Shri Padmanabha Teertharu

Dhyana Shloka

पूर्णप्रज्ञकृतं भाष्यमादौ तद्भावपूर्वकम् ।

यो व्याकरोन्नमस्तस्मै पद्मनाभाख्ययोगिने॥

pUrNapraj~nakR^itaM bhAShyamAdau tadbhAvapUrvakam ।

yo vyAkaronnamastasmai padmanAbhAkhyayogine ॥

Padmanabha Tirtharu was originally named as Shobana Bhatta.  He was a distinguished Advaita scholar residing in the kingdom of the Kakatiya dynasty, particularly in Rajamahendravaram. Despite his intellectual prowess and victories in debates, Shobana Bhatta faced a pivotal moment when he engaged in a debate with Acharya Madhwa, the revered proponent of Tatvavaada philosophy. In this encounter, Shobana Bhatta suffered defeat, which prompted a profound transformation in his life.

Inspired by the depth of Acharya Madhwa's knowledge and the clarity of his arguments, Shobana Bhatta embarked on a journey to Udupi to seek initiation into Madhwa's lineage. Upon reaching Udupi, he humbly requested Madhwa to accept him as a disciple. Madhwa, recognizing Shobana Bhatta's earnestness and dedication, initiated him into sainthood and bestowed upon him the name Padmanabha Tirtharu.

Padmanabha Tirtharu emerged as one of Madhwa's foremost disciples, devoting his life to understanding and propagating Madhwa's philosophy. His contributions were manifold—he authored numerous commentaries on Madhwa's works, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer commentator of Tatvavaada. Additionally, Padmanabha Tirtharu played a pivotal role in establishing institutions dedicated to the propagation of Madhwa's teachings, such as the Sripadaraja Mutt.

The narratives of Jayateertharu and Teekacharya further accentuate Padmanabha Tirtharu's significance. Jayateertharu compared him to the milky ocean, emphasizing his pure devotion and profound understanding of Madhwa's teachings. Teekacharya honored Padmanabha Tirtharu as the pioneer commentator of Tatvavaada, underscoring the invaluable contributions he made to elucidating Madhwa's philosophy.

Padmanabha Tirtharu's journey—from the learned Advaita scholar Shobana Bhatta to the revered disciple Padmanabha Tirtharu—exemplifies the transformative power of spiritual enlightenment and the enduring influence of a revered guru like Acharya Madhwa. His life serves as a beacon of unwavering devotion to truth and the pursuit of spiritual wisdom.

Padmanabha Teertharu has many firsts.  First Ashrama Shishya of Sriman Madhwacharyaru, first Advaitee to be converted by Sriman Madhwacharyaru, First one to write Teekas of Sriman Madhwacharyara Granthas and the first one to start propagating Madhwa Shastra.  

Source - uttaradimath.org