Veera Vallala Bhupati: Copper Plates to the Devanga Guru

 

The Legacy of Veera Vallala Bhupati: A Tale of Valor, Faith, and Devotion

The history of South India is replete with tales of kings who ruled with valor, faith, and an unyielding commitment to dharma. Among them, the story of Veera Vallala Bhupati, a Vanniyar king who ruled from Thiruvannamalai, stands out as a shining example of dedication to Sanatana Dharma, devotion to Lord Shiva, and unwavering loyalty to spiritual traditions. This article delves into the king’s life, his contributions, and the divine connection that has enshrined his legacy in the annals of history.

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The Divine Grant of Copper Plates to the Devanga Guru

During Veera Vallala Bhupati's reign, spiritual leadership and the preservation of dharma were of great importance. A notable aspect of his rule was his reverence for the Devanga Guru, Sri Madh Paramahamsa Parivrajakaacharya Jagadguru Panditharadhya Swami. Recognizing the guru’s contributions to society's spiritual and cultural upliftment, the king issued a copper plate grant (Sembu Pattayam) as a mark of respect.

The copper plate, inscribed in Telugu, highlights the king’s profound faith in Sanatana Dharma and his acknowledgment of the guru's divine role. It symbolizes the king's devotion to the guru and his efforts to honor the traditions upheld by the Devanga community. The plate mentions that the king and his subjects regularly offered Paadhakaanikke (a respectful offering) to the guru, alongside performing sixteen forms of upacharas (honors).

The copper plate begins with divine invocations:

• Om Sri Gayatriyai Namah
• Om Sri Savitryai Namah
• Om Sri Saraswatyai Namah
• Om Sri Sudambikayai Namah

It praises the guru as the spiritual leader of the Pattivedu Raya Simhasana, a symbolic throne of spiritual authority in the region. The grant also mentions that the guru initiated Gayatri's mantra, emphasizing his role as a spiritual guide for the community.

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The Significance of the Grant

The copper plate details several key aspects of the Devanga Guru’s spiritual leadership:

1. Preservation of Vedic Traditions: The guru, along with the Devanga community, was actively involved in Veda Parayanam (recitation of the Vedas), ensuring the continuity of ancient spiritual practices.
2. The symbolism of the Devanga Flags: The copper plate mentions the use of Nandi Dwaja (the Nandi flag) and Simha Dwaja (the lion flag), which were emblematic of the Devanga community's spiritual identity.
3. Sixteen Forms of Honor: The king and his subjects revered the guru with sixteen types of offerings, showcasing the profound respect and gratitude they held for him.

This historic document underscores the cultural and spiritual unity between the king, his subjects, and the guru, highlighting the central role of dharma in governance.

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The Divine Story of Veera Vallala Bhupati

Veera Vallala Bhupati's devotion to Lord Shiva is immortalized in local lore and the temple traditions of Thiruvannamalai. He is remembered as a king who placed dharma and devotion above all else. However, his life was not without trials.

A King Without an Heir

The king and his queen were childless for many years, leading to deep sorrow. Despite performing numerous rituals and seeking blessings, their prayers seemed unanswered. Finally, Lord Shiva himself appeared to the king in a divine vision and consoled him with these words:
"O devotee, do not despair. I shall incarnate as your son at the end of your mortal journey and perform your final rites."

The divine assurance brought immense joy to the royal couple, and they continued their reign with renewed faith, dedicating themselves to acts of charity and service.

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Lord Shiva’s Promise Fulfilled

True to his divine promise, Lord Shiva appeared as their son at the end of Veera Vallala Bhupati's life. The king’s final rites were performed on the banks of the Gautama River near Thiruvannamalai. The locals who witnessed this divine event began a unique tradition of commemorating the occasion. Even today, an annual festival is celebrated in Samanthanur, near Thiruvannamalai, on the auspicious day of Masi Magham.

The legend of the king’s devotion and the Lord’s fulfillment of his promise is also depicted in the sculptures of the Arunachaleshwara Temple, Thiruvannamalai, immortalizing the tale for future generations.

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The King’s Sacrifice and the Fight Against the Sultanate

Veera Vallala Bhupati’s reign coincided with a period of great upheaval in Tamil Nadu. The Madurai Sultanate had invaded the southern regions, causing widespread destruction and desecration of temples. While many regions in South Tamil Nadu fell to the Sultanate, Veera Vallala Bhupati stood as a bulwark of resistance in North Tamil Nadu.

The Battle of Kannanoor

In 1341 CE, Veera Vallala Bhupati led a valiant campaign against the Madurai Sultanate. The decisive battle occurred in Kannanoor Kuppam, where the king’s army of 150,000 faced the Sultanate’s smaller but strategically superior force of 6,000 soldiers. The battle raged for six months, during which Veera Vallala Bhupati’s forces laid siege to the Sultanate’s stronghold.

Unfortunately, the king’s trust in honorable warfare was betrayed. The Sultanate resorted to treachery, and Veera Vallala Bhupati was captured and brutally killed. His lifeless body was desecrated, and his remains were displayed at the gates of the Sultan’s palace in Madurai, leading to the naming of the area as Gorippalayam (derived from the Tamil word Goripadu, meaning "horrifying sight").

Legacy and Reverence

The tragic death of Veera Vallala Bhupati marked the end of an era, but his sacrifice left an indelible mark on history. The Madura Vijayam, a historical work authored by Gangadevi, wife of the Vijayanagara emperor Kumara Kampana, records the bravery of Veera Vallala Bhupati and the events surrounding his resistance to the Sultanate.

In the Arunachaleshwara Temple at Thiruvannamalai, sculptures on the temple’s gopuram (tower) narrate the king’s story, including Lord Shiva’s divine promise to incarnate as his son. These sculptures serve as a timeless reminder of the king’s devotion and the spiritual bond between a ruler and the sacred.

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Conclusion

The story of Veera Vallala Bhupati is a testament to the enduring power of faith, dharma, and devotion. His unwavering commitment to Sanatana Dharma, his support for spiritual leaders like the Devanga Guru, and his valiant resistance against foreign invasions exemplify the ideals of a true ruler.

Even centuries later, his legacy continues to inspire. The annual festivals in his honor, the preservation of his story in temple art, and the historical records that celebrate his life ensure that Veera Vallala Bhupati remains an eternal symbol of courage, devotion, and sacrifice. His tale reminds us of the timeless values of dharma and the power of divine grace in shaping history.

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