Shri Sudheendra Teertharu

Dhyana Sloka

कुशाग्रमतये भानुद्युतये वादिभीतये ।

आराधितश्रीपतये सुधींद्रयतये नम: ।

Sri Sudheendra Theertha was the revered guru of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, who was initiated by the great saint Sri Vijayeendra Theertha.

His Brindavana, located in Anegondi, Hampi, is the last one to be established at Nava Brindavana. Sri Sudheendra Theertha was renowned for his profound knowledge of the Shaddarshana, encompassing Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaiseshika, Purvamimaamsaa, and Uttaramimaamsa philosophies, earning him the title of Shaddarshanacharya.

Due to the multitude of gifts and titles bestowed upon him by various kings, he was also honored with the title "Rajamanya." Apart from his scholarly pursuits, Sri Sudheendra Theertha diligently performed elaborate puja rituals to the holy deities and idols of the matha. The Visraha used for his upasana, adorned with the divine symbol of Garuda vahana Paramaathma, still remains a cherished relic within the precincts of the Rayara matha.

Sri Sudheendra Theertha was blessed with a divine revelation in which Sri Rama appeared in his dream and instructed him to give the name "Sri Raghavendra Theertha" to Venkatanatha, who later became the illustrious Sri Raghavendra Swamy.

Sri Sudheendra Tirtharu, the pontiff of the matha, gave sanyasashrama to Sri Yadavendra Tirtharu, who was his poorvashrama nephew. Sri Yadavendra Tirtharu, although not interested in becoming the Peetadhipathi, accepted sanyasa and embarked on a Tirtha Yatra across India to propagate the Madhwa philosophy. He returned only after Sri Sudheendra Tirtharu appointed Sri Raghavendra Tirtharu (Rayaru) as his uttaradhikari and after Sri Sudheendra Tirtharu entered Vrindavana.

During Sri Sudheendra Tirtharu's time, a wicked individual named Ganashyama challenged the saint's powers by demanding a feat that seemed impossible: to hide the sun in the middle of the day. Sri Sudheendra Tirtharu, with unwavering faith in Srihari (Lord Vishnu), prayed fervently. Miraculously, to the amazement of all, the sun indeed disappeared, enveloping the entire city in darkness during midday, reminiscent of Lord Krishna's Sudarshana Chakra covering the sun to protect Arjuna. Witnessing this divine intervention, Ganashyama, who was an Advaita adherent, surrendered, apologized, and requested initiation into the Madhwa tradition. Sri Sudheendra Tirtharu graciously accepted his surrender, initiated him into the Madhwa Dharma with Mudradharana, imparted the essence of Hari Sarvottamatva and Vayujeevottamatva Tatva, and bestowed upon him the sacred mantras. Additionally, Sri Sudheendra Tirtharu granted him a village named "Anehosore" as a gesture of benevolence.