Shri Vijayeendra Teertharu

Dhyana Sloka

भक्तानां मानसांभोजभानवे कामधेनवे।

नमतां कल्पतरवे जयींद्रगुरवे नम: ।

Vijayendra Tirtha, also known as Vishnu Tirtha, was one of the greatest saints in the Madhva Matha tradition. He was a bala sanyasi, initiated into sanyasa by his guru Sri Vyasaraja Tirtha, who was highly impressed by his scholarship and devotion.

During a visit to Hampi, Sri Surendra Tirtha of Rayara Matha met Sri Vyasaraja Tirtha and was deeply impressed by the knowledge and dedication of Sri Vishnu Tirtha. He requested Sri Vyasaraja Tirtha to gift Sri Vishnu Tirtha to him, which was granted without hesitation. Sri Surendra Tirtha then performed the danda change ceremony and renamed him Vijayendra Tirtha.

Following his guru's advice, Vijayendra Tirtha went to Kumbakonam, a Shaivite stronghold, where he engaged in debates with several pandits and established the matha there. He had a lifelong debate with the renowned Advaita scholar Appaiya Dikshitar. On his deathbed, Appaiya Dikshitar sought guidance from Vijayendra Tirtha, who advised him to continue having faith in his beliefs.

Vijayendra Tirtha's scholarly achievements include winning debates at the Kumbeshwara temple and composing a stuti (hymn) dedicated to Goddess Parvati. His influence in Kumbakonam was significant, and he performed various miracles to establish the supremacy of Lord Vishnu in that Shaivite town.

Additionally, Vijayendra Tirtha was a prolific writer, composing 104 granthas (scriptures), and was proficient in all 64 arts, showcasing his multifaceted talents and deep knowledge in various fields.