15. Unwavering Faith

In the 19th century, the kingdom of Mysore (modern-day Karnataka) was home to a renowned scholar named Kunigal Rama Shastry. As the chief scholar in the king’s court, his wisdom and deep-rooted faith in the scriptures were widely revered.

One particular incident stands as a testament to his unshakable faith in the words of the scripture.

At the time, his wife, Lakshmamma, was pregnant. Rama Shastry fervently wished for a son and performed the Pumsavana rite, a sacred ritual prescribed by the scripture to ensure the birth of a male child.

One of his most devoted students, Subrahmanya Shastry, hailed from the Chola region (modern-day central Tamil Nadu). During his wife’s pregnancy, Rama Shastry embarked on a pilgrimage to the temple of Lord Srikantheshwara in Nanjangud, accompanied by Subrahmanya Shastry.

As they travelled, a thought crossed Rama Shastry’s mind about the name he would give his yet-to-be-born child. Turning to his student, he asked, “What name should I choose for my child? I would prefer one of the many names of Paramashiva, my Ishta Devata (personal deity).”

But, Subrahmanya Shastry remained silent. Noticing his hesitation, Rama Shastry repeated his question. With great humility, the disciple finally replied, “O Swamin, the child is yet to be born. Only the divine knows whether it will be a boy or a girl. Would it be appropriate to decide on a name before the child arrives?”

Rama Shastry’s response was swift and unwavering: “Why do you even doubt it? I have performed the Pumsavana rite with complete faith and in the precise manner prescribed by the scriptures. The Shastras categorically state that if the ritual is performed with devotion, it guarantees the birth of a male child.”

Subrahmanya Shastry was struck by his guru’s unshakable conviction. With deep reverence, he responded, “O Swamin, it is entirely possible that Lord Paramashiva Himself may be born as your son. In that case, it would be most fitting to name him ‘Shivaswami.’” Rama Shastry was pleased with the suggestion and resolved to name his child Shivaswami.

Months later, a beautiful baby boy was born to Lakshmamma, and true to his vow, Rama Shastry named him Shivaswami. In time, this child grew into a towering spiritual figure and went on to become the 33rd Acharya of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, assuming the revered title Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati Mahaswamiji.

❃❃❃❃