Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga

The Fifth Delight

Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma

17. The Eminence and Conquests of Sri Sudheendra Tirtha

In the lineage of Sri Madhvacharya, the contributions of Sri Vijayindra Tirtha and Sri Sudheendra Tirtha hold a unique and extraordinary place. Much like the earlier luminaries—Sri Padmanabha, Narahari, Madhava, Tikacharya, Sri Rajendra, Kavindra, Vibudhendra, Sri Sripadaraja, and Sri Vyasaraja—who raised the banner of Dvaita Siddhanta through scholarship, commentary, and debate, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha and Sri Sudheendra Tirtha also accomplished significant feats in propagating the philosophy. Their achievements solidified the foundation of Dvaita philosophy and expanded its reach across India.

After Sri Vyasaraja, the first great commentator on Dvaita philosophy, and before the renowned Sri Raghavendra Swami, the contributions of these gurus over 81 years (1539–1621) were unparalleled. They elevated the glory of Dvaita Siddhanta through scholarship, authorship, debates, philosophical establishment, and the protection and promotion of Vedic traditions. Their works earned universal recognition and respect, enriching Indian spirituality and philosophy.

The Scholarship of Sri Vijayindra Tirtha

The magnificence of Sri Vijayindra Tirtha’s scholarship has been beautifully captured in the Sri Raghavendra Vijaya:

"Vakya-pade-pada-vilocanaukau

Vyasiya-shastra ca krtan-nabandhan |

Aastam budhah shotumashesha-meshama

Akhyamakhyadyadi pandito'si ||"

This verse praises Sri Vijayindra Tirtha’s unparalleled contributions, noting that he authored 104 texts across Purva Mimamsa, Vyakarana, Tarka (logic by Akshapada), and Brahma Mimamsa (Vedanta by Vyasa). The enormity of his scholarship is such that even reciting the names of his works would qualify someone as a great scholar, let alone studying them all. His literary output remains monumental and continues to inspire scholars.

The Scholarship of Sri Sudheendra Tirtha

Following in the footsteps of his guru, Sri Sudheendra Tirtha also became a Sarvatantra Svatantra (master of all fields of knowledge). He authored profound texts and gained fame for his contributions to multiple branches of philosophy and scripture.

Grooming of Sri Sudheendra Tirtha

For seven to eight years, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha refrained from traveling and stayed in Kumbakonam, focusing on teaching Sri Sudheendra Tirtha. Under his guidance, Sudheendra Tirtha emerged as a celebrated scholar. Once his training was complete, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha deemed him ready for a Digvijaya Yatra (victory tour).

With the blessings of his guru, Sri Sudheendra Tirtha embarked on his journey accompanied by prominent scholars of the matha.

Sri Sudheendra Tirtha’s Victory Tour

He traveled extensively across North India, visiting sacred places like Mathura, Vrindavan, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Gaya, Badrinath, Delhi, Kurukshetra, Kashmir, Kashi (Varanasi), and Prayagraj. In each place, he:

Paid homage to the deities,

Sanctified himself through pilgrimages and spiritual practices,

Engaged in debates with renowned scholars of the region, and

Emerged victorious, earning respect from the scholarly community.

Recognition and Honors

In Rajasthan, he visited Baroda and Jaipur, where he debated and defeated the region's most eminent scholars in philosophical discussions. His victories brought immense prestige to Dvaita philosophy, and he was honored by various kings and dignitaries.

Through his Digvijaya Yatra, Sri Sudheendra Tirtha not only upheld the legacy of his guru but also strengthened the foundation of Dvaita Siddhanta, earning accolades and cementing his place as one of its greatest propagators.

Hearing of Sri Sudheendra Tirtha's profound wisdom, devotion, and renunciation, the Maharaja Sindhia of Gwalior invited him to his capital, welcomed him with grandeur, and honored him greatly. Numerous scholars from the royal court came to debate various scriptures with Sri Sudheendra Tirtha. The guru, with remarkable ease, defeated them all in logical debates, achieving a significant victory.

Impressed by his brilliance, the Maharaja of Gwalior conferred upon him the title of "Royal Guru," a rare honor. On an auspicious day, the king invited Sri Sudheendra Tirtha to the palace amidst grand celebrations and placed him on a golden throne specifically crafted for him. Presenting the guru with royal insignia like the white umbrella, Apta Giri, and Chamaras, the king conferred upon him the extraordinary title of "Digvijaya Simhasanadheeshwara" (Victor and Sovereign of the Throne of Conquests). Furthermore, he issued a royal decree stating that as long as the matha remained in his kingdom, all expenses of the matha would be borne by the royal treasury.

After spending a few months there and promising to return, Sri Sudheendra Tirtha continued his journey, visiting Punnyapattana (Pune) and Bhagyanagara (Hyderabad). He proceeded to Pandharpur and Kolhapur, offering his prayers at the shrines of Sri Panduranga and Goddess Mahalakshmi, and eventually arrived in Vellore. By this time, Sri Ranga Raya had passed away, and his brother Veeravenkata Raya had ascended the throne as the Emperor of Karnataka.

Recognizing the longstanding association between the Kannada Empire and the great matha, as well as the reverence held by his predecessors like Aliya Rama Raya and Sri Vijayindra Tirtha, Veeravenkata Raya welcomed Sri Sudheendra Tirtha with royal honors. Several scholars from the court debated with the guru and were defeated, further enhancing his reputation. Moved by the guru's intellect and philosophical prowess, Veeravenkata Raya honored him with the "Vijaya Shankha" (Conch of Victory) and other symbols of recognition.

Not content with this alone, the emperor aspired to emulate his uncle Aliya Rama Raya, who had performed the "Ratnabhisheka" (ceremonial anointing with jewels) for Sri Vijayindra Tirtha. In a grand ceremony held at the royal court, amidst ministers, generals, noblemen, scholars, and citizens, the emperor seated Sri Sudheendra Tirtha on an exalted throne, performed the Ratnabhisheka, and presented him with numerous titles, wealth, gold, and jewels, earning the guru’s blessings.

Continuing his southern journey, Sri Sudheendra Tirtha traveled extensively, establishing philosophical victories and engaging in welfare activities. He was honored by rulers such as Venkata Nayaka of Ikkeri, Nanja Raja of Mysore, Immadi Rama Raya of Haddinadu, First Bhairava of Karkala, the king of Madurai, the king of Kochi (Ananta Shayana), and Krishnappa Nayaka of Gingee. Finally, he arrived at Bijapur, leaving a trail of spiritual and intellectual triumphs.

During the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur, who was known for his patronage of knowledge, respect for all religions, and benevolent rule, Sri Sudheendra Tirtha arrived in the kingdom. The Sultan welcomed him with great respect and made all necessary arrangements for his stay.

At that time, the kingdom was suffering from a severe famine that had persisted for twelve years, causing immense hardship to the people. Despite distributing grains, wealth, and other resources from the royal treasury, the Sultan was unable to alleviate the suffering of his people. Distressed by this, he sought guidance from Sri Sudheendra Tirtha, whose divine grace and wisdom were well-known. He requested the saint to suggest a way to end the famine and provide relief to his subjects.

Pleased by the Sultan’s deep concern for his people, Sri Sudheendra Tirtha initiated a series of spiritual rituals. He wrote sacred seed syllables in the royal granary and performed a seven-day ritual involving havan (fire offerings), homa, parayana (recitation), and poojas. He also worshipped Sri Digvijaya Rama and fervently prayed for divine intervention. Miraculously, not only did the granaries replenish themselves with grain, but there was also continuous rainfall for seven days. Rivers, ponds, and wells overflowed, and the famine came to an end.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, the Sultan expressed his deep appreciation for Sri Sudheendra Tirtha’s grace. He invited the saint to his palace, performed Pada Puja (ceremonial worship of the feet), and offered generous gifts. Witnessing the honor given to Sri Sudheendra, some jealous scholars challenged him to debates in various scriptures. For ten days, the guru engaged in debates with them, emerging victorious each time. Humbled, the scholars bowed to him and sought forgiveness. The Sultan, deeply impressed, developed profound reverence and devotion toward the guru.

The Sultan then instructed his minister, Ghanashyam Raya, to become a disciple of Sri Sudheendra Tirtha. However, Ghanashyam Raya, doubting the guru’s divine powers, declared, "It is not a great feat to bring rain or defeat scholars. If he can make the sun disappear even for a moment during broad daylight, I, along with my entire family, will become his disciple."

When this challenge was conveyed to Sri Sudheendra Tirtha, he accepted it as a divine opportunity. With unwavering faith in Sri Hari and through intense penance, he invoked Lord Lakshmi Narayana and Digvijaya Rama. Just as Lord Krishna had obscured the sun with his Sudarshana Chakra during the Mahabharata to fulfill Arjuna's vow, Lord Hari responded to the saint’s devotion. In a miraculous display of divine intervention, the sun was obscured for a brief moment in broad daylight.

Amazed and humbled by this miracle, Ghanashyam Raya and the Sultan bowed to Sri Sudheendra Tirtha, seeking forgiveness for doubting him. True to his word, Ghanashyam Raya, along with his family, took initiation (Madhva Deeksha) from the guru, receiving Mantra Mudradharana (initiation into sacred mantras). As an act of gratitude and devotion, he donated his personal village, Anehosur, to the matha and became a dedicated disciple.

Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah, in gratitude for the immense favor and grace Sri Sudheendra Tirtha had bestowed upon his kingdom and himself, honored the guru with a ceremonial green umbrella, chamaras (royal fans), and the title of "Jagadguru". Additionally, he bestowed titles such as Nishani and Hauda, along with villages, lands, jewels, and ornaments as offerings, thereby earning the guru's complete blessings.

Sri Sudheendra Tirtha then departed from Bijapur and embarked on a victorious journey across India, earning respect and recognition from numerous kings and emperors. Everywhere he went, he was honored with titles, awards, villages, and lands, while propagating the Madhva philosophy and spreading the triumphant sound of Dvaita Siddhanta far and wide. His profound wisdom and achievements gained him universal fame and reverence.

When Sri Sudheendra Tirtha returned to Kumbakonam, his revered guru, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha, joyfully welcomed his beloved disciple with affection, embracing him warmly and exclaiming in delight at the unparalleled success and glory achieved by him.