Born in a small village near Udipi in present day Karnakatak about 760 years ago, Sri Madhavacharya propagated Dwait philosophy, which is also known as Tattvavada. Intelligent beyond his age and deeply religious from an early childhood, young Madhva was initiated into Sanayasa at the young age of 11 by a saint at Udipi. He spent the rest of his life in the propagation of Dwaita philosophy, traveling from place to place, often facing dangers during his travels.
The Acharya had many disciples, eight of whom subsequently became the Acharyas of the eight matths of Udipi. Sri Madhava is also credited with the installation of the Krishna idol at the famous Udipi temple. According to the legend, after a dream, Sri Madhavacharya got the idol taken out of the sea with the help of local fishermen at Malpe and got it installed in the temple. In his life time he also wrote many books and commentaries, including his commentaries on the Bhagavad gita, the ten Upanishads and the Brahmasutras.
Able bodied, athletic, strong in mind and deeply religious, Madhavacharya displayed rare leadership abilities and spiritual excellence during his life time and earned a distinguished place for himself in the religious history of India. He died in 1317 A.D.