Pranam Mantra of Sri Lakshmipati Tirtha
“sukhtirtha matabdindu jatam lakshmi manoharat
sarvabhista pradam nrnam lakshmipati gurum bhaje”
Introduction of Sri Lakshmipati Tirtha:
Lakshmipati Tirtha was an eminent monk in the Brahma-Madhva branch of the Madhvacharya Sampradaya. He was a disciple of Vyasatirtha and the Guru of Madhavendra Puri.
Meaning of Shripad Lakshmipati Tirtha:
Lakshmipati Tirtha once sat in a secluded place for the whole night and chanted the glories of Lord Balarama. His devotion was so intense, that he sometimes shouted and called out, “O Baladeva, please shower mercy on me. How fallen and distressed I am!” Tears flowed from his eyes out of an intense desire to see the Lord. Sometimes he would lose his patience, drop to the ground, and forget himself. That day he was crying and gradually fell asleep.
Lord Baladeva’s instruction to Lakshmipati Tirtha:
Then Lord Nityananda appeared in the form of Lord Balarama with His infantile charm in the dream of Lakshmipati Tirtha. He ordered him, “A wandering Brahmana has come to the city in the form of Avadhuta. He will come to you. You will initiate Him in Vaishnava mantra and accept Him as your disciple.” Then Lord Baladeva chanted a mantra in the right ear of Lakshmipati Tirtha. Immediately he woke up. After some time Lakshmipati saw him. He could not turn his eyes away from the beautiful body, the moon-like face, and the unblinking eyes of that Brahmana. His words filled Lakshmipati’s eyes with tears. That Brahmana monk was Nityananda Prabhu Himself. Lakshmipati Tirtha carried out the order of Lord Baladeva that very day.
“nityananda prabhum vande srimad lakshmipati priyam
sri madhva-sampradaya vardhanam bhakta vatsalam”
Translation: Obeisances to Lord Nityananda who is the beloved disciple of Lakshmipati Tirtha and extended the lineage of Madhva. He showers His cordial love to His devotees.
Lord Baladeva’s affection for Lakshmipati Tirtha:
The divine joy Lakshmipati Tirtha felt in the association of Lord Nityananda was indescribable. When Nityananda Prabhu went on, he was deeply saddened. As soon as he fell asleep for a moment, the Lord appeared in his dream. His complexion was fair and He was wearing a blue dhoti. This made Lakshmipati Tirtha astonished and he washed the Lord’s feet with his loving tears. He prayed to the Lord:- “You have surely made me a fool and thrown this fallen one in a more miserable condition. Please show me Your mercy. I have taken shelter of Your lotus feet.”
Disappearance of Lakshmipati Tirtha:
Lord Nityananda who is Lord Balarama Himself, fulfilled all the desires of Lakshmipati Tirtha. When Lakshmipati Tirtha woke up and started lamenting for Lord Nityananda, the night passed and morning came. From that day
a change appeared in the behavior of Lakshmipati Tirtha. Since then he never spoke a word. After some time Lakshmipati Tirtha left this material world. Who can understand the transcendental pastimes of the Lord and His devotees? Being attracted by his devotion, the Lord himself appeared before him. Some scholars consider Lakshmipati Tirtha to be the Guru of Nityananda Prabhu.
