Saint Narahari Tirtha

• 22 Jan 2025

Source: DC 

Why in News? 

A three-foot statue of 13^th century saint Narahari Tirtha depicting him with script on palm leaves and flanked by devotees was discovered at Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

 

What are the Key Facts Related to Saint Narhari Tīrtha? 

• About: Saint Narahari Tirtha (1243-1333 AD) was a Dvaita philosopher, intellectual, scholar, statesman and saint in the Madhva tradition. 
  • He hailed from Chikakolu (modern-day Srikakulam) in Andhra Pradesh, born into an aristocratic family in the Gajapati empire of Odisha. 
• Role in the Eastern Ganga Dynasty: For over 30 years, Narahari Tīrtha assisted the kings of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. 
  • He helped the rulers follow Sanātana Dharma and established a structured executive system for managing temple affairs. 
  • His efforts are documented in inscriptions found at Simhachalam and Srikurmam temples. 
• Religious Contributions: He was a follower of Madhvacharya, the originator of Dvaita philosophy and  propagated the Madhvacharya’s Vaiṣṇavism in the region, ensuring its firm establishment in a non-interfering, secular manner.  
  • His influence helped maintain the religious and cultural traditions in the region. 
  • Titles of honor like "Loka Surakṣaṇa Ati Nipuṇaḥ" and "Yo Avati Kalinga Bhu Sambhavān" have been bestowed to recognize his contributions. 
• Intellectual Legacy: He was a prolific writer, composing several texts, though only 2 works—Gita Bhasya and Bhavaprakasika have survived.  
  • He is also credited with composing the first Devaranamas in Kannada. 
• Cultural Contributions: He also contributed to the development of regional art forms and played a vital role in propagating Yakṣagana Bayalaṭa (a dance-drama form from coastal Karnataka) and the classical dance style that evolved into Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh. 
• Legacy: After his death, Narahari Tīrtha was consecrated near Chakratirtha at Hampi, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.  
  • His contributions continue to influence the temple traditions of Puri Jagannath, reinforcing the Madhva tradition in Odisha. 

Eastern Ganga Dynasty 

• They ruled over Kalinga (modern-day eastern coastal India) from the 5th-15th century AD controlling regions including Orissa, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh.  
• The early capital was Kalinganagara, and the secondary capital was Dantapura (Palur).  
• Notable rulers include Anantavarman Chodaganga (1078-1147 CE), who was a patron of arts and literature and is renowned for constructing the Jagannath Temple in Puri. His successor, Narasimha Dev I, continued his legacy and built the Konark Sun Temple.  
• The dynasty’s wealth funded temple constructions and fostered political alliances, including marriages with the Chola and Chalukya dynasties. 

Simhachalam Temple 

• It is  located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu.  
• It was constructed in the 11th century by the Gajapati rulers of Odisha, it was later renovated by the Vengi Chalukyas and Narasimha I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. 
• The temple exhibits a blend of Kalinga and Dravidian architectural styles, with intricate carvings and sculptures, including a stone chariot and 16 carved pillars in the Kalyana Mandapa.  
• The temple’s history is marked by visits from prominent rulers like Krishna Deva Raya in 1516 CE. 

About Madhvacharya 

• Madhvacharya (1238 CE) was a Hindu philosopher and the primary proponent of the Dvaita (dualism) school of Vedanta.  
• His philosophy posits a fundamental distinction between Atman (individual soul) and Brahman (ultimate reality, Vishnu), asserting that they are separate, unchanging realities.  
• His major works include Gita Bhashya and Vishnu Tattva Nirnaya.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the (2012)

(a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent 
(b) three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified 
(c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture 
(d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India 

Ans: c