Kaliyugada Kalpataru

Appendix

Glories after entering the Brindavana

The credit for the development of the sacred Mantralaya kṣetra and the propagation of the glory of Rāyaru goes to four eminent saints:

1. Śrī Suśīlēndra Tīrtha

2. Śrī Suvatīndra Tīrtha

3. Śrī Suyamīndra Tīrtha

4. Śrī Sujamīndra Tīrtha, the vara-kumāra (adopted successor) of Śrī Suyamīndra - ಸುಯಮೀಂದ್ರ Tīrtha.

(1) Śrī Suśīlēndra Tīrtha

Śrī Suśīlēndra Tīrtha received the paramahaṁsa āśrama from Śrī Sukṛtīndra - ಸುಕೃತೀಂದ್ರ Tīrtha (who was known in his pre-monastic life as Vēṇugōpālācārya and held the sarvajña siṁhāsana from 1903 to 1912). He ruled the Śrīmadācārya Mahāsaṁsthāna from 1912 to 1926. However much we try to describe the greatness of Śrī Suśīlēndra Tīrtha, it would still be insufficient!

He was a jewel among the paramahaṁsa lineage, endowed with virtues like gentleness and nobility, and a scholar par excellence in Vedic knowledge. He was a staunch defender and restorer of the Dvaita Vedānta doctrine. Dear to the community of scholars, a nourisher of the learned, a fulfiller of the desires of his dependents, and a towering tree of generosity.

He was deeply devoted to spreading the glory of Śrī Rāyaru. A benevolent provider of annadāna (free food), patron of spiritual assemblies (sabhā), and the living embodiment of Śrī Guru Rāja himself, he was revered by both scholars and laypeople across the land. He remains worthy of remembrance every morning (prātaḥ smaraṇīyaḥ).

The fourteen years of his leadership over the peetha were important and unforgettable. Through philosophical debates, doctrinal establishments, teaching and lectures, support to scholars, care for dependents, disciples and devotees, and the fervent spreading of Śrī Rāyaru’s glory, Śrī Suśīlēndra earned a distinguished place in the world of spiritual knowledge and gained a wide-reaching reputation. His name is immortal in the history of the Dvaita Vedānta tradition.

His name in his pre-monastic life was Rājā Kṛṣṇācārya. As per the command of Śrī Suprājendra - ಸುಪ್ರಾಜೇಂದ್ರ, he studied along with his elder brother Vēṇugōpālācārya (who later became the illustrious Śrī Sukṛtīndra - ಸುಕೃತೀಂದ್ರ Tīrtha from 1903 to 1912 after taking paramahaṁsa āśrama). He was a distinguished expert in Nyāya Śāstra, having studied under the celebrated translator and scholar Śyāmācārya - ಶ್ಯಾಮಾಚಾರ್ಯ of Gōṇḍalu - ಗೋಣ್ಡಲು. Thereafter, under the guidance of Śrī Suprājendra, he studied Nyāya, Vedānta, Mīmāṁsā, and other scriptures.

With his exceptional intellect, skill in debate, and eloquence in teaching, Kṛṣṇācārya outshone others and became renowned in scholarly circles. Truly, he was a blessed son of Sarasvatī—the goddess of learning.

In general, among the hundreds of events that occur in human life, a few stand out as major turning points. It is during these special occasions that a person’s true greatness and capabilities are revealed. The same applies to an institution. This too is seen in the flow of tradition and history.

An institution may run uniformly for some time, continuing along a set course, until a special occasion arises—at which point, it ascends to the highest peak and spreads its influence in all directions. Over time, this vital essence once again rises and shines anew. The cause behind such surges are extraordinary individuals—great, divine personalities—whose footprints remain eternally imprinted along the path of time.

The sacred lineage of knowledge that began with the primordial sages like Sanaka and others, and continued through the tradition of Śrī Madhvācārya, was kept alive and perfected by illustrious saints up to Śrī Sukṛtīndra - ಸುಕೃತೀಂದ್ರ Tīrtha. Into this grand tradition, now, emerged another radiant figure who breathed new life into it for the people. That great spiritual luminary was Śrī Suśīlēndra Tīrtha! (Pre-monastic name: Kṛṣṇācārya)

Kṛṣṇācārya spent some time performing the duties of a householder (gṛhasthāśrama dharma) but eventually realized the futility of worldly life, became dispassionate, and immersed himself in spiritual contemplation. He developed a strong desire to spread philosophical teachings. Śrī Sukṛtīndra Tīrtha nourished that desire like watering a tender vine. And what more can be said?

Ācārya (Kṛṣṇācārya) founded the scholarly assembly called "Śrī Samīra Samaya Saṁvardhinī - ಶ್ರೀ ಸಮೀರ ಸಮಯ ಸಂವರ್ಧಿನೀ ". Seeing that he undertook an initiative typically reserved for kings and peethādhipatis (heads of monastic seats), the people were astonished by his courage.

He invited great scholars, well-versed in all scriptures and representing the three major philosophical systems (Trimata), from across the country. He organized scholarly assemblies (vidvat sabhās) involving scriptural debates, examinations for students, and intellectual discussions on the six schools of philosophy (ṣaḍdarśanas - ಷಡ್ದರ್ಶನಗಳು).

Not only that, he conducted simultaneous sabhās in two different locations within a single year, generously honoring the scholars and students. In doing so, he earned widespread praise and was celebrated as:

“Pandita Pōṣaka” (nourisher of scholars) and

“Sabhā Kṛṣṇācārya” (Kṛṣṇācārya of the great assemblies).

The name of Ācārya became a household word.

It became evident that by Ācārya's extraordinary service, Śrīmadācārya and Guru Rāja were supremely pleased with him. Their graceful glance fell upon him! Śrīmadācārya and Guru Rāja resolved to elevate Kṛṣṇācārya, who had served them with such devotion, to their seat of learning and wisdom. Delighted by the knowledge dissemination of his pre-monastic younger brother, Śrī Sukṛtīndra - ಸುಕೃತೀಂದ್ರ Tīrtha deemed him worthy of becoming his successor.

On Vijayadashami, the auspicious tenth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Āśvina in 1912 CE, he initiated him into the paramahaṁsa āśrama and performed his coronation under the name Śrī Suśīlēndra Tīrtha, appointing him as the sovereign ruler of the Vedānta empire of Śrīmadācārya, and then withdrew into contemplative life (śrīnārayana bhānapara - ಶ್ರೀನಾರಾಯಣ ಭಾನಪರ).

Auspicious Vijayadashami, the divine wedding festival of Lord Veṅkaṭēśvara, the sacred anniversary of Śrī Madhvācārya—to ascend the throne of Śrīmadācārya’s seat of knowledge on such a holy day was indeed a rare fortune. It can be said that among all the peethādhipatis of the great seat of the Dvaita tradition, this fortune of coronation on such a sacred day was bestowed solely upon Śrī Suśīlēndra Tīrtha. That in itself reveals the greatness of this saint.

If Śrī Guru Rāja was the special embodiment of Śrī Vāyu Deva, then Śrī Suśīlēndra Tīrtha was the unique spiritual manifestation of Śrī Rāyaru! He accomplished many rare and extraordinary feats and earned enduring fame as long as the moon and sun endure. Speaking of his greatness is nothing but recounting the glory of Śrī Rāyaru himself!

That is why, even today, scholars celebrate him as the living image (chala pratima) of Guru Rāja.

Upon becoming the head of the peetha, Suśīlēndra - ಸುಶೀಲೇಂದ್ರ continued conducting the scholarly assemblies (vidvat sabhā) that he used to host during his pre-monastic life, now under the banner Śrī Samīra Samaya Saṁvardhinī Sabhā - ಶ್ರೀ ಸಮೀರ ಸಮಯ ಸಂವರ್ಧಿನಿ ಸಭೆ, held in Nanjangud.

That assembly was one of a kind. It was held in the royal palace at Nanjangud over three days, focused on the ṣaḍdarśanas (six schools of Indian philosophy), and was considered unprecedented in all of South India.

Over a hundred learned scholars representing the three major schools of thought (Trimata), experts in all scriptures, participated. Hundreds of students, poets, musicians, writers, artists, and Haridāsas gathered there. Each day, five to six thousand people took part in the sessions and returned fulfilled.

Daily events included:

sentence-based debates (vākyārtha),

intellectual colloquia (vicāra goṣṭhī),

lectures,

harikathā (divine storytelling),

music,

artistic performances,

and student examinations—

all held under the leadership of Śrī Suśīlēndra, making the event shine like Indra’s celestial court.

During this time, Suśīlēndra’s extraordinary brilliance and scholarship in Nyāya, Mīmāṁsā, Vedānta, and other scriptures amazed the entire learned assembly!

These grand proceedings were colorfully described by poets and writers in Kannada literature, delighting all. Śrī Suśīlēndra generously bestowed gold and silver vessels, silk cloths (pītāmbara, śālu), and garments to the scholars.

Not just to them—he also gave generous honorariums to students, poets, singers, Haridāsas, and artists, bringing them great joy.

From that time onward, the extensive nurturing of scholars, propagation of the principles of Dvaita Vedānta and dharma by Śrī Suśīlēndra grew year by year. This brought him the widespread and lasting fame of being called "Sabhā Swāmigaḷu" — Lord of Scholarly Assemblies.

Through him, Rāyaru revealed hundreds of miracles, displaying the profound depth of his grace that resided in Śrī Suśīlēndra. Out of concern for the vastness of content, we have mentally resolved not to detail those here.

Under Suśīlēndra’s guidance, more than ten advanced students studied Nyāya, Mīmāṁsā, and the complete Dvaita Vedānta philosophy and became renowned as distinguished scholars.

Not only did he teach personally, but to ensure deep scriptural study thrived, he established formal schools (pāṭhaśālās) in Nanjangud and Mantralaya, making it easier for hundreds of students to pursue their education.

Traveling across all of South India, he engaged in victorious debates (vāda-digvijaya), established philosophical positions, gave lectures, honored scholars, uplifted disciples and devotees, and propagated the glory of Rāyaru—thereby earning universal reverence and respect.

Suśīlēndra’s service at Mantralaya remains unforgettable. He spent many years there, offering daily and special services to Śrī Guru Rāja. During the time of the annual ārādhana, he organized five-night festivals (pañcarātra - ಪಾಂಚರಾತ್ರ), arranged lodging and meals for thousands of devotees, ensured daily hastodaka (offerings), adorned the deity, provided meals for priests, brāhmaṇas, and sevarthis (volunteers), and held scholarly assemblies.

For the convenience of the devotees visiting for Rāyaru’s darśana and service, he built stone mandapas. He established a system for daily distribution of Rāyaru’s prasāda to the visiting pilgrims, which led to more devotees coming to Mantralaya. In doing so, he laid the foundation for the present-day development of Mantralaya and earned renown as one of its architects (śilpi).

One of the most significant events during his tenure was his visit to Uḍupi! He accepted the invitation of Śrī Vibudhapriya Tīrtha, the learned and revered head of the Adamaru Maṭha, who then occupied the Paryāya Peetha.

The grand procession held there was unprecedented. The magnificent welcome extended to Suśīlēndra by the Paryāya Peethādhipati was deeply moving. Even today, the elders who witnessed it recall the event with awe and goosebumps, describing it with great emotion.

Having the audience (darśana) of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, Śrī Suśīlēndra Tīrtha was overwhelmed with boundless joy and devotion. Witnessing his deep devotional surrender and radiant divine brilliance, the heads (Yatīśvaras - ಯತೀಶ್ವರರು) of the eight maṭhas (Aṣṭa Maṭhas) were astonished. His generosity won over everyone’s hearts.

He served Lord Kṛṣṇa in many ways, honored the heads of the Aṣṭa Maṭhas with great reverence, brought joy to scholars, students, members of the maṭhas, local dignitaries, and dharma devotees by generously distributing wealth, gold, clothes, and ornaments—and was widely praised for this.

From that time onward, for a full week, the Śrī Kṛṣṇa festivals conducted by Śrī Suśīlēndra were truly unprecedented.

Suśīlēndra Tīrtha established a bond of heartfelt spiritual friendship between his Mahāsaṁsthāna and the eight Aṣṭa Maṭhas of Uḍupi. As a mark of his visit to Uḍupi, he had the Brindāvana (sacred tomb-shrine) of Śrī Guru Sārvabhauma (Śrī Rāghavendra Swāmī) ceremoniously installed within his own maṭha, in the presence of the Aṣṭa Maṭha heads and thousands of devout followers. From then onward, pilgrims and townspeople could have darśana of Śrī Rāyaru daily, serve him, and spiritually uplift themselves.

It was an unforgettable sight—an extraordinary event that remains permanently etched in the history of the Mahāsaṁsthāna.

When someone asked, “Why was such an exceptional honor—never before granted to anyone else—conferred upon this saint by the Paryāya Peethādhipati?” Śrī Vibudhapriya Tīrtha smilingly replied:

“That was the honor we offered to the Emperor of Gurus—Guru Sārvabhauma.”

Everyone was stunned in awe!

This clearly revealed the grand personality of Śrī Suśīlēndra, and the presence of Śrī Rāyaru’s divine grace within him.

From Uḍupi, Śrī Suśīlēndra journeyed to Rīkṣetra - ರೀಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ. There, at the sacred Brindāvana of Śrī Dhīrendratīrtha, who was both the head of Śrī Madhvācārya’s Mahāsaṁsthāna and a descendant (by pre-monastic lineage) of Śrī Vādirāja and a great sage of knowledge, devotion, renunciation, and penance, Suśīlēndra chose to reside for some time.

While there, his health began to decline. Not wanting any disruption to the daily worship of Śrī Mūla Rāma, the revered deity of the Mahāsaṁsthāna, he conferred the paramahaṁsa āśrama upon Śrī Kṛṣṇācārya—his pre-monastic nephew and a great scholar from the Hulimane - ಹುಲಿಮನೆ family of Chitradurga, a maternal grandson in Śrī Rāyaru’s lineage—and coronated him with the name Śrī Suvratīndra - ಸುವ್ರತೀಂದ್ರ Tīrtha, blessing him as the next sovereign of the Mahāpeetha.

Śrī Suśīlēndra had long yearned to receive a vision of Śrī Rāyaru. He grieved deeply that he had not yet been granted this. With complete surrender, he fervently prayed to Guru Rāja.

Pleased beyond measure by Suśīlēndra’s profound and unending service, Guru Sārvabhauma Śrī Rāyaru appeared directly before him in divine form and blessed him.

Filled with supreme bliss, Śrī Suśīlēndra concluded his earthly duties and entered Śrī Nārāyaṇa’s eternal meditation on the third day of the bright fortnight (Śuddha Tṛtīyā) of the month of Āṣāḍha in 1926 CE.

Just like a brilliant sun that shone across the Mādhva firmament and then set—so too did the life of Śrī Suśīlēndra Tīrtha, resplendent and unforgettable in its glory.

“sudhādyamala-saddodhaṁ sukīrti-vilasad-diśam |

sudhīsaṁstutya-suguṇaṁ suśīlēndra-guruṁ bhaje ||”

“I worship Guru Suśīlēndra, a pure and noble ocean of nectar, whose glorious fame shines in all directions, whose virtues are praised by the wise.”