HISTORY OF RAYARA MATHA

Sri Padmanabha Tirtha was one of the earliest and most devoted disciples of Acharya Madhva, the founder of the Dvaita school of Vedanta. After Acharya Madhva's departure, Padmanabha Tirtha assumed leadership of the main Matha, which was located outside the South Kanara District. His role as the head of the Matha marked the beginning of a lineage that would profoundly impact the spiritual landscape of the region.

 Padmanabha Tirtha's tenure as the head of the Matha was succeeded by a series of distinguished saints: Sri Narahari Tirtha, Sri Madhava Tirtha, Sri Akshobhya Tirtha, and Sri Jayateertha, also known as Tikakrutpadaru. Each of these leaders contributed to the growth and development of the Matha, strengthening the foundation laid by Acharya Madhva.

 Over time, the lineage faced unforeseen challenges that led to a split. One branch was headed by Sri Kaveendra Tirtha, and the other by Sri Rajendra Tirtha. The branch led by Sri Rajendra Tirtha came to be known as Poorvadi Matha, which is more popularly recognized today as Sri Vyasaraja Matha.

 In the lineage of Sri Kaveendra Tirtha, he was succeeded by Sri Vageesha Tirtha and Sri Ramachandra Tirtha. However, once again, the lineage experienced a division. Sri Vibudhendra Tirtha emerged as a prominent leader of one of these branches, a lineage that would eventually be known as Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matha.

 Sri Vibudhendra Tirtha was a highly esteemed scholar and saint, dedicated to spreading the teachings of Acharya Madhva. Among his many disciples was Lakshminarayana Muni, who became widely known as Sri Sripadaraja. Sri Vibudhendra Tirtha's legacy was carried forward by Sri Jitamitra Tirtha, Sri Raghunandana Tirtha, and Sri Surendra Tirtha.

 During this period, Sri Vyasa Tirtha, another eminent figure in the lineage, was nurturing Sri Vishnu Tirtha as his successor. However, destiny had other plans. Sri Vishnu Tirtha was entrusted to Sri Surendra Tirtha, who renamed him Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha. Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha's brilliance and spiritual prowess became evident when he defeated a leading Shaivite Swamiji, acquiring a Matha in Kumbhakonam along with significant properties. His scholarly works and victories over rival schools of thought solidified the position of Dvaita Vedanta in the southern region.

 Sri Vijayeendra Tirtha was succeeded by Sri Sudheendra Tirtha, who in turn was followed by the illustrious Sri Raghavendra Tirtha, affectionately known as Rayaru. Under Rayaru's leadership, the Matha achieved unprecedented heights of spiritual and scholarly prominence. His profound teachings and numerous miracles endeared him to devotees far and wide. Following his tenure, the Matha came to be known as Raghavendra Matha or Rayara Matha, continuing to inspire and guide countless followers on their spiritual journeys.

GREATNESS OF MATRALAYA KSHETRA

Sri Rayaru gathered his closest disciples and the devoted divan Venkanna to share his intention of entering a Brindavana and residing eternally in Manchale. The news left the devotees heartbroken, yet they could not sway his decision, for it was the divine will.

 Curiosity filled their hearts as they sought to understand what made Manchale so special. Rayaru, with a serene smile, explained the profound spiritual significance of Manchale. He spoke of Prahlada, who had performed a grand yagna there, sanctifying the land forever. Mantralayambika, or Manchalamma, was his family's deity.

 In the Dvapara Yuga, when Arjuna guarded the horse of Dharmaraja’s Ashvamedha yaga, he encountered King Anusalva in Manchale. During their battle, Anusalva’s chariot inadvertently positioned itself over Prahlada’s sacred yagya kunda, rendering him invincible. Confused and seeking guidance, Arjuna prayed to Krishna, who advised him to retreat slightly. Misinterpreting this as a sign of weakness, Anusalva advanced, thus moving his chariot away from the auspicious spot and promptly losing the battle. Such was the sanctity and power of the ground hallowed by Prahlada’s yagna.

 Inspired, Venkanna had a splendid garbha-gudi (sanctum sanctorum) constructed around the yagya spot, beside Manchalamma’s temple. He also commissioned a Brindavana for Rayaru, but Rayaru, with characteristic humility, declined it, reserving it for a future saint. Instead, he led Venkanna to a secluded area and pointed to a black rock. "This rock shall be my Brindavana," he declared. Intrigued, Venkanna asked about the rock’s significance. Rayaru revealed, “While searching for Seeta, Lord Rama rested upon this rock. Sanctified by his touch, it is this rock that I desire for my Brindavana.” The Brindavana built under Venkanna’s meticulous guidance would later house Sri Vadeendara Teertha.

 When the auspicious time and muhurta arrived, Rayaru chose a deserving disciple and bestowed upon him Sanyasa, giving him the ashramanama of Yogeendra Teertha. He instructed Venkanna, the Matha administrators, his disciples, and the people of Manchale to honor Sri Yogeendra Teertha with the same reverence they had shown him. And thus, with divine grace and unwavering faith, Rayaru’s spiritual legacy continued to flourish.