Sri Jitamitra Tirtharu. ( 1450-75)

 

Sri Jitamitra tirtharu was a disciple and successor of Sri Vibudhendra Tirtharu, earlier his Matha was called Vibudhendra and Vijayeendra Matha, now generally termed Sri Raghavendra Matha of Mantralayam. Ananthappa  was a householder, farmer and landlord in the Krishna-Bhima river  belt of Andhra-Karnataka region. He probably renounced his land holdings and family, when he came under the tutelage of the great scholar-pontiff of his times  Sri Vibudhendra Tirtharu, who was much respected Madhva scholar of his times.

Sri Lakshminarayana Tirtha, popularly called Sripadarajaru was his junior in the studentship under Sri Vibudhendra. In one of his compositions he praises his senior yati Sri Jitamitra tirtha:

‘ ವಂದನೆ ಮಾಡಿರೈ ಯತಿಕುಲ ಚಂದ್ರನ ಪಾಡಿರೈ.

ಬಂದ ದುರಿತಗಳ ಹಿಂದೆ ಕಳೆದು ಆನಂದ

ಪಡುವ ವಿಬುಧೇಂದ್ರ ಕರೋದ್ಭವನ ।।

ರಘುಕುಲ ವರಪುತ್ರ ರಾಮನ ಚರಣ ಕರುಣಾಪಾತ್ರ

ನಿಗಮೋಕ್ತಿಯ ಸೂತ್ರ ಪಾಠ ಪಠಿಸುವ

ಸುಗುಣ ಜಿತಾಮಿತ್ರ ನಗಧರ ಶ್ರೀಪನ್ನಗ ಶಯನನ ಗುಣ

ಪೊಗಳುವ ಅಪಾರ ಅಗಣಿತ ಮಹಿಮರ ॥

ವರ ಮಹಾತ್ಮೆ ತಿಳಿಸಿ ಮೊದಲಿಂದೀಪರಿಯಲಿ

ಚರಿಸಿ ನಿರುತ ಮನವ ನಿಲಿಸಿ ಶ್ರೀಹರಿ ಕರಿವರದನ

ಒಲಿಸಿದರೆ ಜನರಿಗೆ ಅರಿಯದೆ ಮರೆಯಾಗುತ

ಹರುಷದಿ ಗೋನದ ತರುವಲ್ಲಿರುವವರ ॥

..............................

ರುದ್ರವಂದ್ಯ ಮೂರುತಿ ರಂಗವಿಠಲಪದ

ಪದ್ಮಾರಾಧಕ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧ ಮುನೀಂದ್ರರ ॥                             

The above Kriti clearly mentions Sri Jitamitra Tirtha, as a senior disciple and successor to Sri Vibudhendra Tirtharu, well known to Sripadarajaru as a student under Vibudhendra, a renowned scholar yati of his times, whom he approached to study Madhva texts, as directed by his guru Sri Svarnavarna Tirtharu of Srirangam, in the direct line of Sri Padmanabha Tirtharu, senior among Sri Madhvacharya’s disciples. .

Sri Vibudhendra Tirtharu selected a loukika householder as his disciple, taught him Madhva thought and chose him as his successor. He is very much known as a Tapasvi and Jnani than a scholar of repute. He was a Siddhapurusha of his times, local villagers would approach him for some help, guidance and cure for their ailments. Sripadarajaru might have joined Sri Vibudhendra after Jitamitraru.

Records of present Raghavendra Matha, Mantralayam say that Sri Vibudhendra was already in possession of land grant at Manchala, the present Mantralayam, but later the Muslim regent there gifted it to a Moulvi, which was later given back to Sri Raghavendra Tirtharu. Since Sri Vibudhendra Swamiji was touring Sothern India, particularly the Kaveri  and Tamraparni belts  of Tamil Nadu, he had not established any temple of Matha at Mantralayam.

Sri Jitamitra Tirtha was a pontiff of Sri Vibudhendra Matha, earlier branched out from Sri Ramachandra Tirtharu, after Vidyanidhi Tirtha claimed to be his successor, when Sri Vibudhendra Tirtha was touring northern parts of the country. After taking charge of Matha, Sri Jitamitra Tirtharu spent most of his time, travelling the Andhra-Karnataka border areas, where he had a large following of farmers and common folk. No work of his has been discovered.

It is said, while he was in deep meditation, river Krishna was in full floods, Bhima river also overflowing,  and he entered Jala Samadhi by controlling breath and Yoga practice, after handing over the administration of Matha to Sri Raghu nandana Tirtha, his disciple. A Goni tree is worshipped on his Aradhana day, Margashira Chaturdashi, this year December 23^rd on the banks of the confluence ( Sangama) of Bhima and Krishna rivers near Yadgir town, now a district head quarters. 

 

KANCHIPURAM

 The rulers of southern India chose their capital cities depending on its location, vicinity to sea oanr land routes to travel, store their war equipment, nice weather and water resources preferably a river. Kanchi or Kanchipuram is such a naturally gifted safe place for any clever King to make this city his capital. It is an ancient city known as one among Saptha Kshetras which elevate us to to the ultimate state of Moksha-liberation from worries and sins. Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Kashi, Kanchi and Avantika are listed s 7 mahakshetras. Thus, it served as Capital City during Cholas, Pallavas, Nayaks, and Vijayanagar empire before it went out of picture in history of India. 

Here,  we have Vishnu Kanchi, Shiva Kanchi and Jain Kanchi spreading across the same city. It is one among most auspicious pilgrim centers (108 Divyadesham) for followers of Srivaishnava faith, relived by Sri Ramanuja. Shiva Kanchi is bigger  in area than others.  

Vishnu kanchi is that part of the town, where several temples dedicated to Maha Vishnu and his various manifestations (Avatars) can be seen. Varadaraja Perumal is Vishnu with 4 arms is the main deity of worship and Perumdevi (Mahalakshmi) his consort has a separate shrine. There are angels belonging to Vaishnava faith like Vishvaksena, Garuda, Hanuman and Sesha, Sudarshana and Shankha of Vishnu.

Varadaraja statue is believed to exist here since 3^rd century, but was hidden later during invasion by foreigners in search of gold and precious ornaments, under a fig tree, hence the name Athi  Varada. A wooden idol was put in its place and later replaced. To mark this incident, once in 37 years, the  image of Varadaraja is taken out of the temple  pond and kept for darshan to devotees, immersed again after several days, with Puja on these days, attracting large  crowds.

The temple has  32 surrounds, and a 100-pillared Hall. The main tower-Rajagopuram is about 130 ft tall. The temple has several beautiful carvings belonging to Chola. Pandya, Nayaka and other periods.

A pair of Lizards-both Silver and Gold are carved at a roof corner, which as per legends, are images of cursed Rishis like Gautama and his disciple. Inscriptions in and around Kanchipuram temple show its antiquity.

As per some Puranas and local legends, Brahma performed tapas to please Mahavishnu and the latter  manifested as ‘bestowing’ Varadaraja. Goddess Mahalakshmi is here named ‘ Perundevi’.  Kanchi is one among 7 kshetras-holy places known to grant eternal liberation of good souls who visit here in their life, sins, washing away their like other places like Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Dwaraka  and Kashi Kshetras.

There are 3 distinct yet co-existing pilgrim centres here- Vishnu Kanchi, Shiva Kanchi,  each with  magnificent shrines of their faith. Varadaraja Perumal (Vishnu), Ekamreshwara (Shiva), and Jain Kanchi has images of Tirthankaras.

While Vishnu manifested on prayers by Brahma, Parvati observed penance to seek only Shiva as her husband, though her  parents were not happy to give her to Shiva,  who lived  in burial ground clad in elephant’s skin. Nothing could divert Parvati’s attention, and Shiva appeared under a single mango tree, hence called Ekamranatha  ( Kailasanathar) Shiva, and Parvati as Kamakshi. This place is called Dakshina Kashi, in southern part of India. This place has a history of at least 2500 years. Ancient Sanskrit grammarians- Patanjali and Panini ( 300-500 B.C) refer this city as Kanchiprasta. Shiva appered here as Prithvilingam, a lingam of soil, hence Abhishekam for lord is made from oil and not water. 

Kanchipuram  was a very important center of trade and commerce in South of India with fine Silk, Cotton and metalwork. Kanjivaram silk sarees woven by traders here at their homes as family occupation has a long history.

Interestingly, among 108 Divyadeshas  (noted  pilgrim centres) of Sri Vaishnava  faith, 15 are located in Kanchipuram. It was a prominent place of religious and theological studies for Vaishnavas, Shaivas, and Jains and Buddhists. Though Buddhist places have now  vanished, traditional  learning is still prevalent in schools of respective faiths. Sri Vyasa tirtha, prominent Saint of Madhva Vaishnava faith during Vijayanagar Empire, is learnt to have stayed here for his initial learning, with a Matha of his followers still has a strong following.

Kanchi has religious Gurupithas  of several vedic faiths-Advaita, Dvaita and Vishistadvaita schools. Kanchi Shankaracharya  Pitham has its headquarters in  Kanchi Puram. Rajaraja II, Kulottunga, Vikrama Chola, and Pallava rulers- Simhavishnu, mahendra Varman, Simha Varman are famous rulers of this province.

Silk and Cotton yarn, dyeing, rice mills and other industries account for the region’s economy. It is a well-known tourist location with increasing business in hotel and hospitality sector.

Main entrance to Varadaraja temple. 

Kanchipuram is on the banks of  Vegavati, a tributary to river   Palar. It is a Head quarters  of Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu. The city is 270 KMs from Bengaluru, and 108 KMs from Tirupati. It is connected from Chennai, 75 KMs, by Bus, air,  train and the nearest Airport is Chennai. October to January is very comfortable season to visit Kanchipuram. 

Arjuna, ruler of Mahishmati

Yadu dynasty is very ancient family of Kings, Chieftains and warriors, and naturally finds a prominent place in Mahabharata and Bhagavata. Several great kings were born in this lineage. While king Yadu had five sons, the family continued later with great names up to Bhagavan Sri Krishna.

Arjuna, better known as Kartaviryarjuna, belongs to this family. He was born as one among grandsons of Kanaka, whose forefathers were rulers of cities of Vranaasi and Mahishmati on the banks of Ganga.  They belonged to Hehaya clan of Yadus. Arjuna was a brave son of Kritavirya. Hence his name Kartaviryarjuna.

Arjuna was born brave and adventurous, mastered art of warfare and other branches of learning, which prepared him to be a worthy successor of his father. He was a great devotee of Bhagavan Dattatreya, an avatar of Sri Vishnu. He observed  severe penance to have blessings of Dattatreya. He was granted one thousand arms whenever  he needed to attack an enemy. Lord Dattatreya blessed him with 4 boons. He was already blessed with one thousand arms. Apart from this, he requested another strange boon:

अधर्मे वर्तमानस्य सद्भिः तत्र निवारणं

‘Adharme vartamanasya sadbhih tatra nivaranam’-

whenever he went against Dharma, by any means, some noble soul should correct him’.

The third boon was:

सङ्ग्रामान् सुबहून कृत्वा  हत्वा वीरान सहस्रशः

‘ I need to rule the entire earth keeping my subjects happy and peaceful’, by  waging wars and if necessary, killing other heroes who obstructed my way’ .

The fourth boon he requested the lord was:

संग्रामे वर्तमानस्य वधं चाप्यधिकद्रणे

‘in case I die during a war, that killer  person shall be very much stronger than me’.

Bhagavan Dattatreya granted all four boons requested by him. Hence, Arjuna grew up as strongest warrior prince of his times. He would get 1000 arms whenever he needed them. By this, he could win over all 7 dvipas ( great island states), known for prosperity in his time.  He successfully conducted 100 yajnas there for the good of his subjects, pleasing various dieties.

Arjuna the great, was known for his generosity towards the poor, scholars, brahmanas, the weak and helpless. He was a household name in provinces he ruled, due to his benevolent nature.

There was a saying during his time:

न नूनं कार्तवीर्यस्य  गतिम् यास्यन्ति पार्थिवाः

यज्ञैः दानैः तपोभिर्वा विक्रमेण श्रुतेन वा||

-         None can equal Kartvaveeryarjuna in performing either yajnas, giving gifts, tapas, and bravery and knowledge indeed’.

Kartavirya Arjuna, even threatened Ravana, great ruler of Lanka, humiliated him taking him a captive to his city of Mahishmati.  Later Pulastya, grandfather of Ravana, and a great Rishi has to get him released  from this captivity. Arjuna,

though a great Yogi-warrior against cruel kings of his times, once did a grave mistake of burning the Ashrama of great Rishi, Vasishta.

Vashishta cursed him: ‘You might have done several good deeds ,since  you have burnt away my Ashrama, you will certainly be killed by another braver person’. He also predicted who will kill him!

रामो नाम  महाबाहुः जामदग्न्यः प्रतापवान 

तपस्वी ब्राह्मणश्च त्वां  वधिष्यति स भार्गवः ||

‘Arjuna! know for sure, you will be killed by a brave Brahmana warrior by name Rama,  very soon’.

After some time, Arjuna the great was killed by Bhagavan Parashurama, son of Jamadagni, and an avatar of Mahavishnu,  when the latter started killing all Kshatriyas on earth’.

( Source: Harivamsham, ch. 34)

 

 

Puranjana Upakhyanam

( Srimad Bhagavatam) 

Srimad Bhagavatam has several allegorical stories which have hidden spiritual meaning. One such episode appears in 4^th Skandha of this Maha Purana. This story is somewhat strange in nature and narration. Sage Narada narrates this to King Prachinabarhi.

Puranjana was a famous king of his times, liked by his subjects for his modest rule and kind behaviour to his subjects. He had a close friend whose name is ‘ anonymous’. He accompanied the king in all his journeys, but no one knows his whereabouts, not even his name!

Once the king and his friend were travelling to a certain city. On their way, they found a magnificent city endowed with all grandeur which even his capital did not have. The King was curious to know more, so he wandered around this city with child like curiosity.

His new found city had 9 doors, beautiful gardens, pleasant  weather, which made the king to like it and make it as his capital. On his way further, he saw a beautiful who was guarded by strong men on either side. In fact, her security staff looked like an army. Apart from this, there was a ferocious snake, hissing all along, with  5 hoods, and reddish eyes!

King Puranjana, went near the beautiful woman and enquired her whereabouts: ‘ Oh dear lady! who are you? May I know your parents? The woman replied: I don’t know, all these people are guarding me, more than tclosed doors, his I don’t know anything. King readily offered to marry her, she agreed. They got married, and wandered in that beautiful land for long.

Several months and years passed like this, both forgot the world around them. As a king’s pastime, he wanted to go on a hunting spree. He tried to come out of the fort, but failed as it had 9 closed doors., 7 above and 2 below. Somehow, he went out of this strong fort. His chariot had 2 wheels. After some time, he was encountered by 360 Gandharvas, 360 their women folk. All attacked the king and defeated him in the fight. Puranjana was miserably defeated losing his newly acquired city.

पुरुषं पुरन्जनं विद्यात् बुद्धिं तु प्रमदाम् तथा

सखाय इन्द्रियगणो ज्ञानं कर्म च यत्कृतं ||

Purusha, the person who is dwelling in a physical from is Puramjana, a resident of Pura-human form. His intellect is Buddhi, friends are sensory organs, his actions are determined by Jnana, his knowledge.

The valuable message of this allegory is a true seeker-Sadhaka, shall keep himself carefully and intentionally away from deceitful sense organs, and seek the help of Buddhi, and never Manas, the wandering wild horse like mind. If he makes this a habit, chances of him getting mesmerized by ever increasing demands of mind, body and sensuous desires, which lead him directly, but slowly to the dreadful path of misery and pain. After all, it is a god given physical form through our parents, which obviously is under our control.

सख्यः तद्व्रुत्तयः प्राणः पञ्चवृत्तिर्यथोरगः

   अविज्ञातःवयस्तत्र  यो पुरुषस्य सखेश्वरः ||

Puranjana travelled in a 2 wheeled chariot, with 5 horses.  Papa, and Punya are two wheels, 5 horses are 5 sensory organs. Human form itself is a chariot.

Those who obstructed his journey are 360 days, 360 nights. Srimad Bhagavatam asks us: ‘ Will you dance to the tune of your wild mind? By doing so, will you lose this precious human form given to you for good? We all dream and get highly illusioned by the fleeting mind. Our life is given to the hands of weird mind, not wise intellect. So beware of this and act wisely, as per your Buddhi, and never manas, the mind!

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