Page 15 - Ramanuja and Equality Book.pmd

Ramanuja was extremely moved by this young girl’s devotion. He
considered her devotion to be like the devotion of Goda Devi and
installed a vigraha of her. To this day, this vigraha is present, and
she is called ‘Bibi Nachiyar’. He once more showed that devotion
transcends anything else and, in this case, it was religion of birth,
as the princess was born in a Muslim family. A similar vigraha
is present in Sri Rangam temple also, and there is a practice of
offering chapati (roti) to Lord Ranganatha, as during the Lords’s
stay with the princess, she offered the food she is used to, chapati
(roti) every day.
ALL have equal right to receive secrets of Vedas

The esoteric mantra, known as Thirumantra, and its meaning,
provides the foundation for coming out of the sorrows of life.
It was only taught to a handful of deserving people, that too,
only in person. Even Ramanuja had to pass a great test to receive the
Thirumantra, and its meaning.

As instructed by his acharya, Ramanuja approached Goshtipurna,
the acharya entrusted with this sacred mantra, to learn it.
Goshtipurna lived in Goshtipuram which was 100 km away from
Sri Rangam. Ramanuja walked all the way to Goshtipuram, and
with veneration and devotion, submitted to Goshtipurna his
desire to learn this esoteric mantra. However, Goshtipurna said
“The time is not right, come back later”, and Ramanuja, without
saying anything went back. Goshtipurna was testing Ramanuja’s
resolve and qualifications as a student, as was the practice in
that time. This happened seventeen times! Each time, Ramanuja
came back disappointed but never gave up.

The 18th time Goshtipurna told him “Ok I will teach you, but
promise me that you will not reveal this to the undeserving! This
is only for a select few. Never break this promise.” Ramanuja
agreed and learned the mantra. Soon afterwards, He climbed on
top of the temple tower and revealed the mantra to everyone
who wanted to know! Goshtipurna became upset and asked -
“Ramanuja do you know the consequences of breaking a promise
to your acharya?” Ramanuja replied “O great one! indeed

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