Shri Rajarajeshwara Teertharu

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Shri Rajarejeshwara Teertha is a distinguished seer who not only illuminated the lineage of Palimaru Matha but also the lineage of sages of Bharata throught his poetic skill. He is the sixth seer in the lineage of Palimaru Matha. While his guru Shri Shri Aparajita Teertha was still in the peeta , Shri Shri Vidyamurti Teertha initiated Shri Rajarajeshwara Teertha into sainthood. He is a spontaneous poet. Out of admiration for his erudition, a King of the province of Mangalooru donated the land of Kantavara to him. An epigraph pertaining to this is still preserved at Kantavara Matha.

Presently, Ramasandesha and Mangalashtaka are two compositions of Rajarajeshwara Teertha that are available.

Ramasandesha is a poetic message inspired by Meghsandesha of Kalidasa. It dwells upon the message sent by the protagonist of the poem Ramachandra to Sita through Hanumanta. It also describes the landscape that Hanumanta passes through enroute to Lanka especially the beautiful Tulava province. Hamsasandesha composed by Vedanta Desika is a poem with a similar message. Ramasandesha is another superior poem to join the likes of Meghasandesha-Hamsasandesha. Ramasandesha is a poetic message that confines within the mythological framework and exults devotion towards Rama.

His second tiny composition is Mangalashtaka. It has been accepted by all irrespective of caste and creed. An auspicious octet recited in every household at daybreak. This is a small and lovely lyrical. All the auspicious realities to be remembered in the morning are incorporated by Shri Rajareshwara Teertha in this poem. It would not be wrong to conclude that there is no other morning prayer in the entire gamut of cultural literature that could match up to this octet. This little lyrical has assimilated the entire cosmos within itself. In form, this composition is Vamana but in it’s essence it is Trivikrima. This is a national hymn too.

This composition by Shri Rajarajeshwara Teertha is phenomenal and beautiful too. It’s charm captivates the hearts of people far and wide. Today during wedding ceremonies when the bride and groom exchange garlands, while the yagnopaveeta is put during the sacred thread ceremony, this auspicious octet is recited by everyone. This composition is so popular among people. Morning prayers are incomplete without reciting it.

The writer too intended the same. He wished that it be recited by people during all aupicious and holy occassions. His resolve was enormous and the Lord who is worshipped by all of the distinguished seekers, fulfilled his wish. Although this prayer was composed six centuries ago, it’s glory is still verdant. This exemplifies the formidable erudition of Shri Rajarajeshwara Teertha.

Such a lustrous poet, before adorning the peeta, submitted the material and non-material wealth to Lord Rama in the sannidhi of his guru and attained the feet of Rama at a very young age. This is the misfortune of our nation. Had he lived longer, as a eminent poet in the lineage, he would have probably bestowed us with some more sacred compositions?! But destiny didn’t show mercy. Society lost a great seer who was a great poet.

His vrindavana is at Palimaru. The first vrindavana available in the lineage of Palimaru Matha is that of Shri Rajarajeshwara Teertha. The vrindavanas of the five seers who were his predecessor have remained undiscovered.  The Matha of Shri Hrishikesha Teertha was establised at Palimaru village during the time of Shri Rajarajeshwara Teertha. Bsck then itself, it came to be known as Palimaru Matha. It is unfortunate that no records are available pertaining to the date when Shri Rajarajeshwara Teertha attained vrindavana. Nevertheless, his aradhana mahotsava is celebrated during chaitra hunnime every year at Palimaru to date. Besides, in remembrance of him and his grace, every year an eminent scholar well versed in vedanta is conferred with the Shri Rajarajeshwara Award and honored. Though the lifespan of Shri Rajarajeshwara Teertha was short, his fame is alive to date. To such a great soul ‘bhūyiṣṭhāṁ tē nama uktiṁ vidhēma’ meaning I offer reverential salutations to you with words within my limited knowledge.

Source: www.sripalimarumatha.org