23. Victory at Kanchipuram
Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga
Fourth Delight
Sri Vyasa Raja Yati Sarvabhouma
Śrīvāsatīrtha was in deep discussion with his guru, Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni, about the paths of devotion and knowledge for attaining the favor of the Supreme Being. During this time, a group of scholars arrived to pay their respects to both gurus. Among them, a scholar named Govinda Kṛṣṇācārya humbly approached and said, "I have come to seek your blessings regarding a matter of great importance."
Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni replied, "Speak freely. I am pleased to hear from you."
Govinda Kṛṣṇācārya explained, "O revered Swami, the situation for Mādhvas in Kanchipuram has become dire. For the past four years, the Mādhva scholars there have been struggling against opponents who propagate falsehoods and criticize the Dvaita philosophy. These opponents, skilled in modern Nyāya and Mīmāṁsā, have launched attacks, labeling Dvaita as unorthodox and contrary to the teachings of the sūtrakāras. Our Mādhva scholars, lacking expertise in contemporary styles of argumentation, have been unable to counter these claims effectively. This has tarnished the reputation of Dvaita philosophy in Kanchipuram, leaving Mādhvas humiliated and unable to live with dignity. We have come to plead with you to intervene, restore the honor of Dvaita, and ensure the Mādhva community can thrive again."
Hearing this, Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni reassured him, saying, "Do not worry. Your concerns will soon be addressed." Turning to Śrīvāsatīrtha with a smile, he continued, "Dear disciple, you heard the plea of the devout scholars from Kanchipuram. The time has come for you to embark on your digvijaya (victory tour). Prepare yourself for this journey."
Śrīvāsatīrtha, who had been awaiting his guru’s command, bowed and replied, "I accept your command, revered guru, and shall dedicate myself to this mission."
The scholars from Kanchi, thrilled with the success of their plea, left with renewed hope. Preparations for Śrīvāsatīrtha’s journey were made under Śrīlakṣmīnārāyaṇamuni’s guidance.
On an auspicious day, Śrīvāsatīrtha set out with a group of Mādhva scholars, disciples, and attendants, accompanied by the representatives from Kanchipuram. Before departing, he visited the famous temple of Śrī Narasiṁha at Mulabagilu, offered prayers, sought blessings from his guru, and began his digvijaya with great enthusiasm.
Arrival in Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram was a renowned center of learning in South India, comparable to Kāśī, Mithilā, and Navadvīpa in the north. The Vidyāpīṭha (academy) there, patronized by King Sambhavarāya, had gained fame for its excellence. Although the king was inclined toward Advaita, he supported various schools of thought, including Viśiṣṭādvaita and Dvaita, and was known for his scholarly patronage.
Upon Śrīvāsatīrtha’s arrival, King Sambhavarāya, recognizing his scholarship and reputation, received him with great respect. The Mādhva community in Kanchipuram welcomed him with grand processions, Vedic chants, and traditional honors. They seated Śrīvāsatīrtha in a palanquin and led him through the city in a ceremonial procession to a specially prepared maṭha.
Confrontation with Kanchipuram Scholars
After a few days, Śrīvāsatīrtha visited the Vidyāpīṭha, where he met the city’s prominent scholars. Despite their outward cordiality, many of these scholars harbored resentment toward Śrīvāsatīrtha, as they perceived him as a threat to their intellectual dominance. Śrīvāsatīrtha, keenly aware of their intentions, graciously invited them to a public debate at his maṭha.
He said, "Esteemed scholars, the maṭha respects all śāstras. Anyone wishing to demonstrate their expertise in any discipline is welcome to receive recognition and honors from us. We are here to uphold the legacy of Śrī Madhvācārya, whose philosophy we are committed to establishing. I hope you will accept our invitation."
Recognizing this as an opportunity to challenge Śrīvāsatīrtha and discredit Dvaita philosophy, the scholars eagerly accepted the invitation. They believed defeating this young ascetic would secure their own prominence.
The Debates Begin
Scholars from various disciplines arrived at Śrīvāsatīrtha’s maṭha to engage in debates. Śrīvāsatīrtha, ever humble, allowed his disciples to address the initial arguments. When the discussions exceeded the disciples’ capabilities, Śrīvāsatīrtha would step in, meticulously analyzing and refuting the opponents’ points with clarity, precision, and unparalleled scholarship.
Day by day, Śrīvāsatīrtha’s brilliance became evident. His ability to deconstruct complex arguments, provide cogent counterpoints, and cite scriptural evidence in support of Dvaita philosophy left his opponents speechless. Even scholars from non-Vedic traditions like Buddhism and Jainism, as well as proponents of Advaita and Viśiṣṭādvaita, attempted to challenge him but ultimately conceded defeat.
Triumph Over Advaita Scholars
The climax of the debates occurred when the leading Advaita scholars of Kanchipuram accused Dvaita philosophy of being unorthodox and contrary to Vedic authority. A panel of mediators, comprising eminent scholars, was appointed to oversee the debate and determine its outcome.
For several days, Śrīvāsatīrtha engaged these scholars with extraordinary skill. He systematically refuted their objections, defended Dvaita principles, and demonstrated that Śrī Madhvācārya’s philosophy was in perfect harmony with the Vedas, Upaniṣads, Bhagavad Gītā, and other scriptures. His arguments, supported by scriptural evidence and logical reasoning, silenced the Advaita scholars, who acknowledged his intellectual superiority.
The mediators declared Śrīvāsatīrtha the victor, and the audience erupted in joyous applause. Scholars, devotees, and onlookers celebrated his triumph, hailing him as a beacon of knowledge and a protector of Dvaita philosophy.
Royal Honors
King Sambhavarāya, deeply impressed by Śrīvāsatīrtha’s erudition and humility, decided to honor him with a grand ceremony. The citizens of Kanchipuram, inspired by Śrīvāsatīrtha’s scholarship and conduct, supported the king’s decision.
On the appointed day, Śrīvāsatīrtha was paraded through the city on a royal elephant, accompanied by musicians, Vedic chants, and a jubilant crowd. The procession visited major temples, including those of Śrī Varadarāja, Śrī Ekāmbaresvara, and Śrī Kāmākṣī, before culminating at the royal palace.
In a grand assembly presided over by the king, Śrīvāsatīrtha was seated on a golden throne and honored with gifts, including gold, jewels, silk garments, and a bejeweled vyāsapīṭha. Scholars and dignitaries praised his unparalleled knowledge, debating prowess, and virtues. In his address, Śrīvāsatīrtha humbly attributed his success to Śrīhari and Śrī Vāyu and expressed his gratitude to all present.
This event marked a significant milestone in Śrīvāsatīrtha’s digvijaya (victory tour), establishing him as one of the foremost champions of Dvaita philosophy. His victory at Kanchipuram became a celebrated chapter in the history of Indian philosophy and a source of inspiration for future generations.