Mantralaya-2026

(Sri NarahariTeertharu and connection with Sri Raghavendra Swamy mutt)

Date : Jan 22, 2025


Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||

Background

Sri NarahariTeertharu and connection with Sri Raghavendra Swamy mutt is described in Mantralaya (2026).

Meaning

In the previous articles, we explored the fascinating concept of the multiverse and the interplay of higher Lokas. As we learned, beings from the higher Lokas occasionally take birth on Earth to uplift humanity and guide us toward spiritual enlightenment. One such remarkable soul is Sri NarahariTheertharu.

The Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt is currently celebrating the Aradhana of Sri NarahariTheertharu at Hampi in a grand and spiritually uplifting manner filled with devotion and reverence.

This article focuses on the life and legacy of Sri NarahariTheertharu. His contributions to philosophy, spirituality and humanity are immense. Through his life, we see a blend of divine purpose and worldly wisdom. Sri NarahariTheertharu left a lasting mark on the Madhwa tradition, inspiring countless followers.

A long time ago, in the Kalinga region (now Odisha and Andhra Pradesh) there lived a brilliant scholar named Shama Shastry. Known for his great knowledge and wisdom. He was highly respected in the royal court. However, despite his success, Shama Shastry felt an emptiness in his heart and longed for a higher purpose in life.

One day, fate brought Shama Shastry face-to-face with Sri Madhwacharya the great teacher of the Dvaita philosophy. This meeting happened during Sri Madhwacharya’s visit to Badari and completely changed Shama Shastry’s life. Inspired by the Madhwacharyaru’s teachings and divine presence Shama Shastry decided to give up worldly attachments and follow the spiritual path. Shama Shastry became a disciple of Sri Madhwacharya, took Sannyasa (renunciation) and became Sri NarahariTeertharu in the year 1262 AD.

Sri NarahariTeertharu’s leadership skills were put to the test when Kalinga faced political instability. At the directive of his guru Sri Madhwacharya, Sri NarahariTeertharu temporarily set aside his ascetic duties to assume administrative responsibilities. With wisdom and dedication, he restored order in Kalinga while continuing his spiritual practices and promoting Dharma. During his governance, he constructed temples, established peace, and generously supported religious and cultural institutions. Once stability was restored, Sri NarahariTeertharu appointed a capable ruler to oversee the kingdom and resumed his mission to spread Tattvavada.

Sri NarahariTeertharu is revered as the founder of the Haridasa tradition in Kannada literature. Writing under the pen name "Narahari," he composed devotional songs that conveyed Sri Madhwacharya’s teachings in a way that resonated with the common people. His pioneering use of the Kannada language brought Tattvavada closer to the masses, making it accessible and relatable.

To reach diverse audiences in Karnataka and Kerala, Sri NarahariTeertharu also introduced and promoted cultural art forms like Yakshagana and Bayalata. These traditional performance arts became powerful tools for spreading the principles of Dvaita philosophy, blending spiritual messages with engaging storytelling. These art forms, enriched by his contributions, continue to thrive and inspire audiences even today.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Sri NarahariTeertharu made substantial contributions to Madhwa scholarship. He wrote extensive commentaries on Sri Madhwacharya’s works including the Geeta Bhashya and Brahmasutra Bhashya solidifying the philosophical foundation of Tattvavada. His intellectual and cultural legacy laid the groundwork for future Haridasas like Purandara Dasa and Kanaka Dasa who further enriched the tradition with their contributions.

Sri NarahariTeertharu’s multifaceted contributions in literature, philosophy, and culture continue to be celebrated as transformative milestones in the spread and preservation of Sri Madhwacharya’s teachings.

Sri NarahariTeertharu’s nine-year leadership as the head of the Madhwa institution was a transformative period marked by his innovative approach to spreading Tattvavada and strengthening the Madhwa school of philosophy. His efforts led to the conversion of thousands of families in Kalinga and Andhra Pradesh to Vaishnavism, forming the revered Aravelu Brahmana lineage, which continues to uphold and propagate Madhwa traditions.

Sri NarahariTeertharu left a lasting spiritual imprint by installing iconic deities in various regions. Notably, he established idols of Sri Rama, Sita, and Hanuman at Sri Kurmam (Srikakulam) and installed Lord Narayana at Narayanadevarakere near Hospet. These sacred sites continue to inspire devotion and preserve the teachings of Tattvavada.

Sri NarahariTeertharu attained eternal rest at ChakraThirtha in Hampi, where his Brundavana stands as a revered spiritual site. It symbolizes his enduring contributions to spirituality, dharma and society.Sri NarahariTeertharu’s life perfectly balanced spiritual wisdom with worldly insight, leaving a profound legacy that continues to inspire the Madhwa tradition and the broader spiritual community.

One of Sri NarahariTeertharu’s most celebrated accomplishments was the recovery of the sacred idols of Sri Moola Rama which had been hidden for centuries in the Gajapati treasury. Acting on Sri Madhwacharya’s instructions, he secured these divine idols and brought them to Udupi in 1317 AD. Sri Madhwacharya personally worshipped these idols before entrusting them to his disciple, Sri PadmanabhaTeertharu.

The Sri Moola Rama idol holds extraordinary significance. It was originally crafted by Vishwakarma, the divine architect and was first worshipped by Lord Brahma. Later, Lord Rama Himself performed worship of the idol, establishing its sacredness.

Over the centuries, this idol became a key part of the lineage of saints dedicated to preserving its divine legacy. The Moola Rama idol belongs to Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt where Sri Raghavendra Swamy performed daily worship as a central part of the Mutt's Samsthana Pooja. The sacred tradition of worshiping the idol has continued unbroken. Today, the current pontiff, Sri SubhudendraTeertharu, continues this ritual, maintaining the legacy and devotion passed down through generations.

It is truly remarkable that from the time of Sri Madhwacharya to this very day, the worship of Sri Moola Rama has been conducted daily without interruption. This unbroken lineage of devotion is a testament to the grace and blessings of Lord Rama. It reminds us of the enduring power of faith and the unwavering dedication of saints like Sri Narahari Teertharu, who played a pivotal role in preserving this divine legacy.

It is the divine will of Lord Sri Rama and Sri Raghavendra Swamy that during this year's Sri Narahari Teertharu Aradhana, the sacred Moola Rama idol will be worshipped in the presence of Sri NarahariTeertharu's Brindavana, under the care of Sri SubhudendraTeertharu. As Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita, "Without My wish, nothing can occur in this world." This continuous worship shows the divine plan, reminding us that everything happens according to the will of the Almighty.

With the blessings of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Sri SubudhendraTeertharu has attained Siddhi (spiritual perfection). We are witnessing remarkable transformations under his guidance. Sri SubudhendraTeertharu has been instrumental in curing grave diseases and freeing individuals from negative energies (Pretha). Many of these miraculous events have been captured in videos showcasing his divine connection.

As Sri SubudhendraTeertharu humbly states, these extraordinary occurrences are entirely due to the Padodaka power (holy water from the feet) of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. We are truly fortunate to witness the social development initiatives undertaken by Sri Raghavendra Mutt. The Mutt has consistently focused on uplifting society.This balance of spiritual grace and social responsibility reflects the profound legacy of Sri Raghavendra Swamy and the unwavering dedication of the Mutt's leadership.

Sri SubhudendraTeertharu is emphasizing the importance of unity and collective celebration of significant events with harmony. Sri SubhudendraTeertharu has extended an invitation to all Madhwa saints to come forward and contribute to this noble cause, fostering a spirit of togetherness.

With his heartfelt appeal, Sri SubhudendraTeertharu envisions a unified community, working together for the greater good. Sri SubhudendraTeertharu’s initiative reflects his deep faith that Sri Hari will guide everyone towards adopting the right mindset and creating a path of mutual respect and unity among all.

We always need to remember that  "Tena vina trunamapi na chalati" - This is a famous Sanskrit phrase often used to convey that without divine grace or will, even a blade of grass cannot move. It emphasizes the importance of God's will and grace in all actions and events in the universe. It reflects the concept of divine intervention and the fundamental truth that everything in the world, big or small, happens only according to the will of the Almighty.

The devotion towards Sri Raghavendrateertharu is the ultimate truth and is the most simple and effective way to reach Sri Hari  - "NAMBI KETTAVARILLAVO EE GURUGALA"! “Those who have complete faith in this Guru will never be disappointed.”

   || BICHALI JAPADAKATTI SRI APPANACHARYA PRIYA MANTRALAYA
   SRI RAGHAVENDRATEERTHA GURUBHYO NAMAHA||