Sri Vishwapriyatirtha – The Mystic Saint and Vrindavanacharya

A Great Shakapurusha of the Nineteenth Century

Sri Vishwapriyatirtha, popularly revered as Sri Vrindavanacharya, was one of the greatest saints, scholars, mystics and spiritual luminaries of the nineteenth century. A distinguished pontiff of the Sri Sode Vadiraja Matha tradition, he combined extraordinary scholarship in Vedanta with profound vairagya, devotion and mystical attainments.

Tradition records numerous incidents demonstrating his spiritual greatness and divine powers. His life was dedicated to the study, preservation and propagation of Madhwa Siddhanta, the service of Sri Vadiraja, and the upliftment of devotees.

Birth and Sannyasa

Sri Vishwapriyatirtha was born in 1774 at Inna village near Udupi. He was born as Srinivasa, the son of Krishnacharya (Nagashayana), the eldest brother of Vitthalacharya, who was later known as Vipraguru-Vishweshatirtha.

After undergoing the traditional samskaras such as Jatakarma, Namakarana, Chowla and Upanayana, Srinivasa was ordained into Sannyasa Ashrama at the young age of ten by his Guru, Sri Vishweshatirtha. He was given the name Sri Vishwapriyatirtha.

His early education in the Shastras was undertaken under his aged Paramaguru, Sri Vishwadhishwaratirtha. Even as a young ascetic, he displayed an extraordinary thirst for knowledge and a deep inclination towards Vedantic study.

Divine Call to Sode

When Sri Vishwapriyatirtha desired to travel elsewhere for higher studies, he received a remarkable divine indication in a dream. Sri Vadirajaru appeared and directed him towards Sode, his sacred abode.

Obeying this divine instruction, Sri Vishwapriyatirtha travelled to Sode and immersed himself in devoted seva at the holy Panchavrindavana Sannidhi of Sri Vadirajaru.

His life at Sode was one of intense austerity, devotion and scholarship. At the end of his evening worship each day, he would take only a fistful of fried rice mixed with curds. Sitting before the Vrindavana Sannidhi, he continued his study of the Sarvamula and other works.

According to tradition, whenever he encountered doubts in his studies, he received clarification through the divine speech of Sri Vadirajaru emanating from the Vrindavana. Because of this extraordinary experience, Sri Vishwapriyatirtha became celebrated as Vrindavanacharya.

Vrindavanacharya and the Vrindavanakhyana

Sri Vrindavanacharya occupies a unique place in the tradition surrounding the sacred text Vrindavanakhyana.

According to the traditional account, during the earthly presence of Sri Vadirajaru, Vrindavanacharya was like a deaf and dumb Brahmin. After Sri Vadirajaru entered the Vrindavana, Vrindavanacharya experienced the sacred teaching of the Vrindavanakhyana in a dream.

Tradition therefore regards his later life as being specially connected with the propagation of this sacred work.

While Sri Vedanidhitirtha is remembered as the Srikara, or the master who initiated the work of getting the Akhyana written, Sri Vrindavanacharya is revered as its Harikara—the great authority who taught, propagated and established its importance.

Through his disciple Srimushnacharya, he caused a learned commentary on the work to be written. Through another distinguished disciple, Sri Raghupraveeratirtha of Bhimanakatte Matha, he caused the work Vrindavanakhyana Pramanyaprabodhini to be authored, establishing the validity and authority of the sacred Akhyana.

Sri Vrindavanacharya himself occupies a prominent place in the Vrindavanakhyana. He is described as its chief listener and is addressed simply as “Vipra.”

Several traditional incidents are cited in support of the identification of this Vipra with Sri Vrindavanacharya, including his observance of Nirannatva, bringing the Vyasamushti from Madhyavata Matha for worship at Sri Krishna Sannidhi, preparing a Prakarana of the Vrindavanakhyana and popularising its teachings.

A Teacher of Extraordinary Scholarship

Sri Vrindavanacharya was not merely a great ascetic but also an incomparable scholar. He is remembered as one who stood second to none in the world of scholars.

He followed a remarkable daily discipline of writing sacred texts and giving the written material to his disciples. His fame spread far beyond Udupi, and scholars from different parts of the country came to him for instruction.

He was particularly renowned for his profound understanding of subtle Vedantic subjects and was revered as a great Prameyajna—one possessing deep knowledge of philosophical truths.

The great scholar of Kanchi, Sri Tathacharya, is traditionally said to have been astonished by the extraordinary erudition of Sri Vrindavanacharya and ultimately surrendered himself before the saint.

Four Paryayas at Udupi

Sri Vrindavanacharya performed four Paryayas at Udupi, each with great devotion and splendour:

• 1804–1805

• 1820–1821

• 1836–1837

• 1852–1853

During his Paryaya periods, special gifts, ornaments and offerings were made to the sacred Sri Krishna Sannidhi.

His spiritual eminence was also recognised by the royal families of Mysore and Cochin.

The Mysore ruler Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, deeply impressed by the extraordinary mahima of Sri Vrindavanacharya, is traditionally said to have consecrated an invaluable small emerald Mantapa for the great saint.

The Height of Vairagya

The vairagya of Sri Vishwapriyatirtha was extraordinary.

Even while presiding over the prestigious Paryaya Darbar, he is remembered as having worn only a kaupina. His complete detachment from worldly possessions became an example of the highest ascetic ideal.

Sri Bhuvanendratirtha of Raghavendra Swamy Matha, recognising the greatness of his vairagya, is traditionally said to have observed that such complete detachment was entirely appropriate in Sri Vishwapriyatirtha, who belonged to the lineage of Sri Vishnutirtha, renowned as an embodiment of vairagya.

Miracles and Divine Grace

The life of Sri Vrindavanacharya is associated with numerous incidents of divine grace and mystical power. These accounts have been preserved through biographies, traditional narratives, stotras, padas and oral tradition.

Among the many incidents traditionally associated with him are the following:

Saving a Devotee in the Kaveri

On one occasion, through his mystic power, Sri Swamiji is said to have saved a devotee who had been drowned in the waters of the Kaveri River.

Blessings of Mantrakshata

The Mantrakshata blessed by Sri Swamiji is traditionally believed to have brought relief to devotees facing difficult circumstances, including a painful and delayed delivery.

Blessing of Progeny

Through his command to continue seva, a devotee of Sri Vadirajaru, Jambukhandi Vadirajacharyaru, is traditionally said to have been blessed with progeny.

Becoming Invisible to Thieves

On one occasion, thieves attempted to identify Sri Swamiji. By his mystic power, he disappeared from their sight, and their attempt proved futile.

Strength Through Remembrance

A devotee named Ramachar is said to have received extraordinary physical strength merely through remembrance of Sri Vrindavanacharya's holy name, enabling him to complete the seva entrusted to him.

Blessing of Speech

During a Samhita Yaga at Udupi, a devotee who had difficulty in clearly reciting Vedic mantras is traditionally said to have received the power of fluent and eloquent recitation through Sri Swamiji's blessings.

The Scholar of Kanchi

The celebrated scholar Sri Tathacharya of Kanchi was deeply impressed by Sri Vrindavanacharya's incomparable scholarship and is said to have surrendered before his spiritual greatness.

The Magician at Sode

At Sode, a magician is traditionally said to have experienced intense suffering when he attempted to invoke his powers in the sacred presence of Sri Bhutarajaru through the spiritual power of Sri Swamiji. He subsequently fled the place.

Protection Against Deception

During one of his journeys, fraudulent and deceptive activities were exposed and destroyed through the intervention of Sri Vrindavanacharya.

Darshana of Ganga at Sode

Sri Vrindavanacharya was also blessed with the sacred Darshana of Ganga at Dhavalatirtha in Sode, an event remembered as another indication of his spiritual greatness.

The Paryaya Food Miracle

At the beginning of one Paryaya, there was concern regarding the availability of sufficient food for serving devotees. Through the spiritual command of Sri Swamiji, the quantity of food is traditionally said to have increased enormously, ensuring that everyone could be adequately served.

The King of Cochin

Sri Vrindavanacharya is also associated with a remarkable spiritual experience granted to the King of Cochin. Through an ingenious and practical solution devised by the Swamiji, the king is said to have received a profound experience concerning liberation and had his doubts regarding the subject clarified.

Sri Krishna Darshana

Through his instructive teachings, Sri Vrindavanacharya inspired a devotee to recite the Sri Krishna Stuti composed by Sri Vadirajaru. As a result of this devotion, the devotee is traditionally said to have received the sacred Darshana of Sri Krishna.

Reviving an Unconscious Devotee

On another occasion, a devotee who had fallen unconscious after drowning in water was restored to consciousness through the holy and gentle touch of Sri Swamiji's palm.

Samatva Worship of Sri Vadirajaru

Sri Vrindavanacharya also reconfirmed the validity of the traditional Samatva worship of Sri Vadirajaru with God Vayu, strengthening an important aspect of the Vadiraja tradition.

Sweetness of the Ocean

At Rameshwara, the ocean water is traditionally said to have become sweet for Achamana through the spiritual greatness of Sri Vrindavanacharya.

Removal of a Curse

A devotee suffering from a state of senselessness caused by a curse was instructed by Sri Swamiji to undertake an appropriate expiatory rite with sincere repentance. Following the prescribed remedy, the devotee is said to have been freed from the condition.

These accounts are preserved within the traditional literature surrounding Sri Vrindavanacharya and illustrate the immense reverence in which the saint has been held by generations of devotees.

The Mantrakshata and the Pilgrimage

One of the particularly beautiful incidents in his life occurred when Sri Vrindavanacharya decided to undertake a pilgrimage.

Before leaving, he prostrated before the Vrindavana of Sri Vadirajaru seeking permission for the journey. At that very moment, Mantrakshata mysteriously fell upon his head from the Vrindavana.

For devotees, this is remembered as a divine indication that Sri Vadirajaru continued to guide and bless his beloved disciple.

A Divine Connection with Sri Vadirajaru

The life of Sri Vrindavanacharya is inseparably connected with Sri Vadirajaru.

His devotion to Vadiraja was not merely external. His scholarship, austerity, service, propagation of the Vrindavanakhyana and many of the extraordinary incidents associated with his life are traditionally understood as manifestations of Vadiraja's grace.

The sacred Vrindavanakhyana itself occupies an important place in understanding this relationship.

His Final Years and Vrindavana Pravesha

Sri Vishwapriyatirtha lived for 91 years and entered the holy Vrindavana in 1865 A.D. at Udupi.

He had occupied the pontifical seat of the Vedanta empire for approximately 62 years, dedicating his entire life to the propagation of Madhwa Siddhanta, scholarship, austerity, seva and the spiritual welfare of devotees.

His annual Aradhana is observed on Ashadha Krishna Amavasya.

The Sacred Vrindavana at Udupi

The holy Vrindavana of Sri Vrindavanacharya is situated beside the Vrindavana of Sri Vagishatirtha at Udupi.

A distinctive feature of the Vrindavana is the carved figure of a Brahmin. According to tradition, this figure represents the Brahmin who was present during the time of Sri Vadirajaru and who later received the teaching of the Vrindavanakhyana in a dream—identified with Sri Vrindavanacharya.

At the top of the Vrindavana are representations of Hayagriva–Vedavyasa and Bhuvaraha. Tradition associates these sacred icons with the worship and teachings introduced and propagated by Sri Vrindavanacharya, including the principle of Samadhikaranya-type worship.

Legacy of Sri Vrindavanacharya

Sri Vishwapriyatirtha's legacy extends far beyond his tenure as a pontiff.

He was simultaneously:

• A great Madhwa philosopher and Vedantic scholar

• A devoted disciple and servant of Sri Vadirajaru

• A profound Prameyajna

• An extraordinary vairagya-yogi

• A teacher to hundreds of scholars

• A principal propagator of the Vrindavanakhyana

• A protector and guide of devotees

• A mystic saint associated with numerous divine experiences

• A distinguished pontiff who enriched the spiritual heritage of Udupi

His life demonstrates the ideal combination of Jnana, Bhakti, Vairagya and Seva.

A Divine Soul Destined for a Higher Role

The biographical works of Sri Vrindavanacharya, the Vrindavanakhyana, Stotras, Padas and the living traditions of the Sode Matha together preserve the memory of this remarkable saint.

According to the traditional understanding, Sri Vrindavanacharya is regarded as a qualified divine soul destined to occupy the position of Indra in the next Kalpa.

Thus, Sri Vishwapriyatirtha was not merely a pontiff or scholar. He was revered as a Shakapurusha, a mystic saint whose life was marked by extraordinary knowledge, uncompromising vairagya, deep devotion to Sri Hari and Vayu, unwavering service to Sri Vadirajaru, and profound compassion towards devotees.

His sacred memory continues to inspire seekers of Jnana, Bhakti, Vairagya and Madhwa Siddhanta.

Sri Vishwapriyatirtha Sripadangalige Ananta Namaskaragalu

Sri Vadiraja Gurusarvabhoumara anugraha sada sarvadarigu labhisali.