Fourth Delight
Sri Vyasa Raja Yati Sarvabhouma
53. The Divine Mysteries
It is not uncommon for unexpected and unimaginable events to occur within nations, states, dynasties, and families. Such events are often regarded as the will and decree of the divine, unfolding according to a higher plan. Scholars refer to this phenomenon as Daivee Vichitragati (the mysterious workings of the divine). The Kannada land, too, was not exempt from these occurrences. Between 1525–1539 CE, several such events unfolded within the Kannada kingdom and the great institutions established by Shri Madhvacharya. Here, we aim to narrate them systematically.
In 1525 CE, Shri Vyasarajaru rescued the illustrious ruler of Kannada, Krishnadevaraya, from a state of decline caused by deceptive influences. He restored order to the empire and entrusted it back to the king with a renewed sense of responsibility, instructing him to govern righteously, delight his subjects, and live a life of glory and peace. Had Krishnadevaraya adhered to his guru’s counsel, the history of the land might have shone even brighter!
However, Krishnadevaraya, desiring to witness his son ascend the throne during his lifetime, disregarded the wise advice of his chief minister and trusted confidants. He prematurely crowned his six-year-old son as emperor, naming him Tirumala Maharaja, and placed him on the Kannada Ratnasimhasana (the jeweled throne of Kannada). Unfortunately, this act was not aligned with the divine plan. The young emperor succumbed to a snakebite or possibly poison, bringing his reign to a tragic end.
Krishnadevaraya, however, remained devoted to his guru. On Tuesday, Kartika Shukla Utthana Dwadashi of the Sarvajit Samvatsara in the Shalivahana Shaka year 1449 (November 5, 1527), he expressed his gratitude by donating numerous villages and lands in the Bankapura region to the temple of Shri Vijaya Vittala Devaru under the guidance of Guru Vyasarajaru.
Shri Vyasarajaru had twenty-four prominent sanyasi disciples, including several who served as peethadhipatis (heads of spiritual seats), diligently studying all scriptures under his tutelage. Among these great individuals, thousands pursued spiritual knowledge and became renowned scholars and exemplary pundits.
Among all the disciples, Shri Vishnutirtha and Shri Vadirajatirtha were the most beloved to Shri Vyasarajaru. Shri Vishnutirtha, who ascended the prestigious lineage of Shri Madhvacharya’s tradition, was a descendant of Shri Naraharinayaka, the elder brother of the revered Shri Jayatirtha (known as Shri Teekarayaru for his commentaries on all of Madhvacharya’s works). His pre-monastic name was Vitalacharya, and he was a family relative of Shri Vyasarajaru. Shri Vyasarajaru initiated him into sainthood, naming him Shri Vishnutirtha, and personally taught him literature, grammar, Vedanta, logic, and all other scriptures from a young age, molding him into an unparalleled scholar.
Shri Vishnutirtha was like the very life of Shri Vyasarajaru. He received exceptional love and affection from his guru, beyond what anyone else had experienced. An extraordinarily gifted individual with sharp intellect and an unparalleled capacity for learning, Shri Vishnutirtha amazed even his guru with his scholarly brilliance. Devoted to his guru with unwavering faith, respect, and service, he lived a life of distinction and became an object of special admiration among all noble souls.
Another eminent disciple of Shri Vyasarajaru was Shri Vadirajatirtha, who later became the head of the Shri Krishna Matha in Udupi. A prodigy from childhood, he excelled as a poet and scholar. Shri Vadirajatirtha regarded Shri Vyasarajaru as his true guru, despite being revered as an unparalleled authority in Dvaita philosophy and other philosophical systems. Recognized as the undisputed leader among scholars and kings alike across India, he came to Vijayanagara to sit at the feet of Shri Vyasarajaru and study all scriptures, particularly Dvaita Vedanta, under his guidance. He mastered the Vyasa Traya—the three foundational works of Shri Vyasarajaru: Chandrika, Nyayamrita, and Tarkatandava, considered the three eyes of Lord Narasimha. His deep learning and devotion earned him the guru’s immense affection and blessings.
Shri Vishnutirtha and Shri Vadirajatirtha were often compared to the two eyes of Shri Vyasarajaru. They were lauded by all as his supreme disciples. From their very first meeting, Shri Vishnutirtha and Shri Vadirajatirtha were deeply drawn to each other and became lifelong friends. Together, they would reflect on the knowledge imparted by their guru, discussing his intellectual brilliance, teaching skills, and graciousness toward his disciples. Overwhelmed by joy, they dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to serving their guru, becoming recipients of his unparalleled love.
Shri Vyasarajaru firmly believed that these disciples would immortalize his name through their contributions to the preservation and propagation of the Dvaita philosophy, their conquests in philosophical debates, their extraordinary literary works, and their teaching. He often foretold their future greatness. This faith and prophecy of Shri Vyasarajaru have been proven true, as evidenced by the glowing history of the Dvaita tradition, which continues to inspire all virtuous individuals to this day.
Around 1530 CE, during his second victory tour (Digvijaya), the highly revered Shri Surendratirtha, head of the grand lineage of Shri Madhvacharya, a master of all doctrines, an expert in mental worship, and a great ascetic, graced Shri Vyasarajaru with his presence. On Vyasarajaru’s command, Krishnadevaraya welcomed him with royal honors and grandeur, bringing him to the Vishwapavana Matha for a stay. Both Surendratirtha and Vyasarajaru, as spiritual cousins and wise sages, possessed profound knowledge of the past, present, and future. Their meeting was undoubtedly extraordinary.
Aware of Surendratirtha’s purpose in visiting, Shri Vyasarajaru eagerly prepared Shri Vishnutirtha, his most cherished and extraordinarily learned disciple, to present him to Surendratirtha. This moment had finally arrived. As per Surendratirtha’s wish, Vyasarajaru offered Shri Vishnutirtha to him. Overjoyed, Surendratirtha followed the grand traditions of the matha by conducting ceremonies such as shaving the head (Mundana), handing over the staff (Danda Pallaṭa), bestowing the sacred marks (Mantra Mudradharana), and imparting the lineage’s spiritual knowledge, major mantras, and the 64 arts.
Shri Vishnutirtha was then anointed with the new name Shri Vijayindratirtha Sripadangalavaru and enthroned on the spiritual seat of knowledge (Vedanta Samrajya) at the Dakshinadi Matha of Shri Kaveendratirtha, one of the two great centers established by Shri Madhvacharya. The grandeur and celebrations of this event were beyond description.
After spending some time in Vijayanagara, Shri Surendratirtha, along with his beloved disciple Shri Vijayindratirtha, bid farewell to Shri Vyasarajaru and Krishnadevaraya. He then embarked on a Digvijaya tour of South India, carrying forward the legacy of the matha.
The departure of his dearest disciple deeply affected Shri Vyasarajaru, leaving him sorrowful and melancholic for several days. Likewise, Shri Vadirajatirtha, who was both a close friend and a fellow monk of the lineage, also felt great sadness at their separation.
By this time, Shri Vyasarajaru’s teachings had been thoroughly imparted, and his turn at the Paryaya (a biennial tradition of temple service) in Udupi was approaching. Shri Vadirajatirtha sought his guru’s guidance, humbly expressing his wish to serve Lord Krishna at the Udupi temple for two years in accordance with Shri Vyasarajaru’s advice. In 1532 CE, he prayed to Shri Vyasarajaru to bless him and grant permission for this service.
Pleased by Vadirajatirtha’s devotion and sincerity, Shri Vyasarajaru gave him extensive instructions and assured him of his support during the Paryaya. Overcome with emotion at the thought of leaving his guru, Shri Vadirajatirtha wept, held his guru’s feet, and prayed with a trembling voice, “Revered Gurudeva! May your complete blessings and grace always be upon your disciple.”
Even Shri Vyasarajaru, moved by his disciple’s love and impending departure, shed tears. Placing his hand on Vadirajatirtha’s head, he blessed him, saying, “Beloved disciple, may Shri Hari and Vayu always protect you, accept your extraordinary service, and guide you to perform great works for the welfare of the world. May you be blessed with eternal fame and honor.”
Following this, Shri Vadirajatirtha, with the guru’s permission, undertook his journey to Udupi along with the matha, marking another glorious chapter in the tradition’s history.
Around 1530 CE, the beloved Kannada ruler Krishnadevaraya fell gravely ill and was bedridden. Despite all medical treatments, his condition did not improve. One day, disregarding the advice of his physicians, Krishnadevaraya arrived at the Vishwapavana Matha, sitting in a palanquin. The compassionate Shri Vyasarajaru welcomed the weakened emperor and led him to the secluded inner sanctum.
There, Krishnadevaraya admitted that his end was near and expressed his wish to crown his brother, Achyutadevaraya, as his successor, believing him to be fully capable of ruling the empire. He humbly requested Vyasarajaru to oversee the coronation and bring him peace and contentment in his final days. He also pleaded with his guru to extend the same blessings and guidance to Achyutadevaraya as he had received, ensuring the welfare of both his brother and the Kannada empire.
Hearing these words, Shri Vyasarajaru experienced a mix of emotions—contentment at the emperor’s noble intent but sorrow at the impending loss of such an extraordinary sovereign. Despite his detachment from worldly matters, the sage’s eyes welled up with tears of affection for his disciple. Consoling the emperor, he assured him, “Krishna, your wish will be fulfilled. Do not worry.” He blessed him and promised to oversee the coronation.
Following Shri Vyasarajaru’s guidance, Krishnadevaraya organized the coronation of Achyutadevaraya on an auspicious day, Krishna Panchami of the month of Vrishchika in the Shalivahana Shaka year 1452 (1530 CE). With the blessings of the Rajaguru (royal guru), the event was celebrated with grandeur, and Achyutadevaraya was entrusted with the empire's administration. Krishnadevaraya also ensured that his nephews, Ramaraja and Tirumalaraya, served as chief ministers to support the new emperor. This event stands as a remarkable example of divine providence (Daivee Vichitragati).
Relieved of his responsibilities, Krishnadevaraya spent his remaining days visiting Shri Vyasarajaru daily, seeking his blessings for peace in the afterlife. Realizing his end was imminent, he once again bowed at his guru’s feet and prayed, “Gurudeva, my time has come. Please bless me so that I may attain a righteous afterlife.” Shri Vyasarajaru blessed him, gave him sacred offerings, and sent him away with peace. Within a few days, Krishnadevaraya passed away, leaving the Kannada empire and its people in mourning. The emperor, hailed as a shining star of the empire, who had brought unparalleled glory to the Kannada kingdom and made it renowned worldwide, was no more. His death plunged the entire Kannada land—its scholars, poets, artists, and citizens—into deep sorrow.
After Krishnadevaraya’s passing, Achyutadevaraya ruled with deep devotion and respect for Shri Vyasarajaru, just as his brother had. Guided by the guru’s advice, Achyutadevaraya managed the kingdom, defeating all enemies with his strength while maintaining harmony with allies. He devoted himself to the welfare of his people, worked for the kingdom’s prosperity, and earned the love and admiration of all. Shri Vyasarajaru was greatly pleased to see the new emperor’s dedication to the Kannada empire, supported by trusted allies like Ramaraja and Tirumalaraya.
For Achyutadevaraya’s well-being, Shri Vyasarajaru established numerous statues of Lord Hari’s various incarnations throughout the kingdom, just as he had done for Krishnadevaraya’s glory in places like Malur, Kolar, and Aralumallige. Among these, the statue of Shri Yogavardhana Narasimhadeva in Vijayanagara was particularly significant. On the auspicious day of Shravana Bahula Bidige in the Shalivahana Shaka year 1454 (July 18, 1534), Shri Vyasarajaru consecrated this idol in the assembly hall of the Shri Vijaya Vittala Devaru temple. Achyutadevaraya spared no expense for this grand ceremony, making generous donations and offerings to Shri Vyasarajaru and fulfilling his duties with devotion.
This series of events reflects the divine influence and the profound legacy of Shri Vyasarajaru, who ensured the continuity of dharma, guided great rulers, and uplifted the Kannada empire to unparalleled heights.