Sripadaraja Mutt, Mulbagal

Sripadaraja Mutt is the Nalanda of South India. Mulbagal is a town in the Kolar District of Karnataka. It was originally known as ‘Mudalabagilu’ meaning the eastern gateway. Over a period of time it became as Mulbagal. This town has been considered as an eastern gateway to Tirumala Hills. In the ancient times and even today, the padayatra to Tirumala passes through Mulbagal.

The silent yet serene town attracts many spiritual enthusiasts and devotees who come here to enjoy the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. Although the town is famous for many temples nearby such as Avani, Virupaksha Temple, Anjaneya Temple, the Sripadaraja Mutt gets the prominence of all.

It is located about a mile from the Mulabagilu town which lies on Bengaluru-Chennai highway. The mutt lies in the lap of nature. The mutt is also flanked by the presence of a rare kalyani known as Narasimha Tirtha. The mula brindavana of Sripadaraja and his disciple Vyasaraya is housed in this Mutt.

History of Sripadaraja Mutt

The bhakti seed, which was sown by Sri Madhvacharya in the 13th century in Karnataka, sprouted during the time of Narahari Tirtha and became magnificent during the time of Sripadaraja. Haridasa Sahitya is one of Kannada languages’s most enduring contributions to the field of literature. This literature is available today only due to the efforts of Sripadaraja.

Sripadaraja Mutt was originally established by Padmanabha Tirtha, the disciple of Srila Madhvacharya. It was known as Padmanabha Mutt. Later Sripadaraja chose this place and thus it came to be known after him. Sripadaraja taught the Dvaita granthas 40 times in this place, to the various batches of students.

It was here that Sripadaraja became the guru of Vyasaraya. At that time devatas showered flowers on them. The spot where this had happened has been commemorated by planting a Tulsi plant within the premises. Vyasaraya had performed tapasya in this place in a small cave which exists even today. The cave is known as ‘Vyasa Cave’ and faces the brindavanam of his guru Sripadaraja. Vyasaraya had spent twelve years studying under Sripadaraja in this Mutt.

Narasimha Tirtha at Sripadaraja Mutt

Sripadaraja Brindavana is situated near Narasimha tirtha. This Narasimha tirtha is a Triveni Sangam of religion, philosophy, and devotion. The devotees of the Supreme Lord never get old. It is because their energy is directly sourced from the Supreme storehouse of energy. However to benefit the conditioned living souls, these devotees enact lilas just like the Supreme Lord.

During the old age, Sripadaraja had a desire to take holy bath in Ganges. But due to the advanced age he was not able to travel all the way North. To fulfill his desire, Gangadevi appeared and promised Sripadaraja that she would descend to Sripadaraja Mutt and would live here forever.

Therefore a dip in the Narasimha Tirtha of Sripadaraja Mutt is considered equivalent to Ganga. Those devotees who are not able to travel to Ganga, instead take bath here in Narasimha Tirtha.

Lord Narasimha Emerges out of Rock

There is a small Narasimha Temple within Sripadaraja Mutt. The vigraha of Sri Yoga Narasimha is svayambhu i.e, self manifested. In fact the vigraha is still emerging out of the rock.

One day in Mulabagilu town there was a debate held between Sri Sripadaraja and Sri Vidyaranya. Vedanta Desikar was the judge of that debate. Before going to debate, Sripadaraja drew a line sketch of Lord Narasimha on the rock to take blessings of the Lord. As he returned after winning over Sri Vidyaranya, the deity of Narasimha had emerged from the sketch he had drawn at that place.

The Supreme Lord indicated that wherever His devotees are present serving Him, He is always present there. Vyasaraya also did the pratisthapana of the vigraha of Bhakta Hanuman just opposite to Lord Yoga Narasimha.

Brief Life of Sripadaraja

Sripadaraja was born in 1404 AD, in a village called Abbur near Channapatna taluk, Karnataka. His father’s name was Seshagiri Acharya and his mother was Girijamma. They were virtuous and richly devout couple. Lakshmi Narayana was the initial name of Sripadaraja. Sripadaraja is the incarnation of Dhruva Maharaja, the son of King Uttanapada.

Sripadaraja received sannyasa diksha from Swarnavarna Tirtha Swamiji, who belonged to Sripadmanabha Tirtha’s lineage. He had learnt the Dwaita Vedanta under the guidance of Sri Vibudhendra Tirtha Swamiji. Many scholars were enchanted by his discourses and meetings in Kumbakonam, Raichur, Srirangam and other places. Such was his dominion in Vedic science.

In the 15th century, Sri Lakshmi Narayana was hence named as Sripadaraja Guru Sarvabhouma. He later founded the Sripadaraja University. It was known as the Nalanda of South. More than 10,000 disciples were educated at Sripadaraja Gurukula.

Sripadaraja came to be known as the Father of Haridasa Vidya Bhandara because of his great works and texts. His time was known as the Golden period of Indian Knowledge. Sripadaraja entered brindavana in 1504 AD.

Timings of Sripadaraja Mutt

The Mutt is open throughout the year every day

From 6.00 AM to 7.00 PM

How to reach Sripadaraja Mutt

The best way to reach temple is to join Tirtha Yatra and get your tour organised.

By Road: Sri Sripadaraja Mutt is 105 km from Bengaluru. Road transport can be easily availed. Regular bus services are available from Bengaluru to Mulabagilu, and taxis are also available from Bengaluru.

By Rail: Kolar railway station is the nearest railway station. Apart from that Bengaluru railway station. It is well-connected by important towns of India.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Bengaluru. Private taxies are available from this airport location.