Shri Vidyadhisha Teertharu

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Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha is the thirty-second saint in the lineage of gurus following Sri Janardhana Theertha in the guru parampare of Krishnapura mutt.

He received his Ashrama from Sri Bhuvanendra Theertha of Puttige mutt and served as the head of the Peeta for an extensive period of 66 years.

Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha hailed from the Madikulnaya family. At the age of eight, he underwent Upanayana and learned Sumadhwavijaya under Sri Bhuvanendra Theertha of Puttige mutt.

When Sri Vidyasamudra Theertha passed away without appointing a successor, Sri Bhuvanendra Theertha granted Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha the Ashrama and appointed him as the head of Krishnapura mutt.

Following his initiation into sanyasa by Sri Bhuvanendra Theertha, Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha continued his studies under him, mastering all the Shastras.

He then traveled to Kashi, where he studied Nyaya shastra for twelve years, accompanied by Kashi Timmannacharya.

Returning to Udupi, Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha conducted Sudha mangala rituals for more than twelve times.

His notable sanyasa disciples included Viswaraja Theertha (Pejawar mutt), Viswadheesha Theertha (Sode mutt), and Lakshmivallabha Theertha (Shiroor mutt). Other prominent disciples included Kanchi Subbaraya, Jambukhandi Vadirajacharya, and Balekuduru Venkatacharya.

Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha installed Mukhyaprana in Prayaga and Danda Theertha mutts.

He opposed Sri Sumateendra Theertha of Puttige mutt when he granted Ashrama to a relative without a shastric background. Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha gave Ashrama to another deserving individual named Sri Sudheendra Theertha and successfully defended his decision in court.

Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha encountered difficulties in having darshan at Tirupati. In response, he decided to fast until he received darshan. As a miraculous turn of events, the temple authorities honored him and invited him for darshan.