Bhagavan AND The Maharaja

[Dr Sundar]

Bhagavan AND The Maharaja:

Today, 4th June, is the birth anniversary of an enlightened and progressive king of Mysore, Krishnarajendra Wodeyar (b.1884). His reign from 1919 to 1940 saw much progress economically and culturally in Mysore. A rare story, not known to many, here. Have posted this thrice before, but now, again. 

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The then Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar came to Tiruvannamalai on 28th February 1937 for the specific purpose of having darshan of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi. He came with a lot of offerings, two finely made shawls, specially made sweets etc. The Maharaja asked that his car be parked at a distance. When told that the car could enter the Ramanasramam premises, the Maharaja said, "No, when we go to have darshan of the Maharshi we have to walk". 

The car was parked about a furlong from the ashram near the Agni Teertham. Krishnaraja and his retinue walked to the ashram. He asked for a private audience with Bhagavan, which the latter never gave to anyone. Anyone could enter and sit in the Old Hall before Bhagavan. But, the Maharaja insisted that he had to see Bhagavan privately. Bhagavan agreed and said that the former could meet him in the then newly built bathroom which was the only place he would be alone.

Krishnaraja Wodeyar went inside the bathroom at around 9-15 in the morning, and told Bhagavan, "They have made me a king, thus robbing me of the opportunity to sit at your feet and serve you. This is my fate. I have read your life and long had a desire to meet you, but my circumstances are such that intentions of this kind cannot easily be carried into effect. Nor can I stay here as other disciples can, considering all my limitations. While I remain here for about 15 minutes, I can now only pray for your grace.” 

Then with tears copiously flowing from his eyes, the Maharaja fell at Bhagavan's feet, caught hold of them and remained in that position for some time. It is said that the Maharaja's tears actually wet Bhagavan's feet.

The Mysore Maharaja then bid a tearful farewell to Bhagavan and the ashram. 

Later that day in the Old Hall, answering a devotee’s query about the Maharaja’s visit, Bhagavan said, "ஒரு மஹாராஜா, அவருக்கு உள்ள இவ்வளவு இருக்கு, பழுத்த பழம்". Meaning, "Though a king, he has so much of depth in him. He is a ripe fruit".

Om Namo Bhagavathe Sri Arunachala Ramanaya 🙏🙏🙏

"KNOW THYSELF .

SELF KNOWLEDGE IS REAL KNOWLEDGE.

ALL OTHER KNOWLEDGE IS IGNORANCE AND THEY ARE NO  KNOWLEDGE  "   

~~~ Bhagavan Ramana