Sri Nityabodhaghana (834-848 A.D)
अनाद्यविद्यामुत्सार्य प्रज्ञानघनरूपताम् । यो बोधयति सच्छिष्यान् तं बोधघनमाश्रये ॥ He who imparts to worthy disciples the Truth – ‘Thou art the wakeful conscious Inner Self’ And thus removes the deeply ingrained delusion, I bow at the feet of that Sage Bodhaghana!
Jagadguru Sri Sri Bodhaganacharya and His successors emanated divine radiance because of their exalted spiritual state. They cultivated Bhakti in their disciples by performing daily worship of Sri Sharada and Sri Chandramoulishwara. Through both practice and teaching, they guided followers along the path of righteousness..
Sri Jnanaghana (848-910 A.D)
सिताघनादिदृष्टान्तैर्यत्स्वरूपं श्रुतिर्जगौ । प्रज्ञानघन एवेति तं ज्ञानघनमाश्रये ॥ His clear wisdom extracts insightful analogies From the ancient delightful Srutis, And sets ablaze the knowledge of the Self. I adore the Saint of such a quality, Sri Jnanaghana!
Jagadguru Sri Sri Jnanaghanacharya authored the esteemed text "Tattvasuddhi," which earned high regard from the celebrated 16th-century Vedantic scholar Sri Appayya Dikshita. This work likely documents the Acharya's teachings to His disciples. The Guruvamsakavya chronicles that the Jagadguru venerated both Pinakin (Lord Shiva) and Lord Janardana. As this represents the earliest documented reference to Lord Janardana in Sringeri, scholars attribute the establishment of Sringeri's ancient Janardana temple to Sri Jnanaghanacharya.
Sri Jnanottama (910-954 A.D)
ज्ञानानामुत्तमं ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनामुत्तमो यतः । ज्ञानोत्तम इति ख्यातं गुरुं तमहमाश्रये ॥ Jnanottama, the foremost among sages, The Knower of the Supreme Knowledge of the Self The world honours Him as the exalted One To that adorable Master, I bow!
Sri Jnanottama, originally from Gauda (Bengal) who later settled in South India during his Purvashrama, succeeded Sri Jnanaghanacharya. His scholarly work "Vidya Sri" serves as a sub-commentary on Sri Adi Shankara's Brahma Sutra Bhashya. Among Jagadguru Sri Sri Jnanottamacharya's distinguished disciples was Vijnanatman, also known as Vijnanashrama, acclaimed for authoring "Tatparyadyotini" and a Vritti on the Narayanopanishad section of the Taittiriya Upanishad. Another eminent disciple was the prolific philosopher Chitsukha, renowned for his influential Advaita treatise "Tattva-Pradipika" (also known as "Chitsukhi"). In this work, Chitsukha reverentially describes His Guru, Sri Jnanottama, as the radiant embodiment of Dakshinamurti, Vyasa, and Shankara.
Sri Jnanagiri (954-1038 A.D)
ज्ञाननिश्रेणिमालम्ब्य ब्रह्माख्यं गिरिमुन्नतम् । आरूह्य कृतकृत्यो यस्तं ज्ञानगिरिमाश्रये ॥ He scaled the mount of wisdom step by step and climbed the peak of transcendent Brahman His life was fulfilled in that, lofty Truth To Sage Jnanagiri, Salutations!
Sri Simhagiri (1038-1098 A.D)
दुर्वीदिदुष्टमातङ्गविदारणपटीयसे । नमः श्रीसिंहगिरये गुरवे दिव्यचक्षुषे ॥ Whose lion-like inner strength rips asunder Mad elephants and wrangles over stubborn foes; Salutations to that Divine Sage Simhagiri Whose divine vision beams with true wisdom!
Sri Ishwara Tirtha (1098-1146 A.D)
ईप्सितार्थप्रदो नित्यं प्रणतानां च देहिनाम् । यतिरीश्वरतीर्थाख्यः तं नमामि गुरुं शिवम् ॥ Just as the Great Shiva, He grants with gracious heart The boons that pure beloved souls aspire for; I salute and solemnly adore That saintly Master Ishwara Tirtha!
Sri Nrisimha Tirtha (1146-1229 A.D)
श्रुतिमस्तककूटस्थमज्ञानद्विपभेदिनम् । श्रीमन्त्रराजमूर्तिं तं नृसिंहं गुरुमाश्रये ॥ The Light effulgent up the Vedic Hill The Power that kills the mammoth Ignorance The royal sage of Mantras I humbly surrender to that Master Nrisimha!
Sri Jnanottamacharya was succeeded by Jagadguru Sri Sri Jnanagiri Mahaswamiji, who, in turn, was followed by Jagadguru Sri Sri Simhagiri Mahaswamiji, after whom an Agrahara (a locality for priests) near Sringeri has been named. The next two Jagadguru Shankaracharyas were Sri Ishwara Tirtha and Sri Nrisimha Tirtha. They were all eminent polemicists. Independent works on Advaita, elucidations of Sri Shankara’s Bhashyas and Sri Sureshwaracharya’s Vartikas, glosses representing both the Bhamati and Vivarana schools, as well as polemical texts and treatises of the 'Siddhi' genre (such as Ishta Siddhi, Advaita Siddhi, and others), represent the expansive Vedantic literature of this period which laid the standard for future scholars.
The Sharada Peetham stood as the fountainhead of this flourishing of Vedantic thought, drawing sages and scholars from across the land, including Karnataka, the Chola region (modern Tamil Nadu), Andhra, Maharashtra, and Gaudadesha (Bengal). It was not long before other centres of learning came under its influence, and Vedanta was incorporated into their curricula.
Sri Vidyatirtha (1229-1333 A.D)
Idol of Sri Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji at Simhagiri in Sringeri. Also seen flanking him are his two foremost disciples – Sri Bharati Tirtha and Sri Vidyaranya Mahaswamigal
अविद्याच्छन्नभावानां नृणां विद्योपदेशतः । प्रकाशयति यस्तत्वं तं विद्यातीर्थमाश्रये ॥ His message brings about the Light of Wisdom To men that are immersed in ignorance He holds the torch of Truth for the entire world Homage to the holy Vidyatirtha!
Imperial Recognition
Emperor Harihara II of Vijayanagar honored the Jagadguru with this profound tribute:
“His message brings about the Light of Wisdom
To men immersed in ignorance.
He holds the torch of Truth for the entire world —
Homage to the holy Vidyatirtha!
Verily Vidyatirtha, the Lord of ascetics, excels the sun;
the latter dispels the darkness around us only by day,
while the former dispels the darkness both within and without,
by day and by night.”
This eloquent praise captures the essence of a spiritual master whose influence transcended the boundaries of time and space.
The Master and His Disciples
Sri Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji, the tenth Acharya of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, was a towering figure of spiritual learning. His mastery encompassed the Vedas and all branches of sacred knowledge. Such was his profound understanding that his disciple, Sri Sayanacharya, reverently described him in his Vedic commentary as "Maheshwara whose breath was the Veda."
Established in the eternal bliss of Self-Realization, the Jagadguru spent extended periods at Simhagiri, surrounded by devoted disciples who, through his grace, attained mastery in mantra, tantra, yoga, and meditation. The royal brothers Harihara and Bukka sought his darshan and had the privilege of accompanying him to Sringeri.
The Arrival of Future Jagadgurus
In 1328, a young Brahmana from Ekasilanagaram (present-day Warangal) approached the great sage. Though young in years, he had already advanced significantly in the spiritual disciplines befitting a mumukshu (seeker of liberation). Recognizing his worthiness, the Acharya initiated him into the sacred order of Sannyasa, bestowing upon him the name Sri Bharati Tirtha.
Three years later, in 1331, another learned Brahmana arrived—remarkably, the elder brother of Sri Bharati Tirtha from their pre-monastic life (Poorvashrama). He too received Sannyasa and was named Sri Vidyaranya.
While Sri Bharati Tirtha remained with the Master, Sri Vidyaranya embarked on extensive Vijaya Yatras (victorious journeys) across the land. The Jagadguru himself undertook numerous tours throughout South India, spreading the light of Advaita Vedanta.
The Extraordinary Yogic Feat
The Chaturmurti Vidyeshwara
At Simhagiri stands a remarkable sculpture that tells an extraordinary story. This unique six-foot-tall monument, carved from a single stone in the form of a Shivalinga, displays intricate figures on its four faces:
- Front face: Sri Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji flanked by his two chief disciples, Sri Bharati Tirtha and Sri Vidyaranya (who would become the eleventh and twelfth Jagadgurus respectively)
- Three remaining faces: The sacred Trimurtis—Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara
- Above: Lakshmi Narasimha
- Crown: A Shiva Linga
This sculpture, known as Chaturmurti Vidyeshwara, would become central to one of the most extraordinary events in the Peetham's history.
The Twelve-Year Yoga Sadhana
Having attained the highest yogic accomplishments (Yogasiddhis), the Acharya resolved to undertake an unprecedented spiritual practice. He commissioned the creation of the Chaturmurti Vidyeshwara sculpture and revealed to Sri Bharati Tirtha his intention to perform Yoga Sadhana for twelve years, after which his physical form would transform to resemble the sacred sculpture.
An underground chamber was carefully excavated on the northern bank of the sacred Tunga River. The Jagadguru gave explicit instructions that the chamber must remain sealed for exactly twelve years. Having imparted these directions, he entered the chamber in a state of deep yogic absorption, and it was reverently sealed above him.
The Miraculous Transformation
Following this extraordinary event (known as Bhu-pravesha), the spiritual administration continued seamlessly. Sri Bharati Tirtha assumed leadership of the Math, while Sri Vidyaranya traveled to Hampi in the Vijayanagara Empire to perform his own tapas.
The Premature Opening
Three years into this sacred period, while Sri Bharati Tirtha was away on a Vijaya Yatra, some attendants were overcome by curiosity and anxiety. Disregarding their sacred duty, they prematurely opened the sealed chamber. What they discovered defied all conventional understanding: the Acharya's physical body had completely vanished, replaced by a Shiva Linga identical to the one crowning the Chaturmurti Vidyeshwara at Simhagiri.
Divine Revelation and the Vidyashankara Temple
The departed Guru appeared to Sri Bharati Tirtha in a dream, revealing the attendants' transgression and explaining that due to this premature intervention, he had become invisible to the physical realm. He instructed his successor to seal the chamber permanently and install a Shiva Linga upon it.
Sri Bharati Tirtha immediately returned to Sringeri and followed these divine instructions. He sealed the chamber and installed a Shiva Linga above it, naming it Vidyashankara. Within a few years, he constructed the magnificent Vidyashankara Temple around this sacred spot—a architectural marvel that stands to this day within the premises of the Sharadamba Temple complex.
Eternal Presence
The spiritual influence of Sri Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji continues to radiate from this sacred site. Devotees and spiritual seekers report experiencing a subtle but profound spiritual presence that pervades the area. As a testament to his enduring significance, the official seal of the Sringeri Math continues to bear the name Sri Vidyashankara.
Legacy
Sri Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji adorned the Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada Peetham for an remarkable 104 years, serving as a beacon of spiritual wisdom and yogic accomplishment. His life exemplified the highest ideals of renunciation, spiritual realization, and divine grace. Through his direct disciples—Sri Bharati Tirtha and Sri Vidyaranya—and the continuing lineage of Jagadgurus, his teachings and spiritual presence continue to guide seekers on the path of Self-realization.
The story of his yogic transformation represents one of the most extraordinary events in the spiritual history of India, demonstrating the profound possibilities that await those who dedicate themselves completely to the highest spiritual practices under the guidance of a realized master.
Sri Bharati Tirtha (1333-1380 A.D)
अज्ञानां जाह्नवी तीर्थं विद्यातीर्थं विवेकिनाम् । सर्वेषां सुखदं तीर्थं भारतीतीर्थमाश्रये ॥ That Ganga which is the sin-removing refuge to the ignorant, That esoteric knowledge that is the refuge sought by the wise, That refuge which is good for all who seek Bliss, Unto that Bharati Tirtha, I bow!
The Visionary Acharya
Jagadguru Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji, born in Ekasilanagaram (present-day Warangal, Telangana), was the younger brother of the legendary Sri Vidyaranya in His pre-monastic life. Upon receiving initiation from His revered Guru, Jagadguru Sri Sri Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji, He ascended the throne of transcendental wisdom as the 11th Acharya of the sacred lineage. His illustrious reign spanned 47 transformative years until 1380, marking one of the most pivotal epochs in Indian spiritual and political history.
Guardian of Dharma and Empire
The Acharya possessed profound insight into the delicate relationship between spiritual preservation and political sovereignty. Understanding that the sacred traditions of Bharatavarsha could flourish only under righteous Hindu rule, He provided divine guidance through His successor-designate, Sri Vidyaranya, leading to the foundation of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire in 1336. This strategic vision ensured that dharma would have a protective umbrella under which to thrive for centuries.
Sacred Renovations and Divine Installations
Recognizing the need to strengthen the spiritual magnetism of Sringeri and ensure that devotees remained anchored to their highest aspirations, Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji undertook magnificent renovations. He consecrated a resplendent golden image of Sri Sharada to replace the original sandalwood murti installed during Sri Adi Shankaracharya's time to preserve the eternal sanctity established by the founding Acharya for generations to come. The comprehensive renovation of both temple and Math buildings reflected His commitment to creating an environment worthy of the Divine Mother's presence.
Birth of Modern Sringeri
The establishment of the Vijayanagar Kingdom coincided with the construction of the magnificent Vidyashankara temple, creating a symphony of spiritual and architectural achievement. In 1346, a landmark moment arrived when King Harihara's brother Marappa and son-in-law Ballapa journeyed to Sringeri bearing the royal gift of nine villages. This generous endowment was specifically designated to support the Jagadguru's uninterrupted spiritual practices and maintain forty Brahmin attendants in service to the Math.
The consecration of the Vidyashankara temple became the occasion for an extraordinary act of scholarly patronage. The Jagadguru divided lands yielding 600 pagodas into 120 Vrittis of five pagodas each, bestowing them upon 120 distinguished Brahmin scholars. This visionary act not only attracted learned pandits from across the subcontinent but also laid the foundation for modern Sringeri as a thriving center of learning.
The grand celebrations accompanying these events witnessed the honoring of Vedic and Shastraic scholars with prestigious titles and generous gifts, establishing traditions of academic excellence that continue to illuminate Sringeri to this day. Thus, under the divine stewardship of Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji, Sringeri transformed from a secluded hermitage into a vibrant hub where spiritual realization and scholarly pursuit danced in perfect harmony.
Sri Vidyashankara Temple in Sringeri. Image Credit. Suresh Natarajan