Pajaka Kshethra

Sri Hanuma Bheema Madhwa!
The champion of the Dwaitha philosophy Sri Madhwacharya was born in Pajaka Kshetra located in Udupi district. Sri Madhvacharya is the incarnation of Bheema, one of the Pandava brothers. Hence, the following phrase explains Sri Madhvacharya’s incarnation is Hanuma, Bheema, andMadhwa.

Pajaka Kshetra has many temples dedicated to Shri Hari (Parashurama), Durga, and Sri Madhwacharyaru. The house where Sri Madhwacharyaru was born and bought up is well preserved. In the house is a shrine dedicated to Shri Anantapadmanabha (Vishnu) and another shrine to Shri Madhwacharyaru, where his idol and his Padagalu were installed by Shri Vadirajaru .

This complex is managed and maintained by Shri Kaniyuru Matha, one of eight mathas which Shri Madhwacharyaru established in Udupi region.
Pa – means protector of the world, Aja – means one who does not have birth (god), and Ka – means theertha or water, thus Pajaka is the place where 4 theerthas (ponds) Parashuteertha, Dhanushteertha, Gadaateertha, and Banateertha were created by Lord Parashurama. The importance of Pajaka kshetra is also narrated in a small biographical poem called “Sampradaya Paddhati”, authored by Sri Madhvacharya’s direct disciple Sri Hrushikesha, the first head of  Sri Palimaru Mata.

Madhwacharya was born to parents Vedavathi and Madhyageha /Nadillaya at Pajaka Kshetra. The baby was named Vasudeva. Madhwacharya is also known as Purnaprajna and Anandateertha. He had an athletic body and had immense physical power and matchless wisdom. He bought in a spiritual revolution by introducing Dwaitha philosophy.

Following are some of the interesting things to see in the ancestral home and birthplace of Sri Madhva, which throws light on his powers both spiritual and physical:

• Tulasi Vridavana where the Aksharabhyasa was performed. Even now many people bring their children here to be initiated into education

• Two huge stones that were placed by him to cover the curd and milk vessels

• The Banyan tree that he had planted

• The Tamarind tree from which he got the seeds to pay off his father’s debt. The seeds are believed to have turned into golden coins

• The pond that he carved known as Vasudeva thirtha into which he bought the waters from the four ponds created by Lord Parashurama. A dip in this pond is equivalent to taking bath in the Ganges or the other four ponds of Pajaka kshetra

• The Ashwatha tree (Peepal) that he planted upside down, which is still alive

• The impression of Sri Madhvacharya’s feet near his house

• Sri Anantha Padmanabha temple, where the main deity was worshiped by the ancestors of Sri Madhwacharya

In the Madhva Mandira near the house, many religious activities take place along with teachings of Veda and Sanskrit. Udupi Kaniyoor Matha manages the places related to Sri Madhwacharya. Madhwa Navami is celebrated with great devotion. Madhwa Navaratri is celebrated every year for 9 days during the Hindu month Magha. Devotees take a dip in all the 5 holy ponds.

Interesting places in Pajaka Kshethra:
Durgaparameswari Temple
Parashurama Temple
Madhwacharya Temple on a hill

Place Statistics:
Type of place: Birth place of Saint Madhwacharya
Situated: Kunjarugiri, Udupi
Distance: 13 Kms South-East of the Udupi, 23 Kms from Padubidiri
Transport: Well connected by road
Facilities: Spiritual books library, Lunch is served in Mutta / temple provided you reach on time, accommodation is also available
Address:
Sri Pajaka Kshetra,
Kunjarugiri,
Udupi – 574105
Phone: 0820-2009013

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