Madhva
माध्व
mādhva
Madhva is considered as the head of (1238-1318 AD) dualist Vedanthi school of thought. He is also known by the names Poornaprajna and Anandateertha. His religion is basically a vaishnavite bhakti movement. He was born in Udupi, a village in South Canara dist of Karnataka, is credited with 37 written works and large followers. Madva called his brand of dualist philosophy as Tattva vada. Madhva Vijaya and Smapradaya paddati written by his disciples gives a sketch of his life and contribution. He has many points in common with Ramanuja's view of reality. Madhva is an uncompromising realist and stand out for unqualified dualism and insists on the five great distinctions: namely, that of God and individual soul, God and matter, individual soul and matter, one soul and another, and one part of matter and another.
In his commentary on Kenopanishad he states that the doctrine he advocated existed much before him and his role is just promoting that philosophy further. He was against Animal sacrifices and many other social customs. He successfully organized dualist sanyasin centers in different part of country. The Krishna temple he founded in Udupi is the rallying centre for all his followers. He also wrote an interpretation on Bhagavata and an epitome on Mahabharata (Bharatatatparyanirnaya).
Madhva wrote commentory on Brahmasutra(sutrabhasya), upanishads. He also commented upon 489 hymns belonging to the first ashtaka of Rig Veda. To Madhva, Vishnu is the only Godhead, and the numerous deities mentioned in the Vedic lore are only limited and projected expression thereof. This position has been reinforced in his commentaries on his Rig_Veda bhasya.