Preface

Madhvācārya, also known as Ānandatīrtha, was the thirteenth-century philosopher who systematized the Vēdānta doctrine of 'Tattvavāda', a doctrine based on a realist and theistic interpretation of Vedānta. His 'Tattvavāda' philosophy is more widely known as 'Dvaita', the Dualistic Vēdānta. He taught that Viṣṇu is the independent and supreme reality, while all souls and the material universe are real but eternally dependent upon Him. Madhva strongly affirmed the reality of difference, the authority of the Vedas, and the importance of devotion founded upon correct knowledge. His writings combine scriptural interpretation with rigorous reasoning and frequently engage rival philosophical positions. He wrote commentaries on the Upaniṣads, Bhagavad Gītā, Brahmasūtras and other scriptures, besides composing independent philosophical works known as the 'Prakaraṇa Granthas'.

Alongside his philosophical writings, Madhva produced a significant body of works concerned with devotion, worship and religious conduct, called 'Saṅkīrtana Granthas'. These range from original devotional compositions such as the 'Dvādaśa Stotra' and 'Narasimha Nakha Stuti' to practical works dealing with daily conduct, ritual, fasting, mantra, meditation and temple worship. Works such as 'Tantrasārasaṅgraha', 'Sadāchāra Smṛti' and 'Kṛṣṇāmṛtamahārṇava' are substantially compilatory in character. Madhva brings together teachings, verses and prescriptions from earlier scriptural and traditional sources, selecting and organising them to present the practices appropriate to a Vaiṣṇava life. This compilatory character reveals how Madhva understood the practical implications of the philosophical and theological principles expressed in his other writings. Remembrance of Viṣṇu, worship, disciplined conduct, fasting, mantra, meditation and dedication of action are placed within a coherent religious framework centred on the supremacy of Viṣṇu. Taken together, these works provide the practical counterpart to Madhva’s philosophical writings: the 'Prakaraṇa Granthas' explain the nature of reality, while the 'Saṅkīrtana Granthas' show how that understanding is expressed through worship, conduct and everyday life.

- Madhukrishna Sudhindra

M.A. (Philosophy), B.E. (Computer Science)

30th Aug, 2026