In News:

In a remarkable discovery, a member of the Team of Research on Culture and Heritage (TORCH) has hit upon a three-foot idol of the 13th Century saint, Narahari T?rtha recently.

Key Highlights:

Birth and Early Life:

• Born circa 1243 CE in Chikakolu (modern-day Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh).
• Hailing from an aristocratic family in the Gajapati Empire of Odisha.

Philosophical Influence:

• A prominent disciple of Madhvacharya, the founder of Dvaita philosophy (dualism).
• Narahari Tirtha played a key role in propagating Madhva's Vaishnavism in Eastern India, particularly in the Kalinga region (modern-day Odisha and Andhra Pradesh).

Role in Eastern Ganga Dynasty:

• Served as a minister in the Eastern Ganga Dynasty for over 30 years.
• Guided kings to align their governance with Sanatana Dharma and reformed temple administration.
• His contributions are documented in inscriptions at the Simhachalam and Srikurmam temples.

Religious and Cultural Contributions:

• Played a key role in spreading Vaishnavism and Dvaita philosophy.
• First to compose Devaranamas in Kannada, marking a significant cultural contribution.
• Contributed to the development of Yakshagana Bayalata (a dance-drama) and the classical dance form that evolved into Kuchipudi.

Writings and Intellectual Legacy:

• Authored 15 works, with two surviving texts: Gita Bhasya and Bhavaprakasika.
• His teachings and writings significantly impacted the Madhva tradition and regional literature.

Discovery of the Idol:

• A three-foot idol of Narahari Tirtha was discovered at Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• The idol depicts Narahari Tirtha holding a script on palm leaves, flanked by devotees.

Contributions to Temple and Education:

• Transformed the Simhachalam Temple into a renowned center for Vaishnavism.
• Played a crucial role in safeguarding sacred idols like Moolarama and Moola Sita for Madhvacharya.

Cultural and Artistic Legacy:

• Promoted regional art forms, helping establish Kuchipudi as a classical dance style in Andhra Pradesh.
• Advocated for Yakshagana Bayalata, a form of dance-drama popular in coastal Karnataka.

Honors and Recognition:

• Bestowed titles such as "Loka Surak?a?a Ati Nipu?a?" and "Yo Avati Kalinga Bhu Sambhav?n" for his contributions to philosophy and governance.

Final Resting Place:

• Narahari Tirtha was consecrated near Chakratirtha at Hampi on the banks of the Tungabhadra River after his death.
• His legacy continues to influence the temple traditions, especially in Puri Jagannath, strengthening the Madhva influence in Odisha.