<Prev |  Next>

Of the three most famous philosophies of Hinduism, namely, Advaita, Dvaita and Vishishtãdvaita, Sri Madhvãchãrya established the Dvaita philosophy which propounds duality (i.e.; “Supreme Soul is different from Jiva”). Sri Madhvãchãrya was once meditating on the seashore near Udipi. At that time, a ship of foreign merchants carrying many valuable jewels and stones was sailing across the ocean.

Suddenly, a cyclonic wind started blowing shaking the ship violently and it looked as if the ship would capsize any moment. The merchants were terrified. Amidst this cyclone, they observed the Saint sitting on the shore, unperturbed. They cried out to the Saint for help. Moved by compassion Sri Madhvãchãrya stopped the wind (Vãyu Stambanam).

The foreign merchants were astounded by the miracle and touched by the compassion of the saint. Reaching the shore safely, they placed all the valuable stones at the Holy Feet of the Ãchãrya(Saint) as a token of gratitude and respect. The saint, however, refused to touch the valuable stones and requested them to take it back. This amazed the merchants all the more. Could anyone refuse such an offering?(!)

Addressing Sri Madhvãchãrya, the merchants humbly said, “We want to express our gratitude by offering something to you. But you refuse to accept such valuable gifts. What can we offer you but these?” Sri Madhvãchãrya replied, “If at all you really desire to offer me something, I would like to have the sacks of sand that you have placed on your ship in order to balance the weight.” The merchants could not suppress their astonishment. They humbly asked, “May we know the reason for your refusing the precious stones and asking for those sacks of sand?”

The saint replied, “Those are not mere sacks of sand. They contain ‘Gopi chandan’. Applying ‘Gopi chandan’ on the forehead makes one an ardent devotee of Lord Hari. The very fate of such a person changes. The rites performed by such a person are complete and his forefathers in the other world are happy with him. While walking on the street if we come across some one who has Gopi chandan on his forehead, we should not be ashamed to prostrate to him then and there. One who has Gopi chandan tilak on his forehead will not go to hell even in his dreams.” Thus the saint expounded the greatness of Gopi chandan.

The saint further said, “Apart from that, this sack of sand contains my Lord, my very life, Sri Balagopalan(Child Krishna).” Saying so, he started singing a song of praise on Gopala. From the sands arose a beautiful image of Sri Krishna with anklets on his legs, tinkling girdle on his hips, churning stick in his hands and with a charming baby face! Sri Madhvãchãrya installed this image in Udipi. We can still have darshan of this image in Udipi.

Once in Dwaraka Rukmini Devi desired to see the Lord in the form of a child. In order to fulfill her wish, the Lord gave her an image of His as a child holding the churning stick in hand. Rukmini Devi worshipped that idol for many days. This is the same idol that we still get to see in Udipi. The disciples of the eight Mutts established by Sri Madhvãchãrya worship this Udipi Krishna till date.

<Prev |  Next>

Home • e-MM • Contact

Radhe Krishna