BALAKRISHNA OF UDIPI

THE MADVASAROVARA LEGEND

Next is the Madvasarovara - big tank used by both the devotees and the priests alike. Its glory reaches the zenith during the Thappotsavama, a unique spectacle of grandeur when thousands of lamps lighting up the entire building reflecting in the water affords as delightful sight. This Sarovara too tells a fantastic story that brings out the greatness the pontiff of Madva pitha. Its original name was Ananta Thirtha. The prevalent belief says that the young Madhavacharya desired to go the Ganges or a pilgrimage. When expressed this to his preceptor Achyuta Prajna, unable to be separated from his disciple, the guru did not give permission forthwith, yet he grew restless. There heard then an aerial voice that the young disciple need not go the Ganges, but the Ganges would come here for his holy bath. As said there sprouted a white column of water gushing out in the south west corner of the tank. The witnessing bhaktakoti enjoyed the Ganges bath along with the Acharya. The wonder did not cease there; for, once in every twelve years, the sacred Ganga Flows down into this tank. Hence it is appropriately called Madhvasarovara and like the Mahamaham tank at Kumbhakonam and river Krishna during Pushkaram even today this Sarovar continues to be fed by the Ganges once in every twelve years. Ah! What a fortune! God men spill grace at every step and emancipate the devotees. Next comes the Vasant Mahal were recitations, discourses, cultural programs take place in the evenings. To its west lies Badagu Maliga, housing offices, treasury, granery etc. There is one shrine dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya and it lies to the east of the Vasant Mahal. The last worth-seeing is the Raajaangana used for Prayer Services, mass feeding purposes etc. It is so spacious and convenient that twenty thousand people can take food at a time. Everything is awe-inspiring and gigantic. Hasn't the advent of the Lord itself is awe-some?

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