The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
59. Commentary on Aṇu-Madhva Vijaya
Śrī Sudhīndra Tīrtha had been residing in Kumbhakoṇam for about five to six days. On the Māgha Śukla Pratipadā day of the Durmati Saṁvatsara, Vēṅkaṭanātha Ācārya, who was deeply engaged in scholarly pursuits, approached his revered Guru. With great reverence, he presented a palm-leaf manuscript and humbly submitted—
"Guruvarya, inspired by Śrīmad Ācārya, I have composed a commentary named ‘Gūḍhabhāva-Prakāśa - ಗೂಢಭಾವ-ಪ್ರಕಾಶ’ on Śrī Nārāyaṇa Paṇḍitācārya’s ‘Pramēya-Navamālikā - ಪ್ರಮೇಯ-ನವಮಾಲಿಕಾ’ (Aṇu-Madhva Vijaya), according to my level of understanding. Kindly peruse it and bestow your blessings upon me."
Śrī Sudhīndra Tīrtha was delighted upon hearing this.
"Blessed are you, Ācārya! The fact that your literary endeavors have begun with the elucidation of Śrīmad Ācārya’s victorious life is indeed an auspicious sign and a harbinger of prosperity.
You are under the divine grace of our Jagadguru, and there is no doubt that Śrīmad Ācārya will bestow upon you immense blessings, enabling you to offer great contributions to the Dwaita Siddhānta.
By the way, you must already be aware that, beginning today, we will commence the recitation and exposition of Sumadhva Vijaya, leading up to Śrī Madhva Navamī. From today onwards, you shall personally render the commentary on Aṇu-Madhva Vijaya, in alignment with your own interpretation.
This will not only facilitate the dissemination of your scholarly work but will also bring joy to the virtuous and immense satisfaction to us."
Thus commanded by his revered Guru, Vēṅkaṭanātha began his exposition on Aṇu-Madhva Vijaya in the sacred precincts of the Vidyāmaṭha, in the presence of Śrī Sudhīndra Tīrtha.
To begin, Vēṅkaṭanātha reverentially recited the Maṅgalācharaṇa (auspicious invocation) of his commentary and commenced his elucidation.
Commentary
"I shall explain the Pramēya-Navamālikā to the best of my ability, seeking the grace of the Supreme Lord (Indirāpati – Lord Viṣṇu) and the enlightened Gurus who possess complete knowledge. Through a sequential exposition, I will elucidate each verse and reveal the hidden meanings, solely for the pleasure of Lord Hari."
(Maṅgalācaraṇa - Invocation)
In the vast desert of Saṁsāra (worldly existence), where beings suffer the scorching heat of misery and affliction, Śrī Nārāyaṇa Paṇḍitācārya, out of boundless compassion, wished to alleviate the distress of his followers. To bring solace and spiritual upliftment, he sought to illuminate the divine pastimes of Bhagavān's avatāras, especially those that nurture unwavering devotion to Guru and Vāyu. He thus begins his narration with the Hanumat Avatāra Līlā (glorious deeds of Hanuman), invoking the name Śrīśa (Lord of Śrī - Viṣṇu).
Aṇu-Madhva Vijaya (Opening Verse)
"With the command of Śrī Hanuman, whose unparalleled greatness is glorified throughout the three worlds, the Supreme Lord Hari, assuming a human form, leaped across the vast ocean to Lanka. With the bridge (Setu) he crushed the wicked forces, vanquished Rāvaṇa, and liberated the Earth from its burden.
Having offered worship at the great city of Ayodhya, he beheld Lord Rāma along with Sītā. Later, in the celestial land of Kiṁpuruṣa, he remained ever engaged in the service of the Supreme."
As Śrī Vēṅkaṭanātha Ācārya began his explication of Aṇu-Madhva Vijaya, his erudition and profound insight shone through. Drawing upon the Vedas, Purāṇas, Rāmāyaṇa, Mahābhārata, and other authoritative texts, he masterfully revealed hidden meanings embedded in the verses.
Through his exposition, he vividly brought forth the greatness and supreme significance of Śrī Vāyu Deva’s three divine manifestations—
1. Śrī Hanuman (in Treta Yuga)
2. Śrī Bhīma (in Dvāpara Yuga)
3. Śrī Madhvācārya (in Kali Yuga)
With his eloquence akin to the majestic flow of the sacred Gaṅgā, he purified the hearts of all present. His scholarly insights captivated Śrī Sudhīndra Tīrtha, the assembly of scholars, and devout seekers, who were overwhelmed with joy and reverence.
Continuing his detailed discourse on Aṇu-Madhva Vijaya till the auspicious Madhva Navamī, Śrī Vēṅkaṭanātha brought the narration to a grand conclusion. The learned scholars and devotees showered unrestrained praise upon his unparalleled literary and expository skills.
As per the command of Śrī Sudhīndra Tīrtha, Rāmacandra Ācārya honored Śrī Vēṅkaṭanātha with silken garments, golden coins, flower garlands, and sacred fruits as a mark of high esteem.
The grand celebrations culminated in a magnificent procession of the Sārvamūla Granthas (foundational scriptures of Dvaita philosophy). The festivities included—
Mahāsaṁsthāna Pujā (worship of the Supreme Deity)
Distribution of Śrī Tīrtha-Prasāda (sacred offerings)
Honoring of Brahmins and Devout Women (Suvāsinīs)
Night discourse by Guru Śrī Sudhīndra Tīrtha
Thus, the Śrī Madhva Navamī Mahotsava concluded in all grandeur, wisdom, and divine blessings.