Sri Gopalarya Mahadesikan, more famously known as Srimad Thirukkudanthai Desikan, was born in 1700 CE in the village of Rayampettai, located in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India. His birth was considered a divine blessing from Lord Oppiliappan, and he was born to Sri Krishna Suri.
From a young age, Srimad Thirukkudanthai Desikan exhibited an extraordinary proficiency in all the sacred scriptures. Recognizing his son's potential, his father sent him to Srirangam to become a disciple of Sri Sakshat Swami. Sri Sakshat Swami was renowned for his spiritual prowess and had a significant following from his early years. In a divine revelation, Lord Ranganatha appeared in Sri Sakshat Swami’s dream, instructing him to mentor Srimad Thirukkudanthai Desikan in the philosophical doctrines established by Sri Ramanuja and Sri Vedanta Desika.
After completing his studies, Srimad Thirukkudanthai Desikan returned to Thirukkudanthai (present-day Kumbakonam) and began to propagate the sampradayam, or traditional religious doctrine. He also undertook the task of finishing several significant works that his acharyas (spiritual teachers) had left incomplete.
At this pivotal time, Lord Ranganatha appeared in the dreams of three prominent individuals: Srimad Vazhuthur Swami, Srimad Vatthirayiruppu Swami, and Srimad Seyyanam Swami. The divine message instructed them to seek out Srimad Thirukkudanthai Desikan to learn the traditional literature and the esoteric mysteries of Srivaishnavism, with the mission of spreading these teachings far and wide.
Concurrently, Srimad Thirukkudanthai Desikan himself had a divine dream instructing him to impart the divine mysteries of Sri Vaishnavism to these three individuals. This synchronicity led to the establishment of the Munitraya Sampradayam, named for two significant reasons:
Three Early Founders: The tradition honors the three early founders of the philosophical lineage: Sriman Natha Muni, Srimad Yamuna Muni, and Srimad Ramanuja Muni. These saints are revered for their foundational contributions to Srivaishnavism.
Three Great Disciples: The tradition also celebrates the three saintly disciples of Srimad Thirukkudanthai Desikan: Srimad Vazhuthur Swami, Srimad Vatthirayiruppu Swami, and Srimad Seyyanam Swami. These disciples are believed to be amsha-avataras (partial incarnations) of the original three munis, thereby continuing their spiritual legacy.
Through the efforts of these luminaries, the Munitraya Sampradayam flourished, ensuring the preservation and propagation of the rich philosophical and devotional traditions of Srivaishnavism. Their combined teachings and writings have left an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape, continuing to inspire and guide devotees to this day.