Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam, Dakshinamanaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri



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Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri

The Vijayanagara Empire

Birth of Vijayanagara


Sri Vidyaranya blesses Harihara and Bukkaraya

It was while Sri Vidyaranya was doing tapas at Matanga hill that the two warrior brothers, Harihara and Bukka, sons of Sangama, approached him. Directed by a dream, they sought his blessings and guidance. Earlier, these two brothers had been taken prisoner and led to Delhi. It is believed they were under compulsion to embrace Islam. But the Delhi ruler recognising their valour sent them back to the south. They were sent back as the heads of an army to contain the rebellions brewing in the Deccan.

Seizing this opportunity, the two brothers asserted their independence. With the guidance and blessings of Sri Vidyaranya, they established their own independent kingdom with its capital on the left bank of Tungabhadra river. Following the sage’s counsel, they shifted their capital to the right bank, naming it Vidyanagara, as a mark of respect and gratitude to the sage, whom they regarded as their Guru, God and saviour. The city, which came to be popularly known as Vijayanagara or City of Victory was planned in accordance with the directions of sage Vidyaranya in the form of a Sri Chakra, with the Virupaksha temple in the middle and nine gates all around.

Karnataka Simhasana Pratishtapanacharya


Karnataka Simhasana Pratishtapanacharya

A copper plate grant of 1336 A.D bearing the sign manual ‘Virupaksha’ recounts, ‘Harihara was seated on the throne as directed by Vidyaranya. He made the 16 great gifts resplendent in the city called Vidya, of vast dimensions” The emperor placed at the feet of his master Sri Vidyaranya, all his imperial insignia. Sri Vidyaranya initiated him into Atmavidya and conferred on him the titles, Srimad Rajadhiraja Parameshwara, Aparimita Pratapavira and Narapatin. From then on, the Sringeri Jagadguru came to be addressed as ‘Karnataka Simhasana Pratishtapanacharya’ which is part of their birudavali even to this day.

 
  • Just as in this body, the embodied one passes through boyhood, youth, and old age, so does one pass into another body. With reference to this (birth, aging and death), the wise man is not disturbed. Bhagavan Sri Krishna on Significance of God
  • An object continues to be dear as long as one derives pleasure from it and it is detested for the duration that it causes pain. The same object cannot be always liked or disliked. Sometimes, that which is not dear may become dear. Moreover, that which was loveable can turn unpleasant. The Atma, towards which affection never wanes, is always the most beloved. Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada on Shatashloki
  • Blessings are the monopoly of God and we must all pray for his gracious blessings. Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamigal on Significance of God
  • It is pitiful that when many of us are asked, “who are you?”, The first thought that arises is “I am a Keralite”, or “I am a Punjabi”, etc. The thought that should immediately stem is “I am an Indian”. If people first feel that they are Indians and only then think of divisions, the nation will have great prosperity and the divisive forces will not be operative as they are today. Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamigal on Significance of God
  • Instead of using the tongue for speaking futile issues, use it to chant the names of God. God shall then guide you along the right and beneficial path. Jagadguru Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal on Significance of God's Names