In the vast tapestry of human history, certain individuals emerge as luminaries, illuminating our understanding of the universe and our place within it. One such radiant figure is Sri Madhvacharya, whose birth anniversary, celebrated on the Dashami Tithi of Ashwin Shukla Paksha, is known as Sri Madhva Jayanti. This day holds profound significance for followers of Madhvacharya, as it marks the birth of a remarkable philosopher who championed Dvaita Vedanta, a school of thought that stands in contrast to the more prevalent Advaita Vedanta.
Sri Madhvacharya was born in the year 1238 C.E. in the idyllic village of Pajaka, nestled near Udupi. His father, Madhyageha Bhatta, was a devout Brahmin belonging to the Bhagavata Sampradaya, and his yearning for a child was answered through unwavering devotion. The child was christened Vasudeva, and little did they know that he would later ascend to the grandeur of Madhvacharya, a name destined for greatness.
As a young Vasudeva, under the tutelage of his guru Achutaprekshacharya, embraced the life of a renunciant, seeking spiritual enlightenment. However, the prevailing Advaita school of thought did not resonate with his soul. Madhvacharya was known for his earnestness and scholarly pursuits, qualities that would shape his remarkable life’s work. His guru conferred upon him the name Purnaprajna, a name that would etch itself in the annals of history.
Purnaprajna embarked on a pilgrimage, visiting sacred shrines in South India, all the while sharing his unique philosophical insights. His philosophy posited that the world is real, individual souls are distinct from Brahman, and Vishnu is the supreme entity in the cosmos. Upon his return, he composed a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, known as the Gita Bhashya, thereby igniting the flames of his prolific literary journey.
Madhvacharya’s thirst for knowledge transcended geographical boundaries. He embarked on a journey to the North, visiting Benares, Allahabad, Dwaraka, Delhi, and Badrikshetra. It was in the hallowed precincts of Badrikshetra that he penned the Brahmasutra Bhashya, deep within the Himalayas, where the revered sage Sri Vedavyasa was believed to reside.
Upon returning to Udupi, Madhvacharya’s prolific pen embarked on a journey of its own. He authored numerous works, laying the foundation for what would become known as Dvaita Siddhanta. His enduring legacy is also characterized by the establishment of the iconic Sri Krishna temple in Udupi and the founding of eight mutts, each a bastion of spiritual learning and devotion.
During his second pilgrimage to North India, Madhvacharya’s encounter with Jalaluddin Khilji in Delhi, conversing fluently in Urdu, added another layer to his enigmatic persona. Miracles were often associated with his presence, including the legendary act of walking on the sacred waters of the River Ganges. His life was punctuated by incidents that defied conventional understanding, underlining his intellectual and spiritual eminence.
Madhvacharya’s literary opus includes thirty-seven works, comprising commentaries on all Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Brahmasutras, and the Dvadasastotra, among others. His philosophy, Dvaita Vedanta, stands in stark contrast to the prevailing Advaita Vedanta, championing the eternal and distinct nature of both Brahman and individual souls.
While followers of Madhvacharya do not document his earthly departure, it is believed that, in 1317 C.E., at the age of 79, he embarked on his final journey to Badrikshetra on Madhva Navami, also referred to as the disappearance day of Madhva Acharya. According to their belief, he perceived that his work was complete and mysteriously vanished while imparting wisdom on the Attareya Upanishad to his disciples, leaving a bed of fragrant flowers in his stead.
Sri Madhvacharya’s legacy continues to resonate through his teachings and the enduring reverence of his followers. His profound philosophy, known as Dvaita Vedanta, remains a fundamental pillar of Indian philosophy and spirituality, accentuating the dual nature of the universe and the timeless essence of the soul. His life and teachings continue to inspire countless individuals on their spiritual odysseys, serving as a testament to the profound impact one visionary can have on the world.