29. Paksadhara Mishra Becomes a Disciple
Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga
Fourth Delight
Mithila was a haven for scholars, and its Vidyapeetha was home to the renowned scholar Paksadhara Mishra. He was celebrated as a pioneer of the Navya Nyaya (New Logic) tradition. Having mastered Gangesha Upadhyaya’s seminal work Chintamani—a masterpiece of Navya Nyaya—Paksadhara Mishra had gained unparalleled fame as a scholar, teaching Chintamani to hundreds of talented students.
Paksadhara Mishra, with his prowess in Navya Nyaya, had defeated all scholars who challenged him and was considered a formidable adversary in debates. In addition to Navya Nyaya, he was also a master of Vyakarana (grammar), Mimamsa, Kavya (poetry), Nataka (drama), Alankara (rhetoric), and Advaita Vedanta. His expertise extended to nearly every branch of knowledge, making him a household name across North India.
Shri Vyasaraja Gurusarvabhauma, intrigued by Paksadhara Mishra’s reputation, decided to test his scholarship during his travels and directed his journey from Delhi to Mithila.
By this time, Shri Vyasaraja’s fame had reached Mithila. The local rulers, scholars, and devotees, who were natural worshippers of Saraswati (the goddess of learning), welcomed him warmly. Shri Vyasaraja’s radiant personality, embodying knowledge, devotion, renunciation, and penance, captivated the people of Mithila, who revered him with devotion. However, according to the local custom, he was required to engage in debates with the Vidyapeetha scholars to demonstrate his scholarship.
Thus began the chain of debates with various scholars. Shri Vyasaraja stayed in Mithila for a long time, defeating many debaters in various scriptures with his unparalleled oratory and profound logic, firmly establishing the uniqueness of Madhva philosophy.
Eventually, Paksadhara Mishra, accompanied by hundreds of his students, came to debate with Shri Vyasaraja. Confident in his mastery of Navya Nyaya, Paksadhara Mishra underestimated Shri Vyasaraja, assuming that South Indian scholars would lack familiarity with this sophisticated tradition. Paksadhara Mishra approached the debate with arrogance, which Shri Vyasaraja graciously welcomed.
The debate was a grand occasion, attracting thousands of devotees, scholars, and dignitaries, including the ruler of Mithila. Following the rules of debate, mediators, scribes, and judges were appointed, and the historic debate commenced.
Paksadhara Mishra began by presenting an intricate argument from Chintamani based on Navya Nyaya principles, strengthening his case with great vigor. However, he had no inkling of the surprise that awaited him. Shri Vyasaraja, with a gentle smile, not only grasped the argument with ease but also countered it meticulously using Navya Nyaya methods. His arguments, polished with extraordinary precision, left the audience astonished.
Paksadhara Mishra, overwhelmed, struggled to comprehend how Shri Vyasaraja had so effortlessly refuted his logic while pointing out flaws in Chintamani itself. As the debate progressed, Shri Vyasaraja continued to counter Mishra’s arguments with refined reasoning, using Navya Nyaya’s techniques and advanced logic. The clarity and depth of Shri Vyasaraja’s arguments stunned everyone, including Mishra.
Realizing the extent of Shri Vyasaraja’s scholarship, Paksadhara Mishra shed his initial arrogance and doubled his efforts to engage with this unparalleled scholar. For over ten days, the debate continued with intense exchanges. Eventually, Shri Vyasaraja decisively refuted all of Mishra’s arguments, identifying numerous errors in Chintamani and dazzling the assembly with his intellect.
Defeated but awestruck, Paksadhara Mishra declared, "Jito’smi" ("I am conquered") and prostrated before Shri Vyasaraja, acknowledging his unmatched brilliance. The mediators and judges declared Shri Vyasaraja the victor, and the audience erupted with joy, chanting his name.
Paksadhara Mishra, moved by Shri Vyasaraja’s magnanimity, praised him publicly, saying, “I have debated and defeated countless scholars across many kingdoms, but none have ever bested me until today. I once believed I was the ultimate authority in Navya Nyaya, but today my delusion is shattered. Shri Vyasaraja is no ordinary monk; he is a divine incarnation of Shri Vedavyasa himself. I humbly accept him as my Guru.”
The king of Mithila organized a grand celebration to honor Shri Vyasaraja’s victory. During the event, Paksadhara Mishra lauded Shri Vyasaraja, declaring him unparalleled in scholarship and philosophy, and humbly requested to become his disciple.
The ruler of Mithila, deeply impressed, approached Shri Vyasaraja with a request: “Revered Guru, your presence has sanctified my kingdom. Saraswati herself has danced in our Vidyapeetha because of you. Please bless us by becoming the head of our Vidyapeetha.”
Shri Vyasaraja, with a gentle smile, responded, “O King, while I appreciate your faith and respect, I believe there is none more deserving than Paksadhara Mishra to lead this institution. He is a gem among scholars, and under his guidance, your Vidyapeetha will gain unparalleled fame.”
The king, moved by Shri Vyasaraja’s humility and magnanimity, honored Paksadhara Mishra as the head of the Vidyapeetha, fulfilling the Guru’s wish.
Paksadhara Mishra, overwhelmed by Shri Vyasaraja’s kindness and wisdom, declared, “O great saint, you are no ordinary being but a divine incarnation of Shri Vedavyasa. Please accept this humble soul into your fold.”
After spending a few months in Mithila, Shri Vyasaraja continued his journey towards Bengal, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the people.