For the Madhava community and other followers of Dvaita philosophy, Nava Brindavana in Anegundi, Karnataka is the holiest place after Mantralaya (Andhra Pradesh). Therefore, many visit every year to pay their respects to the nine living saints (as they are known). The revered saints are said to have entered the Brindavana during their lifetime.
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| A view of Nava Brindavana |
This is the final resting place of nine saints who headed the Madhwa Peetha spanning a period of 300 years. Its importance lies in the fact - they attained Jeeva Samadhi here. They were followers of Madhavacharya (1238-1317) and also predecessors of Sri Raghavendra. Each of the Madhava saints attained Samadhi at various periods of time as a board near the entry gate clearly reveals all details.
Nobody is allowed to touch the Brindavanas and disturb the “Living Saints” who have been apparently meditating for centuries. So, devotees make it a point to visit at least once in their lifetime to get the Saints’ blessings.
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| Carvings of elephants, etc on the samadhi |
The first Madhava Saint, Sri Padmanabha Theertha was the first to attain Samadhi or enter the Brindavan in 1324, Sri Jayathirtha in 1388, Sri Kavindra Theertha in 1398, Sri Vageesh Theertha (greatest scholars of his times) entered the Brindavana somewhere in 1406. After a gap of more than 100 years, in 1534, Sri Govinda Odeyar entered samadhi.
Sri Vyasaraja Theertha, a renowned scholar, philosopher and statesman entered the Brindavana in 1539. He was the Raj guru of Krishnadeva Raya and guided him during his long period of rule. Srinivasa Theertha (the raj guru of Achuta Deva Raya) entered in 1564, Rama Theertha in 1584 and Suseendhra Theertha, the last saint in 1623. All the Samadhis (or the Brindavana) of the nine saints are enclosed in a small circle. The Samadhi of Sri Vyasaraja is prominent as it has carvings and motifs and it is situated next to a Mantapa.
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| Carvings on the samadhi |
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| Close up of carvings on samadhi |
As per local people, this is the same island where Prahalada, son of demon King Hiranyakashyapu spent his days away from the Palace, chanting Sriman Narayana in a cave. The place where Prahalada stayed and meditated is called the Prahalada cave and it is said - the Brindavana of Vyasaraja Theertha lies in this place.
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| Two deities on a raised platform that are not allowed to be photographed |
Apart from this, there are two shrines in a cave that is dedicated to Hanuman and Lord Ranganatha. This is on a raised platform on the right side under the shelter of a massive tree. This place attracted a lot of children and students during our visit and they had to be asked to stay silent by the local caretaker of the Shrine.
Otherwise, most tourists who come here just go round the Samadhis and spend some time chatting and going round the verdant island with its herd of cows. As we made our way back in a group, I made time to pick up the beautiful pebbles in the rocky river bed as we walked. These come in various shapes and sizes but perfectly chiseled and the white pebbles are the best. Dipping my feet in the Tungabhadra waters, I found it was very cold despite the blazing sun. But it gave me a sense of fulfillment as I had opened my mind towards the Dvaita Vedanta philosophy.
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| One has to catch a second boat but before that walk some 500-700 mts to catch it |
Unfortunately one has to hurry to catch the boats back to the mainland before it is sundown. The last boat was waiting for us as we were not prepared to leave the serene island. But the boatmen shooed us towards the departure point and I bid my adieu to the living saints who attract so many followers from around the country.
Location map:
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