Vadiraja Tirtha is one of the greatest saints in the Madhva Sect. Vadirajara Jayanthi is the Janmadina or the birth anniversary of the pious soul. Sri Vadiraja Jayanthi 2025 date is February 9. Annually the Jayanti is observed on the 12th day during the waxing or light phase of moon, Shukla Paksha Dwadashi Tithi, in Magh month as per traditional Kannada Hindu calendar followed in Karnataka.
Vadiraja Tirtha, born in 1480 AD, stands as one of the
greatest saints in the Madhva Sect, leaving an indelible mark as a poet,
philosopher, reformer, and writer. His birth itself was surrounded by an air of
divine intervention, marked by the blessings of Vagisha Theertharu, the head of
the Sri Vishnu Tirtha mutt.
The circumstances of his birth held a miraculous quality, as
his parents Rambhatta and Gowri, who had struggled with childlessness for
years, received a boon from Vagisha Theertharu. However, the condition was that
if the child were born on a field, he would be dedicated to the mutt. Following
this prophecy, Bhoo Varaha, as the child was named, was indeed born on a field.
True to the agreement, the parents handed over the child to the mutt, where he
was given the name Vadirajaru, a name destined to become synonymous with the
propagation of Madhwa teachings.
At the tender age of eight, Vadirajaru embraced the ascetic life and was initiated into Sanyasa. Undergoing this transformation, he commenced a journey that would make him a multifaceted personality, contributing significantly to literature, philosophy, and religious reforms. Notably, he undertook the task of translating and simplifying various literary works to make them more accessible to a wider audience.
One of his notable contributions was the extension of the
Paryaya duration in Udupi from 2 months to 2 years. This change allowed for a
more immersive and comprehensive engagement with the Madhva philosophy.
Vadirajaru's devotion centered around the worship of the
Hayagreeva form of Lord Vishnu, depicted in the horse form. Legend has it that
every night, Lord Hayagreeva would personally visit Vadirajaru to partake in
the offered food. The saint would hold a tray over his head, and Lord
Hayagriva, in the form of a horse, would place both front legs on Vadirajaru's
shoulders to consume the Prasad. During these rituals, Vadirajaru would chant
the Dashavatara Stuti, expressing his devotion and reverence for the divine.
In summary, Vadirajara Tirtha's life is a tapestry woven
with threads of miracles, divine blessings, literary contributions, and
unwavering devotion to Lord Hayagreeva, leaving an enduring legacy in the
Madhva Sect and beyond.