Shri Sripadaraja Teertharu

Dhyana Shloka

श्रीपूर्णबोध कुलवार्धि सुधाकराय श्रीव्यासराज गुरवे यतिशेखराय |
श्रीरंगविट्ठल पदांबुज बंभराय श्रीपादराजगुरवेस्तु नमश्युभाय ॥

ज्ञानवैराग्य भक्त्यादि कल्याणगुणशालिन: ।
लक्ष्मीनारायणमुनीन्वंदे विद्यागुरून्मम ॥

तं वंदे नरसिंहतीर्थनिलयं श्रीव्यासराट् पूजितं ।
ध्यायंतं मनसा नृसिंहचरणम् श्रीपादराजं गुरुं ।

j~jaanavairaagya bhakthyaadi kalyaaNaguNaSaalinaH |

 lakShmInaarayaNa munInvandE vidyaagurUnmama ||

Sripadaraja, also known as Laxminarayana Thirtha or Sripadaraya, was born in Abburu (1404–1502 AD) in Karnataka. He was born to devout parents, Sheshagiri and Giriyamma, and is believed by his followers to be the incarnation of Dhruva. Growing up, he grazed cattle and demonstrated his eloquence when approached by Sri Swarnavarnathirtha, a pontiff of Sri Padmanabha Thirtha Samsthana. Impressed, Swarnavarnathirtha made him his pupil, and Sripadaraja later composed devotional hymns in Kannada, laying the foundation for Dasa Sahitya and contributing to Dwaita philosophy and Haridasa Sahitya.

Sripadaraja belonged to the lineage of Padmanabhathirtha Mutt, with Sri Padamanabha Thirtha being his direct disciple. Initially known as Padmanabhathirtha Mutt, it became known as Sripadaraja Mutt after his tenure. During his lifetime, the Vijayanagar empire supported him, and he served as the guru of Sri Vyasathirtha, who in turn was the guru of Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa. Despite being offered the position of Rajaguru by the Vijayanagara kings, Sripadaraja declined due to his old age and appointed his disciple, Sri Vyasaraja, to the role.

In 1471 AD, King Chaluva Narasimhan of Chandragiri sought refuge with Sripadaraja to absolve himself of brahmahathya dosha. Sripadaraja saved him through his penance and honored him with a kanakabishekha. Sripadaraja's notable works include "Vagvajra" in Sanskrit literature, as well as devotional compositions like "Bhramarageeta," "Venugeeta," "Gopigeeta," and "Madhwanama."

Sripadaraja was renowned for his devotional songs in Kannada, pioneering Dasa Sahitya and earning the title of Dasa Pitamah. Some of his famous devotional songs include "Bhushanake Bhushana," "Baro Manege Govinda," and "Daya Madi Salahayya." His disciple, Swami Vyasathirtha, also composed songs in his praise.

In his old age, Sripadaraja wished to take a holy dip in the river Ganga but was unable to travel due to his age. According to legend, goddess Ganga appeared in his dreams and directed him to Narasimha Theertha, a holy pond at Mulabagal, where devotees believe Ganga resides permanently.

In 1504 AD, Sripadaraja appointed his disciple Sri Hayagreeva Thirtha as his successor and entered the Brindavan alive at Sri Narasimha Thirtha near Mulbagal on an auspicious day, Jyeshta Shuddha Chathurdashi. Devotees still feel his presence at the Mulabagilu Brindavan.