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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 Vijayîndra Tîrtha -- a short sketch Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha 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 Vijayîndra Tîrtha was verily an incarnation of Srimad Acharya come to reinforce his own siddhanta against contemporary opposition. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha 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,

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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 Vijayîndra Tîrtha -- a short sketch

Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha 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 Vijayîndra Tîrthawas verily an incarnation of Srimad Acharya come to reinforce his ownsiddhanta against contemporary opposition. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha established hisheadquarters in Kumbakonam which belonged to the Nayak dynasty. Tanjavurand Kumbakonam was a replica of the Vijayanagara kingdom, in thecultivation of the art of dance, music, literature, Vedic studies and Darshana-s(philosophical doctrines). It was the age of Venkatamukhi, the authority onKarnatic Music, of Govinda Dikshita, the accomplished minister of the Nayakas,

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of Appayya Dikshita, the uncrowned monarch of Shaiva Advaita, and ofTatacharya the sun of VisishhTâdvaita. It was in this climate of culture andplenitude that Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha found congenial soil for his labour of love inthe cause of Srimad Ananda Tîrtha's Sadvaishnava siddhanta. Sri VijayîndraTîrtha saved Madhva siddhanta from a very real and serious threat of extinction

in South India, during the 16th century. Hence the followers of Madhvasiddhanta should always remain grateful to the memory of Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha'sillustrious personality. When the redoubtable Appayya Dikshita and Tatacharyadrew Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha into philosophical controversies by their adversecriticisms of Srimad Acharya's works, Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha took them on single-handedly and successfully dispelled their criticisms.Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha was not a bigoted sectarian. He was the very essence andembodiment of catholicity of outlook. This is shown by his generous patronageto scholars of different persuasions, and the uniformly friendly relations hemaintained throughout his life with his greatest adversary in thought.

Kumbakonam is the city of temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva inequal strength and prestige. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha was, by common consent incharge of all the religious institutions there.

Birth of Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha

Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha was born by the great blessings of Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha. It sohappened that Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha had come to a small village where Sri VijayîndraTîrtha's parents resided. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha's parents were very old at the timewhen Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha came to their village. Nevertheless they served Sri Vyâsa

Tîrtha with devotion. Pleased by their devotion and service, Sri Vyâsa Tîrthablessed the old couple that a charming son would be born to them. The oldcouple had no children, and they lamented, "How can we have children at thisold age? We are very unlucky and we do not have the puNya (good deeds) tohave children in this lifetime." Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha said, "Lord Sri Moola Gopala Krishnahas made me utter these words, and it is His sole responsibility to make it cometrue." Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha also told them that they were going to have two sons andthey should give one of them to him. The old couple were very happy andpromised Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha that they would act accordingly by dedicating one of

their sons to the service of the Lord.A couple of years passed and Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha arrived at the same village where

Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha's parents lived. Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha was given a grand receptionby the old couple and they took the saint to their home. The old couple hadbeen blessed with two children whom they had named 'VittalaCharya' and'Guru Prasada" and they told Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha that his words had come true andthat they were ready to fulfill their promise to him. Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha picked theolder child 'VittalaCharya' and told his parents not to worry about him and thatLord Krishna would be very pleased by this donation. From that day,

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'VittalaCharya' became the beloved child of Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha. Sri Vyâsa Tîrthaperformed 'Choula' and 'Upanayana' to VittalaCharya started teaching him theVedanta shâstra-s, tarka, mîmâmsa, etc. After seeing the latter's devotion andvairagya (being totally uninterested in worldly things and totally getting involvedin serving the Lord), Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha offered the sacred  sanyâsâshrama  to

VittalaCharya at a very young age and named him as Sri Vishnu Tîrtha. Sri VishnuTîrtha under the guidence of Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha became the master of the four-and-sixty traditional arts, and a great scholar.

Sri Vishnu Tîrtha becomes Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha

Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha was the most loved disciple of Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha. On oneekâdashî  day, Sri Surendra Tîrtha along with his students came to visit Sri VyâsaTîrtha. Sri Surendra Tîrtha is a saint from the famous Sri Vibhudhendra Matha andthe main Deity (paTTa devaru) of that institution is Sri Moola Râma. On the next

day, dvâdashî , both saints, Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha and Sri Surendra Tîrtha, performedworship of Sri Moola Gopala Krishna and Sri Moola Râma. The main purpose ofSri Surendra Tîrtha's visit was to get Sri Vishnu Tîrtha and make him his successor.Sri Surendra Tîrtha asked Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha to give Sri Vishnu Tîrtha as a gift. SriVyâsa Tîrtha agreed to the request of Sri Surendra Tîrtha. Sri Surendra Tîrtha wasextremely happy to get Sri Vishnu Tîrtha as his disciple and made him sit on thethrone of Srimad Acharya succeeded previously by Sri Vibudhendra Tîrtha. SriSurendra Tîrtha renamed Sri Vishnu Tîrtha as Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha and made himthe emperor of the Vedanta Empire. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha received the keys to thebox which had the idol of Sri Moola Râma and Sri Vyâsa peetha which were

worshipped by Srimad Achârya from Sri Surendra Tîrtha .Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha alsorecieved various compositions that were composed by Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha andrespectful gifts from the Vijayanagara king , Krishnadevaraya. It is said that SriVijayîndra Tîrtha is an incarnation of Sri Vibhudendra Tîrtha who was the `vidyA-guru' of Sri Sripâda Raja. This is explained in Sri Vijayîndra Vijaya (Glory of SriVijayîndra Tîrtha) 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 Vijayîndra Tîrtha had todebate against a great pundit named Sri Krishna Sharma. Sri Krishna Sharma wasan undisputed pundit who had a notion that no one could defeat him. Afterseeing the glory of Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha, Sri Krishna Sharma challenged SriVijayîndra Tîrtha to argue with him. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha got permission from his`vidyâ-guru' Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha to take on the challenger, and explained how theShruti 'tattvamasi' always supports the `bheda' (difference) between Lord Vishnu

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and all the `jîva'-s using the proof shown in the shâstra-s. After a very longargument, Sri Krishna Sharma became speechless and came to the conclusionthat Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha was indeed a great scholar. Sri Krishna Sharmaaccepted defeat, bowed to Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha, and said that he had wonagainst many pundits before but had always had a desire to win against Sri

Vyâsa Tîrtha. Sri Krishna Sharma continued to say that since it had beenimpossible for him to win against the disciple (Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha) of Sri VyâsaTîrtha, he dared not even dream a victory against Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha. Although, SriKrishna Sharma lost against Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha, Sri Vyâsa Tîrtha praised thelatter's talent and gave him many gifts and compliments. This shows Sri VyâsaTîrtha's appreciation of the pundit's knowledge. “The illustrious exponent and post-Vyasaraya champion of MadhwaSidhdhantha. Vijayendra Thirtha was a sarvatantra-Swatantra, a master of the64arts,(Chatush shashti Kalavidha), a winsome and magnetic personality andauthor of over 104 works, In the eyes of his contemporaries he was verily an

incarnation of Sri Madhwacharya come to reinforce his ownsidhdhanthaagainst contemporary opposition”.- in the words of Dr B N KSharma.

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 andesteem to this day. Dr B NK Sharma narrates that he with his own eyes has seen,the revered Sankaracharya of the Kamakoti pitam at Kumbakonamdismounting from his palanquin and walking a small distance near the entranceto the mutt of Vijayaendra and his brindavan there, whenever he had occasion

to pass through the mutt of Vijayendra, while proceeding to visithis numerousdisciples resident in the Solayappa street further west. It is the life crowded withspectacular achievements of such an unforgettable personality who lent lightand glory to one of the most brilliant periods inthe history of south India in thegolden age of Viajayanagar and post-Vijayanagar periods of Indian History.

Sri Vijayendra was not a bigoted sectarian. He was the very essence andembodiment of catholicity of outlook. This is shown by his generous patronageof scholars of different persuasions and the uniformly friendly relations hemaintained throughout his life with his greatest adversary in thought-Appayya

Dikshithar.He listened to Sri Nyaya Sudha Paata from his Guru Sri Vysarajar 9times. There is a syaing that there was no scarcity in places where heper4formed “sanchaara” They say there is “Vhootha rajara sanchaara: near

thebanks of the river the Kaveri. After sun sut, we rarely see people movinginthat area.(Page 30, Dvaitha Darshana) 

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Victory in Kanchi

As we know from history, Kanchi was a center for learning at the time. Hundredsof great pundits were living in Kanchi. The famous pundit Sri Appayya Dîkshitahad his residence in Kanchi. When Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha came to Kanchi, Sri

Appayya Dîkshita was not in town but the other pundits were introducingthemselves to protect the respect and fame of the city. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrthadefeated many Advaita and VishishhTaadvaita pundits in the space of four tofive months. After that, Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha had to argue against two great`mîmaamsa' pundits and it appeared as though the debate was reaching adeadlocked state. After a couple of days passed, Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha translatedthe pundits' 'puurvapaksha' and started criticizing them one by one by givingproofs. The pundits were astonished by Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha's knowledge, spiritualpowers, and the way he was tackling the issues. The words coming out from SriVijayîndra Tîrtha was like the sacred mother river Ganges. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha

concluded his talk by establishing the `siddhaanta' of Srimad Achaarya. The judges were extremely impressed and gave ajudgement declaring Sri Vijayîndra

Tîrtha the winner. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha's guru Sri Surendra Tîrtha became extremelyhappy seeing the victory.

Victory in Karnataka

After the victory in Kanchi, Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha came to Karnataka while SriSurendra Tîrtha went on tour to Sri Rameshwara. For many days, Sri VijayîndraTîrtha settled in Karnataka worshipping Sri Moola Raama, giving spiritual adviceto the devotees, conquoring many pundits and thereby established the Veda-

mata siddhaanta of Srimad Achaarya. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha was in Kolar,Karnataka for about a month and easily conquered pundits like Sri SudarshanaCharya, Sri Krishna Batta and Araadhya. For the rememberance of this victory,Sri Vijayîndra theeertha built a temple of Sri Vijaya Maaruti, which can be seeneven now in Kolar. From Kolar, Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha moved to Tumkur, Karnataka.From Tumkur, Sri Vyaasa Tîrtha and Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha arrived in Udupi to havethe darshan of Lord Sri Krishna. While they were in Udupi, Sri Vijayîndra Tîrthacame to know that his Guru Sri Surendra Tîrtha was not in good health. SriVijayîndra Tîrtha got permission from Sri Vyaasa Tîrtha to go to Kanchi in order to

take care of his Guru. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha looked after his guru so well that SriSurendra Tîrtha became healthy and fit.

Sri Surendra Tîrtha had two main responsibalites. The first one was was to find asuccessor to rule the Vedanta Empire of Srimad Achaarya. Getting Sri VijayîndraTîrtha from Sri Vyaasa Tîrtha accomplished this. The second one was to visit allsacred places and temples in India. Sri Surendra Tîrtha decided to undertake thesecond assignment and one auspicious day he started his tour. After a coupleof days, Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha got a message that Sri Vyaasa Tîrtha was very keenin seeing him. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha immediately started journey to Vijayanagara

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to see his vidyaa-guru. Sri Vyaasa Tîrtha was very happy to see his shishhya(student) and gave Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha many `upadesha'-s and duties to beperformed in order to establish the `siddhaanta' of Srimad Achaarya. In themonth of phalguna, Krishna paksha (second half), Chouthi (Fourth day), SriVyaasa Tîrtha left this world. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha left Vijayanagara and moved

towards Madurai. During this travel, Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha visited Vyaasa Samudra,NanjanGud and Sri Ranga. From Sri Ranga, he moved to Madurai at the requestof the king Vishvanatha Nayaka. At the same time, Sri Surendra Tîrthacompleted his India tour and came to Madurai. It took nearly four years for SriSurendra Tîrtha to complete the tour and Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha was happy to seehis Guru back. Both the saints decided to move to Tanjore in order to establishthe Veda mata-siddanta there. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha composed many worksduring the time he traveled between Vijayanagara and Madurai.

The argument between Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha and Lingaraja.

The citizens of Kumbakonam were delighted to learn about the presence of SriVijayîndra Tîrtha in Madurai. There were strong reasons to get delighted. For thepast fifteen to twenty years, there had lived a Shaiva scholar named Lingaraja inKumbakonam who not only captured the management of all the temples in thecity but also was converting all the Brahmins into Saivites. The Saiva saint wasvery skilled and was also the possessor of occult powers. The Brahmin punditswere unable to compete with Lingaraja and were extremely dissappointed fornot able to stand in front of this Saiva saint. The Bramhin community becameextremely happy at the arrival of Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha to Madurai and theyrequested Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha to come to Kumbakonam and establish the Veda-

mata-siddhânta in their city. Sri Surendra Tîrtha after hearing the incidents fromthe citizens of Kumbakonam, gave permission to Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha to reside inKumbakonam and stop the disaster of forceful Saiva conversion by Lingaraja. SriSurendra Tîrtha blessed Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha with best wishes and said that theestablishment of Srimad Acharya‟s siddanta in Kumbakonam would please Sri

Moola Raama.Then one day, Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha was in deep meditation. Suddenly, he sawLord Vishnu and Srimad Acharya in his heart. At the same time, Sri Vyaasa Tîrthaappeared in front of Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha and blessed him. Moments later, SriVijayîndra Tîrtha saw the divine mother sitting on a lion, having many weapons in

her hand and having a pleasing face. It was the divine mother SriMangalambike in front of Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha came to bless him. The divinemother blessed the saint, prophesizing that he would be victorious in the debatewith Lingaraja. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha came to Kumbakonam and Sri Lingarajacame to know about it. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha and Lingaraja agree that thearguement be in the temple of Sri Kumbeswara. It was decided that if Lingarajais defeated he has to stop forceful conversion of people into saivism andsurrender all the property and management of the temples to Sri Vijayîndra

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Tîrtha. If Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha is defeated, he would convert into a saivite andbecome a follower of Lingaraja. Lingaraja started the arguement by stateingthat the Vedas have weakness and vedas were human composed. SriVijayîndra Tîrtha very easily criticised Lingaraja by giving many proofs whichshowed 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 Vijayîndra Tîrtha explained the meaning of these words asfollows: Veda meaning 'Vedyatha ithe vedaha' which means Vedas are theones that are understood, Shruthi meaning 'Shrooyatha ithe Shruthihi' whichmeans 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 doesnot compose it. This way, Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha 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 SriVijayîndra Tîrtha how he can prove that Sri Naaraayana is supreme. Sri VijayîndraTîrtha said although it is mentioned that Lord Shiva is supreme in puranas likeLainga, Kourma etc., this point is against the Shrutis and Saathvika puranas andso it is not true. Also, puranas like Lainga, Shaiva etc., are thamasik. Lingarajabecame furious and demanded how Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha can prove that Lainga,Kourma puranas are Thamasik. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha gave proof by stateing thatthis division (Saathvik, Raajasik and Thaamasik) is done by Sri Veda Vyaasahimself who is the authority said as follows.Vaishnavam Naaradeeyam Cha thatha Bhagavatham Shubham GarudamCha thatha Paadmam Varaaham Shubha Darshane ShaDeThani Puranaani

Saathvikaani Mathaani why Bramhaandam BrahmaVaivarthamMaarkaandaiyam thathaiva cha BhavidhshyadhVaamanam BraamhamRaajasaani Nibhodhamae Maathsyam Kourmam thatha Laingam ShaivamSkaandam Thathaiva cha AagnaeYam cha ShaDethani ThaamasaNirayaPradaha which means that there are six puranas that are Saathvik. Thesepuranas are Vishnu, Naarada, Bhaagavatha, Garuda, Padma and Varaaha.The Raajasik puranas are Bramhaanda, BramhaVaivartha, Maarkaandaeya,Bhavishyothara, Vaamana and Bramha. The six-thamasik puranas areMaathsya, Kourma, Lainga, Skaanda, Shaiva and Aagnaeya.Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha also mentioned that the Smruthi Shaastras are of three kinds

Saathvika, Raajasa and Thamasa. The judges got convinced about the proofgiven by Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha and told Lingaraja that the proof has been given.The judges continued to state that since the debate was based on Shastras andonly texts that can be believed are the Saatvika ones, so, as per the Shrutis andSaatvika Puranas, Sri Naaraayana is the Supreme (Sri Hari Sarvothamma) and SriVijayîndra Tîrtha is correct in this arguement.Lingaraja now turned the point towards Lord Narasimha. He started telling thatLord Narasimha was defeated by Sri Veera Bhadra. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha criticized

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this by stateing that the information about Lord Narasimha being defeated byLord Veera Bhadra is in Skaanda Puraana. Skaanda puraana is Thamasik andhence cannot be taken as a proof. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha very cleverly solved thispoint by quoteing that in Shaiva puraana, it is mentioned that Lord Rudra in theform of Sharabha defeats Lord Narasimha. But, in Skaanda puraana, it is

mentioned that Lord Veera Bhadra defeats Lord Narasimha. So, who defeatedLord Narasimha? Is it Lord Rudra or Lord Veera Bhadra? If you say it is Lord Rudrathen, it is against Shaiva puraana. If you say it is Lord Rudra then it is againstSkaanda Puraana. Lingaraja's argument was based on the Thamasa puranasand Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha created a suspision in Lingaraja's argument. Lingarajabecame so confused and all the people who were watching the argumentwere amazed at the way Sri Vijayîndra Tiirtha disproved Lingaraja's point bycreating this suspision. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha continued further and said that theauthentic information is only in Saatvika puranas and since Lingaraja's point isbased on Thamasik puranaas, which is against various Shrutis, Smrutis and

Saatvika puranas, it is a bluder to tell that Lord Rudra or Lord Veera Bhadradefeated Lord Narasimha. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha 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 andwho is undestructable, how can it have an end? So, as mentioned in theSaatvika puranas, Lord Narasimha destroyed Sharabha. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrthagave one more proof from a Shruthi as 'Harim Harantha ManuyanthiVishVasyeeShaanam VrushaBham Matheenaam‟, which means that Lord Rudra

who is praised by 'Eeshaana' word was destroyed by Lord Hari (i.e. LordNarasimha). Also, the Smruthi states thatBramhaanaMindram RudramCha Yamam Varunamaevacha| Nihasya Harathe

YasmaaThasMyaaDharereHoochayathe||Which means that Lord Bramha, Lord Indra, Lord Rudra, Lord Yama, and LordVaruna get destroyed by Lord Hari (i.e. Lord Narasimha) during the Pralayaperiod. This means that Lord Hari is the supreme (Sarvothamma), Lord Hari is thecreator, Protector and destroyer of these worlds, and Lord Hari is theParaBramha as mentioned in the Vedas, Shrutis, Smrutis and Puraanas.This way the argument went for many days, and everyday, Sri Vijayîndra Tîrthaturned out to be the winner and all the points that Lingaraja upheld were veryeasily turn down by Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha. At last, Lingaraja became speechlessand accepted the defeat by bowing his head.

Needless to say, the judges concluded that Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha was won theargument. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha praised Lingaraja that he was a great scholar andcould not establish the Shaiva matha because all your arguments were basedon thamasik puranas which are not correct. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha commendedLingaraja that it was a great pleasure to argue with a scholar like him, wishedhim best wishes and gave lot of gifts to him. Lingaraja then came forward,bowed at Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha and surrendered the keys of all the temples andthe Shaiva mutt. Lingaraja then decided to leave the town of Kumbakonam.

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Establishment of Sanskrit University (Vidyaa peetha)Kumbakonam was chosen by Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha to establish a SanskritUniversity. Establishing a Sanskrit University was one of the dreams of Sri VyaasaTîrtha. 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 ofVijayanagara Sri Chavappa Nayaka offered lot of land and money for thedevelopent of the university. The university had the atmosphere of the old gurukula style. Sri Surendra Tîrtha became the chansellor of the university. The Sanskrituniversity became one of the best centres for learning in India.The king of Vijayanagara Empire requested Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha to come andsettle in Vijayanagara for some time. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha with the permission fromSri Surendra Tîrtha accepts the offer and moves to Vijayanagar. The king ofVijayanagar expresses his desire to perform RathnaaBhisheka (Honor of sitting onthe Vijayanaga throne) to Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha. Although, Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha did

not like it very much, he had to accept the request made by the king. SriVijayîndra Tîrtha sat on the throne of Vijayanaga empire, the pundits praise SriVijayîndra Tîrtha as 'Sri MadVaidika Sadvaishnava SiddanthaSamsthapanaAcharya Sri JagadGuru Sriman MadvaAcharya MukyaSamsthaana Poorvaadhi Mateya Vidyaa SimhaasanaaDheeshwara SrimadRaghunandana Tîrtha SriPaada karakamala Sanjaatha, Srimath Surendra TîrthaSripaada Varakumaaraka Srimad Vijayîndra Tîrtha Yathi SaarvaBhouma JayaJaya'. The king of Vijayanagara offered many land, Gold, and many otherprecious metals to Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha. Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha contributed everyhingthat he received from the king to the pundits and to the Sanskrit university. Thepeople of Vijayanagara were amazed at the generosity of the saint donated all

the wealth for a good cause.

Wizard surrenders to Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha

One afternoon, Sri Vijayîndra Tîrtha was reading some works and a disciplecame 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 thesaint with a attitude 'Are you Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha? You defeated Lingaraja andsaid that any one can challenge you in 64 different arts. If are bold enough, canyou 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 verydangerous 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 andsnakes to kill you. The wizard said 'Are you sure you want to take this task?'. SriVijayiindra Tiirtha with a smile said to the wizard that your wizard craft based ondevil worship should be criticized and people like you are bad elements in the

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soceity and it is not a big deal to defeat you, one of my students will take thechallenge. Sri Vijayeebdra Tiirtha called one of his student named BheemaSenaand told him get the lemon crossing the lines. BheemaSena bowed to SriVijayiindra Tiirtha and started to cross the lines one by one. When BheemaSenacrossed 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 thesurprise a Garuda bird came and carried away the snake. At the sixth line, asharp weapon came to destroy BheemaSena. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha meditatedon Lord Moola Raama and the weapon was transformed into a flower garlandand BheemaSena had it in his neck. The wizard bacame very afraid at theaction of BheemaSena and did not know what to do. BheemaSena easilycrossed the seventh line, lifted the lemon and laid it at the feet of Sri VijayiindraTiirtha. Thus, it was a victory to Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and the wizard accepted hisdefeat. The wizard bowed at Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and said that none so far hadguts 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. SriVijayiindra Tiirtha chanted on Lord Narasimha, composed a song on the lordcalled 'Narasimha Stotra' to commemarate the victory and surrendered thevictory certificate at the feet of Lord Narasimha. This icon of Lord Narasimha canbe seen even now in Sri Raghavendra swamy mutt as 'Shodasha Baahu (16handed) Sri Narasimha Murthy'.Many other miracles shown by Sri Vijayiindra TiirthaSri Vijayiindra Tiirtha has shown many many miracles, which have proved thatthe saint is undispuetably victorious. Some of the miracles shown by this greatsaint are as follows.

1. 

Victory over a famous Gymnast

A very famous gymnast contested against Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha. The gymnastdisplayed various plays like walking on a rope, climbing a tall bamboo log anddisplaying his talent on it. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha appreciated the gymnast butcommented that using support like rope and bamboo to display the gymnast

talent is common. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha called some of his students and told themto connect the pedestle (Gopura) of two temples Sri Kumbeswara & SriSaaranga pani using banana leaf thread. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha went up thepedestle of Sri Kumbeswara temple and started walking on the banana thread

and reached the pedestle of Sri Saaranga paani temple. The thread was sodelicate that even touching the thread would cut it and Sri Vijayiindra Tiirthawalked on this kind of thread. The gymnast was shocked to see such a miracleand accepted his defeat.

2.  Deva Daasi accepts the defeat

A deva daasi challenged Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha to defeat her. It seems the devadaasi was a master in Kaama Shastra. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha called one of his

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desciple and gave him a flower garland and told him to tie to the right hand ofdeva daasi. The very moment the flower garland touched the woman; sheexperienced great happiness and fainted. After some time she woke up,surrendered to Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and told all the people that 'What a kind ofsurpraise?‟ 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 devadaasi, a Bramhin from Kerala wanted to know how the saint can control his mind(Jeethendra). The Bramhin was accompanied by a couple of beautiful womenand they were irresitable. The bramhin said that these women would performtheir tallent in front of you (Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha) and you should not become

unstable (Should have a stable mind). Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha accepted the talentand to make the test more interesting, he called one of his students and toldhim to bring a banana leaf and used the banana leaf as a Koupeena. Thebeautiful woman started showing their talent in front of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha andtried to win the heart of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha kept his mind atthe lotus feet of Sri Moola Raama and started meditating on Lord SriNaaraayana. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha started thinking on the word 'Naaraayana'which means 'Naaraanaam Ayanaha Naaraayanaha' i.e. the one who is full ingood qualities and the one who is praised by the Apourusheya Vedas as theone who does not have any weakness (Dhosha). The beautiful women groupstarted 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 ofsenses but continued to play lot of tricks. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha kept his mind at thelotus feet of Manmatha Manmatha (Father of Manmatha) Lord Vishnu and keptall his senses at the lotus feet of ParaBramha (Supreme) who is LordNaaraayana. The groups of beautiful woman failed to accomplish their task andwere terribly shocked seeing the control of senses Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha had. Thegroup of woman surrendered at the feet of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and asked himfor forgiveness. All the people who were witnessing the contest cheered on SriVijayiindra 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. Thetitle „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 happenedthat a Buddhist wanted to contest against our Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha. Sri VijayiindraTiirtha easily conquored the Buddhist by showing lot of proof in the Vedas and

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Shastras. The Buddhist was amzed at Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and told to the mass ofpeople 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 Tiirthaand they inspired a jeweler named Vinayaka Ramachandra joshi to contestagainst 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 themworked for many hours for a couple of days and each of them came up with abeautiful ornament made up of nine different pearls. The judges saw both theornaments and the ornament created by Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha was muchsuperior than the jeweler. The jeweler was stunned seeing the artwork of thesaint and told the judges that this kind of jewelery work is not possible by anormal 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 SriLaksmana in the ornament and this ornament (Sri Raama padaka) can be seeneven 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 realpain to some people who could not resist it. There was a group of wickedpeople who were supporters of Sri Lingaraja who was defeated by Sri VijayiindraTiirtha, 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 Advaitaand Vishishtadvaita in Kumbakonam were held by Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and thepeople beloging to these two sects were living in peace and harmony. Thewicked group worked out a plan wherein they tried to separate the peoplebelonging to the sects of Advaita and Vishishtadvaita. The wicked peoplethought that by separating these two sects, it would bring a black mark on SriVijayiindra Tiirtha. A lake separated the temples of Sri Kumbeswara andSaaranga Paani. Right from ancient times, the lake belonged to Sri SaarangaPaani temple. The wicked group of people approached the priests of SriKumbeswara temple and told them that the lake belonged to Sri Kumbeswara

temple and not Sri Saaranaga Paani temple. The priests‟ beleived the wickedpeople words and this slowly spread to the sects of Advaita and Vishishtadvaita,which created a cold war between the sects. The wicked people convincedthe Advaita people sect that the lake has many signs belonging to Lord Shivaand so the lake belonged to Sri Kumbeswara. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha came to knowabout this cold war and decided to stop this cold war. A test was arranged tosee if there were really signs of Lord Shiva in the lake. It was decided that if thelake had Shaiva signs then the lake will be the property of Sri Kumbeswara and if

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it had Vaishnava signs it would remain the property of Sri Saaranga Paani. Onthe night before the test day, the wicked group of people brought thousands ofLord Shiva Linga stones and they drowned them in the lake. The next morningwas the test day and Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha came near the lake, meditated onLord 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 theystarted bringing the items that were found in the lake. What a surprise!! All theitems taken out from the lake were idols of Lord Sri Hanuman and SriShaaliGraama stones. The wicked group of people could not beleivethemselves as they had personally poured thousands of Lord Shiva Linga stonesinto the lake. It was the miracle and the great devotion of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirthathat all the Sri Basava and Lord Shiva linga stones were transformed into SriHanuma and Sri Shaaligraama stones. This proved that the lake belonged to SriSaaranga Paani temple and the sects of people belonging to Advaita andVishishtadvaita who beleived the words of wicked group nodded their heads in

shame and surrendered to Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha to pardon them. The wickedpeople group who were desciples of Sri Linga Raaja fled the scene in shame.Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha names Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha as his successorThere was a great scholar named Sri NaaraayanaAcharya who was a descipleof Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha. Sri NaaraayanaAcharya was a expert in Nyaaya &Vedanta shastra, was a great poet and belonged to Shastika community. SriVijayiindra Tiirtha offeres the Paramahamsaashrama to Sri NaaraayanaAcharyaand the new saint was named Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha.For many years, Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha served Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha with greatdevotion and respect. On 28th June 1614, Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha decides to makeSri 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 Tiirthafor the boxes containing Sri Moola Raama and other sacred idols and the libraryhaving the sacred works composed by Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and other saints. SriSudheendra Tiirtha performed the pooja of Sri Moola Raama the same day hewas named the prime successor. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha preached manyupadeshas 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 SrimadAcharya. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha urged his devotees to follow the path shown bySrimad Acharya and said that this path will lead a person to the doors of SriVaikunta (the home of Sriman Naaraayana). Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha then startedmeditating on the lotus feet of Sri Moola Raama and started chanting 'Omnamo Naaraayanaya'. The sacred word 'Naaraayana', 'Naaraayana' startedcoming out of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha and there was a bright shine of Bramha tejascoming out of the saint. Finally, Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha, offered his 'Aatma Phuspa‟

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(life) at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Naaraayana and the saint successfullycompleted his incarnation on this earth. Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha was veryrespectfully and with great devotion was placed in a Brindavana inKumbakonam.Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha could not resist the separation of his guru Sri Vijayiindra

Tiirtha and started crying like a small child. Sri Sudeendra Tiirtha accompaniedby great scholar devotees took a holy dip in the river Cauvery and performedthe pooja of Sri Moola Raama in front of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha brindavana. Afterthe pooja, Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha placed the idols of Sri Moola Raama, Sri JayaRaama and Sri Digvijaya Raama in a gold plate and placed it over the thesacred Brindavana of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha. Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha then performedkanakaabhisheka (pooja by pouring items made of gold), mahamangalaarathi(seva of many lights) and bowed at the brindavana. Sri Sudheendra Tiirtha thencomposed the charama sloka of Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha as shown below.BhakThaaNaam MaanaSaam Bhoja Bhaanave Kaamadhenave NamaThaam

Kalpatharuve Jayeendra Guruve NamahaBorn by the grace of Sri Vyaasa Tiirtha in 1517, Sri Vijayiindra Tiirtha got hiseducation from Sri Chandrika Acharya. The saint was then gifted by Sri VyaasaTiirtha to Sri Surendra Tiirtha, ruled the throne of Srimad Acharya, served his guruSri Surendra Tiirtha, showed many great miracles, won many scholars whichproved that he was undoubtedly victorious (Ajeya), got respected by manykings and emporers, composed 104 great works, reestablished the siddanta ofSrimad Acharya, in the year 1614 offered the throne of Srimad Acharya to SriSudheendra Tiirtha and at the orders of Lord Sri Vishnu and Srimad Acharyacompleted his incarnation by offering his 'Aatma Phuspa' at the lotus feet ofLord Sriman Naaraayana.

Some of the 104 works by Sri Vijayiindra TiirthaBramhasutra Bhasyaa Tippani Tatva Maanikya Peete Bramhasutra NyaayaSangraha Nayamukuraha Nayanamanjari Madhva Siddanta Saarodhara. . andother works to be added here.....Sri Guru Vijayiindra Thiirtho Vijayathe. Sri Man Moola Raamo Vijayathe. SamasthaSanmangalaali Bhavanthu.Sri Vjayeendra Tiirtha Guruvanthargatha Sri Bharathi Ramana MukyaPraananthargatha Sri Moola Raama Sri Krishna Sri Veda Vyaasatmaka SriLakshmi Narasimha Preeyatham Sri Moola Gopaala KrishnaArpana Masthu.

To quote one more incident, when the opponent challenged him in the art ofmaking the bronze vigraha, he made a Rama devaru vigraha in Vax crafted itby 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 AJAYAVIJAYAAll his miracles and the entire life history is eloberately given in the Book (about500 pages) “Ajayya Vijendraru” by Sri Raja S Gururajacharya is worth reading. 

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. 1978 published by Sri ParimaLa Samshodhana and Prakashana mandira,Nanajangud)-

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

Dhyaana Sloka:

Bhakthanaam MaanasaamBhojaBhanave Kamadhenuve|Namathaam KalpatharaveJayeendra Guruve Namah||

Sri Sethumadhavasoori has composed the Vijayeendra Stotra.

*”Karavoddi Beduve Guru Vijayeendra” in raga dwijavanthi set to adithala is agood/appealing song on him( raga and thala set by the compiler fortheMusical 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 KamaleshaVitala, in raga Nadanamakriya set to Jampathala is also sung on him

*Vijayamooruthi Poreyo Vijayeendra yathivaRya is a song in raga Kambhodi setto jampathala.,

(* Composer- not able to make out)