28. Shri Padaraja's Honor
Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga
Fourth Delight
Sri Vyasa Raja Yati Sarvabhouma
By 1470 CE, Saluva Narasimha, the king of Chandragiri, the overlord of the Mulabagilu and Penukonda regions, and a powerful ruler of the Kannada Empire, had gained prominence. He believed that his development and fame were due to the blessings of Shri Lakshminarayana Muni. The king aspired to serve and honor the revered saint in an extraordinary manner. Naturally inclined toward scholars, his interest was always in learning and the arts. Having heard about prominent centers of knowledge in India, the king envisioned establishing one of the world's greatest universities in Karnataka, already considered a hub of education and culture. He wanted to support all branches of learning.
To fulfill this vision, Saluva Narasimha brought Shri Lakshminarayana Muni from Srirangam to Mulabagilu and established a center of learning under his leadership, providing all necessary facilities. This institution had already gained fame in South India. The king also wished to organize periodic All-India scholastic assemblies (Shad Darshana Vidvat Mahasabhas) to enhance its reputation further. He discussed these aspirations with his Guru, Shri Lakshminarayana Muni, who encouraged him and suggested that the event would gain greater significance if presided over by Shri Vibudhendra Tirtha Yatisharvabhauma, a revered figure. The Guru informed the king that Shri Vibudhendra was currently on a pilgrimage in North India but had recently arrived at Kumbakonam. The king was instructed to invite him to chair the assembly.
Saluva Narasimha sent his close officials and scholars from Shri Lakshminarayana Muni's mutt to Kumbakonam with invitations for Shri Vibudhendra. The Guru, upon meeting his beloved disciple after many years, embraced him with tears of joy. Shri Lakshminarayana Muni paid repeated respects to his Guru, expressing his devotion.
A popular story recounts that Sultan Bahlul Lodi’s son was declared dead and buried, but Shri Vyasaraja revived the prince with holy water and prayers, demonstrating the power of Hindu mantras and the divine blessings of Shri Hari. Out of gratitude, the Sultan honored the saint with an extraordinary gesture of presenting a green canopy carried on a camel.
With the arrival of Shri Vibudhendra Tirtha, Shri Lakshminarayana Muni had strong support. Saluva Narasimha organized a grand Shad Darshana Vidvat Mahasabha in Mulabagilu, inviting scholars from across South India. The assembly was inaugurated under the presidency of Shri Vibudhendra Tirtha, a legendary scholar, philosopher, and the head of Madhva's institution.
The event became a historic gathering, with participants including eminent scholars, poets, writers, artists, Haridasa sect members, ascetics, and heads of various monasteries. Thousands of devotees and scholars from different regions attended. The assembly, marked by joy and enthusiasm, lasted twelve days, during which debates on various scriptures were held daily. Hundreds of students participated in examinations in different disciplines, and cultural events like poetry competitions, music, and Haridasa meetings were organized.
Shri Lakshminarayana Muni's brilliance in every field of knowledge, debate skills, and examination methods astonished the assembly of scholars, ascetics, and dignitaries. Shri Vibudhendra Tirtha himself marveled at his disciple’s unparalleled intellectual prowess and contributions to philosophy.
During this event, Shri Lakshminarayana Muni presented a highly scholarly and impactful commentary on his work Vaga (based on Shri Nyaya Sudha) over three to four days, leaving scholars, devotees, and thousands of attendees in awe. Shri Vibudhendra Tirtha himself published Vaga and praised its depth and brilliance, acknowledging it as a timeless contribution to Dvaita philosophy.
Moved by this extraordinary achievement, scholars and ascetics recommended that Shri Lakshminarayana Muni be honored appropriately. The king and Shri Vibudhendra Tirtha agreed and decided to confer the title Yatichakravarti on the saint.
However, Shri Lakshminarayana Muni, with great humility, declined the title, stating that his Guru, Shri Vibudhendra Tirtha, was the true emperor of Dvaita philosophy and that accepting such an honor would be a betrayal of his Guru. Seeing his devotion, Shri Vibudhendra Tirtha acknowledged his disciple's humility and remarked, “Though there can be only one emperor, there can be a crown prince. Our dear disciple is undoubtedly the future Yatichakravarti of Dvaita philosophy.”
He then conferred the title Shripadaraja on Shri Lakshminarayana Muni in a grand ceremony. The event concluded with great joy, with all participants honoring and offering gifts to Shri Lakshminarayana Muni. Shri Vibudhendra Tirtha personally distributed rewards to scholars, poets, artists, and students.
Saluva Narasimha, deeply impressed, invited Shri Lakshminarayana Muni to his court in Chandragiri. The king honored his Guru with royal splendor, seating him in a golden palanquin, leading a grand procession to the palace, and daily seeking his guidance on spiritual and administrative matters. During an auspicious moment, the king formally declared Shri Lakshminarayana Muni as the royal Guru, offering gifts of gold, jewels, garments, and land.
After some time, Shri Lakshminarayana Muni returned to Mulabagilu, continuing his mission of spreading knowledge and spiritual wisdom.