Raghavendra Swami

Śrī Rāghavēndra Swami (1595–1671 CE), born Venkanna Bhatta, was a renowned Madhwa saint, philosopher and proponent of Dvaita philosophy established by Sri Madhvacharya. He served as the head of the matha in Kumbakonam from 1621 to 1671. His Brindavan in Mantralayam in the present-day Andhra Pradesh is an important place of pilgrimage. The numerous miracles he performed have led to him being worshipped even today as a Guru and he is believed to be the saviour for those who placed faith in him. He is the avatar of Prahlada, who is famous as one of the best bhaktas of Lord Narayana.

Biography

Sri Raghavendratheertha was born as Venkatanatha in the town of Bhuvanagiri in Tamil Nadu to Kannadiga Brahmin parents, Thimanna Bhatta and Gopikamba, in 1595. He was also known as Venkanna Bhatta or Venkatacharya in honor of Venkateswara.

After his initial education under his brother-in-law Lakshminarasimhachar in Madurai, Venkatanatha was admitted to the Sri Mutt in Kumbakonam, after he returned from Madurai, Venkanna Bhatta married Sarasvati Bai. Their son, Lakshminarayanacharya, was born in the same year, after which the family moved to Kumbakonam.