The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
52. Raghunatha Bhupala
Raghunatha Bhupala, the grandson of Chavappa Nayaka, ascended the throne of Thanjavur in 1594. From a young age, he studied literature, poetry, drama, and logic under the guidance of Shri Sudheendra Tirtha, gaining recognition as a distinguished scholar. He also trained in music and veena-playing under Veena Timmannacharya and other eminent musicians, eventually becoming a renowned connoisseur of music and literature.
Deeply devoted to Shri Vijayeendra Tirtha and Sudheendra Tirtha, Raghunatha Bhupala followed their teachings and counsel with great reverence. He ruled justly and earned the reputation of a benevolent and righteous king. Remaining loyal to the Kannada empire, he played a crucial role in the succession battles that followed Venkatapati Maharaja's rule. Supporting Lakshmana Nayaka (Echama Nayaka), he sheltered the rightful heir, Immadi Srirangaraja, in his capital. He fought alongside Echama Nayaka against Jaggaraya, emerged victorious, and ultimately restored Immadi Srirangaraja to the throne of the Kannada empire, earning widespread respect and recognition.
A courageous and resourceful leader, Raghunatha Bhupala also defeated the Portuguese in battle, ensuring they never regained dominance in his territories. He annexed the island of Jaffna, handed it over to the king of Nepal, and established him as a vassal, securing his control over the region. This earned him the glorious title "Vijaya Vikranta."
A linguistic and literary genius, Raghunatha was proficient in Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil. He was an accomplished poet, scholar of logic and grammar, and a great patron of intellectuals, poets, writers, musicians, and artists. As a child, he composed a short poem, "Parijata Harana," during a scholarly assembly, earning high praise from Shri Sudheendra Tirtha and other learned scholars.
Over the years, he authored several works in Sanskrit, Telugu, and Kannada, gaining widespread fame. His exceptional literary prowess and deep learning spread his reputation across South India as a worthy disciple of his revered Guru, Shri Sudheendra Tirtha.
Raghunatha Nayaka’s Andhra Ramayana gained great renown in scholarly circles. Impressed by its literary charm, the poetess Madhuravani translated it into Sanskrit. Similarly, another distinguished Sanskrit poetess, Ramabhadramba, deeply moved by the king’s virtues, composed "Raghunathabhyudaya", a work that earned her the admiration of scholars. Both of these celebrated female poets flourished in Raghunatha’s royal court.
Among the eminent scholars and poets in his darbar was Krishnadhvari, also known as Krishna Yajjakavi, who composed an extraordinary treatise on literary ornaments titled "Raghunatha Bhupalīyam," glorifying the king’s achievements. Later, at the request of many scholars and upon the instructions of Shri Vijayeendra Tirtha, Shri Sudheendra Tirtha composed a profound and expansive commentary named "Sāhitya Sāmrajyam," which brought unparalleled fame to Raghunatha Bhupalīyam in the literary world.
Raghunatha Bhupala was also a renowned musicologist. He authored a treatise on music called "Sangeeta Sudha," in which he introduced new ragas like Jayantasena and new rhythmic cycles like Ramananda Tala. Moreover, he devised an entire melakarta system under his name (Tantree Vaada), enhancing the playability of classical compositions on string instruments. His contributions enriched Karnataka Sangeeta, making a lasting impact on Indian classical music.
Despite his vast intellectual and artistic pursuits, Raghunatha Bhupala attributed all his achievements and success to the blessings of his Gurus, Shri Vijayeendra Tirtha and Shri Sudheendra Tirtha. Holding them in the highest regard, he appointed them as Rajagurus and governed his kingdom under their divine counsel. His enlightened rule and dedication to learning earned him the distinction of being one of the most capable and celebrated kings of South India.