Sri Sri Vishwottama Teertha Sripadaru

(1934–2007)

By Mohan Chippagiri

Introduction

Sri Sri Vishwottama Teertha Sripadaru was a revered Madhwa Yati, a compassionate spiritual master, scholar, researcher, and devoted follower of Sri Vadiraja Gurugalu. He belonged to the illustrious spiritual lineage of Sri Madhwacharya and Sri Vishnu Teertharu.

Sri Madhwacharya, regarded in the Madhwa tradition as the third incarnation of Sri Vayu Devaru, established the Dvaita philosophy and the great tradition of spiritual learning. His brother, Sri Vishnu Teertharu, is revered as a great Yativarenya and is traditionally believed to be performing penance at Kumara Parvatha even today.

In this sacred lineage came Bhavishya Meera Sri Vadiraja Teertharu, who is believed to bless devotees from the Pancha Brindavana at Sonda Kshetra. Sri Vishwa Priya Teertharu, popularly known as Sri Vrindavanacharya, continued this illustrious tradition. Sri Sri Vishwottama Teertharu was one of the distinguished successors in this lineage.

He was known for his affection towards devotees, profound scholarship, devotion to Sri Hari and Vayu, and his dedicated service to the Sonda Matha and the Madhwa tradition.

Birth and Purvashrama

Sri Sri Vishwottama Teertharu was born on 13 January 1934, in the Mukha Nama Samvatsara, Dhanur Masa, Pushya Bahula Trayodashi, a Saturday, under Jyeshtha Nakshatra.

His parents were Sri Krishnacharya and Smt. Krishnaveni. In his Purvashrama, he was named Madhavacharya.

From his early childhood, he displayed qualities of discipline, devotion, intelligence, and spiritual inclination.

Entering the Ashrama

At the tender age of nine, in 1943, during the Swabhanu Samvatsara, Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi, Madhavacharya entered the Sanyasa Ashrama.

He received the Ashrama from Sri Vishvendra Teertharu and was given the name Sri Sri Vishwottama Teertharu.

From that day onwards, his life was completely dedicated to the service of Sri Hari, Sri Vayu, Sri Vadirajaru, the Matha, and the Madhwa community.

Childhood and Early Training

Sri Vishwottama Teertharu was brought up with great care and affection. His Purvashrama brother, Sri Sripathi Acharya, took an active role in looking after the administration of the Matha and in ensuring that the young Swamiji received the necessary guidance.

Under the guidance of senior scholars, Sri Vishwottama Teertharu received training in spiritual disciplines, Shastra, traditional learning, and the responsibilities associated with the Sanyasa Ashrama.

The knowledge and experience he acquired during these formative years later helped him guide the Matha with wisdom, discipline, and devotion.

Education and Scholarship

Sri Vishwottama Teertharu received his early Shastra education from Sri Adde Vedavyasacharya. Later, Agnihotri Sri Alevuru Sitaramacharya continued his education.

He also pursued the study of Sri Sudha and received instruction under Sri Vidya Samudra Teertharu of Kaniyoor Matha.

He studied several important Granthas of Sri Vadiraja Teertharu and developed a deep understanding of Madhwa Siddhanta and the literary heritage of the Madhwa tradition.

His interests extended beyond the conventional study of Shastras. During his leisure, he undertook research into ancient manuscripts and preserved valuable traditional knowledge. He was also well-versed in music and had a keen interest in Raga and musical traditions.

Literary and Research Contributions

Sri Vishwottama Teertharu made significant contributions towards preserving and publishing important works associated with the Sonda tradition and Sri Vadirajaru.

Under his initiative and guidance, several important works were published from Sonda Matha, including:

• Sri Vadiraja Yati Virachita Sri Haribhakti Latha

• Sruti Tattva Prakashika

• Lakshya Alankara

• Sphatika Dasavatara Stuti

• Sri Narayana Panditacharya's Shobhodaya

• Sri Vadirajara Gurugala Kirtana Manjari

• Sri Vadirajara Mangalashtaka

He was also responsible for the publication and preservation of several Sanskrit and Kannada works.

His interest in research extended to Tulu scriptures and ancient manuscripts. The palm-leaf manuscripts preserved at the Matha remain valuable sources for the study of the religious and literary heritage of the region.

Daily Spiritual Routine

Sri Vishwottama Teertharu led a highly disciplined and devotional life.

He would rise early at around 4:30 a.m. during Brahma Muhurta and begin his spiritual practices. He performed Pranava Mantra and Mahamantra Japa with great devotion.

After completing his Japa, he performed worship of the sacred Moola Pratimas of the Samsthana, including:

• Sri Bhuvaraha

• Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva

• Sri Vedavyasa / Vyasa Musthi

This was followed by the worship of Sri Vayu Devaru and Sri Vadirajaru at the Pancha Brindavana.

He would also offer worship to Sri Bhootarajaru, completing his daily spiritual routine with utmost devotion and discipline.

Paryaya Seva at Udupi

One of the most significant achievements in the life of Sri Vishwottama Teertharu was his opportunity to perform Paryaya Seva of Sri Krishna at Udupi.

He had the rare distinction of serving Lord Sri Krishna for four Paryaya terms:

• 1948–1950

• 1964–1966

• 1980–1982

• 1996–1998

With his fourth Paryaya, he received the prestigious “Yadhu Chakravarti” honour.

Sri Vadiraja Teertharu and Sri Vishwa Priya Teertharu, popularly known as Sri Vrindavanacharya, had also completed four Paryaya terms. Sri Vishwottama Teertharu thus continued this remarkable tradition of the Sonda Matha.

During his Paryaya periods, he conducted Nitya Brahmotsava and various other religious activities dedicated to Udupi Sri Krishna.

He also undertook several developmental and religious activities in Udupi, Sonda, Hovinakere, Narala, Ranjala, and other places associated with the Sonda tradition.

Service to Sonda Matha

Sri Vishwottama Teertharu introduced several reforms and development activities at Sonda Matha.

One of his notable contributions was the construction of the Sri Bhootarajaru Temple at Sonda Matha, Udupi.

He also undertook improvements that enabled devotees to have a clear darshan of the Pancha Brindavanas from all four directions.

Recognising the importance of traditional education, he established and encouraged several Gurukulas in and around Sonda. Through these institutions, he worked towards preserving Shastra learning and the traditional system of education.

Akhyana Mandira

Among the most remarkable contributions of Sri Vishwottama Teertharu was the creation of the Akhyana Mandira, associated with the sacred tradition surrounding Sri Vadirajaru.

Sri Vadirajaru's greatness and his place in the lineage have been described through traditional Akhyana literature. Sri Vrindavanacharya had instructed that such important material be preserved through the writings of his disciples, including Sri Raghupavara Teertharu of Bhimanakatte Matha and Sri Mushna Acharya.

The Akhyanasara contains references to the future spiritual significance of Sri Vadirajaru, including the traditional belief concerning his attainment of the position of Vayu Devaru.

Sri Vishwottama Teertharu had this entire Akhyana inscribed on black marble slabs and preserved it in a dedicated hall known as the Akhyana Mandira.

This stands as one of his important efforts to preserve the spiritual and historical traditions connected with Sri Vadirajaru for future generations.

Disciples and Guidance

Sri Vishwottama Teertharu guided and taught several Swamijis belonging to the Udupi tradition.

Among them were:

• Sri Vidya Sagara Teertharu of Krishnapura Matha

• Sri Lakshmivara Teertharu of Shirooru Matha

His teachings and personal guidance left a lasting impression on those who came into contact with him.

His Final Journey

The final day of Sri Vishwottama Teertharu was 18 August 2007, a Saturday. At the time, he was observing his 64th Chaturmasya.

It was Nagara Panchami. As usual, Sri Swamijiru rose at around 4:30 a.m. and performed the Samsthana Puja.

He subsequently participated in the Guru Govinda Vittala Dasara Aradhane and later had Prasada. He distributed Mantrakshate to the devotees who had gathered to receive his blessings.

At approximately 1:45 p.m., he suddenly collapsed. In his final moments, he uttered the sacred name “Rama” three times and attained Haripada Sannidhi.

His departure left countless devotees and admirers in deep sorrow. Although his physical presence is no longer before us, his teachings, scholarship, service, and spiritual legacy continue to inspire devotees.

Author's Words

I received the inspiration to write about Sri Sri Vishwottama Teertha Sripadaru from the Swamiji himself.

I had the blessed opportunity to speak with him on several occasions. He had also visited www.vijayadasaru.net and showered his blessings upon the Vijayadasaru.net team.

Writing about such a great Yati is itself a blessing. This article is dedicated with humility and devotion to the sacred memory of Sri Sri Vishwottama Teertharu and to his Aradhane.

May Sri Vishwottama Teertharu continue to bless all devotees and guide them on the path of devotion, knowledge, and service.

Sri Vishwottama Guru Antargata
Sri Vadiraja Guru Antargata
Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva Arpanamastu

— Mohan Chippagiri
Email: vijayadasaru@gmail.com