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Satyapramoda Tirtha – Short Biography

Satyapramoda Tirtha (1918 – 1997) was the head priest of the Uttaradi Mutt (Madhva) from 1948 to 1997. He was famous for his learning and radiant asceticism. He was born in 1918 CE to Guttal Rangacharya and Kamalabai. Before taking on the ochre robes, he was known as Guttal Gururaj Acharya. He did not receive any education, but was trained by his father, who taught him Sanskrit, philosophy and religion. Even as a young boy, he memorized several Dvaita works in their entirety.

Satyapramoda Tirtha had a phenomenal memory and was conversant not only with Brahma Sutra Bhashya of Madhva but also Brahmasutra Bhashya of Adi Shankaracharya. His mastery of Nyaya (Indian logic) earned him admiration and accolades from the scholars of Varanasi. He had a special love for Nyaya Sudha (the famed commentary on Anuvyakhyana of Madhava and would begin his day’s schedule by teaching this text to his disciples.

Satyapramoda Tirtha had a large number of disciples. He started the Jayatheertha Vidyapeetha in Bengaluru. Today, it is a flourishing institution with several learned scholars on its faculty and more than a hundred students studying Shastras. His scholastic achievements include several profound treatises in Sanskrit, Nyaya Sudha Mandanam, Yukti Mallika, and Sri Vijayindravijaya Vaibhavam are some of his well known works.

He collected thousands of manuscripts of unpublished works of great scholars during his wide travels across India. He also published several Dvaita works. Wanting to help the needy and meritorious Brahmin students, he set up the Jaya Satyapramoda Nidhi (Trust) in 1982 CE. He contributed a large investment to this trust and out of the accrued interest on the principal amount, scholarships are being given to deserving students every year to help them pursue their college education.

Satyapramoda Tirtha was a radiant monk, who strictly followed the severe rules of asceticism. Realizing that his end was near, he chose Guttal Sarvajna Acharya as his successor. The initiation ceremony was performed at Tirukoilur, Tamil Nadu on February 24, 1996 and he named him Sri Satyatma Tirtha.

After an illustrious reign of 50 years the great and the noble Jagadguru Shri 1008 Shri Satya Pramoda Tirthaaru attained 'Hari Pada Sannidhi' (Left for heavenly abode) at Tirukoilur (Tamil Nadu) on 3-11-1997. His Samadhi is at Tirukoilur.