Sri Vidyaranya Swamy

It is a common belief by some traditions that Sri Vidyaranya Swamy was Advaita pontiff who mainly toured Karnataka. Many believe he is Madhavacharya in Purvashrama, who is a renowned author in Vedanta and Public affairs. He is known as brother of Sayanacharya, commentator on Vedas. He is included in Guru Parampara of Kudali- Sringeri Mathas. Works written by him such as Panchadashee, Jivanmukti Viveka are well known in Pundit circles. His notable commentary on Parashara Smriti goes by the name Parashara Madhaviyam. however, there only one inscrption at Mulabagilu in the name of Kriyashakti Vidyaranya during the reiegn of Harihara and Bukkaraya, dated 1323. 

There quite a number of anecdotes connected to him are popular. Telugus claim his nativity to Warangal, and others to a place near Sringeri. Both Kudali and Sringeri Mathas claim him in their line of pontiffs. We can say since both Kudali and Sringeri were a single institution, often changing headquarters frequently, on the banks of Tunga and Tungabhadra rivers. There are at least two Vidyaranyas another going by the name ‘ Kriyashakti’, who belonged to Kalamukha group. 

Vidyaranya Swamy salutes Sri Vidyatirtha, Shankatananda, Padma Tirtha  as his Gurus, Some say he was mainly instrumental to form Karnataka Rajya. There is a story that he showered Gold on the State. All said and done, nothing is known historically about him. they say his  Samadhi is at Sringeri Vidyaranyapura and others say  also at Hampi, behind Virupaksha temple, which is not very clear. .