Preface

Srimad Ānandathērtha was a twelfth century saint who re-established the Vēdānta doctrine of 'tatvavāda', the doctrine based on realism and theism. His 'tatvavāda' philosophy is mostly famous as 'Dvaita', the Dualistic Vēdānta. He is usually referred to as Madhvāchārya, however, his signature in many of his writings refers to him as "Srimad Ānandathērtha Bhagavad Pādāchārya".

Jayanti Nirnaya is a small composition consisting of twelve verses describing the vrata i.e. religious vow to be undertaken by devotees on the occasion of lord Krishna's birthday. Apart from describing the daily routine to be followed in 'Sadāchāra smrti', this is the only work written by Āchārya on a specific 'vrata'. It shows the significance attached to 'Krishna Jayanati' by Sri Madhvacharya.

On the auspicious birthday of Krishna, vow of fasting is undertaken to free oneself from bad mental impressions and to gain health.

The vow is initiated by taking a bath in the morning reciting 'Yōgaya' mantra. Then the meditation on 'Yōgaya' mantra is continued for the whole day with a special purificator bath in the afternoon and evening.

Then, meditating on 'yajnāya' mantra, establishing onself in equanimity, having faith and devotion, one should worship lord Krishna. Along with lord Krishna, brother Balarāma, father Vasudeva, mother Dēvakī, the cowherd Nanda, mother Yasodā, and sister Subhadrā are also remembered and worshipped.

Then 'Arghya', offering of water, is given to the lord at the time of the rising moon. The attribute of the lord that destroys evil and establishes dharma is especially remembered as part of the offering. 'Arghya' is given to the moon at midnight when the Rohini star appears, remembering its auspicious ability to enlighten the mind.

Then, meditating on 'Vishvāya' mantra, practicing celibacy, and controlling all the senses, one should go to sleep. In the morning, after completing morning prayers, meditating on 'sarvāya' mantra, one should give charity. Then, meditating on 'dharmāya' mantra, one should break the fast.

Thus we see special emphasis is given to meditating on lord Govinda as lord of 'Yōga' (practice), 'Yajna' (sacrifice), 'Vishva' (universe), 'Sarva' (all that exists), and 'dharma' (righteousness). Also moon is worshipped for his capacity to illuminate the mind.

Regards,
Madhukrishna Sudhindra
29th Aug 2023