = V elpura) to i naug ur ate
hil l o f M el uk ote A ccordin g t o t he . y
N ar a ana there So s ng s t he i
ip i y v
.

B ol d: insc r t on : ara a na P r a N er s e
t i s ht ht t ook lac e i n 1 039 S
. p .

a il a
qs g mt mntsw
t G a g /ri O evreb a l l sg e

g d r mm mu wrm s n m du usb
e tstw ewr

u err
,

g Qevairy I drm m m w m g m mm uj
cg w g m w
a
g e w w aneir Innu m
[P z 2 1 8 R emanuj a-
. Divy a-Chari ta mJ
1 B AmA nuj a k now n a s t he hdi-g sha, i s the Lak shmnna of R ama
being
yana , and B al ar t ma o f M a hA -B ht rata
[S e e r im
c ur B ha g ar a d- d
g
p
i
w th B amtul j a s commentar
'
1 y .
C Il . X XV III . T A N K CO N S T R U C TE D . 18 3

uhr Chatur vedi-mangal am ) M os t of th em embr aced

( ca l l e d
'

t he Va i s h nava f ai t h b b ec o m ing the disc iples of R amanu a

y j .

V i s hnu -V a dhana the king o f t he P oys ala ( H oy s ala) co u ntry

r ,

b ecame mo e a nd mor e a tt ached to R amanuj a O ut of the

r .

ma ter ia l s of J a i n temples pu ll ed do w n, he g ot a t ank con

in terc ep t ing the dra i nage
s tr u c t ed , o f the r iver Y ada va co min g
dow n f r om M el uk ote or Y ada v g i r i , 1 0 mil es to the nor th .
l

1 few
A no tes b ear i ng
t he s e b e i ng 1 1 1 7
on H a ving put dow n
e v e n t s m a y b e of u s e t o t he read e r t he a i ns . J
b y t he s e vere s t mes .

s M ysor e G azetteer V ol I I ,
( ) R i s u r e s , he s et tle d u nde r t he r o al

A ce .
y

p . 2 7 4 [ 1 8 97 ] M
ot i T al ab or fa vou r a nd pr ote c ti on a t M e l uk ote ,
la k e o f p ear l s , a l arg e tank at T e n and t here e s ta b li s hed hi s t hr one,

an r i n S e r i n g a patna T al u q I t is w hi c h i s s ti ll occ upied b y the g ur u

.

f or m e d b y a n emb a nk ment ca rr i e d k no w n as the P ara kla s vami ( i)

a c r os s a g ap b e tw ee n t w o rock y A f ter t w el ve year s , O nt he d ea t h of
hi ll s , w hi c h s te ms t he w at er of t he t he Chol k ing , he ret u r ne d to r i
Y adava mndi and other mou nta i n r ang e and t here ended his da y s .

.

t o r re nt s t hat t he re unit e t hei r ( 0 ) bid , V ol I , p 33 8 I

A n im . . .

s t r ea ms T he mound, w hos e di
.
p or ta nt event i n his ( B a l lal a or
me ns i o ns a re g i ve n as 78 Cub i t s B itti d eva) car eer w as hi s c o nver
hi g h, 1 50 l ong , and 250 t hic k at t he s i o n f r om t he ai n fai th to t hat o f J .

b as e , i s s a i d t o have b e en cons t r uc t V i sh nu b y t he apos tl e Bamanuj a.

ed b y B amanuj ac hdrya, t he S ri c har a , w ho had tak e n r ef u e i n
y g
V a i s hna va B r ahman refor mer , w ho t h e B oysala t er ri to ry fro m t he
h ad ta k en u p hi s ab O de at the nei g h pe r s ec utions of t he C hola ki ng , a n
hou t i ng t o w n o f M el uk bte H e u nc ompromis ing g ai vn
. Thi s s tep, .

m ac c o mpani ed b y a c ha ng e of hi s

n am e d t he ta k Ti r u
n a l as g ara .

n a m e t o V is hn uvar dha na, b y w hi c h

( B ) I bid, V ol I, p 474 . He .

he i s pr inc ipal l y k now n , w a s pro

( B mi n u j a ) t hen travell ed o ver
g r eat part of S out her n ndia , d e I
b a bly tak en i n ab o ut 1 1 1 7 D iff e
f e ndi ng a nd e xpounding t he V ai s h re nt r e as ons ar e g i ven f or i t O ne .

n a va c re e d H e e s tab l is hed s e ve i s tha t he had a daug hte r w ho w as

J
.

r al ; mat hs , the pr inc i pal on e b ei ng po s s es s ed : t he ains b ei ng u nab l e

at A h ob al a H e al s o c onv er t ed or t o c e c t her cure, i t w as u nder t ak en
.

r e s tor e d ma n y S iva t empl es t o t he b y B dmdnuj a, w ho cast o ut t he e v il

w or s hi p o f V is hnu , amon g o ther s s pi ri t , and f ur ther , i n e i g ht e en day s

m f l i r u pat i o f pub li c di s puta ti on, r e f ute d t he

'

t he c el e b rat e d t e p l e o .

The C hol a King Kar ikl a C hol a , J

a i ns and c onvi c ted the m of her es y ;

i n w hos e d omi ni on S r i R an g e w a s t ho s e w ho af ter thi s w oul d n ot

.

s i t ua t e d, w a s a n nu - co m p r o m i si n g s u b m i t b e in g g r ou n d i n o i l -
mil ls
m y s A not her vers ion i s , t hat t he k i ng

S ai va , a nd o n B d dn n j a c h r a
ava wi fe w ho , b y i a
ret u r n t hi ther af te r these rel ig i ons had a V ai s hn
s u cc e s s e s h e w as re qu i r ed i n c om s t i g a t ion of B ama nuj a, hi nte d t o

m on w ith all t he B rahman s t o hi m t hat the J aina pr i est s w e re so _

s u b s c r ib e t o a dec l a rat i on o f fai t h hau g hty t hey w oul d not e ve n ac cept

i n $ i va To e s cape pers e c u t i on f oo d at hi s hands
.
H e w a s i ndig .

h e e d t o t he H oys al a k i ng dom i n n a n t a t t he idea and re s ol ve d t o pu t

M ys o r e H er e b e c onver ted f ro m i t t o t he proof
.
N ow t he k in g ha d .

J
t he a i n f ai t h t he k i ng the n c ef or l o s t a ng er , a mut i l at ion t hat
w a r d k now n a s V is hnuvar dha na , vmu lti pr e vent t he a i n pr i e s t s f rom J
t he d a te aes i g nc d t o this e ve nt ea t ing w ith hi m Whe n, there fore , .
 1 84 G A Z E TTE E R N O TE S. CU . XXV III .

( C o nti nu e d) f oot no t e o n p ag e 183 .

he f o und hi ms elf dis hono ure d b y a a nc i e nt des ig nations o f I m b hu s

r e f u sal o f hi s i nvi ta tion, he w e nt a nd H e b ba rs .

ment ( ) i
r a r a na B e lg ol a I n s cn p
'

o ve r in r es ent to t he o t he r E R ce s .

s i de , a nd ab a ndo ned t he toJ

a i ns t ions (N o. P
( SA ntala -D ex i,
. 48 i '

pe rs e c uti o n R i mdnuj a de mo l i s he d
.
Que e n o f V i s hnnvar dha na ) S ome .

J
n e a r l y a l l t he ain t e mpl es a t t he de ta i l s a re a ls o g i ve n of he r f a m i ly,
c a pi ta l , s a id t o have b ee n 7 2 0 i n f r o m w hi c h i t a ppear s t ha t he r
n u m b e r , a nd us e d the s t o ne s i n fa t he r w as t he s eni or p r e g g a dc

e mb ank ing the l a r g e tank . N a ra s i ng a, a Sai V a , w hi l e her
_

( D ) I b id, V ol I I , p 2 95
. . m o t her w as M is c hi k ab b e, a d e v ote d
q
S ub s e u ently, ab ou t 1 1 17 , ( 9) M i n d .a i na J The co nic t b e tw e e n he r
.

n uj z i c hzi r ya, t he c el c b r a ted a pos t l e o w n p os i t io n as a a i na a nd as t he

J
o f t he V is hn uvi t e s ec t, on e ei ng u een q of t he no w V a i s hna va
f ro m D ra vida to avoi d a conf e s s i o n mo nar c h V is hn u -va r dha na i s r ec o n
o f f a i t h pre s c r i b ed b y t he C ho la c-i led b y t he S ta tem e nt t ha t J i na nd
R ide. t o b e mad e b y all his s ub j e c ts , t he. w as her f a vo uri te an d V i s hnu
w hic h w a s t o e s tabl i s h t he s u pe he r G od .

r i or i ty o f iva o ver V is hnu , t o ok R i ce s M ys ore G a zet teer V ol I I , P

. .

r ef ug e i n the M ys or e c o u nt ry, 2 9 B el ur , i n t he
. ur i nas a nd P
w he r e he s ucce eded i n co nver t i ng a nc ie nt i ns c r i t i o ns b ea r s t he n a me
p ,
J
f ro m t he ai n fa i t h t he pow e r f ul o f V el ap ur a a nd V el ur . a n d i s
H oy s ala k ing , B itti D eva, t he nce

s tyl ed t he D a k s hi na V ara as i
n or
f or t h k now n a s V is hnuvar dhana S out her n B enar e s
. I ts s a nc ti ty i s
.

Thi s r oy al c o nver t c onfe r r ed o n h is du e t o t he c e l e b r at ed t em pl e of

apo s tl e a nd h is f oll ow er s t he t r a c t C he nna-Kes a va, er ec ted a nd e ndo w
o f c ou nt ry o n e ac h s i de of the r iver e d b y t he H oy sa l a K i n V i s hnu va r
g
Kaver i a t S r irang apat na, k now n dhan a , o n t he oc cas i on o f hi s
b y t he na me of A s htag rama or e xc ha ng i ng the ai n fa i th f or t ha t J
e i g ht t ow ns hips , o ver w hi c h b e o f V i s hn u, i n t he b e i nni n
g g of t he
a ppo i n te d his o w n oili c ers u nder t he 1 2 t h cent u ry .
1 86 N AR A Y A N A I
D SC OV E R E D . CH . XXIX .

i ng i t, i
ar r v ed at t he fou nt a i n ca ll ed V da pu s hk ar i ni , a nd

si ght ing t he holy sla b , (p a r i dhdn a s i l a ) . w he re of y or e D at

t atr eya had w or n hi s as c e t ic r o b es , R i i i ani i j a b a the d i n t he

fou ntain and l a y i n ga s i de K r s a

sw hi te r ob es , w or n w he n l ea v i n g
S r i r an ga m
p u t on hi s c ol or e d a sce t ic r ob e s
,
T he da te of entr y .

i nt o Y a dug ir i i s c hr oni c l ed a s t he B ahu dhanya year , i n the mon t h

o f T ai
(or ab ou t 1 09 0 A C , or w hen R am anuj a w a s a o ut 8 0 . . b
y ear s o f ag e ) .
1
Fr o m the V da -p u shk ar i ni , they si e nt
l
ly
wa lk ed for w ar d i n s ear c h of w her e Lor d N {i r aya na e .
,
H i s s t at u e )
l ay hidden T hey fai l ed that day to nd the pl ac e
. R am anu j a
h ow ever sa w i n a vi si on vo uchsafed t o hi m tha t H e lay c over ed
p i n a n ant h i ll b et w een a C ha m p a k a and a V ak u la t r ee on
u -
,

ei ther side a nd t o the s ou t h w es t c or n er o f t he K aly ani pond

,
- -
,

and t hat t he ant hi ll w a s o ver gr o w n w i t h the sac r ed b a s i l

- He .

al s o s aw that t he place w her e ti r u m a a w as dep o si t ed l ay t o the

nor t h w est cor ner o f the sa m e K a ly ani po nd and he al s o hear d

- -
,

as if N a ray ana t elli ng hi m t h at fra g men t s of b a s i l leaves w o u ld

b e s tr e w n a lo ng the p ath w hi c h l ay b et w een R amanuj a a nd the
plac es i ndic at ed R amanuj a a w ok e fr om hi s r ev e r ie a nd follow ed
.

the dir ec ti ons g iv e n Thi s l ed t o K aly ani a nd t he nce o n to the

.
,

ant h i ll
-
T hi s w a s cover ed w it h b a si l a s p r op he sied R amanuj a
. .

w a s tr ans p or t e d w i t h j oy a nd p r o s t ra ti ng hi ms el f b efore t he

plac e r e mo ved t he ear th a nd l o t he st at ue of N ar ayana w a s

, , ,

fo und under neat h I ne x pr es si b l e j oy ani mat ed t he dev ou t b and

.

w ho w er e p r i v il eged t o b e p r e se nt o n t hi s m o st au spi c i ou s and

b li s sfu l occ a si on ; and t he di v i ne si gh t : 0 i ntoxi c at e d t hem t h a t

t h ey de lir i ou s l y da nc e d c h ant ed p r ai s e s s ent for t h p eal s o f
, ,

h and c lappi ng s and ej ac u lat ions and w it h k ing Vi shnu-var dha na

-
,

i n their mi ds t ce le br a t ed the oc c a si on w ith a b l as t of t r u mp et s

,

a nd a b eat o f to m-t o m s and a bu r s t of inst r u m ent a l a nd o t h er

mu si c
al l , a u ni te d o u t bu r s t and demonstr a t i on of t he i nt e ns e
S pir i tu al glow i n w ic h h they h
l p ed b y an e vent ad become e nve o
,

t he most u nu s u al and ex tr a or di nar y i n t he a nnal s of mank i nd .

Pail s of milk w er e br ough t and emp tied o ver t he H oly S tatue

1 M R i c e p ut s 1 1 17 a s t he
r. y ear o f B i t t i -D e va s c o n ve rs io n .

Thi s mu s t b e w r ong B a hudhanya ta ll ies w i t h 1 099 , A O

.
. .
, w he n R
manuj a w as e xa c tl y 8 2 y ea r s of a g e .
cu . XX IX . M i ni mu m A i
'
D E LH I . 18 7

f ollo w ed b y a de tai l
l p r e sc r ib ed b y the P achar atra
of r i t ua .

g astr a R amanu j a hi ms el f p er s o nally w or shi pp ed the D e ity for

.

t hr ee day s a nd Nar a ana w a s t hu s rei nstalled after age s o f

y ,

o b li vi on a nd t he dec ad o f S t
, N am mazhvar beginni ng w i th ,
.

O ra -mtyak am [T ir uv a y mozhi v i ] w as dedicated to th i s G o d ,

-
, ,

i na s muc h as R amanu j a w a s the r ight ful i nher itor of all the

S pir i t ua l w ea l t h of t he a o st l e s pr ec eedi n
p g hi m a nd w as t h us ,

t he aut h or i ty t o i nt er pr et forg ott e n t r aditions .

B A manuj a h w e t cor ner of the

nex t pr oc eede d t o t he nor t - s

K alyani p ond a nd made a fu o w o n the gr ound w i th hi s h oly

-
,
rr

s t aff I t r evea l ed w hit e be ds of c lay and t h us was anoth er act

.
,

of hi s i i li z ed t o t he m ar vel of all pr esent R amanuj a

v s on r ea , .

t h u s o bt ai ned t he holy e ar t h he w a nt ed (desc r i bed i n the begi n ,

ni ng of th i s C h a p ter ) w i t h w hi c h he s ig ned h ims el f on t he

,

t w el ve p ar t s of t he b ody p r e scr i b ed and t o hi s g r eat del ecta ,

t i on .

T he j u ngl e o ve r t he s u mmit of the M e u o te

l k (Y davag ir i)
h ill w as c le ed ar a w ay , s t r eet s w er e a lig ned , r o w s of h ouses
b uilt a t emple
,
L o d N ar ayana ovee r ec te d for r r the ant h ill
-

a nd a s er i s o f f e s t i val s mo nt h ly annual a nd S on w er e i nst i

e , ,
o

t ut e d B u t a n u t va ( p oc s s io nal ) i mage w a s w anti ng an i m

. sa r e

a g e c a st of a co m po un d of ve s elect met al s i n xed p ropor tions .

B ut t h i s w a s di f c u lt of ac com pli sh ment and B amanuj a fell to ,

m usi ng deeply as h
t o ho w t i s di f c ul ty w as to b e over co me . H e

w a s a ai n g
given a vis ion i n w hi c h N ar ayana appear ed to hi m ,

a nd S p ok e t h u s R am anuj a o ur movea ble r epresent at i ve i s ,

a li ve na med R am a p iya w h i c h i s now in D el h i w i th the T ur k

,
r ,

E mmadu R aya P oce ed t he e and br i ng i t

. R amanuj a r r .

a cc or di ngl y made p e p ar at i ons a nd j our neyed all the w ay to

r

D elh i and t h e m t ing t he R aya or ki ng pr evailed upon him

er ee .

t o g r ant hi s r eq u e s t The T u k ki ng gave or der s th at R ama

. r .

nuj a b e tak e n t o t he p ar t ment s w h er e his pl u nder ed tr eas ur es

a

w er e b oar ded T h e w e e m any idol s b ut R amA nuj a failed

. re r ,

t o nd a mong t he m R am ap iy a ; a nd he fell i nto a r e ver ie as he r .

n [Rama-
g '

M ia s

1 R ead ver s e : t ancyan by A ua n
f

dz hvdll or A mt nta s r i ) .
188 SA M P A T KU M AM I N S TA L L E D . on X X I X
. .

p onder ed ho w t o tr ac e i t g i ven a dr eam i n w hic h

. H e w as

R ama pr i ya app e ar d nd s ai d
e a I a m w i th the daugh t er of
the ki ng . She h s m ad
a pl y t hi ng of me e T o he dai ly
a a . r

in sg and car e s s e s , I a m a l i vi ng pe r s o n C ome there a nd nd .

me .

R itmitnuj a aw oke a nd r e o r t e d t o t he k i n
p t at the ido l g h
he s ou gh t w as w i t h t he S u lt ani . The ki ng s
c u r osi ity w as

r ou s ed at the l
r eve ati o ns , a for ei gn S a nyasi n of a di ffer ent
p er sua sion w a s mak i ng t o hi m ; and not only cu iosity b ut r es pect r

and a d orat i on for the ho ly s ai nt The K i ng took t he S anyssin .

R amanuj a i nt o t he s er ag li o w her e no ot her ma n dared ent er ; ,

and w onder ful t o r e l ate R ama -pr iy a w a s ther e fou nd fondl ed b y

, ,

t he S ultani hi s da ughte r t o w hom H e pl ayed the h u s ba nd

, , .

R amanuj a enteri ng ca lled H i m b y H i s na me and l o t he Image

, , , ,

j u mp ed dow n fr om the c ouch on w hich t he S ult ani had pl aced

H i m a nd w al k ed to w h er e R am anu j a st oo d i n a ll t he glor y and
, ,

gr ac e of an i nc ar nated dei ty e m belli sh ed acc or di ng t o all the ,

i deal s of t a s te natur al t o Ar yan i m aginat ion R amanuj a .

e mb r ac ed the advanc i ng D i vi ne B ea u t
y w it h all t he fondne ss of
a p ar ent nd i ng hi s lo ng -lost s on and i n c o m memor at ion of the
di scovery call ed him b y t he e ndear i ng na m e of S elva-p-p il l ai
, ,

w h i ch in Sams k r it i s S am pa tk u m ar a b y w h ic h na me the I mag e ,

is s till called T he ki ng w ho w i t nes sed a ll th i s p rocedur e w as

.
,

s i mply as to ni she d be37 0 nd m ea sur e a nd l oad i ng R amanu a w it h

j ,

gi ft s and h onor s s ent hi m bac k from the scene of his h oly

,

mi s sw u .

gh te r Sultani w ould not bear the sep ar ation from

The dau
the to her l i ving do ll
, She w a nte d i t bac k for h er self
, .
B ut .

t he fath er said I t i s t hei g od d u gh t e ; ho w can w e c l ai m r , a r

H im Th en c i d the S u l t ani pit ou s ly to her fat her
,
r e e
u
s end me w i th my G od M o s t c h ee fully s aid the father . r
, ,

and all ow ed her t o de p ar t w i th un t o l d w eal th and o t h er

t h i ng s telli ng R amanuj a
, H oly he mi t t hy G od g oes r ,

not al one b ut w it h a w i fe a s w ll
, a p e c i ou s w i fe I con e
r .

si g n her t o t hy c a e

R am anu j a pr oc eede d w i t h hi s Divi ne
r .

t r eas ur e and reach e d Y dav a ir i i n du e time Here he

, g .

i nau gur ated S a mp at ku m a a i n all c e emony and i n titut ed a

- r
ll r
,

t he festival s whi c h mu s t b e c elebr at ed th ough ou t the year r

,
w i t h the necessar y estab li sh ment to conduct th em for al l ti me to
190 TH E P A RC II A M A S . CH . X X IX.

t he K r it a -yag c , V edadr i i n t he T r it a ~
ag e, a nd Y ada v adr i or

Y ada vag i r i i n D va ar a ag e
p h oly h ill of M el uk ot k n w n
i s t he e o ,

a nd i n the K ali ag e -
, as ha vi ng be n r es tor ed by the Y t
e a z

( asec t i c ) R amanuj a, it i s ca lle d Ya ti -sail a . Thus it i s w r it t en

i n S dt va ta -S a mhi ta ( P anc har atr a) .

F o o t no te p ag e 1 8 9
on

t he g e n e ral t er m D elhi , a ny c hie f and it s e ndo w me nts i s g i ve n, a s

c ity o r e ve n t he cou nt r a l s o t he fac t o f t he M a har aj a s o f
y g e ner a l ly
of t he M us a l ma n i n t he far nor t h M y s or e ha ving b ee n V a i s hna va s .

w es t of India , w as unde r s t oo d b y W e s ha l l add an i nt er es t i ng a c c o unt

t he fa r S o u t her ns of ndia i n t ho s e I . w hi c h may b e of s o me p hi lo l o g ic a l
d ay s u s e , eve n t ho ug h t he ac co u nt ma
.

y
B uc ha na n s ac count o f t his i n n o t b e t r ue A w or k ca lled Y a va n i
.

ei de nt g i ve n i n hi s J our na l s, ,
I pa r i naya ha s b e en w r i t t e n b y P ra .

3 4 2 , i s ver y i nt e re s t i ng , and de al s j
b hak a r a, t he s u b ec t mat t er be i ng
w i t h w hat b ec a me o f t he M o s l e m t he marr iag e o f S a m pa t -k u mara
S ul tani as s o on as s he a r r ive d a t w i t h t he S ul tani I t i s u s ua l i n
.

M e l u k o t e ; a nd how t he a r ia hs or P H i ndu-mar r iag e s t o read t he l i nea l

C ha ma r s o r Pa nohamas w ho as s is t pe dig re e o f b ot h t he b r i de a nd t he
ed B aman uj e w er e g i ven b y name
. . b r i de g r oom For Sam pa t -k u mar a ,
.

n uj e t he ho n or i tio t i t l e o f Ti r u -k B a r ita -g ot ra i s as s ig ne d as H e i s t he
k a l a tt dr , & c This w ord me a n s :
. ho ly s on of M mnuj a, a nd f or S ul
The b l es sed ca s te M manuj a g a ve
. t n i , w ho is Y a vani, G ar g ya -g ot r a
t he m t he pr ivi leg e o f e nt er i ng i nto i s as s i g ne d T o H i ndus , a l l f o r e ig
.

t he H ol y Te mp le s of M elk ote , S r i ner s are Y a vana s and M l e c c b e s .

t a ng a m and B e l ur (i n M ys or e ) , onc e S o t he T ur k -g i r l i s Y a va ni T he
P
.

i n t he year RA i D es, a ari a h or

.
phil olog i ca l i nt eres t t o us here c on
C hamar , a nd a di s c iple of Ram a .
s is ts in i nt ro duc ing R i s hi G ar g ya .

n a nd i , t he di s c i pl e o f R am nnj a, Y ava nas p ro per a r e G r e e ks ; a nd

s et a f o ot a move ment f or t he r e G arg y a i s s ai d t o have b e g o tte n
g e nera ti on of his c lass , be t w e en Kala -Y a vana ; a nd t hu s G ar
g ya
1 8 20 a nd 1 830 , i n t he di s tr ic t of (G reek ) b ecomes the pat r ia r c ha l
C hat t is g ar h They c al l ed t hem pro g e n itor o f the G ree k s V i s hnu
m
.
.

s e l ves S a tnamis R eaders a re t e p urana V 23 , 4 a nd 5

. .
an .

f e r r ed to P p : 206 , ff o f T heoso .

phi et, V ol X I, 18 90, for an ac c o unt

of
.

t his r ef or m We refer o u r
.
W sales men u W IT
,
&c E r i vams a 1 1 5- 1 5

m
A ls o se e
r ead er s t o o ur pamphle t o n t he g
.

WE WVWW mI
'

P a c ha ma s , a n d als o to pp 2 7 2 -3 , M I l
W m W W
.

o f R i c e s G a z e tt eer , V ol

, . II : II
w her e o t he r i nt ere st i ng i nfor ma S e e a ls o A s ia tic R e s ea r c hes V o l V I . .

t i o n as re g ar ds M el uk ote Te mpl e p 506 ; V ol X V p 100

.
. . . .

s wim ms s w

rc u
[47 -48 , Y adavag ir i o
mahatmy a J A l so i n 1m m S amhi ta, 20-27 8 n

szrwmf m g

as s as s in? u
cu . xx xx . TH E r n c n mis .
19 1

[I n t he st u p endous w or k i n vo lved i n the i nst itution of th i s

Holy Sh r i ne and t he in th os e day s h ar d j o ur neys t o di stant coun
, , ,

t r i e s w h i c h had cons eq ue nt l to b e u nder taken t he P a cha mas

y ,

o r t he P ar i ah s or t h o se l o w c a st e H indu s w ho ar e rel egated to

-

a pl ace i n t he Hi ndu S o c i et b eyond the p ale of t he l a w -sanc

y
t io ned O hi i tur -var nya t he four co ns t it ut ed memb er s of t he
Hi ndu p o li ty B r ahm ana K sha t r iya Va i sya a nd Sdr a)
, t he , , ,

w ere so say s our t r adi t io n o f gre a t help t o $ r i R amanuj a

, ,
.

H e g a ve t h e m t he t i t le o f Ti r uk k nl a ttar or t he Ble s sed

D escenda nt s and fu rt h er a llow ed t he m t he p r ivilege of enteri ng

,

i nt o t he Holy T emples to c er tain li mi t s viz t he outer gat e ,

.
,

ne ar the a l tar ( t aj a -S t am bh a o r B a li -p i th a) th i s p r ac t ice, ,

r ema ini n g i n force e ven u

p t o t hi s day i n the T empl es o f ,

S r i r a nga m M e l ukote and Be l ur ( H a ssa n Di str ict) Th ey ar e

, , .

all o w ed t o bat h e i n t he H ol y P o nds att ac hed to t he T em ple s ,

t o w h i c h on ot h er da y s t ha n t hose allow ed thi s p ri vileg e is ,

s tr i c t ly di s a ll ow ed ; and the hi ghes t c l a ss vi z the B r ah manas ,

.
,
,

c annot du r i ng t he p r i vi lege d days all ott ed to the Ti r uk ku l at

-

t ar s compl a i n of c ont ami nati on w h en th ey may c h a nce to

,

r u b s h o u l der s wi t h emh o ther in t he h oly str eet s R amanuj a .

o p ened t he door s of r e li gi o u s inst r uc t io n s for t h ese c l as ses a s ,

w ell a s c er tai n m odes o f r i t u al a nd o th er pr ivileges p e cu liar

t o S r i -Va is h nav as S u c h as t he P a cha -S am s k ar a or t he Fi ne
,

Holy Vai sh nava S ec r a m ent s I t i s t h us evident how ser iou sly .

had R a m a n u
j a b e t h o u gh t o f e l e v a t i ng the l o w l
-c ass es as

re gar ds t h ei r eli g i b ility for s a l v at io n R amanuj a had a lr eady .

con r m ed too i n hi s o w n day s w ha t hi s p r edeces sors had ,

or da ined v iz
. the ens h r i ne ment of s ai nt s in t he T emples
.
,
to ,

w h atever c as te th y m gh b l g ] 1
e i t e o n .

Tir uppani A z hvar s i mm or ta l fou nder of t he V a is hn

1 B ea d S t .
a va
s ec t , w e nt t o M el k ote i n t he M ys o r e
li fe i n t he Li ve s of D r av i da S a i nt s .

P
R e ce nt ly a a ndal w a s e re c t e d i n P r o vi n c e , t he P
a r iahs made t he m

B a ng al or e b eari ng t he i ns c ri pt i on : s e l ve s s o us e f ul t o t hat s ag e t ha t

Ti ru k k u l a t ta r ,

to g r e et The i r he fel t for t hei r hard lot T o ele .

( 5t h e b r ua r y F vat e t he m s oc ial ly he g ave t he m

R oyal H i g hnes s
a nd t he f ollo w i ng r e mar k s the nam e of T i r uk k ulattar , w hi c h
w er e r e c or ded b y t he H i nd u o f mea ns people of hig h or nobl e de s p
t hi s da t e t not hi n g ce nt H i s g reat ai m w as t o a b ol i h
.

i s o f g r ea ter hi s tor ical i n t er e s t P

t he w or d ar iah a nd t hus to put a
d Ti m kk l ti d F 3 s to p t o t he de g radat ion o f a s ec tio n
t ha n the w o r u a r .

o f t he peo ple o f t his c ountry He

W hen S r i B amanuj ac har ya, t he .
1 92 Y A TI R XJ A -M A TH : CH . xx i x .

R am anuj a l
a so e s a t bli shed a
ti-sail a c a l le d s ee of his at Y a ,

h w he r e a S any asi n i s a l w ay s t o li ve a nd
t he Y at i r aj a -ma l- ,

ma n age the aff ai r s o f t he Fa n e T he b uildi ng s t ill e xi s t s i nt ac t .

,

and the mo na s t er y ha s ha d a li ne o f i ll u s tr io u s s u cc es sor s t o thi s

day An o ld b ad a r i tree s t ill li ves in i t

. .

Du r i ng t he t i me R amanuj a w a s so l
i n s t a l ed i n hi s h i gh
p o nt i c at e , he i s s ai d t o ha ve g one to P a dmag ir i , l a nd e ngage d

F oo t n ot e o n p a g e 191
a l s o a w ar de d to t he m t he r are a nd pr e a c h i ng of r el ig io n m ea nt r ea ll y
v al ue d pr i v i l e g e o f vi s i t i ng t he t he e l eva t i o n o f me n , a nd t he
te mple a t M e lk o t e t hr ee days i n t he g r e a t e s t o f s a i nts c o ns i de re d i t a
ye ar T hu s t he e ma nc i pa t io n o f
.
par t of t he i r du ty t o mi ni s te r t o
t he P a r ia h c o mme n c ed l o ng a g o , t he r el ig io us c ra vi ng s o f t he l o w e s t
a nd i f i t ha s n o t b
e e n ye t a c c o m pl i c l a s se s o f e
p po l e

.

s hed , t he c a u s e i s no t s ol e ly t he a h I n t he s e days w e ha ve the s e c

p
s e n c e o f c o ns ide ra t i o n f or t he c las s t a c l e o f a M i radas a M a ho me da n
,
o n t he par t o f s o m e o f t he m os t il l us w ho has e m b r a c e d V a is hna vi s m
,
t r io us f o und e r s o f r e lig io u s s e c t s i n a nd i s
per fo r mi ng H a r ik a t ha s a l l
'
I ndi a l ho ug h a t t he pres e nt da y
. O ve r t he co u nt r
y a nd o f a C he nc h u
S r i R amz m uj a

t he f ol lo w e r s of dzis , (a T i r uk k ul a t t r ) , at K o la r

c ha r ia r f or m p r o a ly t he m os t bb ( M y s ore S tat e , ) w ho i s w or k i ng for

e xc l us i ve a m o ng t he B rahma n c o m t he re l i g i o u s e le vat io n o f hi s c la s s
b
,
m u ni ty, s t il l t he f ac t r e ma i ns t ha t b y es ta lis hi ng t e m le s M o t hs a nd
p
t he f o u nder s o f t he s e c t la o ur e d b j
B ha a ns -k ta s , a nd t o w ho
,

m hi s
for t he e l e va t i o n o f t he de pr e s s e d s p i r i t ua l
g u r u, o f Tir uk k o va l u r , ha s
a nd de s pis e d ca s te s t he de le g at ed t he p ri v i le e t o ad m i n i s
g
ha llow e d na me of Tir uk k u l a t t r t e r hi ms e lf , t o hi s men t he P a n c ha
c a r r i e s us ac k b
to t hos e g o o d o ld s a ms kr a s ac r a me n t s a nd
,

r e c e i ve
d ay s w hen t he p ra c t i ce a nd t he d ue s e all e d t he P a nc ha -kz mi k a s

1 T he B au ddhas a nd a i nas a r e J ar e o n e i the r s ide t he i ma g im

e,
g r o uped t o g e t he r i n t he o n e c a t e med iat el y b el o w t hos e oi C ha m u nda
g o ry o f a nti V edi c B ut B a u ddha s R aya , a nd
i n c hara c ter s t o co r r e s
- .

s e e m t o b e t he r s t w ho c a m e t o po nd . T
he ir da t e, f o r t he r eas o ns
M a i s r , fol l ow e d b y t he a i na s , a s J al r e ady
g i ve n ( p i s xe d a s
.

t he $ ra va na B e l a g o la I ns c r i pt i o ns , A D . [ 1 16
. T he e r e c ti on o f thi s
.

b y R i c e, t ell u s P admag i r i a ppears. e nc lo s i n

g pa r a pe t w a ll s a nd ot he r
to b e o ne of t he n a m es o f t hi s p lac e . b uil di n s
g a r o u nd has c er ta i nl v
T he f o ll ow i n g e x t ra c t is f r o m R i c e s

de t ra ct ed f ro m t he i m os in
a nd p g
B el a g ol a I ns c r i pt io ns : [ P pi c t u r e s que e ff e c t t he g ig a nt ic
.

We now c o me t o a s e r ie s o f i ns i ma g e m us t
pre vi o us ly ha ve p r e
c r i pt io u s c o nne c t e d w i t h G a n g a. s e nt ed w he n s ta ndi n
g al o ne i n i t s
Ra a j The fi rs t of t hem ar e t he
. na k e d s u li mi t b
y on t he su m mi t o f
l a st l i n es i n N o s 7 5 a nd 76 , . t he hill .B u t pro a l bb
y t he w a ll s
w hi c h s tate in a i na ,
. M a har a J w e re no w r e u i r e d f o r i t
q s
pr o te o
s ht r i a nd H al e Ka nnad a r e s pec t io n f rom i n u ry j
Fo r w he n I t w a
t i vel y t hat G a ng a R a a had t he
. j e r e c te d t he a i nas J
w ere in t h :
e nc lo s ur e or c l o is t er s r o u nd ( s mud a s c e nda n t . a nd a i ni s m w
as J t he
l a g a m) mad e fo r t he co l os s a l s ta t ue s t at e r e l i g i o n
.

B ut w it h t he c o
.
,
n
o f G o ma tes var a The ins c r i pt io ns ve r s i o n t o t he V a is hna v
a fa i t h o f
.
 m

194 K IN G c uo A N D K OR IS S A . cu . xx x .

CH A P TE R X XX .

CH O L A
S P E R SE CU TI O N S .

T w el v y a s i t i s w itten did R amanuj tay i n t h

e e r ,
r ,
a s e

M i s u C o unt y w it h his he d q u t e s a t S i N i ay n pu
a r r ,
a - ar r r - zr a a ra

( Mel ukot ) A ll t hi s t i m h ha d n
e . n e w s of w ha t e v nt e e o e s

t ns p i ed t S ir a ngam w hic h he had l ft o w i ng t o t he S i vi te

ra r a r ,
e

k ing K ri mi k nth C hol s p e ec ution s No w S i V ai s hn v

a a- a

rs . a .
r - a a

ar ri v e d and f ll w i th hi s f ac
,
at befo
e R aman uJ R i ing e re a . a s

hi m, R amanuj a ger l y i nq ui r ed ea I s a l l g oi n g o n w ell w i th

L or d R ag g a a nd all H i s holy a air s A ll i s w e ll S i r e , ,

a sk ed

s aid he sa v e t
,
ha ty o u a r e ver y m u c h mi s s e d B ut .
,

R ama nuj a w i th a u tt e ri ng hear t ho w did K r sa and

,

M a hap r na fa r e w ho w er e for c ed to a p p ea r befor e t he a p o s

,

ta te C ho la S ir e he bega n the t w o g ood men as y o u ar e
, , ,

a w ar e w e r e t a ke n to C ho la s p r es e nc e a nd C ho l a c o m ma n ded

, ,

the m to s et thei r sig na t ur es to the wr i tte n d ec l ara tio n N o

hi g he r bei ng than S i va exi s ts B ut K r Sa p ou r ed o u t be fore .

hi m v ol u m i nou s a u thor i tie s fr o m t he V e da s Up a ni shad s , ,

S mr it is a nd P ur ana s pr ovi ng tha t N ar ay a na w as t he Hi ghe s t

,

G od bei ng t he C a u se of t he co s mas a s a l so i ts A u thor fo r

, ,

c r ea ti o n s u s t entio n
, a nd di s s o l u t io n a nd there for e t he o n ly
, ,

Obje c t of w or s hip a nd c ontem pl at io n a nd t hat Chatu r mu kha -

B r a hma and R udra w ere r es p ec ti v ely H is son a nd g r a nd s o n

;
a nd c i ted o ther ver s es t o de mo n s t r a t e hi s p os i t io n B ut
C hola after all s ai d i n a ngr y to nes Look he r e thou a m; ,

i n dee d a ve r y c l ever p er s on a nd t he re for e ca p a b l e o f i nt e r p r e t i ng

,

a ut hor i ta t i ve te x ts t o s u i t t hy o w n p r e c o nc e i v ed p r ej udi c e s I
w i ll no t hear a l l t his Here is my c ir c ula r c o nta i ni ng t he
.

s ta te me nt : T her e is no hig her tha n S i va I c o mma nd thee .

to s ign it w i tho u t a n o t he r w or d of p r otes t K ur esa t oo k t he

.

p ap e r b ut be for e a tt ac hi ug his si g na t ur e there to w r o te

,
'

1 ar e c it ed he r e f or t he
Two us e o f o ur r eade r s

qaazqn m z W X WHWF
J ETI
m l W m g m '

n [K .7r s a ]
m
,

m as mah a W ars aw }
W stim qa zls s sa s W m

r i unaa ww
'

u
[ B h g uva hL 11 1 . 28
cu x xx

. . E Y E S P LU CK E D .

D r o na m as ti tata h p a r a m, nder i t
and then s ig ned his n ame u .

T he mean i n g o f thi s p a s s a ge is : B u t ( l r ona i s hi gher t ha n

th a t .
T his a nd S i vdt p a r ata r a m M i s ti me a n ing : there
,

,

is no hi gh er tha n Si va t oge ther make a c o u p l e t i n S a ns kr it

,

v er s e T ak e n tog t her they r ead

.
T her e is no higher tha n
,

S i va ; b u t D r na is higher t ha n tha t B y thi s K r s a

i m p l ica t ed a pu n o n t he t er ms S i va a nd D r na ; S i va mea n i ng
a s ma ll me as u r e and D ro na a g r ea ter me as u re T his pl ay o n
, , .

w o r ds w a s ta k en a s a s l ig ht a nd affr o nt w hi c h nec es s ar i ly

thr e w t he king i nto a r age w ho exc l ai med : P ull o ut t he ,

e y e s o f t hi s da r i ng j est er e xc l ai med Kr S a i n
"
B ut .

r et u r n , tho u needs t not ta ke that tr oub le ty r ant ; I w ill ,

do tha t ac t w ith my o w n ha nds for my ey e s ought no t t o ,

r e m ai n a fter seei ng a si nner l i ke thy s el f

A m ar ty r to the .

c a u s e o f V a i s hn a v i s m K u r s a s o say i ng g o uge d o ut hi s e es
,
y , , ,

s tr i ki ng t er r or i nt o all w ho w i t ne ssed thi s b lood c ur dl ing s c e ne - .

T he c r uel k ing no w t ur ne d to t he ve nera b le ol d dchdrya

N ew S ir w i l l y ou s ign this c ir c u l ar

M ahapii r na a nd c ried , , ,

o r no P r na sai d he c oul d not S upp or ti ng his r efus al by

. ,

c i t a t i o n s from v ar iou s s c r i p tu r es On thi s the ki ng co mma nde d .

,

hi s m y r mi do n s t o c atc h t he di s s e nt er a nd pl u c k o ut hi s e y es .

T hi s c r uel ty ha vi ng bee n i n ic te d the ki ng dr ove the t w o

ma r t yr s ou t of hi s p alac e .

B l ood s t r ea med ou t of t he eye-less c avi t ies o f old P ur na ,

and

the p oi gnan t ag ony c o n sequent may b e bett er I magi ned than des
P ur na A tt uz hay-a mmal had follow ed t he

c rib ed . daug hter s

m ar ty r s uno bs er ved W hen they emer ged fr om t he pal ac e w i th

.

gor e d r i pp i ng a nd dr e nc hi ng t hei r p er s on s s he r a n to them a nd , ,

l ea d i ng them by thei r hands p as s ed out of s ight a nd comfor te d , ,

a nd c o n s o l ed them a s b es t as s he co ul d w i p i ng the ir b loo dy ,

face s b at hi ng w ith w a ter and thus do i ng her bes t to s to p t he

, ,

b loo d and a lle via te their ter r i ble s u ff er i ng s Kresa w as .

middl e-aged and had bes i des a s tro ng w ill w hich he fur ther
, ,

s t r e ngth e n ed by the r e ec ti o n : A h G od w h at g r ac e of T hi ne , ,

i nd eed t hat tho u h as t chos en me as T hy ves s el t o gi ve eye for

For o the r
par ti c ula r s of con ver s a ti on , s ee .

T e pi c 101 , i n our

D i vi ne Wis dom of D ravida Saints , p 1 1 8 . .

19 6 M A ri fxr t uX A s
'
'

DE A TH .
on . xxx .

e

ye , t he s eco nd eye mea n n g fa t h -t li e Va s h na a -fa t h h usi i v i . T
p i
he b or e t he a n w th a c o u r a g e s u er h u m a n
p i B u t P r na w a s
,
.

li i
i n hi s d ec n ng y e a r s , a nd to t t e r ng as he w a s i n t he w e a k n e s s i
o f o ld a e , fo u nd t he
g pa n b e r o u d his o w i
e r s o f e nd u r anc e , a nd p .

l i i l
th e r e fo r e a d h ms e f d o w n o n t he w a y i n t he o e n , h is he a d p
r es t ni g o n t he l a p o f K r s a ; a n d h i s f ee t o n hi s oo r da ug h p

te r s l a p o ly S r e ,
.
"
H
s a d t h ey to hi m, i
w ha t c r ue f a t e i l
l
has b e fa l en u s , a nd yo u i n

a r t c u ar o ur b r t h ace is p i l . Y i -
pl
S r i r a ng a m y o ur G od is R a g g a , a nd y o ur d s c e i s R am anuj a
, i ipl
i
h ms e lf ; a nd
yet to th i nk
d ai ned t ha t d es t i ny s ho u l d ha v e or

y o u r g r a ve i n a n ou t -oi t he w a y el d near G a nga i -

kond a -s ezh a p u r a m ! D oes t hi s c a u se yo u g r i ef 9

-
T o th i s ,

P r na sai d M y b el o v ed c h il d r e n h a v e ye no t h ea r d t ha t ,

w her e ver a Vai s h na v a mav c h anc e to d ie t her e G od i s ,

p r e sent w i th hi m e ve n as B l e ss ed R am a w as p re s ent
a t t he dy i ng o f J a t ay u i n t he w il der ne s s A nd h a v e y e not ,
3

h ear d th at the b es t pl ac e for a Vai sh na v a t o di e i s o n a

,

Vai sh na va s l a p or i n a Va is h na v a s h ou se A nd th i s b e s id e s
3
;

i s h oly l and t oo w h er e I a m dyi ng for i t is w h er e o u r h ol y ,

a nc e st or s N atha mu ni and K ar a ga i -k av a l -a pp a n d i ed A l s o .

k no w t h a t i f w e g r i e ve becau se w e d id no t die a t S r i ra nga m ,

.

it s el f all our po ster i ty w ill th i nk th at for sa l v a ti on d ea th i n

, ,

S r i r a ng am a lo ne i s nec es s ar y N o no ou r r ul e is t h at a good .
, ,

s o u l w h i c h ha s c a pi t u l ate d t o G o d (p r ap a n na ) m a y mee t hi s
,

dea th a ny w her e a nd yet b e s ur e o f G od be sid e hi m ther e

,

So .

s p eaki ng M aha r na e x pi r e d w i t h hi s l as t t h o u ght s l o v i ng l y

p ,

xed on Y amunac har y a hi s G u r u a nd s p e d to i nc if a b l e R es t , ,

i n the bo s o m of G od .

A c cor d i ng t o cu s o t m , P r na ha d to b e cre ma ted w ith due

cer e mony and h o no r s . The re ca me so me f
w a y - ar er s a nd s a id

qaw m mr3f m3 I .

mW rT-u
i r m aa : II
2
R amaya na I I I , 6 9 , .

smam m n

%W W

pl A ac e ca lled P as u p i at Ko l, i a b ou t i
7 m l es f r o m Ka ndiyur
( T anjor e Di t i s r ct ) is p i nt
o ed o ut as t he pl ac e w he re M ahap r na b r eat he d.

his las t . .
198 G os m u tr ax ms D E A T H

. CH . x xx

Wi th d i f c ulty he s upp r es s ed h i s r i s i ng emo ti o ns a nd a t l a st ,

co nt ai ni ng h i ms el f no l o nger b ur s t i nto a pa s s io n of gr ie f , ,

dr o pp ed o n the g r ou nd li k e a felle d t r ee and r o l l e d i n t he d u s t ,

w e tti ng i t w i t h h i s b ur ni ng t e a r s H i s d i sc ipl es g a t he re d .

r o u nd hi m a nd di d t h e ir b es t to c on s o l e hi m A nd he r e s i g ne d .

h i ms el f at l as t t hanki ng G od t ha t K ur Sa at leas t w a s ali ve

, ,

w h o m t h u s he ha d et a c h a nce t o see th ou g h t he th o u ght o f

y . ,

t he l o ss o f hi s ey es w a s to hi m u nbear ab l e .

M bei ng h i s G ur u all t he s ac ra me nt s t o b e

ahapii r na , ,

c el e br ate d a f t er de a th w er e d u l y p e r fo r med s u c h a s r i-c hzl r na

a ri dla na a nd m emor i al v e rs es w er e dedi c a te d to hi m

1
p p ,
.

R amanuj a h ear t w a s w r u ng w i th ago ny H e c alled

s
]
.

M M
. A nd an t o h i s s i d e a nd di r ec ted hi m t o p r oc eed to S r i
.
2
,

r a ng a m c a r r y i ng co nd o l e nc e s a nd a b u dge t o f ne w s t o K r eS a
, ,

a nd r et ur n w i th al l t he i nt elli g enc e of th a t pl a c e a nd e ngag e d

h i ms el f mor e vi gor o u s l y th a n e v er i n p r elec t io ns o n t he

Vedanta w h i c h he deli ver ed t o hi s de vo ted au d ie nc e s .

A b ou t th i s ti me , G os hthi -p r na, o ne of t he G ur u s of

R amanuj a , a IS d i e d
O . H i s di c i pl e s g at h ere d ro u n d hi m an d

as ked hi m w ha t w e re hi s tho ughts i n hi s l tas mo me nts . H e

s ai d he w as th inki ng of his G ur u Y amunac harya , and t he

m a ni ng o f hi s ve s
e r e

s m aaamar nw w I

0 R ama G . rea t,

w ho for g a ve t he mi scr ea n t d a
0 Kri s hna G r ea t, w ho for g a ve the mi s c r ean t Cha i t a
.
y 1
H ow ca n my s in p ers i st ag ai nst s u ch
g r ac e o
f Thi ne
So y i ng
sa P un d ied
r a . A nd Te k A
r - z hvar, hi s s on, p e fo r r med

m m m wm

2
F ull n a me -M ur -O r i l ld -M dr uti- -dn d u
y d
CH . XXX . O TH ER G U RU S A L SO P A SSA WA Y . 199

a ll t he fu ner al c er e monie s . M e mori a l v er s es w er e de d i c a t e d to

hi m .
1

Ti ru mal a i -A n ,
Tiru v
ga -p-per u mal -A r aiyar S r i
d an - -
ar a n ,

s ai l a K t he o th er gur u s o f R amanuJ a
6
a nd a c hi -
p r na ,

a ls o so ar e d t o t he E t er m al R egi o ns at th i s t i me and m emor ia l ,

v er s es w er e d ed i c at ed t o th e m a s c u s tom dema nded .

T hu s e nd s a b l ac k c h ap t er .
6

[I t is c hr o ni c hed of ver y dar k

K a chi -p r na th a t it w a s a

ni gh t a t t he c l o s e o f a day w hen he had ni s h ed hi s s e r v i c es t o

,

L o r d Var a d a a nd had to g o home A torc h -bea rer by name

,
.

A r u l ala n a ttac h ed t o t he T e m pl e w a s fou nd o n t he pr e mi s e s ,

P r na be gge d o f hi m t o c ond u c t hi m bac k t o hi s r e t r ea t li ght .

he d ar k w a y w i th hi s to r c h B u t b e ex c us ed h i ms el f s ay
i g
n t .

i ng he w a s m u c h t i r e d th a t day a nd s lipp ed a w ay t o s l ee p , ,

s n u g i n a c or ner P ur ina th ou ght he w ou l d nd hi s w ay i n t he

. .

pi tc h -d ar k night as best a s he c oul d b ut h ar dly had he c rosse d

t he th re sh o l d o f t he T em pl e g t
- a e w
h e n th er e w as found a tor c h ,

bear e r w i th his t or c h r eady t o co ndu c t him ho me P rna w as

,
.

g l ad th a t the ma n had ki ndly c h anged his mind for hi s s ake .

h xt m n i n g h o w e v er w h e n P r na c a me t o t he T e m pl e
T e n e or , ,

to d o t he r o u n d o f h i s d u t ies t he to r c h bear er r a n to w ar d s ,
-

2 m m mg ws tm
i mam m w m zrs a
gq I

m W
'

a q a ee

W r i ter m m !

m
C

marg a rit as !
A
9
fi l l l

'
3
mm
su o numm a gnet is m !

m usi c s : stw i ws irm II

'

mm r m l

5 Y t he y o n e , and ro und us , too, the n g ht, i

es ar e g
In e vcr ~
ue ar i ug i
c r cle w eav es her s hade

[M atthe w A r nbld
. .
]
 mxnz

2 00 C H R O NI C L E S 0 F X A Szeui r l - on; xx x .

hi m , a nd w t ih p nta nce f ll t hi f e t c v
a look o f g r ea t re e ,
e a s e ra

i ng p d n f ar hi s fu l t h p e v i u ni ght t o li ght hi m h ome

o or re sa ,
e r o s ,
.

P na wr taken a b k t th i s d m n t t io n fo he ha d h d
as ac a e o s ra ,
r a

hi m t lly t he p v iou s nig ht I t n w h w v e h e d u p n

ac ua re . o o e r as o

hi m i nd t h t i t m u t h a v e be n L d Var ad Hi m l f f te
s a s ll e or a se a r a

h i l m i A l u al n a l s ) h h d p o n ted t he
( w o t n
se n ar w o
a e e s r a o ,
a rs a

to ch b ea e Wi th j oy b ubbli ng i n his b e s t a t th i s ad di
'

r - r a
r r .

t i nal e v i d n d l v fo hi h umb l vo ta i e he di
o of G e ce o s o e r s e r s, s

mi d t he e l to r h bea
s se rf cou a fo g i vi ng c -
rer , o rse r

[A t ad i tion al h b ee n h a nde d d ow n w i t h re g rd t o
r so as ,
a

A u lala n t h a t he w a t he f v i te o f K anc hi p r na
r much o
s a or ,
so s

th at he da il y ce i ved f o m the l a tt e t he r e mai ns of V a -a d

re r r t a

o ff ed f o d i n t he t e m ple a f t
er o h vi ng b ee n e ten by hi m ,
er a a .

O ne day P na g a v t he foo d o n a l a f to A r u l al a n
r e S o meh o w e .

a l e af h d fo u nd i t a w ay i nto o ne o f t he ho l y v es s l w i t h w h i c h
s e s

foo d w s e ed t L d Va ad a ; a nd l na w s s h o w n th i
a o r o or r

r a s .

H e i d n ti ed i t w i th t h l a f he ha d g i v en t o A u lal n ; a nd
e e e r a

t he l a tt er w h n as ked s i d he c o ul d not e x pl a i n h w i t fo u nd
,
e ,
a o

i t s w ay i n t t he h i ne a nd i nto a h o l y ves s e l
o s rO f c o ur s e t h . e

te mple o f ial s es ol ved t o p e fo m a g eat puri ea to y c ere

-
c r r r r r

m nyo B u t L or d V
. d dec la ed t o th em th a t he w o ul d ar a a r

b o k no u h c e em ny i n muc h as A r u l al n w a s s u c h a d r
r o s c r o ,
as a ea

s er v nt of hi and P n w a s a sac re d p e s n w h os t uc h o f
a s, r a r o , e o

t he fo d a nd A u lalan s to uc h of i t a ga i n ma d e t he l eaf s o h l y

o r o

th at he w o u ld r a th e h ve t he d ay s foo d s e ved to hi m w i t h r a

r

t h le fe T h i w as acc o d i ng ly d ne nd no pu r i c to y i t ua l
a . s r o a a r r

c us t mar il y b i nd i ng w
o g one th o ugh I t i s s ai d th a t B a
, t ma as r .

u nj a h d c o m t o l ea n t he e xt
a o d i na y s a nc t i ty
e f P na nd
r ra r r o r a

of ll t h t o n e ne d him a nd of t he e s t ee m i n w hi c h L d
a a c c r or

Va l ad h l d hi m ; nd th at i t w a s o n th i s a c count R aman uj a

a e a

h d b n eag
a ee t p t k e f t he food s t t a k e n by P na
er o ar a
1 1; o r r .

w as f thi or p u p se i t m y b e e m mb ed th a t R am nuj a
s r o ,
a r e er ,

i nv i t ed P n to hi h u s ; b ut he w as th w ar ted in the d es i g n
r a s o e

by t h i ndi s t io n of his w i fe w h ic h h s a l r e dy bee n e l a ted

e c re
a a r

o n p a ge .

T hi s a c c o u nt fo r t u t o us l i
y [ mi l 1 h a ra c e s o uld say ]
fe ll nt o nn i

ha nds o n t he da y o f my a p yi g h n vi i t n a c a ce s to t he H ol y
S hr ne if i
K o v ila di ( l a nj o r e
'
Di t i ) n t h 2 I t F b y
s r ct o e s e r ua r 19 0 5, V id e [ g u n ma n]
M i tr a n ( a m l ) da T i t d F i d y 1 7 t h F b u y 1 905
e r a e r ar .
2 02 ni M A N U J A L E A V ING M EL U Ko T n . on . mo m .

sa id
fai thfu l s o ns ho w far i ndeed h a v e y o u tr a v ell ed

O ,
,

hear i ng s o ma ny h a r ds hip s s i mpl y t o c a rr y m e t h i s j oyf ul me s

s a ge H ow c an I s uf c i e n tly r e w a r d v o u T he b es t t ha t I
c an
g i v e y o u i s t he H o l y D v a y a ma n t m R ec e i v e i t S o s ay- .

i ng he i ni t i a t e d t h e m i n t he Hol y F or mu l a a nd l ooki ng r o u n d
to t he g r o up of fo ll ow er s w ho had s u r r o unde d hi m a dd r e s s e d ,

the m th u s my fa i thf u l o u r bi tter es t fo e i s gone ,

O ur .

fai th ha s stood th i s mos t s e v er e a nd c r uc ial tr i al T h i s h o ly p o nd .

K al y ani is r eally k a lydni a us pi c i o us a nd th i s M ar u ti A nd an

,
-

i s r eall y m dr u tz Ha nu m an a ll c r i ed j u b il a ntl y

Y ea

.
, .
,

I n a b o dy they a l l mou nt ed t he s a c re d Hill o f L o r d N r is i mha ,

r i s i ng f r o m t he edg e o f t he p ond P r os tr a ti ng h im s el f befor e .

Nr i s imha B amanuj a p r ais ed hi m th u s

,
O Sl ay er of Hi ra
nya o f y or e e v en no w h as t th ou sl a i n Ch o l a the d e mo n E ve n
, , ,
.

a s t h ou s a ve ds t thy d e vo tee P r ahl a d a th e n h a s t t h o u s a ve d ,

Ttr tha a nd p r as dd a w er e d u l y b es to w e d o n

K r eS a no w .

R amanuj a w ho ther eon d es c ended the h ill a nd e nt er i ng the ,

a dytu m o f N ar ayan a as k ed l ea v e of H i m to r e t u r n to Sr ir an
,

a m n o w th a t hi s w or k w as c omple ted Nar ayana r etur ne d

g ,
.

no ans w er fo r a lo ng t i me w h en R emanuj a ur g ed hi s r e qu es t ,

ag a i n : A l mi ghty R a nga s com ma nd w as th a t I s h ou l d s t a y

,

for e v er in S r i ra nga m O w i ng to unex pec te d c al a m i ti es I w as

.
,

for ce d t o lea v e the pl ac e N ow th a t all has b een acc o mpli sh ed

.

her e may I not r etur n ? L or d N ar ay ana s v oice now came

,

B e i t s o th e n

.
,

R amanu j a had stab li s hed i n M el uk ote fty -t w o o f cer s

e ,

for the re s tore d Fane o f N ar ay ana T hes e .

m ag na tes h ear ing th a t R amanu j a w as a bou t t o l ea v e th em

, ,

fell at hi s fee t w eepi ng and s ai d : Holy S ir e ho w c an w e li ve

, ,

w i th o u t yo u R am anuj a r a i s ed the m u p lo v i ngl y a nd br u sh

i ng a w ay th ei r te ar s s a i d T a ke h ear t s ons I s h all l et a n
, , ,

i ma ge b e c as t a fter my o w n likenes s a nd l ea v e i t her e lle d , ,

w i th my p o w er I t s h all a ns wer all you r p ur p os es F ur th er

.
.
,

I l ay i t on y ou all t o take c ar e of our S a mp at -k umar a br ought

fr om D elhi H e i s lik e my s on stand i ng near t he b r ink of a
.

w ell .S uc h is my love for H i m See to the p ro p er d i s ch ar ge .

1 T he mess eng er who b

roug ht R ama t he jo y ful i i
t d ng s of Si te .
CH . XXX I . IN S T R U CT I O N S A N D P R OO FS .
203

o f al l s acre d func ti o ns co nn ec ted w i th N ar ay ana s T emple

t he

.

S ee th a t y ou do not c h e a t G o d of w h a t i s due to H im, or c h ea t

e ac h o t her R e mai n e v er r ml y fr i e ndl y t o one a no th er a nd
.
,

b e not re mi ss i n y our lo v i ng s er v ice s t o G od w h om w e h a ve

i nstalled i n th is c ountr y
.

L ea v ing bes i de s a d e ta iled c ode of te m ple procedur e he -

,

l eft M eluko te a fte p as s io n te g ie f had been d i played by hi m

, r a r s ,

o n the one h a nd at h a vi ng t o p ar t f o m hi s b elov ed S a mp at r

k uma a and h i s dis c i ples nd o n t he o the h a nd by h i s d i sc i

r ,
a r

ple s a nd a l l a t h a vi ng to p a t fr om the i c h eris he d master r r

a nd
po nt i R amanu j .p og e s th us fr om t he Temple a s

r r s

w as v e r y s lo w for s me d i s t nce o ut o f t he to w n o He a .

l ook ed b ac k at ev e y ste p d inking i n w i t h his e y es t he r ,

r ,

s i gh t of t he tem pl e i t t u ets co rr i dors the s tree ts a nd ,

s rr , , ,

t he h o me st ead s w h i h h d i en al l o und and w i th a h e ar t c a r s r ,

o v er o w i ng w i th ki nd nes fo a ll th t h w a s going to l ea v e s r a e

b eh i nd N or w ou l d the t w ns folk a llo w hi m to depar t quietl y

. o .

A fter he ha d g one Some w y fo w a d th e y w a y l ai d hi m and a r r ,

c ri e d S i r e how c a n w e b e s ur e y ou are i n y our I mage

,

G i v e u s e v i de nce s e l s e y o u c anno t l v e u s i n b er eav ement

ea .

B el ov ed me n s a i d he a nd st and i ng bef or e m

e tu r n, y,
r ,

c a ll me by my n ame T hey ran b ac k and did so

i ma g e ,
. .

R amanuj a o ur L o d l c ied t h y Y e s I a m h er e and f or

r r e .
,
, ,

v ca me t he v o i ce f o m t he I ma ge T h ey w e e s ati s ed a nd r
e er ,
r .
,

r u nni ng b a c k to R amanu j a fe ll b fore hi m a nd afte r a v eh ement ,

e

o u t b ur st of g r i ef a nd o f g a t it u d e a nd co ns o lat io n by R amanuj a r , ,

he w as allo w e d t o bi d a d ie u to t he m l l a .

I n ra p id ma rc hes l ove fo S a mpat k umara restrai ning ,

r -

hi m b ut p ros p e c t of s ee i ng Lo d R a ng e u g i ng hi m for w ar d
,
r . r

he ar r i ve d at t he b a nk s o f K a ve ri at S i ra n g a m H e st opped r .

th er e to b a th e a nd dec or a te h i ms el f w i th t he t w el ve h oly
m a r k s a nd ma ke ot h er p e p a a ti ons b efo re pl a nti ng h i s foo t o n r r

t he s acr ed l a nd I n the m e an w h ile the mag nate s of S r i ran

. ,

g e m w er e appr is ed o f hi s a
'

i v al T h ei r o
j y w a s i ndes c r i b ab l e rr . .

T hey all r an u p to hi m i n brea th le ss exci tement and w el ,

Op . For w her e t her e ar e tw o g a t he r ed i n my name, there a m I

m id t [M et X I I B e hol d I a m w th you all i

i n t he s of t he m
"
. z V I ,

da y s, v nt
e e o t he c o ns u m ma t o n o f i the w o rld [ M at X X V II I .
 2 04 s ni s A s G A M
M E E T I N G KU R ES A . on x xx 1
. .

corned him back h o m w it h s l v of g eeti ngs A fter h a vi ng e a a o r .

been a way for n ea ly t w nty l ong y ea he w as now maki ng r e rs,

tr i umph al en tr y i n t he m i d t of a th i ng crow d a l l eyes s s ee ,

a nd h eart s t u n d to hi m af te h v ing under g o ne s o many r a

r e

h a d ship s and t ia ls fo t he F it h A ce e monia l e n tr y w as

r r r a . r

made i nt o t he ady t u m o f R a nga w i t h p ro s t at io ns a t e v er y ,

r

s aid the L o rd o p e ni ng H i s mo uth t hou h as t

s te p S on
.
, , ,

been a w ay from U s far a nd long ; s u e t hou mu st b e ver y t ir ed r .

Merci ful G od re pl i d R amanuj a w hi le Tho u a r t al i ve w i th

,
e ,

T hy elec t by T hy s ide t her e i s n fatig ue to me or all the ,

o

u n ivers e pu t t o g e th er R a ng a w

p l ea ed a nd co mma nded
. as s

t i tha a nd p asdd t o b e a dmi ni t

r r d a nd g r a nt ed hi m lea v e
a s e re ,

to g o a nd j oin his mo na s t y a nd r es t a f t e his t oi ls a nd t r i a l s er r .

B ut as nd the s treets of
R amanu j a thr eaded hi s w a y r ou

S ri rang a m w h e e he gl dly w it n s ed t he ch ar mi ng s cen es

,
r a e s

w h ich he had l ong mi sse d hi th ug hts w er e occu pi ed w i t h ,

s o

K r sa and the s t t hi ng t h t he w ul d a nd di d do w as t o
,
r a o , ,

s t ep i nt o hi s dw ell i ng O f cour s e bli nd K s a w ho ha d er e

. r ,

t h is r e tur n ed f r o m Tir umali u nj ol ai ( ne M du a) w as i nfo m

'

r ar a r , r

ed b efor eh an d of hi ma t tu n s he h ear d R ams

a nd
"
s s s er re r a .

nuj a a p p roac h r u s h ed fo w a d f o m hi
,
do r a nd pr os t ra t r r r s o ,

i ng h i msel f r ml y s l ep ed R aman uj s fe t a nd bath ed th e m

,
e a

e ,

i n a oo d of t ear s a nd lay the p e c hl ess l ike o ne b ew i tc hed

,
re s e

and s tr icken R amau uj w as hi msel f g e t ly move d H e ge n tl y

. a r a .

li fte d up K resa and ml y e mb ac i ng hi m w as h i msel f m ade

,
r r ,

S p eech l es s by t he mi ngl ed se nti m nts o f j

y and gr i ef s h ak e o .

i ng the v er y fou ndat i ons of hi s sou l w i th g rea t dif cu l ty oh .

s tr uc ted by t ear s and by v o ice ma de tre mu l u s w i t h e mo ti on and o

r efu si ng u t te r a n ce s p ok e th o ne p h as e , K resa t h o u e r
,

h as t g i ven thy eye the eye of ou fait h for t he f a i th l K ii r sa

r

w ho ha d l os t his v o i e s o l ng e ov e re d s o m e w h a t a nd w as
c o , r c
,

a b le t say o Mas te bel o ved ! I mu t at le s t h ave s i nned

r, s a

by th i nki ng th i s ma n s m r k n t h fo eh ead i s c ooked

,

a o e r r .

H en ce my p un ish me nt is des e ved R amanu j a s a id B elov e d r .

.
,

the n to si n
, R athe r mi ne mu st b e t he s in for w h ic h t h o u ,

h ast atoned Come le t us g o S o s ay i ng R amanuj a r each ed h i

.
, .

,

o w n mo nas tery l eadi ng K es a l ov i ngl y by the ha n d fo ll

, ow e d r
,

by t he i mmense h os t of devo tee a nd the s m us te r ed th ick s o r .

 206 G O V I N D A R RJ A . CH . XXX I I .

t he nor t h R amannj a h ea d a ll th i s va nda l i t ic t ale w it h a

.
"
r s

t o ub le d hear t a nd hot tear s r oll ed dow n hi c he k s

r ,
B el ved s e . o

dis c i pl s ta ke h e t a nd be comf t ed I w i ll s t ma t te s i g ht

e , ar or ,
e r r .

S o s ayi ng he a g i n g ir ded h i ms e lf u p f or ac t i n t hou g h n w

, a o ,
o

v y er ld ano d e h u s t ed S t t

c o mmanded he
x let u s g o
a .
1
ar , ,

S th ey all w ent t o Ti r up at i a ivi ng a t w hi c h

t V e nk a teea
o . o , rr

place R amanuj a h d a te mpl b ui lt a t t he foot of t he h ill b y

, a e ,

t he h 11) o f a Y ada v r aj a or K a ftiy deva a nd ha d G o v i nda aj a

.
a- u a ,
a
r

o f C hi t r a k ii ta i ns ta lled t h er H e c a lled H i m b y the n m e . a e

Till a i-G ov inda r a a , j a nd c rea t ed a to w n r o und t he Te mple ,

G o vi nda ra a
j w h ich isll o ur i s hi ng a t t he
s ti

time [t amanuj a r eco lle c te d t he o l d S a i nt s ve rs e

r e s ent no w
p .

Qp er vk w
m g m g J
G m xe m O e eir aig e e w ;
a m
and w o nde red ho w pr o ph et i c i t w as o f t he S a i n t t o have s un g
t he S hr ine of '
l ir u pa t i l
a on g w it h the Sh r in e o f C hit r ak ta m

R amA nnj aI-ya -D i vya -C har ita of g i v e s t he da t e of t he d es t r uc t io n

t hi s V i s hnu S hr i ne b y Kul ott un g a C hola a s
g tbQu nbg
c ew m i
a eneru e mi w ri a g
ag v
t g
z

a irm e aira c w u
g j g b a dr,
Q s a m O J a eaiuu wev
'

me/w w tr trdr rrain

; r s
aa

$ a k a = 1 08 7 A O , s o
1 009
'

ha ve al s o t he i r e t mol o i cal s i ui
y g g
. .

t ha t i t mus t ha ve b e e n j ust i m c a t io ns a nd a ss o c i a ti o ns We a r e
med i a t ely or af t e r R i manuj a l e ft
.

t hus r ig i d mo no t he is ts I t i s t he
r ir a ng am f or t he t a b le-la nd of
.

O ne G od u nde r d i e re nt s mb o s
M ys or e a nd i ma e s o ne L i ht l i hte d f
y l
g ro m
.
, g g
I l l ? A C nds Ramanuj a at M e l a a no t her L i ht a s w e s a
g y : D i pdd
. .

k ot e , a nd t hu s he mu s t have no w u tp amca - r a di a ua t O n
p p ; e G od p ro
b e e n pas t hi s ce n te na ry, w he n he l a t ing or h po s ta s i z i n
y g s o t o s ay
w a s b ac k a t r ir a ng a m
.

20 y e ars T his re minds u s o f w hat D i o n s i u s

mo r e b ri ng s i t t o 1 13 7 A O , t he y
. t he A r eo pa g it e s a id t ho u h he s a i d
I , g
ye ar o f his dea t h .
i t w it h re f e r enc e t o a not he r ma t te r
S e e p 86 , V e nk a t c hal -e ti h s a
.
Tha t l i g ht is o ne a nd e nt i r e l y
.

m iila B is capi ta l i s said to ha ve

'

.
t he s a me t hr o u h all t hi n s a nd.
g g
b een N arayana -pu ra a lt ho u h t he re i s di ve
g r si t y o f oh
.

3
The r eade r w i l l per ha s r un
p j e c t s , t he l ig ht re mains o n e a nd
a w ay w i t h t he idea t ha t t he V ai s h
u ndivi de d i n d i e r e n
t o b e ct s . s o j
navas are polyt he is t not mo no t hat, w it ho ut c o nf us i o n va r iet

m
t he i s t s as w e pro fes s i nas muc h as , y
w e s pea k G od R a ng anat ha , G od
ay b e as s i ne d t o t he
g o b e c ts
,
j
i de nti t
y t o t he lig ht [ P 47 4
V arad a, G od V e nk a te fa a nd so for th
M
. .

M a x ull er s P sychol o ica l R el i ion

g ]
.

T hes e na mes are var io us na mes i ve n g

g See Topi c 1 7 1 i n o ur D ivine
to b ut o ne G od, a diff e r e nt na me l V is dom .

f o r n di t f ere nt S hr i ne The N ames .

cu . x xxu . TH E 207

in o ne ve rs e .
I
H h e n a s nded
e t ce t he H i gh H ly H ill o of Tir u
p at i t o pay his h o mage to th Lo e rd V e nk a tc s a . H er e, R ama
un a j i mp a r ted t he A rt o f w o rs hi
ppi n g
G o d i n H i s I ma e s g
( A r dha n a) ,

ea l le d t he N i tya
to hi s t w o dis c iples K r Sa and
H a nu mad -D as a . T he r e w as a nother dis ci ple Va ng i p P ur attu - -

N a mbi, to w ho m .
he ha d p ro mi s ed t h is k no w l edg e for s ome

t i me, b u t p or t un i ty ha d no t p r es e nted it s el f s o far A s

an op .

h o w ever he w as c onc l udin g his i ns tr u c t ions V P Namb i s ud ,

. .

de nl y p r es e nt ed h i ms e lf be for e R amanuj a w ho fe lt so me w h at ,

di m c ul t t h ere for e i n t he de l i ca te s i t uat i o n v iz his u nb osoning ,

.
,

se c r et s t o some w h ile he had no t do ne so to t h os e w h o m he had

,

p romis ed ; b ut R emanuj a e xc us e d h i ms elf to N ambi th us

Lis te n N a mb i l Hit h erto I c o u ld not s olve to mysel f the
,

r i ddl e ho w L or d K r i s h na w ho i s G od al l -p o w e r ful s ub mi tted ,

h i ms el f to b e b ou nd b y a r o p e b y an or di nar y w o man Y asoda .

T o-da y I nd the s o l ut io n i nas mu c h as b y t he i mp ortunity o f

m y di s c ipl es Kuresa a nd H anu m a d D as my o w n s trong w ill -
,

b ent to i mp ar t know le dge t o the m t h ou gh I had p r omi sed

i t t h ee r s t M y o w n e x per ie nc e t h en of how s uppli c at ion
. ,

ma de my ow n w ill t o gi ve i n s u ppli e s me w it h the k ey how even ,

G od w ill a llow his r es ol v e t o me lt b e for e the re of H is

vot ar ies l ove S o s a y i ng he ga ve t he p r omi sed know ledge to

. ,

N a mb i l
.

R amauuj a too k l e a ve
H oly of the Lo r d a nd desc ending the
Hill w ended his w ay b ac k to S r i r a ng a m via Kanc h i S ettl ed
,
.

t h u s i n hi s see t he H i gh P o nt i di s pe ns ed hi s t eac h i ngs to

,

c ro w ded a udi e nce s w ho r e c e i ve d t h em i t i s s ai d as co o l

, , ,

s h o w er s a nd b a l my z ephyr s l u lling their p ar ch ed s o ul s to

h eavenly res t .

K ul ot tu ng a C h ola I I ( 1 1 2 8 4 158 or V ik r ama -Chbl a

( 1 1 1 3
1 1 28 ) w ho p er h a p s w as l
a so ca lled K ulot t ung a , the s on

var ahe] On V e nk atesa. B ig

pp 8 7 i f of V e nk a t a
ee
1
Cons ul t . .
.
s
c hale tihdsama la f or f u r ther de ta il s . V e da V II I , 8 , 18 .

H e nc e i n t he A s ht o tta ra H ymn t o I
S r i ni vas a ( V enk a t e sa ) , H i s

i s c o upl ed w it h G ovi nda t hus

na me
a m
V i de Commentaries on Tit u
rz w m m u! W mo m
g

n s, 4 _

EP . 78, V enka t cha l a-M ahatmya

 208 TE M P L E A D M I N IST R A TIO N . CH . X XX I I

of K r i m ik a nt ha -C h la w ho w as a
p V a i s hn a vi te a nd w ho
r o-

had i n r ai n t r ie d t o co nv i nc e his fa t her o f t he fu t il i ty o f his

s c he mi n gs ag a i ns t t he V a is hna va s i na s m uc h as t he ir s t r o n ho l ds ,g
the R amaya na a nd t he M a ha b ha r a t a co u ld ne v er be re p r es s e d ,

g
t ho u h he mi ht de mol i s h g a ll t he V a i s hna va t e m pl es o n e a r t h,

l s uff er e d r e ve r s e s o f for t u ne ac c ou nt of t he

a nd ha d a so on

s ins o f hi s fa t he r, hea r i n g of R amanuj a

s a r r i va l ,
re
pa ir e d t o
S i nga m i n has t t k i ng w ith hi m t he P andy a
r ra e, a a nd C he r a

Ki ng A pp oac hi ng R am anuj a h f ll t hi s feet nd c a ved

s . r ,
e e a a r

p do n fo hi s fa t he s f u l t F o m the l g n s o f hi hea t

ar r r a s . r ar e es s r ,

R amanuj gr a nt d i t ; nd t ok K ul o tt nng a b y his q u e t

a e a o ,
re s ,

i nto t he V i hnav fo l d b y a dm i ni s t ing du

a s sac am e nt nd er e ra s a

m de him a di c i pl e of D aS
a t hi . N o mo e
s c ie d t h k i ng ara . r r e ,

s h ll I e x e c i e a ny j u i s di ti n o ve t he T em pl e
a r s A ug u s t r c o r s

Si e I p ay yo u to a s u me t he e nti c nt ol you l f f om
r . r s re o r rse r

nd c alli ng D a

thi day s R amanuj c o n n ted
. t hi ha d
a se , a sara ,

t he e nti r e a d mi n i str a t i on of t he T e mpl e f or m a lly b es to w e d on

hi m as a g i ft 1n t he manne r pr e s cr i ed b y t he as t ra s I t is b S .

w r i tten i n t he w or k , c all e d o il -o z hu u , t ha t a sto n e i ns c r i

K
g p
ton to t is h e lf e c t w as c a u s ed l o b e i ns t a ll ed at t he A r
y a - ha t b
tel g a te .

R amanuj a i s s tat ed to b e pas t hi s c ent ena r
y b y t hi s
t i me .

pp 9 7 -99 , i t m a y b e s ee n t ha t t he
1 The s e re v e r s e s a p pea r t o ha v e .
.

b ee n a n i nva s i o n b y t he P andy a ns , g r a nt o f V i r m C hol a , or s o n o f

a nd s ub s e q ue nt V a s s ala g e u nd e r t he I
'

K u lo t t u ng a g i ve s mor e t ha n 2 4 5
k ing s o f V i j a y a na g s r a m [ V i de p . V a i s hna v a n a m e s ; s ho w i ng ho w
3 7 , Co nt r ib utio ns t o t he I mp er i a l S r i -V a i s hn a v i s m ha d b ee n w el l
G a zetteer , T r ic hi no pol y, 1 9 0- 1. A C ] . . e s ta b l i s he d a nd i t s a dhe r e nt s v e n e
2
S e e N o 23 , M a p of Te m pl e t )
. . r a te d A nd V i t hal a, a M adhva
.

t he s ec ond coll ec t ion of a pe rs r e P s a ng of R aman u j a t hu s ( R ev

I
.

l a t in g t o S r ir a ng am, 1 8 94 , A O . . K i tt el s T ra n s la t ion i n ndia n A n t i

I
.

F r o m E pig r a phi ca ndi ca , V ol V , . que ry V o l I I ) .

B eff ai n .

R amanuj a , D o c tr i ne -s up
por ter l
B od for t he g r e at mo u n t a i n of D ark he r e ti c s !

So ng .

The y s ay t he C hola put u p a pos t (R amb ha ) s a yi ng

.
:

H e w i t h t he eye on hi s f or ehead ( S i va) , a nd no ,

ot her G o dhea d
t here i s
The M as ter of the Y atis (Y ati pati) s e i zed a nd aye d hi m ali ve,
 R E C O V E RY O F SI G H T . CH . X XX I I .

I n tha t V bey on d the v i si bl e u ni ver s e the
a i k u ntha , ,

I mmor tal s s ee the E t er n a l Lor d w i t h their s p ir i t u al eyes

.

M y b elo v ed t ha t i s not w ha t I w a nt ; c ome l et u s pr o

,

ceed to L o r d V ar ada

s ai d R amanuj a a nnoy ed a nd w e nt w i th
, , ,

hi m to K a chi a nd b a de hi m r e p ea t the St a va K r S a b eg a n

.
,

a nd as he w as p r o c eedi ng R am anuj a w as obli g ed t o l ea v e the

,

p lac e f or a fe w mi nu te s o n s o me b us i nes s B u t befor e he r e .

t ur ned K r sa had go ne t o t he end of hi s Sta va ; a nd L ord

,

V a r a da ha v i ng a pp e ar ed a nd hidden him t o a s k w hat he w a nte d ,

he ha d a b sent -mi n dedl y pr ay ed tha t N al r an mig ht b e s a ve d

e ve n as he mi g ht b e s av e d

B e i t s o s a id t he L or d

By .
, .

t hi s ti me R amanuj a r a n i n a nd le a r n i ng w ha t had tak e n p l ace

,

i n hi s a b s e nce c hi de d K r sa thu s
, S on thou has t ac te d ,

c o ntr ar y t o my w i s hes T hou has s poil t ma tter s O h L or d

. .
,

c a n s t T ho u not de i g n t o gr a nt m y p r ay er tha t K r s a r eg a i n

( p hy s ical ) s i ght The L or d w a s mo ve d a t t his e ar ne s t a pp e a l

o f B aman u a
j a nd s p oke thu s
, We gra nt him tha t s i ght ;
b u t e xc ep t M e a nd the e he s hal l s ee no other m a t er ial o bj ec t
, .

R amanuj a w a s a t l eas t s a ti s ed w i th thi s a nd i mme dia te l y u t

p ,

K r sa t o tes t by as k i ng him t o l oo k a t L or d V ara d a a nd ,

descr ibe H i m K r esa did s o . And now des c r i be me as ked .

,

he n ext K ur sa hi s f ace lit u p w i th heav enl y j oy desc r i be d

.
, ,

hi s p r ec e p tor s p e rs o n ac c u r at el y i n a ll det a i l

R amanuj a w a s .

s a ti s ed and t a k i ng l ea ve o f the L o r d r et ur ned t o S r i r a ng a m

, .

R amanuj a w a s , a fter his t n e n g a ged w i th his d i sc i p l es

r e ur ,
,

in r e adi
ng St A ndal s .

Hymnal the N aycc hiy ar -Tir umo zhi ;
,

a nd c o mi ng t o v e rs es I X 6 a n d 7 : N a r n-na r u m and I nr '

u.

va ndu i n w hi c h t he S ai ntess d ec l ar e d tha t s he w o u l d pl ac e

,

b e for e t he L or d S u ndar a -r aj a of T ir u malir u n ol ai o ne hu n dr e d

j ,

v e s s el s o f nec tar eo u s food a nd if H e b u t c am e do w n and a t

e
i t all she w ou l d pl ac e a hun dr e d t ho us a nd mor e
, R amannj a .

s to pp ed at thi s and l oo k i ng a t hi s dis c i pl es s aid

W hy do ,

no t w e pr oc ee d t o t he H ol y S hr i n e a t o nce a nd
c arr y o u t her

w i s h ? S o s ay i n
g the y all r os e a nd jou r ney ed to the pl a c e
,
,

a nd s p r ead a g r e a t fea s t be fore t he D ei ty

R amanuj a pr o .

c eeded th en c e to S r i -vi l li ut t r the b ir th-pl ac e o f St A n

p dal ,
.

.
,

1
T hi s w a s t he pe rs o n w ho i ns ti at e d C h a to S e nd f o
g j r B m n u a t o
j
g n t he P a p er
'

si of his f a ith B is d i s c iple

. e a of R ut ega . S ee p 1 70 . .
 on xxx n
. .
T I R U K KQL C
TR A MMA I .
2 11

a nd a s di ng b efor e her lo s t i n de vo tio n t he S ai ntes s

he w as s ant , , ,

by t he V o ic e o f her p ri es t on du ty c onfer r ed u p o n hi m the t it l e ,

o f K oi l anua r R am nuj a n ex t p r o c eed ed to T ir un ag ar i of St

-
. .

N a mmaz hvar Fr o m T i r unag ar i R amanuj a p a id a vi s it to

.
,

T i r u k k l r a b ou t t w o mi l e s no r th of i t t he b ir th pl ac e o f
.

,
-
,

S t M a dhur ak av i A s he w as p r oc eedi ng he met a d a ms el by

.
.
,

na me T i r u k -k l r A mm a i c o mi ng f r om T i r u k k r nc e
l t - .

a rt tho u c o mi n g as k e d he o f her Fr om T ir u k k l ii r s aid

-
.
,

s he T o this R ama nuj a c hi di ng l y s aid

.
, I w o n der l a dy tho u , ,

s ho ul d s t eme r e fr o m a H o ly P lac e i nto w hic h ac c or d i ng t o the

g _
, ,

ve r s es o f St N ammaz hvar e ver y o n e s ho u ld enter

. To thi s , ,

A m m a i g a v e the foll o w i ng l ong r e ply

Ho l y S i re ! w ho a m I to d ese r v e to li v e in s u ch a H ol y
P l a ce ? for
1 I g o o n s u ch a hol y m is s io n as A k r r a
. D id
2 D i d I e nt er t ai n i n my ho u s e l ike V idur a ?
.

3 D id I c as t o ff my b ody l i ke t he R is hi s w i fe

.

4 D id I c au s e a R ava na to b e k ille d l i ke S i t e
. .

5 D i d I r a i se t he d e a d l ik e T o nda man
.

6 . D id p se l i k e G ha ntak ar na
o ffer a c or

7 . D i d I ad o r n ( a S i te) li ke A n as uya ? .

8 . D i d I s ee k f o a F a the l i k e D hr uv a r r

9 . D id I r e p ea t the T hr e l e tte r d N a me l i k e e - K shatr a -

b a nd hu
10 D id . I g et tr odd e n l ike A haly a

t S ee T o pi c 1 17 a nd fo o t no te t here unde r, p 1 33 , D ivi ne . Wi s dom o
D rd vida S a i n ts
. .

'

1 V is hnu -P u r ana .

b
m
2
M a hab har a ta , S a ha-P a r va

m
.

3
Sri B hag a vat a, X, 23, 38 a mm 11
m]
E q
i ll S uda r s ana o f I t i hasa
R am aya na .

5
M a hal ak s h mi , K r ma

w i fe, V e nk a te s a - M ahat mya ( B ha vi s h

s o

yotta ra , 1 4 th A d h) .

5
H ar i va ms a .

7
R amayana ;
9
V i s hnu -pu rana .

9
V is hn u -dha r ma . The N a me i s G r oi n-(1a ; a ls o s e e T i m malai , 2 , 4 ,
1" R amaya na, or A dhyt ma -R am yap a, 1 4th A dh ,
2 12 - T mr KKO L Cn

o n xxxn
. .

11 . D id I ri pen w h ile yet w l ike A ud i ] 9

,
ra ,
t

12 . D id I es ta bl i sh ( or p o cl a i m) N arayan l ike S t
r a . P er i
yaz hvar
ns ac k r el ig io n s like S t Ti r u maz lris a i P

I
13 D id . ra .

14 D id I. k now H im as t he S u bt les t l i ke S t
. N am
mazhvar
1 5 D id . I say : a ny thi ng l i ke S t K ul asek har a ,

.

16 . D id I say : I pledg e my w o rd l ik e K r is hna i

,

17 . D i d I g i ve c l ues ( t o Rama) l i ke K a b a ndha ,

D id I re ve a l sec rets l i ke 1 1 ~


18 . ij ata E

19 . D id I r ec ogn i z e G od ( i n R ama) li ke M andoda r i 9 .

20 . Di d I say : I k now T hee lik e V i Svami t ra

,

21 . D i d I s ay : I k now o f no o the r G od, l i ke St M a

.

dhu r aka vi
22 D id . I gi ve birth to a G od l ike D evak i
c on cea l Thy d i s c us l ike V asu d eva

23 .
D id I say : ,

24 . D id I b r i ng u p a C o w her d l i ke Y a $od a 9
25 . D id I do a mi te ( of s er v ic e) l i ke t he s quir r el s
26 . D id I t a ke fr ied r ic e l i k e K uch la

pr ec oc iou s pr odig y i n di vi ni ty
11 A . R ead her l i f e i n o ur L i ves f
o

j a va/rs .

2 R ead hi s lif e in o ur Li ves of A z hvr s .

ni l ya i n Ti r m
3 D o. do . and vers e P u

c c ha nda -vi r u tta m .

1 D do
o. . A ls o V . 75 P u vi ya m of P er i

ya -T ir uva ndad i ma y b e r ead.

15 D o. do . verse I V , 1 0 P ei -ulna] . Ti ru

mo hi z .

B ha g ava d-g ita XV III m wm q

\
6
6 5 : g ai
' A \ A \

,
'
A ls o B harata

t
s ory is r ef era bl e, w her e adead he) " w a s r es t ored t o l i f e b y K r i s hna
a fl ot hers hav i n g fai led . H e i s sa i d t o ha ve s pok e n t hu s
q m .

W
i

dg l W 9
3 5 m l : II A l s o s ee l e m me;
dha -P ar va, 70
a n d 1 8 f f b eg i ni nng w , . ith
W m m .
"

r: 18: 19

wi m
5 Do .
s .
I , 19 , 14 .

'1 V er s e Tevu-ma tt-af iyen i n Kanninun-S ir uttdmb u .

2 3 2
V is hnu -P uri na .

P adma -pur ana Als o v . 2 7, Ti r umol i .

'5
S ri t l g avata .
 T I R U K K O L CR -A M M A I ii xxn
'

214, . CH ;

45 D id . I kee p my as s i g ned pla ce li k e B har at a ,

46 . D id I s e r ve on t he w a y li k e La k s hm ana 9 ,

47 . D id I hore l ik e G u ha
l a nd o n the o t he r s ,

48 D id I ght w it h t h d m on like J t ayu

. e e ,
a s

4 9 D i d I l a nd o n thi s h o l ike V i b h hana

. s r e, is

50 D id I li . w e t f u i t s l ik S ab a i ?
o er s e r ,
e r

l i ke P ahl ada

51 D i d I sa y . H e H e is er , r

52 D id hi d e ( K is hna ) l i k e D adhib handa

. r .

53 D id I g o t o t he f e t l ik R ama
. or s ,
e

54 D id I p c l ai m di s cov y ( of S i ta) l i ke H a nu man

. ra er ,

55 D id I r el inqu i h b t h hands l i k D
. npa di s o ,
e ra

56 D id I s y the e x c u s e
. mil k bo il s o ve
a l i ke r,

V adug a nambi 9 -

57 D id I ho l d my t h ro at l ike S elvappil l i 9
.
, a

p he e

58 D id I des ve the c o mm and s to as I ai a
. er
d y r ,

t tr u -k -k udi N a mb i

45 7
; 9 9 a n d 5 Ri mizyana

, , .

5
V i s hnu -p arana .

52
T hi s is s aid to b e re la t e d in Kg n ya , M ahab hara ta or B ri ndava na
M ahat mya ? D adhib handa w as a c urd -s ell er . H e is s a id t o ha ve g iv e n

shel te r to L ord Kr i s hna w he n H e w a s hotl y pu rs ued a f te r b y H i s a s s o c ia

t es i n t he pl ay c al l e d hi de and s eek a nd w he n Kri s hna as k e d t he c u rd
s ell e r t o a s k hi s r e w ard, he a s k e d for M oks ha f o r hims el f a nd f o r
t hos e
w ho b el o ng e d to hi m, dow n to t he c ur d- o t i n w hi c h K r i s hna had h id
p
h i ms e l f . Thi s w as g ra nted .

R amayana .

55
M ahab hara ta , S ab h P m .
.
a.
56
V ada g a -na mb i pnrna a l ia s Kndhr a
S ee hi s l if e p 22 1 - . . .

57
I t a ppea rs one day ve ry hot milk w as o er ed t o t he L dr d at
T ir u naraya na puram ( M el uk ot e )
e l v appillai, w ho w a s a g re at de votee
.

fe lt the milk s c or ch hi s t hr oa t ; a n d he nce held i t i n a i n A l s o t he

p .

i nc ide nt of L ord Sa mpatk nmara emb ra c in B amanu a i s r e fe rabl e

g j .

59
B y ove r s i g ht w e omi t t ed t hi s To i c i n o u r D ivi ne Wi s dom
p of
t he D avi da Sa i n ts . . I
K N a mb i w as a r eg ul ar vi s it or to $ ri ra n am
. .

g '

w hen f e s ti vit i e s o f L or d B a n a ca me o n A f te r one s e t w as o ve r and

g .

b e for e a not he r ca me on, he c ons tantl dw el t i n t he i nte rva l i

y n hi s mi nd
o n t he ha
ppy s ce ne w hi c h he w itnes s e d duri ng t he pre vi ou s f es t iv i ti e s .

A n o t her se aso n of ce l eb ra t ions ca me rou nd

.

B a t N a mb i had g r o w n , .

n ear ly a hundr ed
year s ol d, a nd could not g o t o the r s t day of t he
c eremoni es
(A n-laur -di p ana ) B nt L ord R ang e w as never ha ppy w i tho ut
. .

h i s de vot e e b e i ng pres ent H e w a s ho w ever able to atten d on th s i xt h

.
.
 T I R U KKO L DR -A M M A I

CH . xxxn . . 915

59 . D id I car ry t he mes s ag e H e is dead ,

like M ai -u ti
y and im
'

6 0 D id . I g o in p urs u i t ( o f G o d) l ike N atham nnig al

61 . D id I sa
y I a nt H m no t like K ur g a
w i

,

62 . D id I r efu t e A dvai t a, l i ke R am anuj a

63 . D id I s ee the di s cu s , like N a ll an
64 . D id I g o to A nan ta pu r a m ( Tr i vendra m) ,
li ke A la
va ndar ?

65 . D id I f eel s e par at i o n l i ke T ey va-var iyandan

66 . D id I c omp ose A n dadi l i k e A m ndanar
67 . D id I g i ve co uns e l l i ke M al yavan ,

D id I o p i ne mer e o c ea n r o a r l ik e M ahapr na -
,

F o o t n ot e on p ag e 2 14
day, w hen t he L or d as k ed w hat c an we do f or t he e . b e l ove d
Lord , he s ai d, l o ng ha s t he b ody, T ho u g a ves t m e , s er ved me w e l l ;
so

o l d a nd w or n o ut t ha t i t ca nno t s e r ve a n
now i t i s so y g ood p u rpos e I t i s .

O n t ha t a c c o u n t t ha t Ih av e t hi s s e as o n b e e n f or ve days ab s e nt In .

t ha t c as e r e t u r n no more fr om U s,

s a i d t he L ord A nd b y t he t i me t he
.

pr o c e s s i on approac hed t he m i ddle e nt ra nc e of t he Te m pl e , N mb i

L or d s a

had s hnl ed 0 3 hi s mort al c oi l .

59
R e ad Bamanuj a

s L if e . H e r e f er s to Kri mik a ntha -C hol a [ B ha g a
vadw i s haya V ol . V I I , p 8 538 , d . kk u m V I I , 1 0,
6
R ea d hi s l i fe .

5
Wher e K r ga ref us e d t o e nte r Lord B a ng a s Shr ine [ Pag e
S e e R i manuj a s Li fe
6
.

3
N a llan w a s a B rahma n d is c i pl e of Ri manuj a, and a g r eat dev o t ee
of Lo r d V a rada o f Ka c hi . H e sa w a c or ps e oa ting do w n t h e r i ve r
V ai g ai w hi c h b ore on i ts a r ms t he V a is hna va sy mb ol s of di s c us .
'

T hi s

w a s e n o ug h for N al lan to dr a g i t t o s hor e a nd per form f u ne r a l r i t es .

The B rahmana s o f Kaii ohi r es e nte d t his a nd dec li ne d to e a t w i t h hi m .

B rahm ana di s g ui s e and at t ende d t he f u ne ra l

B ut L or d V a rada pu t o n a s

meals T he L ord t here o n g a v e hi m t he t i t l e : N a gtu kk u p and a , N a m a k k u

m
.

i m
al la r

i a .T hou g h the w hol e w o r ld
.
i s aga i n s t hi , w e a re f or hi ,

S e e Y munac harya Lif e

4 s .

65
S ee Y amuna s
d i sc i pl e w ho w as ted a w ayhi s g u r u
w ithout .

6 D i s c i pl e of R amanuj a w ho c o mpos e d M manuj a -N ut te n dadi i n

pr a i s e of M manuj a .

6" R am ya
a na M el yavan

s. a dvi ce t o Ri v ana .

Life, w i t h re f e renc e to funeral s per fo r med on a

S ee Remanuj a

9 s

S udra , M ara n ri -N amb i , w hi c h w he n R manuj a obj ec ted, u m a dec la r ed P

a ll the ordi nar y r eg ulati pns o n the s ub j e c t, ha vi ng s tr ic t r ef e r e nc e to cas te
[P p : 1 67

e tc , w er e a s us eless as t he r oar of the oc a e n .
 TI R U KKO L R -A M M AI : on x x xu

. .

69 . D id I
'

p r omis e l ike G oshthi P rna

e x ac t ,
-
-

70 . D id I o b t a i n m er cy l ik e t he du mb -p er s on

7 1 . Di d I gi ve u p my b ody li ke Tir u-nar aiy rar a iy ar ,
-

72 . D i d I p r o fes s i ns i g ni c a nc y l i ke S r i Sa il a p r na 9 ,
-

73 . D id I t h r us t my nger i n to t he s na ke s mo u t h l ike

E mb ar
W

q ui sh ( a h ow ing
i

74 . D id I van P a ndit ) by s ma r k s on

ar ms , l i ke B b a ttar ya 9

75 . D id I s ee k a s ec l u dd p ot l ike V i l l ipu ttu

e s r B ha g av ar
76 .
Di d I j ump i nto w at er li k e Ka na pu ra tt-am mai
On h e i ng t hi R amanuj a w s thunde s t uc k
ar s, a r r an d t ak i n g
A m ma i w i t h hi m b ac k t l i ukk o l es ted u nde o
'
r r, r r her r oo f,
an d p ar took o f t he food p re p a red b y her a s a to k en of his
admir a t io n a nd a pp r ec i at i o n o f he r s i ri t u a l e nl i gh t en me n t a nd
p
at t ai nme nt s ev i nc ed b
y her mos t e r udi t e di s c o ur s e B efo r e .

9
R A manuj a s L if e, w he re P nr na ex ac te d a
pr o mis e of s ecr e c
y fr o m
Raman uj a no t t o d i vul g
"

r eli
e
g i o us s e c re ts , b ut w hi c h R a manuj a i n
f r i ng e d .
[P .

7
R am annj a s L i fe w he re he a ve s al vat io n,
g u n s o l i c it e d
, to apo or
du mb c r ea t ur e [P .

71
S e e $ r i -V a c ha na -B hus han I In o rde r q uenc h
. to t he a me s i n
w hi c h t he L o r d s c ar had b y acci de nt b ee n e nve lo
pe d, he r us he d i nt o
t he a me s w it h his s o ns a nd
per is he d i n t he ac t .

7
R aman j

n a s L i fe w her e 8 1 1 Sa ils me i n
. ca a dva nc e to me e t
R amanuj a on t he T i r upat i -H i l l .

7"
S e e R amau nj a s Li fe .

7
S e e pa g e 1 56 .

75
H e w as a S a nyas i n Whe n he w e nt to b a t hi ng
pla c e w h ic h w a s a
.

r eso r t e d to b
y a il, he l e f t t he c r ow ds a nd s o u g ht o ut a s e c l ud e d
s po t
J ddn a -Sdra o f A P E mb e r u manar ve rs e
.

C omment t he reo n, may b e c o ns ulted

.
, 13
.
Fu nd a nd e r i a J i a r s
y y P
.

76
T hi s lady is S a id t o ha ve b ee n a
di s c i pl e o f Sa e Y amu na
g He
w a s o n c e c r os s i n t he Kav
.

g e r i i n f ull o o d fro m
U t t a mar k oi l Ka ra m
(
b a n r ) to S r i r a i i
g a m, i n a b oa t T he b oa t ma n co m la i ne d o f t o
p o m uc h
.
.

load H e w as row i ng i n mids tr ea m w i t h l

a l his mi ht and n
.

g , o w f ea r e d t he
b oa t w ould s i nk K A mma i . in o rde r t o s a v e t he life o f he r
. .

g ur u a nd
ot he r s i n t he b oa t , u nde r to ok t o e a s
'

e t he boat b y ump in
g i nto t he r ive r j
T he b oa t, t hu s rel iev e d, w a s r ow e d a w a
.

y i n sa fe ty to the s hor e B ut P r o .

w denc e sa ve d t he la dy s l ife f or w he n s h
'
e j um ed
,
p , s he I o uud he r s e lf
l a nding o n a roc k us t b elo w t he w ate r -s ur fa c e j .
2 18 P A TTI N I P - -P E R U M AL . CH . x xx u .

nuj a did, he w ou l d have been o utcas ted, b ut t hey da r e d no t

u tter a sy ll a ble of r e p oac h a g

r a i ns t R amanuj a

s doi n g i t a no

t he i ll u t at io n f th anon t h t g eat men al on c a n do s uc h

r s r o e c a r e

t hing s as l a id d w n i n the D h m s as t a ("3 &3 q the

, o ar a- r s,

da i ng o f t he M ah at mas qzrrrq o f S i m d
a nd sqar

ct
'

r a s ,
s r a

B hag vat a a N o e p o ch thus a ttac h s t

. t h c ha a te o f
r r a e o e r c r

glo i us s o uls S uch i nc idents t ho ug h t i v i a l i n them s l v

r o . r e es ,

a e f a ugh t w i th gr e at
r r igni ca n nd i mp o ta nt i s s ue s as s ce a r

a f ec t i ng a nd mo u l ding t he f a ne w c m m u
f
g ani ch a t or c- ar c er o o

ni ty w hi c h w uld t t he t i me b e t k i ng de ni te s h p
o a nd a a e a

ac q ui i ng rp e ial f unc tions i n th hod pol iti c o f t he A y an

s c e -
r

D ravi das .

This ne w co mm unit
y of S r i -Va i s hna va s w as no t c o n ne d

e xc u s i ve
l ly to t he B r ah ma nas . I t w as c a t ho l ic and e nt e r ta i ne d

i n i ts fold y m an a nd w oma n r e ar dles s o f c as t e o r col or

e ver g .

The c ommu ni t
y w as r ow i n g
fas t a nd c ou nt ed mi lli o ns , o f g
w hic h a denit e n umb e g t he e li te a nd as c a lc u r as c ons t it u ti n
,

l at d to car y on t heev ang el et n foot b y R am muj i s me mo

e r s o z

a,

r ial i z ed in t h ve s e 4 m qm W
'

e r
'
:
I :

n m n

Th K i ng of the a s c e
i
s
H t e . e

ti c s R amanuj a had i n hi s foll o w i ng ( 7 00) eve n hu nd ed Y a t i

, , s r s

( asc et ics ) ( 74 ) s ev nty fo u (e pi co p l ) T h ne k no w n a s t he

, e -
r

s a ro s,

Acha ya zp ushas a nd untl s s t h

r - p r , t w e lv e co e o e rs ,

t hou s a nd E k zmg is ( mo nk s o f al l l s e ) ( 300) t h ee h u nd e d

c as s r - r
,

Kotti a nmai s (nu ns ) many k ing nd ot he s b o th f t he

- l
, s, a r

o

H oly Th re ad a nd t he Th eadl s ( S attada va ) A l i s t o f the r e s r .

names w ill b e g ive n ep atel y A nd h er e only the c h ie f s ar .

memb e s w i th t he w o k l lot t d to t h m i n t he i mmedi a t e

'

r r

s tab li sh m
a e e

e en t ttac h ed to th s c w i ll b e n t e d
a K S e e , o . r a,
Da s a t hi N adad
ar A l van nd t he B h tta w e e to a t tend
,
r a a rs r

S r i -B has hy a
Dis c our ses ; Y a j fia mur ti ( A r ulala p per umal - - -

E mb er umanar ) w a s t o a t tend to t he w o r s hi p of t he c ha p e l
;
K idamb i-p-per nmal an d Ki damb i c c han w e re to s u per i n
t e nd t he cu l i nar y de p a r t me nt V tu pfu n
; a - a or A ndh ra-
p r na
( = V adng na mb i)
a -
w as for oj l bat hing nd
-
a o t he r s u ndr
y se r
i
v cest o R amannj a ; G o ma tham S ir-i -al van w a s t o c ar r
y y t he
k amandal u (ves sel ) a nd s andal s ; D hanur das a w a s t o b
e t he
treas u rer , A mmang i w as to boi l milk ; U kke l -al van w as to
on . xxxn . nt mzx c u s F O LLOWI N G . 219

s er ve meal s ; U k k aJamm] w a s to fan ; M ar nti-p-per iyn gl n

w a s to m i ni s te r o n oc c a s io ns o f na t ur al i mp ul ses ; M avonr ill r

M ar a t i -y -andan w as t o b e t he s t e w ar d ; Tya -mu ni -G el a m w as

t o b e t he w at er mzm ; T i r mv-ar anga -mali g a i w as to b e the
S t or e k eep er ; Vandar and S unde r w er e to t ak e i
s er v c e u nder

kings and ll the s ee-c offe r s ; R ama nuj a -v lai k k mar w as

'

to b e
t he b ody -g uar d a nd A k aJ a nk a -nat t l v en w a s t e w i n p ol emic al
i i
v c tor es o ver di s s ent er s .
220 va w r
'
s xa . on x xxxn . .

CH A P T E R X X X III .

V A TU -P R N A on AN D E RA -P R N A .

Vatuii
p n r -
a o r nd r a - r na
p A h
, w ho s e r s t e ntr y i nto ou r
h b
is tor y m ay b e r e mem er ed as a vi n ta k en pla c e w he n R ama h g
nuj a w a s a t s ali r am a g is k now n , a ove al l o t er dis b h
c iple s , h a ve b een t he c los est a ttac h ed adh erent of R am anuj a
to ,

a nd t he s ta unc h s t fol lo w er of t he P ath k now n a s t he P a c ha

e ,

mO paya or the Fif th P ath the A c hary zi b himan i n oth e r 2

,

a,

w or ds uns w er vi ng fa i t h pl ac d in the S av i o ur w ho i s i nc ar
, e ,

nate d o n ea r t h a nd n ver di vi ding s uc h fa it h be tw ee n a s av i o ur

, e

w ho has t a k e n on humani ty, and G od w ho ev er r ema ns i D ivi ne .

Vatu -p r na w as no t a mer e t heor e t ical beli ever in th i s m ode of

s a vat io n,
l pl ied i t for c i bly b y hi s p ersonal ex ampl e
b ut ex em .

I n t he e xc lu s i ve w or s h ip he p a id to R amanuj a s Holy Fe et he
,

exc l uded a ll t h o ught s of G od H i s S av io ur w as his G o d

.
He .

recogni ze d no o th er r i val S av i our -G od t o hi s v i s i b l e h u ma n

Sav iour O nce on a n oc cas ion R amanuj a w ent to t he Holy

.
,

s h ri ne T ir uvel l ar a i ( ab ou t 1 0 miles nor t h o f S r i r a ngam) .

Vatu-piir na follow ed him of co ur se c ar r y i ng theTir uppul ,

kii dai conta ini ng w as h ed c lothe s i mages ar t i cles o f w or s h ip, , ,

& c R amanuj a a ft er r eac h i ng T ir u vel lara i w ent to bat h e and

. , ,

r et ur ni ng op ened t he c over o f t he w allet t o nd t o hi s s u r p r i s e

,

and c h a g r i n t h at hi s o w n sandal s had been pl aced o n t he to

p

T he des c e nda nts of t hi s dis Kc harya-s tu t i in , and ma ny s ong

c i pl c a re c l o s e relatives t o t he w r i Sa ns k r it, T el u g u and Ka nnada .

t e r o f t hi s w or k ; an d to t his da y T he i r des c e nda nt R amac har ya ha s

j
e n oy the r i g ht s a nd pr i vi leg e s o f b ee n w i nni ng l a urel s i n t he c our t of
t he s hr i ne b uil t o ve r B am nuj a s t he B aroda M a haraj a a nd ha s made

H oly F eet a t t hi s pl ac e a plac e of . ma ny disc i pl es i n B omb a y a nd

holy pil g ri mag e t o t his day In . a erat s ide Thei r m e mor ial
W mm
.

t he da ys of Kri s hn a -r j a Ode ar ,
y r e i s t hu un
ti sE

g z .

t w o b r ill ia nt l i g ht s o f t hi s family
l

W
k now n a s idla g hat ta S udar fa na
c harya and B a ng ac har ya ( b r others )
W : II
9
s hed t he i r V aidi c g l or y i n his For w hi c h, s ee o ur S ote r io ical
g
c o urt ; a nd w ro te many w o r k s s uc h T b le, pp 57 3 -4 o f o ur B ha a va d
a .
g
as C ha ra m ar tha -vi vr it i , G ha ta -Kar g l th That V a t u -purn
.
a i s a n ill us

para -B hedi, P
ads - r enuk a-S ahas r a, t r ious e xa mpl e o f t his at h i s
pro P
R amanuj a -S arva -b ha u ma a t a k a, minently s how n i n Lc k ac b ar a s
y
Y M avadri -v ilas a, a S tra -B hs hya , S ri va c h na -B hil s hana a nd
a , e ri a
y P
Ka malapta -k arnvaya, B ha a -yat i j Tiya r a A rt i -prab andha

.

j
ra a -S to tr a, B haj e -b hhs hyae ra 1
A k i nd o f w al l e t or por tman
Stotra , S i ddhant a-b he r i (nt tak ) te a u made o f r e e ds .
222 V A TU -P OB N A
'

. cs . xxx m .

t he b c kyard of D asa athi brought th em home a nd used t hem ; 3

a r ,

t h us s ho w ing th at e ve yth i ng t h at b el ngs to the-

S a vio ur i s
r o

h oly nd al l el s e i u nholy Th i s de meanou p roves the

, a s .
r
'

ac me of t he p ir i t ua lly r is en s o ul dis severed fro m

s t a te of a s

all to uc h o f w or l dli nes s ( vair g ya )

Fil t hs w a s s tric t a s r egards the t ak ing of S r i pzi da-tir tha for

,

he s i pp ed no w ate r w as hed o ff a ny othe r s foot sa ve t h a t o f his

'

S avio ur R i m nuj a H e m emoriali zed this fai th of his b y sh a p

, . ,

i ng a n i mag e o f his fee t a nd s et ti ng the m up fo r w or s hi p for

all t i me t o c om e a t th v illa g e o f s al i gr ama as t he m os t
e
c h er i s hed t r ea s ure for hims el f a nd al l p os t er i ty ; a nd t h a t i t

must b e look ed u p on a s s uc h b y all the c omi ng ge ner at i ons w as ,

t he m os t sol em n t r us t w h i ch he impo s ed on t h o se near a nd dear

'

t o hi m a t the t i me of hi s tr ans l at i on fr o m t he mu ndane V a tu

, .

pr na i s thu s a s s i g ned a pl ac e i n t he i nner c i r c l e of R amanuj a s

'

h ier arc h ical ins titutio ns c alled the A s h ta-dig g aj as or the , ,

E i gh t E lephants of Fa i t h t ogua rd the e igh t c ar di nal p oints of

the bo m pas s T h i s s age i t w as w ho s ang the fa mous hy mn to
'

m
.

R amanu j a c a lled t he R a anuj as t hot tar a-sa ta-nama s u ng

,
-
, .

ever yd a y b y e v e ry S r i va i s hnav a.
The l as t ver s e r uns t h u s .

1T he mea ni ng of t hi s i s t hat t he rh , or s is t ers , o r father , o r mo

w he n a s pir i t ua l re lat i o n w it h t her , or w i fe, or
'

c hil dre n, o r la nds

'

s pi ri t ua l me n i s f or my na me s
es tab l i s he d, t ha t sa k e d ie [ M at
.

b r oo mr s holy, a nd al l a e c tions X I X , 2 9] a nd i f a ny ma n c ome

co nt r a c t e d w i t h k ins me n w ho ar e t o me and hate no t hi s f at he r a nd

,
wo rl dly a re c onta m i na tio ns The ir . mot her di e
[ Lu k e X I V ,
.

very t o u c h i s c o ns i de re d a s a ntag o
2
T he holy des ce nda nts of uma P
ment io ned o n pa g e 2 20, foot not e1 ,
.

nis t ic t o t he g ro w t h o f t he ne w
s pi r it ua l r e la ti o n T he pa r a llel t o ha ve s u ng t hus i n t he i r Y a t i ra a
.

i
' '

t his i de a i s es u s s a ying J E very s ar va -hha uma -S a ta ka

snap y p .

o ne t ha t hat h le f t hous e, or b ro
c u x xx w
. . A N A NTA S CR I
- . 223

C H A PT E R XXX I V . .

A N A N TA S R I o n A N A N T KC H
- AR Y A ;

S o me i nt er es t i ng i nc id ents i n the li fe o f A na n tar y a

'

ano th er s ta u nch d i s c ipl e o f R ai n anu a ar e r el a t ed th u s F r om

'

j , .

p r e v io u s p a ges i t i s k no w n th a t he w a s the p er s o n w ho had

u nd er ta k e n to s e t t l e i n Ti r u p a t i a nd do a l l t he s er vi ces o f L or d

S r i ni v as a I t ma y al s o b e r e me m b e re d th a t he ha d c r e a ted a
_
.

ow er g a r d en t o w hic h he w a s p ay i ng p er s onal a t tenti on H e .

n o w w i s h e d t o c o ns tr u c t a small r e s e r v o i r fo r w a te r fo r th a t

p ur pos e H e bega n e xc av at ing i t by his o w n manu a l l abour

.
.

B u t a B r ahmaehar i n s udd enl y p u t i n hi s a pp ear a nc e a nd

Say i ng A g e d s i r e the t a s k i s t oo m u c h for t hee L e t me h elp
, .

an d li ght e n i t s t r e tc he d hi s ha nd t o t ake oli hi s he a d t he

'

b a s k e t inw h i ch he w a s c a r r y i ng ea r th A na ntary a a r r es ted the

,
.

b oy s h and a nd s a i d

S o n i f I r es i g n my b as k e t I s h all


, ,

fai nt ; i f you ta ke my b a s k et yo u w ill fai nt

B u t he w a s a
, .

st u bbor n b oy an d r ej o i ned N o f ear o f th a t S i r e tr us t m e , , .

A na nt ar y a r e m ons tr a ted a nd s ai d So n th i s s er v i c e i s my ,

life ; i t y o u al s o w a nt l ife g o f e t c h y o u r o w n b as ke t2 a nd , ,
.

T he b oy d i s a pp e a r ed for t he p r e s e nt

c arr y i t . A na nt ary a .

w e nt o n w i t h hi s w o rk a nd p r e s s e d hi s p o or w i fe i nt o t he

s er v ic e tho u gh s he w a s p r eg na nt a t t he ti me S he w a s e m
,
.

pl oy e d i n c ar ry i ng lo ads o f ea r th a nd e m p tyi ng t he s ame o n to '

the ba nk H er r e tu r ns w e r e a t r s t s l o w b ut th ey b ec a m e s oo n
. ,

r a pi d A na nt ary a r e ma r k ed i t w i th s u r p r i z e a nd a s k ed h e r t o
.

e x pl a i n ho w s he m ana g e d t o r e t u r n s o r a pi d ly ; S he na i v el y
"

s ai d A B ra hm a c har i n b oy sir e m eet s me hal f t b e w ay .

'

c ar r i es t he l o a d fo r m e a n d b r i ng
s m e b a c k t he b as k e t H e nc e .

S i r e y ou r w or k i s d one mo re s pe e dil v
,
W ho is th a t i m per t i .
"

n e nt ur c h i n m edd li ng i t h my w or k u ni nv i te d f u l mi ,

i n a nge r n d r u nni n g a ft er t he b o
h a t e d A nant ary a ,
y g av e ,

hi m a p k n d t h b i n w i t h h is c r o w -bear s ay i ng
"

o e u e r e e , ;

T ak e t ha t for thy tr o u b le a nd g et th ee g o ne T he b oy
,

t oo k t o hi s h ee l s a s i f i n fr i g h t B ut t he t e m ple a u th or i ti e s .

f ou nd a n d A na n tai y a too a ft er tha t L or d S r i ni vas a i n t he

,
,

S h r i n e w a s p r of u s e l y b l e e d i ng i n the c h i n Th i s th ey s t epped .

by s t u f ng c a mphor i nt o the w o und [T h i s i s done ev en to t h i s .

da a nd the c a m ph o r i s di s t ri b uted t o devotees a s pr asdda l

y,
.
 224 A N A N T A -S R I . on . xxx i v .

A s A p r og r ess ing w i th his w o k he w as

nant ar ya w a s fa st r ,

o ne day b i tten by c o b ra B u t he w en t s i mply to t h hol y

a . e

S vami P u s h k ar i ni p o nd ba th e d a nd etu r ned t o his w or k

-
,
r .

People obs e r ved to hi m th at he s hou l d put h i mse l f und e t a t r re

ment u nl es he me nt t die
,
s B ut h q ui e tl ya m k ed No o . e re ar :

t re atme nt is need d H no w w nt t t h T mpl e o n a v i s i t

"
e . e e o e e

to L or d S i ni va a w h e n t he L o d
r mar ke d
s ,
Se n b lov d r re ,
e e ,

w h a t w as thy th o ugh t w h e n th o u w ul d s t do no t h i ng t o o

t ac t t he fa ta l p o i s n f om t hy s y s t m
r o L d s aid he i f r e
"
9
or ,
"
,

t he bi tt n s er p e nt e I ) i mo p o w e ful i t w ill s i m pl y s re r ,

bathe i n thy h ol y p nd nd do s e v i c e he bel w ; b u t i f t he o a r re o

bi ti ng s e p ent i mo e p o w er f ul the b i tt n s p e nt
r s r I ) w ill , e er

ba th e i n t he Vi aj e St eam a nd do e v i c e the e b v ( i n T hy
r - r s r r a o e

Hea ven) T his w my th o ugh t w h en t he Co b a bi t me

. as r .

A nan t a y nc up n t i me l e ft Ti u p a ti t o g o to hi
r a, o e o a , r s

na t i v e l a nd Pes al a c ou nt y taki ng food fo t he j o u ne y

,
- r r r .

A fte r do i ng tage feeli ng h ung y h s a t d o w n to di s c u s s i t

a s , r , e

b u t 10 w h en he p e ne d t he b o x h f u nd t he foo d s w mi ng
,
o , e o ar

w i th a nt s Cu s me I h a v s i nne d c i e d he v e x ed
. r e T he
, e ,
"
r , .

best S a ints h ave d e s i ed t li ve n the H ol y Hill o f Ti r u p a ti r o o

,

e v en as stoc k s and s t o nes i nne h v d p r i ve d 2

A nd I . a s r ,
a e e

t he s e h ol y ant s of th ei h ly a bode S o s y i ng he ar ful l y r o .

a ,
c e

c l o s e d t he b ox a nd e t r c i ng hi s te p s h ung a r h wa a s , ry s e s,

re l ea s e d t he a nt s o n the h ill a nd w n t hi w e s a
y , .

Y amu nai t t u ai va n i s a c h m b e i n t h Ti u p a t i T e mpl e

- - f a r e r

pr emises n a med a fter s ge Yamun ac h a y A nanta y a s at h e

,
a r a . r er

u s ua lly to mak e w e ga l and f th L o d Wh e n he w a s

o r- r s or e r .

o nce th u s b us y a nd h d n t fi n i s h ed he w s c lle d to a t t e n d a o a a
on ,

so me o th e w o k i n t he T e mpl
r rb ut h e f u ed t sti e,
A nd e r s o r .

w h e n he w ent th e w i th t he ni s h d g a l nd t he L or d a k d
re e r a s
e ,

hi m to e x pl a i n hi d i o b di e nc e A na nt a y a s a i d
s s
Wh a t e . -
r

h a ve I to d w i th T h ee L o d w h e n my w e
o
r e j us t b lo s
, r , o rs a

s om i ng a nd I h ou l d no t d e l a y
, t i ngi ng th m toge th e l e st
s s r e r

th i f g
e r a a
r nc e b e l st or T he e The L o d s aid w h a t i f w e
o f
r

. r :

1
P t Myr esen H i bi th p l i Ki ng
s o re .
( S i p tt ) n s r ac e s ra r
_
ru u r ea r
g r irang apatna .

c p St Kula s ek ha r -t va Tir u mo z hi
n
'

G uiJ
r a
Qu asa
.

:
w trair
. .

r
w n trg lw n ac
m .

2 26 KU R ES A onr u ns S A LV A TI O N . CH . xxx v .

CH A P TE R XXX V .

T H E SA L V A T IO N or K da S A .

T rad ition h e takes up t he fi ni sh ing e pis o des i n t he l i fe

re

o f the mos t e xe mplar y d i s c iple a nd marty r S r i K i u sa

I t is .

s a i d th at hi s g ur e f or ms t he a l to r elieve i n t he Li fe o f R ama -

n uj a and h i s ex i t f r om t he w or ld s st ag e ta k es pl ac e i n ad va nc e

o f th at o f hi s r ev e red M a s te r S r i li dm nuj a as w ill a pp ear i n .

t he Sequel .

R amanuj a m us t h ave bee n a bou t 1 1 0 y ear s a nd eve n more

by th i s ti me A s re doubtable as he w as in his c ha mpi onshi p of
.

Va i s hnav is m he w as i n his s trength and zeal u nmg g i ng A

, .

r e c l u s e i n q ui e t s ecl us i on he w a s i mp or t i ng t o h i s h o s ts o f
, ,

d i s c iples the q u intess enc e o f the doc tr ines i t w a s h i s mis s i o n to

pr o paga te O ne day Kr sa w en t to vis i t Lord R a ng anatha
.
,

a l l by h i m s el f Th ou s eems t as i f th o u ha s t so met hi ng i n

.

thy h ear t to t e ll me s aid the Lo rd K r es a br ok e out i n to
, .

p r ai se w h ich took the shape o f a s plendid S a ns k r i t vers e ,

g i fted p oet a s he w as w h i c h he ex pl ai ned at g rea t leng t h

by h i s ow n co m mentar ie s T he Lor d w as s o pleased as to .

p res s Kur g a to ask a ny fa vour o f hi m B ut K ii r sa humbl v .

S a i d th at he had e very fa v o u r b esto w ed o n hi m ; th er e w a s

no th i ng mor e to a s k s a i d t he L o rd

No .
o nc e more as k
, ,

a nd ask for mo r e i f not for th ee for t he l o v e th a t I bear to m

,
y ,

b elo v ed S pous e S r i a nd l o ve for my R amanuj a

, _
, K resa .

s u b m i tted h i s w is h th at he b e re lea sed fr om t he pr ison of

the b ody a nd b e g a the red t o H i s Fee t A sk s ome o th er

, .

th i ng th an th at
t he L ord s a id ; b ut K urese d ec l a r ed
,

t hat he cou l d th i nk of no th i ng e l se Le t i t b e so th en .

, ,

t he Lord s ai d ; w h at t he n a s kes t sh all no t o nl y be boon

for th ee b u t a boon c o nferred o n e ver y o ne t h a t has an s or t
y
.
,

re l a tio n w i th t h ee K r sa r e ce i v i ng t h i s mes s a e

of .
, o ,

w a l k ed o u t f ro m t he s anc t um i n a ll t he di g ni ty a nd g l or y oi l
c r o w n-p r i nc e s e e n d e sti ned to o c c u py t he th r o ne i n t he K i n
, o

dam o f Pa ra ma -p ad a ; and i ns te a d o f goi ng t o hi s ow n b o ng:

s ped bey ond t he o u te r mos t ram pa r t of t he T e mple and too];

I
T .
c n X x xv
.
. R AM KN U J A
S J OY AN D G RI E F .
227

t i n A zhvar s (his fa ther

s hel e r

ho us e I nt el l igen c e s oon .

r eac he d R amanuj a as to w ha t ha d happ e ned Agr eea bly .

s ta r t le d he s tood u
.
p a nd un g his u pp er g ar ment into t he a ir
,

p n n t j oy T he d is c i pl es w ho w a tc hed
a n e x r ess io n o f i i e
.

t his f ailed to u nd ers tand w ha t R amanuj a meant by this ac t

,
,

a nd hu mb l y as k ed hi m to e x pl i n My f t f l
a ai h u he s ai d .

,

I b e a r al so r el a t ion s hi p w it h K r es a M y s al vati on abo ut .

,
.

w hi c h I m a h a v e d b t 1
i t h m ade saf e and s ur e

T his
y o u s s u s , .

e x p l a i n s t he i mp or t a nt c on s eq u e n c e t
ha t f ol lo w s f ro m t he s p ir i
t u a l r el a tio n i nto w h i ch a M a s ter a nd hi s di sc i pl es may ent er ;
a nd tha t i s tha t s a v ing p o w er i s as t r ul y ves ted i n a qu a l ie d
,

dis c i pl e w i th r eg ar d to hi s M as te r as i s i n a q ua l i ed mas te r ,

w i t h r eg a r d t o hi s d is c iple B u t R amanuj a s j oy soo n ga ve

.

wa
y to g r i e f a t the i mp en d i n g p r o s p ec t of s e par a t io n f r o m hi s
,

dea r es t d i s c i pl e a nd a s s oc ia te S r i K ur osa the l ik e of w hom , ,

t her e w a s now ; and he for thw i th l e ft hi s M a th w i th all his

a s s e m b l y to meet K r esa en s c o n ce d i n the S ai nt s s hr ine T hey
.

m et a n d R amanuj a c h i d i ngly r emo n st r a ted w i th K r sa for b av o

i ng do n e an ac t w i tho u t p r e vi o u s l y t ak ing c ou n sel w i th hi m .

K r $ a k e p t s ubmi s s i ve ly s ilen t W hy dos t t hou not s p eak .

,

A zh van a ddre s sed R amanuj a Wh a t w as t hy obj ec t i n a sking

, ,

t he L o r d to l et thee g o t o the B l es s ed Re a l ms i n a dva nc e of

me 2


Holy S ir e now s poke K i u 3a My objec t w a s to

,

'

p r e s e r ve the orde r of p re ceden c e ther e S p ea k not be loved .

"

, ,

ex pl a i n
I

i n c o n u nd r ums re t ur ned
,
B amanuj a thy se l f ,

.

S ir e b ega n K ii r s a t he s a i nt s hy mn m u diy udai tell s

, ,

u s t ha t t he ange l s w ho a r e o ur e l d e r s i n Hea ve n co me o u t o f

i t s g a t es t o w el c ome th os e y ou ng er hr ot her s o f their s w ho pr o ,

c e e d t hi th er f r om h ere T hi s i s o u t o f or der for younger one s

.

s ho u l d a l w a y s g o a nd w e l co me t he e ld er s T hi s is the or der .

I w i s h t o p reser v e H en ce I g o i n adv an ce a nd w e lc ome m y

.

M as ter w h e n he c omes My most elo ved
R ani anuj a s ai d
t ho u for gettes t the r ul e that oht ains in heav e n W
.

B e
,

1 [I o w co ul d R emanuj a , hi ms el f a o by
e b y r e vealing t he mys ter i es
e d,

S a v i o ur , dou bt
his ow n s al va t i on o f r e lig io n k ept s o l ong sac re d, a nd

i s a qu es t io n w hic h w il l na t ur all y t hi s d o u t v b
ani s hed b y t e Lo rd s
h

a ri se . b
T he do u t had com e t o hi m g i f t to Kr f a , t o w hom R amzmnj a

o n t he o cca s i o n of hi s i nc urr i ng t he b o r e s pi r itua l k i ns hi p R ead vers e .

di s pleas ur e of hi s g um of G o sht b i a t t he end of t hi s c ha pter .

p i i r na ( vide P w hom he dis

 ms

2 28 R AM AN U J A '
S cu FO R KIJ R ES A . CH . xx xv .

al l diff ere n ces a nd dis t in c t io ns dis a pea r t he r e a nd y e t t hou p

des ir es t to pe p r e tu a te ev e n t he r e t he r e l at i o n t ha t o bt ai n s he r e

be t w ee n us a s ma s te r and di sc i le p
I n al l the s her es , i s t he r e
. p
a s o ul t o ma tc h thee So b k ro e ou t R amanu j a , a nd c o u l d no t

t
r es r a i n te ar s t r ic k l i ng do w n hi s c heek s a tten ded by s o b u t ,

o bs er v i ng tha t K u r sa had l i ttl e t i me ne w c hec k e d hi ms e l f a nd ,

a pp r oac hing c l o s er hu gge d hi m t o his b o s o m and w his p e r e d

,

i nto hi s ear t he H o ly D vaya -M a nt r a ; a nd tu r n i ng t o t he

s p ec ta t or s w ho s e c u r ios ity w as ev ident ly r o u s ed by t hi s ac t o f
,

hi s s p ok e t hu s
, U nd er s ta n d me s i r s O u r K r es a d o es no t ,
.

n eed a s ac ra me nt of a ny k ind a nd yet I ad mi ni s ter i t i n the ,

l a s t mome nts l e s t o ur s pir it ual p r i nc e K ur $ a mis s t he bli s s

,

o f hear i ng t he s a c r a menta l f or mu l a f r om my l i p s e v e n l i k e the ,

r oya l sc io n as k ing for hi s a fter di nn er ar oma t ic s tho u gh he -

,

ha d c he w ed i t a t ho us an d t i mes b efor e T o ou r K r e a t he

.
,

D vaya i s hi s da i ly n u t r i m e n t ; and I m u s t s er v e i t for t he l a s t

ti me
. D ear s on beloved A zhvan he s a id no w t u r ni ng to

, , ,

Ki nesa t ho u ar t my ver y so ul ho w c an I p ar t w i t h thee

, ,

C a ns t tho u no t b e k ind to thy Ma ster T ak e hi m w i th t hee t o '

Heaven W hy l ea ves t him behind to s u er c ruel p a ng s of

.

s ep a ra t ion ? H o w c a ns t t hou enj oy Hea v e n w i tho u t hi m

[On p age 2 52 7 V o l V of t he T elug u E di t io n o f the B hag a

,
.

vad vis haya the c o nv er s a t io n i s thu s r e co r de d

,
W hil e I
ye t he r e s o n ho w w er t t ho u a n xious for H ea v e n

am , ,
S ir e ,

sa id K ii r Sa in t he de p t h o f my tho ught s for t he m is e r ies of

ear t hl y e x is tenc e I fo r go t this p oint P r a y f or g i v e me

,

. .

R amanuj a s a i d if L or d R a ng a cou l d g r a nt t hee a boo n he

,

,

c o u ld gr a nt me o ne t oo S o I w il l g o and a s k hi m to s t e p thee
.

S o s ay i ng R amanuj a w e nt a fe w p a c es t ow ar ds t he

her e . , ,

s hr i ne b ut s to pp e d abr u p t ly a nd r eec t ed t hu s G od s w ill

, ,

is u n a l te ra b l e W ha t a ud ac ity o n my p ar t to g o a nd fo r c e
.

H i m to c ha ng e i t ? P ecc a vi L e t me s u b mi t a nd he r e s i gn ed .

S o s ay i ng he r et r aced his s te p s T he n

to the i ne v it a b le .
, .

fol lo w ed the f ur the r co nver s a tion w i t h K il r eS a] H ow c a n I .

ex is t her e w i thou t thee Al as the L ord i n H ea v e n ha s ,

at tr ac te d thee thou gh o ur L or d R a ng a nat ha her e p o s ses s es

,

ev ery a ttr ac ti o n S o t hen thou w i l t s e v er thy s el f f r o m th

y
.
,

B ang s Ha pp y i s the L or d in H eaven and ha ppy H i s ce l es tial

.
 ms a

230 Kt P A SSE S A WA Y . on xxxv . .

forget th a t R amanuj a i s y o ur S a v iou r B e ob ed ie nt to

not .

A nd al B y t houg ht o r s p eech o r dee d s i n no t ag ai n s t Hol y

.

M en ; o n t he o ther ha nd e v e r s ee k the i r c o m p a ny

T he son s .

w e p t and f ell a t t he i r f a ther s fe e t Wee p not d ear c hildre n

.
, ,

c r i ed K eSa fon dl y r a is i ng t he m
r
for i f y our g r i ef i s ca us ed
, ,

o n ac co unt o f temp ora l r e l a t i o n s hi p

y e medd le w i th s p ir it ual ,

re l a tio n s hip
ye h ol d w i t h R amanuj a ; b ut i f i t is due to our
,

s oul -re l at io n s h i p then ye c al l i t i n q ues tio n by s uc h g r ief

.
.

E i th er w ay ye have no ca u s e fo r r e g re ts C ea s e th e n a nd r is e .

a bo ve s uch w o r l d ly w ea k nes s e s S o e x hor ti ng K r sa l a id

.
,

h i mse l f do w n head to w ards the Tem pl e res ting on the l a p

,

,

of P i l la i -p p i] a i -A z hvan a nd f e et res ti ng o n t he l a
l p of A ud it ]
,

a mmai and d is mis s ing fr o m hi s m i nd e ver y other t hought

than th at of the Holy Fee t o f R amanuj a w i nged his w ay i nto ,

t he ether ea l s p ac e s R amau uj a w as s oo n a pp r i sed of t he

.

event .H e at o nce h as te ne d to the s po t a nd c on s ol ed B ha ttarya

w ho w a s w eep i ng a nd t e ll i ng hi m tha t no t ear s sho ul d b e s hed
,

ov er an aus p i c i o us e ve nt di r ec te d him to a tt e nd to the f uner al

,

cer emon ies

T he B r a hma m edha r i t ua l
.
c omb i ned w i th-

that of the V ais hnava w as dul y p er for med ; 2 and the fol ,

l ow ing ver s e w as co mpos ed t o his memor y

t n i mW ?
w m w m mam '1

g g qs t ha t t o n t he g ood fo r u ne
o ur n o ve r
i t
o f hi s f r i e nd me rel
y eca us e i t i a b
vo l ves for hi ms e l f t he
pai n of a n
[Y aj uyavalk ya a p pa r e nt s e para t ion from t ha t
beate r s ays : A l l the g has ly pa ra t f r i e nd, b
e c o me s
, as s oo n a s i t i s
pher nal ia o f w o e t he mu tes , t he re cog ni ed a dis la z

f
p y o s e ls hne
b
pl ume s , t he lac k ve l ve t, t he c rape ,
,

[ P p 59 -6 0 O utl i ne of Theosop hy]

s s .

b
. .

t he mo ur ning g ar me n s , t he t .

lac k ( c ) R ea d S t P a ul s E pis les t o t he

. t
e dg e d no te pa pe r a ll t hos e a r e

T hes sa l oni a ns I V 1 2 t o 17 o f w hi c h
no hi ng more t ha n adve r t i s e me n t s
t , ,
1 2 r uns t h us
A nd w e w i ll not
o f i g no ranc e o n t he par t o f t ho s e
w ho e mploy he m t
The ma n w ho
ha ve yo u i g nora n rot he r n c on t
, b ,
.

mng t he m
.

.
ce r t hat are s l eep, ha t t
b
.

e g i ns to u nde r s ta nd w ha t dea t h
yo u b e not s o r row f ul , 81 0 A nd 1 7
t
i s at o nc e pu s as i de al l t his m a s Wher e fo r e c omfor t you one a n
.

quer ade as c hi ldi s h f o lly, s e e i ng o t he r w i t h hes e w ords t .

9
The f ollow ing a u thor it ie s ma y of b e us e to o ur re ader s o n t his bj t
su ec
m a smi sa
'

1
l
W W W re m
a : u
CH . xxx v . M E M OR IA LS .
23 1

Our E l d er s re p ea t the follow i ng beaut i f ul v erse in prais e

of K r g a . on his b ir th day e ve y y ea r r

mr r

o
I

II

H o w c an K r s a b e t ly p ra i s e by [w ho m even Rama
d,
j
nu a s

sa l v a tio n i s ma de s u re , -
R amanuj a w ho i s the s u r e
,

p a s s p t to o i her s s al va t i n
or

o
1
.

T a di t io n s ay s t ha t w hil e R amanuj a or ( Lak s hmanacha y )

r r a

i s L a k s hmana hi ms el f f t he R amayana f ame K s a i o .

, i
-
s

Rama him sel f bor n a gai n t o , n de b ac k t o L ak s hm n al l re r a a,

the vices
s er w hi c h L ak shma na re nder ed t o hi m i n tho s e b y
go ne d a y s .

I t is s ai d th a t w i th o ut K iu Sa
-
, R i manuj a w ou l d no t h ve a

bee n w ha t A P E m b e m m nar
he has b ee n r s . . . s ung t he p a i es

o f R i m nuj a i n hi s D r av id a R m nu a nu tt r a n-dad i i n i mi t a

j -
,

ti o n of A ndh r a -P rna s S a ms k r i t R aman uj -A shtot tar a ; b u t

w he n R amanuj a h ear d i t he r ej e c ted i t as i t co nt ai ned no t e ,

fer e nc e t o K re$a V er s e 7 M o z hiya i w as the n i nt r o du c ed

. . .

T hen the hy mn w a s s anc tio n ed a nd as s ign e d a pl ac e a l ng w i th o

t he P r ab a ndhas .

F o o t no t e o n p ag e 2 3 0
af ue nt? I

s n m
"

qm m r i
'
m II

Wrat trif

m g d ns Imqg anmz -
II

WI R W f mm II

E EEW
"

m me-Ir i mi ri r II
ina? nif IH -

l mai a s
a e-

mam i nonh uman II

W s s g WW ? II
3 S ee foot no te 1 on pag e 27 5 .
2 32 B H A T TA R Y A T 0 S U CC E E D . CH . x xxvr .

CH A P T E R X XXV I .

R RM KN U JA
S L A ST D A Y S .

l a r as a ra -B ha t tar ya, or B ha t tar ya s hor t ly , the s on o f K r s a,

ha d n o w c o me .
to t he t a te o f his fa t hom p i r i tu a l es ta te
es
s .

R amanuj a o f c o u rs e k n e w f ro m t he mo me n t o f B hatt arya s

e ntr y i nto thi s w or ld tha t he w a s des t in e d to b e t he a p os t l e o f

,

t he V i Si sht adva it a D is ne n s a t io n ha v i ng bee n p r es e nte d to the

w o rld by L o r d R a n g a n atha H i ms e l f a s H is o w n ( G o d ) s o n
-
.

P rov ide n ce de s igne d t ha t K I sa s ho uld ma ke hi s e x it f r o m t he

e p isc op a l s t age for he w a s t oo s ai nt l y a nd r e t ir e d f r o m t he

w or ld t o b e a n a c t i ve w o r k e r t he r e q u i s i te fo r a
, pro p ag an d is t .

B ha t tar ya w as o f t hi s ty p e S o R amanu j a l ed t he b u ddi ng

.

yo ung man one mor n ing t o t he Ho ly T em p l e t o p r ese n t him ,

for mal ly t o the L o r d s o a s t o mak e hi m t he a no inted t o

.
,

a u thor i ta t i vel y t r a ns mi t to p o s te r i t
y the g re a t M es s age he ha d
br ought fr o m Hea ven R f mui nuj a le d t hen t his j uven i le
.

a p o s tl e -del ega te t o t he L or d a nd p r e s ente d hi m

, \V e a ga i n .

r ep ea t a nd con r m o u r G od f a t her s hi p t o t hee s o n \V e

-
, .

c o n s ec r a te i t by g i v i ng t he e t his t u r In u r ic w a te r t o dr i n k -
.

G r ie ve not for t he l os s o f o u r K m Sa t hy F a the r fo r w e '

, ,

m S o s p o ke

s tan d to you i n tha t p o s i t i o n o r e s o e v e n , .

the L or d . R amanuj a i nt e r r u p te d M a j e s ti c Lo r d ! B le s s
this s c io n w ith lo ng l i fe a nd I w ill g ive hi m a l l educ a tion

Lor d Ra nga did not de i g n t o r e p ly b ut s imp ly g a v e t he m ,

l ea ve w i t h hi s b l es s ing s s y m b ol iz e d by t he s er v ing o f r tha

,

a nd
p ras dda .R aman uj a r e t u rn e d to hi s s ee a n d c al l i ng E mb ar
G o v inda-J i y ar) a s s ign e d t o hi m t he s a c r ed t a s k o f p r e p
( , a r i ng

B ha t tar ya t hor o u ghl y fo r t he p o s i t io n he w a s t o oc c u p y by a ,

,

c om p l e te c ou r s e o f s t udie s i n do c t r ine a s w e l l a s dis c i l i n e

,
p ,

After t hus di s char g ing t he s a c red tr us t w hic h had b ee n v es te d

i n hi m R amau uj a s ett l ed do w n o n c e mor e q u i e t l y to s p e nd h
,
is ,

t ime u se f ul ly i n i mp ar t ing i n s tr uc t io n t o hi s l a r ge c o ng re ga ti o n
i n B has hya a nd B hag a va d-v i s haya .

K andadai -A nd an , the s o n of D as ar at hi , o ne day a pp roa c he d

R amanu j a re ver e nt ly a nd s a id Ho ly S i re t ho u art to us
, in
this K a l i -
A g e , G od H ims e l f i nc a r na te , c o me o n t hi s e ar t h to
es tab li s h D har ma, l ike Lor d K r is hna i n D va ar a-A
p ge . If
 23 4 FI NA L '
I E A CH I N G S

. cu XXXV . I .

are t he S r i -V ai sh a as ; n v nti thei st s ; a nd

t he s econd a re t he a

t he t hir d ar e the w ordly I f yo u mee t w i th the(s a nw i r i ns )

e .

me n o f t he r s t c l a s s j oy as i f y ou fou n d ow er s sc ents
, , ,

a r o m a ti cs a nd s o f or th ; as if t he b l u s h o f m oo ns hi ne s p r ea d

a bou t
y ou a nd z e p hy r s s oftly c r e p t o ver y ou ; as i f you
,

me t y ou r o w n mos t n ear a nd dea r ki th a nd k in I f yo u c o m e .

acr os s m en o f t he s e c o n d s ta mp fe a r as i f
you fa ed a ve no mo us
c
,

r e p t i le r e and s o for th
,
I f yo u c ha nc e to mee t me n o f the
.

t hir d d esc r ip t io n mi n d them no t a s y ou w o uld no t m ind t he

,

s toc k s and s to n es t ha t lie o n yo ur w ay I f yo u dis cove r w il .

l i ng ne s s i n t he m t eac h t he m t hi ng s of t he s p ir i t ; i f o the r w is e
, ,

tr ea t t hem w i th p ity W hy thes e me n are t u r n ed a w ay f ro m

'

G od i s b ec a us e of thei r l o v e for l us t a nd l uc r e .

If ou t of p
n s equ e nt on l u s t a nd l uc r e men co n
r ide co
,

dem u S r i V ai s hn a v as i t i s
-
not hing s hor t o f co ntemp t for
G od H i m sel f I f t o s u c h p r ide ho ly men des cend t o
.
,

payi ng cour ts hip i t is l ike the k ing s w i fe w a nderi ng in the

,

s tr ee t s for begg i ng I f to s a ms dr zus hol y me n a llo w the ms el v es

'

.
,

to b e l u r ed on acc ou nt o f the i r w ea l th and s o fort h va i n i s ,

thei r w i s dom a s they ha v e not lear nt to di s t ing u is h bet w een

,

g e m a nd g l as s
;
q a m s
m r m m m em aw e str ,

m mms w s qimfs qm
,

I W I d '

T he r e ar e s i x w ay s by w hic h yo u c a n u se ful ly s p end your

day s 1 R ead S ui B hAS hy a a nd te ac h i t to o t he rs
.
2 I f t ha t is . .

a b o v e y o ur l e v e l r ead T i r u vai mo z hi a nd m a e ot
, k her s read i t .

3 I f that i s b ey o nd y o u r k en b u ild a hu t i n an holy l a nd

y
.
,
,

a nd li v e t her e 4 I f t ha t is i mp ra c t i c a b l e do s e r v ic e s i n a
. .

T e mpl e 5 I f t ha t i s in c o nven ie nt dw el l ev er on t he p r o fo un d
. .
,

t r u ths c onta in ed i n the H oly D vaya Ma n tr a 6 I f t ha t al so -

. .

i s di f c ul t t ake s he l ter o r s er v ic e un de r a ho ly ma n
, .

R amanuj a no w se nt for al va nt s o f the B le s s ed

l t he se r
F an e of R anga , a nd a ddr es s e d t he m t hus z 0 Fa i t hfu l
S er vants o f o ur L or d ,
my ti me i s o ve r a nd m s e r v i ces i n
y ,

y ou r c o m p a ny ha v e to c o me t o a n e nd I n the p er for ma nc e .

o f my du ti es w i t h yo u I ma
y ha ve o e nded s o me a nd p ai n ed
,

o the r s A s I a m no w a bo u t to l ea ve o u i t is s ee mi g
.

y n tha t I ,

as k o f
yo u o ne a nd al l to forg i ve me fo r my s hor t c o mi ngs
, ,

H yS
.

o l i r e s a i d they a ll i n o ne v o ic e
, \V h do o u s p e k .
y y a
cu . xxxvx . A D V I C E T O TE M P LE s nevas r s . 23 5

t h us to us yo ur h u mb le se r va nt s ? yo ur S p eec h is g n ot
s tr a n e

on ly s tr a n g e, b u t dr i ves fe ar i nto o u r b r ea s ts ! Y ou , be lo ved

f a the r , to l eave us or p ha ns ? Y o u t he s oul o f t he w or lds to , ,

l ea ve us li fe le s s c or p ses S p eak not s o s ons s aid B ama

, ,

u nj a c omfo r t i ng t h e m
. Y e los e not hi ng by lo s i ng me ; for
t h e r e i s Y o ur L o r d R a ng a her e e ver p r ese nt a nd w ho ne ve r , ,

lea ve s yo u H e i s s a fe s l ee p ing o n hi s s er pa nt cou c h a nd

.
-

s t ea di l
y g az i ng t o t he S o u th for h is B hak ta V ib hi s ha na -
, ,

d w ell s t h e r e N e ver b e s p ar i ng in y our s er vic es to H i m B e

. .

vi g i l a n t and de vo u t I w i s h yo u al l the c o ns tant c o mp a ny o f

.

t he L or d s o w n e l ec t t he S r i V ai s hna va s

Fa r e w e ll So

- . .
,

ex h o r ti ng t h e m a nd a s s I nl n
g g to s e l ec t di sc iples t he c a r e
of t he di ff er e nt s e c t io ns o f hi s l a r g e foll o w ing S r i R amA nuj a ,

l e d B ha ttarya t o L or d R a ng a s pr es e nc e a nd l e t hi m r e c e i ve

,

the t i r tha a nd p r a sdda p r ior to hi m s ig ni fyi ng b y t his ac t

.
,

t ha t B ha ttar y a w as t o b e t he H ead o f t he S r i va is hnava C hu rc h

a nd t u nin g t o hi s dis c iple s s aid G en

a ft er hi s de p ar tu r e r
,

tl e fo lk he s h a ll b e ne x t t o me i n s u cc es s io n
,
L ook upon hi m .

as s uc h T u r ni ng t o B ha ttarya he s a id S o n t h er e is a

. , ,

s e r v a nt o f r e p u t e b y na me V e dan ti i n t he u pl a nds ( M y so r )
e .

,

G o t h e r e w i n hi m b y po l e mi cs a nd c onver t hi m t o o u r Fai t h
, ,
.

A f ter t hu s co ns ec rat ing B ha ttarya R amanuj a r et ur ned to hi s ,

M a th and o nc e m or e addr e s s i ng t he a s s e mb ly of hi s dis c i ple s

,
,

c o mma nde d th e m no t to s t r ay fr o m the P a th w

he n he p as s e d

a w ay ; n o t to t a k e h is lo s s s o m u c h t o h ear t a s to i nte r f er e

w ti h t he d u e p e r fo r m a n c e o f d u t i e s f a ll in g to the i r s h ar e ,

i d h i l l t h f f it o u r c o nnec t ion w i th

fo r , sa e y o u w e
,
n o r e y
m e M ahap r na a n d Y am u n a a n d y o u w ill m or e o ver ac t co n
,

t r ar y to t he w ill of o u r S t S t a h a g po a A pp r
.
oac h me t h en . , ,

b m h l f t t h t o u w i ll c a r r y
a nd s w e e a y
eac h of yo u ea r y
, y o y ,

ou t my b h
e es ts an d w ill n e v e r s w e r v e f r o m t he li nes o f vir tu e ,
,

I h a ve ma rk ed o u t fo r
you al l .

R am anuj a no w c o m ma nded t ha t they s h o u ld i

r et r e a nd

o d p ep e d fo t h em
et u r n af t er
r g o f t h e c o ns ec r a t e d
eat i n
f o r ar r .

h h t m d S r i R amanuj a g ve a
T h ey o beyed ; a n d w e n t e
y u e re ,

hi s la s t w o r ds a nd l a s t b l es s i ng s ; a n d w i t h dr a w i ng hi ms e l f

g e nt ly as if he w a s fa lling i nto a qu iet na tura l s lee p c lo sed

,

his eye s and l a id h i ms l

,
e f d o w n hi s h e ad t u ne d t o w a rds the
,
r
 R A M A N U J A S s x rr

on x xx vi
236
.
. ,

T empl e , a nd r es ted o n the l a p of E m er , b a nd feet pl ac ed on

t he l a p of V a i n-p uma ( A ndlu -a p rna) - .

T he w hol e S r i ng a m a nd hi s w i fe
ra c ro w ded to the M at h
to w i t nes s t he l a st mo ments of t he G rea t R am amu j a

. A p ar ty
of t he e l der s , i n sol e mn to nes ,
s an g t he B ra h ma val li a nd t he

B hr ig u valli o f the Vedas a nd a no t h er p a r ty s an g the hy m ns

of the D r avi da-P r a b a ndhas . A s th ey w at c h ed R amanuj a
ly ing in s tate , t h e ir hea r ts he a t ing w i th t he i mp or tanc e o f
the sup r e me mome nt ,
t he c ro w n of his he a d ( a t t he pi neal
g land) b u s t and the holy A mb as sada f G od w i nged hi s
r r o

w ay ba c k t o t he Na t i ve L a nd t he feed so ul s t he E mpy ea n o f ,
r

the p er fe c t .

L ike the mi gh t y t r ees o f the fores t u pm oted a nd bl o w n ,

do w n b y t he er c e b l a s t s of t he h ur r i c a ne did t he a s s em b l y ,

fall at o n the g r o und se ns el es s ; w h en to r ecover i ng sens e ,

o nly t o feel a ll t he m or e t he k ee n a gon

y o f t h e ir irre p ar a b le
lo ss follo w ed b y an u p r o ar ious o u tbur s t o f g r ief unp ara ll el ed
, ,

b y any o ther e vent o f t he k i nd T or re nt s fell fr o m t h eir .

b li nded eyes a nd th ey e j ac ul ate d i nart ic ul a te w or ds fr o m t h ei r

,

c hoked thro a ts s h ak ing w i th p a s s ion ; a nd i n s hor t t h ei r ,

l i mb s l ay as i f b er eft o f mot ion b y t he p ar a l y t ic s trok e deal t

b y R amanuj a s p as s i ng aw ay fro m t he s p h e re of his l a b ou r s

u
p to H e aven, H is N at i ve H o me ,
- o t e n oy j t h at u nu tte r

a ble r est th e re t he r ew a r d of a l l t he benefac t o rs of ma nki nd

m
.

I ndeed ,

c r ed
i h y h a ve w e rea liz ed
t e , t he tr ut h of
,

a nd W : ll w h e n yo u s p r a ng i nto o u r mi dst ,
we o b tai ned
t he
l igh t o f k now ledge ; a nd n w you
o r e x it e nve o l ps us in
the gloom o f evil .
3

\Vh en R amanuj a Y amu n a har ya

G r and G

a s c ended
-
s uru c

to Hea ven ,
a r ou t ne i of O b ser va nc es and s ac raments , pr oc es
s o ns a nd
i inte r me nt w a s g one t hrough as p escr i bed r b y t he
s as tr as for a Va is hna va a nd a S a nyas in . A IL t his , e ve n to
mi nuter l
e a bo r a ti ns and gr eat e o ,
r det ai l w as so e l mnly gone
t h rough . T h us p a ss ed a way th G e r eat R am-an uj a .

1 T he B rnhma -r a ndhm .

This i s a mu e mog r a m i ndi c at ing t he b i r th-da t e of R ai mi n uj a

$ a ka , 9 39 ( 101 7 A O ) . .

3
A not he r mne mog r a m e nshr i n i n g t he dat e of his de par t ure S ak s
1059 ( 1 1 3 7 A C .
)
23 8 nl nl s uw s e ns u r es . an xxxvn . .

hat e s p h ilo sophy g ed b R amdnuj a Y j

'

on wa e t w ee n a nd a ii a

ni ii r t i, a nd t he l at ter w as g p o i nts for vic to y t he L o d

s c or in r ,
r

i n R amanuj a d e a m nd s ugges t e d c e ta i n Vedi c

ap peare d s r a r

p a s sa ge s l
be i ng q uo t ed s t hos w ou ld le vel t he adve s
a e r

ar
y
to the g r o u nd Ne x t mo r ni ng t he oppene nt w a s va nq ui s h ed
. .

Lo rd Nar ayana o f M l uk ot p roved R amanuj b y H is

4 . e e, a

s h o w i ng t he w ay fo r R amanuj a s f u t u r e i n a dr ea m w h e n he w a s

tayi ng a t T o nda n r ; nd f u t he co ndescendi ng t o

a s um e t he
r r as

p os it io n o f a l oved S on to R amanuj a Sa mp a t -k umar a .

L ord S unda ra R aj o f t he A ha g ar-Hill nea r M a dur a

5 .
- a z ,

p ro ved b y s u mmoni ng one day l l t he dis c iples o f R am anuj a a

befo e H im T hey o beyed b u t t he kins me n of M a ha pi na

r .
,
-

ir

( the A c h a ya o f R amanuj a ) s to pp d a w ay P fi r na as k ed t hem

r ,
e .

w hy . W e a re you r k ins men ar e n t w e A nd R am anuj a i s ,

o u r dis c i ple t h e re for e s a i d t h ey The Lor d o n h ear i ng th i s

, .

s p ok e Y our t aki ng R amanuj a for a dis c iple is only matc h ed

by D a gsa r at hi a nd Va s ude va t a ki ng R A ma a nd K r is h na for .

t he i r s o ns res p ec tive ly O n a noth e r oc c as ion K idmb i -ac chan

.

r e p e ate d b e for e t he L o r d t he v er s e A pa r d dha i n w h ich

t he ex p ress io n ag a tzm : w ay l es s occ urs
'

H o w dar es t t ho u .

u tt er t hi s i nte rr up ted t he Lor d w he n t hou h a s t R amanuj a

,
"
,

for t hy w ay

6 . N am b i the L d f T ir u-k k u r u ng udi p r oved b y

, or o -
,

e x pr es s i ng s ur pr is th a t R amnuj a s h o u ld b e a b le t o b i ng
e r

ma ny s o ul s to G od s

fo ld, w hile H e Hi msel f c ou ld no t ao

[ M und-U p . II ,
2 -4 . D hyana -B . Up .

WW W W I

[S totra Ra t na b y Y ama h a]
F r ei g ht ed al as w i th a tho us and s i ns ,
A w r ec k i n the dreadf ul s e a of deat h, I pi ne
Los t i s my w a y, 0 Lord , my G od
I yi el d me up to t hee ;

Thy g r ac e a lo ne mus t s a ve .

A h ! mak e me thi ne
"
.
cs . x xxvu . M i ni mum-
s G R E A TN E S S .
23 9

co mpli s h so mu c h , des pi te H is re p eated I nc a rnat io ns on ear th

and H e r e t i r e d ever y t i me s ad w i th the th ough t t h at s ouls

w er e m o re p r o ne i nto the dep th s of

to ro ll do w n a nd dow n
s a m s dr a h
t an c m li ,
b u
p to H i m 3
Wouldes t T hou k no w .

the s e c r e t L o r d s a d R amA nu a the n put th ys el f i n t he

i , j
-
,

p os i tio n o f a di s c i pl e Namhi did so a nd R amanuj a w h i s pered.

"
,

the s e c r e t o f h i s s uc ces s i nto the Lo r d s ea r ; a nd e ve r a f t er

w ar ds N amhi pr i ded H ims e lf on this ki nd o f s pi ri t ua l tie

,

es t ab l i s h ed w i th R amanu j a .

7 N mma hvar felt s o much compas s ion fo the

. St . a z r

s i nf u l w o r ld t h a t he l ai d a w ag er w i th G od H i ms el f S ee
.
,

L or d I s h a ll c onve r t the w o ld u nto T h ee

,
K now th ey r .
3

not T hy G r a t nes s t ha t I s h o u l d te ll e and s o for t h

, B ut .

w h e n he s aw the w or l d ave s e to his p r eac h i ng h re ti ed dis r ,

e r

a pp o i nted c y i ng I s i t p os s i bl e fo me to c
,
r e ct t h i s l ar g e r or r

E no ug h mys el f a nd my m ind h ve y iel de d to

u s
w or l d p

a
; ,

H im B u t a g ai n w h en he l oo k ed fo th i nto the fu t u e he r r ,

sa w h o p e and ex ul t i ng l y c r i ed T h i dar k w orld s h al l yet b e s

s et i gh t r Y e t t h i s da k ag e sh a ll b i ng sa l va ti on
.
,
T hu s did r r

t h i s S ai nt ; re fer t o t he adve nt of R amm mj as t he co mi ng a,

M e s i a h : S age N atha mu nig al p r oph es i d R amanuj a s advent

s e

b y s a y i ng A pl a s h may qu enc h a s p a r o w s t hi t ; hu t a loc h

; r rs

w ill feed a v al e B y l oc h he s y mb li ed R amannj

.
"
Em o z a.

b ar s a ng th i s b y the f l low i ng b eau ti fu l met a ph o o r

m im

na s rrc
'

s i as w l
w
a i
an
W q aPmn faq

E ms n

a :

W } & c . .
[E h . G i t , 1 V ,

3
I
A

[ 8 11 . G i ta, X V I , 20 ]
V i r u tta m
d e M mL m a qg a L G w .

" ymo z hi, l l ,

4
53 u namb U 170 m !

3 15 3 91 e as w m
m g g i g g g w m c w ! [ P A nasai
'

5 uJ t
/ .
1 n . ,

6
M Q IG w e G N y a zg a s y gr V
/ c g m b ( P l A nasai .
'
. ,

v a -mo z hi V 2
7
a s qe a Q a a trQ Q a r
r a tn r y . ,
.

ts g dG um b

e

w e5 151 9 a @g g .

a i nmnam q n s tuG

a)
2 40 R AM AN U J A '
s G R E A TN E SS . CH . xxxvn ,

8 . h en he w s a t K anc hi p u a on a v i i t
Y ain u uac har y a w a
r s ,

a nd w R amanu j a follo w i ng i n t he t
sa in of Y ad va p k as a
,
ra a -
ra ,

p o inted hi m o u t t hi di s c iple s ay i ng L ook H e w i ll b e

o s s, ,

t he s t l ea de o f o u fa i t h

r r r .

9 . M a hap rna p r o ved R amanuj a

s g rea tnes s t h us
O ne
day he a nd g
his da u hter A t t u lay -a m ni a, w e re s eate d i n t he ir
ho u s e ,
w h en l tamau uj a ha p pe ne d t o e nt er w it h his t ra in o f

di sc i pl es . M ahap r na at o nce
g o t u p a nd pr o s tr a t ed hi ms el f
b e for e hi m . H is da u hte r g as k e d hi m ho w he c o u l d do S u c h

a n ac t Of o b ei s a nc e to R amanuj a , w ho w a s hi s disc i pl e P r na.

r ep l i ed T hos e fee t a nd t hi s hea d a re a m atch to eac h o the r .

A no t her da y R amauu j a w as r et u r n i n gf ro m hi s b a t h i n t he
K averi ,
w he n M ahap r na m eet ing hi m did o b e is a nc e . B ut
R am anuj a s tood e r ec t i ns tead of r e tu r ning t hi s c us t o m ar y
ho m a e g Si mply l ifted
,
a nd up hi s G ur u . R am auuj a

s di s c ipl es
a sk e d hi m t o e x pl ai n hi s l co nduct H e sai d ; My
u nu s u a .

G u r u w i shes pl eas e hi m s el f b y ho noring m e

to . 1f t ha t i s hi s
plea s ur e i t i s my pl ea s u re I s hou ld not c r o ss hi m
, The .

di sc i ples ne x t a sk ed P in-nu t o ex pl a in h is u n u su al b eha v i o u r

.
.

S ir s s a w i n R am anuj a my o i vu G ur u Y amu na
i

H e Said '

aft er m y o w n G u r u a ll t he p er fe c t io ns o f a G u r u nd the i r
,

ha ve n i n R am anuj a A nd P ur na m ade hi s o w n s o n P u ndar i
.

k ak s ha t he di s c iple o f R amanuj a .

10 I t ha s a r ea d
y l b ee n l
r e ate d, t hat G os ht hi -
i -
t he
p na
u
. _

s ec o nd G o f R amanu a , l ig io n
ur u
j r e vea e l d the s ec r e ts of r e to
R amanu j a b y ex a c ti n g
p r o mi s e t ha t he w o uld not i m pa r t t he
s a me t o o t he r s ; b u t t ha t R am anu a b r o k e t he
j pr o mis e a no n b y
O p e nly de c l ar i n g t he s ec r e t s to al l i n t he T e m pl e t ha t P r na
b ec a m e w r ot h o n c o mi n g to k no w t hi s a nd de m a nding
pl a
a n ex

n a ti o n f r o m R a m ao a, t he l a tter c o nfe s s ed h is fa ul t , b u t s u b .

1
S at haj i t t he c l o u d, fr o m S r i s a s S e a o f G r ace

D r u nk deep, r a i ns dow n on Kat ha -H i l l ;

R ama , P a d mzi k s h , t w o

r i ll s t he n c e r ip
pl i ng dow n
U n i te in Y amu n B ro ok , to g ulf
-

Y a ti ra a s
j

Lo t us -La k e , b y c ou n tle s s F lo o dg a tes
T o ood the P a s tu re s o f
pa r c he d s o uls .
2 42 B KM AN U J A S as s u
m es . an x xxvn .
.

Kaniy an ii r S ir-i-y-acc han, dec l ar ed on o a th w hen

15 .

r e ma i ni ng h a l f i m me rs ed i n w a te r ) t h at f ai th i n R amanuj a w as

the on ly r e ad to s al va t o n i .

16 . Y aj ii a m fl r ti (a conve rt fro m A dvait is m) , w h om R amir

nu a se t u p
j in para te
a se see, a s ab bot , and to b e look ed u po n
as a s econd R amanuj a , decl a r ed to his i nt i m a te di s c ipl es ,

E ec es ,h A na nda van, l Tonda nur - N a mb i and M ar ud r -X a u mb i

t h at R emsmuj a w as the rea l S v i o ur
a , a nd hi s s eco nd R am au uj a
s hi p w as on ly g r ac io us
a hono r bes to wed on hi m , i nas mu c h a s
he fe l t i t as a uzill s tone h ung roun d a s par ro w
s nec k .

17 . P il l a i p p l y
- io
l ai - -azhv au ec ame t he di s c ipl e o f b
K r eSa . The h
l a tter w en a s ke d his p as tor a l fee ( ac a r y a h
da k s hina) , s ta te d it as the c ur b ing b y hi m of his t h r ee

i ns tr umen ts of t ho u gh t
p e c h a nd deed ag ainst off e ndi ng , s e

holy men B u t t he dis c i ple found i t very dif cul t to carr y

.

t h i s advi ce i n to p rac ti ce a nd evinced gr ea t p er pl ex ity , .

K r esa obser vi ng i t ca lled hi m a nd said : H er e i s a

,

w ay out of t hy di ffi cu l ty s on ! T h ou c a ns t a void h u r t b y ,

deed for thy foe w il l r e tur n i t o r t he ki ng w ill p u ni sh fo r i t

, , .

T he n ca ns t a vo id h ur tful S p eec h i f t h ou w i s hes t t o k ee p p ea c e ,

w i th the w or d ; fo r s o s ays a s ta i i z a :
l q&nq

lm! W m umc ma T h i s i s t o t hy a dvant a ge .

T he re r emai ns no w thy th ou gh t w h i c h i s di f c ul t to c u r b .

H ence i f t hou w i s hest t hy m e ntal s i ns no t to o end G o d ,

tr u s t t o R amanuj a s feet for r ec o nc ili at io n

.

18 M . i l ag
ll e nged D asar a t hi for a de b a t e
-
az hvan c ha .

The l a t ter c ons ent ed and a sk ed for a w ager I f I am bea t e n .

,

s a id A z hvau I w ill c arry t h ee o n my sh o ulder s T h i s w a s

, .

agr eed to ; a nd D as ar at hi w on dz hvau t r ue t o hi s w ord l ift ed .

,

t he vi c tor o n t o hi s s h o ulder s ra n a fe w p ac es and se t t ing , ,

hi m dow n a s k e d for gi ve nes s for hi s i mp u de nce D asa r a thi .

lead hi m to R amanuj a a nd s aid T here i s t hy for g i vene s s ,

his h oly feet

.

19 . E mb er c o u nse lled B ha ttarya t h us S on, va u nt

no t t h yself t h a t t hou ar t the G ods on of Lor d R anga , Kni e sa

s

s on, a nd a s er va nt . Fai t h i n R amanuj a a l o ne w il l s ave h

t ee

.
on x xxvn. . R AM AN U J A '
S G R E A TN E SS .
243

20 B ha ttary a lled N a piq u e

. c o u ns e
j iyar t hus S On !
t hys e l f not o n bei ng a gr ea t Vedant is t on t hy beco ming my ,

di s c i pl e a nd o n t hy g i vi ng u a ll t h w eal th t o me as m fe e
, p y y , .

B u t r mly bel i e ve in R amanu a a s o u r S a vi o ur

j .

j iy ar w ar ned N a mb il la i t h us
21 . N a ii G ro w no t h a u gh ty
t ha t t he w or l d ca ll s t he e W o r ld tea c h er ( Lok achar ya) tha t -

t ho u ar t a c l e ve r e x e r t i n e x o u ndi n t h l
r a b a ndha s
p p g e .

R am annj a s fe et a l o n e c a n s a ve t hee

.

O ne day N a mb i la i took ho l d o f the ha nd o f S iva -k

22 . .

k a r a i -p- p i l l a i , t o g o o ut ; a nd a s he c r os se d the th r es ho l d o f
his h o u s e he disc ove ed a holy m a n s l p on the p i al
,
r "
a ee o ut

s i de S p i ll ai c alled u t t hi m t o w i thd w his l g

. . o o ra e s as hi s
mas t er w as t he r e . N a mb il lai i m me di a tely l et g o his ho ld o f
S pi llai s ay ing
. S on u sa i nt s hav e dec l ed t ha t t he ,
o r ar

l eg s o f hol y m n a e h ly l egs T o c all th e m l eg s i n d i

e r o .

er

s io n i s a g ai ns t t h e e a p oo f of dis es p ec t a nd ig no a nce D e~ r r r .

g o ne fro m me S p i l lai w ent to hi s village i n di s g ac e

:

. r

a n d s et u p l o u d w il i ng and c i ed O h m a s te ! t h o u a ,
r r

h a t c a st me a w ay l ik e t h t o ne i n a s l ing f o m thy h oly pl c

s e s ,
r a e

b e t w e n t he t w o i v
e N a m hi ll i n hea i ng t hi rep n er s .

a o r s r e

t a nc e s nt fo hi m nd e nj ine d
,
e T u s t i n R amanu j a l l
r a o r , a

t hy l
fa u t s a r e r e mi tt e d .

23 Tir u -k k u t ug ai p p ir a n P il l zm w a s o nce i n a pla ce

'
- - -
.

ca lled Si
p pu tt r ru- - . Somas i -y - ndau r e a d S r i

A
B has hya
u nde r l e ft t he pl a ce for his nat i ve
hi m t hr e e t i mes . P il l an
c ou ntr
y w h e n A ndan pl ea de d : S i r e I l i ve i n th i s c ou ntr y
, ,

fa r f r o m y o u D e ig n to t ell m e t he c ho ic es t a r tic l e o f
.

fa i t h fo r m y lzfe To t his P i l l an r c pl ied : S o n k ee p 0 11
'

.
,

i n tu me s c e nc e t ha t co mes of t hy a b i l i ty to des c a nt on the

s c ie nc e o f P r v a -M i mams a, a nd to di s c o ur s e on S r i B hs hya ;

b ut pl ac e i mpli c i t fai th i n ou r S aviou r R a ma nuj a .

A nd

G o ma that li a p-p i l l a n bade i n a - si mil a r m ann er hi s di s c i ple

'

K ak k ai -p p adi -y -a cc han P i l lai- - .

24 .

t en G od w as an g r h
y w i t y o n, w ha t di ds t the n do ?
"

as ke d En g a l A z hvan- of K . P A P i l la i I r es or t ad a t s uc
. . h
t i mes to t he pp eas i ng p ow er
a v es t e d in o ur S avi o u r, R ama .

he r e pli ed
nu a j .
244 R AM A N U J A
'
S G R E A TN E S S . o n x xx v u
. .

25 A . co te r ie of di sc iple s r ea d S i i -B has hy a
' '
u nder N a da
dur -A mmal .
T h ey
h er B h a k t i ( l ove to G od)
as k ed Fa t , ,

w e nd i s ah a d t hi ng to do A n mal tau gh t t h em the w ay

r ,
. i

of P r apatt i ( fai t h i n G od) : T hey ag ai n ple a d d S ire i t i e ,

s

ha d t o g et f ai t h
r T h en t au gh t A ni m al
.

your only w a y ,

,

i s t o de p end on R amanuj a .

N a duvi l A z hr an ad mi ni s te r ed
s i mil ar ins tr u c t i ons to hi s di s c ip l e s V a ng ipu r at t a chi a nd
o

ot h er s .

26 .

Th i s his
is a mi gh ty c m t or r e nt , t S r i -l l has hy a ,

o

pl ai ned t he A i mb a t t-ir uvar ( 52) mag nat e f l i i -u nar ay a na

'

s o

p u am ( M el uk ote) w h en Veda vy as a-B h atta e x p a tia ted o n i t

r
-
r

b f r e R am nuj a s s h r i ne

e o a i n t he T e mple
T hen id .

,
sa

B hattar t u s t s ol el y t o yo u r h ou seho ld G od lt ama nj a

,
r - ri ,

a nd th at i s eno u g h S o ag a in did N aduvi l Ti u vi dhi p pi l l i

.
- r - - a

B h a tta r c o mfo t his di sc ipl e E l a iy a v alag iy a

r - r .

27 A ndh ra pr na often r ep r oach ed K r s a a nd D as a

.
-

r at h i f or dou b l e he ar t edne s s i na s much as th ey w aver ed i n t he i r

-

de vot ion b et w e e n G od and R amanuj a t he S a v i our ; w h er ea s ,

he w a s s i ng le h e a rt ed as bei ng r m in hi s t r u s t i n t he la tt e r
-

a l o ne .

28 . T he de vi l B r ah m a -r aks h ass i g ni e d R

zunann a s j

g r ea tne s s, by so dec l ar in g it to Y zi dava -p r a k as a

29 . The du mb l ad w as a no t h er ill u str at io n . H e w as bo rn

i n K il chi pur a m , du m b . A fte r hi s ft ye a r he w a s fo u ndh

m is s i ng for t w o y ear s . H e s udde nly a pp e a r e d a a in P eo ple g .

s ur r ou nded hi m a nd q ues t i o ned hi m a s t o w hi t he r he had o ne g .

H e l i ed tha t he had b een c har med a w ay to Ks hi r ahdhi

r ep I

( M i lky S a e ) W h a t i s t.he ne w s t her e

a s k ed t h e
y T he , .

y ne w s of a ny i mpo r tance w a s t h a t o n e ar th

onl s a i d he , ,

a n a vat ar i n t he s h a p e of R aman u a has de s ce nde d

j The b oy .

w a s no t s een a ga i n a f ter he de l i ve r ed t hi s m es sag e , T hi s .

s t or
y ,
t h e h ol y B h ag a va t -s e nap a t i -J i ar
y t o o ]; p r i de i n O ft e n
r el a t i ng to vo u c h f ur t h er for t he g r eat nes s o f R amanu
,
ja .

30 A s a mong Di vi ne I nc ar nations t h o se o f R ama a nd

.
,

Kr ish na ar e no ta ble ; V yasa P a rasara S uka and Sauna ka , , ,

amo ng t he R ishi s S r i rang am Tir up at i K amc h i and el uk o te , ,

 R AM AN U J A S G R E A T N ES S on xxxvn
'
.
. .

T here i s no S c ip t u e li ke t he Veda
r r li ke K sava , nor G od .

h
t at ar ee n d by P a r asar a i s b ec a u s e o f h i s V i h
s nu -p ur suit
1
in ,

w h ic h he g i ve s a c l ea r de ni t i o n o f the T h ree E terna l Ver it i es ,

G od S ou l a nd M a tte r
,
h e nc e s ty led by S age Yamuna as
,

The M ag ni c i e nt t ha t e ar ned b y S uk a is b y hi s B h ag avata

b y dec l a ri ng i n i t t he g r ea t ne s s of Vi s h nu and his ear ni ng
i mmedi ate mukti , t ha t ear ne d b y S a nunk a i s by hi s
famou s w or k V is hnu D ha r ma ; t ha t ea r ned b y N arada i s
-

beca us e of his dec la r a t io n as t he s la ve o f t he h oly Va is h

n a v as

.T he di s ti nc ti o n o f S t N a mmaz hva r ar i s es fr o m .

hi s compos i ng fo u r P ra b a ndhas a nalog o u s to t he Fo ur

Vedas th us pe pul an s i ng S c ri p t ure s a nd hi s r e veali ng t o
'

, ,

S age N atha mu ni t he Fo u r Tho us a nd P r ab andhas th us estab

,

l i s hi ng the Va i shna v a D es pe n s a t i o n B u t above a ll tow er s the .

r ep utat i on o f R amauu j a i na smu c h a s he u nbos omed to al l

, ,

the Holy S e nse o f t he C ha r a ma S l ok a made c l ear the o b sc ur e -

,

an d a b str us e t e x t s of t he Veda s m ade mani fe st the t ru t hs of ,

S t N a mmazhv ar s Ti r u vaymo z hi w r ot e e xeg e ti cs on B r ah ma

. ,

S utr as acc or di ng to t he C a no ns e stab li sh ed by S ages N ath a

muni a nd Y amu na i n t hei r T r ea ti s e s w r o te oth er i ndepe n
dent w or k s s uc h as t he G a dy a tr ay a ; w o n vi c tor ie s o ver fa l s e
prop h ets a nd pli i lO SO pli e r s ; t hu s beq uea th i ng t o p oster ity a Sys
tem pro -emi ne nt ly k no w n as 12dmd1mj a s sys te m t h o ugh i t i s a

,

s s tem o f th ou gh t c c e t e r n a l w it h G od H i ms e l f
-
y .

32 . R amaunia w as o ne day c ondu c t n i g hi s mi nis tr y i n

hi s g regat io n ta k i ng u p the D c tr i ne of G od s Free G r ac e
co n , o

to frail h u ma ni ty a i ll u s t a ted b y R amay an

,
s a V ib hi s hana
r .
,
i

th o ugh bor n a mong t he d m o n ( R ak h as as ) w a s a n el ic i n

e s s
g ,

nat ure H e t ri e d to di s u ade hi br t h r R avana from hi s e vi l

. s s o e

w ays b ut he w ou ld no t l i s t e n ; o he s e ve r ed h i msel f s w i ft l s
,
y

W ag ne r? W W II [S te m -R am .
CH . xxxvn . R A M A N U J A S G R E A TN E SS . 247

fr o m a ll c o nnec t on i i ng i nto t he s k y c r os
w th i hi m, an d s oar ,

sed t he o cea n w i t h fo u r a tt en da nt s and comi ng to L or d R am a .

w ho w a s e nc a mp ed w i t h hi s a r m
y on t he o th er s h ore c r ie d ,

h
t us

O R ama, th u s he i n me

cr e i d,

V i bhi shan, B avans b r other ,

s ee .

B y hi m di s g r ac e d t hi ne a id I s e ek ,

Su r e r e fu g e of the p oo r a nd w eak .

Fr o m L a nk a , fr i ends , an d w ea t l h I y .

A nd r e f t of all o n T hee re ly .

On T h ee t he , w re t c h

s r mes t fr ie nd,
M y k i ng do m ,
j oys a nd li fe de p end .
[R amaya na V I ,

-
l(

I l eft m y h ild en a nd my w i fe
c r

A nd y t o B ugh u s s o n f o li fe [R amaya n V I

r . a, ,

A nd yet t he V ana r c h i f o f L or d R ama s ai d t o H i m

- e s

R ama !

We w ai t t hy w or d t he o r der g ive
A nd h es e t hy foes s hall ce as e to li ve
t .

C omm and us mi gh ty k ing nd al l , ,

a ,

Li fe le ss u p o n t he ea t h shall f l l [R amaya na r a .
, V I,

On he a r i n g th is , D ha nur das a s t ood up a nd i

c r ed

G o ds i r e , i f V i hhi s hana, w ho left w i fe, c h ildren a nd a ll in

o r de r to s ee k r ef u ge w it h R ama, des er ved to be s to ned by
R ama vanar -c h i efs , how m uc h mor e i ndeed do I des er ve th a t

s

tr e a t ment I w ho have ma de no r enu nci cation at a l l l ik e

,

,

V i b hi s ha na ll

P eac e, c r ied R aman j a,
u

L i s te n to me,
my s o n, 1 w ill unfo ld t o t he e t he s ec r e t s o f al vation . Sr i , t he
s pou s e of Lor d N ar ay a na ,
e ver s ta nds by H i m a s o ur M o t he r

medi at or . S he i s t he per s o ni ca t ion of t he mo s t ex a l t ed

a t tr i bu te of G o d, v iz .
, G r a ce or M er c y W h en o ur L or d
t h r o u gh Sr i i s e ver a n x ou s i to sho w er H is mer cy uns ti ntingl y
on H is er r i ng c h ildr e n on ea r th w h at fear i s t h ere f or u s ?
,

Sri als o mb oli z es love of G od for ma n a nd love of ma n f o r G od,

sy

S he e ve r d w ells i n the b o s om of G od, lik e the C hri s t, t he S on [ ohn I

J .
248 A M AN U J A S c ur ar sns s o n xxxvn
' '
R . . .

We h a ve an un b rok e n c h a in o f a p os tles , r e ac h i ng do w n t o us

fr om G od, o f w hic h t he rs t l ink is G o d, a nd H is G r ac e , $ ri,

t he nc xt

S t S a thag o pa i s the ne x t i m p or ta nt li nk ; a nd he
. .

ha s dec l a red i n u n mis t a k ab le t er ms t h at he has o b ta i ned

H ea ven ( mok s ha r If he ha s w on it , N at ha mnn i has
w on ; i t N at ha mu ni has w o n, Yamu na has w on ; Y amuna
w inni n g , my nex t gu ru a bov e me, M ahapi i r na, has

w on If .

P urna has w on e s u r el
y w on , W hen I h a ve y e h a ve a ll
I hav .
,

i ndeed w o n T ak e c om for t t he n fr o m t his t h o ug ht D vaya

. .

M a ntr a w hi c h I h a ve t a u g ht t he e dec l ar es a s th ou a r t a w are

, , , ,

he i ndi s s ol u b l e u ni ty o f G od w i t h H is G r ac e S r i ; a nd a n ,

u nb r ok en c h ai n b inds G o d a nd H is c r e a t ure s i n o ne b o nd f r o m ,

w h ic h i t i s i mp os s i b l e t o e s c a p e a nd s tand a l oo f W i t h me .

goes my oc k \V ha t I s har e i t u ndo ubt edly sh ar e s T he

. .

a r eca t r ee i s w at ere d b y t he g ar de ne r b u t t he pl ant a i n t r ees ,

r o und i t t ak e t he mo i s tur e a s w ell I a nd my c h urc h ar e .

link ed t ogether for o ne t e s ti ng M y des ti ny s h all invar ia b ly .

b e i ts des t i ny \V h e n V ib hi s ha na w as after a ll allo w ed to

.

a pp ro ac h L or d R ama no s e par a t e i n vi ta t i o n to the fou r

,

R aks h as a -me n w ho c om p a nie d w i t h hi m w a s needed nor w h e n

, , ,

t he vanar -ch ie fs w i s h ed to dr i ve hi m a w a y di d th ey t h i nk o f ,

dr iv i ng t hos e four p er so ns s e p a r ately I n o th er w or ds t he ,

fou r p e r sons c o u nted w it h V i b hi s ha na as o ne i n g ai ns o r ,

loss es E ven t hus c o unts my o c k w i t h me

. He nce son ! .
,

t h ou mays t r es t as s ur ed tha t i f H eave n i m i ne i t i s t h i ne ,

w i th o u t q u es ti on A s S t B ha k tis ar a ha s s a i d
. the oc k ha s
.

e ve n m o re m e r i t t h a n t he s h e p h e r d 3
$ atr ug hna ha s more ,

mer it i n follow ing B h a ra t a t ha n B har ata L or d R ama ; S t M ad , , .

hu rak a v i t h an S t S a t ha g o pa ; S t A ndal t h a n S t V i s hn u
. .
.

C hi tt a her fath er ; and so fo r th

,
.

1
g al trau
-
ma J m G a mu air .

3
Op .
( a) W her e I a m, t he r e al so s ha ll my mi n is te r b e . If a ny man
mi nis te r to me, hi m w ill my F a t he r ho nor .
"

[Jo hn , X II ,

(b )
u
A nd I ,
if Ib e l i ft e d u p, w ill dra w al l men u nto me .

[J ohn , X I I , 32 .
J
ug g u u nm Qm ug yc w
'
5
a - mgbp mw g
an
g g du nj g m b [4t h , A udadi,
250 : R AM A N U J A S G R E A TN E SS on xxx vu.
'
. .

t hebloom of R amanuj a s s

Fee t
bloom s of t he pl a nt of l o ve
gr ew i ng i n my h ear t
.
1

Lo rd R an ga dec l ar ed :

B o th H ea ven a nd E a r th are
3
g r a nted thee , R am anu j a .

37 O ne day p w ab svmb w as
'

. ve r s e : a

whe n R am a l eft A yodhya for t he

r

licing r ead This meant t ha t

"
w o o ds t he it hol A yodhy as k i th a nd k in o f R am a acco m p a ni e d

,

lii rii B ut s o me o ne i n the a udi tor y ob j ec ted

'

T hey o n ly
a c c o m p a n ie d a l i t t l e w a
"

y o ff a nd t he n r e t ur ne d H o w t hen
"
-
.

didt hi s s ai nt say t hey c o m pa hi ed w ith hi m t hr o ug ho ut ?

.

R amanuj a a nsw ered : W hen L ak s hni ana w ho s aid :

'
I
h

A ll

s er vi c es I s hall do foll bw ed i t i s as i f a ll fo ll o w ed r e fe r r i ng
-

t o h i msel f m
, , ,

os .

Thu s w a s t he g r ea t nes s of R amanu

1 n N A. n dadi , 108 , ass/a mok .

I
.
9
Up J e s us s ayi ng A l l po w er i s g i ve n u nto me i n hea ve n a n
d in
ea rth [M o i XX V I I I ,

A ha m m kar is hyam i [ B and I i , 3 1,

8
s ur va
T hi s i s im zi o

dir ect y eferge nc e t o hi ms elf,

. 0
 C H A P TE R X X X V I II .

u I" 5
R A M A N U JA
.

A N CIE N T A U TH O R I TI E S O N .

w a m mq W , Ia mmz m ll 20 ai r-31 mII

3m m m Wma w z m m 35533
II i ari qa
'

2 : af

rkg a rwmqeqrqrm ai r z I g i mmqmgzm za q mII

,

am II H a
-
tr

W H WQWE ? mriig a rfi rq amr r W wf m

II
'

s l
'

t s

WW II m amfi mzmi f ll 1 , 32 II
mw w d IzFa w mm I am ws s qm ll
'

H f f II zrfiqmaaa II m a g num g l I W m
'

q mana g e ll mf m z mr w m aafi I H EW W I WIIW I T

'
s
;g : : E

II mm qaer rmsm
A

t
A A rx

50 73 w nw c r

W rm q I 8?:n
W W II I?
S
E

m v m m

a II HE WW W IU W WH I ma zm vmm
:

F g m l
'
i

W W W?! II 3 1 04 5

wi l m r xi wf i

I a ndrg m nm m wr II

K
I

W FF
I' SH E II a awnw rf m mw mq l a mi m g mmgmma

II t

}
~0 P

mmm maazn I argm a g q H um am

;

w =ll

9 \ K K A 1 IN

ah qa aas wz
W W WW F qm m sm % r II
EW SV ( I n m

a m fa 17 II

mw a rs atmmm m m m ll
'

a
A P P R O X I M A TE D A TE S I N TH E CH I E F

E V E N TS O F R AM AN U J A
S L I FE .

1 . Birth a t g r i per n m b d r A C 1017

. .
( Sal iv ha na ,

S a ka 939 ) .

2 . S tudy w ith Y da va pr ak s a A O
. .

3 . Fi r s t e ntry to S r i r ang am to s ee A lava ndr .

, 1042

4 . Taki ng h oly o r de r s l 049

5 . Fli ght to M y s or e
( u nder K i ng Chol

s

p ers ec ut ion) 1096

6 . Conv en s ion of B i tti d eva , t he K i ng of the

H oys al a C o u ntry ( M ai s r ) , and

na m n i g hi m Vi s hnu -v a r dha na 1098

7 . I ns ta lling Lor d S r i -N r ya na at M e u l ko te . 1 100

8 . S tay in t h is C o u nt r
y u
p to 1 116

9 . R et ur n to S r i m ng a m 1 1 18

Fi ni s t o ear t h ly c a r ee r
1 13 7

T ot a l lengt h of li fe y ear s
, 1 20

a ?
 '
l l H

( Fu ll y T ra ns l a ted
r '

i
' v 1
I
H : 2: 1

T r ansl iter ati on Sell e me J G eneolo l i

tr ee 9
a 113 1

g fg

.
' g

dy na s t y of the 3 2 p r i nc ip a l modes o f M e di tat i on as

l a id i n t he U panisha dsf Table Cos molo g y ;ac cqr ding t o
of ,
_

4 a1) 1e of the \ l ays of 8 91m

-
V i s i s ht a dvai ta 1 11i10 s 0 p11 e r s


'
)
'

. .

t i on : S Ote ri ol o g vl fo rmul a t e d rh y t he R amanuie-Sehoe l n

"
. I : I

5
The s tudent o f G rit I w ho W il l per use th i s w ill nd
- '

( .

umb er 0 1
'

hi mse l f i nt ro duc e d to a n
'

w or k s ex tant i n So u th er n
I ndi a on V i s i s h t ad v a i t a l i t er a t ur e, a n d ot he r wo r k s

al s o o u t s i de tha t ppl o o r pur pp ees

i
of
l z
us e ful
i
co mpar is o n an d
 (t he 3 0 12 l ives . of E ravib a

S ai nts (El sb vars o

Tab le of Saints an d Sag es fr om G od dow nw ards
Tab le of al l H ol y shrines s acred to t he V isis htadvai ti ns .

CO N T E N TS .

l l ag iolog y . St A
. ndal .

I ii caAjii ation~and other H ol y St P oyg ai-A zhvar

' '

. . .

M ysteries; P dat t-A zhy r .

M yr alcles and M yt h s St Fey-A shvar

'

. .

Symb ol
'
St I i r u -lll ozhieal -A zhvar

. .

A g e of the Saints ; S t Kul a-S ek har A zhvar.

'
'

L ives of the Saints . St Ti r u-p-pan-A zhvar

. .

St Tonde r -adi-ppodi St Ti ru n A zhvar r aaz ai-

. .

f g
.

M adhu
,

ra
i

A zhva r lK avi al
.
g .

St P eri-y-A zhvar
. . St N ammazhvr
. .

3 0 6 22 C l oth R
'

e I 3S
'

. .

Thi s w ork deals wit h the Qual ie d M onisti c (V is his h

t advaita) P h ilosophy a nd the manner in w hi ch i t i s w ritten

i s quite uni que The author is the r s t to pl ace the

phi
.

IO SO phic l iteratur e of the Qual i ed M oni s ts to the Wes ter n

peopl e . Th er efore the aut h or c ites the ver y w or ds of the

W estern P hilosoph ers ,
w h enever
poss ib l e, if they c onvey ed
the hig her philosoph ic c onc e tions o f the A zhva rs b
p etter, to

them, th an did his

own .