Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs
PRELIMS BITS
Overview
A recent discovery by the Team of Research on Culture and Heritage (TORCH) has unearthed a three-foot idol of Saint Narahari Tīrtha, a prominent philosopher and scholar from the 13th century. Narahari Tīrtha was a key figure in the Madhva tradition of Dvaita Vedanta.
Key Details:
- Background
- Period: 13th century.
- Philosophy: Narahari Tīrtha was a disciple of Madhvacharya, the founder of Dvaita philosophy, which is one of the major schools of Vedanta.
- Region: His teachings were particularly influential in Eastern India, notably in the Kalinga region, now part of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
- Contributions
- Political Influence: Narahari Tīrtha was involved in the administration of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, offering guidance to the kings on following Sanatana Dharma and managing temple affairs.
- Temple Inscriptions: He is credited with formulating administrative systems for the management of temples, and his influence is documented in inscriptions in Simhachalam and Srikurmam temples.
- Vaiṣṇavism: Narahari Tīrtha played a crucial role in strengthening Vaiṣṇavism in the region, complementing the efforts of Ramanuja, but in a manner that was non-interfering and secular.
- Literary Contributions
- Works: Narahari Tīrtha wrote fifteen books, of which only two have survived—Gita Bhasya and Bhavaprakasika.
- Devaranamas: He is credited as the first to compose Devaranamas in Kannada.
- Cultural Impact
- Art Forms: Narahari Tīrtha contributed to the development of Yakṣagana Bayalaṭa (a dance-drama tradition in coastal Karnataka) and Kuchipudi (a classical dance form from Andhra Pradesh).
- Final Resting Place
- Upon his passing, Narahari Tīrtha was consecrated near Chakratirtha at Hampi, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
- Legacy in Odisha:
- His contributions significantly shaped the temple traditions in Puri Jagannath, and his influence helped solidify the Madhva tradition in Odisha.
Narahari Tīrtha’s legacy is notable for his contributions to both spiritual thought and the cultural landscape of Eastern India. His promotion of Dvaita Vedanta and its integration with local traditions continues to be felt in the region today.