Madhwa Vijaya - 3

Sarga 2 Part 1

With the influence of Kali and the spread of the false theology, the path to God darkened and seekers were helpless as if they were sightless. It was these circumstances that resulted in the Devas led by Bramha (Naalmoga) to seek the help of Mukunda.

The lord, known as “Triyuga*” was reluctant to don an avataara in the age of Kali. Bramha who does not assume an avataara could also not be sent. Then the smiling lord sent for the one with unsurpassed knowledge and skill, the one who was the very breath of the world, the one known as Mukhyapraana.

*Assuming avataaras in Kritha, Tretha and Dwaapara yugas only

He instructed Mukhyapraana to lead those who had gone astray, those who sought the true meaning of the Vedas, those who were deserving of the lord’s mercy, and to delight them by singing his glories.

Then Mukhyapraana with folded hands respectfully accepted the lord’s commands as one accepts and adorns their head with a crown set with invaluable gems, and willingly accepted the plea of the Devas as one accepts and wears a string of pearls around one’s neck.

At this very time, seekers on earth were anguished at their inability to comprehend the essence of the Vedas and wondered at their bleak prospects of attaining salvation.

To allay the fears of these seekers and to herald the glad tidings, a man was possessed to make an extraordinary proclamation at the chariot festival of Ananteshwara in Udupi, where people had gathered in large numbers.

The man, otherwise a dullard, climbed to the top of the Dwajasthamba or the flag post at the entrance of the temple and danced with grace, like an actor performing on stage.

He announced loud and clear to the crowds thronging, that the one who possessed true knowledge, the one who would improve their lot, such a great soul would soon take birth amongst them.

A brahmin who belonged to the chaste clan of Nadillaaya (Madhyageha) lived in a place close to Udupi, in the Karma Bhoomi called Bharatha, in this world of seven islands and seven seas.

The place was Shivalli, which was in the vicinity of the Vedachala mountains (present day Manipal) and the Ananteshwara temple of Udupi. This region was as pleasing as “Ilavritha*”, sanctified by the presence of Meru-parvatha (Vedachala mountain) and Lord Shiva (Ananteshwara).

*the most beautiful region in the world

The scion of three clans* of Tulunaadu, lived in Paajaka, where the hill Vimanagiri (now known as Kunjarubetta) atop which Parashuraama had established the idol of Krishna’s sister, Durga; the land of perennial water owing to four reservoirs established by Parashuraama.

*Odipe, Paarpadaane,Kabekudi

This man came in possession of the knowledge of the Vedas and a gold bedecked virtuous wife, who was ideal to give birth to noble souls.

The Brahmin, rejoicing in conjugal life with his devout wife, delighting in gaining knowledge of the Upanishads, filling his heart with devotion to the joyful lord without a trace of ego, was ideally suited to become the father of Ananda Tirtha.

Erudite, with deep understanding of Puranas and Bhaaratha, he of unswerving devotion and righteousness, offering his all to the deity of his clan, Ananteshwara; came to be known as “Bhatta”.

Bhattaru not only had the devotees who listened to his discourses, in raptures, by scintillatingly praising Govinda, but also the Devas who came to worship the lotus feet of the lord at Udupi (Ananteshwara).

Although delighting everyone by describing the lord’s attributes, the concept of a “Nirguna Bhagavantha” that was being propagated widely cast a shadow of doubt on Madhyageha Bhattaru.

Then his mind dwelt on begetting a son (puthra) who would rescue them from being cast in the hell called “puth”. And he wondered what he must do to sire such a son who was perfect in knowledge and capable of truly protecting them (unlike ordinary people).

When the likes of Kardama, Paraashara and Paandu*, became fathers to exemplary sons after praying to the lord, he decided that he too should surrender to the one who possesses the six attributes** (shadguna), the most merciful, the deity of his clan, Naarayana.

*Kardama was the father of Kapila, an avataara of Vishnu, Paraashara was the father of Veda Vyaasa, who was another avataara of Vishnu, father of the spiritual sons of Yama Dharmaraja, Vayu, Indra and the Ashwini kumaras.

** Aishwarya, Veerya, Yashassu, Shri, Gnyaana, Vairagya or wealth, valour, fame. Prosperity, knowledge, detachment

Knowing no other relative but God, Madhyageha Bhattaru, with devotion powerful enough to destroy the fear of being tossed about in the ocean of life, meditated for twelve years at the feet of the one who lies on a serpent.

Along with his pious wife, he further restricted the indulgences of his already spartan life, increased his control over his already well controlled senses and mind, and further purified his already pure body.

The couple indulged in severe penance for the Parama Purusha to grant them an outstanding son, including observing “payovratha”* reminding one of Aditi and Kashyapa, who observed the same before Vaamana was born to them.

*partaking only milk offered to God for a certain period of time, accompanied by other austerities and prayers

And even as their bodies were shrunk with the severity of their penances they were aglow with the blessings of Lakshmi-Naarayana.

Thus, Bhattaru’s wife conceived the one who would dispel the darkness of the night like a full-moon.

Bhattaru’s wife’s pregnancy progressed like the waxing moon, and when the time for delivery was ripe, a part of Mukhyapraana set forth to Madhyageha Bhattaru’s house, but not before pausing at Udupi to bow to the lord in the temple.

Then the revered Pavamaana occupied the well- formed body of the new born with auspicious markings, driving out the soul that had inhabited it hitherto, like a victorious monarch marches through a well decorated capital to occupy the throne.

A few ears on earth were fortunate to hear the triumphant declaration, “Let the noble ones rejoice, let the wicked grieve, for Vayu deva has assumed form on the earth!” from the heavenly realm of the Devas.

To be continued…