SRI RAGHOOTHAMA SWAMIGALU

SRI RAGHOTHAMA THEERTHA

He is ranked as one of the greatest celebrities of Sri Madhwa Siddhanta because of his five " Bhava Bodhas " which are the commentaries on the works of Sri Acharya. His guru Sri Raghuvarya Theertha of Uttaradhi Mutt consented to receive the ' bhiksha ' from a couple without children on the condition that the first born should be handed over to the Mutt on birth. He also sent them a gold plate just before delivery so that the new born might be delivered in it. After the delivery the child was taken to the Mutt where he was cleansed with abhisheka water of Sri Moola Rama. At the age of seven the boy was ordained into the holy order and given the name Raghothama Theertha.

After the death of his guru, Swamyji had a dream one day in which Sri Moola Rama in the guise of Sri Raghuvarya Theertha inscribed the ' beejakshara ' on his tongue and instructed him to start teaching his disciples straightaway. Instantaneously all Vedic texts and Philosophical truths flowed in torrents from the mouth of the young Raghothama Theertha; and then onwards he became the Acharya.

He wrote five commentaries and each is called "Bhava Bodha".
They are :

1) Geetha Bhashya
2) Nyaya Vivarana
3) Vishnu Thathwa Nirnaya
4) Brihadaaranyaka
5) Thathvaprakaashika

He spent his entire life in meditation, penance, puja and preaching the doctrines of Sri Madhwacharya. He was a great devotee of God. He lives in the brindavana at Thirukoilur and answers the prayers of his devotees who have full faith in him. His aradhana falls on 8-1-98 which is Vaikuntha Ekadasi day.

SRI MADHWACHARYA

Consecrated by Sri Madhwacharya

The idol of Sri Krishna lifted from a clod of white clay (Gopichandanam) was consecrated by Sri Madhwacharya at Rajathapeethapura (Udupi) ; he conducted its puja and lighted two lamps which are kept burning to this day. With his 'danda' he created a well for its abhishekam. He made eleborate arrangements for the continued conduct of puja fourteen times a day by establishing eight Mutts viz. Phalimaaru , Adamaaru, Krishna pura, Puttige, Sirur, Sode, Kaaneiyuru and Pejawara headed by eight bala sannyasins; each performing puja for two months. This period was later changed to two years by Sri Vadiraja for administrative convenience. So according to this changed system each Mutt gets its turn after 14 years.

During this long spell they are to tour, preach and spread the tenents of Sri Madhwacharya. This is going on for about 500 years ! The whole gamut of succession is called as " Paryaaya ". At Udupi Paryaaya is celebrated with pomp and festivity. The present Paryaaya Peethadhipathi Sri Visvothama Theertha of Sode Vadiraja Mutt will be succeeded by Sri Vidyavaarinidhi Theertha of Kaaneiyur Mutt for the fourth time as the new Paryaaya Swamyji, on 17/1/98.

On that day he will be received on the outskirts of Udupi town and taken round in procession and the temple of Sri Krishna before reaching his Mutt. At this venue he is received by the Swamyji completing his term. After offering felicitations to the out going Swamyji, the handing over responsibilities to the new Paryaaya Swamji is made as per protocol. The function will conclude with the anugraha bhashanams by the Swamyjis, which will be a feast to the ears. They cover a wide range of topics on Sri Madhwa Siddhaantha. The nextday i.e on 18/1/98 the new Paryaaya Swamyji will not only do the Puja of Sri Krishna, but also undertake to administer the Krishna temple for two years.

It is, indeed, a memorable experience to be in Udupi during Paryaaya to see the teaming crowds of devotees, orderly arrangements, and above all, the darshan of Lord Krishna, the image of which was made by no less a person than Vishwakarma and installed by our Srimad Acharya !