Jada Bharatopakhyanam - Bhagavatam.

Jada Bharata Upakhyanam

 

Bharata was the son of Vrishabha Deva,  an avatar of Sri Hari, in this Manvantara. . He was a great Jnani from childhood. he ruled his province well, passed away peacefully after donating all his wealth to the needy. While on his death bed, he remembered a young deer, whom he had rescued from a forest while he was on hunting spree, some time ago. The deer had lost its mother, and Bharata brought it to the Palace, took care of this innocent creature. He eventually died and after death, he took birth as a deer. Since he was a Jnani of highest order,  had the memories of his previous life.

As a deer, Bharata was roaming in the forest amidst the places where great Yogis & Rishis had their Ashramas, regularly heard their discourses and felt happy. One day he as a  deer,  died on the  banks of river Ganga. 

In his next Birth, he was born as son of a brahmana.  named again as Bharata. This time, he did not   show his wisdom,  and behaved like a foolish boy. People made fun of him, street boys pelted stones at him, some even   spit on him, which he never bothered. He lived in Sidhu desha, where he was born and started roaming wherever he liked. People  called him Jada Bharata. No one had time or interest to identify his depth of Spiritual knowledge looking at   his  external appearance. 

One day   it so happened that the King  of Sindhu Province, Rahugana,  was being carried  in a raoyal  Palanqin by four men. He saw Bharata, sitting idle in front of a house. The King's men pulled him, asked him to carry the King's carrier. As he was well built they felt happy that  they got a strong young man as servant.  Bharata joined others and carried the king’s palanquin with them. After some time, the palanqin lost its balance. The King was about to fall. As the carrier tilted.

The angry king  shouted at Bharata: 'Oh! I made a mistake in asking  an idiot like you to carry me, you eat and  sleep well, strong though old, why not you carry me properly?' Bharata heard all his abuses for a while and then spoke to the King:

Tvayoditam vyaktamavipralabdham – You are speaking nonsense.

Bhartuh sa me syat yadi Veera bhaarah - If I carry you, then the question of me feeling heavy arises. I am not carrying you.

Ganturyadi syat adhigamyamadhvaa-  If I wanted to go, then the question,   where to go arises. I am neither carrying you nor walking on my own, my limbs are taking me ahead on this   way. Neither I am well built nor skinny. Who are you speaking Sir? 

Ayam Jano naama chalan Prithivyaam - 

yah Parthivah paarthiva kasya hetoh ? 

tasyaapi changhryoradhigulpha janghaa

janooru madhyorashirondharaamsaah ||

- “You are telling me that you are the King, King for  whom? You  think you sit, and  I carry you, which is not true. My legs are supporting me, Above that, there are many organs which balance me like Stomach, waist, hips... shoulders, and palanqin above all this. I am not in fact carrying you at all!  Don’t speak like a fool, you are supposed to be a wise king. You think that I am the King of Souveera Desha.Is it true? It is a designation - Roodha Nama. It might go away any time from you. Rajasmi Sindhushviti Durmadhandhah - You feel that I am the King and hence   you are made blind with   your arrogance.”

The King now realised his mistake. He got down the carrier and  bowed to Bharata, and sought wisdom from him. He said: Forget that you are the King. The Supreme King is Him, Sri Hari, think of him. Today you rule, you might be killed any time in a war with an enemy, your son or enemy succedes you. This goes on and  on... Where is your Kingship? Instead think of Him, and surrender to Him for good. When you were in your mother's womb, were you a King then? After your death, does anyone calls you by that designation? Bharata enlightened the king by teaching him real Bhagavata dharma, the royal path for a meaningful life. King Rahoogana, realised  his mistakes and lived a better life thereof .

The KIng realised hismistake. He gotdown the carrier & bowed to BHarata, and sought wisdom from him. He sad: Forget that you are the KIng. . THe Supreme King is HIm, Sri Hari, think of him. Today you rule, you might br killed, your son or enemy sucedes you. THis goes on & on... Where is your Kingship? Instead think of Him, and surrender to Him forgood. You were in your mother's womb, were you KIng then? After your death, any one calls you by that designation?

King Rahoogana, . realised all his mistakes and lived a better life. 

Hari - Vayustuti of Trivikrama Panditacharya

Sri Harivayu Stuti of Trivikrama PanDitacharya  is  a daily  Stotra, recited by us after Upanayanam. It is composed by Trivikramacharya, in praise of Guru  Sri Madhvacharya, in 40 Shragdhara verses. It was a thanks giving offer by him to a Guru who brought him on the path  of Realism from that of Mayavada – of Illusion, of which he was a master, earlier.

One anecdote related to this Stotra is lke this.Panditacharya saw his Guru Madhva performing Pooja, behind a screne, as it was his way of Upasana & Naivedya, each day.  He peeped inside with curiosity. He saw to his surprise, Acharya doing pooja inn3 Roopas of Hanuma, Bhima & Madhwa to 3 forms of the Lord- Rama, Krishna & Vedavyasa respectively. He was awe-stuck and these 40 verses in Sragdhara ( Garland) came out from his heart soaked in Bhakti to this Jeevottama Vayudeva. He was waiting for an opportunity to show this Manuscript  to Acharya.

Acharya saw this & blessed him, smiled and composed a Preface to this as he felt it was incomplete without Hari Stuti. He composed a Shloka : Pantvasmaan Puruhootavairi….. and touched the manuscript in complete blessing.

There are only 40+1 Shlokas in the original Ms of Harivayu Stuti. Later a shloka composed by Madhva was added , ‘ Lakshmeekanta samanatato….. Which forms a part of Harivayustuti now. Earlier,  Nakha Stutiis  counted as one among Sarvamoola Texts. Another point to be noted is as per Udupi version the Shloka Pantvasman… ends with bhooribhaagai: , instead of Nakivrundai: as we have learnt. Both words mean same,

Hereafter 2 Shlokas of Sri Harivayu Stuti will be posted here. I seek the blessings of my Guru, Paramaguru & Acharya for this small attempt by me, a small fry in Tatva Vada.

1.

ಶ್ರೀಮದಾಚಾರ್ಯರು ಮೊದಲ ಶ್ಲೋಕದಲ್ಲಿ ನರಸಿಂಹ ದೇವರನ್ನು ಹೀಗೆ ಸ್ತುತಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ: ಇಂದ್ರಶತೃಗಳಾದ ಮದಿಸಿದ ಆನೆಗಳಂತಿರುವ ಅಸುರರನ್ನು ಸೀಳುವುದರಲ್ಲಿಪಳಗಿದ ಸಿಂಹದ ಉಗುರುಗಳಂತೆ ನರಸಿಂಹನ ಉಗುರುಗಳು ಚೂಪಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಅವು ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಕಾಪಾಡಲಿ.

2.೨. ಹೇ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಪತೇ! ನಾನು ನಿನಗೆ ಸಮಾನವಾದ ಬೇರೆ ಉತ್ತಮ ವಸ್ತುವನ್ನು ಕಾಣಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ.( ಪುರುಷೋತ್ತಮ ನೀನು) ಇದು ಯಾವ ಶಸ್ತ್ರದಲ್ಲೊ ಕಾಣಸಿಗುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಆರು ರಸಗಳಿಗಿಂತ ಉತ್ತಮನಾದ ಎಂಟನೇ ರಸದಂತೆ ನಿನಗಿಂತ ಅಧಿಕರಿಲ್ಲ. ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಾದಿಗಳು ನಿನ್ನ ಎದಗಣ್ನಿನ ನೋಟದಿಂದಲೇ ( ಪ್ಭಲಯದಲ್ಲಿ) .ನಿನ್ನ ಸಮರಾಗಲಿ ಅಧಿಕರಾಗಲೀ ಯಾರೂ ಇಲ್ಲವೇ ಇಲ್ಲ. ( ರಸ ಎಂದರೆ ಉಪನಿಶತ್ತುಗಾಲಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಭೂತಿ ರೂಪ. ಆರನೆಯವರು ಬ್ರಹ್ಮ, ಏಳನೆಯವರು ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ ಎಂದು ಚಾಂದೋಗ್ಯೋಪನಿಶತ್ ತಿಳೀಸುತ್ತದೆ. ರುಚಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಆರು. ಏಳು ಎಂಟು ಇಲ್ಲವೇ ಇಲ್ಲ. )

Sri Padmanabha Tirtharu

Sri Padmanabha Tirtharu- Aradhna Tribute

Sri Padmanabha Tirtharu has a special place among Madhwa Yatis of outer Udupi region, as first Disciple of Srimadacharya. He met Acharya Madhva,  probably in Godavari Region on his way back to Udupi after his  first tour from Udupi to Badari,. Shobhana Bhatta, was a Scholar which Madhwavijaya calls  him,  Vidvat Timingila: ' a great Scholar par excellence in Shastraic Learning.
When he met Acharya he was much older than him, debated with him for a fortnight & was silenced by Young Madhwa. He fell at his feet and requested to accept him as Diciple. Madhva gave him Sanyasa Deeksha, probably on the banks of Godavari or Udupi.
Except his name, not much is known about him. He is known to be a Karnataka. Those days, Karnataka had a large geographical area, from Godavari Belt down South. He was from Punatatamba or settled there. Paithan, as is called now , was famous for scholars of reputation. He was deeply impressed by Charisma, Debating style & a vast knowledge of Acharya.
Sri Padmanabha Bhattaraka as he was called with respect studied under Madhva, his new interpretation of Vedic lore, Gita & Brahma Sutra. He was commissioned by Acharya to compose Teeka on some of his works, but only a few are available in full or printed.
He is respected as first successor- Prathama Shishya of Acharya. Vedaantabdhi na yo jatu jahou vidvat timingila: - says Madhwavijaya. Sattarka Deepavali, Sannyayaratnavali, & Gita Bhashya Bhavadeepika are well known in his commentaries. His style is lucid & Poetical in nature with full praise for his Guru.


गुणगणनिलयं प्रणम्य कृष्णं जगदघहननं च वासवीसूनुम् ।

मुनिकुलतिलकं सुपूर्णबोधं गुरुमपि विवृणोमि गीतिका भाष्यम् ॥

Sri Jayatirtha had profusely thanked him for making Acharya's thoughts clearly. In his Nyayadeepika he says:

स पद्मनाभतीर्थार्य गोगणेषु दृषे मम ।

न तत्त्वमार्गगमनं व्ना यदुपजीवनम् ॥
-  I always view with respect the words of Sri Padmanabha Tirtha, without whom it is difficult to interpret Srimadacharya in the right perspective, we owe him a lot. Gitatataparyanirnaya Prakashika was published long back. It is high time his works need Publcation, a it has historical importance as Books from the First disciple of Acharya. All Mutts prefer to worship his Brindavan one after theother, but his Books are ignored. It is a pity, like so many other issues.
He has been quoted by all Madhva stalwarts.
His Aradhana is tomorrow at Nava Brindavanam, Anegondi.
1348- 1324, is determined as his Peethadhipatya time. He gave Peetha to Sri Narahari Tirta as his successor. His direct lineage is from Sri Lakshmidhara Tirtha who is first Yati of Sripadaraja Mutt at my home town Mulabagilu, Kolar District.

Kapila's Upadesham to Devahooti - Srimad Bhagavatam

Sri Hari manifests as Kapila DEva to Kardama & DEvahooti, as an answer to their prayers & Tapas. However, His stay with them is short lived. it is only Jnanavatara for Upadsha to the Mother, like Datta, Vedavyasa, Aitareya MahiDasa to name a few. This appears in Skandha III of BHagavata Mahapurana. There are two Kapilas in our Mythology. THe Lord as Kapila taught SEshvara SAnkhya & the other Nireeshvara Sankhya which gives no prominence for Brahman. 

she requests the Lord. 

तं त्वागताहं शरणं शरण्यं स्वभृत्य संसारतरो: कुठारं ।

जिज्नासया प्रकृते: पूरुषस्य नमामि सद्धर्मविदां वरिष्टं ॥ -

 श्रीमद्भागवतं, ३, ११. कपिल स्तुति:

I salute You, who is like an axe to the tree of Samsaara, and the all know er, and I surrender myself to you. I want to know the Knowledge of Sankhya( Prakruti &purusha) from You- Devahooti's prayer to Lord Kapila.

यादृशी मयि भक्तिस्स्यात् तादृश्यन्यत्र नैव चेत् ।

अनन्यभक्तिरुद्रेकात् सा ययैव तएत् स्रूतिं ।।

Kapila Deva tells Devahooti: The Uncommitted Bhakti one has in me, shall not be in other Gods. Tis is Ananya Bhakti. By such deep Love in Me, my devotee gets rid of this Samsara.

मदाश्रया: कथा: हृष्टा: शृण्वन्ति कथयन्ति च ।

तपन्ति विविधान् तापान् नैकात्म्य गत चेतस: ॥

Bhagavan Kapila Deva says: Those who always delve deep into my Kathas, believe me , as Supreme ( Sarvottama), and observe Tapas of various types are rally commendable Jeevas.

He also says: 

चेत: खल्वस्य बंधाय मुक्तये चात्मनो मतं । गुणेषु सक्तं बंधाय ह्यदद्युक्तं विमुक्तये ॥

- Mind is the binder for all our deeds. This bondage of relations comes from our Mind. It is the cause even for Liberation also.

Remembering my Guru/ Father.

I am reminded of my father,  Sri Vidvan Tayalur Srinivasa Rao,  addressed by us as Anna,  for many reasons. I lost my mother, at 8 ..  I was his last Son. He is my role model, for laukika & pramarthika life. He was very knowledgeable, patient, ever smiling... and had many qualities of a Vaishnava. He never imposed any restrictions on us. But when he did it, we were inspired to follow. His Students were celebrities like Justice MN Venkarachala,. MV Venkatappa, and many more... He never sought anyone's favors for my Job or anything else. He said: 

किमलभ्यम् भगवति प्रसन्ने श्रीनिकेतने?-

If God wills what is impossible? was his Conviction. 

He lived up to it. His favourite Books were Srimad Bhagavatam, Harikathamritaaara, Gita Bhashya and to some extent Srimanyaayasudha. He never showed his depth in Madhwa Philosophy to anyone except me. When I lost my Mother atan young age, he was my Friend, Phiosopher & Guide in all ways. He never committed any debts or left any uncleared. He was Alpa Tripta. He had some select Students. I was one amongst them. 

He was a Kannada Pandit in Govt. School, observed austerities. Hewas only upset when he was put Bahishkara by the previous arrogant Sawmiji of Uttardi Mutt. He tolerated the insult as he was clean. It was on an Ekadshee Issue. He knew his friend Vedanta Vidvan, Tarka Kesari Agnihotram Yajna Vitthalacharya, ate onion as dwadashiphaLara, but smiled: 

Idu Sajjeeva, eno ASuravesha.adakyaake tale kedisikobeku? 

 He never advised him. 

He lead a silent, happy life with his meagre salary

ಮೊದಲು ತೋರುತದೆ ಮಧುರ ವಿಷಯಸುಖ

ಕಡೆಗೆ ದುಃಖ ಅಪಾರ ||

ಹರಿಯ ಭಜನೆ ಮಾಡೋ ನಿರಂತರ ||

 ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿಮುಗುಳುನಗೆ ತೋರುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. 

Of course,  his Vidya Guru Sri Dayanidhi Tirtha Swamiji  helped my elder brother to complete his BSc., not from Mutt money, from his pension as Sub Registrar in Madras Presidency. He worshipped him, studied under his feet wth other disciples, as he was chosen by him.,  from Pramana paddhati to Sriman Nyaayasudha and applied to his Life. 

He was a great Pravachanakara of Bhagavata. He used to conduct Bhagavata Saptaha, Mangalas of Sarva moola Granthas happened many times in out home at Mulabagilu. He spent his money from Pension & Shishyas help. He was very happy  to conduct Aradhanas of all Dasaru and Sripadarajaru also. We went to Nrisimha Tirtha on Aradhana days, had Darshan, came back home and had Prasadam with our father and his Shishyas.

During 6 years of his Bahishkara, by Swamiji of Uttaradi Matha,  he made me namesake Purohita, conducted Shraddhas, without any trouble. He taught me Shraddha Mantras witjh a promise I will not make it a profession later, as I was a quick learner. He used to say: This too will go away...  like his Guru Sri Dayanidhi Tirtharu, whenever he faced a trouble. 

He made us sing Bhajane from ' Sukhavaagali Bahu dukhavaagali Sakha neenaagiru Panduranga and many  more devaranams. Sumadhwa Vijaya  and  Vayustuti were his life time companions.

 He quoted Sri Vadirajaru: Vayustutiratrnityam bhavet Janmani janmani. 

I remember him as it is his (Shraadhha )  day of Demise on Sept 4,  1984.

I seek his blessings as Father &Guru, always.

 Bhooyishtaante Nama Uktim Vidhema.

- i can only bow to him, with humility and respect. 

sri Madhvacharya and a Mughal ruler

Sri Madhvacharya  is said to have met Balban,  a fanatic Muslim of Delhi,    on the way to cross river Ganga. Acharya was going up Himalaya region with his disciples, he was stopped by his soldiers. The  King  spoke to  Acharya  in Persian which put in Sanskrit reads like this: 

रिपुन्रुपप्रणिधप्रतिशंकया 

 पथिक पाटन दीक्षितै: |

सुमुख ! पुरुषै: परुषै: कथं यमभटैरिव
 नासि विहिंसित: ? ॥ 

and also, 

 Aplavadeva Naditaranam te 

Hanta! katham chikershasi kim tvam? 

tam nigadantamiti prabhruteeha 

smaaha Maha Purushottama Daasah }} 

 (मध्वविजय -  10.15, 16.)  

Oh handsome saint ! how is it you were not attacked by my cruel soldiers of the King, ( suspecting you as a spy of some one) who are experts,  well trained in obstructing   who walk this way without my permission and rob them,  looking like messengers of Yama? 

Look at Sri Madhva's  reply: 

योसौ देवो विश्वदीप: प्रदीप्त:
 कुर्मस्सर्वम् तत्परानुग्रहेण । 

याम्स्तावत् तूर्णमाशामुदीचीं
 इत्याद्यं तद्भाषया चित्रवाक्यम् ॥

Sri Madhva replied in his own Persian language: 

 - Our Almighty shines in the whole Universe always, like Sun. He takes care of  all the happenings in this world like a sport. By His grace, I can do anything with ease. Acharya  was moving towards North. 

The King decided  to  offer half his Kingdom to this young and bright Saint. But Acharya smiled and.  rejected his offer. 

Madhva Vijaya records this event, as told by his close disciples, heard by Narayana Pandita, in his boyhood. Some say, the King was Allauddin or Balban at that time. 

Sri Vijayeendra Tirtharu, Kumbhakonam (1514 – 1595.)

Sri VijayIndra tIrtha is one of the most prolific writers from the Dvaita School of Vedanta. He was a star pupil of Sri Vyasa tIrtha and the Parama-Guru of Sri Raghavendra tIrtha (Rayaru). He was also the foremost defender of Dvaita in the post-Vyasa tIrtha period, especially in the southern parts of India. If there are adherents of dvaita in Tamilnadu today, then a big part of the credit should go to him.

 He was the one who defended it strongly against the combined onslaughts of powerful Advaitic, Visistadvaitic and Saiva schools. He also laid the groundwork for the advent and flourishing of Rayaru. In total, the Madhva community owes him a huge  gratitude for his yeoman service. In spite of this, he is not as well known to the common Madhva as he ought to be.

 PARAMAPARA

Sri Vibudhendra tIrtha was a very well regarded scholar and saint who strove very hard to propagate the philosophy of Acharya Madhva. One of his many disciples was Sri SripAdarAjA. Sri vibhudEndra tIrtha was followed by Sri jitamitra tIrtha, Sri Raghunandana tIrtha Sri Surendra tIrtha & Sri VijayIndra tIrtha.

Date of Sri Vijayeendra Swamiji.

There are two schools of thought about the period in which Sri vijayIndra tIrtha existed. The traditional school, based on the SRS Records  and outlined in Guru-charitre by Dr. H.K. Vedavyasacharya,  puts this as 1575 – 1614. The other scholars like  Dr. B.N.K Sharma, puts his Date as 1514 – 1595.

Childhood & Sanyyasa  

There is no unanimity about the circumstances under which he came under the care of Sri Vyasaraja. One version says that he was Swamiji’s   close relative. Another says that Sri Vyasa tIrtha blessed a poor, childless couple to have 2 sons with the provision that the first born would be given to him, and that is how he got the baby.However, everybody agrees that the boy was named as Sri Vittalacharya and Sri Vyasa tIrtha personally oversaw the upbringing and education of the child. He had mentally resolved to make the boy his successor and so ensured that he had all the necessary pre-requisites. At a suitable time, the boy was initiated into SanyAsa with the name Sri Vishnu tIrtha. Sri Vyasaraja personally taught the 64 arts to him and was waiting for a suitable time to hand over the reins of the Mutt  to him, but the Lord had other plans!

Vishnu Tirtha becomes Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha  

Sri Surendra tIrtha was the pontiff of the Sri Kaveendra Teertha Parampara at that time. He was aged and looking for a good successor. By divine will he happened to pass by Vijayanagar and decided to visit Sri Vyasa tIrtha. Sri Vyasa tIrtha received him with  due honors and respect and pressed him to stay in Vijayanagar for a while. One DvAdashi day before pAraNe, Sri surEndra tIrtha refused to continue with the pAraNe unless Sri Vyasasa tIrtha granted him a wish. Sri Vyasa tIrtha replied that he could ask for anything except his beloved disciple , Sri Vishnu tIrtha. Sri Surendra tIrtha replied that that was precisely what he had intended to ask and that he did not desire anything else.

Sri Vyasa tIrtha was shocked  for a few moments. He then contemplated on the Lord for a few seconds and realized that this was what the Lord wanted. He immediately set aside his grief and agreed to Sri Surendra tIrtha’s request Sri Surendra tIrtha was overjoyed to receive Sri Vishnu tIrtha as his successor and renamed him Sri Vijayeendra tIrtha.

Sri VyasatIrtha spent some time with Sri VijayIndra tIrtha, giving him his blessings and very valuable parting advice, before sending him off with Sri Surendra tIrtha.

Tour & Victory  

Sri VijayIndra tIrtha visited Kumbhakonam  as directed by his guru. Kumbhakona was then a part of the province of Tanjore, under the Vijayanagar empire. A Veerashaiva ascetic called Yemme Basava had the town under him and was harassing all Vaishnavas. Hence Sri VijayIndra tIrtha’s entry into the town was welcomed by them. In due course, a Debate was held between Sri Vijayeendra tIrtha & Shaiva Scholar. The Shaiva ascetic was a very strong pundit, with knowledge of Shruti &  Smriti.

He used the entire depth of his knowledge to prove his point and defeat Sri VijayIndra tIrtha, but nothing prevailed in front of the ocean of erudition called Sri VijayIndra tIrtha. The debate lasted for 11 days after which the Shaiva ascetic accepted defeat. According to the terms of the debate he was supposed to embrace dvaita and become a disciple of Sri Vijayeendra tIrtha, but unwilling to do this, he fled the scene overnight. The shaiva maTha and all its possessions became the property of Sri VijayIndra tIrtha. By achieving this victory, Sri Vijayeendra tIrtha created a bastion for dvaita in Tamilnadu and became the inspiration for other Madhva ascetics in the southern part of the country.

News of Sri VijayIndra tIrtha’s victory in Kumbhakonam spread far and wide. RAma rAya the ruler of Vijayanagar sent a message to Sri VijayIndra tIrtha inviting him to Vijayanagar. Sri VijayIndra tIrtha gladly accepted because he wanted to visit the BrindAvana of his guru Sri Vyasa tIrtha. Accordingly, Sri VijayIndra tIrtha proceeded to Vijayanagar where he was received with royal honors. Excellent arrangements were made for the stay of Sri Vijayeendra tIrtha, under the personal supervision of the king. In due course of time, the king invited Sri Vijayeendra tIrtha to the royal court and showed his reverence by performing Ratnabhisheka. Sri VijayIndra tIrtha was made to sit on a specially consecrated seat of gold and showered with precious stones. All the scholars and chieftains in the court watched this glorious event with reverence. Everybody prostrated before Sri Vijayeendra tIrtha with utmost devotion. Sri VijayIndra tIrtha submitted their adoration and prostrations to Lord Moola Rama and blessed them.

Sri Vijayeendra tIrtha visited Sri Vyasa TIrtha’s Brindavana in Anegondi and spent some time there in honor of his guru. He returned back to Vijayanagar and spent some time there. Being a great ascetic he foresaw the fall of the empire and warned the king about it. He gave the king a lot of valuable advice. Finally, after some time, he embarked on a tour of India. He traveled a lot, spreading the teachings of Acharya Madhva and debating with opponents. He returned to Kumbhakonam.  

DEBATE  

Sri Appayya Dikshita was an extraordinary scholar with profound mastery over shruti and smruti. He had been profusely honored by the ruler of Tanjore and was considered an Scholar of the king’s court. He was propagating the doctrine of Shaiva-advaita, which added the concept of Shiva’s Superiority over Srihari.

Sri VijayIndra tIrtha invited him to the Mutt,  and discussed several doctrinal issues. This was the beginning of a long and cordial interaction between Sri VijayIndra tIrtha and Sri Appayya Dikshita. But Sri VijayIndra tIrtha answered every one of his attacks with successful counter attacks and made Sri Appayya Dikshita accept defeat every single time. In spite of the lively discussions and debates, the atmosphere remained very cordial and scholarly in nature. One such incident is outlined below as an illustration.

Using the word ‘Narayana’ as an example. inspired by this event, Sri VijayIndra tIrtha immediately composed a beautiful work called “Narayanashabdhartha nirvachanam” outlining more than a hundred meaning for the word ‘Narayana’.

Incidentally, Appayya Dikshita was an evil person  who cast a lot of aspersions on Acharya Madhva, accusing him of quoting imaginary or non-existent references. One shudders to think of the havoc that he would have caused if a great savant like Vijayeendra tIrtha had not been there to counter him and defeat him at every turn.

Master of 64 Arts 

It was very widely known that Sri VijayIndra tIrtha had learnt the 64 arts from Sri Vyasaraja and mastered them. This  acted as a magnet to people from different walks of life like painters, sculptors, musicians, dancers, weavers, potters,  and so on. Some came to show their expertise to Sri VijayIndra tIrtha and earn his blessings and patronage. Others came to challenge him in their respective arts and prove their superiority. No matter what the original intention was, people always returned with awe and wonder in their heart after personally witnessing his mastery over their specific area of expertise. The reference book “Ajaya VijayIndraru” provides many illustrations of such contests.

Once, some vile magician tried to harm Sri VijayIndra tIrtha, him by poisoning the naivedya offered to Sri Mula rAma devaru. How can poison affect the Lord who is responsible for the creation, sustenance, maintenance and destruction of this entire universe? How could it affect such a great devotee like Sri VijayIndra tIrtha? Obviously not, but Sri VijayIndra tIrtha saw this as an opportunity to demonstrate to the world the power and potency of the Narasimha mantra. Accordingly, he composed a unique stotra to Lord Narasimha consisting of several bIjAksharas (primordial syllables) and offered that with devotion to the Lord. The nectar that issued out from his devotion-soaked lips is the Sri ShoDashabAhu nrusimhAsTaka.

Any eligible person who chants this mantra daily with devotion and a clean and chaste body and mind will be free from the effects of all poisons, and in addition, will attain all his desires. This icon is worshipped in the Raghavendra maTha even to this day.

Works :

Sri Vijayindra tIrtha is said to have written 104 works, of which very few are available. The Raghavendra Vijaya stipulates that only one who has studied the works of Sri Vijayindra tIrtha can be considered a great scholar! The guru-guNa stavana by Sri VadIndra tIrtha says that the tree of dvaita vedanta flowered under Sri Vijayindra tIrtha (“puShpitoyamjayIndrA dadya”).

Incidentally, the Raghavendra stotra says that Rayaru used Sri Vijayindra tIrtha’s work called Vaag Vaikhari to defeat a formidable opponent called Sesha (“Vaag Vaikhari nirjita bhavya sEshah”). Rayaru makes deferential references to the works of Sri VijayIndra tIrtha in his own works.

Sri VijayIndra tIrtha was well-versed in several branches of learning such as Kavya (Poetry), Nataka (Drama) and Rhetorics. He has several dramas to his credit, a rarity for a Madhva Yati.

Enters BrindAvana:

Sri Surendra tIrtha, the guru of Sri VijayIndra tIrtha, had prompted him to grant sanyAsa to Sri SudhIndra tIrtha. Sri VijayIndra tIrtha personally supervised the education of Sri SudhIndra tIrtha and chose him as his successor. After handing over the reigns of the maTha to his successor, Sri VijayIndra tIrtha entered his brindavana in Kumbhakonam (Tamilnadu) on Jyeshta Krishna Trayodashi.

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