The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
16. The New Jagadguru
The Vidyamatha at Kumbakonam was abuzz with festivities. Thousands of devotees and dignitaries had gathered. Among them was Chinnachavappa Nayaka, the ruler of Rajamannar Guddi and younger brother of Chavappa Nayaka, the ruler of Tanjore, accompanied by his entourage. The occasion for such grandeur was the formal Ashrama Pradana (initiation into asceticism) and the appointment of Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha's successor, marking an important event in the tradition of the Madhva lineage.
On an elaborate stage, Sri Surendra Tirtha and Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha were seated on their respective thrones. Distinguished rulers, including Chinnachavappa Nayaka, occupied their designated seats.
Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha addressed the gathering, narrating the significance of the Mahasansthana and its illustrious lineage. He said:
"Devotees of Dharma, for generations, the custom of appointing successors in this great seat of learning, initiated by Sri Madhvacharya and blessed by Sri Vyasaraja, has been maintained without interruption. However, during my tenure, I feared that this sacred tradition might face disruption. To prevent any blemish on the reputation of this revered lineage, I resolved to ensure the appointment of my successor in accordance with our time-honored practices. Today, our revered Guru, Sri Surendra Tirtha, will bestow Ashrama Pradana upon my successor. You may wonder who this fortunate individual is. Behold, seated beside me is none other than Narayanacharya, a scion of our lineage and grandson of the Chinna Bhandari family. A scholar of Nyaya and Sahitya, he is well-qualified to adorn this Mahasansthana. Under the guidance of our Guru, he will now ascend to this esteemed position."
The audience expressed their joy with thunderous applause.
To the accompaniment of auspicious music, drums, and conch sounds, Sri Surendra Tirtha formally declared Sri Narayanacharya as the successor to Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha. On the auspicious day of Chaitra Shukla Chaturdashi in the Yuvanama Samvatsara (Shalivahana Shaka 1497 / 1575 CE), Narayanacharya accepted Sannyasa Ashrama, donning the kaashaya robes and carrying the danda and kamandalu. After offering Padapooja to both Sri Surendra Tirtha and Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha, the newly initiated ascetic stood humbly before them.
Sri Surendra Tirtha blessed him with Mantramudra Dharana, Guru Upadesha, and Mahamantropadesha, along with teachings on the 64 arts. He then seated the new Jagadguru on the Bhadrasana amidst the chanting of auspicious mantras, vedic hymns, and joyous proclamations from the assembly.
Finally, Sri Surendra Tirtha proclaimed the new Jagadguru as Sri Sudheendra Tirtha, officially anointing him as the head of Sri Madhvacharya's Mahasansthana and transferring all responsibilities to him.
The event concluded with grand celebrations, symbolizing the seamless continuation of the great tradition.
Then, Sri Vijayeendra bowed to Surendra Tirtha and said:
“Our beloved disciple, Sudheendra Tirtha, will become a globally renowned scholar, triumphing over opponents in debates, establishing doctrinal truths, conducting teachings, authoring scriptures, and uplifting disciples and devotees. We will ensure that he elevates the reputation of this great Mahasansthana across the world.”
The audience praised the guru and disciple wholeheartedly.
Later, representatives of the Kannada emperor Sri Ranga Raya, along with leaders from Tanjore, including Chinnachavappa Nayaka, presented offerings to the new Jagadguru. Following this, the laity, scholars, disciples, and devotees of Kumbakonam also offered their respects and gifts to the new Guru.
Under the direction of Vijayeendra Tirtha, Sudheendra Tirtha delivered an eloquent sermon, delighting everyone present. In the afternoon, Sudheendra Tirtha performed the puja of Sri Moola Rama, guided by Vijayeendra Tirtha. The gathering was blessed with teertha and prasada, followed by a grand feast for thousands, bringing the program to a joyful conclusion.
That evening, after the Deepaaradhana, the three ascetics (Surendra Tirtha, Vijayeendra Tirtha, and Sudheendra Tirtha) held a private conversation with Timmanna Acharya. During this discussion, Sudheendra Tirtha inquired about Timmanna Acharya, saying:
"I am not familiar with this person. He seems to be held in great affection by both of you. Who is he?"
Sri Vijayeendra smiled and explained:
“This is Timmanna Acharya. He belongs to our lineage, sharing familial ties with both me and our revered senior Gurus. He has studied under me and is a scholar par excellence. I hope he will now be an even closer companion and a recipient of your special blessings.”
Timmanna Acharya prostrated before Sudheendra Tirtha, who lifted him up affectionately and seated him beside him. Sudheendra said:
“You are truly fortunate to be so dear to both Gurus. Acharya, we hope that you will dedicate the same affection and commitment to serving this Mahasansthana.”
Timmanna Acharya responded with humility:
“I will obey the commands of Sri Gurus with utmost reverence.”
At the same time, Chinnachavappa Nayaka, who had accompanied the emperor's representatives, bowed to the three Gurus and said:
“Gurudeva, Samrat Sri Ranga Raya humbly requests the revered Gurus, including the newly anointed Jagadguru, to grace Penukonda with their presence. The emperor wishes to host you and offer his respects and hospitality.”
Surendra Tirtha, pleased by the request, responded:
“We will certainly visit and accept the emperor’s service.”
With this assurance, the Gurus blessed the representatives with Phal Mantrakshate and then retired for the day.
Following Sri Ranga Raya's invitation, the three Gurus arrived at Penukonda, where they were warmly received with grand honors. The emperor offered them a royal welcome and accommodated them in the royal palace.
On Shalivahana Shaka 1497, Yuva Samvatsara, Ashadha Shukla 12 (First Dwadashi), Monday (dated 20-06-1575), Sri Surendra Tirtha, following the emperor’s request, completed the puja, Dwadashi Parane, and proceeded with the royal procession, accompanied by disciples and associates, to the temple of Sri Rama Deva, where he was seated on a ceremonial throne.
At this moment, Sri Ranga Raja, with reverence and accompanied by scholars and advisors, expressed his wish to donate the grand village of Navalur or Ramachandrapura, located in the Tanjore kingdom. This village was abundant with resources, including fifty fertile fields, houses in the Agrahara, wells, tanks, and gardens. He requested Sri Surendra Tirtha to accept this offering, bless him, and ensure prosperity for both the Kannada kingdom and himself.
Sri Surendra Tirtha, in his response, said:
“Your Majesty, the Guru-disciple relationship between this Mahasansthana and your Araveeti dynasty has flourished for generations. Your great-grandfather Sri Rama Raja, 62 years ago, donated nine grand villages and a matha in Vijayanagara to our lineage. Your elder uncle Aliya Rama Raja honored our Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha with a Ratnabhisheka and gifted villages and land. This tradition of magnanimous charity is the hallmark of your dynasty. Your donation of this village brings us immense joy. May Sri Moola Ramachandra bestow all blessings upon you and protect you for a long time.”
Sri Ranga Raja, with devotion and humility, performed a namaskara and formally donated the village of Navalur (or Ramachandrapura) to the Guru. He prayed for blessings that would bring honor to his ancestors and prosperity to himself.
Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha, following the instructions of his Guru, allocated seven fields for the matha and expressed his wish to donate the remaining forty-three fields and houses in the Agrahara to twenty deserving scholars as sustenance. He prepared a list of the twenty qualified scholars eligible for this donation and requested the preparation of a copper inscription to formalize the deed.
In accordance, court poets composed the donation deed in Sanskrit, and the royal sculptor, Guruparya, crafted the copper inscription. The inscription was ceremoniously presented to the Gurus by Sri Ranga Raja.
Among the scholars who received this donation were notable disciples of Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha, including Timmanna Acharya, son of Kanakachala Acharya, from the Gautama gotra, Yajurveda Shakha, and Timmarasa, belonging to the Kashyapa gotra and Yajurveda Shakha. These scholars played significant roles in sustaining the legacy and traditions of the Mahasansthana.
Sri Ranga Raja, with great reverence, honored the trio of revered saints (Sri Surendra Tirtha, Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha, and Sri Sudheendra Tirtha). He offered a golden throne to Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha and presented items symbolic of Jagadguru status to Sri Sudheendra Tirtha, including a white parasol, fans, pearl garlands, and yellow robes. After staying in the royal capital for four days and accepting the king’s hospitality and offerings, the saints continued their journey.
Departing from Penukonda, the trio traveled to Sri Rangam, where they offered prayers to the deity and then proceeded to Rameshwaram, completing their pilgrimage. From there, they visited Madurai, where Kumara Krishnappa Nayak, the reigning king, welcomed his Guru Sri Surendra Tirtha and the disciples with great honor. The king arranged accommodations and offerings for them, considering it his privilege to serve.
After 97 years of tireless service—three arduous pan-India journeys, ascetic practices, and unbroken spiritual activities—Sri Surendra Tirtha had become frail. Upon reaching Madurai, his health began to decline. Both Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha and Sri Sudheendra Tirtha, with utmost devotion and care, rendered service and medical attention to their Guru.
On Pushya Shukla Ekadashi in the Shalivahana Shaka 1497 (dated 17-12-1575 approximately), during the evening, after performing the Sri Moola Rama puja with great enthusiasm and observing night vigil, Sri Surendra Tirtha entered deep meditation on Lord Hari. As the Dwadashi tithi began, he uttered “Narayana, Narayana” in divine remembrance of the Lord. The japa mala slipped from his hands, and the saintly figure merged with the divine at the age of 97.
Hearing the news that their revered Guru had passed away, those nearby rushed to inform Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha and Sri Sudheendra Tirtha. Upon learning of their Guru’s departure, both saints were plunged into profound grief. Their sorrow at losing such a great and noble Guru was immeasurable. Remembering his virtues and greatness, they shed tears in reverence and sorrow. Eventually, Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha composed himself and consoled his disciple Sri Sudheendra Tirtha.
They organized the Brindavana Pratishthapana (entombment) ceremony for Sri Surendra Tirtha. After completing the Mahasansthana pujas, they installed the deity Sri Moola Rama on the Brindavana and performed a grand Kanakabhisheka. Offering oblations with reverence, they lit the Mangalarati and concluded the rituals. With folded hands, they circumambulated the Brindavana three times, chanting:
“Yashkaropavasena trivaram bhupradakshinam |
Tasya namo yatindraya Sri Surendra tapasvine ||”
(Hail to the revered ascetic Sri Surendra Tirtha, who brought great glory and fulfillment through his spiritual pursuits!)
Composing a final benedictory verse, the revered saints bowed in reverence to Sri Sudheendra Tirtha, following which a grand Brahmin worship ceremony was conducted, including lavish feasts and the distribution of generous charity offerings. In honor of their Guru’s Mahasamaradhana, a scholarly assembly (Vidwat Sabha) was convened, during which Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha honored scholars and students with gifts and recognition. Everyone admired and celebrated the Guru's profound devotion to his predecessors.
A few days later, a representative of the Kannada emperor, Sri Ranga Raja, arrived, conveying the Emperor's deep sorrow upon learning of the senior Guru's passing. The representative informed them that as part of the Emperor’s Vardhanti festival, a grand event would take place at the Vijaya Vittala temple in Hampi. The Emperor had requested the revered saints to preside over the Vidwat Sabha and bestow their blessings. Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha, due to his responsibilities overseeing the construction of the Brindavana of his Guru, decided to remain in Madurai. He delegated the task to Sri Sudheendra Tirtha, who was accompanied by scholars, including Timmanna Acharya, and the junior Matha.
Sri Sudheendra Tirtha departed with his entourage and reached Hampi on Magha Krishna Ekadashi. They stayed near the Brindavana of Sri Raghunandana Tirtha, where they performed Ekadashi and Dwadashi rituals with devotion. Subsequently, representatives of the Emperor, along with scholars and citizens, ceremoniously escorted the saint in a golden palanquin to the Sri Vijaya Vittala temple, amidst royal grandeur. At the temple entrance, Sri Ranga Raja welcomed the saints and led them to the assembly hall, requesting them to preside over the Vidwat Sabha and oversee its proceedings.
The assembly began with various competitions and events, including improvised poetry, discussions on poetry, drama, and aesthetics, and debates in Nyaya (logic) and Vedanta. Over several days, Sri Sudheendra Tirtha and his disciples participated in debates with scholars, showcasing their unparalleled command over the scriptures. Among the notable participants who won acclaim were Ramachandra Acharya, a relative of Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha, and Timmanna Acharya, who received widespread admiration for their intellectual brilliance.
In addition, musicians, instrumentalists, and dancers showcased their exceptional talents. By the Guru’s instruction, Timmanna Acharya performed a Veena recital, demonstrating his profound expertise, leaving everyone in awe. His exceptional command over all arts and scriptures impressed Sri Ranga Raja, who developed immense respect and admiration for him.
At the closing ceremony of the Vidwat Sabha, Timmanna Acharya triumphed over the court scholars in a debate, further enhancing the honor and prestige of the Mahasansthana. Sri Sudheendra Tirtha, in turn, delivered a profound benediction in both Sanskrit and Kannada, captivating and earning the respect of all present. The event concluded with widespread acclaim for the Guru and his disciples.
On the following day, Salivahana Shaka 1497, in the Youva Samvatsara, on Magha Krishna Trayodashi, a Saturday coinciding with Shivaratri, in the presence of Sri Virupaksha Swamy, Emperor Sri Ranga Raja, accompanied by the queen, ministers, commanders, and royal entourage, made a ceremonial pledge. Following this, the royal priest recited a copper-plate inscription, formalizing the donation of five villages—Bachchanahalli, Khyada, Yadavala, Chanchala, and Aralihalli—to the Krishna deity. The emperor then offered wealth, gold, clothes, and ornaments to Sri Sudheendra Tirtha, prostrated before him, and expressed his gratitude.
Sri Sudheendra Tirtha lauded the Emperor's generosity, devotion, and reverence for the Acharya Mahasansthana, and bestowed blessings, including a Phalmantrakshata, before returning to the Matha.
That evening, a royal durbar was held as part of the Vardhanti celebrations for the emperor. During the durbar, Timmanna Acharya's profound knowledge, radiant intellect, and exceptional Veena-playing skills deeply impressed Sri Ranga Raja, who conferred upon him the extraordinary honor of "Hagaludeevatike" (Daylight Lamp), symbolizing his unmatched brilliance. The honor included a pair of ceremonial shawls, a pearl necklace, and golden bracelets, which were presented to him in a grand ceremony.
In this way, Timmanna Acharya earned fame by defeating the court scholars of the Karnataka empire in debates and received the title "Hagaludeevatike" from Sri Ranga Raja. This title, with its poetic metaphor, highlighted Timmanna Acharya as a "Daylight Lamp," dispelling the darkness of ignorance caused by adversaries' arguments.
The Raghavendra Vijaya text narrates that Timmanna Acharya received this honor to showcase the defeat and lack of credibility of his opponents.
The Kannada sovereign, Sri Ranga Raja, generously rewarded all the scholars, poets, and artists who participated in the Vidwat Sabha, as instructed by its president, Sri Surendra Tirtha.
After the celebrations, Sri Sudheendra Tirtha performed Hastodaka offerings at the Brindavanas of Sri Padmanabha, Narahari, Jayatirtha, Kavindra, Vagisha Tirtha, and Sri Vyasaraja before departing for Kumbhakonam.
A few days after Sri Sudheendra Tirtha returned to Kumbhakonam, Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha arrived from Madurai. Hearing of his dear disciple Timmanna Acharya’s recognition as "Hagaludeevatike" by the emperor, and his remarkable accomplishments, Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha was overjoyed and praised his disciple’s achievements with immense affection.
Timmanna Acharya, along with his wife, expressed a desire to stay in Kaveripattinam for some time. Sri Vijayindra Tirtha, understanding their wish, advised them to first stay for a few days in the newly gifted village of "Ramachandrapura Agrahara" and later move to Kaveripattinam. The Acharya couple was provided with all necessary arrangements and conveniences for their move. Sri Vijayindra Tirtha, along with his disciples, blessed the couple and sent them to Ramachandrapura Agrahara.
In Ramachandrapura Agrahara, Acharya Timmanna and his wife Gopikamba Devi led a virtuous and peaceful life, conducting themselves with integrity, teaching and delivering discourses, and gaining respect and admiration from everyone.
Meanwhile, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha, to uphold his commitment to his guru, Sri Surendra Tirtha, began teaching his beloved disciple, Sri Sudheendra Tirtha, in the six philosophies (Shad Darshanas) and other Shastras. Although Sudheendra Tirtha was already proficient in Nyaya (logic) and Mimamsa, under the guidance of Sri Vijayindra Tirtha, he mastered advanced texts in Dvaita philosophy, Nyaya, and Vedanta. Notable texts like Chandrika, Nyayamrita, and Tarkatandava—authored by Sri Vyasaraja—were taught, along with many of Sri Vijayindra Tirtha’s 104 works. Through this training, Sri Sudheendra Tirtha became a renowned scholar, recognized for his extraordinary intellect and debating skills.
One day, Chavappa Nayaka, the ruler of Tanjore, accompanied by his son Raghunatha Nayaka, visited Sri Vijayindra Tirtha in Kumbakonam. He expressed his gratitude for the earlier blessing from Sri Vijayindra Tirtha, which had resulted in the birth of his grandson, Raghunatha Nayaka. As a token of gratitude and for the prosperity of his grandson, Chavappa Nayaka donated four villages—Kotturu, Gulluru, Palla, and Raghavakatte—to Sri Vijayindra Tirtha.
Sri Vijayindra Tirtha used one of these villages, Kotturu, to grant sustenance (vrittis) to several distinguished scholars. He then smiled at Chavappa Nayaka and said, "O King, your service to our institution is exceptional. We had desired to train someone from your lineage into a great scholar. Your grandson, Raghunatha, is destined for this honor. He shall study under Sri Sudheendra Tirtha and become a distinguished scholar and poet." Chavappa Nayaka, overjoyed, prostrated before the guru and entrusted his grandson to Sri Sudheendra Tirtha, requesting his blessings and education.
Sri Sudheendra Tirtha, with a gentle smile, placed his hand on Raghunatha's head, blessed him, and draped him with his own shawl, declaring that he would grow to be a great scholar.
Later, Chavappa Nayaka also informed Sri Vijayindra Tirtha that the village of Aravilimangalam (also known as Achyutappa Samudram) had been developed into an Agrahara with 60 vrittis distributed among 23 pandits. He conveyed that Kannada Emperor Sri Ranga Raja had also approved the arrangement and sent a copper inscription endorsing the donation. The villages and houses were ready for the scholars, who could be assigned their properties whenever required.
In due course, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha personally visited Achyutappa Samudram, distributed the houses and vrittis to the 23 pandits, and blessed them before returning to Kumbakonam.