The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
80. Philosophical Victory in Vellore
In the 17th century, Vellore served as the capital of the Karnataka Empire. After the reign of Veera Venkata Patirayaru, the kingdom was governed by Nalwaḍi Shri Ramadeva Raya. There existed a deep Guru–disciple bond between the Shrimadacharya Mahasansthana (monastery) and the rulers of the Kannada empire.
When Shri Raghavendra Swami’s arrival was announced, the emperor joyfully welcomed him with royal grandeur and had him stay in a magnificent palace. The emperor was already well aware of Shri Guru’s knowledge, devotion, and renunciation, as well as his greatness and miracles—from famine relief in Tanjore, to his triumphs in Madurai, and the procession of his Bhatta Sangraha on an elephant.
Out of devotion and gratitude, Ramadeva Raya invited the Guru to the palace, offered Pada Puja (ritual foot worship), and bestowed gifts including gold, ornaments, fine garments, and lands.
The royal court in Vellore was home to many highly learned scholars in Nyaya (logic), Vedanta, and Shaiva scriptures. Among them were two prominent Shaiva scholars, Bhairava Bhatta and Veerabhadra, each of whom had hundreds of disciples.
Together with their students, they approached the royal court and invited Shri Raghavendra Swami to debate.
The Guru’s divine radiance and majestic presence captivated the entire assembly. His graceful posture, glowing face, and sharp intellect reflected his spiritual stature and scholarship. He exuded the aura of a Jagadguru (universal teacher).
With a smile and raised hand of Abhaya (blessing), he accepted the invitation to debate.
Bhairava Bhatta began by presenting a Purvapaksha (opposing view) based on the work of Chintamani, a key text in Nyaya Shastra. Shri Raghavendra Swami then translated the argument, and using concepts from Tarka Tandava, he highlighted multiple flaws in the reasoning. Bhairava Bhatta’s face turned pale.
Despite his efforts to strengthen his argument, the Guru systematically refuted it, layer by layer, pointing out countless fallacies, leaving Bhairava Bhatta visibly shaken. The assembly praised the Guru’s erudition.
Next, Veerabhadra, angered by the defeat, argued that Dvaita philosophy was anti-Vedic, citing numerous texts to support his stance.
In response, Shri Raghavendra Swami calmly defended Dvaita philosophy, quoting extensively and elaborating on the works of Shri Vijayindra Tirtha, particularly from Nyaya Muktavali, stunning Veerabhadra into silence.
The debate was temporarily concluded that day.
For the next two days, the debate between Veerabhadra and Shri Raghavendra continued. Eventually, Veerabhadra too was completely defeated, overwhelmed by the Guru’s logic and debating brilliance.
The court officially declared Shri Raghavendra Swami the victor.
Still displeased, Bhairava Bhatta stepped up once more, attempting to establish the Shaiva doctrine of Shiva's supremacy (Shiva Sarvottamatva). He argued that Vedas and other scriptures support Shaivism, and asked, “What do you say to this?”
With a smile, Shri Raghavendra Swami replied, “The response is already prepared,” and began citing Shri Vijayindra Tirtha’s works, especially Paratattva Prakashika and Turīya Shiva Khandanam, masterfully refuting the Shaiva arguments.
Bhairava Bhatta, though astonished by the Guru’s intellect and clarity, still persisted in the debate.
The debate extended for five to six more days. During this time, Shri Raghavendra Swami invoked the blessings of Shri Hari and Vayu and brilliantly dismantled every argument, his speech flowing like the mighty Ganga from his lotus mouth.
The essence of Shri Madhvacharya’s teachings poured forth like an unstoppable current, turning every Shaiva proof into dust with flawless counterarguments.
Each scriptural citation from the Guru was like an arrow from Lord Rama’s quiver, tearing apart Bhairava Bhatta’s arguments.
In the face of this dazzling brilliance, Bhairava Bhatta stood speechless, humbled. His arguments failed. Finally, he bowed down to the Guru and uttered, “Jito’smi” (I am defeated), and prostrated fully before him.
Seeing that two undefeated court scholars had been humbled, King Ramadeva Raya was astonished and filled with reverence.
He recognized the Guru’s divine wisdom and offered extraordinary honors:
Villages and lands
White parasol (symbol of sovereignty)
Chamara and Chouri (royal fans)
Gold, jewels, fine garments, fruits, and flowers
This unprecedented victory in the capital of Karnataka became a defining moment in Shri Raghavendra Swami’s life and elevated his fame to all directions.
With the thunder of Dvaita’s triumph echoing, the Guru departed Vellore, continuing his Digvijaya (spiritual conquest) further north.