Sreepada Sreevallabha Charitaamrutam - 36

Chapter– 36 

 The account of Vedaanta Sarma Worship of Maatangi

Myself and Sri Dharma Gupta took the anklets of Sreepada presented to us as maha prasaad and continued our journey. During the whole of last night the melodious music of His foot anklets was resounding in our hearts.We heard that ‘Oum’ is heard without our effort in the Anaahata Centre located in the heart but, the entire previous night the sound from the anklets of the auspicious Feet of Sreepada was heard in our hearts as rhythmic music. Power was flowing from Anaahata to other chakras. When this flow was taking place it was felt as if some novel and new power was generated in all the nerves in the body. When we were walking the sound of the anklets was heard. When we stopped it was also stopping. In the meantime, we noticed an ashram in the farm fields. By its side a village was seen. On the outskirts of the village people of out castes live. We were discussing among ourselves as to how an ashram was located near it. When the ashram came closer the sound of the anklets halted. We knew roughly that we were going to get a profound spiritual experience. Then a brilliant sage aged 60 years came out of the ashram. Afterwards a yogini mother aged 30 years came out. Both of them cordially took us inside. The sage began to narrate, “My name is Vedanta Sarma. Actually I am a resident of Pithikapur. At present I am being called as Bangarayya. Her name is Bangaramma. By birth I am a brahmin. This lady is a female belonging to cobblers’ caste by birth. The altar of Maatangi is in our house. We are worshipping Maatangi here, who is one of the dasa maha vidyas. My body is thrilled. This person was saying he was a brahmin and that woman belonged to the caste of cobblers. How was their marriage approved by scriptures? We were given fruits and root vegetables. Bangarayya said, “Sir! When Arundhati requested Vasistha to marry her, he imposed a condition that she should not object to whatever he might do with her body. She agreed. ‘Rundham’ means obstructing. The sage burnt her seven times and brought her back to life. In spite of it, she never objected. That was why she became Arundhati. After that he took her as his wife. When I was in Pithapuram I married thrice. All the three wives died. I wept at my fate. Sri Sreepada used to tell jokingly, “Taataa!I saw a grandma for you. If you take her as your wife without marrying her I will grant you noble birth.” Sri Baapanaarya was the chairman of the brahmin council in Pithikapur. Brahmins requested that a conference of vedic scholars

might be held under the auspice of the brahmin conference. It was thought that some nice points regarding dharma and karma were to be discussed and some decisions were to be taken. It was decided to invite scholars from distant places and pandits in the agrahaaram. I was entrusted with the task of deciding about the persons to be invited. Sri Sreepada was never reciting vedas on any day after the sacred thread ceremony. In fact He was not sitting at the feet of His grandfather or father and learning recitation of lessons from vedas. Nevertheless, if any one for purpose of examination, were to ask Him to recite any particular pannam(verse in a chapter of the vedas), He was at once reciting it. Sri Sreepada knew all the veda that Baapanaarya knew! In addition to veda philosophy and esoteric vedic secrets were also as easily known as the grasped palm of hand! Therefore, we decided to invite Sri Sreepada also to the conference. The real intention of the brahmins there was different. Large scale arrangements were being made for the conference.Dharma saastra would be thoroughly discussed. The inner intention of those brahmins was to strongly criticize the violation of dharma by Sree Sreepada and on that plea ostracize from caste Sri Appalaraja Sarma and Sri Baapanaarya and to send a copy of that resolution to Sri Sankaracharya and with his approval to drive out the two families from Pithikapuram. I joined them when they informed their intention to me. A strong and a strange desire to become the president of that brahmin conference shot up in me. Sri Sreepada used to go freely to the house of anyone belonging to any caste. He used to behave very independently. In the same Pithikapuram Bangarayya and Bangaramma couple lived. They had a strong desire to see and speak with Sri Sreepada. All of a sudden Sri Sreepada asked for leather sandals. His age at that time was 14 years. The inmates of His house turned down His request that brahmins shoud wear wooden footwear and not leather footwear. This matter reached the cobbler couple as hear say. They wanted to offer leather sandals to Sri Sreepada and feel gratified. Suddenly Sri Sreepada appeared in their house. The measurements of His divine Feet were taken.

Bangaramma implored to Sri Sreepada, “Maha Prabhoo! I want to peel my skin and stitch sandals with it and offer them to you.” Sri Sreepada smiled and disappeared. There was a good cow in our house. That suddenly became ill and died. Bangarayya and Bangaramma couple tanned the skin and made leather sandals for Sri Sreepada. The meet of vedic scholars began in the mean while. A discussion started about Sri Aadi Shankara. Sri Aadi Shankara debated with Mandana Mishra in Kashi. Ubhaya Bharatidevi said that the examination was not complete unless she was also defeated in the debate. Ubhaya Bharatidevi questioned on sexology subject.

Aadi Shankara’s knowledge in that science was nil. So he asked for six months time. Shankara thought of obtaining knowledge of the science without infringing dharma. In the meanwhile a king died. Shankara entered into the dead body of the king by means of his ‘parakaaya pravesa vidya’.He instructed disciples to safeguard his physical body carefully and incase of emergency to come over to the king’s palace and intimate the matter in a code language.Maharani observed a new and novel change in the king. She understood that the soul of a great person entered into the body of her husband, that he attracted the consciousness in the  praanamaya jagat of her husband into the dead body and that he was dwelling as a mere witness to the conjugal bliss enjoyed by her husband, and that the divine soul was holding the presiding position in the body of her husband and was acquiring the knowledge of those experiences. It was known to her that the live consciousness of her husband would remain in his body only until the divine soul remains in the body of her husband. Therefore, she ordered that if any uncremated bodies were found in the city, they should be cremated.” When the body of Sri Shankara was being burnt, the disciples conveyed the matter in coded language to Sri Shankara living in the guise of a king. Sri Aadi Shankara regained his burnt feet and hands by the grace and mercy of Sree Lakshmi Narasimha.

The wonderful arguments of Sreepada in the conference of brahmins 

 

Then Sri Sreepada questioned the Parishad in this way, “You are saying that soul remains at one time in a body and enters into another body after leaving that body. Then I am asking you a question. Can the soul dwell in three or four bodies at the same time and erase the karmic results of three or four births?” For that the council replied that it was a complicated matter and there were no evidences to the effect that it happened like that at any time in the past.“Why there were no instances in the past! You do not know that such things were there. It was mentioned that Devendra due to a curse was born as five Paandavas and Sachidevi was born as Draupadi and became their wife. Even when born on earth Sachi and Purandara have their original nature in heaven. Only Arjuna had the comfort of bed. She was discussing consultation of affairs with Dharmaraja. Like a mother she was preparing delicious food items and serving them to Bheema. She afforded sexual pleasure to Arjuna. She appeared in the form of Lakshmi to Nakula. As Sahadeva knew about past, future and present he wished that events should take place quickly and the Kurukshetra battle should conclude soon. So she was conducting with him with more patience than mother earth.Devata dharmas are different.Human dharmas are different.Animal dharmas are different.All of them should not be mixed.” Sri Sreepada replied in the above manner. Then I said,“In Puranic times many strange things might have happened. In present times such things are not occurring.” Then Sri Sreepada’s keen looks fell on me and he addressed me, “You

married three women. The three died. Were the three having three souls? Or was there a single soul? If the marriage of three by a man is sanctioned by dharma, is not the marriage of three men by a single woman sanctioned by dharma? Actually, what is aatma? What is marital dharma?” To that question I emphatically stated that a man can marry any number of women but a woman had no such right. Sri Sreepada commented, “Oh! Are you greater than the master of the universe? Mandodari was a great pativrata. When she was the wife of Vaali the atoms of her body were different. When she was the wife of Raavana the atoms of her body were different. The atoms of her body were different when she was the wife of Vibhishana.Aatma is devoid of passions. It has no attachment with anything. So it is eternal, pure and extremely sacred. When she was the wife of Vaali who was primarily a person of tamo guna she discharged her responsibility to suit it. When she was the wife of Raavana who was chiefly a person of rajo guna, she conducted herself in tune with it. Had she not done her duty as one of principally sattwa guna when she was the wife of Vibhishana? I could not reply. After some thought I said like this, “Sreepadaa! If we agree to what you are saying we must also accept polygamy.” Then Sri Sreepada remarked, “This is kali yuga. Many subordinate races are coming up. Animals, birds, trees and vermin also are taking human birth. They are having varied relationships matching to their respective natures. When relationships contrary to dharma are formed subordinate castes arise. They are bound to be destroyed at the end of kali yuga. Devilish forces are responsible for the origin of unexpected subordinate species or castes. Therefore, the devilish forces are to be destroyed. When once the demon is destroyed he will not take rebirth but, in place of one demon ten demons are born. Only dharmic relationships stand. Therefore, all people should compulsorily observe duties of family and lineages and caste and varnaashrama dharmas(the duties of various castes). Some divine souls also emerge. They have only one soul. If that soul emerges as a male, the strength of that soul emerges as a female form. Their relationship is called divine marriage. Such divine souls were there even from the beginning of creation. They will be there at the end of creation also. They remain in an intimate union of an undivided shape of ‘paraa shakti’ and ‘para brahma’.You were born as ‘a brahmin Vedanta Sharma’ and ‘a cobbler Bangarayya’ at the same time. Your shakti was born as three wives, as the cow that died recently in your house; and Bangaramma wife of Bangarayya, cobbler at the same time. The consciousness of your deceased wives, the consciousness of the mother cow merged in the consciousness of the present pariah woman Bangaramma.Chaitanya should revert back to moola chaitanya from which it emanated and should merge with it. The mystery of creation is very impervious. Even the Sapta-rishis do not have adequate power to comprehend it. A solemn donation of the body of Bangaramma was made to the body of Bangarayya. So you have married life with her without violating dharma. You should not derive any amount of bodily comfort from her. I, who presided over the pedestal of

dharma issued this decision. On entering nature, the principles and traditions of nature should be scrupulously observed. Bangaramma said that she would present me sandals stitched out of her skin. I accepted. When she was continuing as Bangaramma, she was born as a mother cow in a state unknown to her. Without being aware she took birth as three wives to you. When the consciousness is distributed into three or four bodies it feels that the consciousness in a particular body was it-self. It cannot recognize the unity underlying it.‘Kaale pancha sahasraani jayate varna sankare’ means only this. Adulteration of

castes was not mentioned. Mixture of races only was mentioned. When castes are adulterated they lead to low births. With the mixture of races a new race is born with new strengths. This new race attains divinity in the evolutionary process of mankind. A divine race has to be born on this earth. I am aware of the real motive of this brahmin council. An evil intention of banishing My father and grandfather from caste was hidden in your innermost recesses. Therefore, I am ostracizing you, Vedanta Sarma from caste. From today you will be named as Bangarayya!” Sri Sreepada commanded.

The entire Parishad was astounded. A light came and merged in me in the sight of all people. Then again Sri Sreepada spoke sternly, “Before your very eyes the aatmajyoti  of Bangarayya merged in Vedanta Sarma. You decide whether he is a Brahmin or a pariah. You wanted to declare us as out castes and get approbation of Sankaracharya. What can Sankaracharya do to Me? I was born before your eyes and grew. Without studying vedas at all from respected grandfather or father I am reciting vedic verses . I am giving darshan in many places at the same time. Why should I fear even if I face Sri Sankaracharya? I give him darshan as Sri Sarada Chandra Mouleeswara daily worshipped by him and grant him My grace. Then he has to compulsorily agree that I am God. Then his decision will become much more painful to you. The councils of Kshatriyas and vysyas will not bow down to your decisions. If they stop priestly activities, rituals and monetary gifts, you have to starve with your children and infants. If you pick up quarrel with Me you will invite total disaster. I am telling that the duties of the four ashramas (stations of life) are to be followed. I am telling that all the people of eighteen species should live with comfort and happiness. You discharge righteous duties effectively and participate in the establishment of dharma. If not you will undergo many troubles and losses. I remain perfectly tranquil but you will be subjected to topsy-turvy conditions. During development of nature only two ways will be there. One is correcting method, and the other is the method of being corrected. Plenty of time will be allowed for being corrected. If you do not agree for being corrected, You will only invite destruction. I will establish dharma even by destroying if needed.” 

Under compelling circumstances I took Bangaramma with me and while travelling with her in all the other villages I came to this place. I installed Maatangi Devi in this hermitage and living here. Sri Sreepada while travelling on this way to Kurungadda came to our ashram and blessed us saying, “After death you will again be born as a brahmin because of the bonds of indebtedness. Bangaramma will be born as Sudra because of the bonds of indebtedness. Then both of you get married. You will have children. Your progeny will have the fortune of worshipping Me. May you be blessed with comfort!” Sir! This is our story. He explained the matters of their connection with Sri Sreepada and said, “Sri Sreepada instructed us that you would be travelling in this area, and that His anklets are with you, and that we should give leather sandals to Shankar Bhatt and Dharma Gupta in exchange for the anklets. We worship Maatangi Devi who is the daughter of Sage Maatanga. By worshipping Her abundant marital bliss is gained. She is called Raaja Maatangi, Karna Maatangi and other varieties of names. Once Sri Sreepada appeared physically in our ashram. At that time Bangaramma was heating milk. The mother cow which was the origin of leather sandals appeared to have gone before us shaking its head. Sri Sreepada received milk from us. 

He graciously declared that the idol of Maatangi Devi worshipped by us would reach many fathoms deep below the Audumbara tree in the Maha Samsthan to be established in His name. He added that it will be worshipped by many siddha purushas. He called Bangaramma and said, “Mother! Your husband is a very worthy one. Enjoy all comforts from him in the next birth. I kept a golden tilak ready for you. I got an extremely auspicious

mangala sutra prepared for you. They are preserved in Hiranya Loka. In the ensuing birth I will personally bless and perform your marriage with My hands.” 

“Sir! You have heard our story!You always recite Siddha Mangala Stotra. The grace of great persons certainly is obtained. Siddhas, maha siddhas, and maha yogis are all like the -- hands, feet and other limbs of Sri Sreepada Sreevallabha. Sri Sreepada carries out His resolve through those siddhas, maha siddhas, and maha yogis.

 Once He graced with appearance as Raja Maatangi Devi.

The entire creation and all its mystery are in His hands. You constantly remember Him; meditate upon Him; and worship Him. He is all Siddhis! He protects you like our own mother. The love of Sri Sreepada towards His devotees is superior than the love of a crore mothers.

Victory Victory unto Sri Sreepada Sreevallabha!