Sri Madhavacharya and his philosophy

Story

Madhavacharya was a great Indian Philosopher of the 12th century. Madhvacharya was born in Pajaka near Udupi, a small town on the western coast of South India. His father, Sri Madhyageha Bhatta, was a priest.

Madhvacharya was believed to be the incarnation of the Hindu wind God, Vayu. His parents called him Vasudeva. Since Vasudeva was brilliant and powerful, he used to surprise villagers with his skills. 

From a young age, Madhvacharya showed a keen interest in philosophy. He became a monk (sanyasi) when he was a teenager and studied Hindu Philosophy.

After completing his studies at the age of eleven, he went in search of a guru (teacher) who would encourage him to become a sanyasi (a person who lives away from family and society). 

In Udupi, he found Achyuta Preksha, a monk. He approached Achyuta Preksha with great respect and received his blessings. In his guidance, he became an obedient disciple, which deepened his learning.

After gaining education from his guru, Vasudeva (Madhvacharya) became aware of the teachings of great sages. He believed in the concept of Dvaita (dualism - the eternal difference between living beings and God). He stated that we are connected to God in one way which is God has created all of us. He encouraged people to get rid of their ‘false egos’ and devote themselves to the service of the one who created them. He emphasised Bhakti as the path to reach God.

Even though his guru was an Advaita monk (nondual - who believes in the oneness of all things including god), Madhava did not agree with his beliefs. Madhava would humbly disagree with some philosophical ideas, making his guru very proud of him. 

Madhvacharya wrote his views on the philosophy of the Upanishad and the Bhagavad Gita. So, he went to Badrinath to meet Ved Vyas, who wrote the Mahabharata. After gaining some knowledge from him, he wrote his commentary. 

In the following years, he travelled to almost every part of India to discuss and prove his philosophy. As the incarnation of the Hindu god, Vayu Deva, he performed many uncommon deeds including his outstanding contribution to philosophy and devotion.  Madhvacharya strongly believed that surrendering oneself to God is the only way to get rid of all suffering and unite with God.