Sri Jayadharma (Vijayadhvaja) Theertharu (VYASARAJA MUTT)

Sri Vijayadhvaja Theertharu is supposed to appeared prior to 1420. As with many sannyasis of the line, particularly on this west coast of Karnataka, Sri Vijayadhvaja Theertharu took sannyasa as a very small boy.

Constantly traveling, he would have to maintain himself by collecting alms (bhiksa), but alas, sometimes he would have to go without food for three or five days. Out of dire need and hunger, the young sannyasi, on one occasion, began to make some arrangements to cook very simply, using some simple forest spinach, a few rocks and twigs that he had found by the side of the road. One much older and senior sannyasi came by and was horrified seeing Sri Vijayadhvaja Theertharu, a sannyasi, cooking, “making arrangements to enjoy” and by the side of the road. He severely chastised him saying that this kind of action was against sannyasa dharma or character. He then informed the boy that the only way to counter this kind of independent activity was suicide - then and only then would he be free from any reaction. So the humble and pure-hearted young

Sri Vijayadhvaja Theertharu prepared to give up the world. At this time another sannyasi happened to come by, and upon seeing the preparations for death, could understand what was on Sri Vijayadhvaja Theertharu’s mind. This second sannyasi then inquired from the boy why he had taken to this decision. Hearing the story, the second sannyasi, who was Sri Rajendra Theertharu, instructed the boy to compile an edition of Srimad Bhagavatam and by this everything would be resolved. So doing, this highly devotional piece of literature was entitled “Pada-Ratnavali.” To this day followers of Madhva hold this devotional work as a standard text for reference. Sri Vijayadhvaja Theertharu left the world in 1448. His samadhi is at Kanya Tirtha, Vrindavana.