By Swami Harshananda
It is often seen that some persons become known to history because of their association with the one who makes history. The former, though deserving better recognition, is overshadowed by the latter, or, become known only because of their association with the latter is a matter of opinion.
Acyuta Prekṣa is the one who gave samnyāsa to Madhvācārya, belongs to this group. Not much is known of him. As per the scanty information available in the work Mani-mañjarl of Nārāyaṇācārya (14th cent. A.D.), he was the head of the ‘Bhaṇḍāra-keri Maṭha.’ His preceptor belonged to ‘Ānanda- bāla Maṭha’ and hailed from Nandigrāma.
Acyuta Prekṣa belonged to the Bhāgavata school. He administered the monastic vows and gave the new names Purṇa-prajña, Ānandatīrtha and others to Madhvācārya. He accepted defeat from his own disciple while teaching him. In course of time, he himself was converted into a dvaitin.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore