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A
brief background of Acharya's Desaparyatana should be the proper
beginning and it serves our purpose better. Soon after becoming the
Pontiff of Madhva Mathapeetha, he commenced his Desaparyatana - a
duty indispensable for every Matapravakta. As the fragrance of his
literary fame and miracle making power spread far off and hovered
over everywhere, people in thousands and lakhs vied with one another
to offer pujas and act as hosts at all places. With powerful
discourses and awe-inspiring miracles, he won the affection and
reverence from all sections of people wherever he went. Sometimes
refusing the wealthy men he used to receive Biksha in common, but
devout people. Once, in the village of Kandanathi, he preferred
visiting the hut of a poor Brahmin boy
named Venkanna. This poor boy was an orphan and brought up by his
uncle. Neither was he sent to school, nor allowed enjoying the
company of brahmins. He was alienated from brahmin culture and
became an out and out cow-herd, going with cows in the mornings and
returning with them in the evenings. His longing for education
remained a long standing cry. Deeming Acharya's visit a god-sent
fortune, he satisfied the Holiness with feast and puja. Gratified
more with his devotional fervour than the dishes offered, he asked
Venkanna at the time of parting to remember him in times of crises
to tide over them. The boy received his blessings, but forgot all
that happened.
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