Sri SudhindraThirtharu the chief pontiff of MadhwasamsthanaKumbakonam was closely observing the progress of Sri Venkatanatha in his studies and was impressed with his knowledge, efforts, perseverance and commitment as a student.

Debates between different schools of thought and sects were common in those days. On one such occasion there was a debate initiated between Mayavada – also known as advaita philosophy and madhwa – also known as dvaita philosophy. It was organized in the ancient Sri Rajagopalaswamy temple, Mannargudi. The pontiff nominates the very young Sri Venkatanatha to participate in the debate. The debate goes on covering diverse topics and the Mayavadi accepts defeat. The pontiff witnesses the whole debate and was pleasantly surprised at his scholarship in vyakarana, profound knowledge and exceptional debating skills.  Expressing his satisfaction on his victory in the debate, he confers the title “Mahabhashya” and called him Mahabashya Venkatanathacharya.

The mantap within the premises of the temple where the debate was held was named as VenkatanathaMantapa in honour of his victory.

This was the first formal debate won by Sri Venkatanatha followed by several such victories against different sects at different destinations. Needless to mention, he was blessed by Goddess Saraswathi to be an accomplished scholar, with powerful debating skills. Victories came by effortlessly, propagated the madhwa philosophy, spread knowledge and gained numerous followers from all sects.

Jaganatha Dasaru’s life journey was filled with miracles throughout. He comes across several personalities of high spiritual order like Sri Vageesha Teertharu, Vijay Dasaru, Gopala Dasaru etc. The greatest strength of this Aparoksha Gnani was the divine grace of Sri Raghavendra Teertharu showered on him.