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Background
Predecessors and lineage
Timing controversy
Birth and early years
Move to Sri Kaveendra tIrtha parampara
Victory in Kumbhakona
Visit to Vijayanagara and Ratnabhisheka
Discussions with Appayya Dikshita
Mastery over 64 arts
Shodasha Bahu Nrusimha & Nrusimhastaka
Works
Enters Brindavana
1) Background:
Sri VijayIndra tIrtha is one of the most prolific writers from the
Dvaita School of Vedanta. He was a star pupil of Sri vyAsa tIrtha
and the parama-guru of Sri Raghavendra tIrtha (Rayaru). He was also
the foremost defender of dvaita in the post-Vyasa tIrtha period,
especially in the southern parts of India. If there are adherents of
dvaita in Tamilnadu today, then a big part of the credit should go
to him. He was the one who defended it steadfastly against the
combined onslaughts of powerful Advaitic, Visistadvaitic and Saiva
schools. He also laid the groundwork for the advent and flourishing
of Rayaru. In total, the Madhva community owes him a huge debt of
gratitude for his yeoman service. In spite of this, he is not as
well known to the common Madhva as he ought to be. This write-up is
an attempt to correct this wrong and to put the spotlight on the
remarkable service that this great ascetic has rendered the Madhva
community.
2) Predecessors and lineage:
Sri padmanAbha tIrtha was one of the earliest disciples of Acharya
Madhva. After the Acharya, he became the head of the lineage. He was
in turn succeeded by Sri narahari tIrtha, Sri mAdhava tIrtha, Sri
akshObya tIrtha, Sri jayatIrtha (also known as tIkAkrutpAdaru) and
Sri vidyAdhirAja tIrtha. After him, due to factors beyond human
control, the lineage split into two branches – one headed by Sri
kavIndra tIrtha and another by Sri rAjendra tIrtha. The latter is
also known as pUrvAdi maTha (which is more popularly known today as
Sri vyAsarAya maTha). In the other line, Sri kavIndra tIrtha was
succeeded by Sri vAgIsha tIrtha and Sri rAmachandra tIrtha. Once
again, due to factors beyond human control, the lineage split into
two branches – one headed by Sri vibhudEndra tIrtha (the lineage
known today as Sri Raghavendra swAmy maTha) and another headed by
Sri vidyAnidhi tIrtha (Sri uttarAdi maTha).
Sri vibhudEndra tIrtha was a very well regarded scholar and saint
who strove very hard to propagate the philosophy of Acharya Madhva.
One of his many disciples was Sri SripAdarAjA. Sri vibhudEndra
tIrtha was followed by Sri jItAmitra tIrtha, Sri raghunandana tIrtha
Sri surEndra tIrtha and Sri VijayIndra tIrtha.
3) Timing controversy:
There are two schools of thought about the period in which Sri
vijayIndra tIrtha existed. The traditional school, based on the
Raghavendra swAmy maTha’s internal records and outlined in guru-charitre
by Dr. H.K. VedavyAsAchArya puts this as 1575 – 1614. The other
school, lead by Dr. B.N.K Sharma, puts this as 1514 – 1595. Each
group has its own rationale for its claim.
4) Birth and early years:
There is no unanimity about the circumstances under which he came
under the care of Sri VyAsa tIrtha. One version says that he was Sri
VyAsa tIrtha’s nephew or some other close relative. Another says
that Sri VyAsa tIrtha blessed a poor, childless couple to have 2
sons with the provision that the first born would be given to him,
and that is how he got the baby. In any case, everybody agrees that
the boy was named as Sri Vittalacharya and Sri VyAsa tIrtha
personally oversaw the upbringing and education of the child. He had
mentally resolved to make the boy his successor and so ensured that
he had all the necessary pre-requisites. At a suitable time, the boy
was initiated into sanyAsa with the name Sri vishnu tIrtha. Sri
VyAsa tIrtha personally taught the 64 arts to him and was waiting
for a suitable time to hand over the reins of the maTha to him, but
the Lord had other plans!
5) Move to Sri Kaveendra Teertha Parampara
Sri surEndra tIrtha was the pontiff of the Sri Kaveendra Teertha
Parampara at that time. He was aged and looking for a good
successor. By divine will he happened to pass by Vijayanagar and
decided to visit Sri VyAsa tIrtha. Sri VyAsa tIrtha received him
with all due honors and respect and pressed him to stay in
Vijayanagar for a while. One dvAdashi day before pAraNe, Sri
surEndra tIrtha refused to continue with the pAraNe unless Sri VyAsa
tIrtha granted him a wish. Sri VyAsa tIrtha replied that he could
ask for anything except his beloved shishya, Sri vishnu tIrtha. Sri
surEndra tIrtha replied that that was precisely what he had intended
to ask and that he did not desire anything else. Sri VyAsa tIrtha
was heart-broken for a few moments. He then contemplated on the Lord
for a few seconds and realized that this was what the Lord wanted.
He immediately set aside his grief and agreed to Sri surEndra
tIrtha’s request. This incident shows the greatness of Sri VyAsa
tIrtha and illustrates how a true bhAgavata bows before divine will
and sacrifices his personal desires and preferences. Sri surEndra
tIrtha was overjoyed to receive Sri vishnu tIrtha as his successor
and renamed him Sri VijayIndra tIrtha.
Sri vyAsa tIrtha spent some time with Sri VijayIndra tIrtha, giving
him his blessings and very valuable parting advice, before sending
him off with Sri surEndra tIrtha.
6) Victory in Kumbhakona!
Sri VijayIndra tIrtha visited Kumbhakona as directed by his guru.
Kumbhakona was then a part of the province of Tanjore, under the
Vijayanagar empire. A Veerashaiva ascetic called Yemme Basava had
the town under his thumb and was harassing all VaishNavas. Hence Sri
VijayIndra tIrtha’s entry into the town was welcomed by them. In due
course, a vAkyArtha (debate) was held between Sri VijayIndra tIrtha
and the shaiva ascetic. The shaiva ascetic was a very strong pundit,
with knowledge of shruti and smruti. He used the entire depth of his
knowledge to prove his point and defeat Sri VijayIndra tIrtha, but
nothing prevailed in front of the ocean of erudition called Sri
VijayIndra tIrtha. The debate lasted for 11 days after which the
shaiva ascetic accepted defeat. According to the terms of the debate
he was supposed to embrace dvaita and become a disciple of Sri
VijayIndra tIrtha, but unwilling to do this, he fled the scene
overnight. The shaiva maTha and all its possessions became the
property of Sri VijayIndra tIrtha. By achieving this victory, Sri
VijayIndra tIrtha created a bastion for dvaita in Tamilnadu and
became the inspiration for other mAdhva ascetics in the southern
part of the country.
7)Visit to Vijayanagara and Ratnabhisheka
News of Sri VijayIndra tIrtha’s victory in Kumbhakona spread far and
wide. RAma rAya the ruler of Vijayanagar sent a message to Sri
VijayIndra tIrtha inviting him to Vijayanagar. Sri VijayIndra tIrtha
gladly accepted because he wanted to visit the BrindAvana of his
guru Sri VyAsa tIrtha. Accordingly, Sri VijayIndra tIrtha proceeded
to Vijayanagar where he was received with royal honors. Excellent
arrangements were made for the stay of Sri VijayIndra tIrtha, under
the personal supervision of the king. In due course of time, the
king invited Sri VijayIndra tIrtha to the royal court and showed his
reverence by performing Ratnabhisheka. Sri VijayIndra tIrtha was
made to sit on a specially consecrated seat of gold and showered
with precious stones. All the scholars and chieftains in the court
watched this glorious event with reverence. Everybody prostrated
before Sri VijayIndra tIrtha with utmost devotion. Sri VijayIndra
tIrtha submitted their adoration and prostrations to Lord Moola Rama
and blessed them.
Sri VijayIndra tIrtha visited Sri vyAsa tIrtha’s brindavana in
Anegondi and spent some time there in honor of his guru. He returned
back to Vijayanagar and spent some time there. Being a great ascetic
he foresaw the fall of the empire and warned the king about it. He
gave the king a lot of valuable advice. Finally, after some time, he
embarked on a tour of India. He traveled a lot, spreading the
teachings of Acharya Madhva and debating with opponents. He returned
to KumbhakoNa after establishing the supremacy of dvaita over all
other doctrines.
8) Discussions with Appayya Dikshita:
Sri Appayya Dikshita was an extraordinary scholar with profound
mastery over shruti and smruti. He had been profusely honored by the
ruler of Tanjore and was considered an AsthAna pandit (Scholar of
the king’s court). He was propagating the doctrine of Shaiva-advaita,
which added the concept of Shiva sarvottamatva to advaita. Sri
VijayIndra tIrtha invited him to the maTha and discussed several
doctrinal issues. This was the beginning of a long and cordial
interaction between Sri VijayIndra tIrtha and Sri Appayya Dikshita.
Sri Appayya Dikshita tried his level best in hundreds of ways to put
down dvaita and make Sri VijayIndra tIrtha accept defeat. But Sri
VijayIndra tIrtha answered every one of his attacks with successful
counter attacks and made Sri Appayya Dikshita accept defeat every
single time. In spite of the lively discussions and debates, the
atmosphere remained very cordial and scholarly in nature. One such
incident is outlined below as an illustration.
It is very well known and established that every word in every
language connotes Sri Hari (called sarva-shabda vAchatva in shAstra).
Appayya Dikshita tried to establish this with Shiva also, but Sri
VijayIndra tIrtha proved that this was not possible, using the word
‘Narayana’ as an example. Inspired by this event, Sri VijayIndra
tIrtha immediately composed a beautiful work called
“NarayanashabdhArtha nirvachanam” outlining more than a hundred
meaning for the word ‘Narayana’.
Incidentally, Appayya Dikshita is the vile creature who cast a lot
of aspersions on Acharya Madhva, accusing him of quoting imaginary
or non-existent references. One shudders to think of the havoc that
he would have caused if a great savant like VijayIndra tIrth had not
been there to counter him and defeat him at every turn.
9) Mastery over 64 arts:
It was very widely known that Sri VijayIndra tIrtha had learnt the
64 arts from Sri vyAsa tIrtha and mastered them. This fact acted as
a magnet to people from different walks of life like painters,
sculptors, musicians, dancers, weavers, potters, and so on. Some
came to show their expertise to Sri VijayIndra tIrtha and earn his
blessings and patronage. Others came to challenge him in their
respective arts and prove their superiority. No matter what the
original intention was, people always returned with awe and wonder
in their heart after personally witnessing his mastery over their
specific area of expertise. The reference book “Ajaya VijayIndraru”
provides many illustrations of such contests.
10) Shodasha Bahu Nrusimha & Nrusimashtaka
The ShoDasha bAhu narasimha icon a very unique and magnificent icon
of Lord Narasimha, that was discovered by Sri Vibhudendra tIrtha in
Ahobila. It is an awe-inspiring icon of the Lord with different
weapons in fourteen hands. In the other two hands He is ripping open
the stomach and pulling out the intestine of the demon
HiraNyakashipu lying on His thigh. The abject terror on
HiraNyakashipu’s face contrasts with the intensity of fury on
Narasimha’s face. Like other ascetics in the Raghavendra matha Sri
VijayIndra tIrtha too had the privilege of worshipping this icon in
person.
Once, some vile magician tried to harm Sri VijayIndra tIrtha, him by
poisoning the naivedya offered to Sri Mula rAma devaru. How can
poison affect the Lord who is responsible for the creation,
sustenance, maintenance and destruction of this entire universe? How
could it affect such a great devotee like Sri VijayIndra tIrtha?
Obviously not, but Sri VijayIndra tIrtha saw this as an opportunity
to demonstrate to the world the power and potency of the Narasimha
mantra. Accordingly, he composed a unique stotra to Lord Narasimha
consisting of several bIjAksharas (primordial syllables) and offered
that with devotion to the Lord. The nectar that issued out from his
devotion-soaked lips is the Sri ShoDashabAhu nrusimhAsTaka.
Any eligible person who chants this mantra daily with devotion and a
clean and chaste body and mind will be free from the effects of all
poisons, and in addition, will attain all his desires. This icon is
worshipped in the Raghavendra maTha even to this day.
11) Works :
Sri Vijayindra tIrtha is said to have written 104 works, of which
very few are available. The Raghavendra Vijaya stipulates that only
one who has studied the works of Sri Vijayindra tIrtha can be
considered a great scholar! The guru-guNa stavana by Sri VadIndra
tIrtha says that the tree of dvaita vedanta flowered under Sri
Vijayindra tIrtha (“puShpitoyamjayIndrA dadya”).
Incidentally, the Raghavendra stotra says that Rayaru used Sri
Vijayindra tIrtha’s work called Vaag Vaikhari to defeat a formidable
opponent called Sesha (“Vaag Vaikhari nirjita bhavya sEshah”).
Rayaru makes deferential references to the works of Sri VijayIndra
tIrtha in his own works.
Sri VijayIndra tIrtha was well-versed in several branches of
learning such as Kavya (Poetry), Nataka (Drama) and Rhetorics. He
has several dramas to his credit, a rarity for a mAdhva ascetic.
His works are:
nyAyamruta gurvAmoda or laghu Amoda : Sri VijayIndra’s famous
commentary on Nyayamruta
nyAyadhvadIpika
NyAyAyamruta nyAyaratnamAla
Nyayamauktikamala – Gloss on Chandrika criticizes the views embodied
in the Sankara Bhasya and Srikantha Bhasya.
NyAyamAla : gloss on Chandrika
NyAyachampakamAla (nayachampaka mAla)
NyAyAmrutOdAhruta jaiminIya nyAyamAla
Naya manjari
Naya-Mukurah
VAda mAlika
turIya shiva khanDanam
Vagvaikhari : A short tact dealing with validity of Vedas and scope
and purpose of Bhedhashrutis.
Shruti tAtparya kaumudi
Shrutyarthasarah
Turiya shiva khanDanam
Bheda vidya vilasa : It is devoted to the establishment of the
reality of difference in it’s five fold aspect. It is direct
criticism of Bhedadhikkara of Nrshimasharma.
Parattva prakAshika : A criticism of Sivattva-Viveka of Appayya
Diksita, who seeks Shiva as the supreme Brahman of Veda.
Upasamhara-Vijaya : A rejoinder to Upakarma-Parakram of Appayya
Diksita
Madhvadhva-Kantakoddhara : A reply to the critics made by Appayya
Diksita in his Madhvatantra –Mukhabhanga; against Madhva’s cogency
and adhikaranas.
Chakra-Mimamsa : A tract in which Sri VijayIndra establishes
shastric character of practice of branding the body with Vaishnava
symbols; on the basis of Vedic text.
adhikaraNa mAla – Work explaining Mimamsa rules of interpretation
utilized in Nyayamruta.
Shaiva sarvasva khandanam : A short tract discussing eleven Puranic
legends touching supremacy of Shiva over Vishnu.
Appayya-Kopola-Chapetika : A rejoinder to the multifarious charges
against Madhva and his works , made by Appayya Diksita.
brahmasUtra Nyayasangraha : A short metrical tract offering the gist
of Adhikaranas of Brahma Sutras of Srimad Acharya.
PramaNapaddhati-vyAkhya.
rAmAnujamatarItya sUtrArtha
pramANA lakshaNa teeka vyAkhya
katha lakshaNa teeka vyAkhya
tatva sankhyAna teeka vyAkhya
tatvodyota gUDha bhAva prAkAsha
VishNu tatva nirNaya teeka
Madhva siddhAnta sAroddhArah
sarva siddhAnta saroddhArah
siddhanta sArAsara-Viveka I
sarva siddhanta sArAsara-Viveka II
yuktiratnAkarah - Commentary on Tarkatandava
Pranavadarpana-Khandanam : It is a reply to the contention of
Srinivascarya Sathamarsana in his Pranava Darpana , that the
syllable OM has no right to be read as part of first Sutra
SanmArgadIpika
PadArthasangrah
Chandrikodahrta nyaya vivaranam – An exposition of the principles
and adhikaranas of the Purva-Mimamsa made use of in the Chandrika of
Sri VyasaTirtha
NarayanashabdhArtha nirvachanam : A tact dealing with etymology of
word Narayana as applied to Vishnu and refuting contention of
Saivites
ViShTapashumImAmsa
Advaita-Shiksa : It is a general chastisement of Advaita theory and
a rejoinder to Advaitadipika of Nrishimasharma
VirodhoddhArah
Narasimha stutih
pApavimochanastotram
vyAsarAja vijayah – A sanskrit drama
Subhadra-Dhananjeya : A Sanskrit drama
Chitramimamsakhandanam
Works that are now not available:
VyAkhyas on the remaining prakaranas (out of the dasha prakaranas,
commentaries on only five are available)
TatvamANikya peTika
NyAya vivarNa tippaNi
aNubhAShya tippaNi
tatvaprakAshika tippaNi
dashopaniShadvyAkhyA
nyAyadIpika tippaNI
prameyadipikA TippaNi
Ananda tAratamya vAdArthah
MimAmsa nyAyakoumudI
BhEda chintAmaNI (bhedha kalpataru)
Bheda kusumAnjali
BhedaprabhA (bhedaratnaprabhA)
BhedAgamasudhAkarah
Kuchodyakuthara : A tract dealing with the Sutra interpretation and
defending the particular arrangement adopted by Sri Madhva.
lingamUlAnveShaNakhanDanam
ubhayagrasta rAhUdaya : A Sanskrit drama.
Madhvantara-Nyamanjari : It is a short argumentative work the Sutra-Prasthana.
The adhikarana-sariras of rival Bhamati and Vivarana are criticized.
12) Enters Brindavana
Sri Surendra tIrtha, the guru of Sri VijayIndra tIrtha, had prompted
him to grant sanyAsa to Sri SudhIndra tIrtha. Sri VijayIndra tIrtha
personally supervised the education of Sri SudhIndra tIrtha and
chose him as his successor. After handing over the reigns of the
maTha to his successor, Sri VijayIndra tIrtha entered his brindavana
in Kumbhakonam (Tamilnadu) on Jyeshta Krishna Trayodashi.
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References:
1. History of the dvaita school of Vedanta and its literature – Dr.
B.N.K Sharma, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, 1981.
2. Ajaya VijayIndraru – Kannada book by Sri Raja GururajAchArya.
3. Guru Charitre – Kannada book by Dr. H K VedavyAsAchArya.
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