Akashaganga Teertham - Penance of Ramanuja

(Skanda Purana - Venkatachala Mahatmya - 21)

Sr Venkateswara

• About Ramanuja: There was a devotee of Vishnu called Ramanuja. He was the master of the scriptures. He also had perfect control over his senses. He was a virtuous soul and thought of the welfare of all living beings.

• Ramanuja performing penance near Akashaganga Teertha: Once Ramanuja performed severe penance near the Akashaganga Teertha. He repeated the eight-syllabled mantra (Om Namo Narayanaya) and meditated on Vishnu. During summer he sat in the middle of five fires and meditated on Vishnu. During rainy season he sat under the open sky and meditated on Vishnu. During winter he sat inside water and meditated on Vishnu. He was free from mutually opposite pairs (like heat and cold etc.). For many years he lived on leaves, then on water and finally on air only.

• The Lord appearing before Ramanuja: Pleased with his penance, the Lord appeared before Ramanuja. The Lord had a deep blue colour with the lustre of millions of suns. He held conch, discus and club in His hands. His eyes were like lotus petals. He wore yellow clothes and was adorned with various ornaments. On His chest shone Lakshmi. He was attended by Narada, Sanaka, Vishwaksena and other attendants. Narada and others played flutes, lutes and other musical instruments and sang His glories.

• Ramanuja eulogizing the Lord. Lord giving boon. Makes Akashaganga a great Teertha: Ramanuja eulogized the Lord. The Lord was delighted. He embraced Ramanuja and told him to ask for a boon. Ramanuja said that he sees the Supreme Soul which even the yogins and persons devoted only to religious rites do not see. He is contended and blessed with that vision. He only wanted his devotion to the lotus feet of the Lord to remain firm and steady. The Lord granted that boon, and said that after his body perishes, Ramanuja will attain Sarupya mukti. The Lord also made Akashaganga (Viyadganga) a great Teertha. He said that people who take bath in this Teertha when the Sun is in zodiac Aries in conjunction with constellation Citra or on the full moon day will attain the highest region. He declared that all those persons who take bath in this holy water are excellent Bhagavatas. Ramanuja asked the Lord to tell about the characteristics of the Bhagavatas. The Lord described the different characteristics of the Bhagavatas and their beautiful devotion. Their minds always dwell on the Lord. They are absorbed in repeating His names. And they are eager to perform His worship.

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