Today marks the 170th Aradhana Mahotsava of Sri Krishnendra Guruj
॥ ಶ್ರೀ ದಯಾಸಾಗರ ಯೋಗಿವರ ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣೇಂದ್ರ ದಿಗಂಬರ ॥
Birth and Early Life
Sri Krishnendra Guru was born towards the end of the *18th century* in the Ananthapura district of Madras–Karnataka.
He was born in a Rajapurohit family, and his Poorvashrama (pre-ascetic) name was *Ananth* .
From a very young age, he was drawn towards Veda Adhyayana (study of the Vedas).
He chose Kumbakonam for his studies and became known as *Anantha Shastry*.
Search for a Sadguru
Seeking a Sadguru (true master), he left Kumbakonam and travelled to Kashi Kshetra.
His companions were Marthanda Dikshitha—father of Chidambara Dikshitha, believed to be an incarnation of *Shri Chidambareshwara of Gurlahosuru—and *Shri Siddeshwara Maharaja, who later attained Mahasamadhi at Karaveerapura after gaining prominence in the princely state of Kolhapur.
All three were in search of a Guru. They prostrated before *Shri Swayamprakasha Yati, a *Tapasvi saint of Kashi.
Just as a magnet attracts iron and not stone, the Guru, through his divine vision (Divya Drishti), recognized their potential and initiated them into Vedic knowledge through Sadupadesha (righteous instruction).
Test of Devotion
In due course, Shri Swayamprakasha Yati had to face suffering due to his Janmanthara Karma (past-life deeds).
He developed severe wounds that emitted foul odour, and most disciples deserted him.
Only these three—Anantha Shastry, Marthanda Dikshitha, and Siddeshwara Maharaja—remained steadfast, nursing their Guru with love and devotion.
Pleased by their unwavering faith, the Guru blessed them abundantly.
The Birth of a Saint
Later, Shri Swayamprakasha Yati conferred Sannyasa Deeksha upon Anantha Shastry and gave him the name *Krishnendra*.
He instructed him to travel southwards to spread divine knowledge.
After visiting several sacred places, *Sri Krishnendra Guru* reached Hubballi and made it his abode.
Spiritual Works and Miracles
Sri Krishnendra Guru performed Gayatri Purascharana (intense repetition of the Gayatri mantra) during his pilgrimage.
Through his teachings and discourses, he guided many onto the righteous path and revealed his divine powers (Mahima) across Karnataka.
Prominent Disciples
* Sri Narasimha Bhatt Agnihotri
* Sri Ganesh Pant Sahasrabuddhe
* Sri Padaki Baavu Rao
* Sri Appanna Bhattaru (Priest of Narasobawadi Temple)
* Sri Trivikrama Shastry
Attaining Samadhi
Realizing that his earthly time was nearing completion, Guruji returned to Hubballi and began his final Gayatri Purascharana under a ‘dry Audumbara’ Vriksha.
Miraculously, the dry tree came back to life.
After some time, Guruji attained Samadhi beneath the same tree, which later withered away.
Divine Presence and Aradhana
Though invisible to the physical eye, *Guruji’s divine presence continues to bless devotees*.
The place remains spiritually vibrant, and countless people have been cured of ailments and freed from evil influences by his grace.
Daily Poojas and Deeparadhana have been conducted continuously for many years.
The Aradhana Mahotsava is celebrated annually on the *13th and 14th days of Kartheeka Shuddha, accompanied by *Mukthadwara Annasantharpane.
The number of devotees visiting this holy shrine grows with each passing year .
