Saint Sketch -7- Sri Sridhara Venkatesa Ayyaval -Part-1 By Sri.Sri.Muralidhara Swamiji

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Radhe Krishna To All,

 

The Holy land of India has witnessed the incarnation of countless saints. Srimad

Bhagavatam proclaims that Lord would incarnate in this land in this age of kali

in the form of Saints. True to the text, saints have blessed this land with the

touch of their feet now and then. Each of them lived to prove the greatness of

singing the Divine Names of the Lord. Not stopping with just immersing

themselves in this bliss of chanting the divine names, these selfless souls

strived to take this simple and sweet message to the masses.

 

One such great saint Mother India gave birth to and nourished in her lap, was

Sri Shridhara Ayyaval, who was an epitome of compassion and love.

 

                                     Sri

Sridhara Venkatesa Ayyaval

 

Sri Shridhara Venkatesa, known as Sri Shridhara Ayyaval, was born as the only

son of Sri Lingaarya. Sri Lingaarya was a great scholar and was respected by the

King of Mysore. The king, who was much impressed with Sri Lingaarya's

scholarship, rewarded him with a high post in the court and huge wealth. As the

only child of Sri Lingaarya, Sri Shridhara Venkatesa was the sole inheritor of

all these riches.

 

Even as a child Sri Shridhara Ayyaval cherished great devotion towards Lord

Shiva and spent most of his time in chanting the Divine Names of Lord Shiva. He

learnt all the scriptures and became an expert at a very young age. At an

appropriate age Sri Lingaarya found a good bride for his son from a good and

devout family. She too proved to be a fitting match for Sri Shridhara Ayyaval

and his devotion.

 

After his father's passing away, Sri Shridhara Ayyaval was offered the post of

'Divan' in the Kingdom of Mysore. A personification of dispassion that Sri

Sridhara Ayyaval was, he declined the offer as he considered any material

comfort trifling compared to the wealth of bliss attained in worshipping Lord

Shiva.

 

Days passed in loving worship of Lord Shiva. One day, Sri Shridhara Ayyaval

decided to move from Mysore. His mind could find no rest in residing in the same

place. He could easily sense the divine call guiding him to move around in this

world and spread the divine message of true devotion and Nama Kirtan. This meant

quitting his well-furnished home which was nothing less than a palace. Quitting

the comforts that he had hitherto enjoyed was by no means, a tough decision for

Sri Shridhara Ayyaval. But in the intent of knowing his wife's and mother's

heart, he ran it by them, only to hear back that they were only too happy to

follow him. Happily the family decided to leave the city that very moment. On

knowing his decision, the king and people of Mysore gathered at his doorstep.

Saddened at heart and overwhelmed with sorrow, they pleaded with him to stay

back even if he does not want to accept the post in the court. But who can stop

the one who is guided by

a Divine force to move on? Addressing the loving crowd, Sri Shridhara Ayyaval

said, " These riches belong to me no more! Anyone can walk in and take whatever

he/she wants without any restriction. Everybody has a right on this wealth from

now! " Saying so, Sri Shridhara Ayyaval walked out of his mansion followed by his

devoted wife and loving mother, while the King and the people watched on

helplessly.

 

After leaving the city of Mysore, Sri Shridhara Ayyaval passed through many

cities and villages. He had taken to 'Unchchavriti' (way of life wherein one

goes on the streets singing the Divine Names of the Lord, accepting things

offered as alms and partaking of the same after offering it to the Lord).

 

He would stop for a day or two in each village and teach the mass the essence of

the scriptures. He would chant the Divine Names of the Lord and speak of its

glory and ease of chanting it. After winning the hearts of the people there and

hearing them chant with devotion, he would continue his journey.

 

Thus, moving about, Sri Shridhara Ayyaval reached the town of Tirichirapalli in

Tamil Nadu, South India. He continued spreading his message of Nama Kirtan by

discoursing in a simple language which helped people comprehend the profound

truth with ease. His discourses emphasized devotion towards both Lord Vishnu and

Lord Shiva without bias. Every evening he visited the temple of Lord Shiva and

spent the afternoons in chanting divine names and reading scripture.

 

!!! Will Continue !!!

 

Regards

 

Let’s Chant

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

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