Udupi Shri Palimaru Mutt
“Shri Palimaru Mutt is first among the 8 famous Monasteries established in Udupi by Shri Madhwacharya. This website provides authentic and up-to-date information about Shri Palimaru Mutt.
Palimaru is an attractive little village 35 kms away from the temple town of Udupi. It is just 10 kms off the NH 17 highway. The Mutt is located in idyllic surroundings where one can forget the worries of the mundane world.
There is a large well-maintained tank, adjacent to the eastern entrance of the Mutt. Right in front of this entrance is the shrine of Anjaneya (Mukhyaprana), in the sitting posture. The deity is held in great awe and reverence as the protector of Madhwa Siddhaanta.
In the inner shrine of the Shri Palimaru Mutt is Shri Vedavyaasa – the incarnation of the Supreme Lord Naraayana, for imparting Jnaana (True knowledge) to the mortals in the yogic posture of Yogapattaasana.
The Mukhyaprana idol is believed to have been installed by Shri Raghupraveerateertha, the 24th pontiff, during the 1780’s. It is said that the idol was discovered by him in the tank of the Mukhyaprana temple, at Ghatikaachala. He was a ‘Mantra Siddha’ (a person who has mastered the Mantras and their application). He has composed three hymns in Sanskrit, lauding the three incarnations of Mukhyaprana – Hanuman, Bheema and Madhva.
Next to the shrine of Mukhyaprana is the holy Vrindavan of Shri Rajarajeshwara Teertha who was the 7th pontiff. He was an accomplished poet and among his important works are “Raama Sandesha” and a bunch of 8 benedictory verses known as “Mangalaashtaka”. These verses are regularly recited at dawn. The mellifluous sound of Mangalaashtaka fills the air, preparing the residents to start another day of pious living.
The Vrindavanas of other pontiffs who presided over the Mutt are located nearby. Among these, particular mention should be made of Shri Raghuvarya Teertha, who was the 20th pontiff. He was an unparalleled Vedantic scholar. His contribution towards elucidating the Madhwa philosophy was very considerable.
The 30th pontiff was H.H. Vidyaamaanya Teertha, who was with us till the year 2000. He was entrusted the responsibility of heading Palimaru Mutt, in addition to being the pontiff of Bhandaarkeri Mutt. He was the only pontiff after H.H. Vishnu Teertha – the brother of Srimadaachaarya – to head the two Mutt’s concurrently. He had many path breaking activities to his credit. These are mentioned in an exclusive write-up on this saint.
The present pontiff, who is the 31st in the lineage, is H.H. Vidyadheesha Teertha. We are all indeed fortunate to be the contemporaries of this progressive minded Swamiji, with the ever ready smile. As we go along, we will have more opportunities to interact and actively collaborate with him in the various programmes, he takes up at Shri Palimaru Mutt.
The Mutt is situated amidst lush green and gently swaying palms. Mother Nature in all her glory invites one and all to come and enjoy this pure bliss. The setting is ideal for spiritual enquiry. It inspires profound thoughts. The words of Rigveda “Let noble thoughts come to us from all sides” becomes a reality at Shri Palimaru Mutt!
