Sri Vijayeendra Thirthara P D (KumBhakoNa) on the banks of the river the Kaveri.

1575-
1614.
15th Pontiff of Sri Raghavendra Mutt. Took ashram from SriSurendrathirtha- (1504-1575)
-.

Period: 1575- 1614
Preceptor: Sree Surendra Theertharu
Aradhane: Jeshta Krishna Thritheeya
BrindAvana at: Kumbakonam (Tamilnadu)
PUrvAshrama name: Sri Vitalacharya




Sri Vijayndra Trtha -- a short sketch

Sri Vijayndra Trtha was a `sarva-tantra-swatantra', a master of the sixty-four arts,
a winsome and magnetic personality, and the author of over a hundred works
(104 are attributed to him). In the eyes of his contemporaries, Sri Vijayndra Trtha
was verily an incarnation of Srimad Acharya come to reinforce his own
siddhanta against contemporary opposition. Sri Vijayndra Trtha established his
headquarters in Kumbakonam which belonged to the Nayak dynasty. Tanjavur
and Kumbakonam was a replica of the Vijayanagara kingdom, in the
cultivation of the art of dance, music, literature, Vedic studies and Darshana-s
(philosophical doctrines). It was the age of Venkatamukhi, the authority on
Karnatic Music, of Govinda Dikshita, the accomplished minister of the Nayakas,
of Appayya Dikshita, the uncrowned monarch of Shaiva Advaita, and of
Tatacharya the sun of VisishhTdvaita. It was in this climate of culture and
plenitude that Sri Vijayndra Trtha found congenial soil for his labour of love in
the cause of Srimad Ananda Trtha's Sadvaishnava siddhanta. Sri Vijayndra
Trtha saved Madhva siddhanta from a very real and serious threat of extinction
in South India, during the 16th century. Hence the followers of Madhva
siddhanta should always remain grateful to the memory of Sri Vijayndra Trtha's
illustrious personality. When the redoubtable Appayya Dikshita and Tatacharya
drew Sri Vijayndra Trtha into philosophical controversies by their adverse
criticisms of Srimad Acharya's works, Sri Vijayndra Trtha took them on single-
handedly and successfully dispelled their criticisms.
Sri Vijayndra Trtha was not a bigoted sectarian. He was the very essence and
embodiment of catholicity of outlook. This is shown by his generous patronage
to scholars of different persuasions, and the uniformly friendly relations he
maintained throughout his life with his greatest adversary in thought.
Kumbakonam is the city of temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva in
equal strength and prestige. Sri Vijayndra Trtha was, by common consent in
charge of all the religious institutions there.

Birth of Sri Vijayndra Trtha

Sri Vijayndra Trtha was born by the great blessings of Sri Vysa Trtha. It so
happened that Sri Vysa Trtha had come to a small village where Sri Vijayndra
Trtha's parents resided. Sri Vijayndra Trtha's parents were very old at the time
when Sri Vysa Trtha came to their village. Nevertheless they served Sri Vysa
Trtha with devotion. Pleased by their devotion and service, Sri Vysa Trtha
blessed the old couple that a charming son would be born to them. The old
couple had no children, and they lamented, "How can we have children at this
old age? We are very unlucky and we do not have the puNya (good deeds) to
have children in this lifetime." Sri Vysa Trtha said, "Lord Sri Moola Gopala Krishna
has made me utter these words, and it is His sole responsibility to make it come
true." Sri Vysa Trtha also told them that they were going to have two sons and
they should give one of them to him. The old couple were very happy and
promised Sri Vysa Trtha that they would act accordingly by dedicating one of
their sons to the service of the Lord.
A couple of years passed and Sri Vysa Trtha arrived at the same village where
Sri Vijayndra Trtha's parents lived. Sri Vysa Trtha was given a grand reception
by the old couple and they took the saint to their home. The old couple had
been blessed with two children whom they had named 'VittalaCharya' and
'Guru Prasada" and they told Sri Vysa Trtha that his words had come true and
that they were ready to fulfill their promise to him. Sri Vysa Trtha picked the
older child 'VittalaCharya' and told his parents not to worry about him and that
Lord Krishna would be very pleased by this donation. From that day,
'VittalaCharya' became the beloved child of Sri Vysa Trtha. Sri Vysa Trtha
performed 'Choula' and 'Upanayana' to VittalaCharya started teaching him the
Vedanta shstra-s, tarka, mmmsa, etc. After seeing the latter's devotion and
vairagya (being totally uninterested in worldly things and totally getting involved
in serving the Lord), Sri Vysa Trtha offered the sacred sanysshrama to
VittalaCharya at a very young age and named him as Sri Vishnu Trtha. Sri Vishnu
Trtha under the guidence of Sri Vysa Trtha became the master of the four-
and-sixty traditional arts, and a great scholar.

Sri Vishnu Trtha becomes Sri Vijayndra Trtha

Sri Vijayndra Trtha was the most loved disciple of Sri Vysa Trtha. On one
ekdash day, Sri Surendra Trtha along with his students came to visit Sri Vysa
Trtha. Sri Surendra Trtha is a saint from the famous Sri Vibhudhendra Matha and
the main Deity (paTTa devaru) of that institution is Sri Moola Rma. On the next
day, dvdash, both saints, Sri Vysa Trtha and Sri Surendra Trtha, performed
worship of Sri Moola Gopala Krishna and Sri Moola Rma. The main purpose of
Sri Surendra Trtha's visit was to get Sri Vishnu Trtha and make him his successor.
Sri Surendra Trtha asked Sri Vysa Trtha to give Sri Vishnu Trtha as a gift. Sri
Vysa Trtha agreed to the request of Sri Surendra Trtha. Sri Surendra Trtha was
extremely happy to get Sri Vishnu Trtha as his discipl e and made him sit on the
throne of Srimad Acharya succeeded previously by Sri Vibudhendra Trtha. Sri
Surendra Trtha renamed Sri Vishnu Trtha as Sri Vijayndra Trtha and made him
the emperor of the Vedanta Empire. Sri Vijayndra Trtha received the keys to the
box which had the idol of Sri Moola Rma and Sri Vysa peetha which were
worshipped by Srimad Achrya from Sri Surendra Trtha .Sri Vijayndra Trtha also
recieved various compositions that were composed by Sri Vysa Trtha and
respectful gifts from the Vijayanagara king , Krishnadevaraya. It is said that Sri
Vijayndra Trtha is an incarnation of Sri Vibhudendra Trtha who was the `vidyA-
guru' of Sri Sripda Raja. This is explained in Sri Vijayndra Vijaya (Glory of Sri
Vijayndra Trtha) as shown below.
Vibudhendra yatirdhImAna dhyajAto punarbhuvi |
SevArthaM rAmachandrasya sa mayA paripAlitaH ||

KeshAdishu haMseshhu yo vishhNuriti vishrutaH |
Sa eva vibudhendrashcha sa mayA yatirUpadR^ik.h ||

Soon after the swearing in ceremony celebrations, Sri Vijayndra Trtha had to
debate against a great pundit named Sri Krishna Sharma. Sri Krishna Sharma was
an undisputed pundit who had a notion that no one could defeat him. After
seeing the glory of Sri Vijayndra Trtha, Sri Krishna Sharma challenged Sri
Vijayndra Trtha to argue with him. Sri Vijayndra Trtha got permission from his
`vidy-guru' Sri Vysa Trtha to take on the challenger, and explained how the
Shruti 'tattvamasi' always supports the `bheda' (difference) between Lord Vishnu
and all the `jva'-s using the proof shown in the shstra-s. After a very long
argument, Sri Krishna Sharma became speechless and came to the conclusion
that Sri Vijayndra Trtha was indeed a great scholar. Sri Krishna Sharma
accepted defeat, bowed to Sri Vijayndra Trtha, and said that he had won
against many pundits before but had always had a desire to win against Sri
Vysa Trtha. Sri Krishna Sharma continued to say that since it had been
impossible for him to win against the disciple (Sri Vijayndra Trtha) of Sri Vysa
Trtha, he dared not even dream a victory against Sri Vysa Trtha. Although, Sri
Krishna Sharma lost against Sri Vijayndra Trtha, Sri Vysa Trtha praised the
latter's talent and gave him many gifts and compliments. This shows Sri Vysa
Trtha's appreciation of the pundit's knowledge.
The illustrious exponent and post-Vyasaraya champion of Madhwa
Sidhdhantha. Vijayendra Thirtha was a sarvatantra-Swatantra, a master of the
64arts,(Chatush shashti Kalavidha), a winsome and magnetic personality and
author of over 104 works, In the eyes of his contemporaries he was verily an
incarnation of Sri Madhwacharya come to reinforce his own
sidhdhanthaagainst contemporary opposition.- in the words of Dr B N K
Sharma.

Sri Vijayendra was dear to the masses as he was to the classes and the
Intellectuals- a true Yogi SaRva bhutahite ratah and therefore reverenced by
all. KumbakoNam holds his name and his memory in the deepest love and
esteem to this day. Dr B NK Sharma narrates that he with his own eyes has seen,
the revered Sankaracharya of the Kamakoti pitam at Kumbakonam
dismounting from his palanquin and walking a small distance near the entrance
to the mutt of Vijayaendra and his brindavan there, whenever he had occasion
to pass through the mutt of Vijayendra, while proceeding to visithis numerous
disciples resident in the Solayappa street further west. It is the life crowded with
spectacular achievements of such an unforgettable personality who lent light
and glory to one of the most brilliant periods inthe history of south India in the
golden age of Viajayanagar and post-Vijayanagar periods of Indian History.

Sri Vijayendra was not a bigoted sectarian. He was the very essence and
embodiment of catholicity of outlook. This is shown by his generous patronage
of scholars of different persuasions and the uniformly friendly relations he
maintained throughout his life with his greatest adversary in thought-Appayya
Dikshithar.He listened to Sri Nyaya Sudha Paata from his Guru Sri Vysarajar 9
times. There is a syaing that there was no scarcity in places where he
per4formed sanchaara They say there is Vhootha rajara sanchaara: near
thebanks of the river the Kaveri. After sun sut, we rarely see people moving
inthat area.
(Page 30, Dvaitha Darshana)


Victory in Kanchi

As we know from history, Kanchi was a center for learning at the time. Hundreds
of great pundits were living in Kanchi. The famous pundit Sri Appayya Dkshita
had his residence in Kanchi. When Sri Vijayndra Trtha came to Kanchi, Sri
Appayya Dkshita was not in town but the other pundits were introducing
themselves to protect the respect and fame of the city. Sri Vijayndra Trtha
defeated many Advaita and VishishhTaadvaita pundits in the space of four to
five months. After that, Sri Vijayndra Trtha had to argue against two great
`mmaamsa' pundits and it appeared as though the debate was reaching a
deadlocked state. After a couple of days passed, Sri Vijayndra Trtha translated
the pundits' 'puurvapaksha' and started criticizing them one by one by giving
proofs. The pundits were astonished by Sri Vijayndra Trtha's knowledge, spiritual
powers, and the way he was tackling the issues. The words coming out from Sri
Vijayndra Trtha was like the sacred mother river Ganges. Sri Vijayndra Trtha
concluded his talk by establishing the `siddhaanta' of Srimad Achaarya. The
judges were extremely impressed and gave ajudgement declaring Sri Vijayndra
Trtha the winner. Sri Vijayndra Trtha's guru Sri Surendra Trtha became extremely
happy seeing the victory.
Victory in Karnataka

After the victory in Kanchi, Sri Vijayndra Trtha came to Karnataka while Sri
Surendra Trtha went on tour to Sri Rameshwara. For many days, Sri Vijayndra
Trtha settled in Karnataka worshipping Sri Moola Raama, giving spiritual advice
to the devotees, conquoring many pundits and thereby established the Veda-
mata siddhaanta of Srimad Achaarya. Sri Vijayndra Trtha was in Kolar,
Karnataka for about a month and easily conquered pundits like Sri Sudarshana
Charya, Sri Krishna Batta and Araadhya. For the rememberance of this victory,
Sri Vijayndra theeertha built a temple of Sri Vijaya Maaruti, which can be seen
even now in Kolar. From Kolar, Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha moved to Tumkur, Karnataka.
From Tumkur, Sri Vyaasa Trtha and Sri Vijayndra Trtha arrived in Udupi to have
the darshan of Lord Sri Krishna. While they were in Udupi, Sri Vijayndra Trtha
came to know that his Guru Sri Surendra Trtha was not in good health. Sri
Vijayndra Trtha got permission from Sri Vyaasa Trtha to go to Kanchi in order to
take care of his Guru. Sri Vijayndra Trtha looked after his guru so well that Sri
Surendra Trtha became healthy and fit.
Sri Surendra Trtha had two main responsibalites. The first one was was to find a
successor to rule the Vedanta Empire of Srimad Achaarya. Getting Sri Vijayndra
Trtha from Sri Vyaasa Trtha accomplished this. The second one was to visit all
sacred places and temples in India. Sri Surendra Trtha decided to undertake the
second assignment and one auspicious day he started his tour. After a couple
of days, Sri Vijayndra Trtha got a message that Sri Vyaasa Trtha was very keen
in seeing him. Sri Vijayndra Trtha immediately started journey to Vijayanagara
to see his vidyaa-guru. Sri Vyaasa Trtha was very happy to see his shishhya
(student) and gave Sri Vijayndra Trtha many `upadesha'-s and duties to be
performed in order to establish the `siddhaanta' of Srimad Achaarya. In the
month of phalguna, Krishna paksha (second half), Chouthi (Fourth day), Sri
Vyaasa Trtha left this world. Sri Vijayndra Trtha left Vijayanagara and moved
towards Madurai. During this travel, Sri Vijayndra Trtha visited Vyaasa Samudra,
NanjanGud and Sri Ranga. From Sri Ranga, he moved to Madurai at the request
of the king Vishvanatha Nayaka. At the same time, Sri Surendra Trtha
completed his India tour and came to Madurai. It took nearly four years for Sri
Surendra Trtha to complete the tour and Sri Vijayndra Trtha was happy to see
his Guru back. Both the saints decided to move to Tanjore in order to establish
the Veda mata-siddanta there. Sri Vijayndra Trtha composed many works
during the time he traveled between Vijayanagara and Madurai.

The argument between Sri Vijayndra Trtha and Lingaraja.

The citizens of Kumbakonam were delighted to learn about the presence of Sri
Vijayndra Trtha in Madurai. There were strong reasons to get delighted. For the
past fifteen to twenty years, there had lived a Shaiva scholar named Lingaraja in
Kumbakonam who not only captured the management of all the temples in the
city but also was converting all the Brahmins into Saivites. The Saiva saint was
very skilled and was also the possessor of occult powers. The Brahmin pundits
were unable to compete with Lingaraja and were extremely dissappointed for
not able to stand in front of this Saiva saint. The Bramhin community became
extremely happy at the arrival of Sri Vijayndra Trtha to Madurai and they
requested Sri Vijayndra Trtha to come to Kumbakonam and establ ish the Veda-
mata-siddhnta in their city. Sri Surendra Trtha after hearing the incidents from
the citizens of Kumbakonam, gave permission to Sri Vijayndra Trtha to reside in
Kumbakonam and stop the disaster of forceful Saiva conversion by Lingaraja. Sri
Surendra Trtha blessed Sri Vijayndra Trtha with best wishes and said that the
establishment of Srimad Acharyas siddanta in Kumbakonam would please Sri
Moola Raama.
Then one day, Sri Vijayndra Trtha was in deep meditation. Suddenly, he saw
Lord Vishnu and Srimad Acharya in his heart. At the same time, Sri Vyaasa Trtha
appeared in front of Sri Vijayndra Trtha and blessed him. Moments later, Sri
Vijayndra Trtha saw the divine mother sitting on a lion, having many weapons in
her hand and having a pleasing face. It was the divine mother Sri
Mangalambike in front of Sri Vijayndra Trtha came to bless him. The divine
mother blessed the saint, prophesizing that he would be victorious in the debate
with Lingaraja. Sri Vijayndra Trtha came to Kumbakonam and Sri Lingaraja
came to know about it. Sri Vijayndra Trtha and Lingaraja agree that the
arguement be in the temple of Sri Kumbeswara. It was decided that if Lingaraja
is defeated he has to stop forceful conversion of people into saivism and
surrender all the property and management of the temples to Sri Vijayndra
Trtha. If Sri Vijayndra Trtha is defeated, he would convert into a saivite and
become a follower of Lingaraja. Lingaraja started the arguement by stateing
that the Vedas have weakness and vedas were human composed. Sri
Vijayndra Trtha very easily criticised Lingaraja by giving many proofs which
showed that Vedas are true and that vedas are not composed by any
one(ApouruSheyaa). Vedas are known by three words namely 'Veda', 'Shruthi'
and 'Drushthi'. Sri Vijayndra Trtha explained the meaning of these words as
follows: Veda meaning 'Vedyatha ithe vedaha' which means Vedas are the
ones that are understood, Shruthi meaning 'Shrooyatha ithe Shruthihi' which
means that Vedas are the ones that are being heard and Drushthi meaning
'Drushyatha ithe Drushtihi' which means that vedas are the ones that are seen.
So, Vedas are the ones that are understood, heard and seen and any one does
not compose it. This way, Sri Vijayndra Trtha proved his point that Vedas are
'ApouruSheyaa'.
Then came the topic who is supreme. Lingaraja with the help of Kourma, Lainga
puranas started to state that Lord Shiva is the supreme and challenged Sri
Vijayndra Trtha how he can prove that Sri Naaraayana is supreme. Sri Vijayndra
Trtha said although it is mentioned that Lord Shiva is supreme in puranas like
Lainga, Kourma etc., this point is against the Shrutis and Saathvika puranas and
so it is not true. Also, puranas like Lainga, Shaiva etc., are thamasik. Lingaraja
became furious and demanded how Sri Vijayndra Trtha can prove that Lainga,
Kourma puranas are Thamasik. Sri Vijayndra Trtha gave proof by stateing that
this division (Saathvik, Raajasik and Thaamasik) is done by Sri Veda Vyaasa
himself who is the authority said as follows.
Vaishnavam Naaradeeyam Cha thatha Bhagavatham Shubham Garudam
Cha thatha Paadmam Varaaham Shubha Darshane ShaDeThani Puranaani
Saathvikaani Mathaani why Bramhaandam BrahmaVaivartham
Maarkaandaiyam thathaiva cha BhavidhshyadhVaamanam Braamham
Raajasaani Nibhodhamae Maathsyam Kourmam thatha Laingam Shaivam
Skaandam Thathaiva cha AagnaeYam cha ShaDethani Thaamasa
NirayaPradaha which means that there are six puranas that are Saathvik. These
puranas are Vishnu, Naarada, Bhaagavatha, Garuda, Padma and Varaaha.
The Raajasik puranas are Bramhaanda, BramhaVaivartha, Maarkaandaeya,
Bhavishyothara, Vaamana and Bramha. The six-thamasik puranas are
Maathsya, Kourma, Lainga, Skaanda, Shaiva and Aagnaeya.
Sri Vijayndra Trtha also mentioned that the Smruthi Shaastras are of three kinds
Saathvika, Raajasa and Thamasa. The judges got convinced about the proof
given by Sri Vijayndra Trtha and told Lingaraja that the proof has been given.
The judges continued to state that since the debate was based on Shastras and
only texts that can be believed are the Saatvika ones, so, as per the Shrutis and
Saatvika Puranas, Sri Naaraayana is the Supreme (Sri Hari Sarvothamma) and Sri
Vijayndra Trtha is correct in this arguement.
Lingaraja now turned the point towards Lord Narasimha. He started telling that
Lord Narasimha was defeated by Sri Veera Bhadra. Sri Vijayndra Trtha criticized
this by stateing that the information about Lord Narasimha being defeated by
Lord Veera Bhadra is in Skaanda Puraana. Skaanda puraana is Thamasik and
hence cannot be taken as a proof. Sri Vijayndra Trtha very cleverly solved this
point by quoteing that in Shaiva puraana, it is mentioned that Lord Rudra in the
form of Sharabha defeats Lord Narasimha. But, in Skaanda puraana, it is
mentioned that Lord Veera Bhadra defeats Lord Narasimha. So, who defeated
Lord Narasimha? Is it Lord Rudra or Lord Veera Bhadra? If you say it is Lord Rudra
then, it is against Shaiva puraana. If you say it is Lord Rudra then it is against
Skaanda Puraana. Lingaraja's argument was based on the Thamasa puranas
and Sri Vijayndra Trtha created a suspision in Lingaraja's argument. Lingaraja
became so confused and all the people who were watching the argument
were amazed at the way Sri Vijayndra Tiirtha disproved Lingaraja's point by
creating this suspision. Sri Vijayndra Trtha continued further and said that the
authentic information is only in Saatvika puranas and since Lingaraja's point is
based on Thamasik puranaas, which is against various Shrutis, Smrutis and
Saatvika puranas, it is a bluder to tell that Lord Rudra or Lord Veera Bhadra
defeated Lord Narasimha. Sri Vijayndra Trtha described Lord Narasimha as
'Narasimhasya KaeValam Jyothireka ManaaDyantam, which means that Lord
Narasimha is Infinite and who has no destruction. For the one who is infinite and
who is undestructable, how can it have an end? So, as mentioned in the
Saatvika puranas, Lord Narasimha destroyed Sharabha. Sri Vijayndra Trtha
gave one more proof from a Shruthi as 'Harim Harantha Manuyanthi
VishVasyeeShaanam VrushaBham Matheenaam, which means that Lord Rudra
who is praised by 'Eeshaana' word was destroyed by Lord Hari (i.e. Lord
Narasimha). Also, the Smruthi states that
BramhaanaMindram RudramCha Yamam Varunamaevacha| Nihasya Harathe
YasmaaThasMyaaDharereHoochayathe||
Which means that Lord Bramha, Lord Indra, Lord Rudra, Lord Yama, and Lord
Varuna get destroyed by Lord Hari (i.e. Lord Narasimha) during the Pralaya
period. This means that Lord Hari is the supreme (Sarvothamma), Lord Hari is the
creator, Protector and destroyer of these worlds, and Lord Hari is the
ParaBramha as mentioned in the Vedas, Shrutis, Smrutis and Puraanas.
This way the argument went for many days, and everyday, Sri Vijayndra Trtha
turned out to be the winner and all the points that Lingaraja upheld were very
easily turn down by Sri Vijayndra Trtha. At last, Lingaraja became speechless
and accepted the defeat by bowing his head.
Needless to say, the judges concluded that Sri Vijayndra Trtha was won the
argument. Sri Vijayndra Trtha praised Lingaraja that he was a great scholar and
could not establish the Shaiva matha because all your arguments were based
on thamasik puranas which are not correct. Sri Vijayndra Trtha commended
Lingaraja that it was a great pleasure to argue with a scholar like him, wished
him best wishes and gave lot of gifts to him. Lingaraja then came forward,
bowed at Sri Vijayndra Trtha and surrendered the keys of all the temples and
the Shaiva mutt. Lingaraja then decided to leave the town of Kumbakonam.
Establishment of Sanskrit University (Vidyaa peetha)
Kumbakonam was chosen by Sri Vijayndra Trtha to establish a Sanskrit
University. Establishing a Sanskrit University was one of the dreams of Sri Vyaasa
Trtha. The university was the center for learning Vedas, Chandassu,
Vyaakarana, Astrology, Tarka, poetic arts, Puraanas, Dharma shastra etc. The
university provided excellent boarding and lodging facilities. The king of
Vijayanagara Sri Chavappa Nayaka offered lot of land and money for the
developent of the university. The university had the atmosphere of the old guru
kula style. Sri Surendra Trtha became the chansellor of the university. The Sanskrit
university became one of the best centres for learning in India.
The king of Vijayanagara Empire requested Sri Vijayndra Trtha to come and
settle in Vijayanagara for some time. Sri Vijayndra Trtha with the permission from
Sri Surendra Trtha accepts the offer and moves to Vijayanagar. The king of
Vijayanagar expresses his desire to perform RathnaaBhisheka (Honor of sitting on
the Vijayanaga throne) to Sri Vijayndra Trtha. Although, Sri Vijayndra Trtha did
not like it very much, he had to accept the request made by the king. Sri
Vijayndra Trtha sat on the throne of Vijayanaga empire, the pundits praise Sri
Vijayndra Trtha as 'Sri MadVaidika Sadvaishnava Siddantha
SamsthapanaAcharya Sri JagadGuru Sriman MadvaAcharya Mukya
Samsthaana Poorvaadhi Mateya Vidyaa SimhaasanaaDheeshwara Srimad
Raghunandana Trtha SriPaada karakamala Sanjaatha, Srimath Surendra Trtha
Sripaada Varakumaaraka Srimad Vijayndra Trtha Yathi SaarvaBhouma Jaya
Jaya'. The king of Vijayanagara offered many land, Gold, and many other
precious metals to Sri Vijayndra Trtha. Sri Vijayndra Trtha contributed everyhing
that he received from the king to the pundits and to the Sanskrit university. The
people of Vijayanagara were amazed at the generosity of the saint donated all
the wealth for a good cause.

Wizard surrenders to Sri Vijayndra Trtha

One afternoon, Sri Vijayndra Trtha was reading some works and a disciple
came running and told the saint that a wizard from Kerala has come to see you.
The appearance of the wizard was so dreadful and he started talking to the
saint with a attitude 'Are you Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha? You defeated Lingaraja and
said that any one can challenge you in 64 different arts. If are bold enough, can
you challenge my wizard craft? Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha very seriously tells the
wizard that by Lord Sri Hari's grace he can easily win against the wizard craft.
The wizard then drew seven concentric lines and placed a lemon in the centre.
The wizard started mermurring some words and said that this wizard craft is very
dangerous and you have to cross all the seven lines and get that lemon fruit.
The wizard continued to tell that at each line crossing there is fire, weapons and
snakes to kill you. The wizard said 'Are you sure you want to take this task?'. Sri
Vijayiindra Tiirtha with a smile said to the wizard that your wizard craft based on
devil worship should be criticized and people like you are bad elements in the
soceity and it is not a big deal to defeat you, one of my students will take the
challenge. Sri Vijayeebdra Tiirtha called one of his student named BheemaSena
and told him get the lemon crossing the lines. BheemaSena bowed to Sri
Vijayiindra Tiirtha and started to cross the lines one by one. When BheemaSena
crossed the forth line he saw a big ball of fire and the fire was turned into milk
and sprinkled on him. At the fifth line, a snake approached him and to the
surprise a Garuda bird came and carried away the snake. At the sixth line, a
sharp weapon came to destroy BheemaSena. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha meditated
on Lord Moola Raama and the weapon was transformed into a flower garland
and BheemaSena had it in his neck. The wizard bacame very afraid at the
action of BheemaSena and did not know what to do. BheemaSena easily
crossed the seventh line, lifted the lemon and laid it at the feet of Sri Vijayiindra
Tiirtha. Thus, it was a victory to Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and the wizard accepted his
defeat. The wizard bowed at Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and said that none so far had
guts to defeat him but a student of yours defeated me. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha
advised the wizard not to practise the wizard craft and move in a good path. Sri
Vijayiindra Tiirtha chanted on Lord Narasimha, composed a song on the lord
called 'Narasimha Stotra' to commemarate the victory and surrendered the
victory certificate at the feet of Lord Narasimha. This icon of Lord Narasimha can
be seen even now in Sri Raghavendra swamy mutt as 'Shodasha Baahu (16
handed) Sri Narasimha Murthy'.
Many other miracles shown by Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha
Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha has shown many many miracles, which have proved that
the saint is undispuetably victorious. Some of the miracles shown by this great
saint are as follows.
1. Victory over a famous Gymnast
A very famous gymnast contested against Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha. The gymnast
displayed various plays like walking on a rope, climbing a tall bamboo log and
displaying his talent on it. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha appreciated the gymnast but
commented that using support like rope and bamboo to display the gymnast
talent is common. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha called some of his students and told them
to connect the pedestle (Gopura) of two temples Sri Kumbeswara & Sri
Saaranga pani using banana leaf thread. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha went up the
pedestle of Sri Kumbeswara temple and started walking on the banana thread
and reached the pedestle of Sri Saaranga paani temple. The thread was so
delicate that even touching the thread would cut it and Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha
walked on this kind of thread. The gymnast was shocked to see such a miracle
and accepted his defeat.
2. Deva Daasi accepts the defeat

A deva daasi challenged Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha to defeat her. It seems the deva
daasi was a master in Kaama Shastra. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha called one of his
desciple and gave him a flower garland and told him to tie to the right hand of
deva daasi. The very moment the flower garland touched the woman; she
experienced great happiness and fainted. After some time she woke up,
surrendered to Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and told all the people that 'What a kind of
surpraise? Touching a flower garland given by a desciple of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha
defeated me.

3. The secret of Indriya Nigraha (Control of senses), Jeethendra (control of
mind) Sri Vijayiindra

A couple of days have passed after Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha defeated the deva
daasi, a Bramhin from Kerala wanted to know how the saint can control his mind
(Jeethendra). The Bramhin was accompanied by a couple of beautiful women
and they were irresitable. The bramhin said that these women would perform
their tallent in front of you (Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha) and you should not become
unstable (Should have a stable mind). Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha accepted the talent
and to make the test more interesting, he called one of his students and told
him to bring a banana leaf and used the banana leaf as a Koupeena. The
beautiful woman started showing their talent in front of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and
tried to win the heart of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha kept his mind at
the lotus feet of Sri Moola Raama and started meditating on Lord Sri
Naaraayana. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha started thinking on the word 'Naaraayana'
which means 'Naaraanaam Ayanaha Naaraayanaha' i.e. the one who is full in
good qualities and the one who is praised by the Apourusheya Vedas as the
one who does not have any weakness (Dhosha). The beautiful women group
started to sing with their great voices and started dancing in front of the saint
but it all failed. The women were shocked at Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha's control of
senses but continued to play lot of tricks. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha kept his mind at the
lotus feet of Manmatha Manmatha (Father of Manmatha) Lord Vishnu and kept
all his senses at the lotus feet of ParaBramha (Supreme) who is Lord
Naaraayana. The groups of beautiful woman failed to accomplish their task and
were terribly shocked seeing the control of senses Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha had. The
group of woman surrendered at the feet of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and asked him
for forgiveness. All the people who were witnessing the contest cheered on Sri
Vijayiindra Tiirtha and shouted 'Ajeya Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha victory victory to you,
Jeethendra Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha Victory to you'.

4. Victory against a Buddhist from China

The glory of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha was spread over India and other countries. The
title Ajeya (victorious) to Sri Vijayiindra thertha was most appropriate as the
saint used to win against all who were talented in sixty-four arts. It so happened
that a Buddhist wanted to contest against our Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha. Sri Vijayiindra
Tiirtha easily conquored the Buddhist by showing lot of proof in the Vedas and
Shastras. The Buddhist was amzed at Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and told to the mass of
people that he had never in his life seen such a scholar like Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha.

5. Mastery in jewelary art.

There were some people in Kumbakona who were jealous of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha
and they inspired a jeweler named Vinayaka Ramachandra joshi to contest
against the saint. The jeweler invited Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha to the contest. The
jeweler and Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha started to work on an ornament. Both of them
worked for many hours for a couple of days and each of them came up with a
beautiful ornament made up of nine different pearls. The judges saw both the
ornaments and the ornament created by Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha was much
superior than the jeweler. The jeweler was stunned seeing the artwork of the
saint and told the judges that this kind of jewelery work is not possible by a
normal human being and the saint must be a 'Devamsha Sambootha' i.e. a Sura
or Deva. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha had carved the Lord Sri Raama, Sri Seetha and Sri
Laksmana in the ornament and this ornament (Sri Raama padaka) can be seen
even now in Sri Raghavendra Swamy mutt.


6. Sri Basava (Ox) transformed into Sri Hanuma

Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha's fame started growing day by day and this became a real
pain to some people who could not resist it. There was a group of wicked
people who were supporters of Sri Lingaraja who was defeated by Sri Vijayiindra
Tiirtha, waiting for a chance to bring a black mark to the saint. As mentioned
earlier, the management of all the temples belonging to the sects of Advaita
and Vishishtadvaita in Kumbakonam were held by Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and the
people beloging to these two sects were living in peace and harmony. The
wicked group worked out a plan wherein they tried to separate the people
belonging to the sects of Advaita and Vishishtadvaita. The wicked people
thought that by separating these two sects, it would bring a black mark on Sri
Vijayiindra Tiirtha. A lake separated the temples of Sri Kumbeswara and
Saaranga Paani. Right from ancient times, the lake belonged to Sri Saaranga
Paani temple. The wicked group of people approached the priests of Sri
Kumbeswara temple and told them that the lake belonged to Sri Kumbeswara
temple and not Sri Saaranaga Paani temple. The priests beleived the wicked
people words and this slowly spread to the sects of Advaita and Vishishtadvaita,
which created a cold war between the sects. The wicked people convinced
the Advaita people sect that the lake has many signs belonging to Lord Shiva
and so the lake belonged to Sri Kumbeswara. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha came to know
about this cold war and decided to stop this cold war. A test was arranged to
see if there were really signs of Lord Shiva in the lake. It was decided that if the
lake had Shaiva signs then the lake will be the property of Sri Kumbeswara and if
it had Vaishnava signs it would remain the property of Sri Saaranga Paani. On
the night before the test day, the wicked group of people brought thousands of
Lord Shiva Linga stones and they drowned them in the lake. The next morning
was the test day and Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha came near the lake, meditated on
Lord Sri Moola Raama and poured some MantraAkshita (Red colored sacred
rice) into the lake. A team of four to six people dived into the lake and they
started bringing the items that were found in the lake. What a surprise!! All the
items taken out from the lake were idols of Lord Sri Hanuman and Sri
ShaaliGraama stones. The wicked group of people could not beleive
themselves as they had personally poured thousands of Lord Shiva Linga stones
into the lake. It was the miracle and the great devotion of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha
that all the Sri Basava and Lord Shiva linga stones were transformed into Sri
Hanuma and Sri Shaaligraama stones. This proved that the lake belonged to Sri
Saaranga Paani temple and the sects of people belonging to Advaita and
Vishishtadvaita who beleived the words of wicked group nodded their heads in
shame and surrendered to Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha to pardon them. The wicked
people group who were desciples of Sri Linga Raaja fled the scene in shame.
Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha names Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha as his successor
There was a great scholar named Sri NaaraayanaAcharya who was a desciple
of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha. Sri NaaraayanaAcharya was a expert in Nyaaya &
Vedanta shastra, was a great poet and belonged to Shastika community. Sri
Vijayiindra Tiirtha offeres the Paramahamsaashrama to Sri NaaraayanaAcharya
and the new saint was named Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha.
For many years, Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha served Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha with great
devotion and respect. On 28th June 1614, Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha decides to make
Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha as his prime successor and placed him on the throne sat
by Srimad Acharya. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha gave the keys to Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha
for the boxes containing Sri Moola Raama and other sacred idols and the l ibrary
having the sacred works composed by Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and other saints. Sri
Sudheendra Tiirtha performed the pooja of Sri Moola Raama the same day he
was named the prime successor. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha preached many
upadeshas to Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha and to his devotees.

Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha completes his incarnation

Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha gave his final upadesha (teachings) to his devotees by
telling that the teachings preached by him were the same preached by Srimad
Acharya. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha urged his devotees to follow the path shown by
Srimad Acharya and said that this path will lead a person to the doors of Sri
Vaikunta (the home of Sriman Naaraayana). Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha then started
meditating on the lotus feet of Sri Moola Raama and started chanting 'Om
namo Naaraayanaya'. The sacred word 'Naaraayana', 'Naaraayana' started
coming out of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and there was a bright shine of Bramha tejas
coming out of the saint. Finally, Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha, offered his 'Aatma Phuspa
(life) at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Naaraayana and the saint successfully
completed his incarnation on this earth. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha was very
respectfully and with great devotion was placed in a Brindavana in
Kumbakonam.
Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha could not resist the separation of his guru Sri Vijayiindra
Tiirtha and started crying like a small child. Sri Sudeendra Tiirtha accompanied
by great scholar devotees took a holy dip in the river Cauvery and performed
the pooja of Sri Moola Raama in front of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha brindavana. After
the pooja, Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha placed the idols of Sri Moola Raama, Sri Jaya
Raama and Sri Digvijaya Raama in a gold plate and placed it over the the
sacred Brindavana of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha. Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha then performed
kanakaabhisheka (pooja by pouring items made of gold), mahamangalaarathi
(seva of many lights) and bowed at the brindavana. Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha then
composed the charama sloka of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha as shown below.
BhakThaaNaam MaanaSaam Bhoja Bhaanave Kaamadhenave NamaThaam
Kalpatharuve Jayeendra Guruve Namaha
Born by the grace of Sri Vyaasa Tiirtha in 1517, Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha got his
education from Sri Chandrika Acharya. The saint was then gifted by Sri Vyaasa
Tiirtha to Sri Surendra Tiirtha, ruled the throne of Srimad Acharya, served his guru
Sri Surendra Tiirtha, showed many great miracles, won many scholars which
proved that he was undoubtedly victorious (Ajeya), got respected by many
kings and emporers, composed 104 great works, reestablished the siddanta of
Srimad Acharya, in the year 1614 offered the throne of Srimad Acharya to Sri
Sudheendra Tiirtha and at the orders of Lord Sri Vishnu and Srimad Acharya
completed his incarnation by offering his 'Aatma Phuspa' at the lotus feet of
Lord Sriman Naaraayana.
Some of the 104 works by Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha
Bramhasutra Bhasyaa Tippani Tatva Maanikya Peete Bramhasutra Nyaaya
Sangraha Nayamukuraha Nayanamanjari Madhva Siddanta Saarodhara. . and
other works to be added here.....
Sri Guru Vijayiindra Thiirtho Vijayathe. Sri Man Moola Raamo Vijayathe. Samastha
Sanmangalaali Bhavanthu.
Sri Vjayeendra Tiirtha Guruvanthargatha Sri Bharathi Ramana Mukya
Praananthargatha Sri Moola Raama Sri Krishna Sri Veda Vyaasatmaka Sri
Lakshmi Narasimha Preeyatham Sri Moola Gopaala KrishnaArpana Masthu.

To quote one more incident, when the opponent challenged him in the art of
making the bronze vigraha, he made a Rama devaru vigraha in Vax crafted it
by using the dried tulasi kashta and later made the bronze vigraha in no time.
This vigraha is now in Darapuram Kaadu Hanumantharaya Temple even now.
(About 100km from Coimbatore) The above mentioned incidents are only a few.
However one should not miss to read the Book Sri AJAYAVIJAYA
All his miracles and the entire life history is eloberately given in the Book (about
500 pages) Ajayya Vijendraru by Sri Raja S Gururajacharya is worth reading.
. 1978 published by Sri ParimaLa Samshodhana and Prakashana mandira,
Nanajangud)-

He Gave ashram to Sri Sudheendrathirtha (1614-1621) who subsequently gave
ashram to Mantralaya Sri Raghavendrathirtharu. (1621-1671).

Dhyaana Sloka:

Bhakthanaam MaanasaamBhoja
Bhanave Kamadhenuve|
Namathaam Kalpatharave
Jayeendra Guruve Namah||

Sri Sethumadhavasoori has composed the Vijayeendra Stotra.

*Karavoddi Beduve Guru Vijayeendra in raga dwijavanthi set to adithala is a
good/appealing song on him( raga and thala set by the compiler for
theMusical feature broadcast at AIR madras on Sri Vijayendraru),

Eduryaro Yathige samanyaro in Raga Ananadha Bhairavi is also sung.

*Vijiyeendra raaja Guru rajaadhiraja maharaja Shiro rathna of Kamalesha
Vitala, in raga Nadanamakriya set to Jampathala is also sung on him

*Vijayamooruthi Poreyo Vijayeendra yathivaRya is a song in raga Kambhodi set
to jampathala.,
(* Composer- not able to make out)