Nava Brindavana – an Ode to Madhva Philosophy

Published on: 20/04/2019

Nava Brindavana

While looking for offbeat places in a destination, I stumbled upon the Nava Brindavana. This is where there are nine small structures constructed for nine saints as a final resting place for them.

A short boat ride will bring you to the place as it is amidst an island. The ride is scenic and all you can see is lush landscapes. With the majestic Tungabadra waters there are rocks that are amidst the water, plants and water birds aplenty and the ride to the place itself is magical. Instead of a speed boat that is quite noisy, I would suggest that you take a coracle ride which is perfect when the tides are right.

Once you land at the island, all you can see is nature uninterrupted with the famed rocks of Hampi making a stunning contrast against the azure blue waters and lush greenery. A short walk will lead you to the Navabrindavana or tombs of the saints each built in stone and clustered within a circle. A yellow line drawn around them like a border has a board that warns you to stay outside the painted line. The significance of this place comes from the fact that it is believed to be the place where Prahlada, Hiranyakashipu’s son once performed penance in a rock as he felt guilty for causing his father’s death.

The Brindavana of Saint Vyasaraja

Once you land at the island, all you can see is nature uninterrupted with the famed rocks of Hampi making a stunning contrast against the azure blue waters and lush greenery. A short walk will lead you to the Navabrindavana or tombs of the saints each built in stone and clustered within a circle. A yellow line drawn around them like a border has a board that warns you to stay outside the painted line. The significance of this place comes from the fact that it is believed to be the place where Prahlada, Hiranyakashipu’s son once performed penance in a rock as he felt guilty for causing his father’s death.

Incidentally the next avatar of Prahalada is of Saint Vyasaraja whose Brindavana is present here as the main one – the largest surrounded by four pillars that indicate that this is the most important one here. The nine madhvacharyas here include Padmanabha Teertha, the first disciple of Madhvacharya, Kaveendra Teertha, Vageesha Teertha, Vyasaraja Teertha, Raghuvarya Teertha, Srinivasa Teertha, Rama Teertha, Sudeendra Teertha and Govinda Vadeyaru. In the vicinity is a small shrine with an idol of Hanuman here. This idol is believed to have been installed by Sri Vyasaraja, and depicts Hanuman, Bheema and Madhvacharya in one form and is called as the Avatharathraya Hanuman.

A puja in progress

This idol has the face of Hanuman, the shoulders of Bheema and holds a depicting Madhvacharya. A statue of Lord Narasimha is just behind the Hanuman statue. There are also statues of Jagrathai Anjaneya in standing form, Aranganathar a form of Lord Vishnu in a sleeping position with Goddess Lakshmi next to him. In all this is a nice place to see not just for its spiritual vibe but also to enjoy the natural beauty of the island. And this is certainly a place for all an offbeat destination that is full of mystical stories that will leave you asking for more.

Fact File:
• Best time to visit this place is between October to February and try and make it in the morning.
• Temple timings: 6:30 am to 12 noon and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
• You can catch a ferry either from the Hampi side at Talagarighatta Gate or Gangavathi side.

Bindu Gopal Rao

Bindu Gopal Rao is a freelance writer and photographer based in Bengaluru, who believes writing provides a unique opportunity to meet a variety of people while exploring new places. She has a keen eye to learn about offbeat, unusual and local angles when she travels. Her work is documented at www.bindugopalrao.com

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Hampi

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Kalahari

Nava Brindavana – an Ode to Madhva Philosophy

Bindu Gopal Rao