Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam V Vol III Book X Chp 20 Shlokas 17 - 21

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam V Vol III Book X Chp 20 Shlokas 17 - 21

श्रीभक्तकोलाहल उवाच

आराधय महाभाग श्रीकृष्णं मामुपस्थितम् |

पत्रं पुष्पं फलं दत्वा प्रेमपूर्वं ददृढव्रत ||

भक्तश्रेष्ठस्त्वमेवासि तथाहं भक्तवत्सलः |

न कदापि त्वजामि त्वां तथा मामपि मा त्यज ||

इत्युक्त्वान्तर्दधे कृष्णो भक्तकोलाहलः प्रभुः |

रामभक्तं महात्मानं राजगोपालदेशिकम् ||

परमं विस्मयं प्राप्य स महात्मा तपोनिधिः |

पूजयामास गोविन्दं राधिकारमणं हरिम् ||

अर्घ्यपाद्यादिकं दत्वा यथाशास्त्रं सतां वरः |

रामनामसहस्त्रेण पूजयामास केशवम् ||

Shri Bhaktakolahala said

Oh! Fortunate one with deep devotion! Look at Me, Lord Krishna, who has come to you. Give Me, in offering, leaves, flowers or fruits. You are the greatest of the devotees. I am the savior of the bhaktas. I will never let you down. You also do not give up your devotion to Me at any time. 

Shri Sadguru said

Having spoken thus to the mahatma Rajagopala Deshika, the devotee of Lord Rama, Lord Shri Krishna, Shri Bhaktakolahala disappeared. That great man of penance, got very much surprised and with great devotion, worshipped Shri Bhaktakolahala Krishna. The illustrious sadhu systematically performed the Pooja of Shri Keshava, chanting Rama Sahasranamam and offering arghyam and padhyam.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam V Vol III Book X Chp 20 Shlokas 12 - 16

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam V Vol III Book X Chp 20 Shlokas 12 - 16

पुण्डरीकविशालाक्षः पूर्णचन्द्रसमाननः |

कुटिलालकसंयुक्तः केकिपिच्छावतंसकः ||

कज्जलाकिपतनयनक्ष्चलन्मकरकुण्डलः |

मञ्जुलालापसंयुक्तो मन्दस्मितमनोहरः ||

मुरलीभूषितकरो मुनिचित्तापाहारकः |

त्रिभङ्गिललिताकारस्त्रिजगन्मोहनः प्रभुः ||

क्वनित्किङ्किणिपादक्ष्च कटिन्यस्तकराम्बुजः |

गोपालदेषिकस्याग्रेप्याविरासीत्कृपानिधिः ||

तात तातेति चाहूय मां पश्येति पुनः पुनः |

समाधिस्थं समुत्थाय जगाद मधुरं वचः ||

Bhaktakolahala, the boundless ocean of compassion, appeared before Deshika in this form. He was lotus-eyed; His face was bright like the moon. He came with curly hair decorated with the feathers of peacock; His dark eyes beautified with khajal and dangling Makarakundalas on His ears. He was having a very sweet voice. His pleasant smile was quite enchanting. He was holding the flute. His form was so fascinating that it could win the hearts of even great riches. His form with three beautiful curves was attracting all the three worlds. His legs were adorned with sweet sounding anklets and His hands rested on His hips. Shri Krishna woke him up from his samadhi shouting "Thatha", "Thatha" (grandfather) repeatedly and talked to him in a very sweet voice.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam V Vol III Book X Chp 20 Shlokas 6 - 11

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam V Vol III Book X Chp 20 Shlokas 6 - 11

यदृच्छया महात्म्यं राजगोपालदेशिकः |

अत्राजगाम कृष्णस्य कृपयैव प्रचिदितः ||

अहो भाग्यं ममैवेदं महान्मेsनुग्रहः कृतः |

अन्यथा दुर्लभो नूनं सङ्गमस्तु महात्मनाम् ||

अत्रैव निवसन्नित्यं सानन्दं प्रेमपूर्वकम् |

स्वस्यानुभूतिं निखिलां स्वयमेव जगाद मे ||

दिने दिने रहस्येवं कुर्वतोः प्रेमभाषणम् |

अन्योन्यं परमा प्रीतिर्ववृधे सर्वथैव नौ ||

एकान्तरामभक्तोयं राजगोपालदेशिकः |

भक्तकोलाहलं कृष्णं न ददर्श कदापि च ||

भक्तकोलाहलः कृष्नोप्येवं विमुखमात्मनि |

गोपालदेशिकं गत्वा प्रार्थयामास च स्वयम् ||

Mahatma Rajagopala Deshika came here (Paranoor) unexpectedly due to the mercy of Lord Krishna. Oh! How fortunate I am! The Lord blessed me bestowing His kindness on me. Otherwise I would not have gained sadhusangam. Shree Deshika stayed here and he himself described all his divine experience to me daily. Daily we had very interesting and affectionate conversation in solitude. Thus we developed mutual understanding and very strong affection. As Shri Rajagopala Deshika was a loyal devotee of Shri Rama, he did not ever visit Bhaktakolahala Krishna (in the temple here). But Lord Krishna, the Bhatakolahala went on His own volition to Rajagopala Deshika, who was indifferent to Him and pleaded to Him.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam V Vol III Book X Chp 20 Shlokas 1 - 5

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam V Vol III Book X Chp 20 Shlokas 1 - 5

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

न तीर्थयात्रया नृणां न च श्रीमूर्तिदर्शनात् |

साधूनां सङ्गमादेव मनःशुद्धिः प्रजायते ||

यदा सर्वेक्ष्वरो यं यमात्मन्याक्रष्टुमिच्छति |

तदैव तस्मै तस्मै च साधुसङ्गं प्रयच्छति ||

अन्यथा दुर्लभो लोके श्रीपतेः कृपया विना |

वैष्णवोत्तमसङ्गस्तु नृणां संसारिणामिह ||

तदेव गण्यं मन्येहं नृणामिह शतायुषाम् |

क्षणार्धमपि सत्सङ्गो लभ्यते यदि संसृतौ ||

यदृच्छयैव सत्सङ्गो लब्ध्वा सांसारिको नरः |

कामक्रोधविमुग्धोपि लभते नवजीवनम् ||

Shri Sadguru said

The mind gets purified only by the contact with the pious and devoted sadhus and not by pilgrimage or visit to temples and darshan of the mortis alone. Lord Sarveshwara blesses one with the association of sadhus only at that time when He decides to draw him to Himself. For the mundane people, sadhusangam is attainable only with the mercy of Lord Shripati and not in any other way. I believe that half a second of a man's life spent in the company of the sadhus is more valuable than his entire life even if it spans for a hundred years. A man may be completely enslaved by lust and anger. Yet, if he such a householder unexpectedly gains sadhusangam, he is rejuvenated and starts life afresh.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam IV Vol III Book X Chp 19 Shlokas 29 - 32

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam IV Vol III Book X Chp 19 Shlokas 29 - 32

अथ भद्राचले रामं दृष्ट्वा श्रीकूर्ममागतः |

अहोबिलं ततो गत्वा नृसिह्मञ्च ददर्श सः ||

ततः शेषाचलं गत्वा वेङ्कटेशं ददर्श च |

तत्रैवोवास सानन्दं ध्यायन्नेव श्रियः पतिम् ||

भगवान् वेङ्कटेशोपि प्रददौ दिव्यदर्शनम् |

अष्टलक्ष्मीसहचरः सञ्चरन् गिरिकानने ||

ततः काञ्चीपुरं गत्वा वरदञ्च विलोक्य सः |

ग्राममेव पुनः प्राप स्वकीयं वैष्णवोत्तमः ||

Then, he had the darshan of his beloved Shri Rama at Bhadrachalam. After that through Koormakshetra, he reached Ahobilam and had the darshan of Shri Narasimha. From there, he went to Tirumala, and had the darshan of Shri Venkateshwara. He stayed there too, happily for a long time engaged in the dhyana of Shrinavasa. Bhagavan Shri Venkateshwara appeared before him along with His eight consorts (Ashta Lakshmi) in the course of his strolls on the mountains and the forests. Afterwards, that vaishnavottama went to Kanchipuram and had the darshan of Shri Sarada and finally returned to his native village.

Thus ends Chapter Nineteen entitled 'Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam X' of Shri Vaishnava Samhita composed by Shri Shri Krishna Premi Swamigal

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam IV Vol III Book X Chp 19 Shlokas 22 - 28

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam IV Vol III Book X Chp 19 Shlokas 22 - 28

तीर्थराजमथो गत्वा चित्रकूटमवाप च |

तत्रैव निवसन्नित्यं वाल्मीकीयं पपाठ च ||

कृत्वा पट्टाभिषेकञ्च रामस्य प्रेमपूर्वकम् |

भक्तिक्ष्च बन्धुभिः साकमयोध्यानगरीमगात् ||

अयोध्येयमयोध्येयमयोध्येयमिति स्मरन् |

उन्मत्तवनननर्तासौ रामभक्त शिखामणिः ||

सरयूसलिले स्नात्वा कुर्वन् श्रीरामचिन्तनम् |

प्रदक्षिणं चकारापि साकेतं कीर्तयन् हरिम् ||

तत्रैव निवसन् भक्तो बहूनि च दिनानि सः |

राममाराधयामास नानाभावकुतूहलः ||

अध बृन्दावनं गत्वा गोवर्धनगिरिं तथा |

स्नात्वा च यमुनातीर्थे नैमिशारण्यमाययौ ||

ततक्ष्च पुष्करे स्नात्वा गयाक्षेत्रमुपागतः |

पितृश्राद्धं विधायाथ जगन्नाथपुरं ययौ ||

Then through Prayag, he reached Chitrakuta. He stayed there for a long time, regularly chanting Valmiki Ramayana. There he performed the coronation of his moorti Shri Rama. Afterwards along with the bhaktas and his relatives he reached Ayodhya. Entering Ayodhya, he started dancing very happily shouting loudly again and again like a lunatic. He circumambulated Ayodhya and spent his time in taking holy dips in river Sarayu and carrying on Rama dhyana. Highly satisfied, that bhakta stayed there for a large number of days and performed the Pooja of Shri Rama. Then he started his pilgrimage once again and reached Naimisharanya after visiting Shri Brindavan and Govardhana, and taking holy dip in the Yamuna. Then he took a holy batch in Pushkara and reached Gaya. There he performed the shraddha for his ancestors and then came to Jagannatha Puri. 

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam IV Vol III Book X Chp 19 Shlokas 14 - 21

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam IV Vol III Book X Chp 19 Shlokas 14 - 21

श्रीरङ्गक्षेत्रमागत्य ददर्श पुरुषोत्तमम् |

बालगोपालरूपेण ज्योतिरभ्यन्तरस्थितः ||

दर्शनं प्रददौ तस्मै राजगोपालयोगिने |

श्रीरङ्गनाथो भगवान् कृपया भक्तवत्सलः ||

ततक्ष्चापुरीं गत्वा परमानन्दपूरितः |

पुष्पवाटीञ्च गोदाया ददर्श मुनिपुङ्गवः ||

वृषभाद्रिञ्च तोताद्रिं मधुरामपि वैष्णवः |

क्रमेण पश्यन् सानन्दं रामसेतुमवाप सः ||

तत्रैव निवसन् भक्तो दिनानि दश पञ्च च |

अखण्डरामभजनं चकार दृढनिष्ठया ||

अथ केरलदेशेषु सञ्चरन् वैष्णवोत्तमः |

अनन्तशयनं विष्णुं ददर्श प्रेमपूर्वकम् ||

गुरुवायुपुरं गत्वा यादवाद्रिमवाप सः |

पुण्डरीकपुरं गत्वा पन्दुरङ्गं ददर्श च ||

ततक्ष्च द्वारकां गत्वा काशीं प्राप महामुनिः ||

He came to Shri range and had the darshan of Shri Ranganatha. The gracious Lord Ranganatha presented Himself in the form of Balagopala surrounded by a halo, to the bhakta Shri Rajagopala Deshika. Then, highly satisfied, that seer went to Shrivilliputtur very happily, and had the darshan of the garden of Devi Goda. Then he joyfully visited Thirumaliruncholai, Vanamamalai and Madurai, and reached Rama Setu finally. The Rama bhakta stayed there for fifteen days. With great devotion, he performed Akhanda Nama bhajan (non stop chanting of the Divine Name for a period) there. That vaishnavottama visited the holy places in Kerala and reached Tiruvanantapuram, where he had the darshan of Lord Padmanabha to his heart's content. Then he went to Guruvayoor, from there to Yadugiri and lastly to Pandaripuram where he had the darshan of Lord Panduranga. Then that great seer reached Kashi after visiting Dwaraka, Prabhasa Kshetra and Kurukshetra. 

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam IV Vol III Book X Chp 19 Shlokas 6 - 13

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam IV Vol III Book X Chp 19 Shlokas 6 - 13

गोपालदेशिको योगी जपयोगेन केशवम् |

साक्षात्कृत्य परानन्दरसोन्मत्तो बभूव ह ||

योगक्षेमं न जानाति कुटुम्बस्य कदापि सः |

सदा श्रीराम रामेति ध्यानमग्नो बभूव ह ||

सर्वं गृहं परित्यज्य दृढवैराग्यसंयुतः |

प्रतस्थे राजगोपालः साकेतनगरं शुभम् ||

अयोध्यां प्रस्थितं दृष्ट्वा लक्ष्मीः सापि पतिव्रता |

तमेवानुजागामापि बालैः सार्धं मनस्विनी ||

पत्नीपुत्रादिभिः साकं बहुभिर्वैष्णवोत्तमः |

प्रतस्थे राघवपुरीं निर्भयो निर्भरो महान् ||

शिबिकायां तु रम्यायां निधाय रघुनन्दनम् |

कीर्तयन् रामरामेति प्रतिग्रामं ययौ महान् ||

तस्य दर्शनमात्रेण ग्रामे ग्रामे महाजनाः |

अभूवन् सहसा भक्ता नामकीर्तनतत्पराः ||

ग्रामे ग्रामे जनाः सर्वे पूर्णकुंभं प्रदाय च |

विविधैरुपचारैक्ष्च पूजयामासुरादरात् ||

Yogi Gopala Deshika could see Lord Yeshiva face to face with the strength of Japan yoga. He became intoxicated with the divine ecstasy. He was never mindful of the welfare of the family. He was always immersed in the dhyana of Shri Rama and chanting of His Divine Name. Rajagopala Deshika with unwavering faith, left the house and set out towards the holy city of Ayodhya. Looking at her husband, who had set out for Ayodhya, his devoted wife Lakshmi Ammal, also followed him along with their children. That exalted personality who had shed off all fears and responsibilities started towards Ayodhya with his wife, children and many other vaishnavas. Carrying his Rama moorti seated in a palanquin and singing His Divine Name unceasingly, he went from village to village. People in each village developed great interest in Nama Sankirtana and became sincere devotees at his very darshan. In each village, people welcomed him with Poorna Kumbham and respected him and held him in high esteem. 

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam IV Vol III Book X Chp 19 Shlokas 1 - 5

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam IV Vol III Book X Chp 19 Shlokas 1 - 5

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

यस्मै ददाति भगवान् कृपया निजदर्शनम् |

स जह्वाति मतिं लोके वेदे चैकान्तमानसः ||

साक्षात्कृत्य हरिं सद्यो जहाति विषये रतिम् |

सुधायामेव पीतायां किं क्षुद्रैः प्राकृतै रसैः ||

मया तु योगसिद्धेन भगवद्दर्शनं कृतम् |

इत्युक्त्वा वञ्चयन्त्येव बहवः पामरान्नरान् ||

यदि साक्षात्कृतो विष्णुः परमानन्दविग्रहः |

किं ततक्ष्चान्नपानाद्यैः कामिनीकाञ्चनादिभिः ||

प्रेमभक्तिरसोन्मत्तो दृढवैराग्यसंयुतः |

लोकवेदविमुक्तः स्यात्तस्मिन् दृषे परावरे ||

Shri Sadguru said

A person who gets the darshan of Shri Bhagavan due to His boundless grace develops single minded devotion and gives up all attachment to worldly affairs. One who has got the darshan of Lord Hari, gets detached from the world immediately. What use does ordinary drinks have to one who has tasted the divine nectar? Many cheats acting as yogis deceive the ordinary, innocent people saying that they have had darshan of Shri Bhagavan. What use do food and drinks and women and wealth have for the one who has seen face to face, Lord Vishnu, the embodiment of eternal bliss ? Getting the darshan of Shri Bhagavan, the very embodiment of Ghana, one gets rid of worldly duties, gets intoxicated with loving devotion and becomes a firm believer.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam III Vol III Book X Chp 18 Shlokas 29 - 33

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam III Vol III Book X Chp 18 Shlokas 29 - 33

भक्तिमेव परां वव्रे श्रीरामचरणाम्बुजे |

वराय चोदितो देव्या राजगोपालदेशिकः ||

एवं कामवरं दत्वा जानक्या लक्ष्मणेन च |

अन्तर्दधे कृपासिन्धुः कोसलाधिपतिर्हरिः ||

गोपालदेशिकोप्येवं लब्ध्वा श्रीराम दर्शनम् |

प्रेमोन्मत्तो बभूवैष लोकवेदपराङ्ग्मुखः ||

सीता सीतेति सततं कीर्तयत्यादरेण सः |

क्वचिद्रोदिति रामेति भूमौ विलुठति क्वचित् ||

अन्नपानं विसृज्याथ निद्रां तयक्त्वापि सर्वथा |

रामध्यानपरो भूत्वा चचार भुवने महान् ||

Encouraged by Sita Devi to get a boon from Shri Rama, Rajagopala Deshika prayed for unchanging and abiding Bhakti to the lotus feet of Shri Rama. Granting him the desired boon, Shri Rama, the Lord of the Kosala kingdom and the ocean of compassion disappeared along with Shri Lakshmana and Devi Janaki. Thus getting the darshan of Shri Rama, Gopala Deshika forgot all his mundane duties and became intoxicated with prima Bhakti. He used to chant the Divine Name of Shri Sita unendingly. At times, he used to weep repeating the Name of Shri Rama. At other times, he used to roll on the earth. He gave up food and sleep. He roamed about the earth with the only aim of Rama-dhyana.

Thus ends Chapter Eighteen entitled 'Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam III' of Book X of Shri Vaishnava Samhita composed by Shri Shri Krishna Premi Swamigal.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam III Vol III Book X Chp 18 Shlokas 23 - 28

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam III Vol III Book X Chp 18 Shlokas 23 - 28

कदाचिद्रामपूजां तु कुर्वति श्रद्धया प्रभुः |

ददौ यदृच्छया तस्मै श्रीरामो दिव्यदर्शनम् ||

देवं मरकतश्यामं दिव्यक्षौमोत्तरीयकम् |

विशालवक्षसं रामं पीनायतभुजं प्रभुम् ||

पुण्डरीकवीशालाक्षं लक्ष्मणेनापि सेवितम् |

अंसे निषङ्गं हस्तेपि कोदण्डं शरमद्भुतम् ||

दधानं वामपार्क्ष्वेपि सीतायालिङ्गितं तथा |

किरीटकुण्डलधरं त्रिभङ्गिललिताकृतिम् ||

गोपालदेशिको दृष्ट्वा दर्शनानन्दमोहितः |

पपात चरणोपान्ते जानकीरमणस्य सः |

भक्तमुत्थाय सानन्दमालिङ्ग्य च पुनः पुनः |

सान्त्वयामास भगवान् प्रेमपूर्वं रघूत्तमः ||

Once, when he was engaged devotedly in Rama Pooja, Lord Shri Rama gave him darshan. Lord Rama appeared before him with a bluish green lustre like the Marakata gem; He was clad in gorgeous yellow silk. he was broad shouldered and was having well built long arms. He was lotus eyed. He was adorned with the crown and mandala. he had the quiver on His shoulder and had Kodanda and the arrow in his hands. The Devadeva, Lord Rama worshipped by Lakshmana and embraced by Devi Sita, stood before him with three delicate curves in His body. Enchanted by His divine form, Gopala Deshika prostrated at the holy feet of Shri Janakiramana. Bhagavan Shri Rama lifted the bhakta up and embraced him with great love. He consoled him again and again.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam III Vol III Book X Chp 18 Shlokas 14 - 22

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam III Vol III Book X Chp 18 Shlokas 14 - 22

गृहचिन्तां परित्यज्य वनान्तरमुपागतः |

जजाप कोटिशो नित्यं राममन्त्रं दृढव्रतः ||

तथापि राजगोपालो न लेभे रामदर्शनम् |

अवाप दुःसहं तापं सीताsशोकवने यथा ||

कदाचिद्विपिने घोरे सर्वत्र तमसाकुले |

भगवद्विरहाक्रान्तो मरणे कृतनिक्ष्चयः ||

विस्मृत्य पत्नीं पितरौ शरीरं जीवितं तथा |

विषञ्च जग्धुमारेभे राम रामेति कीर्तयन् ||

तदा तत्रैव भगवान् काकरूपधरो हरिः |

आगत्य त्वरया तस्य हस्ताद्गरममग्रहीत् ||

विज्ञायेक्ष्वरसङ्कल्पमेवं गोपालदेशिकः |

सान्त्वयन्नात्मात्मानं पुनः प्राप गृहं स्वकम् ||

अर्चावताररूपं तु प्रतिष्ठापय रघूत्तमम् |

पूजयन् भार्यया नित्यं चकार सुखजीवनम् ||

येनाकेनप्रकारेण कुटुम्बमपि पालयन् |

कालक्षेपं चकारासौ रामकैङ्कर्यतत्परः ||

श्रीराम राम रामेति कीर्तयन् प्रलपन् रुदन् |

पठन् रामकथाञ्चैव रामभक्तिं चकार सः ||

He gave up the concern for his family, reached the forest and with unflinching devotion, carried on the chanting of Rama Mantra many crores of times. Yet, he could not get the darshan of Shri Rama. He was aggrieved like Sita Devi, when She was in the Ashoka Cana. Once, he became so desperate that totally oblivious of his life, body, wife, parents and all, afflicted with the sorrow of separation from the Lord, he decided to take poison, chanting the Divine Name of Shri Rama in the midst of the dark forest. When he was about to drink the poison, Bhagavan Hari arrived there in the form of a crow, and picked up the poison from his hand and flew away. Gopala Deshika understood now the will of God. Thus consoling himself, he returned home. He installed a moorti of Shri Rama at home and spent his life happily performing regular Pooja of Shri Rama. Somehow, he was able to fend for his family. He led his life with the only ideal service to Shri Rama. He served Lord Rama and developed his Rama Bhakti, chanting the Name of Shri Rama, crying in love and reading at ll times the story of Shri Rama. 

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam III Vol III Book X Chp 18 Shlokas 6 - 13

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam III Vol III Book X Chp 18 Shlokas 6 - 13

श्रीकृष्णचक्रवर्तीति नाम्ना वैष्णवपुङ्गवः |

आसीन्महाभागपुरे राघवध्यानतत्परः ||

ज्ञानवैराग्यसंयुक्तः सर्वशात्रविशारदः |

शान्तो दान्तो महाभागः सदाचारसमन्वितः ||

गोपालदेशिको भक्त्या तमाश्रित्य सतां वरम् |

शिष्यभावेन कैङ्कर्यं कुर्वन् प्राप परम् सुखम् ||

रहस्यत्रयसारञ्च वेदान्तगुरुकीर्तितम् |

एवञ्च भगवदगीतां शुश्राव स दिने दिने ||

प्रवृद्धभक्तिनिष्ठोsयं राजगोपालदेशिकः |

प्रबन्धान् दिव्यसूरीणां गायन् गायन् रुरोद ह ||

तस्य भक्तिप्रभावेण स महात्मा वशीकृतः |

गोपालदेशिकायापि राममन्त्रमुपादिशत् ||

गुरोरनुज्ञया नित्यं समाहितमना भृशम् |

विविक्तस्थानसेवी च जजाप दृढनिष्ठया ||

फलमूलाशनो नित्यं रामदर्शनकाङ्क्षया |

राममन्त्रं जजाप पुरा प्राचेतसो यथा ||

At Perumpakkam, there was a vaishnava called Shri Krishna Chakravarti Swamigal. He had the dhyana of Shri Rama as the only pursuit of life. He was very fortunate and was a great gnani. Rid of all worldly desires, he had subdued anger and had complete control of all senses. He was a scholar of all Shastras. Gopala Deshika became the disciple of this great seer. Deshika took great pleasure in serving him with devotion. Shri Swamigal taught him regularly the Bhagavad Geeta and the essence of the work named "Rahasya Train" rendered by Vedanta Deshika. Rajagopala Deshika who had reached the height of Bhakti and faith used to repeatedly chant the Divya Prabandham of the Azhwars and cry loudly. Pleased with the flow of Bhakti from the heart of Gopala Deshika, that great gnani gave him the Rama Mantra. With the permission of the guru, daily Deshika used to sit alone and do papa with single-minded devotion. With an urge to have the darshan of Lord Shri Rama, daily, he used to chant Rama Mantra, like the great seer Valmiki. He took in a meagre diet comprising roots and fruits.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam III Vol III Book X Chp 18 Shlokas 1 - 5

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam III Vol III Book X Chp 18 Shlokas 1 - 5

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

गुरोरनुग्रहेणैव लभ्यते हरिदर्शनम् |

तस्माद्गुरुं दीनबन्धुं पूजयेत्सर्वथा नरः ||

गुरुरेव हरिः सक्षाद्धरिरेव गुरुः परः |

एवं ह्यनन्यभावेन भजेदाचार्यपुङ्गवम् ||

प्राप्तुमिच्छति यो विष्णुं भवबन्धविमोचनम् |

दृढविक्ष्वाससंयुक्तो गुरुमेव भजेत्सदा ||

गुरुर्माता गुरुस्तातो गुरुर्बन्धुर्गुरुः सखा |

गुरुरेव परम् दैवं गुरुरेव परा गतिः ||

घोरे संसारकान्तारे भ्रमतामविवेकिनाम् |

सन्मार्गदर्शको बन्धुर्गुरुरेव परा गतिः ||

Shri Sadguru said

Once can receive the great boon of Hari darshan only with the blessings of the guru. One should worship the guru who is the refuge of the meek and simple. Guru is Lord Hari incarnate. Lord Almighty Hari is to be identified with guru. Hence one should worship his guru in the same way as he worships Lord Hari. One who wants to attain Lord Vishnu who is the ford finder of the ocean of samsara, should worship guru always with unflinching faith. Guru is the mother; guru is the father; guru is the kinsman; guru is the friend; guru is the Supreme God; guru is the final refuge of one. Guru is the ultimate refuge, for he is the path finder for all disillusioned men who wander in the fiercest forest of samsara.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam II Vol III Book X Chp 17 Shlokas 27 - 33

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam II Vol III Book X Chp 17 Shlokas 27 - 33

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

इति स्वप्नगतस्यास्य गोविन्दस्यानुशासनम् |

ययौ सद्यो वनं विप्रः सानन्दं शिरसा वहन् ||

तत्र तस्मिन् मन्टपे तं दृष्ट्वा गोपालदेशिकम् |

उत्थाय श्रद्धया भक्त्या सान्त्वयामास वैष्णवः ||

तथापि गृहमागन्तुं नानुमेने दृढव्रतः |

हरिमेव द्रष्टुकामो विरक्तो देहधारणे ||

गोविन्ददर्शनं स्वप्ने तस्यैवमनुशासनम् |

निवेदयामास भक्त्या ब्राह्मणोपि ससंभ्रमम् ||

तच्छ्रुत्वा राजगोपालः परमाक्ष्चर्यसंयुतः |

तमाक्ष्लिश्यापि पप्रच्छ भगवद्विषयं मुहुः ||

अहैतुकीं कृपां विष्णोरात्मन्यापि महामतिः |

चिन्तयन् परमां शान्तिं लेभे गोपालदेशिकः ||

सान्त्वयन्नात्मानात्मानमनुज्ञाप्य च तं द्विजम् |

गृहमेव पुनः प्राप संस्मरन् भगवतकृपाम् ||

Shri Sadguru continued

Getting the command of Lord Govinda in his dream, with great pleasure that brahmana reached the forest swiftly. he saw Gopala Deshika lying in that mandala. He woke him up with great respect and consoled him with all warmth. Rajagopala Deshika endowed with unflinching faith and intent on a relentless pursuit to see Lord Hari, refused to come home as he had lost interest in protecting Himself. That brahmana explained to Deshika his dream and the command of Shri Bhagavan, with great excitement and regard. Hearing this, Deshika was greatly surprised. He embraced the brahmana with boundless emotions and repeatedly asked him to explain the dream and talk about the Lord. The great gnani Gopala Deshika became very happy and satisfied with the thought of the inexplicable mercy the Lord had shown to him. Somehow, he consoled himself. Then, he sent that brahmana back and reached home thinking about the boundless mercy of Shri Bhagavan.

Thus ends Chapter Seventeen entitled Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam II' of Shri Vaishnava Samhita composed by Shri Shri Krishna Premi Swamigal

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam II Vol III Book X Chp 17 Shlokas 19 - 26

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam II Vol III Book X Chp 17 Shlokas 19 - 26

श्रीगोपालदेशिक उवाच

प्रतिज्ञा तव गोविन्द न मे भक्तः प्रणश्यति |

इति संस्मृत्य संस्मृत्य प्राणान् संधारयाम्यहम् ||

श्रीनिवास दयासिन्धो भक्तं मां सान्त्वय प्रभो |

सत्यं वदामि गोविन्द त्वमेव शरणं मम ||

यथाग्नौ पतितः कीटो दुःखं प्राप्नोति दुःसहम् |

तथाहमस्मिंल्लोकेपि दुःखितोस्मि विना त्वया ||

न गमिष्यामि भवनं त्वामनालोक्य केशव |

मरणं जीवनं वास्तु सङ्कल्पेन तवैव मे ||

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

गोपालदेशिकक्ष्चैवं प्रलपन् मूर्च्छितोsभवत् |

निशान्तरे वने तस्मिन् हरिदासोsप्यनाथवत् ||

तदैव करुणासिन्धुर्वेङ्कतेशः श्रियः पतिः |

भक्तस्य कस्यचित्स्वप्नेप्याविर्भूय जगाद च ||

श्रीभगवानुवाच

अस्मिन्निशान्तरे घोरे वने चास्मिंक्ष्च मन्टपे |

अत्यन्तप्रेमभक्तो मे कक्ष्चिदस्ति विमूर्च्छितः ||

तमानीय महात्मानं प्रेमभक्तिरसोन्मदम् |

सान्त्वय क्षिप्रमेव त्वं श्रद्धया च ममाज्ञया ||

Shri Gopala Deshika prayed

Govinda! You have taken a vow not to let Your bhaktas get destroyed and not to allow their lives to go waste. Encouraged by that I continue to be alive. Oh! The gracious! Oh! My Lord! Shrinivasa! Govinda! Please give me solace. I promise I surrender to You. I have no other refuge. Insufferable is Your separation. I wallow like a worm fallen into fire. Oh! Keshava! I will not go home without getting Your darshan. Let me die or be alive as Your gracious Self decide.

Shri Sadguru said

Amidst the deep woods, that night the great harissa, Gopala Deshika was lamenting like this, left all alone. Finally, he became unconscious and was lying there uncared for. At that time, Lord Venkatesha, the ocean of compassion and the Lord of Goddess Lakshmi, appeared in the dreams of one of His bhaktas and spoke as follows. 

Shri Bhagavan said

In this depth of night, one of my loving devotees is lying unconscious in a mandala in the forest. He has fainted due to perm Bhakti. Obeying My command, go immediately, bring that mahatma to your place and console him. 

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam II Vol III Book X Chp 17 Shlokas 13 - 18

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam II Vol III Book X Chp 17 Shlokas 13 - 18

केन सृष्टं जगदिदं केन वा परिपाल्यते |

केन वा ह्रियतेsप्यन्ते कोसौ कुत्र वसत्ययम् ||

तमेव द्रष्टुमिच्छामि बाल्यात्प्रभृति दुःखितः |

तथापि मे नेत्रपथं नायाति भगवान् किल ||

अस्ति चेदीक्ष्वरो विष्णुरायत्वस्मिन् दिने स्वयम् |

नास्ति चेदिह सिह्मस्य भवत्वन्नञ्च मे वपुः ||

अनीक्ष्वरो तु लोकेस्मिन् जीवनान्मरणं परम् |

इति निक्ष्चित्य मनसा निषसाद महावने ||

गर्जन्ति स्म मृगास्तत्र सर्पन्ति च भुजङ्गमाः |

नगन्त्युलूकगृघ्रादयाः पक्षिणक्ष्च महावने ||

घोरेण तमसा व्याप्ते नरसञ्चारवर्जिते |

द्रष्टुकामो हरिं भक्तः प्ररुरोद सुदुःखितः ||

'Who is the creator of this universe? Who is its protector? Who absorbs it? Where is He? From my childhood, I sorrowfully long to seee Him. But why has not Bhagavan come before me? If it is true that Lord Vishnu exists in reality let Him come before me today. Otherwise, let my body become a prey to the lion in the forest. If the existence of God is doubtful, it is better to die than to live on this earth'. With this resolution, he was sitting all alone amidst the deep woods. In the frightening forest, the wild animals were roaring and snakes were moving here and there swiftly. Wild birds like owls and eagles were producing a big noise penetrating the atmosphere. In that desolate, deep, dark and thick forest, he was crying in despair with the thirst to see Lord Hari.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam II Vol III Book X Chp 17 Shlokas 8 - 12

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam II Vol III Book X Chp 17 Shlokas 8 - 12

भगवद्दर्शने नित्यं दाहोपि ववृधे तथा |

न सुखं प्राप धीरोsसौ लौकिकेष्वपि कर्मसु ||

सन्ततं कीर्तयन् ध्यायन् कथयन् प्रलपन् हरिम् |

भार्यया सह सानन्दं कालक्षेपपञ्चकार सः ||

तथापि प्रेमदाहेन भार्यां त्यक्त्वापि बान्धवान् |

श्रीवेङ्कटगिरिं प्राप विरक्तो वैष्णवोत्तमः ||

धृत्वा कौपीनमेकं तु त्यक्त्वा सर्वं धनादिकम् |

विवेश काननं घोरं सिह्मव्याघ्रवृकाकुलम् ||

तत्रैकस्मिन् मण्टपे तु निषण्णो दुःखितो भृशम् |

बहुधा चिन्तयामास राजगोपालदेशिकः ||

His thirst for getting the darshan of Shri Bhagavan was growing day by day. This courageous devotee was not fully satisfied simply with the discharge of his mundane duties. He spent his whole time in Hari dhyana, Hari kirtan, plunging over the thought of His mercy and having happy conversations about Him with his wife. Yet, in course of time, the vaishnavottama's desire grew so uncontrollable and he developed such dejection that he left his wife and parents behind, and reached Tirumala guided by his thirst to see God. He gave up all his property. With a small piece of loin cloth, he entered the forest which is haunted by wild animals. Rajagopala Deshika sat in a mandala and started brooding over his inability to have the darshan of God. 

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam II Vol III Book X Chp 17 Shlokas 1 - 7

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam II Vol III Book X Chp 17 Shlokas 1 - 7

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

गृहं सर्वात्मा त्यक्त्वा वनं गत्वा च केचन |

साधनानि प्रकुर्वन्ति स्वात्मानं ज्ञातुमिच्छया ||

किन्तु भक्ताक्ष्च बहवस्त्यक्तसंसारवासनाः |

गृहस्था एव गोविन्दं भजन्ते प्रेमपूर्वकम् ||

अन्ये केचिदविद्वांसो मौढये नैव बलीयसा |

अविचार्य गृहं त्यक्त्वा कामयन्ते पराङ्गनाः ||

गार्हस्थ्ये वापि सन्यासे भेदो नास्ति महात्मनाम् |

माहात्म्यं कृष्णभक्त्यैव प्राप्यते लोकपूजितम् ||

यथाकथञ्चिल्लोकेस्मिन्निवसन् विजितेन्द्रियः |

गोविन्दमेव सततं भजेद्विक्ष्वासपूर्वकम् ||

इति निक्ष्चित्य मनसा राजगोपालदेशिकः |

लक्ष्मीनाम्न्यास्तु कन्यायाः पाणिं जग्राह पाणिना ||

पितरौ पूजयन्नित्यं भार्ययाप्यनुकूलया |

धर्मान् गृहोचितान् धीमानाचचार यथाक्रमम् ||

Shri Sadguru said

Some people give up family life totally, and choose to take efforts towards self-realization staying in the forest. But the bhaktas continue to lead a family life. Yet rid of great worldly craving, they worship Lord Govinda with intense devotion. There are some foolish people who seek pleasure in the company of women other than their wives and thus give up organized family life because of their foolishness. The exalted personalities find no distinctive preference to either the life of a householder or that of a sanyasi. They achieve high esteem among the men of the world because of their devotion to Lord Krishna. We have to lead a regular life on this earth and yet we have to worship Lord Govinda incessantly controlling all the senses with a firm belief in Him. Having decided thus, Shri Rajagopala Deshika married a girl named Lakshmi. With an amicable wife, that gnani led a peaceful life serving his parents in the best possible way.

Vaishnava Samhita. Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam I Vol III Book X Chp 16 Shlokas 24 - 32

Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam I Vol III Book X Chp 16 Shlokas 24 - 32

किन्तु शान्तिं न लेभेsयं भगवद्दर्शनं विना |

मनसा चिन्तयन्नित्यं देवनाथं श्रियः पतिम् ||

कदाचित्पितरौ त्यक्त्वा हरिदर्शनकाङ्क्षया |

गोपालदेशिको बालः श्रीरङ्गक्षेत्रमाप सः ||

कावेरीतटमागत्य बहुधा प्रललाप सः |

आनपानादिरहितो विनिद्रो दुःखितो भृशम् ||

किन्तु साक्षाद्दर्शनं तु न ददौ जगदीक्ष्वरः |

दिनत्रये गतेप्येवं तस्मात्तापमुपेयिवान् ||

विप्रो वेङ्कटरङ्गार्यः पुत्रान्वेषणतत्परः |

पुत्रपुत्रेति विलपन्नितरां दुःखितोsभवत् ||

एकपुत्रा च साध्वी सा नितरां प्रललाप ह |

प्रियं पुत्रमपश्यन्ती राममाता यथा पुरा ||

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे विप्रो यात्रिकस्य मुखेन तु |

रङ्गक्षेत्रगतं पुत्रं ज्ञात्वा शान्तिमवाप सः ||

सद्यः श्रीरङ्गमागत्य कावेरीपुलिने स्थितम् |

पुत्रं विलोक्य सानन्दं कृपया परिषस्वजे ||

गोपालदेशिकं प्रेम्णा गृहमानीय वैष्णवः |

बहुधा सान्त्वयामास भगवद्विरहाकुलम् ||

But this boy could not find peace of mind, as he could not get the darshan of the Lord of Lakshmi whom he cherished in his mind all the time. Once this young man left his parents and reached Shriranga Kshetram induced by the great desire to have the darshan of Shri Hari. Foregoing food and sleep, he reached the banks of river Cauvery. With the sorrow of his separation from the Lord, he lamented deeply. Three days went off like this. But the Lord did not appear before him. So he became very anxious. The brahmana Venkatarnga Iyengar also was in despair due to the loss of his son. He was crying all the time for his son and had the only aim of finding him out. The chaste mother also lamented on the loss of her only pet child as Devi Kousalya did long back. In course of time, the brahmana came to know from pilgrims that his son was in Shrirangam. This gave him some consolation. Immediately he reached Shrirangam. Finding his beloved son on the banks of the Caveri, he embraced him with untold joy. Gopala Deshika was brought home with great love gy his vaishnava father. The father consoled Gopala Deshika who was suffering the agony of separation from the Lord, in different ways. 

Thus ends Chapter Sixteen entitled 'Shri Rajagopala Deshika Charitam I' of Book X os Shri Shri Krishna Premi Swamigal.