Madhwanavami

Madhwanavami is an auspicious day dedicated to Madhvacharya, the great religious reformer and commentator on the Brahma Sutras and the Upanishads. Madhwacharya, also known as Purna Prajna and Ananda Tirtha, was the chief proponent of Tattvavāda 'Philosophy of Reality', popularly known as the Dvaita (dualism) school of Hindu philosophy. According to the philosophy of Madhwacharya, Lord Vishnu is the Supreme Being. It is one of the 3 most influential Vedānta philosophies. He was a pioneer in many ways during the Bhakti movement, going against standard conventions and norms.

In his 79th year, he decided to assign to his disciples the responsibility of carrying on the tradition of his Tattvavada. Having done that, on the 9th day of the bright half of Magha in the Kali year 4418 (1317 CE), he betook himself alone to Badari. The day on which he proceeded to Badri is celebrated as Madhvanavami (Avatarasamapti Dinotsavam) to this day.

Madhwa Navami is an important festival at the Sri Ananteshwara Temple in Udupi. Pujas, rituals and chariot procession are held on the day. It is celebrated with utmost fervor in Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, Madhwa Sanghas and Raghavendra Mathas all over Karnataka.

According to the philosophy of Madhvacharya, Lord Vishnu (Hari) is the Supreme Being and resides in Vaikunta with his consort Shri Lakshmi. The world we see is real and the difference is true. Vishnu is the only independent reality. All living and non living beings are dependent on Vishnu. Souls and world are dependent on Vishnu and is separate from Vishnu. Bhakthi is the only means of attaining Moksha.