Sri Padmanabha Tirtha ( 1318-1324 )

Sri Padmanabha Tirtha is foremost among the direct disciples of Sri Madhvacharya. He was a distinguished scholar and was recognized and honoured by people of those times as 'The first disciple of Sri Madhwacharya'.

He has the greatest honour of lecturing on the Vedas before an assembly of great scholars and was acclaimed to be a master in expounding the meanings of the Vedas. He is known for his learning, intelligence, everlasting devotion, and detachment to worldly affairs, service to His guru, etc. With all these extraordinary qualities, he has rightly succeeded Sri Madhva in the pontificial seat of Sriman Madhvacharya to which almost all the present day mathas trace their root.

Sri Padmanabha Tirtha's name  before initiation into Sannyasa by Madhvacharya, was Shobhana Bhatta. He was a renowned Advaita Scholar, accomplished logician and had immense faith  in Veda, Mahabharata and Puranas. He is said to have hailed from a region close to the river Godavari Punatamba, Paithan, Maharsadhtra.

He has won over many a great scholar in debates and refuted all the prevalent systems of philosophy before he met and  was defeated by Sri Madhva in a famous debate. His defeat at the hands of Sri Madhvacharya  made the Shobhana Bhatta to renounce the world and accept sanyasa from Sri Madhwacharya.

We feel  how blessed Sri Padmanabha Tirtha was to have had the opportunity of being the direct disciple of the Sarvajna Jagadguru Sri Madhwacharya himself.

After he drank the 'makaranda' - nectar called Brahmasootra Bhasya from Madhva, Sri Padmanabha Tirtha found other's Bhashyas  shallow.

He was so impressed by the teachings of Sri Madhwacharya that he used to enthral the audience by comparing the works of Sri Madhva to a divine Kalpavriksha, capable of fulfilling all of one's desires. His conviction in the doctrine of Sri Madhva can be known from his statement before the audience that the result one gets by studying the works of Madhva is beyond words and thoughts.

He was accredited to be the first to write a commentary, on the great Bhasya of Sri Madhva, which ably brings out the true meaning of the Bhasya. The prolific commentator of Madhva, Sri Jayateertha, honours this great saint in his magnum opus Sriman Nyaya Sudha and pictures him as the serene land, auspicious enough to be the home of the lord of Laxmi, and an ocean which gave rise to a bunch of invaluable pearls called Sannyaya Ratnavali.

Sri Jayateertha owes his scholarship to Sri Padmanabha Tirtha while saying

स पद्मनाभ तीर्थाख्ययोगिनोस्तु दृशे मम |

न तत्तवमार्गे गमनम्  विना यदुपजीवनम्  ||

I adore Sri Padmanabha Tirtha and look upon him as my guide, without whom, we hardly can pass through understanding of tattvavaada of Acharya Madhva. 
His line of succession via Sri Lakshmeedhara Teertha is present Sripadaraja Matha, Mulabagilu, Kolar District of Karnataka. 

ಶ್ರೀ ಪದ್ಮನಾಭ ತೀರ್ಥರ ವೈಯಕ್ತಿಕ ವಿವರಗಳು ಈ ವರೆಗೂ ನಿಖರವಾಗಿ ತಿಳಿದುಬಂದಿಲ್ಲದಿರುವುದು ವಿಷಾದದ ಸಂಗತಿಯೇ ಸರಿ. ಶ್ರೀಮದಾಚಾರ್ಯರ ಮೊದಲ ಸಾಲಿನ ಶಿಷ್ಯವರ್ಗಕ್ಕೆ ಸೇರಿದ ಶ್ರೀ ಪದ್ಮನಾಭ ತೀರ್ಥರೂ ಘಟ್ಟದ ಮೇಲಿನ ಎಲ್ಲ ಮಾಧ್ವ ಮಠಗಳಿಗೂ ಆದಿ ಗುರುಗಳೆನ್ನುವುದು ನಿರ್ವಿವಾದದ ವಿಷಯ. ಆ ನಂತರ ಅವರ ನೇರ ಪರಂಪರೆಯ ಶ್ರೀ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಧರ ತೀರ್ಥರ ಬೃಂದಾವನ ಸ್ಥಳ ಈಗಿನ ಮಠದ ಮಾಹಿತಿಯಂತೆ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಜನ್ಮಭೂಮಿ ಎನಿಸಿರುವ ವೃಂದಾವನವೆಂದೇ ಹೇಳಲಾಗುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಅಲ್ಲಿ ನಿತ್ಯ ಪೂಜಾ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆ ಇದೆಯೋ ಇಲ್ಲವೋ ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟವಾಗಿಲ್ಲ. ಸಂಚಾರತ್ವೇನ ಅವರು ಅಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಹೋಗಿದ್ದರು ಎನ್ನಬಹುದಾದರೂ, ಎಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಈ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾಪವೇ ಇಲ್ಲದಿರುವುದು ಆಶ್ಚರ್ಯವೇ ಸರಿ. ಅವರ ನಂತರದ ಶ್ರೀಪಾದರಾಜ ಮಠದ ಯತಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬಹುತೇಕರು ಶ್ರೀರಂಗಮ್,ಈರೋಡು, ಭವಾನಿ,  ಮುಳಬಾಗಿಲು, ಪಾಪಾರಪಟ್ಟಿ, ಮೊದಲಾದ ಹಲವು ಜಾಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ವೃಂದಾವನಸ್ಥ್ರಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಒಬ್ಬರು ಅಬ್ಬೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಣ್ಯ ತೀರ್ಥ ಸನ್ನಿಧಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ವೃಂದಾವನಸ್ಥರಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ವಿಶೇಷವೆಂದರೆ ಮುಳಬಾಗಿಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಎಣಿಕೆಯಷ್ಟು ಮಂದಿ ಶ್ರೀಪಾದರಾಜ ಮಠದ ಶಿಷ್ಯರಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಬಹುತೇಕರು ಶ್ರೀ ಸತ್ಯಪ್ರಿಯರು ಅಥವಾ ಅವರಿಗಿಂತ ಮೊದಲು ಉತ್ತರಾದಿ ಮಠೀಯರಾಗಿರುವುದು, ಕೆಲವರು ಶ್ರೀ ವ್ಯಾಸರಾಜ ಮಠದವರಾಗಿರುವುದೂ ಹೌದು.

ಶ್ರೀಪಾದರಾಜರಿಂದಲೇ ಈ ಮಠ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧಿ ಪಡೆದ ಕಾರಣ ಅದೇ ಹೆಸರಿನಿಂದ ವಾದಿರಾಜರ ಕಾಲದಿಂದಲೂ ಉಲ್ಲೇಖಿತವಾಗಿದೆ. ವ್ಯಾಸನಕೆರೆ ಪ್ರಭಂಜನ ಅವರು ಹೇಳುವಂತೆ, ಬೇಲೂರಿನ ಸ್ತಂಭವೊಂದ ಮೇಲಿನ ‘ ಕಂಜನಾಭ ತೀರ್ಥರು ಪದ್ಮನಾಭ ತೀರ್ಥರೆಂದು ಕೇವಲ ಊಹಿಸಬಹುದು. ಇಲ್ಲದಿದ್ದರೆ, ಅಲ್ಲೊಂದು ಮಾಧ್ವ ಮಠವಿರಬೇಕಾಗಿತ್ತು, ಆದರೆ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ ವಾದಿರಾಜರ ಮಾತು

‘  ಲಕ್ಸ್ಮೀನಾರಾಯಣಮುನೇಃ ವಿಬುಧೆಂದ್ರಾರ್ಯ ಯೋಗಿನಃ |

ವ್ಯಾಸತೀರ್ಥ ಮುನೇಶ್ಚಾಪಿ “ ಜಯತೀರ್ಥಾದಿರೇವ ಹಿ||

ಎಂಬ ಶ್ಲೋಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟವಾಗಿ ಉಲ್ಲೇಖಿತವಾಗಿರುವ ಶ್ರೀಪಾದರಾಜ ಮಠ, ವಿಬುಧೇಂದ್ರ ಮಠ( ಈಗಿನ ರಾಯರ ಮಠ) ವ್ಯಾಸರಾಜ ಮಠ – ಈ ಮಠತ್ರಯಕ್ಕೂ ಶ್ರೀ ಜಯತೀರ್ಥರು “ ಆದಿ ಗುರುಗಳಾಗಿ’ ಆದರಣೀಯರೆನಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀ ವಾದಿರಾಜರು ಸುಳ್ಳು ಹೇಳುವ ಅಗತ್ಯವೇ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಕಾರಣ ಅವರು ಉಡುಪಿಯ ಶ್ರೀ ವಿಷ್ಣುತೀರ್ಥ ( ಸೋದೇ) ಮಠದ ಯತಿಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಶ್ರೀ ಶ್ರೀಪಾದರಾಜ-ಶ್ರೀ ವ್ಯಾಸರಾಜರ ನಿಕಟ ಪರಿಚಯವಿದ್ದವರು. ಒಂದು ಸಂಪ್ರದಾಯದಂತೆ ಶ್ರೀ ವ್ಯಾಸತೀರ್ಥರೆ ವಾದಿರಾಜರ ವಿದ್ಯಾಗುರುಗಳು ಎಂಬ ನಂಬಿಕೆ ಇದೆ. ಶ್ರೀ ವಾದಿರಾಜ ವಿರಚಿತ ಅಶ್ವಧಾಟಿಯ “ ದ್ವೈಪಾಯನೋತ್ತಮ...’ ಎಂಬ ಶ್ರೀಪಾದರಾಜಸ್ತೋತ್ರವಿದೆ.

ಇಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನು ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತಪಡಿಸುವುದಿಷ್ಟೆ. ಭೌಗೋಳಿಕ ಕಾರಣಗಳಿಂದಾಗಿ, ಮಾಧ್ವರು ಹಲವು ಮಠಗಳ ಶಿಷ್ಯರಾಗಿದ್ದರೂ ಮೂಲ ಗುರುಗಳು ಶ್ರೀಮನ್ ಮಧ್ವಾಚಾರ್ಯರೆ ಅಲ್ಲವೇ? ತಮ್ಮ ಅಂತ್ಯಕಾಲ ಸಮೀಪಿಸಿದಾಗ, ಅವರು ಅಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ವೃಂದಾವನಸ್ಥರಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇಂಥಾ ಸರಳ ಸತ್ಯವನ್ನು ಅರ್ಥ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳದೆ ನಮ್ಮದು ಮೂಲ ಮಠ ಎಂದು ಯಾರೂ ಕಚ್ಚಾಡುವ ಅಗತ್ಯವೇ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಎಲ್ಲ ಮಾಧ್ವ ಮಠಗಳಿಗೂ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಧ್ವರು, ಶ್ರೀ ಪದ್ಮನಾಭ ತೀರ್ಥರು ಮೂಲ ಮತ್ತು ಪ್ರಥಮ ಗುರುಗಳು ಎಂದರ್ಥಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡರೆ ಸಾಕು. ನಮ್ಮ 100ಮಂದಿ ಮಾಧ್ವರಲ್ಲಿ 4 ಮಂದಿ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತ ಬಲ್ಲವರು, ಅದರಲ್ಲಿ ಇಬ್ಬರು ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರಾಧ್ಯಯನ ಮಾಡಿದವರು, ಉಳಿದವರು ಹರಿದಾಸರ ಮೂಲಕವೋ ಕನ್ನಡ ಲಿಪಿಯ ಅನುವಾದಿತ ಗ್ರಂಥಗಳ ಸಹಾಯದಿಂದಲೋ ಯಥಾ ಶಕ್ತಿ ಮಧ್ವಮತದ ಸಿದ್ಧಾಂತವನ್ನು ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಅರಿತವರು. ಆದರೆ ಮಠದ ವಿಷಯ ಬಂದಾಗ ನಮ್ಮದೇ ಮೂಲ ಮಠ ಎಂದು ವಾದಿಸುವುದು ನಿರರ್ಥಕ ಮತ್ತು ವಿಹಿತವಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ನನ್ನ ಅನಿಸಿಕೆ.

Sri Vyasa Tatvajnaru ( 1750-1800)

Sri Vyasa Tatvajnaru ( ಶ್ರೀ ಶ್ರೀ ವ್ಯಾಸತತ್ವಜ್ಞ ತೀರ್ಥರು) (1750-1800)

Sri Vyasa Tatvajna tirtha is a free ( Bidi Sannyasi) sanyasi, not with Mathadhipatya, chosen by him, which shows his Jnana, Bhakti and utmost Vairagya. He was born as Ayiji Venkataramanacharya son of Narasimhacharya a great Scholar & disciple of Bhuvanendra Tirtharu of Sri Raghavendra Mutt. He, like other Scholars had scant regard for Haridasas, in his  earlier days of just scholarship. .
One day his wife was singing a Kriti  of Gopala Dasaru:
ವಗತನದಲ್ಲಿ ಸುಖವಿಲ್ಲ ಅದ ನಾನೊಲ್ಲೆನೆಂದರೆ ಬಿಡದಲ್ಲಾ
ಹಗರಣ ಜಗದೊಳು ಮಿಗಿಲಾಯಿತು ಪನ್ನಗಶಯನ ನಗರ ನಿವಾಸ॥
Vagatanadalli Sukhavilla adanoolenendare bidadalla
hagaraNa jagadolu migilaayitu pannag shyana nagaranivasaa |
........................................
..
' There is no happiness in being rich, but even if I refuse it, it haunts me. Having more money is creating more problems than I can handle..
He was very much impressed by this Devaranama. But his ego as Nyaya Sudha Paundit did not allow him to meet Bhaganna, whom he thought a good Astrologer of that region. One day, he has to go there to know his son's future. Gopaladasaru said: 'Achaarre, Barree, Magana chinti hatyadenu? Ava bhaala dodda Vidvamsa agtana bidri, chinti byada'. He sent Venkataranarsimhacharya home with due respects. After listening to this Kriti with depth of Spiritual thought, he was attracted to Dasaru. His son was already in his company.
One day it was almost midnight. Dasaru & Venkataramana had not done Sandyavandanam, which he never missed. Dasaru understood his dilemma. He said: Look at the Sky. Sun was just setting down. Both completd their Sandyavandane.
Meanwhile Sri Bhuvanendra Swamiji was informed about this brilliant Boy of Ayiji. He sent word to him. Gopala Dasru advised him to take Sanyasa. Sri Bhuvanendra ( Vasudhendra) was ready to nominate Venkataramnacharya as his successor. He taught him Shastra. Panditya . Jnana were ripe in him. After a few days he started moving with Dasaru. He preferred to remain out of Mutt. His Guru appointed another Shishya as his successor.

One Example of his Kriti:
ನ್ಯಾಯವೇನೈ ಇದು ಮೂಢ
ಜಯ ಬೇಡುವೆ ಗಾಢ |ಪ|

ಜನರನೆರಹಿಕೊಂಡು ಕಪಟ
ವಿನಯಗಳನೆ ತೋರುತಲಿ
ವನಜನಾಭನ ಗುಣಗಳ ಹೆಳಿ
ಧನವ ತರುವುದಿದು ಮೂಢ |೧|

ಪರಮಪದನರುಹಿದ
ಗುರು ಸಮೀರ ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರವನು
ಪರಧನ ಬಯಸಿ ಅವರಿ
ಗರುಹಿಸುವುದಿದು ಮೂಢ |೨|

ಈಶನುತನಾದ ನಮ್ಮ
ವಾಸುದೇವವಿಠಲನ
ದಾಸರ ದಾಸ್ಯವ ಬಿಟ್ಟು ನರರ
ದಾಸನೆನಿಸೋದಿದು ಮೂಢ |೩|

Sri Vyasatatvajna Swamiji has wriitten many Tippanees on Jayatirtha & Vyasaraja works. His Rasarajnee on Nyayasudha Sudha is famous Tippani. Later he settled down in Veni Sompura on the banks of Tungabhadra and continued his Tapas, Dasa-Vyas koota Services. He attained Haripada there on Shravana Bahula AShtamee, this year on 22 Aug. Let us seek his blessings. I will post more about his krits later.
'Venu Soma Pura' is sanctified by its association with deity Shodasubahu Narasimha Deva and Saint Vyasa Tatvajna Teertha the great devotee of the Lord Vishnu, Prana Devaru installed by Sri Vyasa Raja.

Dharmo bhavatu saddharma: MaaragaNaasaantu maargaNaa: |
vahinee vaahinee RAjan ! Syaadaraati paraajayah||

A Riddle given by Sri Vyasa Tatvajnaru to the local ruler Rama BHoopaala when he was attacked by two armies on either sides. He said: Let your Kshatriya Dharma be genuine( Bow be strong) Let Tungabhadra - Krishna overflow, you will win over. It was scorching March. Yey there was a folld overnight. The enemies whom he feared were killed without war. Such is Tapobala of Sri swamigaLu.
HIS WORKS
ಗ್ರಂಥಗಳು -
* ಮಾನಸಸ್ಮ್ರುತಿ ( ಉಪಾಸನಾಭಾಗ )
* ಸಪ್ತಮಸ್ಕಂದ ಭಾಗವತಕ್ಕೆ ಮಂದನಂದಿನಿ ಎಂಬ ವ್ಯಾಖ್ಯಾನ
* ಗಾಯತ್ರಿ ಸಾರ ಸಂಗ್ರಹ
* ಶ್ರೀಮನ್ಯಾಯಸುಧಾ ವ್ಯಾಖ್ಯಾನ
* ಉಭಯಾನೌಚಿತಿ
* ಸುಧಾದ್ಯುಕ್ತಿರಹಸ್ಯ
* ನ್ಯಾಯಮೃತ ಮಕ್ಷಿಕಾವ್ಯಜನ
* ತಾತ್ಪರ್ಯಚಂದ್ರಿಕಾ ಶರದಾಗಮ
*ಅದ್ವೈತ ಕುಟ್ಟನ
* ನ್ಯಾಯದಮನ
* ಕುಲಿಶ
*ಶ್ರೀಮದ್ಬಿಷ್ಣುತತ್ವನಿರ್ಣಯಕ್ಕೆ "ಲಘುಪ್ರಭಾ" ಮತ್ತು " ಗುರುಪ್ರಭಾ" ಎಂಬ ಎರಡು ವ್ಯಾಖ್ಯಾನಗಳು.
* ಯತಿಪ್ರಣವಕಲ್ಪ ವ್ಯಾಖ್ಯಾನ
How to reach Venisompura:  After visiting Mantralayam, you can take vehicle to Venisompura, also managed by SRS Matha.

Sri Prasanna Venkatadasaru ( 1680- 1752)

 

Sri Prasanna Venkata Dasaru  was born in 1680 at Bagalkote,  on the banks of the river Ghataprabha. Bagalkot in Vijayapura  District.  He was born in a small family of his Parents, Two brothers, one of them, elder married.The elder brother was Raghavendracharya and younger one was Venkanna. Kaveramma was the name of the brother's wife.

Raghavendracharya had the privilege  of  little education while his father was alive, along with Pourohitya in the village.  It was not difficult for him to meet the family demands. In addition to this, he was earning some from Agriculture, shared with brothers, inherited from their ancestors. Venkanna’s parents passed away when he was very young. Naturally, he had no formal schooling and worked hard in the fields.

Venkanna's sister-in-law was a very a rude  woman.  She asked him to do all jobs at home and field, at her beck & call, and she never fed him on time. He almost had no playful childhood with family burden on his shoulders.

Venkanna, by nature was a calm boy with  patience, doing all jobs which has been assigned to him, but once he lost his patience and calm,  showed his anger,  when he was not fed properly by his sister-in-law and  insulted by his sister in-law’s cruel treatment at home. also she ill treated him. He left home without telling even his brother.

Venkanna was a boy who had undeterred faith in God. He had learnt a few devotional songs just by hearing them from those who sang on festive occasions. Most of the evenings,  he  attended religious lectures and recital of the stories of Sri Hari's devotees although he would be completely exhausted  by doing domestic & farming work.  He had  keen  interest to listen to the stories of Bhaktas. Though he was not very clever in learning,  he had wisdom devotion to Lord Sri Hari and understood what the scriptures related..

Once it so happened much to his surprise, a Divine voice called him to Tirupati abode of Lord Srinivasa and  he left home.  He was very much eager to see the Lord of Seven Hills and get his blessings. On his way to Tirumala, Venkanna reached the  holy town of Sri Raghavendra Swamiji,  Mantralya, situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra. On account of divine presence of Guru Raghvendra swamy, Mantralaya is indeed  the abode of 'mantras'. Reaching the place of  hallowed presence of Guru Raghavendra, Venkanna felt happy  as if he was in the very presence of Srinivasa. He wished to stay for three days there, however and extended  his stay up to  three years there. Venkanna was blessed by the holy sight  of Sri  Raghavendra Swami in his dream,  who said " Venkanna! Lord Srinivasa is waiting for you. Go there my boy immediately".

Venkanna was extremely happy  by this  dream. He left Matralayam, to Tirumala Hills, with a group of pilgrims.  While he  started to climb the Hills, at one of the cliffs it looked as though Lord Srinivasa's large image had been carved out of it with round smiling face, bearing a beautiful crown, with four hands and a bold stature. Venkanna raised  both his hands in prayer  and cried aloud " Hare Srinivasa Srinivasa"!. He went to Kapilatirtha and Galigopura and had darshan of Kapilesaraswami and Lord Narasimha.

Along with other pilgrims Venkanna entered the temple of Srinivasa. When he  stood  before the majestic, graceful image of the Lord,  his joy knew no bounds.  He lifted his hands high up in salutation and  scremed in sheer joy,  "Srinivasa!!!". He gained normalcy from ecstasy,  only when the temple servants thrashed  him with a rolled up deerskin, asking him to leave the place. Venkanna emerged from the inner shrine and went around it on the outside. He saw some of the Haridasas and others engaged in Samkirtanam  singing the glories of God. He joined with them. After some time the priests brought food offered to God and distributed it among those that had gathered there.

The inspiring darshan of Lord Srinivasa, participation in the Samkirtan congregation, prasadam distributed by the archak every afternoon made Venkanna extremely happy and made him stay for four years on  Tirumala Hills.

One night Sri Raghavendra Swami appeared  again in Venkanna's dream and said "Venkanna God will soon give His darshan to you". Venkanna sat up startled and cried: ‘  Where is my Lord? where is my Srinivasa!!. He was in the silent dark mantapam  where he slept.

Early next morning,  as usual he joined the crowd to have darshan of Srinivasa. He was in the forefront of the group that entered the inner shine. Outside it had begun to rain. Venkanna had darsan at close quarters. Gazing at the blissful image of Srinivasa, tears of joy swelled in Venkanna's eyes. Instead of the image, there appeared a big tambura and a hand playing on its strings!!.  Suddenly, he saw the form  of Purandara Dasaru there. There appeared a small image of Srinivasa in the master's heart. There was another big image of the Lord standing behind him. A ray from that image emerged and entered deep  into Venkanna;s heart. He was thrilled to highest degree and broke down with joy and horropilation. Lord Srinivasa came close to  him and scribbled with a darbha grass,  on his tongue, the word Prasanna Venkata and disappeared.

Venkanna got up and  stood looking at the  majestic image of Srinivasa and began to  sing in his praise in a mellow voice. Formerly he used to come for darshan and walk out quietly. Seeing him singing  a melodious song  on that day,  made the gathering of Dasas & devotees  surprised. Now Venkanna was not just the old himself, he seemed to have forgotten the world around  him. With tears of joy, he went on singing one song after another,  with dancing steps using his hands as cymbals.

The same night, the Mahant of the temple had a dream. Lord Srinivasa showed Venkanna to him and said: "This is Prasanna Venkata Dasa, my great devotee. Treat him with all Temple  honour, make arrangements for his comfortable stay". Later Mahant met Prasanna Venkata Dasaru  on the temple platform,  prostrated and conveyed the message of his dream and invited Prasanna Venkata Dasaru  to have darshan of Sri Venkateshwara. Venkanna  just uttered "Srinivasa all this is your will!". From that day onwards, Venkanna became Prasanna Venkata Dasaru  and he got respect and honour during his stay  on  Tirumala.

His brother came to know all these miracles happened to Venkanna, from pilgrims  and went to Tirupathi, requested him to return  to his house. The people of Bagalakote were glad to see their Venkappaiah coming out as Prasanna Venkata Dasaru. He adorned his head with  a saffron turban, which also covered his back, strings of tinkling bells tied round his ankles. He had tambura hanging by the shoulder in front and a pair of clatter-cymbals in the left hand.

Sri Prasanna Venkata Dasaru went round in the town every morning singing glories of Sri Hari and teaching people the moral path that would lead them on to reach the Happy Abode of Vaikunta.

Sri Prasanna Venkata Dasaru used to spend his  time in meditating upon God's greatness, in singing His glory and in composing songs and stories of God. "Samastanama manigana shatcarana" is one of his longer poems, which is almost like Sri Vishnusahasranama. "Naradaru Korvanji Vesha talida caritre" is full of humour, telling how Narada Maharshi put on the role of a sooth-sayer woman,  and assured Rukmini Devi that Sri Krishna only would be her husband. He has rendered into simple beautiful Kannada stories from  Srimad Bhagavatam. The themes dearest to his heart are those about the childhood pastimes of Sri Krishna. His ankitha as Haridasa is "Prasanna Venkata".

Many of his songs are familiar to people in North Karnataka. In Bagalkote, each year  his punya dina is celeberated on Bhadrapada Masa Suddha Dvadashi of 1752.  Even today one can see in Bagalkot the single-stringed accompaniment ( Ekatari)  used by Sri Prasanna Venkata dasaru.

ಸತತ ಕಳ್ಯಾಣವಚ್ಯುತ ಭಟರಿಗೆ 

ರತಿಪತಿಪಿತನಂಘ್ರಿರತ ಮಹಾತ್ಮರಿಗೆ ||

ಅರಿಗಳ ಸಖರಕ್ಕು ಅತಿವಿಷಮೃತವಕ್ಕು

ಶರಧಿ ಗೋಷ್ಪದವಕ್ಕು ಶರಘಾತ ಬೆಂಡಾಕ್ಕು

ನರಹರಿಯ ನಾಮವನು ನಂಬಿ ಭಜಿಪರಿಗೆ ||

ಆಧಿವ್ಯಾಧಿಗಳಿಲ್ಲ ಅಶುಭವಾರ್ತೆಗಳಿಲ್ಲ|

ಕ್ರೋಧನೃಪಭಯವಿಲ್ಲಾ ಕಾಕುಮತಿಯಿಲ್ಲ||

ಖೇದ ಮನಕಿಲ್ಲೆಂದು ಖಿನ್ನತೆಯು ಮುಖಕಿಲ್ಲಾ|

ಶ್ರೀಧವನ ನವಭಕುತಿಶೀಲರಿಗೆ||

ಪಾಪತಾಪಗಳೋಟ ಪರಿದು ಬಹು ಎಡರ್ಗೋಟ

ಆಪತ್ತುಗಳಿಗೋಟ ಆಲಸ್ಯಕೋಟ |

ಕೋಪದಾರಿದ್ರ್ಯಕೋಟ ಕಲಿವ್ಯಸನಮದಕೋಟ

ಶ್ರೀಪ್ರಸನ್ವೇಂಕಟನ ನಂಬಿ ಭಜಿಪರಿಗೆ ||

At Kuala Lumpur

  After a long time from my hibernation at home due to various reasons,  I  made up my mind to travel.  My daughter  took  me to that Island Country of prosperity, mixed cultures, unexpected weather et al., but  an extremely beautiful place of interest, Kuala lumpur, - Malaysia. .

This Malaysian capital has recorded History of not earlier to 1800s. People thronged there in search of livelihood from neighboring China, Sri Lanka, India and a group of Islands, nearby. Kua Lumpur derived its name as a City in the confluence of two rivers. Gombak & Silent river! In the language of Malaysia, Malayan, it means " muddy waters", which has developed in leaps and bounds in less than Two centuries.
Labourers from nearby India, China & Hing Kong, Indonesia came here for then newly discovered loads of Tin Ore, Lime Stone, various other ores, enough to make this a rich country for Mining Industry.                                                            

 The early rulers were Muslim Kings, along with few Indian businessmen and Chinese investors. In less than a century, Malaysia developed as a Tourist spot of attraction with neighbouring China Sea, more than 150 islands, highlands... which made British settlers to build Fort George and Ship Industry. Ores were shipped from here as labour was very cheap.
The Central Market, one of Kuala Lumpur's Market places is a one stop Market for local items like White Coffee, Oats, Berrys, Cinnamon and dry fruits.
There are several Buddhist shrines here in Penang, and they were early settlers.

INDIANS:
Kuala Lumpur has at least 17-20% of Indian population, most of whom are Tamils, Muslims, and very few Telugu people, and scanty Kannada speaking people.
Many Indian temples have come up during the Pillais, who were rich miners & business men from Tamil Nadu, also Chettiars,and Srilankans.
There are quite few Mariyamman Temples, Srinivasa Perumal, Pulliyar Ganesha, Shiva temples. The famous Batu Cave, has a Cave temple of Murugan, Subrahmanya...Pattu= Ten lime stone made caves are known as Batu Caves, where a gentleman from Pillai family has made huge contribution to improve the natural Cave,  the entrance to which looked like Vel of Murugan.

Buddha Image , Penang.

 I could  see Indians in Temples, Little India, Times Square, and quite a few other places near the sea.

Twin Towers built during Colonial Regime is no less interesting. T he towers were designed by Argentine architect Cesar Pelli. They chose a distinctive postmodern style to create a 21st-century icon for Kuala Lumpur. Planning on the Petronas Towers started on 1 January 1992 and included rigorous tests and simulations of wind and structural loads on the design. Seven years of construction followed at the former site of the original Selangor Turf Club, beginning on 1 March 1993 with excavation, which involved moving 500 truckloads of earth every night to dig down 30 metres (98 ft) below the surface.

The construction of the superstructure commenced on 1 April 1994. Interiors with furniture were completed on 1 January 1996, the spires of Tower 1 and Tower 2 were completed on 1 March 1996.
Statue of Cornwalils, George Town, Penang.

Sea shore. George Town, .Penang Malaysia....

Being the capital city of Penang, George Town plays an important role especially in the political and economic welfare of the population of the entire state. It is the seat of the state government where almost all of their ministries and agencies are based. Most of the Malaysian federal government agencies and departments are also located in George Town. The Penang State Legislative Assembly is located between Light Street and Farquhar Street near Fort Cornwallis.

MALL CULTURE

Kuala Lumpur has numerous Malls, to make available all their fashion needs, clothing, Crats made by Chinese artisans... All Malls have tight security most of the time since a huge number of tourists from other countries  visit 24/7 here. 

CURRENCY:

Currency in Malaysia is Ringgit, almost Rs 20/in India equals a Ringgit here. 

FAMILIES:

Generally Malays local or otherwise live with their parents, and there is no control over population, probably due to rich oil refineries, and following Islam, though Moderate Muslims are local Malaysians. 

Soon you land in KL international Airport.. you are lost! They have English Boards... but seldom clear.. I learnt few words- Basuk= Entry, Keluar= Exit..Bandaraaya- Municipal Corporation.. Jalan= Street..Putra=Native ..Puteri= local ladies... Jaya= Nagar...Kanak-Kanak= KIds( Chille-palle ) Awas= Caution... Customs- Kastams..Condominium- large Apartments..DudukDuduk= Seats.. Salamat- Welcome.. More.. later:)
RM ringgit tandas - toilet. Wanita lady..lelaki Man !!

These are some words I learnt during my Month-long stay at this warm place, with people sporting a head gear, a typical Malaysian dress for Men & women, greeting people with a little smile on their small, pale face. 

Sri Rama Charitra Manjaree

Sri Sri Raghavendra Swamy composed Sri Rama Caritrya & Krishna Charitrya Manjarees, summarising the Stories of Ramayana & bhagavata as approved by Acharya Madhwa, in his MBTN. Ramacharitrya Manjaree has12 Shlokas beautifully composed in Shragdhara meter very dear to Acharya.

श्रीमान् पूर्वं प्रजातो दशरथनृपते: रामनामाथ नीतो
विश्वामित्रेण मंत्राहृदनुजसहित: ताटकां घातकोस्त्रम् ।
ब्रह्माद्यं प्राप्य हत्वा निशिचरनिकरं यज्नपालो
विमोच्याहल्याशापं च भंक्त्वा शिवधनुरुपयन् जानकीं न: प्रसीदेत् ।।१॥
Sri Ramacharitrya Manjaree of Sri Raghavendra Guru Sarvabhoumaru.( MangalacharaNa Shloka.

 आयन् रामस्सभार्योध्वानि निज सहजैर्भार्वेश्वास रोषात्
तद्गं हत्वा सुरारिं पुरगा इव उत नुतस्तपसै: भ्प्प प्रुश्तै: :|
कल्यनानन्तधर्मोगुनलव रहित: प्रानिनामन्तरात्मेत्याद्युक्त
स्चाभिषेके पुरजन महितो मःयतां मे वचोभि: ॥॥When Rama was returning to Ayodhya with Seeta & brothers, he was faced by Parashurama, his own Roopa, and killed Asura in him, got Vaishna Dhanus from Him, and was recieved by people of Ayodhya. Let Sri Ramachandra Prabhu be pleased by my words.The Asura was by name Tapomaya. He was given a boon by Brahma dEva.

कैकेयी प्रीतिहेतो: ससहाजनृपजो वल्कली याननारण्यं

गन्गातारी गुहार्च्य: कृतरुचिरजटो गीष्पते: पुत्रमन्य: ॥

तीर्त्वा कृष्णां प्रयातोवतु निजममलं चित्रकूटं प्रपन्नं

स्वान्बाभिर्भ्रातरं तं श्रुतजनकगतिस्सन्त्वयन्व्यु

प्ततीर्थ: ॥॥

Sri Rama, just to please Kaikeyi set to the forest with his brother, crossed Ganga,was honoutred by BHaradwaja( son of Brihaspati), crossed Yamuna, reached Chitrakoota. He learnt the death of Dasharatha, gave Tarpanam to him, and proceeded further.

दत्वास्मै पादुके स्वे क्षितिभरणकृतौ

प्रेष्य तं काकनेत्रं व्यस्यरध्योत्रिनाम्ना

वनमथसमितो दण्डकं तापसेष्टं ॥

कुर्वन हत्वा विराधं खलकुलदमनं

यचितस्तापसग्रै: तेषां दत्वाभयं स्वानसि

धनुरिषुधीन्यागस्त्यात्सा पायात् ॥

 He then handed his Padukas to Bharata,on request to rule Ayodhya in His name, killed Kakasura, was welcomed by Atri Rishi, and granted Moksha to Sharabhanga muni, killed Viradha, and finally went to Agasya's AShrama with his bow & arrows on request by Sages of Dandaka forest

.५. आसीन: पन्चवट्यां अकुरुत विकृतां राक्षसीं

यो द्विसप्त क्रव्यादानप्यनेकानथ खरमवधीत् दूषणं च त्रिशीर्शम् ।

मारीचं मार्गरूपं दशवदन हृतामाकृतिं भूमिजाया:
अन्विश्यन्नार्त गृध्रं स्वगतिमथ नयन् मामवेत् घ्नन् कबंधम् ॥

Sri Ramachandra settlled for a while in Panchavatee, defaced Shoopanakhaa (by cutting her nose through Laksmana ), killed Khara, Dooshana, TRishiras & many monsters, and Mareecha in the form of a Deer, and when a replica of Sita was taken away by Ravana, went in search of her, on the way he granted Moksha to Jatayu. Later he killed Kabandha. Let HIm bless us
6. पम्पातीरं .....
Sri Rama went along river Pampa, was pleased with the bhAKTI OF sHABARI, & BLESSED HER WITH mUKTI. Then he met Sugreeva, chief of Monkey tribe, and won his friendship through Hanuman. He killed his brother Vali, son of Surya, by shooting an arrow standing behind 7 pam trees. he rested for a few days in a cave of Malyavanta hill.
7. Neetvaa...
Sri Rama spent four months in Malyavanta hill, sent mokies in all directions, Hanuman went towards South, to Lanka. He burnt Lanka, but was greeted by Vibheeshana, Ravana's brither. He Returned to Kishkindha, gave Chudamani to Rama, built a bridge across the Ocean, conqured Lanka. Let Sri Ramachandra protect us.

८. भग्नं .....
he defeated Ravana, killed Kumbhakarna, his brother, summoned Garuda tom relese Lakshmana from Naga Pasha, laid by Indrajit.Second time Hanuman brought Gndha madana hill to  fetch SAnjivani herbs from , to release Rama & Lakshmana fron Naga Pasha again.

९. क्रव्यादं ...
Sri Ramachandra killed many Rakshasas, sons of Ravana, and lastly Ravana. Gods showered flowers on Rama from heaven, on his Victory. He secured Seeta from Kailasa, through Agni. Maya Sita  ( Vedavatee) was made to enter fire enthroned Vibheeshana on the throneof Lanka, returned to Ayodhya in Pushpaka Vimana.

१०. रक्षन्......
Sri Rama ascended the throne of Ayodhya, honoured Hanuman with Ratna Hara, made BHarara the YUvaraja. he instructed Lakshmana to take care of Law & order of the Empire. He saved a Dog, who came to pray him, killedShambooka, ashudra Tapasvi, through saved a Brahmana's son. Lavanasura was killed by shatrughna.

११. यज्नं ....
Sri Rama performed Ashvamedha Yaga, killed some more Asuras, installed his sons, Lava & kUsha, as hissuccessors, returned to his Molla Roopa in Shveta Dweepa. Let Him bless us.
१२. इति स्री रामचारित्र मन्जरी ..
WE pray that this Rama charitra Manjaree, composed by Raghavendra Yati, in short, bring the grace of Moola Rama to all who read this.

Madhva Vijaya

Sri Narayana Pandita was born in Likucha or Pejattaaya family, of Angirasa Gotra Bhagavata Sampradayam, which has indeed done yeomen service to Madhwas by writing the Biography of Acharya Madhwa in his life time. He is the is the author of Suma\\\dhvavijaya, biography of the founder of the Dvaita school of philosophy, Sri Madhvacharya. His Date is around 1350 AD.

Sri Narayana Panditacharya was the son of Trivikrama Panditacharya, one of the direct disciples of Sri Madhva. Narayanacharya was born in about 1280 AD, a junior contemporary of Acharya Madhwa.

He was a born poet like his esteemed father: Kalabhaashana eva sooripota: Kaviraaseet anavadyapadya vadee, - in his early child hood itself, he used to compose Shlokas in praise of God, thogh they were Bhagavata under the control of Shrigeri Mutt. Once Trivikramacharya was defeted in his debate with Acharya Madhwa when he was a scholar in the Court of Jayasimha Raja in Kuble Province, the family converted itself to Madhwa Fold.

In the beginning of Madhva Vijaya, he says:

मालाकृतः तच्चरिताख्य रत्नैः
असूक्ष्म दृष्टेरकूतहलस्य ।
पूर्वापरीकारमथाऽपरं वा
क्षाम्यन्तु मॆ हन्त मुहुर्महान्तः ॥

My role as a biographer of Acharya Madhva  is that of a person making a flower garland, without knowing which fragrant flower should be tied first to the thread, meaning in his curiosity to tell many things about Madhwa, he is not sure of the sequence of events, he says politely.

His epic work Madhwavijaya consists of 16 sargas or cantos, and gives an extensive insight into the life and philosophy of Sri Madhva. It is the only authentic work available on life of Sri Madhva, as Narayana Panditacharya was a junior contemporary of Sri Madhva. He has also written his own commentary on Sumadhvavijaya, Bhava prakashika, in which he explains the real names of the Sanskritised Kannada and Tulu names of persons and places in Sumadhvavijaya. Without this commentary it would have been  difficult to understand the Kavya, to people out of Tulunadu.

Sri Narayana Panditacharya has also written numerous other works such as Shiva Stuti, Narasimha Stuti, Narayana Stuti, Lakshmee Stuti, Sangraha Ramayana and Prameya Nava Malika.

Sangraha Ramayana is a condensed form of Ramayana, basically in accordance with Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya which has Moola Ramayana Story is in 8 chapters. with more than 3,000 slokas. 

Sangraha Ramayana was printed in 1890 AD, has now been reprinted (in Nov. 2008) with Kannada translation by Dr. V. Prabhanjanacharya. "Prameya Nava Malika" also known as "Anu Madhva Vijaya" is a condensed form of Sri Madhvacharya's Biograghy told in just 32 Slokas. Sri Raghavendra Swami has written a commentary on it in his Purvashrama days.

Manimanjari & Shubhodayam are his other kavyas.

Manimanjari gives an account of the History of Vaishnava Acharyas before the avatara of Sri Madhvacharya. It has eight cantos or sargas written in simple Sanskrit poetry. It is, in fact, one of the first Sanskrit poems thought in the traditional Madhva learning circles. In the first two sargas Ramavatara story is narrated briefly, Third and Forth sargas deals with the Krishnavatara story. The last four sargas deals with history of Vaishava Acharyas prior to Sri Madhvacarya and the eighth sarga ends with the advent of Sri Madhvacarya.

Sumadhvavijaya is a continuation of this. There are about half a dozen Sanskrit commentaries on this and a couple of them are in print. Shubodaya is a Spiritual Poem where the poet experiments with different meters.

To Sri Narayana panditacharya's credit is also a commentary on Sri Vishnutatvavinirnaya, less popular but the best of Dasha Prakaranas by Sri Madhvacharya. This tika is called "Tattvamanjari". Hence he can also be regarded as "Prachina Tikakara".

His ancestral home is still there in Kasargod district of Kerala and is called "Kavu Mutt". His descendants still live there. The majestic icon of Srivasta Narayana handed over by Sri Madhvacharya to Sri Trivikrama Panditacharya is still worshipped

there. 

There also a vrindavana there, where he was entombed. This also gives raise to a doubt that he might have been ordained as a sanyasi in his old age.There are two Brindavans which are supposed to be that of Trivikrama & Narayana Paditacharyas, the father & the son, near Madhwa Vijaya Pillar.
Sri Madhvacharya Prashasti

व्रुष्त्यादीनां नियन्त्येयभिहितचरितः सर्वगीर्वाणरत्नैः

गन्धर्वैर्गीयमानो द्युसदसि सकलैः कौतुकादम्यमानः ।

दृष्ट्वा सम्स्त्तूयमानः सुरतरुकुसुमैरार्य आकीर्यमाणो

मध्वो जाज्वल्यतेऽसौ जगति विजयते सत्सभामंगलाय ।

- Sri Madhvacharya could control rain and natural havocs, praised by Angels, watched by people with honour & awe, was showered wit divine flowers by Angels. Sri Madhva is a bright star in the gamut of leraned people and even Angels.
- Sri Narayana Panditacharya (Anu Madhva Vijaya - Prameya Navamaalika) 

Sri Vijayeendra Swamiji

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.