The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
10. Vishnutirtha Becomes Sri Vijayindra
The decision of Sri Vyasaraja to offer his disciple, Vishnutirtha, to Sri Surendra Tirtha was widely known in the capital, attracting thousands of devotees to the Lokapavana Matha. On the grand stage, both revered Gurus were seated. On one side were Sri Vishnutirtha, Sri Srinivasatirtha, Sri Vadiraja, Sri Purandaradasa, Kanakadasa, and Krishnacharya. On the other side sat Emperor Krishnadevaraya, Achyutaraya, Aliya Ramaraja, Chavappa Nayaka of Tanjavur, Vishwanatha Nayaka of Madurai, and several ministers and nobles.
Turning to Sri Surendra Tirtha, Sri Vyasaraja said, “As we mentioned yesterday, we nurtured Vitthalacharya under the name Vishnutirtha, guiding him in all the scriptures and molding him into a great scholar. Following the divine will of Sri Moola Gopala Krishna, we are offering him to you today. Until now, Vishnutirtha has been like a son to us. From this day, he will be your son. Accept him as your disciple, bring him into the traditions of your great institution, and make him the ruler of Srimadacharya’s Vedanta empire.”
Saying this, Vyasaraja, smiling, took Vishnutirtha’s hand and placed it in the hand of Sri Surendra Tirtha. He added, “Accept this priceless jewel as an offering to Sri Moola Rama. Among our disciples, there is no one more learned, virtuous, or devoted to Hari and Guru than Vishnutirtha. Through him, the glory and honor of both our institutions will resonate across the horizons.”
The assembly erupted in cheers, hailing both Gurus.
Sri Surendra Tirtha, expressing his gratitude to Sri Vyasaraja, formally initiated Vishnutirtha by conferring upon him Danda, Pallava, the sacred Mantra Mudras, and imparting the great mantras and the 64 traditional arts. Following the customs of the Matha, Sri Surendra Tirtha ceremonially seated him on the sacred Bhadrasana (throne of ascetics) and conferred upon him the title Sri Vijayindra Tirtha, appointing him as the head of the Dakshinadi Matha, succeeding the revered Sri Kavindra Tirtha.
To signify the ascension of the new Jagadguru, 31 ceremonial cannon volleys were fired. Sri Vyasaraja then presented Sri Vijayindra Tirtha with numerous invaluable gifts and a collection of sacred texts, blessing him.
Following this, Emperor Krishnadevaraya, Achyutaraya, Aliya Ramaraja, Chavappa Nayaka, and Vishwanatha Nayaka, along with many Vedic scholars, secular intellectuals, and dharmic devotees, offered gifts and paid homage to the new Guru, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha.
At that time, a renowned scholar named Krishna Sharma, who had recently arrived from Navadwipa, challenged Sri Vijayindra Tirtha to a debate on Tarkashastra (logic) and later on the concept of "Tat Tvam Asi". With the permission of both Gurus, Sri Vijayindra engaged in a three-hour debate with Krishna Sharma. Displaying his immense scholarship and brilliance, he left Krishna Sharma speechless and achieved a resounding victory.
Impressed by the profound intellect and command of the new Guru, the entire assembly erupted in applause, shouting, "Victory to Sri Vijayindra Tirtha!" The joy and pride felt by Sri Vyasaraja and Sri Surendra Tirtha were indescribable. Emperor Krishnadevaraya, overwhelmed with happiness at the triumph of the new Guru, openly praised Sri Vijayindra Tirtha with heartfelt admiration.
Later that day, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha performed the worship of Sri Moola Rama under the guidance of Sri Surendra Tirtha, delighting everyone present.
After a grand feast with Tirtha Prasada, the ceremonies of the Pattaabhisheka Utsava (coronation festival) concluded successfully, leaving the devotees in a state of immense joy and reverence.
Sri Vyasaraja, during a private conversation with Sri Surendra Tirtha a few days after Sri Vijayindra Tirtha's ascension as the head of the Matha, remarked:
“Did you see how our Vijayindra triumphed so effortlessly over the renowned scholar Krishna Sharma in debate on the very day he became the head of the Mahasamsthana? His mastery in reasoning and scholarship is truly extraordinary—words cannot fully praise it. To witness such profound erudition at such a young age is nothing short of astonishing. It feels as though his knowledge is not limited to this life but is the result of learning and practice from a previous birth. Observing his intellectual brilliance and unmatched debating skills, I am reminded of the grand personality of your Parama Guru’s Guru, Sri Vibudhendra Tirtha, as described by our Guru, Sri Lakshminarayana Muni.
Our Guru once shared with me in confidence:
‘Dear Vyasaraja, there has been no one in this world as versatile and invincible as our Vidya Guru, the venerable Sri Vibudhendra Tirtha. He alone preserved and expanded Srimadacharya’s tradition of true scholarship and teachings. If he had not appeared in this world, even the name of our philosophy might have vanished by now. Despite his greatness, there was one unfulfilled desire that always troubled him. One day, in solitude, Sri Vibudhendra Tirtha confided in me:
“For so many years, I have dedicated myself to refuting opposing philosophies, establishing the principles of Dvaita, and preserving the traditional teaching lineage. I have written a few texts, but I feel I have failed to ensure that the profound knowledge I gained through the grace of Hari and Vayu is properly utilized for the benefit of future generations. The creation of exceptional texts that can safeguard Dvaita philosophy has remained incomplete. In this lifetime, it now seems impossible to fulfill this responsibility. Therefore, I must be born again to complete this mission. If, in my next birth, I can study under one of your disciples, it would bring me the greatest joy. Let this secret remain with you.”
Sri Lakshminarayana Muni continued, “Dear Vyasaraja, if, in the future, one of your disciples exhibits the unparalleled brilliance, debating prowess, and intellectual mastery of Sri Vibudhendra Tirtha, know that it is indeed him reborn. He will create unmatched texts, conquer adversaries in debate, establish Dvaita firmly, and preserve and propagate the tradition, earning immortal fame.”’
After recounting this, Sri Vyasaraja continued, “Sri Surendra, there is a secret I have not shared with anyone until now. Listen carefully: as I was teaching Vijayindra, the prophecy of my Guru repeatedly came to mind. I realized long ago that Sri Vibudhendra Tirtha has been reborn as Sri Vishnutirtha. That is why I entrusted him to you. The fact that he achieved a spectacular victory in debate on the very day he became the head of the Mahapeetha has solidified my belief. It is clear now that he is destined to accomplish great things for Dvaita philosophy.”
With tears of joy streaming down his face, Sri Vyasaraja expressed his emotions.
Sri Surendra Tirtha, equally moved, stood up and embraced Sri Vyasaraja, saying, “Your generosity, brotherly love, and deep commitment to Srimadacharya’s lineage have left me in awe. We are eternally grateful to you. Today, your insight and foresight have brought a new light to the Mahasamsthana.”
Sri Surendra Tirtha, smiling gently, said, “Indeed, we know this to be true! That is precisely why we came here to request him from you. By giving him to us, you have performed a great service to us, one we will never forget.” He held Sri Vyasaraja’s hand and expressed this with a voice filled with gratitude.
The two revered Gurus continued their discussion for a long time on various matters before proceeding to the evening worship.
A few days later, Sri Surendra Tirtha decided to embark on a Digvijaya (conquest tour) with his beloved disciple, Sri Vijayindra Tirtha. In private, Sri Vyasaraja gave detailed guidance and instructions to Sri Vijayindra and blessed him, preparing to bid farewell. Ready to accompany his Guru, Vijayindra emerged, and the disciples and devotees gathered to send off the Guru and his disciple.
Nearby, Sri Vadiraja Tirtha, witnessing this moment, expressed his wish, saying, “Please bless us by visiting Udupi Kshetra to strengthen the bond between us.” Vijayindra, with a gentle smile, responded, “That can be arranged,” and embraced him.
At that moment, Krishnacharya and Kanakachalacharya approached and bowed to Vijayindra, saying, “Please forgive and bless us, your disciples who have sought refuge in you.” Vijayindra, holding their hands, replied, “Oh, don’t say such things! You are my companions in learning and dear to me. You, too, have earned the blessings of both our revered Gurus. It is now upon both of us to uphold and elevate the glory of these two great institutions. Let us strive to fulfill this responsibility successfully. Though I may be leaving now, I will return.”
Vijayindra then bowed before Sri Vyasaraja, holding his feet, and asked, “Gurudeva, when will I be graced with your darshan again?” Tears welled up in Vyasaraja’s eyes as he gently wiped Vijayindra’s tears with his cloth. He said, “By the grace of Sri Moola Rama and Sri Gopala Krishna, that opportunity will come soon. Do not worry. The responsibility of elevating the prestige of these two great Peethas lies with you. May Sri Hari and Vayu grant you the strength to fulfill this task. Let the victory drums of Dvaita philosophy resound through your efforts.”
The gathering was moved, witnessing the bond of love between the Guru and his disciple.
Among the group representing the emperor to bid farewell to the Gurus was Aliya Ramaraja, who bowed to Sri Vijayindra and said, “O Guru, I request you to return to this capital to accept the extraordinary service and honors I wish to offer you. Please bless and forgive me.” Vijayindra, with a smile, replied, “So be it,” and blessed him.
Finally, Sri Surendra Tirtha embraced Sri Vyasaraja, sought his permission, and, together with his beloved disciple, Sri Vijayindra, boarded the palanquin. Amidst resounding cheers of victory, they departed from Vijayanagara to commence their Digvijaya journey.