Shri Raghavendra Teertharu

Dhyana Sloka

पूज्याय राघवेंद्राय सत्यधर्मरतायच ।

भजतां कल्पवृक्षाय नमतां कामधेनवे ।

Sri Raghavendra Swamy, a revered 16th-century saint, was a staunch advocate of Madhwa philosophy, emphasizing the worship of Vishnu as the supreme God and adhering to Sri Madhvacharya's Dvaita philosophy. He ascended to Brindavanam at Mantralayam in present-day Andhra Pradesh in 1671, where his Brindavanam serves as a significant pilgrimage destination.

Born as Sri Venkata Natha (Venkata Ramana), the second son of Sri Thimanna Bhatta and Smt. Gopikamba, on Thursday, Sukla Navami of Phalguna month in 1595, Sri Raghavendra Swamy's early life showcased his brilliance as a scholar and proficiency in playing the Veena, instilled by his father and grandfather.

After the demise of his father, Sri Venkatanatha was raised by his brother Sri Gururaja Bhatta and pursued his education under the guidance of his brother-in-law Lakshminarasimhacharya in Madurai. He later married Smt. Saraswathi Bai and had a son named Sri Lakshminarayanacharya.

Despite facing poverty and hardships, Sri Venkatanatha continued his devotion to God and service to humanity. Upon the insistence of his spiritual guru, Sri Sudheendra Theertharu, Sri Venkatanatha eventually accepted Sanyasa and was ordained as Sri Raghavendra Theertha in 1621.

The transformation into Sanyasa marked a significant event in his life, during which his wife, Smt. Saraswathi, tragically took her own life. However, Sri Raghavendra Swamy's spiritual powers granted her liberation from the cycle of births and deaths, fulfilling her last wish.

Following his ordination, Sri Raghavendra Swamy became the successor to his guru Sri Sudheendra Theertharu and continued to enrich Dvaita Vedanta. He performed penance at Panchamukhi near Mantralayam, where he received the darshan of Hanuman in the form of Sri Panchamukha MukhyaPrana.

Sri Raghavendra Swamy's life was marked by numerous devotees and disciples, and he delivered soul-stirring speeches to his followers. His legacy continues to be celebrated through hymns and prayers, including the revered sloka by Sri Appannacharya, known to all Madhvas.

"Poojyaaya Raaghavendraaya Satya Dharma Rathaayacha

Bhajataam Kalpa Vrukshaaya Namathaam Kaamadhenave"

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