INTRODUCTION
Sri Sripadaraja Tirtha (c.1412-1502) is one of the much celebrated Madhva saints from 15th century.
Sri Sripadaraja Tirtha’s contribution to both Samskruta and Kannada literature is immense and laudable. He played a significant role in establishing Haridasa Paddhati. He also created new forms of prosody that are still in vogue.
His brindavana at Mulbagal in Karnataka has iconographic significance that must be observed and understood.
The front stone panel that has the figurine of Sripadaraya is full of intriguing features.
This article is an attempt to examine those significant features and ascertain their relevance to Sri Sripadaraja Tirtha.
EXPLORATION OF SRI SRIPADARAJA IMAGE ON THE BRINDAVANA
If we observe the carving of Sri Sripadaraja on his brindavana, it has earrings. This is the first iconographic significance. As per the Sanyasa code of conduct recommended by Sri Madhvacharya, Sanyasins should not wear any ornament.
But here Sri Sripadaraja Tirtha is shown to have earrings. So, there occurs a Dharma Sandeha as to why Sri Sripadaraja went against the principles laid by the establisher of Dvaita philosophy?
We can get our first answer from his Vidya Shishya i.e. Sri Vyasatirtha.
Sri Vyasatirtha, in one of his kirtanas, narrates his Guru's appearance in royal attire.
In his "mahima sAlade ishTE mahima sAlade..." composition Sri Vyasatirtha syas that his Guru Sripadaraja wore a breastplate studded with pearls, a royal headgear and stone studded earrings (ratna kettida karna kunDala).
Sri Vijayindra Tirtha, Parama Guru of Sri Raghavendra Tirtha of Mantralaya and also the disciple of Sri Vyasatirtha provides historical information that links the curious-looking figurine on Sripadaraya's Brindavana.
In his stuti on Sri Sripadaraja Tirtha, Sri Vijayindra informs that Saluva Narasimharaya who the establisher of Saluva Dynasty that ruled Vijayanagara Empire in late 15th century, had honoured and felicitated Sri Sripadaraja at Chandragiri palace. Sri Vijayindra Tirtha also provides the reason for the said felicitation.
Saluva Kathari Narasimha had to face certain unpleasant developments that occurred at Tirumala kshetra. These happenings ended in begetting Saluva Narasimha the much dreaded sin i.e. Brahma Hatya [killing of Brahmans].
As Saluva Narasimha set out to sought a solution for his Brahma Hatya, he found the solution in Sri Sripadaraja Tirtha who has removed the sin.
A grand felicitation was organised by Saluva Narasimha in the honour of Sripadaraja. As part of the celebration he offered the jewelry usually wore by the kings.
Sri Sripadaraja Tirtha accepted the jewelry and wore them too. Later he sat on the throne of Saluva Narasimha and blessed the king and the gathering.
But we are still short of proper justification for the uncommon feature of the iconography of Sri Sripadaraja Tirtha Brindavana at Mulbagal.
ANSWERS FROM THE TRADITION
In the traditional narratives of Madhva community it is believed that Sri Sripadaraja Tirtha is the incarnation of Dhruva.
Bhagavata Purana says that Prince Dhruva ruled Bharata Varsha for several thousands years and later became a celestial star which is now known as Dhruva Nakshtra or Polar star.
Hence, even in his incarnation as a Sanyasi, Sripadaraja wore the ornaments given by Saluva Narasimha to affirm that he was a king in his earlier Avatara.
Sri Hayagriva Tirtha, the successor to Sripadaraja, under the able guidance of Sri Vyasatirtha caused the carving of Sripadaraja on his brindavana with earrings.
CONCLUSION
This figurine signifies two crucial aspects i.e. (1) that Sripadaraja was honoured by Saluva Narasimha with jewelry and (2) that Sri Sripadaraja Tirtha is the incarnation of Dhruva.
Thus the iconography of the Brindavanas of Madhva tradition serves as an important evidence to understand the personality and achievements of the Gurus enshrined in them.
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