Sri Padmanabha Tirtharu, a prominent figure in the Madhva tradition of Hinduism, is celebrated for his pivotal role as one of the earliest and most influential disciples of Acharya Madhva, the founder of the Dvaita school of Vedanta. His journey from an esteemed Advaita scholar to a devout follower and propagator of Dvaita philosophy offers a profound example of spiritual transformation and commitment.
Originally named Shobhana Bhatta, he was a well-known scholar in the court of the Kakatiya dynasty, particularly in Rajamahendravaram. Despite his intellectual accomplishments and recognition, his encounter with Acharya Madhva, marked by a significant debate, led to his conversion to Madhva's teachings. Overwhelmed by the depth and clarity of Madhva's arguments, Shobhana Bhatta sought Madhva's guidance and was eventually initiated into his lineage, receiving the name Padmanabha Tirtharu.
Sri Madhwacharya gave Sri Padmanabha Tirtharu the deity of Gopinatha to worship. After initiating Shobana Bhatta into his lineage and renaming him as Padmanabha Tirtharu, Sri Madhwacharya entrusted him with the Gopinatha idol. This idol is revered and continues to be worshipped within the Sripadaraja Mutt lineage even today.
Padmanabha Tirtharu is honored for several firsts in the Madhva tradition:
- He was the first formal disciple (Ashrama Shishya) of Acharya Madhva.
- Notably, he was the first Advaitin scholar to be converted by Madhva.
- He became the first commentator (Teekakara) on Madhva's works, setting a precedent for scholarly exposition in the tradition.
- As a prasaraka, he was instrumental in spreading Madhva's teachings.
- He is credited with the establishment of the first Vrundavana, a memorial dedicated to a saint in the Madhva lineage.
His tenure as a spiritual leader lasted from 1278 to 1285, with his mainstay being at Navabrindavana, Anegundi. He was succeeded by Narahari Tirtha and further contributed to the lineage by ordaining Lakshmidhara Tirtha. The lineage he helped establish continued through Sripadaraja Mutt, which is based out of Mulbagilu, Kolar, and remains influential to this day.
Padmanabha Tirtharu's scholastic contributions include several commentaries on Madhva's works, which have been highly regarded for their depth and insight into Dvaita philosophy. He was celebrated for his pure devotion, deep understanding of Madhva's teachings, and was compared to the milky ocean for his purity and depth of spiritual insight.
His life and works continue to be celebrated in the Madhva community, and his Vrundavana in Navabrindavana in Anegundi near Hampi remains a site of pilgrimage and reverence, and he is celebrated especially during his Aradhana in the Kartheeka month on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha. Padmanabha Tirtharu's journey from a scholar of the Advaita tradition to a foundational figure in the Dvaita tradition exemplifies the transformative power of spiritual enlightenment and dedication.
