• Madhvacharya (13th century CE) was a renowned Indian philosopher, theologian and founder of the Dvaita (dualism) school of Vedanta.
• He is revered as a major Vaishnava acharya and is traditionally regarded as an incarnation of Vayu, the Wind God.

His Philosophy (Dvaita Vedanta)

• Madhvacharya’s school, Tattvavāda, is based on realist dualism.
• Key principles:
  • Pancha-Bheda (Five Eternal Distinctions):
    • God – Soul
    • God – Matter
    • Soul – Matter
    • Soul – Soul
• These differences are natural, eternal and real, rejecting monism.

Contribution to Bhakti Movement

• Reinforced personal devotion (Bhakti) to Vishnu and daily remembrance of God (Smarana).
• Rejected Advaita’s non-dualism; debated Shankara and Ramanuja traditions.
• Authored  37 Sanskrit works, including commentaries on:
  • Bhagavad Gita
  • Brahma Sutras (Madhva-bhashya & Anuvyakhyana)
  • Principal Upanishads
  • Bhagavata Purana (Tatparya-nirnaya)
• Founded the Udupi Krishna Mutt, establishing the famous Ashta Mathas (8 monastries).
• Inspired later Dvaita scholars: Jayatirtha, Vyasatirtha, Raghavendra Tirtha.