The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
14. At Kaveripattanam
As instructed by Sri Vijayindra Tirtha, Kanakachalacharya, along with his wife, arrived at Kaveripattanam Agrahara accompanied by the matha officials. Following the Guru’s directions, Kanakachalacharya inaugurated the Samsat Vidyapitha on Vijayadashami Day. The event was graced by prominent local householders, pious individuals, Vedic scholars, and leaders from the four varnas, who were introduced to Kanakachalacharya by the officials. Conveying the Guru’s blessings, the officials arranged for Kanakachalacharya to reside in a private house, provided him with fertile land, and established a generous endowment to support his livelihood before returning to Kumbakonam.
With all amenities now secured, Kanakachalacharya settled into a life of contentment with his wife, Lakshmidevi, enjoying a harmonious family life.
Teaching at the Vidyapitha
At the Vidyapitha, Kanakachalacharya taught Vedas, Vedangas, literature, Nyaya, Vedanta, and other shastras to the students, earning the respect and admiration of everyone. His scholarly excellence, virtuous conduct, humility, and amiable nature impressed the people of the town. They expressed their gratitude to Sri Vijayindra Tirtha, the Guru who had sent such a distinguished person to their town to impart knowledge.
Aware of Kanakachalacharya’s mastery of the veena, the influential townsfolk requested him to teach music and veena playing to their children. In response, Kanakachalacharya established a music department at the Vidyapitha. Within a short period, 10–20 children from local families began learning music and veena from him. In just a few months, the reputation of the Vidyapitha and its head, Kanakachalacharya, began to grow far and wide.
News of Timmanna's Success
One day, a visitor from Kumbakonam came to Kanakachalacharya’s house and shared joyous news. He narrated how Timmanna, under the guidance of Sri Vijayindra Tirtha, had defeated northern musicians and veena maestros in a grand competition held at the Tanjavur royal court. Timmanna’s victories had earned him the title "Bala Saraswati", bestowed by the king himself.
Hearing about their son’s success and the Guru’s blessings, Kanakachalacharya and his wife were overjoyed. The news filled them with immense pride and gratitude for the divine grace that had brought such prosperity and honor to their family.
At Kumbakonam, under the affectionate care and guidance of the senior Gurus, Surendra Tirtha and Vijayindra Tirtha, Timmanna flourished remarkably. The Gurus taught him Nyaya, Vedanta, Mimamsa, and other shastras, transforming him into a great scholar within just a few years.
Following his Guru’s instructions, Timmanna actively participated in the discussions and debates held at the matha, where he earned a reputation for his intellectual brilliance and scholarship. Impressed by his talent and devotion, the Gurus appointed him as a teacher at the Vidyapitha, further solidifying his reputation as a worthy successor to his father's legacy.
Meanwhile, Kanakachalacharya had been managing the Vidyapitha at Kaveripattanam for three or four years. One day, a disciple from Sri Matha visited Kaveripattanam, met the Gurus, and informed them that Kanakachalacharya and his wife were unwell and longed to see their son. The Gurus immediately summoned Timmanna, informed him of his parents’ condition, and instructed him to travel to Kaveripattanam to care for them. They emphasized the importance of comforting his parents and assisting in their recovery. To support him, they sent Ramachandra Acharya, the son of Guru Prasada, as a companion.
Filled with concern and urgency, Timmanna traveled to Kaveripattanam. Upon arriving, he was deeply saddened to see his mother bedridden and his father also struggling with poor health. However, their spirits lifted upon seeing their son return home.
With Ramachandra Acharya's help, Timmanna devoted himself day and night to serving his parents, ensuring they received proper care and medication. Despite his efforts, his mother, Lakshmidevi, grew weaker with each passing day. One day, after gazing lovingly at her husband and son, she peacefully departed from the mortal world.
The father and son were overwhelmed with grief, deeply affected by her loss, as they tried to cope with the sorrow that enveloped their lives.
After completing his mother’s last rites, only a few days passed before Kanakachalacharya, overwhelmed by the grief of his wife’s loss, withdrew from life’s hopes and took to his bed. Timmanna became deeply troubled. Ramachandra Acharya tried to console him and ensured Kanakachalacharya received proper care and medications on time. However, within a few days, it became clear that Kanakachalacharya had no desire to continue living.
One day, calling Timmanna close, with tears streaming down his face, he spoke weakly:
“Timmanna, my time has come. I am preparing to join your mother. I have no sorrow about leaving this world, as death is inevitable for all—it is the will of the Lord. However, I am leaving with one regret: I could not see you married and settled in life, living happily. That remains my only unfulfilled wish. The rest is up to divine will.
My child, from now on, Vijayindra Swamiji will be your guide. Follow his instructions diligently and seek his blessings. He is a great soul and a benefactor of our family. With his grace, you will bring great honor and prestige to our lineage. My blessings are with you—may you live a long, prosperous life, my dear son.”
With great difficulty, he uttered these words before losing consciousness. His awareness never returned.
For Timmanna, it felt as though the sky itself had collapsed upon him. Drowning in an ocean of grief, he was inconsolable. Ramachandra Acharya offered comfort in many ways and, with the help and support of the village’s prominent people, performed the last rites for Kanakachalacharya. The villagers extended their condolences and sought to console Timmanna in his time of loss.
A few days later, Timmanna returned to Kumbakonam with Ramachandra Acharya.
Hearing of the events, Vijayindra Swamiji was deeply moved. Lamenting the loss of an extraordinary scholar and friend, he expressed profound sorrow. Both Surendra Tirtha and Vijayindra Tirtha took great care to console Timmanna in various ways. They ensured that he always stayed close to them, protecting him and not allowing him to feel alone or burdened by his grief.
As months passed, the weight of sorrow began to lessen. Gradually, Timmanna returned to his earlier responsibilities, resuming his role as a teacher at the Vidyapitha, engaging actively in Guru Seva and continuing his life with renewed vigor under the guidance and care of the revered Gurus.