Theertha Prabandha

About the Book

Sri Vadiraja, the great Madhva saint is considered as one of the luminaries of Indian theism. He wrote a dozen original works and several commentaries in Sanskrit, Kannada and TuIu. He was the sixteenth acharya of the Sode math, one of the eight established by Sri Madhvacharya in Udupi. Rukminisa Vijaya written by Sri Vadiraja is an epitome of Srimad Bhagavatam. Consisting of over 1200 verses spread through 19 can- tos, this work is a poetic marvel describing the events leading to the union of Rukmini and Lord Krishna. Sri Vadiraja expounds the Dvaita philosophy in Yuktimalika with clarity.

About the Author

Theertha Prabandha written by Vadiraja in Sanskrit is a unique travelogue in which the renowned saint describes the great pilgrim centres, holy rivers, and sacred mountains and offer worship to the pre- siding deities of the shrines he visited. The graphic account of the holy places, the impressive style the author employs and devotional mood that pervades every line, make Theertha Prabandha an outstanding book of its genre. Sri Vadiraja’s deep knowledge of India’s spiritual unity and his great reverence for Mother Nature are truly reflected in this classic work.

The translator Sri S.K. Achar has written a number of books on Madhva philosophy in Kannada and English. After his retirement from Syndicate Bank as an officer, Sri Achar is actively involved in the propagation of sanatana dharma and popularization of Haridasa literature.

Foreword

Devotion, according to Jayateertha, an apostle of the Dvaita system is the Supreme attatchment to the Lord on a complete understanding of his greatness and supremacy to the love of one’s own self and possessions and which remains unshaken in the face of innumerable difficulties. It flows uninterruptedly. This kind of devotion secures salvation.

The Haridasas of Karnataka who followed the Dvaita tradition in letter and spirit through their songs, poems and philosophical treatises were trendsetters in the South Indian bhakti movement. Like the Alvars who sang the Infinite Glory of Lord Vishnu in their devotional hymns, these divine bards spread God’s glory through their compositions in chaste Kannada. They were literally the servitors of God and enjoyed their proximity to Him. To these galaxy of illustrious saints belong Purandaradasa, Kanakadasa, Vaikunthadasa, Vyasaraja and Vadiraja.

Sri Vadiraja who lived during the fifteenth century was an outstanding scholar and eminent hymnist. An author of a dozen original works and of several commentaries in Sanskrit, Kannada and Tulu, Sri Vadiraja was a doughty champion of Madhva system of philosophy, whose Yuktimallika, Rukminisa Vijaya, and Dasavatara Stotra are the classic example of his erudition, mastery over Madhva philosophy and his unswerving devotion to Sri Hari.

Theertha Prabandha, composed by Sri Vadiraja, is a remarkable work in which he descrbes the well-known pilgrim centers of our country. The book can be considered one of the earliest pilgrim guides extant today. He gives an intimate account of each shrine he visited and the Presiding Deity consecrated there. The book is virtually a Bharat Darsan of an illustrious seersaint five hundred years ago.

We are happy to present this masterpiece of a travelogue written by Sri Vadiraja, translated into English by Sri S. K.Achar.

Translator’s Note

After reading repeatedly and explaining the contents of Holy Ramayana and Mahabharata written by the great freedom fighter, brilliant administrator, Bharatha Ratna late. Sri Charavarhti Rajagopalacharya and published by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai, to my children I felt immensely happy. I was so deeply impressed by this great work, and sincerely felt that I too should do something for our younger generation. Accordingly I decided to translate some of the small books in Sanskrit to Kannada and English to benefit the community after my retirement from the Syndicate Bank.

After translating Yathiraja Vadiraja’s original Sanskrit work. “Tirtha Prabandha” to Kannada and English, I approached holy Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for their help and guidance to publish the book. I am glad that with the holy blessing of Tirumala Venkatesha Prabhu the book is now available to the readers in different parts of the country in Kannada and English.

In this connection, I express my profound sense of gratitude to the Swamiji of Ashta Mutts Udupi for his valuable blessings, messages and guidance, Prof. U.L. Achar, M.A.B.T. who corrected the manuscript totally enhancing their quality and utility to the readers, Dr. P. Krishnaiah, I.A.S., Former Executive Officer, Dr. N.S. Ramamurthy, Former Editor and all the members of the staff of T.T.D. connected with the publication of the book.

Let other rich temples of the holy Bharat also emulate the holy T.T. Devasthanams, and promote the publication of the holy religious books useful to the Society to enlighten our younger generation and grow as good citizens.