Vadirajara Tirtharu is one of the greatest saints in the Madhva Sect. Vadiraja Aradhane is the Punyadina or the death anniversary of the pious soul. Vadiraja Aradhane 2025 date is March 17. Annually the Aradhane is observed on the Krishna Paksha Tritiya Tithi in Phalgun month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in Karnataka.
Vadirajara’s birth (1480 AD) itself was a miracle. Rambhatta and Gowri did not have children for several years. Vagisha Theertharu, the then head of the Sri Vishnu Tirtha mutt, blessed them with a child. But he told the couple that if the child was born on a field then the child should be handed over to the mutt.
The baby was born on a field and the couple named the child Bhoo Varaha. Vagisha Theertharu told the parents that the child was born to spread the Madhwa teachings.
When he turned eight years old, he was initiated into Sanyasa and was given the name – Vadirajaru.
He later became a great saint, poet, philosopher, reformer and writer. He translated and simplified many literary works.
Vadirajaru increased the Paryaya duration in Udupi from 2 months to 2 years.
He worshipped the Hayagreeva form (horse form) of Lord Vishnu.
It is said that Lord Hayagreeva would come every night to partake his food from Sri Vadirajaru. The great saint used to offer Hayagriva food in a tray. He used to hold the tray over his head. Hayagriva Vishnu used to put both the front legs on the shoulders of Vadirajaru and eat the Prasad. Vadirajaru used to chant the Dashavatara Stuti.
On the Krishna Paksha Tritiya Tithi in Phalgun month, Vadiraja Tirtha left his body on his own and merged in the Supreme Truth.