Sri Sri 1008 Satyatma Theertha Swamiji visits Atmashrama
-- By Balaji Raghavendran
| स्वस्मै स्वल्पं समाजाय सर्वस्वं।
Learned people quote “good things come to those who are willing to sacrifice to reach a worthwhile goal especially when it is not for self and for society at large”. How true and proof is the journey of Atmashrama as an institution, which was conceived by our beloved Acharya Shri. Raghavendracharya Rachuri!! As I remember, it was a minuscule idea (yours’ truly had thought of and I with all honesty would claim to have been a silent naysayer then) put forth by him during one of the small monthly gatherings we used to have almost a decade ago. Today, I can swear with conviction that Atmashrama is a name to recon with and has grown leaps and bounds in terms of guiding the people with a thirst of spiritual knowledge and living. It is living up to its motto of imparting Vedic wisdom for modern living.
It would definitely not be an exaggeration that Atmashrama has been blessed by the Saint of this century and the reigning pontiff of Sri Uttaradi mutt, Sri Sri 1008 Satyatma Theertha Swamiji right since its inception. His Holiness has been a guiding force and spirit (like a parent as well as a well-wisher blessing abundantly) of Atmashrama’s growth right from its infancy to what it is now, “An institution par excellence”. Along with His blessings and guidance combined with the unending desire to serve Madhva community of our Acharya, I am sure we will be witness to many more spiritual offerings in years to come from Atmashrama.
The day, प्लवनामसंवत्सर, माघ मास:, चतुर्थि तिथिः, रवि वासरः ( Feb 20th, Sunday 2022 ) should be etched as a landmark day for Atmashrama. It will, as well be etched forever in our memories too. For, on this day we had the great fortune of Sri Sri 1008 Satyatma Theertharu inaugurate and dedicate to the spiritual yearning community, Madhwa Theatre (Bhashyalaya as aptly named), Madwa Lab and Madwa Granthalaya, a well-stocked library for research oriented students/scholars of our philosophy. Preparations went on from previous night in terms of decking up Atmashrama with new sacred and honorific gateways (thoranas with mangala dravyas) along entrances, Slokas (composed by the vidyarthis) on His Holiness adorning the walls.
- His Holiness first had a look at the Madwa Granthalaya, a well-stocked and modern library (after a customary welcome from Acharya and his family amidst the Veda gosha of the vidyarthis). Expect HIS Holiness just to say “Good work and go away”, No way !!!, He blessed the library and modern classroom in His unique way. He sketched a Sloka (hymn) on the whiteboard and Lo! It is etched forever in Atmashrama and in our minds too.
प्रीतोसि मापते व्यास यदि केनापि कर्मणा ।
कुरु मां मध्वशास्त्रस्य सदाऽवृत्तिरतं हरे ।।
- Next was inauguration of Madhwa Lab. The divine and holy Hands (that does Pooja to Shri Digvijaya Moola Rama Devaru and Seeta Devi) with a click got the Madwa Lab 2.0 started.
- After inaugurating the Madhwa Lab, Madhwa studio was commissioned by His Holiness. On this occasion, He gave an enthralling verse from Shri Jayatheertha’s magnum opus Sriman Nyaya Sudha signifying His stamp of approval on the start of recording studio.
- Lastly, He inaugurated the Madhwa theatre (a.k.a Bhashyalaya), appreciating the efforts of Acharya and Vidyarthis. Finally the moment of joy / lifetime oppurtunity for normal people like us. I would myself consider privileged (presume other’s too who were physically present at that time would have the same feel) to have sat under His divine feet and watched a few minutes of video titled "Bhashyalaya" depicting the purpose of Atmashrama and its journey in making the Bhashyalaya – A 30 seater Mini-Theater on the walls of which you will see the Sarvamoola – the entire works of Sri Madhwacharya.. Sri Swamiji also released "Tavasmasi" - Atmashrama's quarterly research journal.
Remember, I started with quoting, good things come to those who are willing to sacrifice to achieve a worthwhile goal. Precisely, how true this is!!! Lots of sacrifices have gone into making of Madhwa theatre, Madwa Lab and library. I have personally witnessed how much efforts our beloved Acharya has put in. Right from conceptualizing, mobilizing funds and sleepless nights spent by him ably supported by his family and vidyarthis (students of Atmashrama Gurukula) studying under him, all have immensely contributed which is an overwhelming effort above description. Any day, after seeing the kind of sacrifices needed, in terms of getting accustomed to living with erratic schedule due to ongoing construction activity, a normal person would have buckled down under pressure and called it quits. The vidyarthis burnt the midnight oil for having to type the entire Sarvamoola granthas, proofread and do peer review of the each other’s typing activities, get it verified by Acharya and give a go-ahead for printing. I was told that the kitchen activities had to be shifted to different places at different points in time to enable the work to be completed. Just imagining these things would give us shuddering fear. At the end of the day, there are a very few fortunate and blessed people who with the unflinching trust in the almighty Lord and blessing of His Holiness can withstand the pressure and make sacrifices to reach a goal as sacred as this. Today one can watch Madhwa Theatre (a.k.a Bhashyalaya) whose walls adorn the entire Sarvamoola of Sri Anandatheertha Bhagavadpadacharya and feel the aura. It would give anyone goosebumps thinking the humongous efforts of the vidyarthis to make it happen.
Open google and search for “One Day Outing in Bangalore”. All will point to places which will again put us in this life (Samsara)!!! Hold on and mark my words!!! A day will come when the same Google search would yield ATMASHRAMA as a the top search result and options will be
- Spend a day browsing through Sarvamoola Grantha’s, teeka’s of great Saints, appear for exams and self-test your knowledge using the Madhwa Lab Faciltiy
- Debate and research with Vidyarthis’
- Meet Shri.Raghavendracharya Rachuri and his family. Get blessed.
- Watch many spiritual movies surrounded by Sarvamoola walls at Bhashayala.
- Last but not the least, relish tasty sathvic food strictly adhered to Madwa tradition ( would be a highlight for foodies like me and with many a experiences, I can shout-out at this.)
After a hiatus of almost a couple of years due to the Corona pandemic, Sri Sri 1008 Satyatma theertha Swamiji’s visit to Atmashrama for the inauguration event gave us all a privileged opportunity to see Him, be blessed by Him and most important renew our Vaishnava vow with tapta mudradharane (seal with the symbol of Sri Vishnu is stamped on the body) from His holy hands.
Last but not the least, wish to close my little thoughts on the event (taking the entitlement from our Acharya) with thanking all the well-wishers and donors towards Atmashrama, as well as all the invisible hands that were involved in getting Atmashrama to what it stands today.
- Balaji Raghavendran, IT Professional
।। सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः । सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् ।।