(1530 – 1616)
Sri Vedavedya Teertha Swamiji succeeded Sri Vadiraja Teertharu and entered ashrama in 1540. Educated and groomed by Sri Vadirajaru himself, Sri Vedavedyaru emerged as a scholar par excellence. He performed the paryaya poojas at Udupi Sri Krishna twice (1596-97 and 1612-1613). His brundavana, located next to his guru Sri Vadirajara’s at Sonda, marks his final resting place since 1616. His aradhana is observed on Karthika Bahula Trayodashi.
Inspired deeply by Sri Vadirajaru’s greatness (Rujutva), Sri Vedavedyaru began the practice of samapooja (offering prayers to Sri Vadirajaru alongside Prana devaru on the same pedestal) from the day of his brundavana pravesha and continued it thereafter. He also initiated the practice of ‘Paraku Ghoshane’ (praising Sri Vadirajaru) from the very next day, which continues uninterrupted till today. Sri Vedavedyaru is also recognized as the Rushi for ‘Sri Vadiraja Mantra’. According to Sri Vadirajaru’s SvapnaVrundavanaAkhyana, Sri Vedavedyaru was known for his mastery in MantraSiddhi.
Bharam mama mantrena sharanam vraja tam munim
-shrI svApnavRuMdAvanAKyAna
Sri Vedavedyaru has also authored a commentary (teeke) on ‘TantraSaara’. According to the Akhyana, Sri VedaVedyaru is identified as Sri Gavya Ruju and is considered the future incarnation (Bhavi Vadirajaru) of Sri Vadirajaru.
The greatness of Sri Vedavedyaru, his sacred vrindavana, profound knowledge, devotion, renunciation, and exemplary virtues are meticulously chronicled in the Vrundavanakhyaana scriptures. Sri Vadirajaru proclaimed that, akin to his own vrindavana, he would bless devotees from within Sri Vedavedyaru’s vrindavana alongside various other deities. It is also documented in the akhyana that in order to comprehend the mysteries of Vrindavanakhyaana – Vipra, Lakshmipati, Hayagreeva muni, and others must serve Sri Vedavedya Teertharu and seek his benevolence. Therefore, it is indisputable that anyone aspiring to grasp the essence or seek blessings from the Vrundavanakhyaana must surrender at Sri Vedavedyaru’s feet and receive his complete blessings.